Rangers manager Mark Warburton believes his squad need to be united if they are to kick-start their stuttering season.

Unity has not been a word readily associated with Rangers since their return to the Scottish Premiership following an absence of four years.

The arrival of new recruits in the summer, including English midfielder Joey Barton, seemed to disrupt the balance of a squad that last term coasted to the Scottish Championship title and made it to the Scottish Cup final.

On the pitch things haven't gone the way the success-hungry Rangers fans would have liked. The Ibrox club have struggled to readjust to life in the top flight and have managed just five wins from their opening 12 fixtures.

All this leaves the Ibrox club, who host Dundee on Saturday, languishing in third spot a massive 11 points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the table having played a game more.

There have been some unwelcome headlines off the field as well. Hothead Barton managed just eight games for the Glasgow giants before his outspoken nature saw him suspended by the club for a bust-up with management and teammates in the wake of their 5-1 derby thrashing by the Hoops.

More rumours of disharmony circulated at the beginning of the month with last season's top scorer Martyn Waghorn reported to be looking for a move away from the club due to his frustration at his lack of first team action this season.

However, Barton's departure from the club following the termination of his contract last week brings his long-running suspension saga to an end and Warburton hopes to bring a togetherness back to his squad.

"You have to get unity," Warburton, who dismissed reports of a fall-out with Waghorn, said.

"The decision David and I made was to increase the squad size from 21 to 23. Last season we literally ran out of bodies by the cup final, so we had to add to our numbers, which we did.

"We won't go above 23, but that means if everyone is fit and well, you are going to have one or two frustrated players.

"The answer? Work harder, just work harder. The hard work will be recognised and we will pick you.

"Selfishly they want to be in the team - Waggy wants to be in the team scoring goals - but the most important thing is the team does well and if we get that unity and togetherness right, then we will be in a good place."

Rangers could find themselves 14 points behind league leaders Celtic by the time they take to the pitch on Saturday if the Hoops defeat Kilmarnock on Friday.

Brendan Rodgers' side remain undefeated domestically this season having dropped just two points in the league will hope to warm up for the visit of Barcelona next week with a victory at Rugby Park.

Fixtures (1500 unless otherwise stated)