Rangers boss Kenny McDowall told he must start Newcastle United loanees

Rangers manager Kenny McDowall has admitted that he has been told by the club that he has to start all five loan players from Newcastle United if they are fit.

Giri Bigirimana, Remie Streete, Haris Vuckic, Shane Ferguson and Kevin Mbabu all joined the Scottish Championship club on loan on transfer deadline day.

The move was sanctioned by Mike Ashley, who owns Newcastle and has a nine percent share in financially-stricken Rangers.

According to ITV Sport, when asked if he is duty bound to start all five players, 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."

Ashley, who owns Sports Direct, had a £10m loan offer accepted by Rangers last week.