TED MCMINN hopes Rangers’ early return to pre-season action doesn’t take its toll midway through their Premiership campaign.

Pedro Caixinha’s side had just a fortnight off this summer following their win over St Johnstone on the final day of last term.

The Gers have had friendly matches against TNS, Coleraine and the Saints ahead of the Europa League clash with Progres Niederkorn tomorrow night.

Read more: Barrie McKay has something to offer at Rangers but it looks like he will leave, says Ted McMinn

But former Ibrox winger McMinn knows the condensed close season schedule is far from ideal as Caixinha’s new-look side attempt to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

He told SportTimes: “The break now really isn’t long and it will be difficult for the Rangers lads. They’ll certainly not be at Gullane to go up the dunes anyway!

“It is a short break and there is a fear that they could burn-out. When it gets to Christmas time, you are only halfway through the season and you might start to feel the effects of coming back with only two weeks off.

“Because they have only had a fortnight off, they should certainly be fit enough at the start of the season. It is not like they have had six weeks away and been in Ibiza taking their foot off the gas and coming back with a great tan.

“Football now is twelve months of the year. I know the players get paid a lot of money but a lot of them play twelve months a year and the danger of burning out is a big thing now.”