Micky Mellon linsists greedy Rangers are ready to gorge on another Premiership success despite going down to his Tranmere side.
The former Dundee United boss inflicted a 1-0 defeat to the Light Blues in a low-key friendly at Prenton Park which saw Steven Gerrard field two entirely different teams at the start of both halves.
New signing John Lundstram made his first start since arriving from Sheffield United and Ryan Kent was also involved after injury in a game which saw the majority of the first team given a run-out.
But Mellon saw enough to believe the Ibrox side will be a stronger force as well as having a renewed appetite to defend their league trophy.
He said: “ Rangers will be a force again. They will drive on again and I’m sure it will be a keenly fought battle between the big two again.
“Rangers will be more experienced this season and they will be hungry again to get some more of what they enjoyed last season.
“That’s what happens to good players, they get greedy and they want more.
“They are driven by a top manager and a huge fan base which will drive them on.
“They will now get a reaction from the other side of the city from Celtic so it should be a keenly contested battle.”
Mellon also believes the capture of Lundstram could prove a significant piece of business by Rangers.
He said: “He’s a quality player and anyone who plays in the English Premier League is going to head up to Scotland and be able to handle playing for either of the big two.”
Kieran Morris struck a brilliant winner seconds before the interval to claim the spoils for Tranmere.
Mellon said: “A win is a win but it’s very early for us in pre-season. I knew it was going to be a tough shift against a quality Rangers side who would change. They had top players in both halves.”
