MARK HATELEY says that Rangers are in better shape than they have been in years, as he took a swipe at the culture of the Auchenhowie training ground over the last few seasons.

The Gers legend is adamant that a lackadaisical approach in training was evident in games last term, and that has only been more starkly illustrated with the contrast in the players in their two matches under Mark Warburton so far.

“You would have expected the team to be super-fit, but they didn’t seem to be, and were leggy late on in games,” Hateley said.

“That can only be directed to one area - and that is the training ground.

“I have been in the game a long time and you can see from one performance on a Saturday what is happening during the week.

“It’s clear – and it’s clear to see with what Mark and Davie [Weir] have brought. With the fitness levels you can see straight away what is happening Monday to Friday.

“It’s not rocket science. If you train harder Monday to Friday you’re going to be fit on the Saturday. “That’s plain and simple facts of professional football.

“[Mark] is ultra professional. He had the same approach at Brentford. He and Davie will bring that with them.

“Fitness is a basic standard of any professional athlete. Once you’re fit everything comes as second nature. The ability you’ve got comes out.

“I go back to the days with Walter Smith and Archie Knox. The hardest pre-season in my whole career ever was always at Rangers because of what was needed for the season.”

Hateley took in Sunday’s victory against Peterhead, and he sees signs that this side can excite the Rangers fans once again.

“It was refreshing to see a young, energetic side,” he said.

“It is a team that will definitely get better.

“I think all the fans are all really encouraged at what they are seeing because they have a group of young guys who have come together in a clear direction that the manager and his assistant want them to play.”