IF Gary McAllister needed any reminder about where Rangers were and where they are heading, he will get it at Bayview tomorrow.

It is almost five years since McAllister made the trip to Fife and saw the Light Blues grind out a 1-0 victory on their way to the League One title.

Lee McCulloch netted the only goal of the game with a last-minute penalty as Rangers took a small step back towards the top flight.

This time, the aim is different for the Gers as Steven Gerrard’s side bid for a victory to, they hope, set them off on the road to Betfred Cup glory.

But McAllister knows they can’t afford to take anything for granted against Darren Young’s side.

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He said: “I was there the last time Rangers were there, working for BT Sport, in a wee cabin. Think McCulloch scored late but it was a tight match. It was quite bizarre.

“I think it’s changed a bit now, I’ve noticed a brick wall around the ground now. Maybe it was cash-efficient the last time because we played them twice. The surface was grass then, whereas it’s now back to our favourite!

“The facts are that they’ll raise their game, Youngy will have them organised and fighting and if we go there thinking it’s a matter of just turning up you can get found out.

“So we go there with the same preparations. The way we prepared for the European matches and the two opening league games will be on the training ground in the next couple of days because we want a good run in this competition. There’s an early final, and we want to get as far as we can on all fronts.

“That season of working with BT when Rangers were in that division was bizarre. I was at Stenhousemuir, I was at Brechin and it was so strange to see the famous Rangers turning up at those places.

“But that was the position they were in, they had to go there. They’ve fought long and hard to get back to where they are now, it’s been a big, big job. It was bizarre but the fans were still there and they’re here in great numbers still.”

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Rangers’ focus has been on the Europa League and Premiership so far this season but the Betfred Cup is a competition that is high up on their list of priorities.

Victory over Midtjylland on Thursday night saw Rangers progress to the play-off round and Legia Warsaw now lie in wait over the next fortnight.

McAllister said: “Confidence grows with momentum. Winning games helps team spirit as opposed to the days when it came from everyone going out for a meal and enjoying themselves.

“It’s a good place, everyone is positive and there’s healthy competition. The fight is on for places and when you’ve got the jersey you’ve got to keep it. The beauty is we’re in four competitions and Europe is vital to that so there’s plenty game for players and we need the 24/25 players.”

The latest addition to that squad could be handed his Light Blues bow in Methil as Andy King looks to hit the ground running this term. King has agreed a loan move to Ibrox and McAllister is eager to see him in action.

He said: “As an ex-Leicester City man, Andy is someone I’ve watched while working with TV. He’s someone who always caught my eye because he can get in the box beyond strikers and get a goal.

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“His game has adapted a bit as he’s got older and sometimes he’s the deeper midfielder but he’s got great experience with 50 caps for Wales.

“I always hear managers and players talking about being winners and he’s a genuine winner. People say they’re winners and have never won anything but he’s been there and got over the line when people said you can’t keep it going.

“He’s been a bit unlucky with injuries but if you look at his make-up he is a fit lad and his lack of games won’t be a problem.

“There will be changes for East Fife and it’s a chance for players to get a good result and keep this momentum going.”