MARK Warburton last night launched a passionate defence of his record as Rangers manager which came with a warning to the club’s supporters that it will be years before Celtic could be realistically challenged.

He insisted second place was always the goal for this season and admitted the club is still working out a way to bridge what is the biggest gap ever between the old rivals.

Warburton also conceded that Celtic are going to become even more financially powerful.

The Englishman’s standing among a previously loyal fan-base has slipped in recent weeks – even with the team winning matches – but the manner of their 4-1 defeat to Hearts made even those who have continued to back him question whether a change was needed.

Warburton, however, pointed out that Rangers had never been in this position before and it was expecting too much for them to push Celtic in their first season back in the Premiership since the club was placed into liquidation in 2012.

He said: “When was the previous time Rangers had been down to the bottom division? It’s unprecedented.

“What I’d like you guys to say is, ‘there is a big gap, but finishing second and getting into Europe is not a bad achievement.”

Warburton continued: “Do we want to be 25 points behind Celtic? No, but our focus right now is Rangers and getting second in the table. That’s what we have to do. Get back into Europe and it’s another box ticked. Qualify for the Europa League if we can. Another box ticked.”

But Warburton is focused on challenging Celtic and challenging for the league. He said: “How do we close that gap? We have to find a way. Is it easy? Absolutely not.

“We are not in the Champions League next year – they are. So the gap could widen again. But we have to find a way. Time and giving young players a chance to develop is one way. But we are just being realistic.

“I understand history. I get all that. But this is literally an unprecedented situation.”

The views of Warburton were echoed last night at Tynecastle.

Craig Levein, the director of football at Hearts, confirmed last night the club is taking a “long-term view” with manager Ian Cathro’s development and said he expects the team to continue to evolve under the former Dundee United youth coach.

Cathro has been under pressure to produce results and his team gave its signature performance with a 4-1 win against Rangers on Wednesday night and Levein said a little bit of patience is required.

“He is fine,” the former Scotland manager added. “And we are taking the long view.”

“These things evolve.. But you know you have a really good manager when things settle down and start to improve.”