Blackpool striker Kevin Phillips refused to be downhearted after his side lost 2-0 at home to Rangers in their first pre-season outing.
Fresh from signing a new five-year contract earlier in the day, Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis struck twice late in the first half of a tame friendly at Bloomfield Road.
Ally McCoist's men, who begin their title defence against Hearts on Saturday, were clearly much sharper than a Blackpool side playing for the first time since their heartbreaking relegation from the Premier League.
Phillips, one of a number of new recruits making their debuts, said: "It's never easy when you play your first pre-season game, especially when you're playing the Scottish champions and their season starts this weekend.
"But we'll get there and we're pleased with parts of the performance - we're disappointed to concede two sloppy goals, but they had that extra pace and movement and sharpness because they've played six or seven games.
"As a group we're not too concerned, on a personal note I think I had a few good touches here and there, but it's only my eighth day back in training because I missed the first week - but it was a good workout."