MARK Warburton has warned Rangers that they will go back to square one unless they show Graeme Murty patience.

The former Gers Under-20s boss was handed the first team reins until the end of the season following Pedro Caixinha’s dismissal in October last year, but his permanent future in the role remains in doubt.

Warburton, who departed Ibrox in February 2017 with his side trailing Celtic by 24 points, believes that the club and its supporters must give Murty time to get things right and lower their expectations accordingly.

Read more: Rangers must lower expectations in order to catch Celtic - Mark Warburton

“Graeme has come in, earned the respect of the squad, got the crowd on his side and done a very good job,” he told Sky Sports.

“If they’re going to give Graeme that chance, be patient with him.

“I keep repeating it about expectation and that’s the key. If the fans think he’s going to challenge Celtic next year and if not sack him by Christmas, then you’re going to have the same old problems.

“Give the man a chance, give him time, give him the backing verbally and financially that he needs to manage a club of that stature.”

Warburton also praised Rangers midfielder Josh Windass after the 24-year-old was named Premiership player of the month following an impressive run of form.

“He came from Accrington Stanley with Matt Crooks and it takes time,” he said.

“Learning to play for a club of Rangers size, the demands of the fanbase and the all-round expectation does take time for a young player to adjust to, but he's done very well.

"He's a goalscorer, he has good technique, confidence is very high, mistakes don't bother him which is a nice attribute to have and physically he's strong, quick and loads of potential.

"There's loads more to come from Josh Windass, just give the boy time, but he's responding well to what is a red hot environment up in Glasgow."