NEW Rangers star Nicky Law has tipped midfield comrade Lewis Macleod to become a mainstay of the Light Blues' title challenge this term.

Macleod has enjoyed a superb pre-season campaign so far, netting a brace in the 2-0 win over Brora and then firing Ally McCoist's side to a 1-0 win over Bristol City.

The youngster emerged as one of the Gers' brightest young talents in a stunning debut season last time out, with even a lengthy injury lay-off not enough to deprive him of the club's Young Player of the Year gong.

With the likes of Law, Ian Black and Arnold Peralta for competition, Macleod has a fight for a starting place on, but the former Motherwell man is sure he has what it takes.

Law said: "I have been very impressed. The manager spoke very highly of Lewis when I spoke to him about coming here and the lads really rate him as well.

"I've only been here for three weeks but you can see what a really, really good footballer he is. He is very clever and when he gets the ball he looks like he has 10 minutes of time on it because he is so relaxed.

"He also has three goals already so he will be delighted and that is something the manager wants.

"He wants more goals from midfield this season and there is great competition all over the field for places.

"People know they have to play well to stay in the team as you would expect at a club of this size.

"But I think there are a lot of good things for our fans to look forward to."

With three wins from three this summer, it has been a productive pre-season for Ally McCoist's side thus far as they build-up to their curtain-raiser against Albion Rovers at the end of the month.

The Gers jetted out to Germany following their Ashton Gate victory on Saturday and will face FC Gutersloh on Wednesday and FC Emmen at the weekend as they continue their preparations for the big kick-off.

Law said: "We had a really good week up in the Highlands and we played in two games and won them both.

"We now have another two in Germany and hopefully we can maintain our 100 per cent record and keep this little run that we have going.

"It is only pre-season but if we can get a run going early on, as I say, there is a lot to look forward to with our first competitive game in two weeks' time."

Meanwhile, Peralta took part in his first full training session yesterday and then revealed how proud he is to join the club.

The 24-year-old midfielder said: "I am really happy to be here in Germany and to now be a Rangers player.

"This is a big opportunity for me so I was delighted to meet all the players, the manager and coaches yesterday."