Russell Martin brought James Tavernier on as a second-half substitute
A crowd of nearly 30,000 braved the Scottish July drizzle to cheer on Rangers in Russell Martin’s first game as head coach at Ibrox.
Goals from Hugo Vetlesen and Ludovit Reis gave Club Brugge a 2-0 half-time lead in the pre-season friendly at Ibrox, but Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis secured a draw for the hosts after the break.
But what can we deduce from this first taste of the former Southampton manager and Rangers defender’s reign?
He chose tough opponents for his debut
Club Brugge made the last 16 of the Champions League last season, and were runners-up in the Belgian Pro League, and looked sharp right from the off.
They were two up in 12 minutes and were unfazed by anything Rangers threw at them, including some inclement Govan rain showers.
He’s not afraid to mix things up
Whether this is a sign of what’s to come or just a temporary fix for a friendly, 22-year-old Scotland midfielder Connor Barron was given the captain’s armband while James Tavernier had to do with a seat on the bench.
Alongside him was compatriot Jack Butland, with Liam Kelly given the nod in goal in front of the former England international.
Two 21-year-olds – winger Oscar Cortes and defender Leon King – plus 18-year-old midfielder Curtis, who made a combined 21 appearances last season, all started.
Presumably the manager is keen to see what kind of depth of squad he has at his disposal, with several stars missing and some new players not yet up to speed.
There’s plenty of work to do
One of Rangers’ biggest games of the season is just over a fortnight away; Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifiers.
Martin has a lot of hard work to do with the squad if they’re to be properly competitive against the Greek side.
The old faithfuls improved things
Mohamed Diomande’s goal began a Rangers’ fightback
Butland, Tavernier, midfielder Diomande and winger Nedim Bajrami all started on the bench before coming on at half-time.
The outfield players made a marked, and instant, difference to Rangers.
Diomande only took six minutes to curl in a very nice goal from the edge of the area and very nearly had a long-range second.
You can’t read too much into pre-season friendlies in which both sides change virtually the entire team from one half to the next, but Rangers’ energy after the break was much improved.
New boys need to get up to speed
This was a Rangers side minus new signings Thelo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell and Lyall Cameron.
Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane were also missing, with both heavily linked to moves away from Ibrox.
The new signings need to get up to speed – and quickly – while Rangers will need to sign a striker or two if those two are allowed to leave.
Martin won’t be boring to watch
Martin was a picture of activity in his technical area. Encouraging his side to press; asking them to be bold and play a high line.
Sometimes throwing his arms up in frustration when his message wasn’t heard or understood.
The jacket came off when the rain eased and he was a bundle of energy on the touchline.
He’s all-in and clearly wants the same from his players. And sharpish.
