Rangers Hall of Fame inductee Steven Davis has given his backing to Derek McInnes to lead Rangers forward through the season that lies ahead.
While there was a stumble at Tannadice on Friday night in the Scottish Premiership opener, the Northern Ireland legend believes the former Gers player is the right man at the right time to carry the responsibility of the job.
Steven Davis was speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, reflecting on the recent changes at Ibrox, including Lawrence Shankland assuming the role of captain.
Davis has been there and done it at Rangers, so he is well placed to share his informed perspective.
Steven Davis gives positive outlook on Derek McInnes
“I think Derek deserves the opportunity. He’s done a fantastic job at any club that he’s been at and has a lot of experience, said Davis.
“Anybody you speak to will tell you his management skills are very good.
“He knows everything about the club, the demands of it and everything that comes along with it.
“He’ll be prepared for it. I think it will be a good appointment.
“They’ve obviously made some signings. It would have been nice to get Shankland in probably before now (earlier).
“There’s been a lot of talk over the last couple of seasons about getting him in. He’s shown his quality within the league and he’s capable of scoring goals. He’ll be a really important player for Rangers. Obviously, he’s got the captaincy as well.
“Derek has experience of working with him as a captain at Hearts. I think there’s optimism about the season from a Rangers point of view with the fans and rightly so. I’m sure they’ll do a bit more business between now and the end of the window as well.”
McInnes needs quality additions to have a chance
Eight signings have been made to date, with Daisuke Yokota likely to be the ninth.
Derek McInnes will need at least another couple of signings, bringing a different level of quality to Ibrox, if the 55-year-old is to have a genuine chance of leading the club to success this season.
With the reported chase of Fares Ghedjemis, it’s clear that Rangers are willing to spend the requisite amount to bring in the type of profiles required.
Once the team is fully equipped, only then can McInnes truly show what a good appointment he can be.
