Rangers 3 City 2

And so the scratchy pre-season results continue.

Whilst there were some positives - Martin Petrov looking lively and added another goal to back up his one against Barnsley. There was some nice movement throughout the side, and the sharpness and fitness is no doubt tuning up for the start of the league campaign.

It was interesting to see the starting line-up tonight. Etuhu and Dunne aside, it could have passed for our starting side in ten days time, and was the formation I'd expect Hughes to field.

Disappointingly though, some familiar woes were present. Defensively we conceded too many last season and clean sheets have been hard to come by so far in pre-season. Richard Dunne cannot have done himself many favours tonight as he looked to try and retain his place that looks so under threat.

I am intrigued to see how we are shaping up in the flesh though. So much so I'm betraying my pre-season lethargy and heading to the Celtic game this Saturday.

Rangers pre-season friendly announced

City can reveal today that Mark Hughes' men will prepare for their much-anticipated Barclays Premier League campaign with a prestigious pre-season fixture against Scottish Premier League champions Rangers.

The Blues play at Ibrox Stadium on Tuesday August 4 or Wednesday August 5, depending on the outcome of the UEFA Champions League third-round qualifying draw at which Glasgow rivals Celtic will discover their opponents and venue.

>>mcfc.co.uk

Beasley joins Rangers

Rangers have completed the signing of DaMarcus Beasley form
PSV Eindhoven, subject to a work permit being granted.
The 25-year-old
United States international has signed a three-year deal with the Ibrox club for
an undisclosed fee.

-BBC Sport.

It isn't a surprise that Beasley has managed to land himself at a decent level, as I thought at times last season he showed he was a capable player who added a different option to the rather pedestrian midfield that was on display last season.

Unfortunately, he clearly wasn't fit at the beginning of the season when he joined us and it took him a while to settle in and perhaps never gained the full confidence of Stuart Pearce which translated itself into his inconsistent performances.

I don't doubt for a minute that he is capable of being a success in the SPL, and finds himself joining a side who under the returning Walter Smith are looking to wrestle back the initiative from a Celtic side who have dominated the past few seasons.


Audio of Beasley from the press conference.