Bealeball is burst already for Rangers and Champions League is a pipe dream after signing cast-offs – Hotline

James Bisgrove reckons Rangers are Champions League ready – but the Hotline aren’t quite willing to go as far as the Ibrox chief executive.

Gers warmed up for Wednesday’s opening qualifying clash with Servette with a deflating defeat at Rugby Park as they crashed on the Premiership’s opening night. And Jim Dunnet said: “Rangers ready for the Champs League? Surely it should be the Chumps League?” Liam Birney, Paisley, called to say: “Rangers had no invention, shape, cohesion or pace and had to resort to long high balls that were easily mopped up by Killie’s defence. And wonderboy Todd Cantwell got bullied from the minute he came on till the final whistle spending most of the time on the ground moaning. The only real threat in the squad with his pace is Fashion Sakala and he's being sold!”

Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, emailed in: “When oh when will Mick Beale sign a left-sided centre half? It's obvious Souttar is right-sided. I can only imagine Beale needs cash from the sales of fringe players before he can buy.” However, John Bruce said: “Michael Beale has rebuilt the Rangers team and has lost his first game of the season. Ange Postecoglou had a similar task in his first season at Celtic. He also failed to win his first game –- and then went on to win the league. But it's difficult to remember any mass hysteria or over-the-top reaction to that defeat, such as we're seeing being directed at Michael Beale. It's only one game in to the season – and nowhere near time for throwing barriers around the car park.”

Robert Pender added: “Well done Kilmarnock. Their discipline, professionalism and spirit shocked Rangers. The Ibrox side will come good after they get over their bleeding nose.”

Henry Moffat, Stirling, said: “It baffles