Ex-Finland midfielder Simo Valakari insists Rangers coach Jonatan Johansson will have a huge impact on the future of the club.
Johansson, 41, was named as assistant manager to Pedro Caixinha at the Scottish club in April, an appointment that was confirmed on the club’s official website.
The former attacker scored 25 goals during three successful years at Ibrox between 1997 and 2000, but returns to the club 17 years later as part of an overhaul of the backroom staff, following the appointment of Caixinha a month earlier.
Valakari, who both played and worked alongside Johansson, insists that their easter-time arrival can have a major influence in shaping the future of Rangers Football Club, and backed him to succeed in his new role.
He told the Evening Times: “It’s a great move for Jonatan. I played with him and coached with him at the international team. He’s a great coach. First of all he’s a brilliant guy and so reliable. He loves Rangers Football Club.
“Jonatan wants to improve as a coach and he will bring his knowledge of the Scottish game, his striker knowledge, to help Pedro Caixinha.
“He’s a big part of the future of Rangers football club.”
Aside from his stint with the Finland national team, Johansson’s previous coaching experience spans to a three-year spell in charge of Motherwell’s Under-20’s team between 2012 and 2015.
But Caixinha saw fit to appoint the former Rangers icon ahead of the likes of Barry Ferguson, John Brown and Billy Stark, who were also considered for the role at Ibrox.
Johansson already appears to have had a key influence on proceedings at the Glasgow giants, after it was reported in the Scottish Sun that he had recommended the signing of HJK Helsinki goalscorer Alfredo Morelos.
Rangers have yet to complete a deal for the Colombia Under-20 international striker, but have reportedly reached an agreement of a £1million fee, with the transfer likely to progress over the coming days.