Livingston boss David Martindale has hailed ‘phenomenal’ Rangers ahead of welcoming the Light Blues to the Tony Macaroni Arena this weekend in the opening game of the Premiership season.
Martindale took in the Gers’ pre-season clash with West Ham and was blown away by what he witnessed at Ibrox, calling Rangers a “different animal” compared to the side they faced last season.
Rangers head to West Lothian on Saturday afternoon and Martindale confessed he’s expecting a “really, really difficult” afternoon against the Gers.
“I was at the Rangers game on Tuesday night and they were phenomenal, honestly,” Martindale said.
“I think it’s going to be a cracking title race this year. Rangers as a club have kicked on massively. Since Gio has come in, he has made them better and they have kicked on, brought a lot of revenue into the club, commercially and from player sales, and I think they have used that very, very wisely.
“So I think we are going to be facing a different animal this time round.
“They have a Champions League qualifier on the Tuesday so everyone that sets foot on the park on the Saturday is going to be vying for a place in a huge, huge game for Rangers.
“That will be an added bonus and impetus for the Rangers.
“We can only look at ourselves and how we are going to approach the game but I think it’s going to be a really, really difficult game, if I’m honest.”
Rangers need to get off to a winning start against Livingston
Getting off to a winning start is vital for Rangers this weekend and will help build momentum going into the season.
With a Champions League qualifier coming soon afterwards, there isn’t time for Rangers to find their footing and ease into the new campaign.
Three points and a strong performance is exactly what the Light Blues need to start the season, and there’s plenty of reason for Rangers fans to be confident.