Tom Heaton backs former Burnley team-mates Joey Barton and Matt Gilks to lead by example for Rangers

The midfielder was reunited with his former Burnley team-mates on Saturday as Sean Dyche’s side ran out 3-1 winners at Ibrox.

Striker Andre Gray was the star of the show as he netted a hat-trick to inflict a first defeat of the campaign on Rangers following their four straightforward Betfred Cup successes.

It was to prove a disappointing day for the Light Blues as they were well beaten in their final warm-up outing ahead of the new Premiership campaign.

READ MORE: Kenny Miller: Rangers can aim for the Premiership title this season and Ibrox squad have to rise to the challenge

Barton inspired Burnley to title glory last term before making the shock decision to head north of the border and join the Gers.

And Clarets keeper Heaton reckons Mark Warburton’s side will reap the rewards of having the 33-year-old in their ranks for their top flight challenge.

He said: “Joey was incredible for us last season. Having not met him before he joined he came with a reputation.

“From what we seen it wasn't right. He was incredible on the pitch and he was incredible off the pitch. I can't speak highly enough of him.

“Joe was top drawer. We have a tight knit group and he fitted right into it.

“He was fantastic on the pitch every game he played and brilliant around the place.

“I have an awful lot of time for him and still speak to him. I think Rangers have a real asset there.

“He can affect people in a positive way. He led by example for Burnley on the pitch in terms of his work ethic and application.

“He is someone who takes people with him. I was certainly impressed with his professionalism.

“We have an incredible culture at our place and he fitted in so well. I think he was just really good at getting the best out of people.

“I wouldn't have any worries [about the Old Firm game]. One of the things I was most impressed with was his element of control that he seems to have found later in his career.

“He didn't have any issues and if any time he did he got control pretty quickly. I wouldn't bat an eyelid about him handling it.”

The capture of Barton is the headline signing of the summer in Scottish football but he is not the only player to make the move from Turf Moor to Ibrox.

Keeper Matt Gilks was the understudy to Heaton as Burnley secured their return to the Premier League in style last season.

He will now look to challenge Wes Foderingham for the Gers gloves and play his part in a second successive title triumph as Warburton’s side bid for Premiership glory.

And England shot-stopper Heaton insists Gilks can become a key part of the Ibrox squad after he put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal in Glasgow.

He said: “I have worked with Gillo for the last two years and he is a fantastic keeper with a wealth of experience.

“He has played over 400 career games and was fantastic for me at Burnley.

“I know he was disappointed not to play more games but he is delighted to be up here.

“Wes is a fantastic keeper but the department will certainly be healthier for Gillo's arrival.

“In terms of competition it will be good between them. He is also fantastic around the dressing room.”