Glasgow Rangers have agreed to send their first team squad to Stark's Park on Saturday, July 26 — seven days before Raith kick-off the new campaign against Ayr United.

Rovers have been trying to fix up a match on that date since the draw for the Bell's Cup first round gave the Kirkcaldy side a bye.

Despite the gulf in standard, manager John McGlynn believes the match against Walter Smith's side will give the club the perfect lift ahead of a tricky opening away fixture.

"There's no doubt that Rangers are a mile ahead of Raith Rovers and we could be doing a lot of chasing the ball," McGlynn said.

"It could be a fitness exercise more than anything, but obviously we'll be trying our best. I'd rather player Rangers than a junior team, which is what we might have ended up with due to the lack of teams available to play.

"Had that been the case we'd not have given ourselves a proper test ahead of going down to Ayr United, a team with big expectations.

"We wanted a test and we couldn't get a harder one than against he UEFA Cup runners-up. All things considered, it's the better of the two options we may have had."

The indication from Ibrox is that Rangers will be sending a first team squad, which could see the return of ex-Raith striker Nacho Novo to Stark's Park.

"Walter Smith will pick his team to come here and no matter who it is, it will be a strong team," McGlynn said. "Every player is a good player at Rangers and it's great that they are coming here and giving us a game.

"We now have three SPL clubs at Stark's Park this preseason and hopefully they'll all be entertaining games for the fans.

"We're hoping good numbers turn up, which will help financially, but at the same time they will be really good tests.

"I don't know any of the players who wouldn't want to play against Hibs, Dundee United and Rangers. They are great games to test yourself and get your fitness levels up.

"The fans don't always get an opportunity these days to see teams like Rangers coming to Stark's Park and equally the players don't often get a chance to play against them."

Rovers first week of preseason training saw the full-time players take part in 11 sessions, however veteran Andy Tod has yet to be involved due to an achilles concern.

"It looks like it's not going to be short term," McGlynn said. "He's not done any training. It's something that is wear and tear over a number of years. It could take a few weeks to get to the bottom of it."

Defender, and club captain of the last two years, Todd Lumsden, is training on his own to rebuild his strength following a bout of food poisoning.

There are also one or two unfamiliar faces at training as McGlynn runs the rule over potential future signings. "People always recommend players," he said.

"Our budget is more or less gone but it doesn't stop you having a look because you never know what could crop up.

"Maybe early doors we could get a good draw in the CIS Cup and get a few bob in. It doesn't cost you anything to have a look.

"It doesn't mean we're going to do business now but it might be that we can do something in the future."