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KYLE Lafferty is desperate to put his injury problems behind him and return to the Rangers team as they bid to reclaim the SPL title. Kyle LaffertyLafferty has been sidelined since early January after taking a heavy knock to his knee and ankle in a closed door game at Murray Park. But now the Northern Ireland international is battling to make his way back in to Walter Smith's side as they aim to close the gap on rivals Celtic at the top of the table. He said: "It's good to be back. The injury wasn't as bad as we first thought and I'm back now and raring to go. "To be fair the whole of the first six or seven months have been about injuries for me and I haven't really got going. But hopefully this is the end of it and I can kick on now. "I supported this club when I was younger and I know how great a club it is so I want to prove to the fans and anyone who is doubting me that I can do a job for Rangers. "All I can do when I get my chance is to try to do my best and that's what I do every time I put on a blue shirt." Kyle Lafferty celebrates with Pedro MendesLafferty will aim to do that against Dundee United this weekend, but he knows that whatever team Smith fields, they will face a difficult challenge from Craig Levein's men. The Gers No.27 hit the net at Tannadice in December to earn his side a 2-2 draw and he is expecting another tough meeting with a side that have run Rangers close this season. He said: "They are a good side and we haven't managed to beat them yet this season so everyone in the dressing room knows what a good team they are. "I haven't been surprised by the challenge the teams outside the Old Firm are making because this is a good league, there are a lot of good teams in it." If he does get a chance, Lafferty knows it may not come in his favoured position - as a striker - but he insists he is ready for the fight he faces to earn a regular starting spot. He added: "The Gaffer has said that he bought me as a striker and that's my position. If I can't get a chance there in the first team hopefully I can show in the reserves what I am capable of. "Everybody knows what Kris Boyd is about and as long as he is scoring and the team are winning I'll be happy. So it's going to be hard to budge him but I'm up for the challenge."

Is the versatility of modern-day attackers a blessing or a curse? Walter Smith would probably sway towards the former after restoring Nacho Novo to a frontline striking position on Tuesday night and then reaping the benefits as the Spaniard scored twice against Falkirk to help Rangers through to the Co-operative Insurance Cup Final. How to get the best out of Novo and several of his team-mates, though, is a quandary that must regularly test the Rangers manager. Within the current squad, only Kris Boyd could be labelled a traditional centre-forward whose remit is to patrol the penalty box, engage in combat with opposition centre-halves, and score as often as possible. The remainder of Rangers' attackers can not be so easily pigeonholed. Novo, Kenny Miller, John Fleck, Steven Naismith, and Kyle Lafferty have all been deployed in numerous positions dependent on the resources available to Smith, the nature of the opposition, and the team's formation. advertisement Having more clearly defined roles would benefit both club and player, according to Kevin Drinkell, the former Rangers centre-forward now director of football with 110sport Management. "I always have a laugh at the philosophy of some players when they say they like to play in the hole," Drinkell said. "There were no holes when I played, except at some of the old grounds. It's an imaginary area. "It's players saying they don't want to have the responsibility of scoring goals but would like to sometimes; they don't want the responsibility of winning possession but claim they will be really effective if they are allowed to do what they want to do. It's a bit of a cop-out for me. Players need to decide what their best roles are and how they can be most effective for the team." # Nacho Novo 29 Novo arrived from Dundee in 2004 and struck up a productive partnership with Dado Prso, scoring 25 goals as Rangers claimed the SPL title. In recent seasons he has been used more sparingly, often wide on the right of midfield. "I still think Nacho is one of those really good acquisitions for a club where you just bring him in now and again," said Drinkell. "I don't think if you played him in 40 games a season you would get 40 good performances. He went through a stage last year where he would come off the bench and cause problems, earn his place in the starting XI, and then fade away. I'm sure it's not how he sees himself, but he's more of an impact player rather than someone who could play every week. He's coming towards the end of his career and still doesn't know his best position." # Kenny Miller 29 After initially thriving as a traditional centre-forward at Hibernian, Miller has since been used more often than not, both for his club sides and for his country, as a willing foil for a more direct striker or as a lone attacker in difficult matches away from home. "I think it's important to build up striking partnerships as you don't get that chance too often these days with most clubs having rotation systems and managers changing shape for away games and things like that," said Drinkell. "For me, you can't build up that rapport if you don't play week in, week out together and, although Kenny was out the team the other night, we've seen that he and Kris Boyd seem to work well together. The most important thing is building that understanding between the two men in attack." # Steven Naismith 22 Naismith's versatility was first realised at Kilmarnock where he was used as a centre-forward, on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder. Injuries have curtailed his involvement since switching to Rangers. "I'm a big admirer of Steven as a footballer, but he's another one that has to decide what position he wants to be," said Drinkell. "He's got pace and can use a bit of trickery, but there's a different art in going out there and standing with your back to goal and playing as a striker. You don't necessarily have to be physically strong to do the role. There are some centre-forwards who cause problems by coming deep, spinning and going long which is still as effective. Steven is still young, but I still see it a lot in players between 16 and 21 where they aren't properly learning the position they would like to play." # Kyle Lafferty 21 Lafferty arrived last summer from Burnley, where he was used primarily as a left-sided midfielder, although he traditionally plays through the middle for Northern Ireland. "He's another one that's got the dilemma of whether he's a front player or a wide player. He has to learn his trade," said Drinkell. "If it's to be up front, then go and play 20 to 30 games as a centre-forward, even if it's reserve-team football, and learn the art. If it's to be a winger then go and sit yourself on the touchline, get on the ball, take full-backs on and develop your crossing. The halfway house is no use. I made my debut at 16 for Grimsby Town as a centre-forward and every day I did my best to improve my knowledge of that position, how to win a header or how to lose a marker in the box. I dedicated myself to that position. Now it's a bit like five-a-sides all the time and players just play where they want." # John Fleck 17 The great hope of the Rangers' academy has been gradually introduced to the first team as a left-sided midfielder although he also has the ability to play as an attacking midfielder or as a striker. "What he needs is someone to decide for him how they see his future developing," said Drinkell. "They have to say, you're going to be a centre midfielder that bombs on and joins the forwards, a centre-forward that can play with your back to goal, or a wide player who gets down the wings. Rather than trying to do it all, it would be better if he could be fantastic at just one thing." http://www.theherald.co.uk/sport/headlines/display.var.2485310.0.Rangers_attackers_need_to_play_leading_role.php

