FORMER Scotland internationalist Amy McDonald has been appointed the new head coach of the Rangers women's team.
The highly regarded 31-year-old, who is an A Licence holder, met the players at Ibrox on Tuesday evening before taking her first training session at nearby New Tinto Park.
Rangers officially announced her appointment yesterday.
“My first aim is containment of expectation because it is a really young squad,” said McDonald, who won 32 caps in central defence and midfield.
“We need to recruit to strengthen – hopefully that will take place, if not now then in the summer break.
“If we can finish top five that would be an achievement this season – but it is really just a building block for next season and being able to figure out how hard we can push.
“Next season our expectations will be entirely different and we will expect to compete.”
McDonald has a tough job on her hands as the team has been without a head coach for six months. Her predecessor, Kevin Murphy, handed in his notice at the end of October after being appointed technical director of the Manchester City women's academy.
Two interim head coaches were appointed in January, but by that time most of the best players in Scotland were tied down to other clubs.
Rangers have taken just three points from their opening four SWPL1 games and were beaten 5-0 by Hibernian in the second round of the League Cup.
They are away to newly promoted Hamilton Accies on Sunday and then are at home to Glasgow City.
McDonald was head of youth at the 10-time Scottish champions, but left the club last week. She is also Scotland Under-15 assistant coach.
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