Linfield 1-4 Rangers. Ally McCoist, his first victory as manager.

And the day came, the first win for Super-Ally. Although it was against Linfield, wich we deeply respect and welcome for its 125 anniversary. Today, all goods news, the first goal of Juan Manuel Ortiz in the Gers and the brillant rise of Kane Hemmings.

The pre-season matches are used in many ways. In recent days, I look at summaries of matches played in Germany. And you can say many things about it. There are aspects in the functioning of the team to improve. While Ally was on the coaching staff of Walter Smith, has to take work time to reach achieve the targets. Unfortunately, the cycle will start early and having failed to incorporate the desired number of players. It is always better to have reinforcements available to prepare for the championship and not have to prepare the games with the league already started, there's more at stake. But precisely these drawbacks are always present. However much you try.

This may have been the main drawback of the pre-season. The market players are becoming more difficult, more competitive. It handles a lot of money and interest. Sometimes the sport aspect is relegated to a sum of money. We must be realistic and if you can not negotiate in absolute silence, do not let every day transcends a different name (which may be the defender Raul Rodriguez, who repatriated to Cuellar, who arrived Israel Hemed, or Dams are choosing between Gers and Leicester City, when, they knew it was going to English club, or for Conway, etc, etc.). I understand that often becomes a game newspaper, ending in a novel of vicissitudes and intricacies that often ends in incomplete transfers.

We all want to come back Carlos Cuellar and Kenny Miller. Both know the club and agreed stages super team. Cuellar me back to the UEFA Cup and Kenny all those goals that fill our eyes. However, one should not read into that one day come and the next not. The important thing is done. Ensure contracts for boys entering the last year and give them incentives not to rest on their laurels, as we say here. Rangers begin the defence of their championship title with a home game against Hearts next Saturday.

 Around 9,000 spectators turned up at Windsor Park, which was operating on a reduced capacity as Linfield celebrated the club’s 125th anniversary.

 

Spaniard Juan Manuel Ortiz put Rangers ahead after 20 minutes after latching on to Steven Naismith's pass before cutting inside and producing a good finish.

 

Linfield levelled on the counterattack in the 29th minute as Michael Carvill slotted past Gers goalkeeper Allan McGregor

 

Michael Carvill fired into the top corner for the equaliser but after the break Steven Naismith shot home the third after good work by David Healy.

 David Healy and Chris Casement of Linfield in action at Windsor Park

Local hero David Healy, whose stunning international record of 35 goals in 86 Northern Ireland appearances has never quite transmitted to the club stage, was a popular recipient of a starting jersey, his first of the pre-season campaign, and he played his part by providing the assist for Naismith’s strike.

Allan McGregor saved brilliantly from a Carvill header but the striker levelled in the 29th minute when the ball fell kindly for him.

Youngster Kane Hemmings then stepped off the bench to provide an assist for Nikica Jelavic (78) before scoring himself with six minutes remaining.