RANGERS have won their appeal over Sasa Papac's red card in Saturday's 3-1 win over Falkirk and he is now free to play at Aberdeen this weekend. Referee Willie Collum looked at the incident again and decided that it should not have been an instant dismissal after Papac challenged Falkirk substitute Mark Stewart on the halfway line. The matter will now be referred to the Review Panel who will decide if a yellow card should be issued instead. The Panel, which consists of an ex-referee, an ex-manager and an ex-player, is due to meet before the end of the week. If it decides that a yellow card is appropriate then three points will be added to Papac's disciplinary record. He currently has 12 points and would therefore move to 15 which is three short of the threshhold where suspension kicks in. It's a welcome boost for manager Walter Smith as Papac has been one of the most consistent performers in the side this season. http://www.rangers.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/NewsDetail/0,,5~1527618,00.html

http://www.newsnow.co.uk/A/323733752?-11344 I’m sure we’ve all read with interest over the last week the debate about whether or not Rangers fans ‘deserve better’. I'm also sure not many fans would disagree with that sentiment even if the ‘campaign’ has so far been limited to media criticism without much constructive contributions thereafter. Nevertheless, over the last week since the campaign was launched by the RST, much debate has been had surrounding the principle and the reasons behind it. Indeed, a cursory look at their statement doesn’t show much one can argue about. Our club has under-achieved for the last 8 years and it appears the same financial mistakes have been made (to a smaller scale) than in the early part of this century. Therefore, the RST are quite right to suggest ‘we deserve better’. The reaction to this criticism has been most interesting. Everyone and their lapdogs have had their say on the subject – from wee Chick and big Mark to Walter Smith and Sir David Murray – even Davie Provan has had his say! The papers, phone-ins and forums have been full of talk about the issue and if the RST were attempting to garner publicity then they certainly have been most successful. But surely publicity wasn’t the sole aim of the campaign? After all, if one does want the club to improve then simply complaining isn’t likely to gain the immediate support of the kind of numbers the Trust requires to further their credibility. Further, there have been valid concerns about the arguably premature way the RST have launched the campaign. No consultation with their members, no backing from high-net worth investors and no comments of support from their honorary members – some of whom are ex-players who would have added much weight to their argument. Couple this with a failure to offer any workable alternatives or solutions then the campaign is easily (if erroneously) dismissed or ignored by the majority. I say erroneously because, again, their points of concern are valid. The club does need improvement, mistakes are being made and we are under-performing on and off the field. Therefore, it was most disappointing to read the reaction from key club figures such as the manager and chairman. Instead of accepting the criticism, taking it on the chin and admitting responsibility for the recent mistakes that have been made; more denial and deflection is the result. Deny the problems exist then deflect the issue onto ‘faceless’ internet supporters who are not real fans. Hardly a pro-active reaction when the evidence shows the club can do better. The ultimate result of all this is further division and not the unity the Trust are struggling to provide. Tens of thousands of loyal internet fans insulted and the club retreating further into its shell won’t address Ã?£30million of debt and a 3 year wait for the SPL title. How can we bridge this gap? Well, as leaders of the campaign, the Trust should have expected this result and planned for it. They profess unity but seem incapable of delivering that. They themselves struggle to accept criticism and lack the solutions to increase their small mainly online sourced membership to a level where the offline supporter can appreciate and back their point of view. Not to mention achieve the primary aims they state on their website which seem to have been shelved in favour of a more militant strategy. As such they must go back to the drawing board and provide up-to-date solutions and suggestions for club improvement. References to a 2 year old 15 point plan are all well and good but how relevant is that plan in today’s climate? To pressure the club to improve, they themselves must do better – as must the other supporters’ organisations who are failing their members with under-performance. Meanwhile the club must also take their hands off their eyes/ears and, just once, see where many fans are coming from. Acknowledge the mistakes, take responsibility and provide the improvement requested. Not all of that need take humble climb-downs, apologies or finance we can’t afford. It just takes hard work, imagination and ambition. And don’t forget that the people who have every right to ask questions are the ones that will be buying season tickets in a few months as well as the latest new strips. By all means argue their point but be strong and ask yourself if you can improve the situation. We’re not saying this can be done overnight but there should be a plan of action. The same goes for the fans generally. We can mump and moan our way through games. We can complain about certain players being unable to take a set-piece. We can take umbrage at the club unfulfilling its potential. But, if we’re going to do that, then we should be prepared to examine ourselves and what we offer. Yes, we are the biggest investors into the club – both emotionally and financially – but if we want seats on the board or to own the club then these ambitions must be backed up by intelligent debate. It is on that note Gersnet is launching a new project for fans to get involved in. Yes, we agree with the ‘we deserve better’ slogan but only on the premise that we help facilitate that in a positive sense. Ergo, over the coming weeks, we’ll have a series of articles from our writers discussing many of the concerns raised by the campaign and how these could be addressed. We've got great, constructive ideas we want to develop and present to the club and we're looking forward to debating them with you. We’d also like all our readers to get involved. Comment on the articles using the main site software, join the forums to give your opinion and contact us by email if you’d like to offer more. To that end we hope this project will catalyse change while showing the club that ‘faceless’ internet supporters are capable of more than just sniping. Keep an eye on the site for each article and we look forward to you joining the debate!

