PARTICK THISTLE are set to welcome supporters back to Firhill after agreeing a pre-season clash with Premiership champions Rangers.

Steven Gerrard's side have seen their summer schedule redrawn following the cancellation of their trip to Portugal but Rangers have confirmed the visit of Arsenal to Ibrox on Saturday, July 17.

Their schedule will begin across Glasgow, however, and Jags boss Ian McCall is delighted to be able to host Gerrard and his star-studded side at Firhill next month.

“Listen, I hope our supporters recognise the amount of work that Gerry [Britton] is doing to try and get as many in as possible,” McCall told ptfc.co.uk.

“It is a fantastic game. I have spoken to Steven and Gary [McAllister] and it is Rangers’ full [team], all the heavy-hitters, all the new signings.

“It is just a shame as well… Hopefully we will have 1000 fans. I don’t know the number, really. We could have had the vast majority of the number of Rangers fans in here.

Glasgow Times:

“Although, on RangersTV they can see it and I am sure they will all want to see their team for the first time after they stopped ten-in-a-row, which was a big, big deal for Rangers.

“We have got a very good relationship with Rangers and, listen, it will be a great test of fitness for us because we will be chasing the ball for the vast majority of the game.

“But it is one to be really excited about and for the players to see some of these top, top players and play against them and hopefully in two or three years’, or even a year, who knows, that is where we will be.

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard

“I would love to think that we will get 2000 in. I think we will end up at that, but that is probably a wee bit optimistic for that game.

“The lucky ones that get in, it will be fantastic to see them in here. Our stream has been excellent over the season so people will be able to see it there as well.”