Glasgow Rangers legend Derek Johnstone gives verdict on Ibrox club's Portugal training camp

Glasgow Rangers are currently in the Algarve for warm-weather training and Ibrox legend Johnstone is pleased with how it’s going.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and assistant Gary McAllister are seen during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group G match between Rangers and SK Rapid Wien at Rangers...

Glasgow Rangers legend Derek Johnstone has been left impressed by the camaraderie and graft being put in by the Ibrox contingent on their pre-season training camp in Portugal’s Algarve region (Evening Express).

The Gers flew out last Saturday and the players are being put through their paces by Steven Gerrard, Gary McAllister and the rest of the coaches in some high-intensity training sessions ahead of the Ibrox club’s early return to competitive action.

Rangers have been drawn against the winner of the Europa League preliminary round tie between FC Prishtina of Kosovo or Gibraltar side St Joseph’s in the first round of the competition, the first leg taking place away from home on July 11, with the return leg taking place at Ibrox on July 18.

As well as the early return to action, there have also been multiple signings made, with Steven Davis, Jordan Jones, Jake Hastie, Greg Stewart, George Edmunson, Sheyi Ojo and Joe Aribo all coming on board at Ibrox ahead of a big season in which a return to silverware and glory seems closer than ever before.

With so much movement taking place and plenty of pressure on the playing and coaching staff’s shoulders, Johnstone is nonetheless happy to see just how much team spirit is being fostered right now on the Algarve.

Derek Johnstone former Rangers striker (L) and former St Mirren boss Gary Teale pose for a photograph during the Scottish League Cup Draw at Hampden Park on August 3, 2015 in Glasgow,...

“The facilities over there are excellent and it is a chance for the new members of the squad to gel into the group,” Johnstone wrote in the Evening Express. “You are not just doing your training, having a bite to eat and then going up the road. You are with each other all the time.

“You are getting to know each other and you are building that fitness base as well as doing some tactical work as well. You can see in the pictures and the films that there is a good team spirit there and everyone is getting involved. But there is a lot of hard graft being done in the sunshine… I am sure this week over in Portugal will have done Rangers the world of good.”

Steven Gerrard is unveiled as the new manager of Rangers football Club at Ibrox Stadium on May 4, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.