CARLOS BOCANEGRA is pleased to see Rangers back in the top flight of Scottish football and ready for a Premiership challenge under boss Mark Warburton.

The American spent two years on the Light Blues’ books and was part of the side that started out on ‘The Journey’ in the Third Division before he joined Racing Santander on loan.

He is now part of the backroom staff at Atlanta United and was at the MUSC Health Stadium on Wednesday night to see his former club face Charleston Battery in pre-season action.

It was the end of a useful ten days in South Carolina for Rangers as boss Warburton stepped up his preparations for the new campaign and saw his side emerge 2-1 winners thanks to goals from Josh Windass and Harry Forrester.

Bocanegra said: “I have taken this new role with Atlanta United as Technical Director and I’m really excited about it. The Battery are one of our affiliate teams.

“The MLS is really expanding and growing and it’s good to be involved in a new venture like this.

“I’m so pleased to see Rangers back in the Premiership after four years.

“It’s a great club and I loved my time there. It was terrible what happened but the club is back now and that’s so good for everyone connected with the club.

“There are only a few guys I know from my time – Davie Weir, of course, and Barrie McKay who was breaking in.

“But I also know Kenny Miller, of course, who is a very important guy because he has so much experience.

“I am excited about Mark as a coach. I have heard a lot of good things about him so here’s hoping he does a good job in the new season.

“Of course Davie is with him and he is someone with a rich sense of Rangers’ history so that’s a great thing.

“I had a fantastic time when I was with Rangers and it was so disappointing when things went bad. So it’s great to see them back where they belong.”