GARY MCALLISTER is pleased to see Kilmarnock replacing their ‘tired’ plastic pitch at Rugby Park this summer.

Rangers will kick-off the new campaign at the same venue where they lost on the final day of last term.

The Light Blues have been critical of the Ayrshire surface for some time and McAllister hopes the new park will be a noticeable upgrade.

He said: “I am looking forward to it. I think Killie are going to replace the pitch and that is obviously something that has been a problem when we have been there in the past.

“I am led to believe they are putting a new pitch down. We certainly know Kilmarnock, we played them enough times last season.

“It is always exciting and you are full of anticipation for the fixtures. We just treat every game the same. It is the start of the season and we will go there excited.

“The Killie pitch has been there for a long while and it had served its time so it needed a change. You look at Hamilton and Livingston and they are definitely better.

“Not that I am saying that Astroturf pitches are good, but the levels of Hamilton and Livingston are different to the one at Killie. That one is tired and needed replacing.”

The trip to Rugby Park will be the first league game in charge for new boss Angelo Alessio after he succeeded Steve Clarke this week.

Killie finished third in the Premiership last term and Ibrox assistant manager McAllister expects another tough challenge.

He said: “It is an interesting appointment and I am semi-surprised but he is someone that we are aware of and the tactical awareness will be there. He has worked with some good clubs and some great people over the years.

“I would be surprised if Killie look to try and change much. They have done well over the seasons under Stevie Clarke so I would be surprised if we see any massive tactical change there.”