Rangers transfer news: Michael Beale backs Kieran Dowell to replace Joe Aribo after confirmed Ibrox move
Michael Beale believes Kieran Dowell can replace much of the impact that Rangers have lost since Joe Aribo left Ibrox, as reported by BBC Sport Scotland.
Dowell was unveiled as a Rangers player on Wednesday having agreed on a three-year deal with the club that will take effect as of 1 July.
The former-Norwich man will join up with Todd Cantwell who he played with at Carrow Road, as well as knowing John Lundstram from their time together, coming through the ranks at Everton.
Beale explained how Dowell can play a role not quite fulfilled since the departure of Aribo to Southampton last summer, as told to BBC Radio Scotland Sportsound, via the BBC Sport live-blog.
“We’ve lacked a left-footer in midfield since Joe Aribo moved on,” he said.
“He gives us a lot of variety. We’re losing Scott Arfield in that area.
“Kieran comes in with a good passing ability, ability to travel with the ball and score goals”.
Plenty to prove
In his three years with the Canaries, the 25-year old didn’t live up to expectations with injuries and a lack of form disrupting his time in Norfolk.
Dowell only displayed flashes of his ability and now comes to Glasgow with plenty to prove. Can Beale unlock the best from him, getting the player up to full fitness to show what he is capable of?
He will have some way to go, to emulate Aribo, who made a positive impact during his time in Scotland. After his most recent spells at Norwich and Wigan prior to that, Dowell’s greatest challenge will be to meet the expectation and pressure that is part and parcel of life, as a player at Rangers.
His signing will be the first of many this summer as the rebuild of the squad gets underway, as Beale is tasked with the heavy responsibility of transforming the current side into title contenders.
In other Rangers news, Jack Butland shared a one-word answer when asked if he’s coming to Ibrox this summer.