Rangers manager Walter Smith expects a tough match at Pittodrie on Saturday against in-form Aberdeen. More...

Am I right in thinking that in our great democracy free speech and opinions are allowed and even encouraged. I have never met Walter Smith or Mr.Murray. Or, indeed, any of the others involved in the running of our great football team.(apart from Ally Mc. but he was pissed at the time) All I know of them is what I read in the newspaper or hear on the TV. I expect that this is the same for 99.9% of any supporters. I form my opinions from what I hear and see mainly in the press. I, and most others, do not resort to name calling of the people who run our team. Why should WS etc.feel the need to resort to such name calling without actually knowing the people of whom they are addressing ? As far as I understand it is the business and coaching methods which are under scrutiny and not their personal character. The supporters who are expressing their opinions by the best available means want to have a successful football club....No more and NO LESS. Is this the same agenda for WS etc ? Given the logic of recent decisions it makes you wonder Those making such sweeping attacks and suggesting that all supporters are stupid and know nothing about anything also have the audacity to simultaneously to live off these same supporters hard earned cash. This says to me that these people may have something to hide and are trying to deflect the main issues. Any knowledge I have gained over many years is by watching football, listening to managers and believing what they said which turned out to be total bullshit has made me suspicious of "successful businessman" Mr.Murray's words and future plans and that of his paid employees. After all, he is not a multi millionaire by looking after the small investor. Once WS etc. has met all "troublemakers" or even put HIS thoughts and feelings on this board, after all he says he reads the comments, then he will be able to form opinions of the individuals who question his actions (even better if he is happy to give everyone his own e-mail so that he can communicate personally) Or,perhaps we should all write letters so he can respond individually therefore revealing identities in a safe and secure manner. Has he ever heard the term "internet security" As things stand I want some genuine, truthful answers to my Club's future including "will Ibrox Park park exist in 10 years"

