Rangers 1-2 Newcastle: Ibrox says goodbye to legend Allan McGregor as Harrison Ashby and Miguel Almiron net in Magpies win on Sandro Tonali’s debut

After 38 minutes of pre-season activity, play was interrupted when the PA announcer informed Ibrox that it was time to say goodbye to an icon.

Allan McGregor was embraced by his teammates in the center circle. He applauded the fans. As he walked to the sidelines, he took handshakes from Michael Beale and Eddie Howe.

Most important of all, he put his arm around Jack Butland and spoke a few words of encouragement into his successor’s ear. If you wanted a view of the changing of the guard, this was it.

A final farewell to McGregor. And the beginning of a new era. Butland knows he has some serious gloves to fill, but the opportunity is there to create his own Rangers story. Given his craft, it’s fitting that he’s determined to understand.

The handover moment summed up why there was a sell-out crowd at Ibrox, kicking off a short delay.

Supporters came to pay tribute to a hero from the recent past at McGregor’s testimonial night. An initial sighting of potential future heroes added even more allure.

Beale used five of his seven summer signings, with one – Sam Lammers – equalizing to overturn Miguel Almiron’s first-half goal. Youngster Harrison Ashby eventually won it for Newcastle with a header in the 88th minute.

Being the ultra-competitive character that he is, McGregor will no doubt be annoyed if he falls short during his time on the field. Having left Rangers when his contract expired at the end of last season, the 41-year-old has been training again in recent days to get back in shape.

However, he was not blamed. The small move that cut open Rangers was an exhibition of Newcastle’s bountiful quality. Financially, these two clubs are worlds apart.

However, Lammers made sure there was a spell when they weren’t separated on the scoreline. While the results of pre-season matches matter little – and only a fool judges players by their performance – a minor defeat to an opponent of this caliber won’t hurt the confidence of a much-changed Ibrox. team.

Beale’s least surprising selection came with the identity of Rangers starting goalkeeper. After 505 competitive appearances for Rangers, McGregor made one last stand for supporters who have adored him for the past two decades.

A banner behind his goal summed up the sentiment: ‘Forever no.1’. The gratitude was repeated. McGregor was never the most willing participant when put in front of a microphone, but he kept his message short and sweet when asked to address the crowd before the game.

“It’s also my evening to thank them all,” he said. “I am a very modest and humble man, so I thank everyone for coming.”

About 8,000 did so from Tyneside. Newcastle fans took over the entire Broomloan Road stand, adding noise and a touch of black and white craziness to an event that was far more crackling than a standard pre-season friendly.

It was mobbed around Ibrox long before kick-off, more in line with a Champions League night.

Rangers, of course, hope that a rematch in that arena is a possibility. With Newcastle already safely through the group stage, Beale’s side must go through two qualifying rounds next month to join them there.

Preparations are now in high gear. With further friendlies against Hamburg, Olympiakos and Hoffenheim on the horizon, this was an opportunity for Rangers to hone match fitness against top-class opponents.

Eddie Howe gave a Newcastle debut to new £52 million midfielder Sandro Tonali. Unsurprisingly, the ex-AC Milar star exuded quality.

Nothing overly flamboyant, more just an acute appreciation for space and impeccable technique.

Tonali was involved as Newcastle took the lead after 16 minutes. He was the linchpin for a one-two with Elliot Anderson, releasing the Scotland Under-21 cap into space for a through ball to Almiron. The Paraguayan coolly fired a low shot past McGregor and into the near post.

Rangers were pinned down right before she gave in. It was an opening half hour theme played almost entirely in their half. Newcastle’s class was evident.

The hosts eventually grabbed a gap at the other end as Lammers got the ball on his right foot with a spin before drawing a fairly easy save from Loris Karius. Kieran Dowell then dragged a shot wide, while Todd Cantwell did the same under pressure after being found by his former Norwich teammate.

Abdallah Sima, a Brighton mercenary, joined Lammers and Dowell to get a start. He was always a willing runner, but couldn’t take an opportunity comparable to his fellow newcomers.

After Butland replaced McGregor, Beale made two more changes at half-time. Mode Sakala and the returning Leon Balogun replaced Dowell and Ben Davies.

Howe made seven changes, including the introduction of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian would soon be caught by Lammers.

Frankly, he got into trouble because of a bad pass from substitute goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Lammers pressed flashily, took possession of the ball and found the net. After just two goals in Serie A last season, this was a good start in his new environment.

Ashby then gave Newcastle the win, but there was no doubt who was on the night. McGregor closed it with a victory lap.