PEDRO CAIXINHA is pleased with the progress that Rangers are making ahead of their first competitive outing next week.

The Light Blues were put through their paces for the second time this summer as they were held to a 1-1 draw by The New Saints on Monday.

Caixinha handed starts to Fabio Cardoso, Ryan Jack and Dalcio at Auchenhowie, while striker Alfredo Morelos was given his debut just hours after he completed a move from HJK Helsinki.

The Gers kicked off their pre-season schedule with a victory over Coleraine last week and now the countdown is on to their Europa League clash with Progres Niederkorn at Ibrox on June 29.

“I’m really happy with the work of the boys and they are getting the process,” Caixinha told RangersTV.

“They know what they are doing on the pitch, not only as one line, but a combination of two lines – the whole team, so I am very happy with that.

“I can describe the game as us having a great start. We got into the game with a desire to do the things in order to win and the way we want to perform. So I am very happy with that.

“At some points we could have held the ball and had more control of the ball, so the opponent came and we let them in to the game.

“There were also some easy mistakes we should not commit, but overall I am happy and enthusiastic with the way everyone is doing their job. Everyone is pulling in the right direction, especially with regards to the process.

“We cannot forget we are early in our preparations. TNS for example have had two more weeks than us, and I didn’t see the difference. It’s not only about the physicality, but the process we want.

“The other good thing is I believe the majority of the teams we are facing will have this defensive attitude, this lower block, so we need to try to get solutions to face these problems and try to get wins under these conditions.”