Rangers star delighted as ‘positive weekend’ sets Gers up for title defence kicking off

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Rangers skipper James Tavernier is delighted with a “really positive weekend” that saw the Light Blues draw with Brighton on Saturday before beating Real Madrid yesterday at Ibrox and thinks it sets the Light Blues up for the start of their title defence against Livingston this weekend.

The Gers drew 0-0 against Brighton with many of Gerrard’s big hitters kept in reserve before an impressive 2-1 win over Los Blancos yesterday thanks to goals from Fashion Sakala and Cedric Itten.

After most of Gerrard’s first-team squad got substantial minutes over the weekend, the captain thinks it will give the manager a selection headache going into the Livingston clash – but confessed he’s happy there is such fierce competition for starting places ahead of a massive campaign.

“It’s been a really positive weekend,” Tavernier told Rangers TV. “We felt we should have won against Brighton but the performance we put in during that game was really pleasing to see.

“The squad has been rotated and everyone has played their part so that obviously gives the gaffer a headache going into the season.

“But that’s what you want as a captain and as a squad member, everyone at it and pushing for a place.

“I’m happy it [pre-season] is over now. We always put the hard work in so we’re prepared for the season.

“We’ve really set up the fixtures to really prepare us the league and the Champions League qualifier.

“We’re in a good place. Now we’ve got to get to work next week and really push on.”

Rangers look well prepared for a massive campaign at home and in Europe

With their pre-season schedule now completed, the Rangers squad will now turn their full attention to the weekend clash with Livingston.

After romping to the title so comprehensively last season, Rangers look to be in good shape ahead of the new season.

A Champions League qualifier the following midweek means there is no time for the Light Blues to relax after they face Livi as a potential windfall awaits Rangers.