Whittaker looking ahead to new season

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Ready And Waiting

STEVEN WHITTAKER still has three weeks to wait until he returns to training but admits he can't wait to start preparing for Rangers' title defence.

 

Had the Light Blues lost the SPL title race, they'd have been poised to come back to Murray Park in the next few days to start their pre-season.

 

As it is, becoming champions again means they've got an extended holiday to enjoy thanks to the fact they don't have to play Champions League qualifiers.

 

It's a much-needed break after the exertions of the 2007/08 campaign, when Gers played 68 competitive games at home and abroad.

 

While the squad was clearly fatigued after a short holiday last summer, Whittaker is already brimming with enthusiasm about the new term after a similar length of break.

 

Of course, he finished the recent campaign strongly and made a big impression in Walter Smith's side in the last three months.

 

Now the former Hibernian star is eager to build on the progress he made when he and his Ibrox team-mates return to action.

 

Whittaker said: "I can't wait for the new season to get started and although we've not been off for long, I'm already looking forward to it.

 

"I had a good run in the team at the end of last season and I didn't really want that to end. When you are in the team, playing well and getting wins there is nothing better.

 

"After missing a lot of the year through injury I was ready to keep going but I'm definitely looking forward to it all starting again. The Falkirk game on the opening day will be a good test.

 

"Like every player, I want to find a level of consistency in my performances and stay in the team. That is my main objective.

 

"I felt that I was playing with a lot more confidence towards the end of the season and it helps when the team is getting results.

 

"I think I was back to my best and hopefully I and the rest of the boys can get off to a flyer against Falkirk and kick on from there."

 

Whittaker knows a good start is vital and is hopeful of getting it against a Bairns team that looks set to have Eddie May as its new manager.

 

At the same time, he appreciates the incoming coach will give Gers' Scottish Cup final opponents a boost and they'll be a tricky proposition.

 

The full-back added: "Falkirk will give us a tough game for us to start the new campaign and it is not a certain three points.

 

"With that said, it's a home fixture and that's always a boost for us. The key is that we approach the game in the correct manner and I have no doubt we will do that.

 

"Winning the league in May has meant that we have a longer rest period this summer which I am sure will help all the players."

 

Does this quote mean Celtic's holidays are already coming to an end? :spl:

 

Had the Light Blues lost the SPL title race, they'd have been poised to come back to Murray Park in the next few days to start their pre-season.