Marty Quinn, the manager that gave Gareth McAuley his big break when he signed him for Coleraine in 2002, has said the 39-year-old can be the “rock” that Steven Gerrard builds a title bid on.
Talking in the Daily Record, Quinn thinks that McAuley can still do a big job at Rangers despite his advancing years, and is the answer to the shambolic defending that’s plagued them in recent games, not least the 4-3 loss to Spartak Moscow.
“I’ve been watching that space for a while now to see how Gareth was getting on,” Quinn said.
“I was aware he’d been carrying an injury since going to Rangers so I was delighted to see him coming on for the second half against Motherwell.
“I’m sure he’ll be a big asset to Rangers for two simple reasons. He’s a top-quality defender and has outstanding leadership qualities.
“What happened in Moscow was unbelievable and I’m sure that would not have happened had Gareth been in there.”
“I’m sure he won’t mind me saying he’s a bit of a country yokel in respect of the fact he wouldn’t shout his mouth off or try to be the centre of attention.
“Gareth would just do his job, lead by example every day in training and wait for his chance. The one thing I do know is he won’t let anyone down.
“He’ll do an excellent job ?whenever called upon.”
OPINION
Some Rangers fans had forgotten that Gareth McAuley actually played for them after arriving injured in September. However, he’s been quietly getting himself back to full fitness, making his first outing in a Rangers shirt in the 4-3 defeat against Spartak, albeit for just one minute. He came on at half-time for Nikola Katic in the 7-1 win against Motherwell and looked impressive, although it’s hard to gauge his true performance in such a one-sided game. However, there’s no doubting he’s a class player and as much as anything else, Rangers need a leader at the back. McAuley has a vast amount of experience to call on and we’ve no doubt that he will be a vital player for Rangers if he can keep himself fit for the rest of the season. His former manager talks about him in glowing terms and with the issues Gerrard is having at the back, he could get a chance very soon to show that he can still cut it on the big stage.