Michael Beale has revealed he views Tom Lawrence and Kemar Roode as "starters" at Rangers.

The Ibrox boss will welcome the duo back into the matchday squad for the trip to Dingwall on Saturday.

Both players have returned from injury and could play in the Highlands this weekend.

And Beale suggested the pair won't be utilised as "back-up players" on their return as he responded to a question on his preferred starting 11 this season.

"I think Tom and Kemar are really in my thoughts for that," said Beale. "So not having them for the period of time I have been here has been a big frustration for me.

"Them coming back in the squad, and certainly this going and coming back after the international break - them two are players that are really in my thoughts as starters not as back-up players."

It comes despite an active summer window in the forward areas with Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Abdallah Sima arriving at Ibrox.

It follows the signings of Todd Cantwell and Kieran Dowell in the attacking third.

READ MORE: Michael Beale reveals double Rangers injury boost ahead of Ross County

However, it appears Beale is still keen to have Lawrence and Roofe back as possible starting options after their injury issues.

And Beale hinted at possible defensive tweaks going forward as he stated injury worries for Ben Davies and Dujon Sterling have curtailed specific practice on defensive shape.

He added: "I think the centre-half position this summer with Ben being injured and Connor coming back from the injury and Dujon not being fit, we weren't able to practice how we wanted.

"But I think as we go into this international break we are getting closer and certainly coming out of it we'll be ready. The doors will be closed if you like and then we can get on with really bedding down a consistent team. Then people have got to take the shirt.

"I think having nine games in the period of four or five weeks it would be amiss of me not to rotate because it is so early in the season and we know that last year we came out of this period with a lot of injuries."