Rangers to push for Elijah Just transfer after 'superlative' display in World Cup - verdict

Rangers' new era is about to get underway with Derek McInnes poised to take over, and Elijah Just should be his first signing.

The Gers will be looking to right their wrongs after falling dramatically away from the title picture in the final weeks of the Scottish Premiership last season.

In order to do so, the transfer market may be the best route to go down.

Rangers have already announced the arrival of attacker Lawrence Shankland, but with links to Just, and his latest World Cup display, he could be next.

The Bears are in need of wingers heading into next season, with Mikey Moore and Andreas Skov Olsen going back to their parent clubs.

Just's performances in the World Cup could alert other suitors, so the Gers must be quick to wrap it up.

Why Rangers must push for Elijah Just move

Just has created Kiwi history, and he became the first player from New Zealand to score two goals in one World Cup game during a 2-2 draw versus Iran.

After his impressive season with Motherwell, Scottish Premiership fans may not be too surprised at that outcome.

His performance has been earning plenty of plaudits, particularly back in his home country.

The New Zealand Herald awarded him a match rating of nine, stating: "In the tunnel before the game, Just looked like a nervous kid waiting outside the principal’s office. He’s a big boy now.

"The Kiwi attacker struck the opening goal with the coolness of a seasoned pro. His second goal was even better – perhaps the All Whites’ best at a World Cup.

"He was slow to move when tracking back to cover the build-up to Iran’s first goal. But this was otherwise a superlative display – aside from his goals, there was plenty of slick interplay in partnership with skipper Wood."

After showcasing his talents on the world stage, Just may have put himself into the shop window for other club's throughout Europe.

With Rangers one of his potential destinations after previous links, the Ibrox side may now have to accelerate talks in order to avoid another team swooping in.

Just's ability to turn up at one of the biggest stages there is to offer is certainly a sign that the Bears would be getting a quality player.

Could Derek McInnes' arrival change Rangers' interest?

The links to Just have arrived before McInnes has taken over, and while Danny Rohl was still in charge.

Of course, with a new manager at the helm, it could see the transfer targets slightly differ based on the ideas that McInnes wants to bring.

However, the makeup of Rangers' squad is still in desperate need of wide attackers, and Just is a proven winger in the Scottish Premiership

McInnes will certainly know all about the New Zealand international as he picked up two assists when Motherwell travelled to Tynecastle to compete in a 3-3 draw at the start of last season.

That, alongside his World Cup exploits, would undoubtedly have left a strong impression.