Fe ar factor re turning to Ibrox me n

were looked upon in awe from the stands. Not so, this time around.

Gardyne said: “With Rangers going down the divisions, they lost that fear factor and air of invincibility a little bit.

“I remember at Dundee United, getting them in the Scottish Cup and beating them.

“But I think now that this is their second season back in the Premiership, with a good manager and having signed good players, they will start to be that big force they were before.

“Celtic are on a different level from everyone right now, but Rangers are a massive club – and I think they will come good again.

“Last season, for a team to come up and finish the way they did was excellent.

“But we also did well against them in the three draws and want to do the same again.

“I do think they are regaining that stature. Any time you mention Celtic and Rangers coming up to Dingwall, it’s like the big boys are in town and it’s a game you really want to be involved in, especially when it’s a sell-out.

“They say they want to challenge Celtic – and if they are saying that they obviously fancy their chances of doing that.”

Gardyne revelled in the chance to perform at Ibrox last season, given the circumstances.

He stressed: “I was always in the First Division when Rangers were in the SPL. Then, when we were promoted, they went down the way.

“At Dundee United we beat them 3-0 in the Scottish Cup. We were brilliant in that one. Then, last season, it was my first chance to play at Ibrox in the SPL and that was brilliant, too.

“I was dying to play at Ibrox as I hadn’t played there since I was with the under-18s at Celtic.

“A full house at Ibrox is brilliant and, like Tynecastle, the crowd is right on top of you. I loved the atmosphere.

“It’s going to be a full house up here and their fans will be loud, but a lot of their foreign signings won’t be used to coming to a place like this. “I hope it’s lashing down! “But I’m also sure the likes of Kenny Miller will have told them what it’s all about to get their heads ready.

“I don’t think they’ll disrespect us, especially after the results we had against them last season.”