A buoyant Alex McLeish felt he had double cause for celebration yesterday as Rangers prepare to meet Partick Thistle tomorrow at Firhill. McLeish has savoured the arrival of Frank de Boer at Ibrox, while also toasting Stefan Klos' decision to commit himself to Rangers until 2007.
Over Klos, his goalkeeper, McLeish was willing to ponder aloud at the capital he would have needed to replace such a player on the open market.
''Frankly, I dread to think how much Stefan would cost us if we were to buy him now,'' said McLeish. ''We're delighted he has pledged his future to Rangers. He's a hard trainer, he's meticulous, he's been sensational for us and he's just a fantastic pro. He is a model professional but also a very ruthless professional. Clubs as illustrious as Arsenal have expressed an interest in him in the past so we're delighted Klos has re-signed.''
With a hint of mirth, McLeish even spoke warmly of how well Klos had replaced Andy Goram, supposedly an irreplaceable Rangers legend, between the sticks.
''I sat with Andy a few months ago and he said how well Stefan had done,'' said McLeish. ''I said to Andy: 'You and him are very alike, you know. The only difference is he doesn't like a bevvy.' Quick as a flash, Andy replied: 'God, aye. And imagine how good he would be if he did.'
The resolution of Klos' future was not the only thing to cheer McLeish at Murray Park yesterday. In Frank de Boer, even at 33, McLeish still feels he has signed a player of abundant ability and character. De Boer, who hasn't played a match since December 21, is in line to start tomorrow.
''I'm looking forward to working with Frank,'' said McLeish. ''He was an opportune signing for us and he brings leadership and quality. We all agree he's not the biggest centre-half but he's a real competitor and he's got that character about him. When the chips are down I think Frank's the type who can inspire.
''Obviously Frank's is a short-term contract, but we have short-term aims here, as well as our longer-term goals. We all know what Frank's [Euro 2004] motives are in coming here and I'm sure
he'd love to contribute to any
success at Rangers. He's been brought up to build the play from the back. His use of the ball from the back is a terrific quality to have.''
One player McLeish seemed to suggest Rangers would not be imminently trying to lure to Ibrox is Alex Rae, who has been having such a fine season with Wolves. Rangers have been linked with their former youth player, but McLeish, while a keen admirer of Rae, appeared to play down talk of an impending move for the 34-year-old midfielder.
''He's a name on our list, but again, it's not exactly the youth policy we would want to adopt,'' said McLeish. ''I would say, though, that just as they say young players are old enough if they're good enough, well, older players are young enough if they're good enough. Rae's form in the Premiership this season has made people take notice, including ourselves, but other than that I can't say if a deal will be done.''
McLeish is still missing a regiment of injured players for the visit to Firhill. Chris Burke will remain out for another three weeks while Stephen Hughes' groin strain also needs time to heal. Gavin Rae is out through injury, while Craig Moore is suspended. Egil Ostenstad, linked yesterday with a summer move to Viking
Stavanger, the Norwegian club where he started his career, is also missing.
''It's a very important week for us because we want to keep winning in the league for as long as possible and we also want to make our mark in the cups,'' said McLeish. ''There's no doubt that it has been a
difficult season. There's been a bit of pain, but we see light at the end of the tunnel.''
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