“Rangers don’t need to spend big to match Celtic.” That was the claim from Rangers manager Mark Warburton this week, days after a Hamilton Accies side which was tipped for the drop this season were disappointed to walk away from Ibrox with just a point.

After signing nine players this summer, you would question Warburton’s comments about spending big, especially when you consider the wages that the likes of Niko Kranjcar, Clint Hill, Jordan Rossiter and Joey Barton must be on.

Then there are the contract renewals of James Tavernier, Martyn Waghorn and even Warburton himself to consider — all on improved terms.