Football: Rangers star Whittaker can't wait for start of new season

Published on Saturday 20 June 2009 11:25

STEVEN WHITTAKER is determined to pick up where he left off when Rangers begin their preparations for the new season.

The champions report back to Murray Park in three weeks and the full-back is relishing the prospect of a return to action.

He finished the campaign strongly and had a big part to play in Rangers claiming both the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and the Homecoming Scottish Cup.

And the former Hibs full back is now counting down the days to the visit of Falkirk on August 15, when Walter Smith's men begin the defence of the title.

He said: "I can't wait for the new season and, although we've not been off for long, I'm already looking forward to it.

"I had a good run in the team at the end of last season and I didn't really want that to end. When you are in the team, playing well and getting wins, there is nothing better.

"After missing a lot of the year through injury I was ready to keep going but I'm definitely looking forward to it all starting again.

"The Falkirk game on the opening day will be a good test.

"Like every player, I want to find a level of consistency in my performances and stay in the team. That is my main objective.

"I felt that I was playing with a lot more confidence towards the end of the season and it helps when the team is getting results.

"I think I was back to my best and, hopefully, I and the rest of the boys can get off to a flyer against Falkirk and kick on from there."

Rangers will play three games in a pre-season tour of Germany, followed by Emirates' Cup ties against Paris St Germain and Arsenal in early August.

They then travel south again to face Portsmouth in a friendly on August 8, before the action begins for real against Falkirk.

The Bairns are expected to announce Eddie May as their new manager on Tuesday, following the departure of John Hughes to SPL rivals Hibernian.

Whittaker told www.rangers.co.uk: "Falkirk will give us a tough game for us to start the new campaign and it is not a certain three points. With that said, it's a home fixture and that's always a boost for us."