Derby County manager Steve McClaren believes that his side's 2-0 friendly win over Rangers was ideal preparation for the season ahead.
The former England boss declared that the Scottish Championship outfit gave his team the stern test that they were looking for.
"Sometimes pre-season games can be frustrating because you're going through the motions, but this was a real test and a game with an edge to it," Sky Sports News quotes McClaren as saying.
"That is what we wanted, and what an atmosphere. The Rangers fans came down here in their numbers and gave their team some fantastic vocal support.
"I think that made it feel like a proper game. It was like a derby atmosphere. The first half was like a boxing match where two opponents were stood in the middle slugging it out. We said at half time we had to slug it out and knock the opponent down, or they will do it to you."
Derby kick off their Championship campaign at home to newly-promoted Rotherham United in seven days time.
Mark Langshaw
