United v Rangers XI at Showgrounds
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Soccer fans are looking forward to the visit of a Rangers XI side for Thursday night's pre-season friendly with Ballymena United at the Showgrounds, writes David Scott.
Supporters hope some players involved with the Glasgow giants' famous UEFA Cup run earlier this year will appear in the friendly, sponsored by Clough Glasgow Rangers Supporters Club, against a new look Ballymena side.
The Rangers select team is managed by former Dundee United star Billy Kirkwood and includes players from the Rangers Under-19 league championship winning squad of 2007/08.
Norwegian wonderkid Thomas Kind Bendiksen is certain to be in the starting eleven.
He signed from Harstad in 2007 and is tipped to be Norway's next hottest star.
Many Rangers crazy supporters clubs from the town are providing sponsorship for the game.
Commenting on the fixture, Dessie Elder, Chairman of the Ballymena Legends Loyal G.R.S.C., said no matter who attends "it will be a momentous day for local Rangers fans."
"We will be sponsoring the match day programme and there is hope that some of those players who made an impact last season at Ibrox will be coming to the game," said Dessie.
“The first team are playing in Germany on the same date, but the vibe is that with such a large squad a lot of those players who made their debut during last seasons brilliant run will be making an appearance."
The Rangers first team are currently touring Germany in preparation for the Champions League Qualifier against little known Andorran side Santo Coloma or Lithuania's, FBK Kaunas.
Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty is expected to make his first appearance in a light blue shirt during the three match tour before the important second round tie at Ibrox on July, 29.
The Teddy Bears will also play a pre-season friendly against Liverpool on Saturday, 2 August.
