Former Rangers star Alex Rae admits he shares the rising confidence of supporters over Michael Beale's revamped side.
And the 53-year-old reckons the Ibrox boss is building a squad packed with flexibility and extra muscle in their bid to take on Celtic. Familiar faces like Allan McGregor, Filip Helander, Scott Arfield, Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent have said goodbye with Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Abdallah Sima arriving. And buoyant Rae reckons the success of January signings Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin can be backed up by the latest recruits.
Speaking to Legal Sports Book, he said: "There is a real excitement among the fans – a real optimism. I’m really encouraged by what has been happening. Michael Beale had to move fast with so many players going out the door and he has done exactly that. He clearly targeted these players in advance and he has done some fantastic business. He’s also bringing in younger players when you consider Lammers, Dowell, Sterling and Abdallah Sima are all under 26 – just like Todd Cantwell and Nico Raskin who came in January. So, they can be developed too and you have the experience of Dessers who is 28 and Jack Butland at 30. We all know the impact that Cantwell and Raskin had and I think the Rangers fans are looking for the same from the new signings."
And Rae is certain changes – or the option to do so – are inbound for a side who came up short last season. But the former Ibrox star isn utterly convinced the new look Rangers have choices in abundance.
He added: “I will be fascinated to see what system Michael will play. I think he has real flexibility now with the players he has brought in – especially middle to front. You’d imagine Dessers will be the No9 and then Lammers could be close to him and Sima can play either side. Dessers can score with both feet and lays the ball off well so I think he can be a real focal point. And then you’ve got Kemar Roofe who, when fit, I think is easily one of the best strikers in the league. He’s crafty and puts in a very good shift.
“In the middle of the park you’ve got Cantwell who can play in the attacking role and as things stand you’ve got Nico Raskin and Ryan Jack holding but we expect that Jose Cifuentes is coming and, of course, John Lundstram is there too. You’ve also got Tom Lawrence to come back as well so there is great strength now and that was what was missing.
“Cifuentes looks a very interesting one – a real box to box player – and it seems that Rangers are keen to get this one over the line now. It would also be interesting to see if he opts for a back three because I feel he is still looking to bring in another centre back. Rangers were caught short at the back last season when Connor Goldson was injured. They were also susceptible at set pieces and there now seems to be a lot more height and strength in the squad. There is a power there that wasn’t there before. I think there is every reason for Rangers fans to be excited about what lies ahead.”
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