Former Rangers man Alex Rae has claimed that his old club need to sign new players in two key positions this summer if they are to challenge Celtic next season.
Steven Gerrard’s team have seen their Scottish Premiership title challenge falter in recent months, and Rae has identified where they need to improve come the next transfer window.
“I’m certain he [Gerrard] is the right person to lead the challenge next season,” he told the Daily Record. “He will be more prepared and will know what he wants to try to do. Steven will know now the players he wants to take Rangers forward.
“Having listened to him in recent weeks, he’s talking about marquee players – players who are going to make a difference. Rangers need another quality centre-half. If you look at the last three games the goals they have lost have been extremely poor. And they need more quality in the offensive area because when they come up against teams who defend deep they find it very hard to break them down.”
OPINION
These are good points well made by Rae. Firstly, Gerrard is the right man to take Rangers forward, there’s no doubt about that. He’s fallen just short this term, but he has made undoubted progress at Ibrox and deserves the chance to continue his work next season. He does need a new centre back, that’s true. The partnership of Connor Goldson and Joe Worrall has never looked truly comfortable and they have let in a few shockers at times this campaign. Worrall may well not be at the club next term but, regardless, Gerrard needs to find another top quality defender to lead the Rangers backline. The Liverpool legend also needs someone with a bit of creativity, as Rae says. A number 10 who can unlock packed defences is just what the doctor ordered at Ibrox. Alfredo Morelos scores plenty of goals, but he still needs quality service and he hasn’t always got that this season. Solve these two issues and Gerrard’s side will be much better placed next time round.