By David Melvin

NACHO Novo is relishing the prospect of facing the team that brought him to Scottish football when Rangers line up against Raith Rovers on Saturday.

The Spaniard enjoyed a year long spell in Kircaldy before switching to Dundee and on to Rangers. And he admits that he has fond memories of his first club in this country.

He said: "It will be nice to play Raith Rovers. I had a great time when I played there and the fans were fantastic with me.

"Even when I moved to Dundee they still received me well. And they were the club that gave me the chance to come to Scotland.

"I will never forget that so it will be a nice game to be involved in. It will give me some nice memories of my time there."

The Raith game presents another opportunity for Walter Smith's side to build on their fitness for the crucial Champions League qualifiers next week.

And Novo admits that a gruelling pre-season is just what the sqaud need to make sure they are sharp for the big kick off.

He added: "It has been a good pre season and we just need to kick on now for the start of the season.

"I am positive about the way things are going, the boys have enjoyed the training and now we are ready to go."

With Smith's choices in midfield restricted by the absence through injury of Barry Ferguson and DaMarcus Beasley, Novo has found himself employed wide on the right.

It is a role he admits wouldn't be his first choice, but one that he is enjoying adapting to for the benefit of the team.

He concluded: "My first choice would always be striker because I love to score goals, but there are other players who want to play there too.

"I just want to be out there so I will play wherever the Gaffer puts me and adapt my game to suit that position."