Mark Warburton heaped praise on "outstanding" Lee Wallace after naming the full-back as the new Rangers club captain.

Gers boss Warburton revealed he agonised over who to select as successor to Lee McCulloch, but is adamant the 28-year-old emerged as the stand-out candidate.

And Wallace celebrated his appointment in style, leading his side to an emphatic 5-1 Scottish League One win over Alloa thanks to goals from Martyn Waghorn, James Tavernier, Jason Holt and a Kenny Miller brace.

Warburton said: "It was only logical. People ask me why I didn't do it earlier, but I think to rush into a decision of that magnitude would have been wrong.

"It's a big responsibility and you have to know that the player is up to it.

"But Lee, from the first whistle, has been outstanding for us. He fully deserved it.

"When he said yes to the offer, I was delighted for him - because he will be crucial this season."

The left-back has been at Ibrox since 2011 and has made over 150 appearances for the club and had been acting as captain during pre-season since the manager’s arrival.

Wallace said: “As everyone would expect I am hugely honoured and I’ve had the privilege of being vice-captain last season and captain in the opening games of this season.

“I felt incredibly proud to be named the captain, in front of the boys on Friday, to a round of applause.

“I know there is a lot of hard work ahead for me individually in the responsibility of the role but I am thrilled and hopefully I will do the best I can.

“The manager had told me first and then the announcement was made on Friday before training so it was great.

“I got a couple of handshakes from the boys and I’m getting called Skip now so that’s a wee bit different - I am going to relish the responsibility and I’m really looking forward to it.

“There might be some extra pressure on me now but I am ready to meet that head on and I love the fact I am learning every day and I hope I can help the younger lads and indeed all the players in the squad.

“It is a role that I think I am ready for and hopefully I can go on as players and fans and have a really successful season.

“I could never have imagined being captain when I first came to Rangers, first and foremost I wanted to work hard and make my way into the team because I was coming into a dressing room full of great players with big character who were top international players.

“I would have never have seen this moment coming so I am hugely honoured and privileged and ready to take the responsibility head on.”