Rangers set Champions League benchmark by Newcastle but Hotline dishes out advice on how to compete against Euro elite

Allan McGregor signed off at Rangers with a glamour testimonial against Newcastle and some Ibrox fans believe a new dawn is about to break at their club.

Despite a 2-1 defeat, there was plenty for their fans to feel positive about. John Bruce said: "It was an emotional testimonial game against a top-class Newcastle side and was a good workout for Michael Beale's team, as the Geordies are literally in a different league from anything Rangers will face domestically this season. Among Rangers' new signings and the Premiership superstars, it was also refreshing to see our young prospects getting some game time such as Johnly Yfeko, Bailey Rice and Alex Lowry, who all performed well and looked unfazed. As our new signings are bedded in over the coming weeks and others are phased out, the team should look transformed and ready for the big kick-off."

Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: "The Newcastle side backed by Saudi money looked impressive, their £65million new signing Sandro Tonali is a class act. Of course this was just a friendly and didn't mean a lot with both sides giving their players a run-out. That said, this is the type of quality Rangers will be coming up against going into the Champions League proper."

Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: "McGregor's testimonial at Ibrox ended in defeat to Eddie Howe's Mighty Magpies Newcastle and Michael Beale's team had more chance of beating Rothesay Castle so thank goodness it was only a friendly testimonial."

Kenny Wilson from Moffat, said: Hotline caller Steven Hendry was laughing at me saying Callum McGregor is the best midfielder in the country but can he tell me who is better? This 'headless chicken 'has won 20 major trophies and is captain of the best team in