Smith pleased to boost Gers squad

21 August 2010 09:32
Rangers manager Walter Smith believes he has opted for quality, rather than quantity, in strengthening his squad over the summer.[LNB] Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic completed his £4million move to the Scottish champions on Friday night, 24 hours after Vladimir Weiss joined on loan from Manchester City.[LNB]Prior to those new arrivals, Smith made his first purchase in two years when he recruited James Beattie from Stoke last week.[LNB]And, although operating with a smaller squad this term as a result of those high-profile signings, the Rangers boss is confident the gamble will pay off.[LNB]"That's the balance we had to look at this year," said Smith, whose team face Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday.[LNB]"We either brought a number of other players, ie another three or four for very similar to money to what we've spent, or went with a smaller group and hope that we don't get too badly hit by injury and suspension.[LNB]"That has been our decision, we have tried to bring in a good quality of player and we hope that will do us over the season.[LNB]"It's maybe a little bit of a gamble on my own part but it's the route that we've decided to take."[LNB]He added: "We could be doing with a few more but I would think, financially, that would be us finished.[LNB]"We can't stretch it any further than we have done at the present moment."[LNB]Jelavic finally moved to Rangers following weeks of negotiations after refusing to play for Rapid Vienna in their 1-1 Europa League draw against Aston Villa on Thursday.[LNB]His determination to seal an Ibrox move came partly from the encouragement of his fellow Croatian, former Rangers striker Dado Prso.[LNB]Jelavic told rangers.co.uk: "I know Dado was a huge favourite of the Rangers fans and if I come even close to him then it will be good.[LNB]"I want to try to copy what Dado Prso achieved here.[LNB]"I spoke to Dado and he told me, 'Look if you have a chance to go to Rangers it is something unbelievable and you must go'.[LNB]While Smith believes his summer spending is over, Hibernian manager John Hughes hopes there is some money left for new players - even though the club have built a new East Stand.[LNB]The Leith outfit will mark the official opening of the enclosure in Sunday's Scottish Premier League game against Rangers.[LNB]Millions have been spent on their state-of-the-art training centre and the stadium, but Hughes would like chairman Rod Petrie to give him cash to bolster his playing staff.[LNB]He said: "You have to keep everyone on their toes but you can only add to the squad if the finances are there.[LNB]"We've talked about the infrastructure of the club, the stand, the pitch and everything that is going on with the training centre.[LNB]"All the money comes out of one big barrel and I just hope there is that wee bit more for me to get one or two players in to help these guys along.[LNB]"However, I might have to shuffle the pack a little bit."

Source: Team_Talk