Mark Warburton's future as Rangers boss in further doubt as Frank McParland heads for Ibrox exit

The Englishman’s position has weakened in recent days following the 4-1 defeat to Hearts and draw with Ross County that saw his side drop to third place in the Premiership standings.

The fifth round tie with Jim Duffy’s side on Sunday had been seen as a make-or-break afternoon for Warburton but the imminent departure of Head of Recruitment Frank McParland has raised more questions about his situation at Ibrox.

Read more: The hits, misses and own goals - how Rangers' recruits have fared since Frank McParland's arrival at Ibrox

McParland agreed a move to Rangers in October 2015 as he stepped down from his role as Sporting Director at Burnley to be reunited with Warburton and assistant manager David Weir.

The trio had previously worked together at Brentford and were responsible for taking the Bees into the Championship play-offs as a number of players were recruited for modest fees and sold for several million pounds.

Warburton described McParland, the former Liverpool Academy Director, as ‘one of the very best, if not the best, in the business’ last summer as Rangers embarked on the second phase of recruitment ahead of their return to the Premiership this term.

The policy in the transfer market has been called into question, however, with Warburton’s side languishing 27 points adrift of Old Firm rivals Celtic in the top flight and behind Aberdeen, who also have a game in hand, on goal difference.

Read more: The hits, misses and own goals - how Rangers' recruits have fared since Frank McParland's arrival at Ibrox

Warburton was flanked by Weir and McParland at a board meeting at Ibrox last month as the transfer strategy was examined following the arrival of eleven players in the summer.

The most high-profile acquisition, midfielder Joey Barton, made just eight appearances before a training ground bust-up with Warburton lead to his suspension and subsequent exit from the club after he received a six-figure pay-off.

Other signings, such as £1.8million striker Joe Garner, Niko Kranjcar and Philippe Senderos have failed to make an impact this term, while midfielder Jordan Rossiter, who cost £250,000 in compensation from Liverpool, has spent several months in the Auchenhowie treatment room.

After seeing his track record at Ibrox scrutinised in the stands and the boardroom, McParland is now set to head for the exit door and put Warburton’s future at Rangers in increasing doubt.

Many supporters have become disillusioned with performances and results in the Premiership and pressure has grown on the 53-year-old in recent days.

Warburton insisted last week that he wasn’t feeling the strain but a defeat to Championship side Morton would further increase the burden on his shoulders as he looks to secure a second place finish this season.

Even if Rangers were to overcome the Ton at Ibrox, it remains to be seen if Warburton would look to continue in the long-term having lost the services of one of his key right hand men.