Glasgow Rangers will play a friendly against Uzbekistan champions Lokomotiv Tashkent next week as part of their Dubai training camp.
The Scottish side, managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, take on the Uzbek club at The Sevens Stadium on Saturday, January 11 at 3pm.
The match has been arranged in partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and Its Just Football. The Rangers squad will fly back to Glasgow the following day to continue preparations for the resumption of the Scottish Premiership.
“We are looking forward to the game against Lokomotiv Tashkent at the end of our warm-weather training camp in Dubai,” Gerrard said.
“The match will be an important part of our preparations for the second half of the season and we expect it to be a competitive friendly and a good test for our squad.”
Currently second in the table, Rangers defeated league leaders Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park last week to cut the gap at the top of the standings to two points. Seeking a first top-flight title in nine years, they have a game in hand over their city rivals.
Coincidentally, both clubs will travel to Dubai in the coming days for a warm-weather break and will use the same training facility – the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex. Celtic have become regular visitors to the emirate at this time of year, while Rangers will be making their first trip with Gerrard in charge.
There will be an opportunity for UAE-based fans of both clubs to meet their teams, with Gerrard headlining a Rangers FC Brunch event alongside assistant Gary McAllister and a selection of first-team players on Friday January 10, at the V Hotel.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon, meanwhile, and members of his team will appear a supporters’ event at McGettigans DWTC this coming Monday.
The Scottish Premiership returns to action on January 22, with Celtic away to Kilmarnock and Rangers at home to St Mirren. The two Glasgow sides do not meet again in the league until March 15, with the Old Firm clash at Ibrox Stadium.
Lokomotiv, winners of the Uzbek Super League for the past three seasons, should provide Rangers a stern test. The Tashkent club boast 11 full internationals in their side, and are regular competitors in the Asian Champions League.
“It’s a huge honour to lead our team to play a club with such great success and history as Rangers Football Club,” said Andrey Federov, the Lokomotiv head coach. “It’s an exciting moment for our supporters and the Uzbekistan football community.”
Tickets for both the Rangers Brunch & the friendly match can be found at www.800Tickets.com