Another Game, Same Old Deficiencies …. After another below par performance against the Falkirk Bairns on Saturday, surely we can’t be the only ones who are witness to our glaring deficiencies? Our manager and chairmen have branded us faceless and clueless, but even someone as faceless and clueless as myself can determine that we could get more out of our players, especially if they were played in their correct positions and if they were ‘coached’ properly. Once again on Saturday we were served up an unacceptable performance and we were lucky to run out narrow winners. Even after going 2-1 up, we almost allowed Falkirk back into the game but thankfully held out to record a victory and secure a crucial three points. Understanding that I will probably receive the wrath of our custodian by daring to question the managers tactics, I will endeavour to give my opinions of what is going wrong on the pitch. As a paying customer, I surly have the right to that! Continuing with 4 centre-halves in the back line is restricting our attacking options. Both Broadfoot and Papac have been decent at fullback, but both are centre-halves and play like centre-halves. They play very narrow which allows the opposition to exploit the space down our flanks. Why Walter Smith spent circa Ã?£6.5M on forwards in the close season and ignored the glaring deficiencies in the fullback areas is a mystery. We actually have three very decent centre midfield players who all have experience of playing on the English Premiership. All three have shown that they have the ability to play in what is arguably the best league in the world. However, to accommodate all three of these midfield players, we are forced to play one of them as a right winger. We have another brilliant midfield player out for the season. We have two options for the left wing position, but the manager insists on playing anyone other than our natural left wingers at left wing. Again, with no natural width in the midfield, the game is narrowed and we are forced to play through the congested middle of the pitch. Up front, we are well covered at the moment. Off course, this may change during the transfer window, who knows. As for Saturday, the back four looked shaky, and Boogie was caught sleeping for the Falkirk goal (Lovell scores against us with frightening regularity). The midfield didn’t click (again) with only Mendes getting pass marks. Ferguson and Davis (last 10 minutes apart) were awful. The front two tried, but were uninspiring. The only positive was John Fleck – although played out of position (surprise, surprise) he did well. He had two brilliant runs, one where he beat two Falkirk defenders only to be scythed down. The second he supplied a wonderful cross only for Boyd to somehow header the ball directly into the ground for 6 yards out with the goal gaping and at his mercy. Now, Boynd’s goalscoring record is there for all to see, but I can’t remember a centre who is as bad at heading as Boyd is. Steve Davis cuts a lonely figure wide right and we must move him into has favoured position if we are to get the best out of him or we’ll ruin the lad. In the last 10 minutes of Saturdays game Davis demonstrated just how good he could be if played properly. His slide-rule pass to Novo for the 2nd goal was EPL class, as was his clinching goal. However, 10 minutes a game isn’t good enough. Barry Ferguson hasn’t reclaimed any sort of form since returning from injury. This is worrying as he is the only driving force we have in our squad. So, we go to Aberdeen on Saturday only 2 points behind in the league and I for one can see Walter making changes. However, I’d bet that the changes will involve the likes of Adam, McCulloch et al rather than Fleck, Aaron et al. We’ll approach the game as a ‘must not lose’, rather than a ‘must win’. The days of letting the opposition worry about our formation, flare etc are long gone and we have a worrying tendency to alter our team selection to ‘suit’ the opposition (see the changes for the Tannidice game as an example). Somehow we have been given a glimmer of hope in this title race, and we must take full advantage and capitalise on this. Do we have the players capable of doing this? Does our manger have the tactics and coaching capable of this? The next three league games will supply us with the answers. Hopefully, the faceless and clueless legions will be proven wrong and we’ll use this as a springboard to catapult us towards the league title. Only time and the closing of the transfer window will tell. So Do We Deserve Better? There has been much written and spoken about the ‘we deserve better’ campaign and the subsequent response for our custodian and manager. Now, I believe that we all knew how SDM and WS would response, so whilst their responses were disappointing, they were unsurprising. They have basically told us that we are ‘faceless’ and ‘clueless’ when it comes to the running and future of Rangers Football Club. This is the usual SDM mantra – pay up and shut up. So the question remains, do we deserve better? Two last day SPL titles in 8 years, a decade of financial mismanagement, a youth academy that is failing even after numerous changes and a youth development that nobody knows who actually owns it and the players registered to it. A decade of asset stripping that has seen the catering, ticketing, merchandise sold off with little or no money coming directly to Rangers from these ‘outlets’ (apart for the initial fees – short termism at its best). And that is just ‘scratching the surface’. SMD claims that we aren’t entitled to discuss this as we aren’t captains of industry and that we don’t offer alternatives and / or solutions (surely a contradiction in terms there). Anyway, the RST have given SDM pages and pages of solutions, ideas and alternatives, all which SDM dismissed out of hand. Can’t have it both ways SDM. I sincerely hope that this seasons doesn’t fall into the ‘papering over the cracks’ category just like the previous title winning season have. Don’t get me wrong, I am willing Rangers to win this title as much as anyone but fear us winning the title will see the pressure being exerted on SDM diminishing and allowing him to continue with his downsizing of the club and out ambitions. In conclusion, to answer the set questsion - YES, we do deserve better, a hell of a lot better........ Whispers From Murray Park The captain of the ship (i.e the guy who runs our RSC) was through at Murray Park on Friday to get a couple of tops signed for charity. Every player except 4 signed the tops (4 players, McGregor, Mendes, Weir & Naismith had arrived prior to The Captain and were already in for training) but one of the management team refused point blank to stop and sign the tops. Yip, Ally McCoist, hang you’re head in shame, you more than anyone else should know better. Anyway, the general consensus was that ALL the players were happy to stop and not only sign the tops, but to stop and talk for a couple of minutes and were also happy to have photos taken etc. Kris Boyd reinforced his desire to stay at Rangers (as did Boogie and Ferguson) and an unnamed player stated that every player was determined to stay and regain OUR title from Celtc. Most players also confirmed that Boyd was determined to stay and ALL wanted him to stay. Kevin Thomson stated that his operation went well and he can’t wait to get back training and playing. Nacho Novo recognised the guys from the RSC as he was a guest at our POTY Dance 2 season back. NN reinforced his desire and passion to continue to play for Rangers and again stated that he would do all in his power to help our RST (he has in the past – he is a credit to himself and to Rangers Football Club). The two tops are being raffled at a Race Night at the start of February to help raise funds for The Sick Kids Hospital. Cammy F -

