Miller recalls Walter’s masterstroke paving the way for Cousin’s move. Today’s hero may follow
There is no better stage for a new Old Firm signing to impress than the season’s first clash between the two Glasgow giants.
As Daniel Cousin proved when making his mark on the fixture, it can also provide a launchpad for the player craving a lucrative switch away.
The Gabon striker’s story might be of interest to players on either side today, who have been weighed down by speculation.
Odsonne Edouard and Alfredo Morelos have, on occasion, clearly felt the effects of being the subjects of persistent interest from England, and beyond, that have yet to be firmed up.
No window of the last few years has passed without a flurry of such activity surrounding the future of the top scorers across the Glasgow divide.
Clubs are also eyeing on-form Ryan Christie – who’s out of contract soon – and out-of-sorts Ryan Kent, a target for Leeds United.
If Cousin could emerge from the Ibrox wilderness in 2008 to bag himself a move, then that matchfit quartet may have the perfect opportunity to sell themselves to suitors before this week’s deadline.
An 89th minute substitute outing at Falkirk at the start of season 2008-09 was Cousin’s only contribution before Walter Smith stunned the Rangers players three weeks later by naming him in the team for Parkhead.
The player was out of favour and struggling to get over the collapse of Fulham’s £3-million approach earlier in the year.
But his superb opening goal, and all-round domination of Gordon Strachan’s defence, inspired a 4-2 away win.
Within 72 hours, he was a Premier League player as Hull City completed a swoop.
Cousin secured what he really wanted – and Rangers won three precious early points before off-loading an unsettled star.
His strike partner that day, Kenny Miller, recalls: “It was one of those masterstrokes Walter seemed to have in his locker.
“I’d arrived back that summer, Kris Boyd was still there, competition for places was on, and lots of speculation surrounded Daniel.
“It was known he could leave for the Premier League, but he’d been out in the cold.
“So when we turned up on the day, and the team was named, it was: ‘Wow! That
name’s been pulled out of the wilderness!’
“I’d imagine something was going on in the background, but any deal might not have been at the stage of getting done.
“I think Walter just thought: ‘This could be your last game, and it’s massive. Go and give everything you’ve got.’.
“Whether it was the catalyst or it cemented the move, Daniel definitely didn’t do himself any harm. He was unplayable.
“Daniel was a quiet, calm character off the pitch, and obviously a really good player. At 6ft 2in, he was big, powerful, and could score with right and left foot.
“Those attributes make you a real handful at the top of your game. And he was that
day, just at the right time.
“The goal that put us ahead was typical Daniel – pace, power and a wonderful finish.”
Miller, who had three spells with Rangers and one season with Celtic, scored twice after Cousin’s opener. Pedro Mendes also struck for the Gers before Cousin was sent off.
But Cousin still earned quite the plaudit from Ally Mccoist, who declared his display: “As good a centre-forward performance in an Old Firm game as I’ve ever seen.”.
Miller knows his old Rangers team-mate Morelos, and Celtic record signing Edouard, are capable of producing persuasive big-game performances.
He noted: “What a big day in this game could do – a few hours from the window shutting – is make someone push the button on a deal.
“Interested clubs think: ‘That’s a player we could do with – and he’s available.’.
“In a game of this magnitude, it’s an opportunity to say: ‘I’m a good player who can play in these games. This is as big as it comes, so if you’re interested, you’ve 48 hours to get me.’.
“I don’t know Edouard’s thoughts but if he’s interested in going and it’s not happening, it can affect you.
“As much as he’s a wonderful footballer and top scorer, he’s just not back at his best of 18 months or two years ago.
“He’ll move eventually and test himself.
“The same goes for Morelos, whose game has developed so much.
“He is such a handful, and has an incredible Rangers goal record for a young player.”