The B Team boss has reflected on the young Gers’ game against Bonnyrigg Rose as the squad prepare to face Ayr in the second round of the cup.
Speaking exclusively to RangersTV, McCallum highlighted the Light Blues’ performance in the Lowland League on Saturday and the positive mood it has set ahead of their Tuesday night game at Dumbarton. He said: “It was a brilliant game [Bonnyrigg Rose], we really enjoyed it.
“There were many aspects that were just a little bit different, you look at the numbers that turned up to watch the game – it felt like a real event that day. I think that [the fans] it also played a part in the players’ energy.
“We had a great performance that day but within that performance, there were some struggles. Defensively, I thought we were top. I know that we lost two goals, but I still felt that throughout the duration of the game we defended very well.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday night’s SPFL Trust Trophy game against the Honest Men, the Head Coach has acknowledged the fixture will be challenging. He added: “It’s probably going to be our most difficult game of the season.
“We’re playing against a Championship team. We know that they are a good side and we’ve been preparing the boys for that. We must be patient and hit the right moments; we want the players to find control amongst the chaos.
“It’s good for our boys to go into a game and to not be the favourites and recognising that we are a bit of an underdog in this game; it’s something that is good for their development as well.
“We look forward to the variety of competitions, it’s different and it’s good for our development. We try and prepare the players for what each of the fixtures may look like, we’ve looked at the Ayr United side but once the game starts, they need to learn quickly. That’s a key learning moment for the boys to try and react to moments.”
The Rangers B Team have experienced good spectator numbers during their Lowland League journey this season. McCallum has outlined that this is something he wants to see again for their fixture against Ayr. He continued: “We’re hoping it’s another big turnout. The Rangers fans have been excellent when they’ve came to watch us. They’ve supported the boys, even when they’ve had some challenges. With the cup game, hopefully it will entice the supporters to keep coming along to see what the boys can produce on the pitch.”
TICKETS: You can purchase a ticket for tonight's SPFL Trust Trophy match against Ayr United at Dumbarton Football Stadium . Tickets priced at adult £10, concession £5, juvenile £5.
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