THE reality of Bellslea Park is some way from the dream at Hampden but David Bates is confident Rangers won’t be in for a Scottish Cup nightmare against their Highland League hosts.
Graeme Murty’s side face Fraserburgh in the fourth round of the competition tonight as they look to record a third successive win since returning to action after the Premiership shutdown.
It will be a tricky trip to the North East for the Light Blues but defender Bates knows it is a tough test that must be passed with flying colours.
He said: "Some of the boys who have come up through the leagues with Rangers and myself, who's been at Raith Rovers, I've been to some of these grounds with the small changing rooms and the tight pitches so I know what it's going to be like.
“It will be new for some boys who have just come to the club, but we need to be right at it and get that out of your head and just play football.
"When I was on loan at Brechin City we played Albion Rovers. The changing rooms are tight and we went in the showers that day and the showers were running just and no more - we were trying to get some water to come out of it!
"Some people roll their eyes at it but being at a club like Rangers means you can't do that at all. It's a must win game for us, we need to do well in this competition and do as well as we can as the gaffer has already told us.
"Us or Fraserburgh have got Ayr United away in the next round and that's also another tough one to go to. It will be hard. But you need to play these smaller teams if you want to win it."
Bates has played his part in the wins over Aberdeen and Ross County in recent days as he has once again made the most of his chance to impress for the Gers.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from clubs south of the border but he is in no rush to head for the Ibrox exit door at the end of his deal this summer.
Bates said: "I am just concentrating on my football and enjoying it. I have played the last two games and got a few starts before the winter break too and came on in the Celtic game.
“So I am just enjoying myself. I will let things like that take care of themselves. If I am playing well and playing every week, they will do.
"I have always said I want to play for Rangers and when I go out there I give 100 per cent every week, so I would love to be here."
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