Rangers’ Pedro Caixinha should resist temptation to re-sign Norwich City’s Steven Naismith

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Steven Naismith has endured a miserable 18 months at Norwich City – so maybe Rangers should turn their attentions elsewhere.

If only Rangers fans could go back to the days where Steven Naismith was pulling strings in the final third and the Glasgow giants were lifting three successive Scottish Premiership titles.

However, it just so happens that supporters’ nostalgia could pave the way for one of the summer’s most intriguing moves. The Express reports that Norwich City will release the experienced Scot in the summer despite having two seasons remaining on his current deal – and it appears Naismith is open to the prospect of a return to Ibrox five years after he jumped ship following their liquidation.

Although the question is whether an emotional homecoming would be inspired by sense or sentiment. Naismith may be one of the most decorated players in the club’s recent history, winning six trophies in five years at Ibrox, but it’s fair to say the last few years have not been kind to the diminutive forward.

He was one of the first names on the team-sheet during Roberto Martinez’s reign as Everton manager, his vision and brains making him an excellent foil for the pace and brawns of Romelu Lukaku.

Canaries’ wings clips

However, since the club’s switch to a more direct style of play forced him out to Norwich City in January 2016, the £8.5 million attacker is yet to rediscover the form of his early Goodison Park heyday (The Express).

Naismith failed to prevent the Canaries plummeting into the Championship and, in total, he’s netted just six goals in 42 games for the Anglian club.

At the age of 30, Naismith’s best days are quite clearly behind him. And the major criticism of precious manager Mark Warburton’s transfer policy at Rangers was his insistence on giving ageing stars, a la Joey Barton, Philippe Senderos and Niko Kranjcar, one last stab at the big time.

Therefore, Pedro Caixinha should make young, hungry players his priority. And the fact that Norwich were willing to let Naismith leave on a free 18 months after signing him for £8.5 million speaks volumes.