By Callum O'Connell

19th Sep, 2023 | 10:10am

Alex McLeish tells Rangers signings what they need to do to 'become legends'

Alex McLeish has told the new arrivals at Rangers they will need to show robustness, and physicality, and bear their teeth if they wish to become legends at the club.

Comparisons were made with legendary Rangers strikers Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley, who were particularly physical in their play and have set the standard for how a forward should perform at Ibrox.

Cyriel Dessers was the name that came in for particular focus by McLeish, as he was told to show more physicality in an effort to establish himself as the main man and impress the Gers fans.

McLeish was speaking to the Scottish Sun on 18 September, where he discussed what changes need to be made at Ibrox, and mentioned Dessers in particular: “If Dessers comes back in, should he show more physicality? Too right.

“We know the rules are different now, players don’t get away with the niggly things of years ago because the camera picks everything up. But you’ve still got to be robust and impose yourself on your opponent.

“Imagine what Ally McCoist and Mark Hateley did in the past.

“The Rangers boys must establish themselves to that kind of level. That’s the task ahead for them. They have to assert themselves to become future Rangers legends. That has to start right now.

“With the likes of Dessers, he has to bare his teeth. You can’t take that too far, and he still has to be disciplined, but you have to show your robustness and strength and physicality. These things are all scrutinised now.”

Players need to start bearing responsibility

While manager Michael Beale has come under particular scrutiny in the last few weeks, with calls for his sacking seemingly endless from fans, journalists and pundits alike, his players seem to have avoided due criticism despite their lacklustre performances.

McLeish is right. While his comments about becoming legends may be slightly dramatic, he knows how these players need to perform to leave their mark at Ibrox. These players need to gain some intensity and bear some responsibility on their shoulders.

Strikers in particular should be the focal point of the team. While the typical target man style seems to have faded from the game, you should be able to rely on your number nine to impose himself on the defence and raise the level of the side.

Ultimately, this Rangers team has not been good enough. The players will know that just as much as the fans, and it’s now on their shoulders to bring their levels up and win over the Ibrox crowd.

In other Rangers news, news has emerged on the possibility of Graham Potter joining Rangers.