Caixinha wants ‘new core’

Pedro Caixinha says he needs to build a new core to his Rangers squad after admitting some of the players he inherited from Mark Warburton cannot cope with his demands.

The Gers boss was given a stark demonstration of the failings of the squad assembled by the Englishman as they were torn apart 5-1 by Celtic last weekend.

The Portuguese coach met the Light Blues board on Thursday to present them with a summer wish list.

He will sit down with his players after tomorrow’s Firhill clash with Partick Thistle to reveal who will be culled as he makes rooms for new arrivals.

Besides the loan duo of Emerson Hyndman and Jon Toral, only defenders Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos are out of contract so freeing up space may present its own headaches.

“We know what we can invest, we know what we are looking for and, let me tell you, that is not a small amount. But it is realistic with regards to the situation we are passing.

“Will it involve a big turnaround in players? Maybe. That’s why I’m talking about a new core.”

Rangers are a long way off having the financial might needed to topple Celtic, but Caixinha believes his board will back him with hard cash.

Asked if the club would be prepared to shell out sums of around £1 million, he said: “Totally. If we have that need and that player is really a core player, we need to go for it.”