Mark Warburton calls for protection from referees for his Rangers stars after 'inappropriate' challenges during controversial Livi cup clash

A second half Nicky Clark strike was enough to see off Championship counterparts Livingston but the approach of the Lions angered boss Warburton as his side emerged victorious from a tetchy and tumultuous affair.

Winger Nathan Oduwa was forced off at half-time after suffering a series of rash challenges, the worst of which arrived just seconds into the game as Kieran Gibbons’ late lunge went unpunished by referee Andrew Dallas.

Nathan Oduwa

The on loan Spurs star has come in for rough treatment on a couple of occasions already this season and was once again in the wars as Livi set out to spoil the game and racked up five bookings.

Warburton and assistant David Weir were spoken to by whistler Dallas after they protested at a series of Livi fouls in a scrappy encounter that saw the Gers dig out a deserved win.

The Ibrox boss said: "I never want to see players booked or red carded, but at times it is necessary. The tempo of the play was very slow and we are meant to be in the entertainment industry. We have to try and do our bit by maintaining the tempo and intensity.

"Nathan has got some knocks. His ankle, foot thigh, shin, neck, nose....you name it he's bruised.

Nathan Oduwa

“There are many benefits up here for Nathan and he’s enjoying life in Glasgow and the club. We’re enjoying having him. But it’s a point.

“People watch the game and I’d ask how they’d feel. It is frustrating watching the game. Talented players do need some protection. I’m not saying special treatment but look after them. Some of the tackles were inappropriate.

Nathan Oduwa

“The referee didn’t say a lot to me and Davie which, again, is frustrating. We have to improve communications between us – and I mean managers and coaches – and officials. It’s important to get it right.

“We want games to be entertaining and for fans to enjoy it. Nathan’s one of those players who gets you off your seat. You pay your money to watch people like Nathan Oduwa. He was asking for some better protection.

“It’s a challenge for him and he’ll need to learn to deal with it. It’s part of his learning and development. He’ll find a solution to it but right now it’s more than frustrating for him.”

It may not have been Rangers’ finest performance of the campaign but it was another important win for Warburton as his side set up a last four meeting with the Buddies next month.

The Light Blues’ attacking intents were often stifled as Livingston defended in numbers, a series of fouls and constant interruptions not allowing the hosts to get into a rhythm.

Rangers once again had to be bide their time in the pursuit of a winner but their determination to keep playing paid off in the end as Clark found the bottom corner of the net from 25 yards.

Warburton said: "We are pleased to get through. It was a frustrating evening for a variety of reasons. We were patient and we got the rewards.

"We had to be patient and show some guile and cleverness in the final third and break them down.

Mark Warburton

“We didn't quite do that for the first hour, but we won it thanks to a fine strike from Nicky Clark and we have got to recognise that we have got to be patient because teams are going to come here and put eight or nine players behind the ball.”