Rangers sit two points behind leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.
Michael Stewart has told BBC Sportsound that Rangers need to sign a player like Celtic magician Tom Rogic in the January transfer window.
Rangers have been poor of late, surrendering their place at the top of the Scottish Premiership to Old Firm rivals Celtic after suffering a 1-0 loss to Aberdeen and failing to beat Dundee on Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Celtic have continued their excellent recent form and sit two points ahead of the Gers at the top, with a game in hand. It places even more importance on the second Old Firm derby of the season on December 29.
Former Hibernian and Hearts midfielder Stewart believes Rangers need a playmaker that can open up a game, but questions how they would be able to afford such a player after announcing losses of £14.3million over the financial year.
“Rangers lost over £14million last year,” Stewart said. “So if you’re going to recruit, where’s the money coming from? There’s no doubt they have improved on the park, but off the park, it’s not great.
“Where can they improve? You look at the squad and it’s that Tom Rogic-type player is what Rangers are missing. Somebody that can change the game. But they don’t come cheap.”
Rogic struggled at the start of the season after representing Australia at the World Cup in Russia. But he has regained his form, and the £4million-rated (World Game) star is now one of the first names on the team sheet.
Both Rangers and Celtic are in action on Thursday night in the Europa League. Steven Gerrard’s men travel to Austria to take on Rapid Vienna, with a win required to qualify for the knockout stages.
Celtic, meanwhile, need to avoid defeat to qualify for the last 32, but they could still earn a place in the next round with a loss at home to RedBull Salzburg.
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