Rangers Flying full back Rachel McLauchlan has impressed since joining from Glasgow City. Signed at the end of her contract the pacey full back has been a vital part of the side every since. She was a key component of the invincible Womens side back in the 2021/22 season and has overcome injury to once again become a key player in this campaign.
Due to her attacking capabilities, pace and strength on the ball, she is capable of playing further forward and has played as a winger previously. But with Rachel on the right and Nicola Docherty on the left, Rangers have two attacking full backs which drive the side on.
Rachel will be vital come Saturdays huge top of the table Old Firm clash with Celtic and Rangers will look to her to provide the ammunition to get the goals needed.
I caught up with Rachel this week to see how the team are shaping up ahead of Saturday’s crunch match:
Hi Rachel!, looking back on the draw with Glasgow City last Sunday, what has the reaction been like in the group & what do you think of the performance?
‘Yeah I think overall it was a good performance and we should take confidence from it going forward. We knew it was always going to be a hard game going into it, especially at Petershill and against a strong City team. I think we just need to take confidence from that and I think coming in the girls are working hard from that and all eyes are now on Celtic on Saturday’
Given how close this league is and that we went behind, it’s away from home, is a point actually a decent result all things considered?
‘Yeah I think we have got to take the positives and that’s certainly one of them. The way the league is it’s getting stronger and I think it’s quite clear to see that, other teams are stepping up and trying to take points off you so every week you know you are in a game. These are important games but in all seriousness I think every game is going to be just as important’
So looking forward to Celtic on Saturday, under the lights, hopefully a big crowd, how much are you looking forward to it?
‘I can’t wait! I think it’s the games you get really excited for, especially having a Rangers jersey on. It would be really helpful to have a big crowd there cheering us on and hopefully help us win that game’
How has preparation been this week in the build up and are you excited for the fixture giving you a great chance to get back to winning ways?
‘Absolutely! We go out and we want to win every game, 100% we want to get back to that on Saturday and we have to focus. This week has been really good with training and I think individually and as a team we are ready to go!
What do you say to Old Firm debutants and do you guide them in preparation for this one?
‘I think to enjoy the moment. Yes we need to play good football and win, yes Celtic will be a tough team to break down but I think enjoy it, stay in it and do what we normally do. I think if we do that then you will enjoy the game naturally and that’s definitely a big thing’
In terms of your own performance this season, how much are you enjoying things?
‘Obviously a bit of a tough one at the start of the season after coming back from a quad injury. I’m just enjoying being back on the pitch with the girls at the moment, training hard and trying to get back up to the standard I think I can get up too.
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Rangers will host the first Old Firm derby of the Scottish Women’s Premier League at Broadwood Stadium, Saturday November 26 – Kick-off is at 5.15pm.
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Four Lads Had A Dream 