MARK WARBURTON is confident John Eustace will prove his fitness and win a deal with Rangers sooner rather than later.

The midfielder spent the second half of last season on the sidelines due to a knee injury but has been training with the Light Blues since July as he looks to return to match action.

Eustace would give Warburton an experienced option in the middle of the park and, when asked what the chances of the 35-year-old playing again was, he said: “I think it’s better than [50-50]. I can’t say 100 per cent. That would be naïve on my part to say that.

“But as I say, John is a really honest pro. If he thought there was any doubts we would have a frank discussion.

“It is a business. At the end of the day, it’s not a gentleman’s club, it is a business and we have to do what’s right. But John is a true pro.

“I know John very well so if there was more than a 50-50 or the other way we would be having that discussion right now.”

Eustace may not have kicked a competitive ball for Rangers yet this season but Warburton and several members of his squad have spoken positively about the impact he has had at the club.

And the Light Blues boss is keen to see the former Watford and Derby star join in a playing capacity.

Warburton said: “You look at what people bring to the building that is the key. We think about adding value on and off the pitch.

“Whether you are a staff member or a young player, we ask: ‘What do you bring on and off the pitch?’.

“In the dressing room, your time keeping, your conduct, everything about you. John is first class.

“The fact that David Weir has him out on the pitch warming up with the players and talking to the players, doing his work there tells you that he is invaluable to us.

“So if there is a role there for John then all well and good. But right now there is no other vision for John than being a player for Rangers.”