Too lightweight for me. A few good moments and a few good goals but has never really looked up for the Scottish game. I cant even remember him taking players on too often, I thought a winger was supposed to go for it. To easily pushed off the ball for me and a bad signing

Rangers manager Walter Smith fears too much criticism from the stands could have a detrimental effect on his team. More...

I know we only seen him for 5 minutes last night but it was more than enough for all to see that the boy has exceptional talent. Only Walter Smith knows why he hasnt been given a run in the first team so far but im going to predict that we will be seeing a lot more of him from now to the end of the season. Not to enhance the team though. To put him in the shop window. Murray and bain will have the dollars already counted in the bank come the end of the season where this kid is concerned. That is what they do best. As soon as anyone in our Ranks shows the slightest bit of talent they are sold off to the highest bidder and fleck will be no different. We have been questioning the level of ambition at our club for quite some time now but the truth at the end of the day is that we have none. Our best players are off the minute someone comes sniffing around and are replaced by mediocrity everytime. McCulloch, Broadfoot, whittaker, Darcheville, Beadsley, Dailly and the real jewel in the crown, Lafferty. So dont get too attached to Young Fleck. My guess is that he could even be off this transfer window. And for a quarter of his true worth to boot.

SIR DAVID MURRAY insisted last night heââ?¬â?¢s the ONLY man to take Rangers forward as furious fans called for his immediate resignation. In a day of yet more Ibrox drama, disgruntled Gers fans launched a stinging attack on Murray and his board ââ?¬â? demanding an urgent change of direction at the crisis-torn club. Backed by the board of the Rangers Supporters Trust, the ââ?¬Ë?We Deserve Betterââ?¬â?¢ campaign comes in the wake of a month of turmoil at Ibrox. Murray has admitted Gers will be forced to sell at least one star player this month in a bid to balance the books. And at Tuesday nightââ?¬â?¢s Scottish Cup clash against St Johnstone in Perth, fans unfurled a banner reading ââ?¬Ë?David Murray Must Goââ?¬â?¢. But last night the embattled chairman blasted back ââ?¬â? insisting heââ?¬â?¢s the clubââ?¬â?¢s best bet. Murray, seeking a buyer for the club, said: ââ?¬Å?At the moment Iââ?¬â?¢m BY FAR the best bet for Rangers. ââ?¬Å?I am not going to sit here and apologise for running Rangers as a tight ship in a climate like this, it HAS to be done. People say I am trying to keep the debt down to get a good selling price ââ?¬â? that is NOT the case. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m totally committed to this club and whilst this is a difficult period we CAN get through it. ââ?¬Å?I wouldnââ?¬â?¢t be difficult to deal with if I felt the offer was right for Rangers but what would any prospective buyer think looking at the situation right now. ââ?¬Å?It is hardly going to entice anyone in is it?ââ?¬Â No david it wont entice anyone. you sold our best players in the past and replaced them with mediocrity. you let our manager squander 7 million in the summer on 3 strikers when we needed to strengthen else where in the team. you then went on a panic buying spree after our manager managed to get knocked out of the CL by yet another pub team. That is why we find ourselves in the mess we are in now. Gross mismangement of the highest order. If i had done my job as badly as Walter Smith has done his id be sacked. If you have one major failing Mr murray it is your undying loyalty to Walter Smith. you really should have learned your lesson after Advocaat but you didnt. Sack smith and you may have a chance in the immediate future.

One of the biggest surprises in transferland today is the announcement that Rangers will almost certainly sell Kris Boyd to Birmingham by the end of the week. The striker has scored a whopping twenty goals already this season, and has been the Gers top scorer for three seasons running. Understandably, his sale to a Championship side for just Ã?£3.5m has raised more than a few eyebrows in the Scottish capital [er, of football - Ed.]. Captain Barry Ferguson is also said to be on the move for a similar price, although Walter Smith this week denied a move from Newcastle Utd for the player. Owner Sir David Murray has made no secret of his desire to trim down his squad, arguing that the club lost Ã?£10m in projected revenues when they dismally crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers. During an emergency transfer strategy meeting, Smith and Murray reportedly agreed that Allan McGregor, Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes, Steve Davis and Kevin Thomson are ââ?¬Å?untouchableââ?¬Â, but will deal with their estimated Ã?£20m debt by shifting ten players. According to whispers on talkSPORT this morning, however, the entire first team is up for grabs. What exactly is going on north of the border? Is David Murray in a deeper financial mire than he is letting on, or is his fire sale simply a lesson in how not to run a football club? Let us know your opinion on the matter below. http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2009/01/07/are-glasgow-rangers-in-big-financial-trouble

