Amari’i Bell felt the Rangers friendly was the perfect test for Rovers’ new-look shape they have been working on in pre-season.

Boss Tony Mowbray has stressed his desire to play more with the ball next season, but for long spells at Ibrox Rovers’ defensive shape was tested.

Bell says work on the team layout has been a key part of the close season and something the players are fully behind.

It was a first pre-season game for the 24-year-old who came through 60 minutes after missing the opening friendlies with illness and an ankle knock.

“The gaffer is wanting to play a bit differently this year so we have to get things bedded in early,” Bell said.

“There’s a lot of time to nail things down, but the boys are right behind him and trusting in it.

“We have a few more games coming up to test things out for when the season starts.

“We came here knowing it was a good test and we’d need to get our shape right and try and wear them down.

“They are a bit ahead of us, sharper, and more aware of things.

“I thought we did well though to come away with a draw.”

Rovers trailed at the break but responded with an improved second half showing to maintain their unbeaten pre-season record.

Bell felt there were positives to take from the game against a Rangers side who are in the midst of their Europa League qualification campaign.

“Second half we showed positive signs,” the full back added.

“We have to keep working on what we want to do, on our shape and also defensively.

“It’s a long season and if we can work on things know then hopefully we can go well.”

Left back has been something of a problem position for Rovers in pre-season, with Bell and Derrick Williams both struggling for fitness.

That has allowed Sam Hart, who has spent much of the last two seasons out on loan, to get plenty of minutes under his belt, while summer signing Stewart Downing also played part of the Rangers game in that role.

On a welcome return to action, Bell said: “It was a good to finally get some minutes.

“Over the last few weeks I’ve been a bit unfortunate but it felt good and I can’t wait for the next one.”