Following the convincing win over Dunfermline in Friday night’s League Cup clash at Ibrox, assistant manager Gary McAllister revealed that the Rangers squad would be getting a couple of days off before returning to work and European duty next week.
A perilous run of three defeats and that crushing Champions League disappointment was ended with the very encouraging performance and result against the Pars.
There was so much to be positive about from a Rangers perspective, from the full back switch with Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey starring in the absence of the more experienced James Tavernier and Borna Barisic.
As well as that, Ianis Hagi returned and had a starring role, Kemar Roofe was exceptional and John Lundstram showed a lot more than he has done in his previous outings.
It is imperative that the coaching staff pick up this mantle when the players return next week, they can’t and won’t allow any slack to set in after turning a corner on Friday.
At the game and across social media, Rangers fans were delighted with what they witnessed – in the 5-0 win, the Gers were aggressive, incisive and fired up, playing at a high tempo.
It was a timely reminder of what this Rangers team is capable of.
Assistant Gary Mac told Premier Sports:
“It’s unusual that we now have 6 days off, I think that’s the first furing a season since we started here. The players will get a couple of days off, they’ll get the weekend but I think they deserve that.”
Alashkert at home is followed by Ross County away over the next week and Rangers simply need to pick up from where they left off.
Comfortable progression into the Europa League groups with another Premiership win in between is the preparation that is needed for this visit of Celtic to Ibrox.
The Old Firm derby comes on the back of a long trip to the far end of Europe, to Armenia so the more momentum gained, the better.
At that stage, the tank can be emptied for most given that the international break follows.
A poor start to the season can quickly be turned around – that has to be the focus when Rangers return to Auchenhowie on Monday morning.
🔵 Rangers' Gary McAllister gives his verdict on tonight's performance
🗣️ "I thought there was a snap in our tackles. I thought there was a snap in our play. And I thought we looked nice and sharp in front of goal." pic.twitter.com/2pGUEl9F0c
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 13, 2021