David Healy's agent insists his client is not clamouring for a New Year departure from Sunderland. The Black Cats striker has been strongly linked with a move to SPL giants Rangers. He has failed to start a single Premier League game for the North East outfit since joining them from Fulham at the start of the season. Reports had suggested that Gers boss Walter Smith was lining up the Northern Ireland international as a possible replacement for Kris Boyd, who is poised to join Birmingham. However, Healy's representative Stephen Hughes claims there is no substance to those rumours. "I have heard nothing. We are not engineering anything," he said. "I spoke to Sunderland earlier this week and nothing was mentioned. from sky sports news centre. We obviously have not made the approach that so many reports had made out, i think if boyd goes but you will see healy at rangers on loan i would expect.

Rangers will consider selling striker Kris Boyd to Birmingham, if the St Andrews club increase their �£3m bid. Rangers chairman Sir David Murray told BBC Sport: "Birmingham have made an enquiry, we talked about money but we haven't agreed a fee." However, the English Championship outfit insist that an offer has already been accepted for the 25-year-old. A source at St Andrews told BBC Sport that they expect Boyd to discuss a five-year contract on Wednesday. The source at St Andrews said: "I'd be 75% certain that Kris Boyd will be a Birmingham player by the end of the week." Boyd, who was signed for Rangers by Blues boss Alex McLeish, is the top scorer in the Scottish Premier League with 18 goals. The Championship side are keen to bolster their forward line, with Garry O'Connor sidelined by injury and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's loan period ending. McLeish signed Boyd from Kilmarnock during his time in charge of Rangers and also capped the forward when manager of Scotland. Cardiff City failed with a �£2.5m bid for Boyd in the summer but the player recently revealed that he had considered leaving Ibrox. He was frustrated at being overlooked for key matches last term but his form this season has been impressive. Rangers manager Walter Smith has made no secret of the need to prune his squad but news of a possible sale is sure to surprise supporters of the club. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/r/rangers/7813579.stm

RANGERS can confirm this afternoon that Jordan McMillan has moved on loan to Hamilton Academical FC until May. The 20-year-old defender has been a regular with Tommy Wilson's Reserves this season but will hope to gain valuable first-team experience with Billy Reid's side. Despite being named in Walter Smith's squad on several occasions in 2008 the young Glaswegian has yet to make his debut but is highly rated at Murray Park. McMillan is one of several second-string stars to accept a loan move in recent months but the first to secure a deal with another SPL club.

someone has to take responsibility for the mess were in and i personally blame Walter Smith. Failing to strengthen the squad for the CL in the summer and the panic buy spending spree has cost us very dear indeed. 7 million wasted on Lafferty, Vilichka and Edu, players who have made no impact whatsoever whilst wonderboys fleck and arron have been left to rot in the wilderness. his financial incompetence has destroyed our club. We should have been building for the future last summer but our wayward manager decide to go with what he had, fooling himself that he actually had a good squad because he had reached the Uefa Cup final when everyone else knew that the likes of Daily, Weir, McCulloch, Adam...( I could go on all day) just werent good enough for Glasgow Rangers. IF Walter Smith has any decency left he should do the decent thing and fall on his sword. He has dragged us down to the abyss and it will take one hell of a job to get us back up. smith isnt the man to do it. He hasnt shown us anything in his second comming that suggests he has any of the qualities required to take the club back to the top. Infact he has shown us anything but. Tactical niavety, poor decision making, poor team selections and the financial savvy of a two year old are all the traits that have haunted him, and us for that matter. Thanks for fuckall Walter, and i really mean that. And if you need a lift on your way out.....

ALEX McLEISH is preparing a �£3million bid to lure Kris Boyd away from Rangers. Former Gers gaffer Eck wants the 20-goal hitman to fire Birmingham City into the Premiership. SunSport can reveal McLeish will launch an official move for the 25-year-old within days. He brought Boyd to Ibrox three years ago in a �£400,000 deal from Kilmarnock. McLeish also handed the free-scoring star the majority of his 15 Scotland caps. Now he wants to work with him for the THIRD time as he seeks to lift City back among the big boys. It is understood McLeish stepped up his interest after Boydâ��s double in the 3-0 win over Caley Thistle on Sunday. The brace in Inverness lifted his Gers goal haul to 91 in just three years. Big Eck has already taken Scotland strike stars James McFadden and Garry Oâ��Connor to St Andrewâ��s. But Birmingham have scored fewer goals than any of the other top eight sides in the Championship. They are outside the lucrative automatic promotion positions on goal difference alone. On-loan striker Quincy Owusu Abeyie was sent back to Russiaâ��s Spartak Moscow yesterday after failing to sparkle. And McLeishâ��s priority for this monthâ��s transfer window is to add much-needed firepower. He has never hidden his admiration for Boydâ��s predatory talents and is now ready to test Gersâ�� resolve. Light Blues boss Walter Smith has repeated his desire to hang on to his key first-team regulars as Gers chase the SPL title. Newcastle United are keen on captain Barry Ferguson while Marseille have been linked with stopper Madjid Bougherra. Smith only wants to get rid of fringe players like Christian Dailly, Brahim Hemdani and Andy Webster. Frozen-out frontman Alan Gow headed south for talks with Birminghamâ��s league rivals Wolves yesterday after they agreed a �£450,000 fee with Gers. But Big Eck â�� the last Ibrox manager to capture the SPL title â�� will still make a move for Boyd. However, the hierarchy at Rangers know it would be a hugely unpopular decision to sell the fansâ�� favourite. http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2097653.ece

