MARK WARBURTON reckons the introduction of Colt teams in the SPFL structure would benefit the next generation of Rangers stars.

The prospect of second string sides competing in the league system has been raised on several occasions in recent years.

The blueprint would see up-and-coming youngsters line up in the same outfit as experienced players week in week out and against established SPFL clubs.

Auchenhowie Under-20 boss Graeme Murty has spoken positively about the idea and how Rangers could reap the rewards at youth level.

The Light Blues 17s side travelled south for a fixture with Southampton last week and Warburton is keen to give his Gers kids the best chance of rising through the ranks.

“I look at the games at Under-20 level, and there is the same problem down south,” he told RangersTV.

“I don’t think those challenges are preparing the players for the transition to the first team, and the gulf from there to first-team level I think is enormous.

“We want to help those young players make that transition, and we don’t do it with that level of match.

“We have to offer them different types of challenges and different experiences to take them out of their comfort zone and prepare them.

“If it’s a colt route, then you’re playing games that really matter – games where the guy you are playing against needs to win to pay his mortgage etc., and that type of situation.

“If we can link that to European-type challenges, then that is really important for us to give these boys that variety they need.

“They are trying to make Rangers’ first-team – that’s why we have an Academy. We have it to produce players who are good enough and are armed with the attributes to impact our first team, and have no doubts nothing gives us more pleasure than bringing through young players.

“But, they have to be better than what we can get or better than what we already have – we have to pick the best team available for Rangers Football Club.”