TALKING RANGERS
HUGH BURNS has backed Pedro Caixinha’s business in the transfer window and insisted Rangers are considerably stronger than last season and predicts a concerted challenge on all fronts from his old club.
Caixinha managed to ship out 11 players while bringing in 12, most of whom, in the view of Burns, are an improvement, while spending around £5million net.
The defence is stronger, the spine of the team is better, the midfield options are more varied and up front there is a striker who looks like he will score every week in Alfredo Morelos.
Burns knows that some Rangers supporters want to wait until at least the first third of the season is completed before completely buying in to it all.
But the Eighties star feels they will be pleased with what develops because he is backing Caixinha to lead a concerted run of success in the coming months.
Burns said: “When you analyse the squad this season you ask yourself ‘is it stronger than recent seasons?’ and the answer is most definitely ‘yes’.
“I think the players that Pedro has brought are better by far than what we have been watching over the last few seasons.
“And I think you can see the progression now. I think the team is taking shape and I don’t think they are far away.
“Hats off to the chairman and the board for backing the manager because I think we can all see that Pedro’s signings have been strong. rong.
“Alves is different ent class and Cardoso looks good beside him. Candeias is bombing up and down the right and Morelos really looks ooks the part up front.
“The only problem blem now is that people will starttart sitting up and taking notice e of him now especially if keeps scoring regularly – and I think k that he will.
“I’m certain he’ll e’ll bag 20-25 goals this season n but he is more than a predator. dator. His touch is good, he can hold it in and he’s brave too.
“Fair play to Jonathan onathan Johansson for making Pedro aware of him m and pushing his case.
“Herrera got his first goal up at Dingingwall too which was good and while he and Pena need ed games, hopefully ully their quality will come through in the next few weeks.
“I don’t think k there is much h wrong with the he team.te And I believe thet atmosphere is goodg among the s squad so it’s all positive.po “In“my view, referee John Beaton cost Rangers threethr points against Hibs an and then Hearts just came andan sat in for a point so the they could be five points better off.
“But that’s why the weekend before the break was so important. All of sudden Celtic dropped two points and Rangers got the win they needed in Dingwall.
“I think if Rangers bear Dundee next weekend and then get positive results in the double-header against Thistle then their confidence will grow ahead of the Celtic game. “I think this team is capable of going on a good run.”
RATHER than paying Hearts an inflated fee for Jamie Walker, Rangers have opted to make a pre-contract agreement in January in order to sign him next summer for free.
Instead, they secured loan deals for Decan John from