RANGERS would be committing championship suicide by flogging the family silver in a bid to balance the books. Former Ibrox favourite and SunSport columnist Billy Dodds believes the sale of Barry Ferguson and Kris Boyd would rip the heart out of Gers. Skipper Fergie has been linked with a Ã?£2.5million move to Newcastle while we revealed this morning that Boyd is a Ã?£3m target for Alex McLeishââ?¬â?¢s Birmingham. Dodds knows his cash-strapped old club could be tempted to cash in ââ?¬â? but he has warned them theyââ?¬â?¢d be kissing their SPL title hopes goodbye if they did. He said: ââ?¬Å?The way things are going for Rangers right now you just canââ?¬â?¢t imagine Walter Smith would entertain selling either of them. ââ?¬Å?I could name a few others Iââ?¬â?¢m sure heââ?¬â?¢d like to get shot of first before heââ?¬â?¢d even consider parting with Boyd or Ferguson. ââ?¬Å?The title race is far from over and to win titles you need to have your best players available ââ?¬â? Boyd for his goals and Ferguson for his leadership qualities. ââ?¬Å?Business is business I suppose, but I donââ?¬â?¢t think Rangers can afford to sell them. ââ?¬Å?The only way they would be tempted is if silly money was offered. But the figures being quoted arenââ?¬â?¢t in that bracket, nowhere near it. ââ?¬Å?Rangers themselves are operating in the market weââ?¬â?¢re talking about here. I donââ?¬â?¢t think itââ?¬â?¢s feasible. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t think itââ?¬â?¢s the right time, the right players or the right money. If they were to sell both players Rangers are 100 per cent certain to lose the title. ââ?¬Å?Itââ?¬â?¢s a massive gamble and one Iââ?¬â?¢m sure Smith wonââ?¬â?¢t entertain. They would lose even more money by losing out on the title.ââ?¬Â Rangers fans will be reeling from the news that Big Eck has his sights set on Boyd to lead Brumââ?¬â?¢s push for promotion back into the Premier League. But Dodds says Gers should throw out his cheeky Ã?£3m bid for a player he rates around Ã?£5m ââ?¬â? and worth his weight in goals. Doddsy explained: ââ?¬Å?If you take Kris Boyd out of the team thereââ?¬â?¢s not another striker at Rangers who comes close to matching his return. Thatââ?¬â?¢s why Iââ?¬â?¢d laugh off Birminghamââ?¬â?¢s bid of Ã?£3m. ââ?¬Å?When you think of the money thatââ?¬â?¢s swilling around the Championship and some of the fees already shelled out then you would have to say Boyd falls into the Ã?£5m category. I think heââ?¬â?¢s worth that easily. ââ?¬Å?Boyd is invaluable to Rangers. His goals can help catch Celtic, Iââ?¬â?¢m sure. Sell him in January and the Gers fans can forget that. Advertisement ââ?¬Å?The other problem would be replacing him. Smith would have to buy someone else if he offloaded Boyd and where do you find a striker like Boyd for Ã?£3m? Players like that are hard to come by. ââ?¬Å?Iââ?¬â?¢m not having these people who judged him on one game against Celtic. Play him three or four times and if he doesnââ?¬â?¢t score then fair enough. ââ?¬Å?But heââ?¬â?¢s scored for his country and is scoring for fun in the SPL. Heââ?¬â?¢s the best finisher in the country by a mile. Thatââ?¬â?¢s why heââ?¬â?¢s worth more than Ã?£3m. Rangers would be mad to sell him for that. ââ?¬Å?Alex McLeish knows what he would be getting, heââ?¬â?¢s the man who signed him for Rangers. ââ?¬Å?Birmingham are struggling to score goals and thereââ?¬â?¢s no doubt Boyd is the answer. But Rangers canââ?¬â?¢t afford to let him go ââ?¬â? and thatââ?¬â?¢s the bottom line.ââ?¬Â Ferguson is another player Dodds reckons Gers canââ?¬â?¢t afford to lose. The captain is edging back to his best after ankle surgery kept him sidelined for the first five months of the campaign. Dodds said: ââ?¬Å?Ferguson is hugely influential at Rangers. I know. I played alongside him. ââ?¬Å?Heââ?¬â?¢s had his critics this season but give the guy a break, heââ?¬â?¢d been out injured for five months. ââ?¬Å?I think you saw the real Barry against Dundee United a few weeks ago. Heââ?¬â?¢s getting back to his best slowly but surely. It was always going to take time. ââ?¬Å?Listen, Barry is a moaning faced so-and-so but thatââ?¬â?¢s only because he loves to control games. ââ?¬Å?He loves to dictate and thatââ?¬â?¢s why he doesnââ?¬â?¢t like to push forward high up the park too early. ââ?¬Å?He doesnââ?¬â?¢t dictate when he pushes up the field and itââ?¬â?¢s no coincidence that in the last few weeks heââ?¬â?¢s been dropping off. ââ?¬Å?Barry is still a Ã?£4-5m player. He went for Ã?£7m a few years ago, remember. ââ?¬Å?Newcastle are talking about a Ã?£2.5m bid but that should be laughed off too. Heââ?¬â?¢s worth at least double.ââ?¬Â Gers boss Smith is bracing himself as Newcastle and Birmingham prepare concrete bids. Dodds said: ââ?¬Å?Rangers would only let them go if it was top dollar we were talking about but itââ?¬â?¢s not. ââ?¬Å?The destination of this seasonââ?¬â?¢s title depends on it, Iââ?¬â?¢m sure.ââ?¬Â http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/spl/article2097860.ece

