Exclusive: Alex McLeish claims Rangers striker Itten will ‘hit the ground running’
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish has claimed that Rangers striker Cedric Itten will “hit the ground running” once he returns from injury.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the former Gers boss praised the Switzerland international for his natural physical attributes, claiming that the 23-year-old is a “giant”.
Itten joined the Bears from Swiss side St. Gallen for a fee of around £2.7 million earlier this summer.
The hitman has endured a stuttering start to life in Scotland after picking up an injury that ruled him out of the the Gers’ recent 2-0 win over Hamilton.
But McLeish is positive that he can make an impact when he does return to fitness.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “[Steven] Gerrard’s not daft, him and Gary McAllister are two top professionals and they know the game inside out and they would have obviously recognised that as a priority.
“Instead of one they brought in two – Kemar Roofe with the Swiss striker, Itten.
“Him [Itten] coming in as well, he’s a big giant of a guy. He’s a big, strong fella, certainly he is, so it will be interesting to see how they develop.
“You would think that he will hit the ground running, maybe after some teething problems with getting up to full fitness.”
Itten has featured in four Scottish Premiership games so far this term, but has yet to score a goal for the Gers.
He did, however, register 20 strikes in 36 outings in his home country last season.
In other Rangers news, McLeish claims Ryan Jack is becoming ‘more and more confident’ for the Gers.