STEVEN DAVIS has hailed the impact of Scott Wright and John Lundstram after Rangers got their Premiership title defence off to a winning start on Saturday.

Wright stepped off the bench to replace Ianis Hagi - who had opened the scoring at Ibrox - and produced an impressive performance that was rounded off with a lovely finish to clinch the points.

And Lundstram would join Davis in the middle of the park for the final half hour as the former Sheffield United star made his competitive debut for Steven Gerrard's side.

Rangers now make the trip to Sweden to face Malmo as they begin their bid to reach the Champions League group stages this term.

And Davis is encouraged by the strength and depth of Gerrard's squad ahead of their return to European action on Tuesday evening.

Davis told RangersTV: "Since he (Wright) has come in, he has been a ball of energy and brought something different to the squad.

"He has come back for pre-season in good shape and kicked on from where he left off at the back end of last season.

"Delighted for him to come on today and make an impact, obviously in unfortunate circumstances with Ianis’ injury.

"Hopefully he is OK and the squad will be looking strong for the game in midweek.

"Again, he (Lundstram) has settled in really well. He is a top quality player and brings something to the squad as well.

"Delighted there is real competition for places throughout the squad and midfield is a really strong area for the team as well.

"Whenever you get an opportunity to play, you have got to do your best and keep that shirt.

"That is good for the club moving forward and we are looking forward to an exciting season ahead.

"It was absolutely fantastic to get the fans back in and it sounded like more than there was in the stadium.

"We are moving in the right direction and hopefully it is not too long before we are at full capacity again."