RANGERS IN BELFAST Swiss star in line for Old Firm bow
LINFIELD O, RA NGERS 7
PHILIPPE SENDEROS is set to be thrown straight into next weekend’s Old Firm clash at Celtic Park after coasting through his debut in Belfast.
Rangers scored five firsthalf goals, four in a stunning seven-minute spell, in the testimonial match for Linfield’s Jamie Mulgrew.
Afterwards boss Mark Warburton confirmed that Senderos, who was substituted early in the second half, was ready to play his first competitive match in four months.
“We needed to have a look at him,” said Warburton.
“He hadn’t been training with the team but you saw his technical ability, his physicality, his comfort on the ball.
“He strolled through the game and, although he wasn’t overly tested, he did everything he had to with aplomb.
“With a good week’s training, he will be up for contention for next week.”
Kenny Miller, who scored four goals as he captained the side, was also impressed by his new Swiss international team-mate.
The veteran striker said of Senderos: “He’s a great signing and will be a fantastic addition to the squad throughout the season.
“It was great for him to get game time with the lads, to get familiar with the partnerships at the back.” Miller admitted excitement was building in the squad ahead of the Celtic game.
“It’s a game you have to look forward to. For the new boys and the younger lads, these are the games they have signed to play in,” he added.
The encounter at Windsor Park proved something of an exhibition match with Rangers taking the lead after 11 minutes, Miller grabbing his first after Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Roy Carroll had blocked Josh Windass’s effort.
Then came that devastating 1-2-3-4 as Rangers turned on the style.
Niko Kranjcar’s spectacular 25-yard effort started the goal rush on 24 minutes.
Rob Kiernan scored the third after Miller’s shot was blocked.
Then the veteran striker beat the offside trap to round Carroll to score.
Miller completed his hattrick after a cut-back from the impressive O’Halloran.
His fourth came seven minutes into the second half after he sidestepped two defenders inside the box.
Striker Joe Garner, bandaged up after a head knock, had the final say, thumping in a seventh.