Source: Team_Talk
Webster plays down lack of signings
Andy Webster is not worried by Rangers' lack of signings and confident Walter Smith "knows what he is doing" in the transfer market.[LNB] The Scottish champions have witnessed the departure of several players since the end of last season, including first-team regulars Kris Boyd and Kevin Thomson who both sealed moves to Middlesbrough recently.[LNB]Attempts to bolster the squad have so far ended in failure, with Burnley's Chris Eagles rejecting a move to Rangers after failing to agree personal terms.[LNB]But, despite a more compact squad than usual at the moment, Webster has every faith in Smith to secure the personnel necessary to challenge next term.[LNB]He said: "Of course as a player you like to see a couple of new faces but there's time for that to happen, the manager knows what he is doing in that regard."[LNB]Webster spent last season on loan at Dundee United, skippering them to third in the SPL and a Scottish Cup success.[LNB]And he is relishing the opportunity to be one of the more experienced campaigners in the Rangers dressing room this time.[LNB]He added: "There are a lot of young players but it's important that there are experienced heads alongside them too and that's part of the job for the more senior boys.[LNB]"But first and foremost, like everyone, it's about getting a first-team spot, and that goes for everyone in the squad."[LNB]Smith revealed he is looking to add three new players to his squad this summer after kicking off their pre-season programme with a win over Queen of the South yesterday.[LNB]Kenny Miller grabbed the only goal of the game at Palmerston Park, while several youngsters were also given a run-out.[LNB]Smith has assured his homegrown talent they will be given an opportunity this season but admits he is also keen to add some fresh faces.[LNB]He told the club's official website: "We know we need to increase our squad by two or maybe three players before the end of the transfer window and hopefully we can do that.[LNB]"But even allowing for that there will be plenty of opportunity for those young lads to make an impression."[LNB]Smith declared himself satisfied with the outing in Dumfries and expects his players to develop their competitive edge further when they travel to Australia for more pre-season action this week.[LNB]He said: "We had a slow start and I think that's fair enough given the number of weeks we've had off now.[LNB]"It picked up a little towards half-time and immediately after half-time we were better and got the breakthrough.[LNB]"We changed things around then as we had always planned to do, but it was a good first game for us and one we were pleased to win.[LNB]"It's always good to get started with the games and we've been training intensively for a couple of weeks now so the focus changes a little towards the matches.[LNB]"The First Division teams have competitive cup ties in the next few weeks so they were ahead in terms of fitness and games.[LNB]"But we'll get a competitive edge as we get more games.[LNB]"We have three good ones in Australia and then a few more when we come back before the season starts."
