RANGERS boss Kenny McDowall has admitted that he has to play the five players loaned from Newcastle United in every match provided they are fit.

The Scottish Championship side signed Haris Vuckic, Gael Bigirimana, Shane Ferguson, Remie Streete and Kevin Mbabu on transfer-deadline day.

The move was controversial enough given that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley also owns an 8.92 per cent stake in Rangers, but there will be even more eyebrows raised after McDowall admitted he only has a limited say over his own team's selection.

Asked at a press conference this morning whether he had to play his Magpies loan contingent in each game, McDowall said: "Yes. They’re obviously good players. They’ve played with Newcastle. I’ll carry on and do what I’m told to do.

“I was told at the offset that players would be coming in that wouldn’t be my responsibility. So I’ll carry on regardless.”