Goian happy with Rangers move

27 July 2011 15:57
Dorin Goian says his first impression of Rangers is "very good" despite watching their 1-0 defeat to Malmo at Ibrox on Tuesday night.[LNB] Goian sealed his move to the Scottish champions from Palermo earlier this week.[LNB]The 30-year-old is still waiting for a work permit and international clearance to be granted, meaning he had to settle for a cameo appearance when he was paraded on the pitch at half-time in Tuesday night's Champions League qualifier against Malmo.[LNB]There was little else for frustrated fans to cheer on a night when Rangers slumped to a Daniel Larsson goal in the third qualifying round clash, leaving them facing a difficult task ahead of next week's return leg in Sweden.[LNB]However, Goian refused to let the result dampen his enthusiasm about his switch to the Glasgow giants and remains confident about their ability to salvage the tie.[LNB]The Romania defender said: "My first impression is very good. I like the stadium and the people.[LNB]"It's the first game I have seen here but I like it very much.[LNB]"We had a bad score but in the second game we will do better and we hope to win in Sweden."[LNB]He added: "I came here to a big club, a big club in Europe with a big history and, for me, it is a step forward and I am honoured to be a Rangers player."[LNB]A question mark remains over Goian's eligibility for the second leg, with Rangers hoping he will be able to travel with the rest of the squad for next Wednesday's game if the necessary paperwork is granted in time.[LNB]Goian said: "I hope that it comes in time and I hope I play but that depends on the papers."[LNB]Rangers are sweating over the fitness of skipper David Weir, meaning Ally McCoist would ideally like Goian available for this weekend's SPL game at St Johnstone, as well as the European outing.[LNB]He said: "We are not sure if he will be available for us for this weekend but we are hopeful. We are waiting for clearance.[LNB]"There is a slight problem but we hope he can play in Malmo.[LNB]"I don't know exactly, there is some red tape, but we are very hopeful he can play."[LNB]Rangers have missed out on a number of targets over the summer, with Juan Manuel Ortiz and Lee Wallace the only new recruits available for last night's game.[LNB]Goalkeeper Allan McGregor - who signed a new long-term contract recently - said: "I suppose we do need fresh faces after losing a lot of boys from last season.[LNB]"But we have got a good team spirit and the boys are buzzing."[LNB]McGregor was called into action to make several important saves to prevent Malmo from claiming a bigger advantage to take into the second leg.[LNB]Malmo have played 17 games in their own domestic campaign, while Rangers have played just one.[LNB]Asked whether match-sharpness was the main difference between the two sides, McGregor said: "If we win, it won't make a difference.[LNB]"If they win, people will say it did make a difference. It's just one of those things.[LNB]"I know they are halfway through their season and they look good.[LNB]"They've got a few decent players and they are well-organised but we expected that, we knew that."

Source: Team_Talk