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ONE of the perks of being named captain of Rangers is that Lee Wallace can pick Nathan Oduwa for his team at five-a-sides.

The new Light Blues leader admits to a pang of sympathy for Championship defenders after former Hearts buddy Colin Hamilton accused Oduwa of taking the mickey at Alloa’s Indodrill Stadium.

But understanding from Wallace does not extend to a call for the Spurs loanee to go easy on rival rearguards because Rangers are determined to flourish this season for their fans.

Wallace admitted earlier this year he could not stand the thought of another campaign in the second tier of Scottish senior football.

Now? He reckons the club have been revitalised on and off the park by the arrival of Mark Warburton and David Weir and he is enjoying his game like never before.

Wallace and James Tavernier are bombing up and down the flanks and strangling rival defences in their pincer grip, with five goals between them in their first four competitive games.

Oduwa is now adding to the attacking options and could be unleashed from the start at Ayr United tonight in the Petrofac Training Cup.

Wallace said: “I was at Hearts with Hammy and understand where he’s coming from but Nathan’s a technical, positive player who performs with a smile on his face.

“He’s great on the half-turn, he’s quick and has tricks in his locker. He’s been in all my teams in training so far, so I’ve been promoting these moves.

“He didn’t mean any disrespect at Alloa. He was enjoying the occasion and the fans and their reaction told its own story. If he brings excitement then brilliant, it’s what the support deserves.

“We’ve let them down and they’ve been starved of trophies – proper trophies – for a number of years and the message is to send them home happy, talking about the team, how much they enjoyed a goal or a passage or play.

“If we can get that every time we take the field then we’ll be doing well. If Nathan’s going to pull off a trick that will be talked about then it’s only positive.

“I made my comment about not going another season in this league and meant the players, at that time, could not contemplate failure.

“But I was aware that if the worst case scenario happened I’d still stand fully by the club and do my best to rectify a poor season and reward the fans.

“From the first moment we heard the manager speak it was so intriguing. The level of detail in his work with Davie is incredible. They are fantastic on the pitch, great in meeting rooms, great with analysis and great as men.

“I’ve been feeling good and can speak of behalf of the squad when I say we have bought into this system.”

The 28-year-old has been at Ibrox for four years and follows in the footsteps of John Greig and Sandy Jardine, Edinburgh boys who went on to become leaders of the blue half of Glasgow.

Wallace said: “It’s great to be skipper. I was privileged to step in and deputise for Lee McCulloch, who was a first-class captain. He was excellent in the dressing room and led by example. I learned a lot.

“I’m so appreciative the manager named me captain. I’m ready to meet all challenges and responsibilities head on.”

Only Cammy Bell remains a doubt for Rangers as he recovers from a knee injury, while Warburton hopes to conclude a deal for trialist John Eustace and one other loan recruit in the coming days.