Rangers recruited three central midfielders among their seven summer additions, while none of their eleven exits came from that position.

They already counted six midfielders in the squad, rising to nine when including three players loaned out previously.

Since Thelo Aasgaard and Nedim Bajrami operate as attacking midfielders, they do not challenge the more defensive profile of Devlin, especially after Aasgaard's World Cup experience and Bajrami's limited starts over two seasons.

Similarly, Jose Cifuentes, Lyall Cameron and the 20-year-old Paul Nsio returned from Toronto, Aberdeen and Raith Rovers without demonstrating readiness for first-team elevation.

Ivory Coast midfielder Mohamed Diomande, whose performances declined in his second campaign, functions primarily as a box-to-box presence.

Nicolas Raskin has shown greater impact when advancing, although he favors a deeper role ahead of the back line.

In that defensive position the Belgium international earned strong praise during the World Cup, increasing the likelihood Rangers will seek to sell him this summer as he eyes a move to a leading European league.

With Raskin's probable departure, McInnes targeted Devlin, a key figure in their Hearts title push who joined without a fee.

Rangers further secured two defensive midfielders in Dan Neil, released by Sunderland, and Vanja Dragojevic, signed from Partizan where he served as captain at age 20.

This adds to two existing defensive midfielders already at the club.

Scotland international Connor Barron anticipated more opportunities under his former Aberdeen manager, while Tochi Chukwuani continues to adapt following his January move from Sturm Graz.

Rangers remain linked with another Sturm Graz defensive midfielder, Ryan Fosso.

Jens Hjerto-Dahl, subject to rejected bids from Tromso, offers a more forward-thinking profile.

Devlin stressed he expects no guarantees despite his prior ties to McInnes.

"Joining a club of this stature brings huge demands given its winning tradition," he noted.

"Even at Hearts I never assumed weekly starts would be automatic.

"Competition will be intense with many strong midfielders present.

"After only a few training sessions the squad quality, already evident from prior matches, stands out clearly."

When questioned about ongoing midfield links, Devlin replied that interest in quality players is routine at this level.

"Expecting otherwise would indicate the wrong mindset," he added.

Offered a contract extension after five years at Tynecastle and with MLS options available, Devlin chose Rangers once McInnes arrived, prioritizing the move despite increased competition.

"I have always succeeded through maximum effort," Devlin explained.

"Reaching this point proved difficult, much like earning national-team caps, yet remaining there demands even more.

"I value my work rate and approach every session or match as potentially decisive."

Devlin anchored midfield alongside Diomande and Aasgaard during Rangers' final pre-season fixture, a goalless draw against West Ham United.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday doubts the club has strengthened the position sufficiently despite the numbers.

"Midfield creativity was notably absent last season," he told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"Eleven midfielders are now registered, yet none can control matches.

"All share a similar defensive, reliable style without goal threat or creative output."

Halliday anticipates further recruitment.

"Significant work remains," he said.

"The manager has added character to boost mentality before introducing flair in the next signings."

After the West Ham draw McInnes indicated a future winger would supply additional service to strikers.

"The central area is currently very strong," he observed.

"Nico returns soon, though his schedule and World Cup commitments ruled him out of the Dundee United match, leaving solid options in a particularly robust department."