KYLE BARTLEY will head back to Arsenal to begin the fight for a first-team place, but the on-loan Ibrox defender is confident that the experience of this season will prepare him for the rest of his career.

The 20-year-old waved his goodbyes to the Ibrox support after the 4-0 win over St Johnstone and he is cautiously optimistic that he leaves a team who are preparing to regroup after a stressful season.

The news that Charles Green is preparing to take over the troubled club was confirmed before the game in Perth and Barltey has maintained that he will take his affection for Rangers with him back to London.

He said: "The news that came out is hopefully good for the club and it goes without saying that I will be following it all the way.

"There are not many young players who will go through what we have all been through as players this season at the club and I think I'll be able to deal with anything in my career now.

"I only hope for the sake of the Rangers fans and everyone connected with the club that the end is in sight now."

Bartley was effusive in his praise for Ally McCoist.

The Gers boss has been through the mill over the past three months and it remains to be seen if there is light at the end of the tunnel now.

Certainly, Bartley believes that if McCoist is allowed the opportunity to focus purely on football that he will show his credentials for the job.

He added: "It has been a really difficult time for everyone and I think the manager has done a remarkable job to make sure that everyone stayed upbeat and kept their minds on the job.

"Ally is a remarkable character. He's always up and always keeping everyone on their toes and you can't really begin to imagine the pressure that he has been under since the club went into administration.

"He has taught me so much and given me the chance to play. If he gets the chance next season to think only of the football then I think we'll all see the best of him."

And while Bartley's mind may now be on trying to catch the eye of Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, he will keep his eye out for his old team.

Bartley said: "You know what they say – once a Ranger, always a Ranger.

"I have loved my time here at Rangers. The fans have been brilliant with me and the club itself is massive.

"I want to go back and join pre-season now with Arsenal in July and fight for my place, but Rangers has definitely made me a far better player than the one who arrived here.

"I have learned so much from being able to play regular first-team football.

"I've made a lot of friends from my time at the club. I don't know what will come next for a lot of them but I can only say that I have loved my time at Rangers.

"If there is one regret it is only that we could have had more success."