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Ben Banks

6 things we spotted at Rangers boot camp from Goldson comeback whisper to Lundstram earning iron man honour

It's pre-season time at Rangers and with it comes the usual coming and going chat with a sprinkling of excitement.

Michael Beale's side are looking to sit atop the Premiership pile come next May and will hope the work they put in during the early days of July is the base for them to launch success. They have five players signed up already as part of boss Beale's rebuild, including Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland, Sam Lammers and Abdallah Sima, with more on the way.

Cyriel Dessers will likely become arrival number six and Jose Cifuentes of LAFC is also anticipated as another summer incoming. A new video released to Rangers TV displayed the first day back at Auchenhowie for the top flight challengers as they gear up for domestic and European business in the season ahead. Here are six things we spotted as the players made their way back.

Rangers players were put through their paces (Rangers TV)

Iron men

It's tradition at most clubs that some form of running drills like the Beep Test are implemented to gauge where general fitness is at. And Rangers have two of their kings for this round of pre-season.

In the morning group, Adam Devine was the last man standing during the club's endurance running test. By the time afternoon rolled out around, John Lundstram showed he was in fine fettle after a lung-bursting effort.

Captain's call

James Tavernier is keen to get back into the nitty gritty of Auchenhowie work. It's been a quick break but the skipper can't wait to see what's ahead of his team this coming term.

He said: "I am very excited to be back. The time off has gone quick but I am looking forward to the new season, playing with new players. Where can we improve, but yeah, looking forward to it."

Goldson in conversation (Rangers TV)

Goldson chat

The cameras pulled away just as things looked to become detailed but fans have been buoyed by images of Goldson back in training. A stalwart, he is out of his moon boot after a season-ending injury and aiming to get back in the fold.

He can be spotted speaking with a member of staff, who mentioned the word 'tissue' before the cameras pan away. Fans will hope talks of his injury recovery are positive with big European dates next month.

Matondo's up for the fight

It's been claimed that the Welsh international is one of a few fringe stars who might be on their way out of Ibrox this summer. But he's not going out with the tools on the floor.

The winger can be clearly spotted in the midst of training in the gym as the players are put through their paces. Similar can bee said for Antonio Colak and Scott Wright, who have also been touted for possible movement.

Matondo, Cantwell and Dowell in training (Rangers TV)

Familiar face

Dowell is one of the new boys in the changing room and walks a familiar path to an existing member of the team. It was just six months ago Todd Cantwell made the same journey from Norwich to Glasgow.

The Canaries pals can be spotted talking to each other as the gym sessions got underway for the afternoon. It wouldn't too much of a leap to suggest they will be close Ibrox allies.

Taking on advice

It was a tough first season in Glasgow for Ridvan Yilmaz as he adapted to a new country and style of football following his move from Besiktas. He admitted in an interview last month that he 'was not physically ready' upon his move to Rangers.

That advice will be taken into pre-season and he is one of several stars who can be spotted going through rigorous testing early doors. He'll be hoping to move Borna Barisic out of the left-back slot in the months ahead.

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