GARY MCALLISTER admits managing people through the Covid pandemic has been a key consideration for the Rangers staff this term.

The Ibrox squad consists of players from across the world and the strict regulations on travel have taken their toll at times.

Boss Steven Gerrard and his backroom team have made it one of their priorities in recent months to check on the welfare of their players and ensure they are happy and settled off the park this season.

And assistant manager McAllister hopes that will lead to higher levels on the field as Rangers look to continue their fine form.

McAllister said: "I definitely think there has been more time spent on welfare in terms of the entire group.

"Everybody is different. We have got young players here from different parts of the world and their friends and parents have not been able to visit so we have to manage that.

"We have got players who have moved from England and they can’t leave the bubble here and get back to see friends and family.

"The biggest change, right from when we came back, is just looking at players and seeing if they are OK welfare wise away from the training ground and that everything is OK.

"We try to help them in whatever way we can so that has been the main difference.

"We have got players who have got families as well so there have been occasions where the manager has said there is an extra day there to go and spend a bit more time with family.

"Little things like that can make the players’ mentality correct for when they go on the pitch on a matchday."