Rangers tour of Slovenia got off to a decent start last night with the team drawing 2-2 with NK Celje.

Jim Magilton took the chance to take a further look at his squad with several players getting around an hour to impress the new boss. He started the match with a 4-4-2 formation.

Radek Cerny was in goal with a back four of Ramage, Connolly, Gorkks and trialist Ivan Gvozdenovic at left back. Wayne Routledge and Angelo Balanta started the game on the wings with new signing Alejandro Faurlin making his first start in midfield alongside Mikele Leigterwood. The front two was Agyemang and Helguson so all in all a pretty strong line up.

Rangers took the lead in the first half through youngster Angelo Balanta. He played a neat one two with Leigterwood before striking past the keeper. Balanta will have been please with the impact he was making on the left wing.

Gavin Mahon replaced Mikele Leigterwood who went off with feeling ill during the first half. The new boy Faurlin was impressing in central midfield with plenty of skill and vision on the ball as we looked to control the game but the local side were no mugs and drew level just before half time as Biscan tapped into an empty net after the initial shot had hit the post.

Rangers fell behind after the break with a fierce volley powered past Cerny into the top corner. Rangers fought back though and after going close Balanta got his second goal as he smashed a shot into the top corner from outside the box.

Magilton then rang the changes bringing on youngster Elvis Putnins for his first appearance in goal with Cerny making way. Youngster Lee Brown replaced Ramage whilst Joe Oastler against came on to impress in place of Gorkss. Ainsworth came on for the trialist whilst Albert and Borrowdale also came on for half an hours play.

Rangers had the better chances in the closing stages with Ainsworth having a late goal disallowed for a push on the keeper and Helguson hit the bar. In the end though a draw was a decent enough result and a good run out for Rangers as Jim Magilton continues to access his squad ahead of the new season and it’s good to see him giving some of the clubs young players a chance during pre season.