Source: Team_Talk
Gers confirm Boro want Thomson
Rangers have confirmed that Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has expressed an interest in landing Kevin Thomson this summer.[LNB] Former Celtic gaffer Strachan has used his knowledge of Scottish football to sign a host of faces from north of the border.[LNB]Kris Boyd, Chris Killen, Barry Robson, Willo Flood, Stephen McManus, Scott McDonald, Andrew Halliday and Lee Miller have all arrived since Strachan took charge at The Riverside late last year.[LNB]But Strachan is still not finished and Thomson has emerged as one of his top targets, with reports suggesting he could use one of his previous signings, Miller, in the deal.[LNB]"There has been an interest from Middlesbrough. So far we haven't reached any agreement," confirmed Rangers boss Walter Smith.[LNB]Strachan admits he has no qualms about his continuing hunt of Scottish-based players.[LNB]"It's a good standard up the road. It breeds good characters," said Strachan.[LNB]"I played in an era when lots of Scottish players came down to England. I hope more come down now.[LNB]"Look at what Barry Ferguson has done. People thought he was past his best but in his first Premiership season he had the best passing stats alongside Cesc Fabregas.[LNB]"The SPL is a breeding ground for players who can come to this league and do well. I'd love to see the SPL do well but it's not my concern at the moment."[LNB]Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb confirmed that he expects a number of deals to follow on from the arrivals of Boyd and Nicky Bailey this week.[LNB]One of which should be the confirmation of Stephen McManus' move from Celtic.[LNB]"There will definitely be more signings," said Lamb. "There will be several more coming in and I anticipate a number of players leaving as well.[LNB]"We'll be one of the best resourced clubs in the Championship this season, but we were last year and we didn't take advantage of that.[LNB]"This year I expect us to be competing for promotion from the first moment a ball is kicked.[LNB]"The club needs to be back in the Premier League. The training ground, the stadium, all the facilities we have are geared for top flight football. [LNB]"If we don't do it this year I'm not saying the club will be terminally damaged but each year it becomes more difficult. This is our best opportunity. [LNB]"I hope the fans respond to Steve's investment and the commitment the players give and back us in big numbers. It could be one of those memorable seasons for Middlesbrough Football Club."
