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Rangers new era begins with familiar feeling as summer signings make first Ibrox impressions in friendly win Here’s how Rangers got on in their latest friendly match with Saint-Etienne A new Rangers era is upon us and for now it doesn’t look hugely different from the old one. Derek McInnes has arrived as manager alongside six new players but, nine days out from the start of the Premiership season, Rangers still look very much a work-in-progress. That’s not to say there weren’t some encouraging signs in this 2-1 friendly win over Saint-Etienne, Rangers’ first public appearance after several games behind closed doors. Lawrence Shankland got his first goal, an early penalty, while Ben Godfrey cut a composed figure at the back. Cammy Devlin bustled about with typical industry in the second half and was named man-of-the match before Thelo Aasgaard knocked in a second penalty late on to satisfy those supporters who had stayed until the end. That aside, though, it was typically flat pre-season fare. Rangers, lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, didn’t create a huge number of chances, while defensively they looked susceptible whenever Ian Cathro’s Saint-Etienne attacked them at pace. What happened during Rangers 2-1 Saint-Etienne? McInnes, who patrolled his technical area in suit and tie, will have one more opportunity to look over his team in a non-competitive setting against West Ham on Sunday before the real stuff gets underway away to Dundee United the following Friday. There will be plenty for McInnes to ponder between now and then. He won’t be in the dug-out at Tannadice having been handed a four-match ban – one suspended – earlier in the day for comments made towards the end of last season about a Celtic penalty award. Rangers have already said they will appeal it. McInnes was, of course, still the Hearts manager at that point but it is a period not recalled with any huge fondness by either his former club or his current one. This was Rangers’ first home outing since mid-May when they chalked up a fourth league defeat in a row, the first time for 43 years. So much has happened in the subsequent period that it feels distinctly longer than two months with former manager, Danny Rohl, and ex-captain, James Tavernier, having both since moved on. “You’re in a Bad Way,” a hit for the other Saint-Etienne, the indie band of 1990s lore, would have been the perfect soundtrack to Rangers’ woes last term. McInnes’ appointment and a glut of transfer activity have helped revive flagging spirits, even if as a team they are yet to fully gel. More signings are on the way, too, with midfielder Vanja Dragojevic’s arrival from Partizan Belgrade imminent. It is an extensive and expensive rebuild but, after the calamity of last season, few could argue that it isn’t necessary. Who scored for Rangers in friendly win? Enough new faces were on show to sate the curiosity of the 25,000-strong crowd casting eyes on them for the first time. Ivor Pandur, Ross McCrorie, Godfrey – who captained the team - Dan Neil and Shankland all played from the start, while Devlin appeared for the second half and attacked the mission with typical relish. Rangers made a positive start, even if it wasn’t to last. Mohamed Diomande, stationed wide on the right, was fouled in the box and Shankland rolled in the penalty for the first (uncompetitive) goal for his boyhood heroes. Shankland didn’t restrict himself to the penalty box in a busy display, often dropping deeper to become the link man with the midfield and even mopping up defensively as the occasion demanded. Saint-Etienne, the Ligue 2 side who once famously gifted Rangers the bicycle that sits in their trophy room, provided game opposition. Manny Fernandez, in particular, endured an awkward evening at the back. Pandur, making his debut following a £6m transfer from Hull City, would have enjoyed the warm applause that came his way following a smart save, although came close to undoing that good work by almost letting a ball dribble over his foot for what would have been the softest of concessions. Such is a goalkeeper’s lot. Pandur, though, could do little to prevent Saint-Etienne deservedly equalising late in the first half. Tuur Rommens and Findlay Curtis, who was quiet during his 45-minute stint, failed to deal with a bouncing ball, allowing Thierno Ballo to centre for Jakob Breum to score. Devlin’s arrival raised the energy levels but it was his former Tynecastle teammate, Shankland, who almost pulled off the spectacular with a shot from just inside the Saint-Etienne half that dipped just over. The striker had been substituted by the time Rangers won another penalty. Bojan Miovski was brought down by the goalkeeper and Aasgaard swept the ball home. Comments Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.