3 talking points as Rangers triumph in the Blackpool sun with a Borna Barisic rarity

Rangers stepped up their pre-season graft with a sun-soaked 2-1 victory over Blackpool. Goals from Borna Barisic and Charlie McCann gave a huge raft of travelling fans something to cheer as Gio van Bronckhorst handed game-time to first-team regulars, new signings and rising stars alike.

Not among them, however, was Calvin Bassey as hype continues to build over a potential move to Ajax. But, at least for 90 minutes, it mattered little to the Rangers support as they took over Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

They were provided with two very different displays from their team, as a sleepy first period gave way to a far more purposeful and encouraging second 45. Barisic set Rangers on their way with a rare right-footed strike but van Bronckhorst rung the changes - introducing Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence and John Souttar to the fray.

But it was the B-team star among them in McCann who swept home the decisive strike and seal victory over their EFL Championship opponents despite a late consolation strike from Beryly Lubala. A bright start from the hosts gradually segued into Rangers taking control of possession and territory, albeit without really threatening in the opening 20 minutes. Much of the play, however, was in front of the Seasiders, the quick combinations in the final third being snuffed out by the sharp-tackling hosts.

And they should've taken the lead as the half hour mark approached, but Callum Connelly failed to find the target with a short-range header from Josh Bowler's corner. Rangers did have the ball in the net moments later but Antonio Colak's smart finish from James Tavernier's pass was instantly ruled out, the new signing having strayed well offside.

Rangers were trying to find the feet of Colak quickly