Source: Team_Talk
Mendes: Thomson return will lift Gers
The Scottish champions have yet to add to their squad ahead of the new campaign despite the departure of several players.
Christian Dailly, Brahim Hemdani and goalkeeper Graeme Smith have already left Ibrox and could be followed by Charlie Adam to Blackpool and Barry Ferguson to Birmingham with no sign of any reinforcements on the radar so far.
However, boss Walter Smith does have the return of Thomson to look forward to after being given the green-light to return to full training following eight months on the sidelines with a cruciate injury.
And fellow midfielder Mendes believes Thomson could have a bigger role to play than any players Smith does manage to snap up for the new campaign.
"I see Kevin Thomson coming back as a big signing for Rangers," he said.
"I think he will probably be the best signing this season. He is back for full training and getting back to fitness.
"He proved in the early stages of last season how good a player he is and how improved he is.
"He has improved his game in the last year or so.
"So, regarding new players coming in, Kevin Thomson will probably be the most important signing for Rangers this year."
Asked whether the current squad is good enough to retain the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title, Mendes replied: "I think so. We have had a year of playing together and we know each other better.
"Myself, I now know the club and exactly what is going on and about the SPL. We will be stronger this year.
"Regarding possible signings, that's up to the manager and the chairman. From a player's point of view, I think we have a very good team.
"The only thing I can say is the manager and the chairman and the rest of the staff are happy with the team.
"But we have just started pre-season a week ago and there is a long time to go before the transfer window closes."
Mendes, speaking at the launch of the new home kit, also believes the current crop of players are good enough to challenge in the Champions League - at least at Ibrox.
"In the Champions League, I think the home games will be the most important ones," he said.
"We proved last year in the SPL that we can play some really good football at home.
"It always depends how we face the games but I think home games will be the key.
"With the squad we have at the moment, I think we can win our home games.
"I don't know, maybe if we play Barcelona at home, it will be a difficult one. But we will see what happens."
