Wes Foderingham, the Rangers goalkeeper, believes they are ready to deal with the class of Premier League newcomers Burnley after storming through their Betfred Cup group.
The Ibrox club completed a clean sweep in Group F on Monday night, securing a fourth straight win and clean sheet with a 3-0 victory over Stranraer.
READ MORE: Joey Barton: It is a privilege to play in this 'exceptional' Rangers side
Foderingham had yet another quiet night as Mark Warburton's Rangers team continues to steadily improve ahead of the start of the Premiership season against Hamilton Academical a week on Saturday. First of all, though, they must contend with Burnley at Ibrox this weekend, and the man who is likely to line-up in goal against the Turf Moor club has no concerns that they will be overwhelmed by the challenge.
"We always expected to win the four games and we’ve done that. To keep four clean sheets is brilliant as well," said Foderingham.
READ MORE: Joey Barton: It is a privilege to play in this 'exceptional' Rangers side
"The Burnley game will be a step up in class but we feel we are ready for it now. We’ve had a few weeks of pre-season under our belts – it’s probably time to step things up and the Burnley game will be a good test.
"It always takes a while until you get to your optimum level. I know these games are competitive but with all due respect to the standard, until you get into the actual league campaign it can take a while.
"We’ve done everything right so far. We’d a great 10 days in America so we’re ready and are hoping to go into the campaign with a winning start and the right mentality.
READ MORE: Joey Barton: It is a privilege to play in this 'exceptional' Rangers side
"The Burnley game will be a step up in class so we’re looking forward to that.
"The quality is there for all to see in the games we’ve played.
"There’s fantastic ability plus experience which I think we lacked a little bit last season.
"We’ve added the right quality in the right areas. You could see the squad was a little bit light last season but now we have strength in depth. Anybody is ready to step in and do a job. It will be interesting – it will be a good challenge for us."
As well as Joey Barton, Rangers' other goalkeeper, Matt Gilks, will come up against his last club on Saturday after following Barton to Glasgow from Lancashire to Glasgow during the summer. It is an arrival that Foderingham welcomes.
He said: "On a personal level, it’s a step up for myself – I’m ready for the challenge and thoroughly looking forward to it.
"Matt’s been good to have in. he’s a lively character as I’m sure you’ve heard. He’s brilliant around the building and he trains really hard. That’s important as well because you need a group that all train really hard to help the development side.
"He’s coming in and expecting to play as well. I’m expecting to play and we’re both going to work as hard as we can. We’ve done everything asked of us in pre-season. It’s going to be a good challenge and, like I say, I’m looking forward to it."
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