RANGERS legend Sandy Jardine has backed the Ibrox newco club to be back in the groove when they face Falkirk on August 14/15 in their Ramsdens Cup second round clash.

The Light Blues were taken to extra-time by Brechin on Sunday with Lee McCulloch's header helping them scrape into the second round via a 2-1 victory.

With Gers having been defeated by Steven Pressley's side in the Scottish Communities Cup last season, Jardine has warned that he views the battle with the Bairns as the toughest draw in the hat for his old side.

Jardine said: "I think if you look at the teams in the draw that is the hardest one we could have got. What you've got to remember is that Falkirk beat us last year when we had our supposedly better players. So it will be a very hard game for us indeed but the big thing for us is that we are back playing.

"For the last three months it's been absolutely terrible. We've been pre-season training but not allowed to play games. So to get back playing was so important for the supporters, the players and the management and now we've got a really attractive game against Falkirk.

"They are a good side and they play a lot of good football. They've matured a bit while we've lost a few players but we've still got a good team and Ally is hoping to add to it."

Ibrox boss Ally McCoist admitted after the final whistle at Glebe Park that his side is badly in need of games and is taking a squad to meet Ayrshire Junior side Beith at Bellsdale Park tonight (7pm).

Jardine has backed McCoist's decision to go in search of extra game time.

He told the Rangers website: "It was very noticeable on Sunday that we lacked games. Normally in pre-season you want to get around six games under your belt before you start competitive matches. We've not been able to do that because of the problems with the SFA so you could see the boys were a bit rusty.

"When we play East Fife in seven days we will be better prepared and against Falkirk the players should be in their stride."

RAMSDENS CUP. Second round (South/West): Annan v Stenhousemuir, Queen's Park v Partick Thistle, Morton v Queen of the South East Stirling v Airdrie United.

North/East: Cowdenbeath v East Fife, Raith Rovers v Montrose, Arbroath v Forfar, Falkirk v Rangers.

Ties to be played on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 14 and 15.