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Unexpected new arrival at Gers Auchenhowie training centre yesterday.

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There was an unexpected arrival at Rangers Auchenhowie training centre this week.

In a break from the norm, Europa League opponents Royal Antwerp checked in at the base.

Usually, visiting teams would train on the Ibrox pitch on the night before a Euro game but due to the current delicate condition of the turf, the alternate plan was put in place.

A press report confirmed the situation, including classy remarks from ‘The Great Old’ boss, Franky Vercauteren:

‘The Belgian side arrived in Glasgow knowing they are up against it as they look to overturn last week’s 4-3 defeat at Ibrox.’

‘But they played the role of friendly visitors as they agreed to a request to put in their final preparations at Rangers’ Auchenhowie training base rather than the stadium in order to protect the Ibrox grass ahead of the big game.’

Vercauteren said: “It was a demand of Rangers.”

“I’m a football fan, so I want to protect the field to play the game. We don’t want to demolish the field with respect to the opponent and ourselves.”

“We want to play in the best conditions. That’s why we are here.”

“When you are a professional team, you have to understand the demands of the other team. We would not want another team to kill our field.”

“That’s why we are training here instead. Training the day before the game is not so important.”

With the impending turn of the seasons and warmer conditions, the Ibrox pitch will regenerate in the coming weeks.

There is obvious room for improvement but the surface has taken a battering with significant rain in Glasgow over the last few weeks.

This gesture from Royal Antwerp should be noted and respected.

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