McCoist looking to strengthen squad

30 July 2012 06:47

Ally McCoist insists he will continue to chase the best possible players for Rangers despite their status as an Irn-Bru Third Division club.

The Light Blues boss made his first signing since the club was consigned to liquidation in the summer, with the arrival of former Hearts midfielder Ian Black. With a 12-month transfer embargo set to come into effect on September 1 - and several of his first team regulars having already refused to transfer their contracts to the newco - McCoist faces a race against time.

Speaking after his team's 2-1 extra-time win over Brechin in the Ramsdens Cup, the Ibrox boss said: "I believe you get the best you can. The players we are attempting to target are players that our fans deserve to see. At the same time, it's getting the blend right as well."

He added: "The first thing we have to do is win the league but it would be nice to do it with style and give the fans what they want to see. I believe that's good young talent, coming in with talented players."

McCoist is hoping to add former Kilmarnock player Dean Shiels and Greek midfielder Pantelis Kafes to his pool over the coming days.

He said: "It's not over the line yet but I know in both cases there is certainly a deal to be done there. I've spoken to both players. They seem keen and we are very keen too so we'd be hopeful something could be done."

McCoist acknowledged the need for him to work quickly in the current transfer window.

He added: "We need to build a squad for the next 18 months to two years and we've got to do that in the next four weeks. It's important for me to tell you that we are really pleased with the younger boys and I'm genuinely excited about giving an opportunity to some of the younger guys.

"Some of the money we have got off the wage bill, I would be hopeful of getting some of that back to spend. I'll sit down over the next couple of days with Charles Green and discuss players and I would be very keen to bring a few in.

"The next three or four weeks are massively important in terms of the next two years and indeed the longer-term future as well."

Source: PA