MARK WARBURTON is confident midfielder Niko Kranjcar will be fit for the start of the Premiership campaign as he continues his recovery from a thigh strain.

The Croatian trained with Warburton’s squad during their pre-season trip to South Carolina over the last fortnight but did not play in the friendly win against Charleston Battery.

Rangers face Motherwell in the Betfred Cup next Saturday and also taken on Annan, Stranraer and East Stirlingshire before hosting Burnley in their final warm-up outing at Ibrox.

Warburton told RangersTV: “Niko is working hard and all credit to the team working with him – Steve, Kevin, the doc and Craig overseeing.

“Niko had a four week thigh injury so it is important that we get him back fit and well.

“There is no point in rushing him through a pre-season game away here when the key aim is August 6.

“He will get him involved in some of the League Cup games and hopefully he will be ready for the start of the season.”