Rangers need to reinforce their squad with new signings this summer.
Graham Dorrans of Norwich City celebrates after scoring
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks the Gers should sign Graham Dorrans, Kenny McLean and Steven Naismith this summer.
Pedro Caixinha enjoyed a five-game unbeaten run to start his career as Rangers manager, but Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic has shown just how big the gap really is between the two Old Firm rivals.
Caixinha must now bring in a host of new signings this summer to strengthen his lacklustre squad, with midfield a particular area of concern for many supporters.
With Jon Toral and Emerson Hyndman only on loan and both Jordan Rossiter and Niko Kranjcar missing the majority of this season through injury, a new midfield maestro is required.
Meanwhile, Joe Garner and Martyn Waghorn haven’t quite been as prolific as many expected this season, so manager Caixinha could also look to bring in some more firepower in the final third.
Celtic’s James Forrest and Aberdeen’s Kenny McLean
Now, ex-Rangers striker Kris Boyd has offered his view on who the club should target to The Scottish Sun, touting two boyhood Rangers fans and a former Ibrox star for moves to Glasgow this summer.
Boyd feels that Norwich City midfielder Graham Dorrans and Aberdeen star Kenny McLean – two players who grew up supporting Rangers – would be ideal for the middle of the park, as they are two Glasgow lads who understand the club.
Boyd added that ex-Gers striker Steven Naismith – also with Norwich – should be targeted, despite a sour taste being left from his Ibrox departure in 2012, as he refused to play in the fourth tier of Scottish football, instead voiding his contract and joining Everton, with Boyd claiming that Naismith would like to re-join the club.
Steven Naismith celebrates scoring for Rangers
“Kenny McLean was once told he wasn’t good enough to make it at Rangers. Now he’d walk into the team,” said Boyd. “Pedro Caixinha will do well to get him back to Ibrox this summer. But, for me, not only is McLean the type of player my old club needs — he’s exactly the type of character that’s missing. McLean has always struck me as someone who can handle the big occasion. Right now Gers don’t have nearly enough players who can do that. McLean is a Glasgow boy who knows what the club is all about so I’d sign him in a heartbeat.”
“The same could be said for Graham Dorrans who I know is also on Caixinha’s radar. They’re all players with the kind of mentality I think is badly missing from that squad. I’ll tell you another player Rangers should sign — Steven Naismith. He left the club on bad terms when he refused to stay and play in the Third Division. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think the way he left was too clever myself. But that was then and this is now. And for me Naisy would be a fantastic signing for next season. His time at Norwich is probably coming to an end so there is definitely an opportunity there for Rangers, if they want to take it.”
“The question of wages might be an issue but I don’t think it would be the stumbling block some think. Naisy has made good money since leaving Rangers in 2012 and most players realise when they hit 30 that they need to take a hit. And if you ask me whether or not he would want to come back then I’m telling you he would. For me it’s a no-brainer and it’s just up to Rangers to grab the bull by the horns. They can’t afford to hold any grudges with things as bad as they are right now,” he added.
Who would you like to see Rangers sign this summer?
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