Rangers head Down Under

RANGERS have confirmed they will take part in a pre-season tournament in Australia next month before hosting Premier League side Newcastle at Ibrox on 7 August.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Jun 2010, 04:42 BST

Updated 5th Jun 2010, 04:46 BST

Walter Smith's men will prepare for the defence of their Clydesdale Bank Premier League title by flying to Sydney on 20 July to take part in the inaugural Sydney Festival of Sport.

Rangers have games against Sydney FC, Blackburn and AEK Athens lined up on 25, 28 and 31 July at the Sydney Football Stadium although fixtures have still to be agreed. The squad return to Scotland on 2 August.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain said:

"The club has a loyal fanbase in Australia who will enjoy watching the team in action and we're looking forward to returning after 26 years."