Positive result in Poland would turn negative Rangers narrative

[BBC]

On the eve of what is already a huge game in Rangers' season, they confirmed the signing of a player to fill a position in which they have been lacking ever since the departure of Vaclav Cerny.

In Daisuke Yokota, they have a left-footed right winger who they will hope can provide the creativity on that side that was missing from last season's failed title bid.

The addition of the Japanese forward, who recorded five goals and four assists on loan at Bundesliga 2 side Hannover last season, will go some way to injecting an attacking threat that Rangers supporters have been crying out for.

They continue to be linked with others in that position, including the Celtic target Fares Ghedjemis, who would presumably be first-choice if they were able to get that over the line but options are definitely required on the evidence of the opening league game against Dundee United but also all of last season.

They do have options on the other flank, but Djeidi Gassama was hooked at half-time at Tannadice and after a promising start to his Ibrox career this time last year, has failed to build on that. Meanwhile, Findlay Curtis may not be deemed ready to take on the mantle of a first pick as Rangers try to assemble a title-winning squad.

So further wide players will need to be added but Rangers also need to get a few out the door to balance the books and the squad. They are top heavy with central midfielders, with Nico Raskin the most likely to be moved on if a buyer can be found to meet Rangers' valuation.

As usual, all of this transfer activity and speculation is taking place at a time of the season when must-win games are coming thick and fast.

The failure to win at Tannadice is not a fatal blow to their title hopes but dropping league points cannot become a habit if Celtic are to be overthrown this season.

Equally, Thursday evening's Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok is a fixture in which Rangers cannot afford to be as passive as they were on Friday night.

The Poles have started the season with two league victories and, having lost out narrowly to Fiorentina in last season's Conference League last 32, will be keen to take the scalp of Derek McInnes's reshaped side.

With Ben Godfrey out injured, Rangers may hand a debut to another new signing Olwethu Makhanya, while supporters will be keen to see if Vanja Dragojevic is ready to make an impact for his new side.

A good result in Poland for Rangers can turn an already somewhat negative narrative into a much more positive one before Hibernian's visit to Ibrox on Sunday.

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