Beattie believes he and Miller will prove a devastating duo

He was thrown straight into Rangers' SPL opener against Kilmarnock yesterday just 24 hours after sealing his move from Stoke.

After playing 80 minutes alongside Miller, Beattie insisted they can form a formidable pairing for the Scottish champions.

He said: "I've known Kenny for a while. He's good friends with Joleon Lescott, who I'm good friends with.

"I've watched him from time to time and I know he's a great player. I'm looking forward to playing up-front with him, even though it was a bit earlier than I expected to play.

"If you put two good players together, it's going to be a good partnership. I'm confident that I'll score goals wherever I play. It doesn't matter where it is."

Manager Walter Smith turned to Beattie to bolster his depleted squad after Steven Davis returned from international duty with a virus, and the striker was more than happy to answer the SOS.

Beattie added: "I found out I was playing about two hours beforehand. I didn't even know that Davo was ill. But I gathered something was happening when the manager pulled me into the office because I knew I hadn't been here long enough to do anything wrong! Even before he started talking, I was going to say I would love to play.

"I've done the whole pre-season and I've not missed any days. But I haven't played - or been allowed to play - games against decent opposition. I'm sure the fitness coaches have got something lined up for me this week, which I'm more than happy to do.

"Hopefully I'll be able to retain my place and play on Sunday."