6 things we spotted at Rangers pre season camp as Roofe steps up return bid and Sakala gives new signing the giggles
The Light Blues are abroad currently working on their fitness and plans ahead of the new term.
Michael Beale is putting his side through their paces in a remote German location and he'll hope it pays dividends for his Rangers silverware hopes.
The Ibrox boss is in the midst of a rebuild ahead of his first full season as manager and with it has come a whole host of signings, the most recent being Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers. His squad are currently in Germany for a boot camp and more fitness work ahead of the new season, which will include a tilt at taking the Premiership title off Celtic and aiming to achieve Champions League group stage football.
From key men stepping up their injury comeback bids to new stars integrating with the group, there's been plenty to pick up on as Rangers TV provided a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of the Light Blues camp in Germany. Here are six things we spotted.
No armchair
Credited in some quarters as the tactical brain behind the club's last title triumphy in 2021, a big question asked about Beale when arriving as boss was how involved would he be in training sessions. And it would appear he's heavily in the mix.
Most clips show the boss barking instructions and drills to his players before sessions begin. Alongside taking a leading role in recruitment, Beale is showing he's not afraid to get into the nitty gritty of Ibrox work.
Immediate impression
Fashion Sakala is rarely spotted without a smile on his face so perhaps it is of no surprise that he's the happy face welcoming Rangers' newest forwards. Dessers has arrived to beef up the forward line and the Zambian has been there to greet him, alongside Abdallah Sima.
They can be spotted sharing a laugh and a joke before the day's gym work. The fight to get a spot in Beale's starting XI though will be a far more serious matter..
Scouse connection
Another of the new arrivals have gone for a spin, almost literally, with one of the experienced pros in the dressing room. Kieran Dowell can be seen chaufering John Lundstram about as the Scouse connection becomes clear.
Both were in the Everton youth system at the same time, albeit with a four-year age gap. But there's a common connection between the pair that will likely help forge Rangers bonds.
Out from the back?
Midway through the video, a drill is shown with an emphasis on passing and turnovers. But it's not just for outfielders as the goalkeepers get involved too.
Both Jack Butland Robby McCrorie are shown moving the ball quickly from feet. Perhaps an insight into how the team will look to begin their play from the back come August.
Down the sides
Another section of the video heavily shows Rangers specifically working on moving the ball down the sides and crossing with pace to a forward in the box for an attempt at goal. Sounds simple enough but again, an insight into some of the patterns of play Beale may look to implement.
A variety of players are shown in both the wide and forward positions while the goalkeepers are given a chance to work on their close range finishing. It now remains to be seen how this type of attacking move is put into a game situation.
Roofe boost
Beale has often spoken of how big a player Kemar Roofe has been for Rangers but he appears closer to showing what he can still be in blue. Injuries have plagued him but he can be spotted here going through what appears to be full training.
He will be managed carefully, you would expect, but the cliched new signing tag could be applied here if they can get the forward on the park consistently. Another potentially handy option in the forward arsenal.
