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Robbie Copeland

5 things we spotted at Rangers training as Antonio Colak learns the ropes and Gio van Bronckhorst gets stuck in

With last season's Europa League heartbreak firmly in the rear-view mirror, Rangers have been hard at work in Portugal as Gio van Bronckhorst gets his troops ready for the new season.

They've been sweating it out in the searing Algarve heat and Saturday's friendly with Sunderland will give the boss his first glimpse at at least one new signing in action. Antonio Colak has been involved right away after sealing his move from PAOK on Thursday and he'll be keen to catch the boss' eye.

It may be just as well he's available as Alfredo Morelos is being eased back in after a prolonged break, while Kemar Roofe was nowhere to be seen after a fresh injury scare. The same goes for new arrival John Souttar who was posted missing after an issue of his own.

Other than that though it's a healthy Rangers squad gearing up for their first taste of action since the Scottish Cup final win over Hearts. Record Sport have run an eye over the best snaps from the Algarve and here are five things we spotted.

In at the deep end

No Morelos, no Roofe, so it's Colak to the rescue and the new man has been getting stuck in in Portugal. The big striker arrived in fine physical shape and covered plenty of ground to catch his new boss' eye.

Antonio Colak in training with Rangers (SNS Group)

Colak endured a disappointing end to his career with PAOK and failed to hit the heights his form at Rijeka promised. But it was just six months ago he was banging in the goals for Malmo and Rangers will be hoping he can replicate the form they saw up close and personal in their Champions League qualifier last season.

Still got it

He might be the 'wrong' side of 40 now but Allan McGregor isn't letting himself go. The veteran stopper has still got it and he's signed up for another year at Ibrox.

Allan McGregor in Rangers training (SNS Group)

He's made 447 appearances over his two spells at the club including almost 50 last season in that marathon run that saw Gers make two finals and a Premier Sports Cup semi. Could he join the 500 club before he hangs up his gloves? It's a big ask but he won't be giving up that No.1 spot without a fight.

Loud and clear

It was a rollercoaster season for Gers and Van Bronckhorst has every reason to be encouraged by what he saw in his first six months at Ibrox. After a season as defending champions, though, Rangers are the hunters rather than the hunted again and wrestling the title back from Celtic will be mission No.1.

Gio van Bronckhorst gives out instructions (SNS Group)

Van Bronckhorst was spotted reading his stars the riot act and getting them mentally prepared for another gruelling season. The hard work starts now and the Dutchman is setting the tempo high to make sure his team is up to scratch come Livingston on July 30.

Fashion in action

His directness down the wing was a major asset for Rangers last season and the arrival of Colak seems to suggest that is going to be Fashion Sakala's role going forward. And looks more than up for that as he showcased his electric pace in training.

Fashion Sakala takes off (SNS Group)

There won't be many Rangers stars getting the better of him in the pre-season bleep test anyway. Veteran midfielder Steven Davis was spotted looking on in awe as the flying Zambian took off and went from 0 to 30 quicker than your average speedboat.

Leading by example

The first rule of management is never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. It's one Gio van Bronckhorst lives by it seems as the Dutchman was spotted taking a hands-on approach with his stars in the Algarve.

Gio van Bronckhorst gets stuck in (SNS Group)

He still looks in fine shape and didn't look a step out of place as he showed James Tavernier and Borna Barisic how a truly world-class full-back does it. He might be 47 now but left peg looks as dangerous as it ever did in his 20s.

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