Peter Lovenkrands torn between Rangers and Newcastle love affairs as legend just glad Ibrox clash 'only' a friendly

Peter Lovenkrands is just glad Tuesday's Ibrox clash between his two old sides is a friendly.

While the seven major honours the Dane won in Scotland made his spell at Rangers the most productive of his career, he also has special reason to be grateful for his time at Newcastle. Lovenkrands was based on Tyneside in 2010 when he lost his father Bent at the age of 61 following a long illness. Despite his heartache, Lovenkrands was bravely back in action just two days later as he headed home a vital goal against West Brom on an emotion-filled night at St James Park.

The reaction from the Geordie faithful will live with him former – and that’s why he’s glad tonight’s pre-season contest for Allan McGregor’s testimonial with his other love has no competitive consequences. He told Record Sport: “Newcastle as a club will always have a special place in my heart. I was down there when I lost my dad. It was halfway through the season when we were in the Championship, going neck and neck with West Brom for the title. He died just two days before a big top-of-the-table game against West Brom. I decided to play in the game and actually scored the equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

Rangers are ready for glory as they take aim at Scottish football’s biggest prizes.

Michael Beale and his new-look Light Blues have their heart set on winning back the title and a shot at glory in the Champions League. Beale’s boys will be rubbing shoulders with the best in Europe and chasing the dream in Scotland as they try to win domestic honours. And the Daily Record have produced a stunning new souvenir guide to Rangers.

This unmissable guide is bursting with info for the campaign to come including exclusive columns from Barry Ferguson and Keith Jackson, fabulous