Source: Team_Talk
Weir geared up for early opener
Veteran defender David Weir is determined to hit the ground running when Rangers begin their title defence this weekend.[LNB] The Glasgow giants open the new Scottish Premier League season when they host Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday lunchtime.[LNB]The July 23 date is the earliest start to an SPL season but with a Champions League qualifier to play three days later, Rangers needed to be up to speed quickly anyway.[LNB]Captain Weir, 41, said: "I have never started as early as this.[LNB]"I think the short break means you get a short pre-season and you have to get up and running quickly.[LNB]"There are some really important games really early in the season.[LNB]"There is no settling-in period but you quickly realise that is the case at Rangers and these are the circumstances you work under.[LNB]"We are all used to it and we all realise the significance and importance of it. We have got to do a job.[LNB]"It is a massive weekend but every game is massive at Rangers, you soon realise that."[LNB]Rangers wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 2-0 win at npower Championship side Blackpool last night.[LNB]Midfielder Steven Davis underlined his value to the club on the day he signed a new five-year contract with both goals late in the first half.[LNB]Rangers dominated possession in a game of low intensity at Bloomfield Road but the hosts were playing their first game since relegation from the Barclays Premier League and losing talisman Charlie Adam.[LNB]Weir added: "It is about peaking at the right time.[LNB]"We have had a couple of disappointing results earlier in the pre-season campaign but the closer you get to kick-off you want to be firing on all cylinders.[LNB]"I thought we were a lot better last night.[LNB]"I think we can kick on, get up and running and hopefully get points on the board quickly.[LNB]"We are starting a league campaign against Hearts, which is always a tough game and we will have to be in our stride straight away.[LNB]"But this will help us. I thought we were closer to where we want to be."[LNB]Davis' decision to pen a new deal gave the club a further lift after Steven Whittaker and Allan McGregor committed their futures to the club earlier in the summer.[LNB]Even though Spaniard Juan Manuel Ortiz has been the only new addition since last season, Weir feels this is a clear indicator of the club's magnetism.[LNB]Weir, who himself signed for an additional year, said: "They're lads that have been a big part of the success we have had over the last few seasons.[LNB]"It says a lot about Rangers. I don't think we are surprised.[LNB]"There is definitely a spirit within the place. People enjoy being here and working here, and obviously we have had a level of success.[LNB]"If you are enjoying your work and you're successful - there are not many places like that."
