Mark Warburton says Rangers ready for cup test against Dundee

Rangers manager Mark Warburton is expecting a high-quality encounter as he prepares his side for a "tough" Scottish Cup quarter-final against Dundee on Saturday.

The Gers moved 14 points clear in the Scottish Championship title race on Tuesday, and play a Dundee side buoyed by a 0-0 draw at Celtic on Wednesday.

Premiership side Dundee rested top scorer Kane Hemmings, captain Gary Harkins and winger Greg Stewart at Celtic Park, but Warburton is backing his team to give their top-tier opponents a stern test after knocking out fellow Premiership side Kilmarnock in the last round.

"Saturday's going to be a tough test. Dundee showed that they have strength in depth. They made four or five changes and I'm sure those boys will come back in," said Warburton.

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"They played three at the back so they have flexibility of formation and they are a really good team. It's a big game for them in terms of silverware and we recognise the test.

"I think they will give it a go. They get men forward, they move the ball quickly, they have wide men playing on the opposite flank to their preferred foot, meaning they can drive inside.

"But whatever they do, we will look forward to it. We will respect them. If they try and press us high or drop off, if they play three at the back or four, whatever they play it will be a challenge for us.

"They are a good side but so are we. We're in good form ourselves, we're at home and I'm looking forward to a high-quality encounter. It's up to us to get on the ball and be brave. We will be better for this experience, I'm sure."

In the league, Rangers were able to extend their lead over Hibernian to 14 points after Ibrox youngster Andy Murdoch, on loan at Queen of the South, scored the winner against Alan Stubbs' side on Tuesday night.

Warburton joked after his own team's 2-0 win over Raith Rovers that Murdoch's contribution had all been part of his "masterplan".

But the former Brentford manager was serious when insisting he would prefer the other youngsters he has loaned out to concentrate on their own development rather than worry about assisting Rangers' promotion push.

Hibs still have to face a number of sides who have borrowed from the Light Blues before the season ends, with Raith - who have extended their deal for Ryan Hardie untll the end of the season - next up on March 19.

Tom Walsh is at Dumbarton, Robbie Crawford is with Alloa, while Morton have taken Luca Gasparotto and all face the Leith men before they round off their season with another clash against Murdoch's Queens on April 30.

"I'd like to think any young player out on loan is giving 100 per cent, no matter who they are playing," added the Rangers boss. "The idea is to send the lad out to as high a level as possible and let them develop.

"So I was delighted for Andy. Ryan Hardie has gone to Raith too and also scored at the weekend. But I'd expect them to give their all every time they play.

"It is about them going out and playing games that really mean something. You can't replicate three points on a Saturday afternoon."