Rangers will make Celtic cosplayers remember how second best feels as Beale is building a trophy era – Hotline

The Old Firm returned to winning ways in their respective pre-season preparations at the weekend. And suddenly Hotline callers are back in the land of optimism. Most of them anyway. Rangers comfortably dealt with Bundesliga 2 side Hamburg 2-1 at Ibrox while earlier on Saturday a late Alexandro Bernabei goal gave Celtic a 1-0 win over Gamba Osaka in Japan.

Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “The Rangers defence and attack definitely look stronger than last season but the first Old Firm game should be the proof of the pudding. Who wins will surely decide who tops the league early. While i agree with Celtic man Kenny Wilson's assessment of his side losing six goals last week, that friendly is meaningless. Looking through his green-tinted glasses he must surely realise that Rangers have strengthened, last season’s big flops Kent and Morelos are gone and his Celtic will certainly be facing a far stronger Light Blues side which may be enough to give Rangers that edge in their quest for number 56.”

John Bruce emailed: “Rangers' game against Hamburg - who are only one week away from the start of their season - was another good workout. Yet again it was good to see the youngsters being used and looking so composed. The Rangers team already look more technical and physical than the passive one that Michael Beale inherited and the new signings still to come can only strengthen it even more. No wonder the Rangers fans are so excited about the season ahead.”

Meanwhile, Hoops fan George McCallum, Falkirk, said: “Not the result I expected between Gamba Osaka and Celtic but nevertheless no goals conceded this time. We still need a centre half or two. Celtic will take their time and get it right regards transfers, there is time on