Behind closed doors friendlies are always a strange affair and Michael Beale has named his first Rangers XI of the new season.
It’s still very early days in the campaign and the line-up as a result reflects this, a mixture of academy players, new signings and first-team regulars.
Socal media is a wonderful thing on these occasions with one user on Twitter finding the team sheet for Michael Beale’s Rangers side picked to play against Hallescher.
Who has Michael Beale named in his first Rangers team of the season?
There are a couple of surprises as the Gers gaffer runs the rule over those who might make the grade next season alongside those who will be expected to challenge for the title.
In defence, Jack Butland wore a Rangers top for the first time after signing to replace hall of fame legend Allan McGregor, but in front of him saw an unexpected name.
A back four with James Tavernier at right-back, Borna Barisic on the left and John Souttar anchoring was joined by Lewis Mayo.
The 23-year old has played a lot of games out on loan, including with Kilmarnock last season, but it is still a surprise to see him given that his future probably lies away from the club.
The absence of Ben Davies from the squad will raise a few eyebrows though.
A midfield featuring John Lundstram and Todd Cantwell is a familiar one we have seen before but Bailey Rice joining them could be Michael Beale assessing whether or not the youngster is ready to be promoted from the Rangers academy.
There was no sign of Antonio Colak who could be set to depart or Cyriel Dessers so Sam Lammers led the line flanked by Scott Wright and Abdallah Sima.
Something has gone wrong this summer if Wright is still getting game time when the season kicks off for real.
It might not be live action yet but a first glimpse at Michael Beale’s new look Rangers is, almost, something to start getting excited about.
Now, if anyone knows the score….?
Edit: Rangers won 2-0 with Sima and Tavernier (P) scoring the goals.
