RANGERS starlet Tom Walsh has vowed to blast out of the starting blocks for the new season to prove he’s the real deal as a first-team pick.

The midfielder, 19 next week, broke into the first team during the second half of last season – after returning from loan at Stenhousemuir – and impressed despite Rangers failing to win promotion.

New manager Mark Warburton is ready to turn the accent on youth as he kicks off his Rangers revolution and Walsh is determined to give the new manager food for thought.

After taking part in his first training session under Warburton and assistant boss Davie Weir, the youngster admits he can’t wait for the big kick-off.

Rangers will learn their opening opponents today when the draw is made for the first round of the Petrofac Training Cup, with ties to be played on July 25.

Speaking to RangersTVtv, Walsh said of the return to Murray Park: “It was hard going as you can imagine. The first day back is never easy.

“But I can’t wait for the start of the season, though there will be a lot of hard work first.”

Walsh was immediately impressed by the approach of Warburton and Weir.

Walsh said: “The gaffer has set high standards throughout the club. He’s told us how he wants the environment to be and also the way we’re going to play, so that was really encouraging.

“We’ll all be fighting tooth and nail to get into the team. We’ll have to work hard in training and when the games come, we’ll have to try to impress.”