Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae thinks that Pedro Caixinha is taking a gamble by bringing in so many foreign players, and that his approach may be used as a stick to beat him with if the season doesn’t start well.

Rae points to examples of Scottish managers failing after going to England and taking players with them from north of the border to sound a note of caution over Caixinha’s recruitment policy.

And he hopes that Ryan Jack will not be the only player to arrive at Ibrox this summer who knows what Scottish football, and more importantly playing for Rangers, is all about.

“It was always going be the case that Pedro would recruit players who he was familiar with and he’s done that,” said Rae.

“His knowledge and his work experience hasn’t been in the British game so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s brought people in from places we he’s worked and from his homeland.

“Most people I have spoken to have asked where the British element is to his plans.

“Pedro is on record saying that this isn’t a gamble but I actually think it is a bigger gamble going the way he is.

“If you look historically at Scottish football then there haven’t been that many South American success stories. He will have worked with them and will be familiar with them and will know what they can bring.

“Only time will tell if it’s going to be a positive recruitment which Rangers are doing at the moment.

“It’s used as a stick to beat managers. I went down to Millwall in 1990 and myself and a guy called John McGlashan did relatively well for the club. When I was leaving in 1996, Jimmy Nicholl brought in about six or seven Scottish boys and it didn’t work.

“It’ll be something they’ve never experienced before in their careers. Scottish football isn’t for everyone’s taste, it’s about how quickly they adapt to that and how they complement the squad which was already there and how it’s married together.

“They need to hit the ground running as you don’t get a bedding in period at Rangers.

“These signings will all be technically good, you’d imagine. Bruno Alves is a proven top-class player, but there are times when you have to go up to a Ross County on a Tuesday night, tough environments where it could be blowing a gale.

“These aren’t places for pretty football, it’s about mentality and knowing how to grind out results, which is what you also need at Rangers.”

To that end, Rae believes that the capture of Graham Dorrans would be a fantastic coup for Rangers if they manage to come up with an offer that meets Norwich City’s demands.

“Dorrans is probably the best name which has been thrown onto the table,” he said.

“I tried to sign him for Dundee in 2007, him and Robert Snodgrass, but they had the lure of the big move. They are from the East End of Glasgow so I’ve followed them throughout their careers.

“Dorrans would be a great addition and one of the things I’ve spoken to Alex McLeish about is that Rangers needs guys who know the club. Dorrans is steeped in that and I’m led to believe he’s willing to take a wage cut which shows he’s desperate to get up the road.”

*Alex was speaking at the launch of the A&M Scotland and Manorview Hotel Group’s Legends Charity Football Match. The game will feature many former stars from Scottish football, including Arthur Numan, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Bert Konterman. It takes place on Sunday, 9th July at Hamilton Accies FC, 1pm ko.

Proceeds from the match are being donated to A&M Scotland. A&M provide facilities for boys and girls in deprived areas in Scotland and offer football coaching, dancing classes and life skills at no cost to the young people who participate.