Kenny Miller has scored just two league goals for Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers this season.
Miller has seen his game time limited in recent months, with injury knocking him down the pecking order at Ibrox.
However, former Rangers boss Warburton feels that Miller still has an important role to play for the Light Blues.
“I’m delighted to see him coming back from injury. He probably won’t start on Sunday, but I still see him being a hugely important figure for Rangers,” Warburton said.
“I actually think Kenny could be the most powerful weapon for Graeme Murty; in terms of someone who is Rangers through and through, he cares passionately about the club, he’s influential in the changing room in the right way.
“When I first came to the club I was told Kenny Miller was quite vocal, forceful and opinionated.
“And, yes, he was indeed ALL of those — but in a good way.
“I’d take Kenny Miller in a heartbeat. David Weir and I had plans for him to eventually become player-coach. He’s got so much to offer.”
Miller has come in for criticism when he has featured for Rangers this season, as his scoring has slowed down.
The veteran forward has hit the back of the net just twice in 16 Scottish Premiership matches.
The 38-year-old’s career appears to be reaching its twilight stage now, with Rangers have younger alternatives up-front.
The likes of Jason Cummings and Alfredo Morelos have outscored Miller this term, and look more important to their first-team on the field.
Rangers are set to take on Celtic on Sunday in their next match, but it would be a surprise to see Miller start in the Old-Firm derby.
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