CRAIG MCPHERSON was pleased with Rangers’ ‘good start’ to their pre-season games schedule.
The Light Blues were dominant and claimed a 6-0 success over English side Middlesbrough as their first of four friendly matches ahead of the new SWPL season commenced today.
Speaking to RangersTV to reflect on the outing at Broadwood, he commented: “It was a really good exercise for us. A lot of the girls obviously haven't played against Middlesbrough; I saw a different challenge.
“They came and played some good football themselves but I thought we did very well.
“Gave them a couple of challenges before the game in and out of possession and our quality was really good.
“The way we worked off the ball was really good as well.
“I am really happy, I think the players always appreciate that the first few weeks of pre-season are hard work and when the games start they really enjoy it so today was a good start for us and we just need to get building on it.
“It was great from Kirsty, to get us off to a good start but throughout the game the girls were great.
“Good goals, good quality creating a lot of chances. Limited their chances so now we have started the games everybody enjoys it.
“There will be tougher challenges to come but you look at Middlesbrough as the first game, six goals and a clean sheet for Jenna as well so good on them, just need to keep it going and keep working hard.”
The assistant, leading the side at the moment as the search for a new head coach continues, spoke of how the last few weeks have been and getting the chance to embed youngsters into the group as well as new signings on the pitch today.
He continued: “Just at the moment with the balance of the squad we had to make sure we gave everybody the appropriate game time.
“Getting younger players involved as well is always good. It was getting the squad to make sure everyone got enough minutes and to come through it without any injuries is an important thing as well.
“Hopefully we achieved that and we can look forward to the next one which will be Inter Milan.
“The games provide a different challenge. You can do your training and do training games as well but games against proper opposition give you better challenges and the physical demands that it brings as well.
“It is just building that up over a period of time and hopefully we don't get any injuries from now until the start of the season and everybody builds up towards Montrose and we are good to go by the time that game comes round.”
The Gers will now jet off to Northern Italy where they will face off against both Milan clubs on Wednesday and Saturday respectively, as the former player spoke of an exciting week ahead for the squad.
McPherson added: “Two tough games, Toby [Clayton] the analyst has been looking at Inter and AC Milan, two good teams.
“They will provide a different challenge for us in Italy as well.
“We got out and everybody has the chance to get together, you get to know the new players a little bit more.
“Do a bit of work on the training pitch and enjoy two games. Two games in a short period of time but everybody is certainly looking forward to the trip.”