‘Amazing’ – Exclusive: McLeish thrilled as Sky Sports pundit makes big Rangers transfer claim
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 said that it’s “amazing” to see Rangers being linked with young international stars after years of playing catch-up.
McLeish was reacting to a claim from Sky Sports transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said that Rangers came “so close” to signing Sampdoria midfielder Jakub Jankto in the summer.
Sky Italia (via the Scottish Sun) claim that Rangers haven’t given up on signing Jankto, and are still monitoring the 24-year-old who has won 28 caps for the Czech Republic.
Talking exclusively to Ibrox News McLeish said, “It’s amazing to see Rangers getting linked with young international players like this after playing catch-up for four or five years.
“I think that they’ve been pretty studious in terms of the players that are brought in. A lot of them do have young legs and are learning the game but they’ve adapted really quickly.
“A lot of players can come and become a household name in Scotland. You saw Virgil van Dijk come here, spread his wings and go on to be a superstar.
“But it’s not easy coming to play for Rangers – you have to stand up and be counted.”
Asked whether Rangers need another midfielder or if Gerrard might be looking to replace Steven Davis, McLeish said, “Davis can’t go on forever but his experience is a big part of what he gives.
“When he came people were wondering if his legs had gone. I always say, when your legs have gone, your legs have gone.
“But Davis is still as fit as a fiddle, he can still run, his positional sense is excellent.
“To bring a guy instantly in to replace him would probably take a fair bit of schooling. But the Czechs are in a good moment in terms of the players that are coming through, you see [Tomas] Soucek at West Ham.
“And I was impressed with their football when they played Scotland. It looks like they’re in a kind of new cycle and their players will be very attractive.”
In other Rangers news, ‘Immense’, ‘Outstanding’ – These fans blown away by int’l display from one Rangers player