Rangers want to be 'fittest team' in country as they bid to dethrone Celtic

Greg Stewart says Rangers intend to be the fittest team in Scotland this season as they try to stop Celtic winning 10-in-a-row.

Greg Stewart, pictured as Rangers left Glasgow for their pre-season matches in Lyon, says fitness will be a key factor for the Ibrox side this season.

The 30-year-old forward believes physical conditioning will be critical for Steven Gerrard’s side in the coming campaign.

Stewart, who previously admitted failing to look after himself properly during close seasons earlier in his career, revealed he has spent lockdown making sure he is ready to hit the ground running in 2020-21.

“It’s one of those things I always want to improve personally - just get fitter and fitter,” said Stewart. “The lockdown probably helped me do that.

“I was out running most days, keeping myself ticking over - as I can’t really afford to not be. So it’s massive for me.

“We want to be the fittest team in the league and hopefully that stands us in good stead for the season.”

Stewart joined Rangers on a free transfer from Birmingham City last summer but managed just six starting appearances in his first season with Rangers, scoring three goals.

The former Cowdenbeath and Dundee player faces a major challenge to claim a regular place in Gerrard’s side, facing competition from the likes of £3.15 million summer signing Ianis Hagi who made a positive impression during his initial loan spell last season.

“It’s great to have Ianis back,” Stewart told Rangers TV. “We all know the qualities he can bring. He is still young and to move to a different country, sometimes you can take a bit of time to settle.

“But he settled in well. When you are at Rangers, you want to have competitiveness all over the pitch in every position. So it’s great to have him and hopefully he can become even better.”