Glasgow Rangers brought Gareth McAuley to Ibrox in their most recent deal of the summer.
McAuley became Steven Gerrard’s most recent addition of the summer, joining the Light Blues on a free transfer in the days following the end of the transfer window.
The defender is yet to make his debut for the Light Blues. And at 38 – he will be 39 by the time the next window opens – some Rangers fans would be forgiven for feeling slightly concerned regarding how much he will be able to contribute to Gerrard’s side. But former Scottish Premiership striker Boyce insisted that the deal could prove to an inspired one.
“Gareth is a bit of a freak if I’m honest. He’s 38 and his age would suggests he’s old – but his stats for fitness and running are incredible,” he said, as reported by the Daily Record. “He obviously has that experience to know where to be and reads the game really well but he also looks after himself which will benefit Rangers.
“You see it in training with Northern Ireland and obviously he was a big player for West Brom in the Premier League for a long time.
“It could be a wonder move for Gers because he’s a top-quality player.”
A look back at recent history suggests that there is little reason to believe that McAuley’s age will stop him becoming a successful signing. David Weir enjoyed a brilliant spell with the Gers at the end of his career, while Clint Hill needed just one season to turn himself into an Ibrox cult-hero during the twilight of his playing days.
It remains to be seen if Gerrard has any plans to use McAuley regularly, but his form with West Brom throughout his career at The Hawthorns suggests that he will be able to make an impact.
And his experience should undoubtedly help the likes of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic on and off the pitch. They will be able to learn from the Northern Irishman while also looking to perform at a standard that keeps him below them in the pecking order at Ibrox.
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