Rangers hopeful of Ibrox tie boost

Rangers hope to kick off the new season with a Capital city double header.

The Light Blues open their Championship campaign on Sunday, August 10 when they welcome Hearts to Ibrox for a match that will be shown live on TV.

And, provided they get the OK this week, they will stage their Petrofac Training Cup clash against Hibs at the Govan ground four days earlier.

The First Round tie was originally scheduled for July 26, but had to be postponed because the stadium is being used as a Commonwealth Games venue.

While the Games don’t finish until August 3, Ibrox’s last involvement will be to stage the Rugby Sevens on July 27.

It is anticipated the 10-day gap should allow plenty of time for the ground to be made ready to host football again.

Rangers could, in fact, end up facing Edinburgh opposition three times in 13 days.

Both they and Hibs will take their place in the draw for the second round of the Petrofac as an either/or contestant, set to be held on July 27 or 28.

With the competition now split on a regional basis, the Light Blues would have a higher than normal chance of landing Hearts, should the clubs win their respective ties against Hibs and Annan Athletic.

It is not impossible either they could land a fourth game against a capital team from the draw for the League Cup to be held this week.

The first round of that tournament is to be held on August 2.

No matter who they are paired with, Rangers will have their tie postponed. With Ibrox out of commission for the Commonwealth Games, the League One champions have accepted a friendly game with Derby County at Pride Park for the same date.

It, too, will have to be worked into what will be a hectic schedule, as the Second Round takes place on the midweek of August 26 and 27.

Rangers crashed out of the League Cup early last season, going down to Forfar.

They were more successful in the Challenge Cup, reaching the Final where they were beaten by Raith Rovers.