Source: Team_Talk
Beattie: I'll be a hit for Rangers
James Beattie expects to link up well with Kenny Miller after Rangers beat Kilmarnock on his debut for the Gers.[LNB] He was thrown straight into Rangers' SPL opener against Kilmarnock on Saturday just 24 hours after sealing his move from Stoke.[LNB]Lack of match sharpness was clearly a problem for the 32-year-old, who had been used sparingly for the English club following an altercation with boss Tony Pulis last December.[LNB]But, after playing 80 minutes alongside Miller, Beattie insisted they can form a formidable pairing for the Scottish champions.[LNB]He said: "I've known Kenny for a while. He's good friends with Joleon Lescott, who I'm good friends with.[LNB]"I've watched him from time to time and I know he's a great player. I'm looking forward to playing up front with him, even though it was a bit earlier than I expected to play.[LNB]"If you put two good players together, it's going to be a good partnership. I'm confident that I'll score goals wherever I play. It doesn't matter where it is."[LNB]Boss Walter Smith turned to Beattie to bolster his depleted squad after Steven Davis returned from international duty with a virus and the striker was more than happy to answer the SOS.[LNB]Beattie added: "I found out I was playing about two hours beforehand. I didn't even know that Davo was ill.[LNB]"But I gathered something was happening when the manager pulled me into the office because I knew I hadn't been here long enough to do anything wrong![LNB]"Even before he started talking, I was going to say I would love to play.[LNB]"I've done the whole pre-season and I've not missed any days. But I haven't played - or been allowed to play - games against decent opposition.[LNB]"I'll work hard this week and do some stuff. I'm sure the fitness coaches have got something lined up for me this week, which I'm more than happy to do.[LNB]"You get your match sharpness from the games and hopefully I'll be able to retain my place and play on Sunday."[LNB]Goals from Miller and Steven Naismith sealed the win, despite Jamie Hamill pulling a goal back from the penalty spot for Kilmarnock.[LNB]Beattie said: "We got the goal in the first half and then maybe took our foot off the pedal, which is something I think the gaffer wants to address and stamp out of our performances.[LNB]"Likewise, we came out quite strongly in the second half and got the goal and then allowed the opposition to get back in straight away."
