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Rangers signing Declan John permanently looking like masterstroke

Declan John of Rangers has a fine header pushed away by the Motherwell keeper during the Betfred Cup Semi Final at Hampden Park on October 22, 2017...
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Glasgow Rangers completed their permanent deal for Declan John in December, and the defender has been a revelation at Ibrox.

Rangers imanager Graeme Murty is seen during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen at Ibrox Stadium on January 24, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.

With January almost a fortnight in the past, Rangers fans are still able to reflect on the most recent transfer window positively, with all of the Gers’ recruits making notable contributions to Graeme Murty’s side already.

But it could be argued that one deal that the club confirmed shortly before the window opened has proved to be as important and is already beginning to look like a masterstroke.

Declan John of Rangers has a fine header pushed away by the Motherwell keeper during the Betfred Cup Semi Final at Hampden Park on October 22, 2017 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Declan John arrived at Ibrox on loan during the summer window and made a very bright start at left-back, so it was undoubtedly seen as a coup when the club announced in December that the Welshman had signed a three-and-a-half year deal to make the move permanent.

And it could be argued that since signing permanently, John has been able to step his game up even further. The 22-year-old has proved to be a very decent defender who is certainly not afraid to try and make an impact going forward.

The full-back has frequently been seen dancing down the line for the Gers and causing opponents a number of problems with his ability to run with the ball at his feet. And with James Tavernier performing a similar role on the other side, Rangers are able to ask questions of the opposition from almost anywhere on the pitch.

A general view of Ibrox Stadium is seen ahead of the EURO 2016 Qualifier match between Scotland and Georgia at Ibrox Stadium on October 11, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.

John’s form means that Lee Wallace is facing a huge battle trying to get back into the team once he returns from injury, and many Rangers fans would probably be more than happy to see the club captain remain second choice right now.

And with the club agreeing a long-term deal with John, Rangers supporters should be excited about the prospect of watching the full-back get even better as he gains more experience as, based on what he has shown so far, the deal to make his move permanent appears to be one of the best signings the Gers have pulled off in what has been a hugely successful period on the transfer front.