Ally McCoist, the manager of Rangers, admits the return of Lewis Macleod from injury was like acquiring a new signing after the midfielder inspired the Ibrox side to a 1-0 win over Ottawa Fury in Canada.

Macleod had to stop playing in January after he was laid low by an illness that affected the muscles around his heart. But the 20-year-old midfielder proved he is back to full fitness in this friendly match, and his skilful play took out two Ottawa players before he set up Nicky Law to curl home the only goal of the game.

McCoist told the club's official website: "His confidence is rising and it's like having a new player in many ways. Lewis has had a seriously tough time of it this year with the medical condition he had. That was very, very difficult for him and seeing the boys coming in to train each day, especially for a young lad, was soul destroying. Lewis handled the situation very well and he has come back looking very strong and he has worked hard in pre-season.

"Without wanting to put any pressure on him, if he plays anything like he did for the rest of the season the way he did against Ottawa, we'll be happy."

"I wouldn't like to start singling people out because we've had some good, solid performances from a lot of the boys but Lewis has been bright, as we expect him to be."