Rangers have banned youth players from growing beards in a bid to boost their personal discipline.

Craig Mulholland, head of Rangers' academy, revealed in an interview with The Scottish Sun that he requires all of his players to report to training cleanly shaven every morning.

"We look at discipline on and off the pitch. It can be simple things," said Mulholland. "Traditionally, Rangers players were always clean shaven. So in the academy, all the players have to be clean shaven in the morning. It's not the be all and end all, but it's a small thing we believe in.

"Timekeeping is another one. If someone is late for the bus and everyone is ready, the bus goes. That's the same at first-team level.

"That discipline is so important. The minute you walk through all the top academies in Europe, you can feel that."

The Rangers first team currently sit top of the Scottish Championship table, three points clear of chasing Hibernian as the midpoint of the season approaches.