Jamie Carragher admits he was left floored by how early Rangers were back in pre-season training ahead of the new campaign.
The Liverpool legend is great friends with with his former Anfield team-mate Steven Gerrard but he was taken aback at the lack of rest the Premiership side were given ahead of another gruelling season.
Rangers' need for a swift return to the training ground is due to the four rounds of Europa League qualifying they must navigate if they want a place in the group stage.
They're on track so far after demolishing St Joseph's and are in control against Progres Niederkorn with Danish side Midtjylland lying in wait in qualifying round three for the winners of that tie.
And Carragher has revealed he was unsure if his old pal was uploading old pictures on Instagram last month when Rangers returned for duty and got in contact with the Ibrox boss.
The Sky Sports pundit told told Off The Ball: "The big shock I got was (when) Stevie Gerrard and I saw a picture on his Instagram going back on the first day in June.
"I actually text him and asked 'Is that you're back now or is that a picture from last season?'.
"I couldn't believe it. It's because they have to play European games. It was like 'oh my God, the season has only just finished'.
"It's unbelievable. You just have to get used to it. It's a 12-month game."
