Must follow the world’s lead over racism

EPL players, like Raheem Sterling, have carried ‘Black lives matter’ on the back of their shirts, while England captain Harry Kane has been among those taking a knee before kick-off

Rod Wallace is congratulated by Neil Mccann after scoring the winner for Rangers against Celtic in the 1999 Scottish Cup Final

“When I played in Scotland, John Barnes was the manager of Celtic. You now have Alex Dyer at Kilmarnock.

“But in between, how many black managers have been in charge in Scotland’s top flight? “None? One? You tell me. “Scottish football needs to look at it. People at boardroom level must address this.” Wallace will keep a close eye on BLM developments in this country – and will also be looking to see how Rangers get on in the new season.

He is well aware of exactly what is at stake, and hopes that Steven Gerrard is given the financial backing required to improve the squad.

He said: “Steven Gerrard is definitely on the right track, but he needs more help.

“I know it’s difficult because of Covid-19, but the Ibrox board needs to try to find him the funds to bring in two or three more quality players.

“That could be the difference between Rangers winning the league and losing it.

“Money doesn’t cure everything and guarantees you absolutely nothing. But it does give you a better chance of getting it right.

“Jermain Defoe is there and he is total quality. He will be desperate to get back playing again for Rangers.

“He will look to get his sharpness back and his eye right in. He will score goals and create many chances for his team-mates. “Nobody is certain yet what the future may hold for Alfredo Morelos. Steven may look to see if the right bid comes in and that will increase the amount he has to spend.

“But will he be able to bring in someone better than Alfredo, who will score 20 goals? That’s the big question.

“Whatever happens, I hope Rangers do it. It’s a massive season. It doesn’t come much bigger than this.”

Wallace was signed by Dick Advocaat on a Bosman from Leeds United in 1998.

Along with the likes of Arthur Numan, Barry Ferguson, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Jorg Albertz, he helped the club to plenty of successes.

Wallace smiled: “I have some of the best-ever memories of my time at Rangers. “When I signed in the summer of 1998, Celtic had just won the title and we needed to get back to the top.

“But it was going to take time to gel as we had eight or nine new players, and many different languages, in the dressing room. “We needed to get on with it and find our way with one another. We quickly realised we weren’t going to be given six months or a year to bed in. “We were fortunate enough to have a squad full of international players, and we got into our stride fairly quickly.

“To top off the first season by getting the winner against Celtic in the 1999 Scottish Cup Final was really what dreams are made of.

“It was the personal highlight of my career, and to add two titles to that made my time all the more special.”