Rangers are considering making a loan move for Northern Ireland hero David Healy. The Sunderland striker is one of a number of names on an Ibrox hit-list as Walter Smith attempts to improve a squad that has fallen seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premier League title race. Smith is interested in bringing Aberdeen striker Lee Miller and Hearts right-back Robbie Nielson to the club on a permanent basis, but the Gers boss must sell before he can buy in a major clear-out, therefore at the moment is weighing up loan deals. And thatââ?¬â?¢s where Healy comes in. The 29-year-old has been linked previously with a move to Rangers when he was in the middle of that record breaking scoring run for Northern Ireland in the 2008 European Championship qualifying campaign. Last year the Glasgow giants signed two of Healyââ?¬â?¢s international team-mates, Steve Davis and Kyle Lafferty. It would be quite a hat-trick if they recruited Healy, even if it was on a temporary basis. At present though all Healy, who has scored 35 goals for his country, is concerned with is playing on a more regular basis for Sunderland. Since signing for the Black Cats, he has endured a frustrating time, sitting on the sidelines, although he did make a return to first team duty last weekend, coming on as a substitute in the 3-0 Premier League defeat at Everton. Tomorrow Sunderland host Bolton in the third round of the FA Cup and the Killyleagh man is hoping to be involved. Writing in his Belfast Telegraph column today, Healy said: ââ?¬Å?I want to play for Sunderland more in 2009. ââ?¬Å?I was delighted to join Sunderland from Fulham in the summer because it is such a big club with a passionate support, but I have not played nearly as much as I had hoped. ââ?¬Å?I was pleased to come off the bench for 15 minutes against Everton last Sunday, although losing the game 3-0 wasnââ?¬â?¢t in the script. ââ?¬Å?It had been a while since I played in the first team and it was great to get a game again. ââ?¬Å?I donââ?¬â?¢t want to just be playing a game every two or three weeks though. ââ?¬Å?My aim is to be involved all the time. ââ?¬Å?Hopefully I will be involved in our FA Cup tie at the week end against Bolton.ââ?¬Â http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premiership/rangers-consider-loan-move-for-david-healy-14127273.html

Same old story for us, very good business wise but for the team and the fans it's getting beyond a joke RANGERS boss Walter Smith admits he might not be able to keep Madjid Bougherra beyond the transfer window. Newcastle United are preparing a �£5million bid for the Algerian defender, as revealed by Record Sport, and Marseille are also keen. Smith is anxious to retain his top-team regulars and hopes only fringe performers leave the club in the next four weeks. But he admitted the chance for Rangers to double their money on a player they brought from Charlton in the summer might prove too tempting. The manager said: "I've never said as a club we will transfer any player we'd like to keep. There are obviously players in our squad we wouldn't like to lose. "We were in a situation last year when Alan Hutton was sold to Tottenham. We didn't want to lose him but the bid was such that we had to take it from a purely financial sense. "You can never say that won't happen again. We'd want to try to keep the group who have been involved in playing on a regular basis together and add to that if we can. "First and foremost, we have to adjust the numbers we have and that's the group who haven't been taking part in a lot of the games." Alan Gow is set to follow Jean-Claude Darcheville out the door as Smith continues his cull of Ibrox misfits. Rangers owner Sir David Murray and chief executive Martin Bain were at Murray Park yesterday to rubberstamp Gow's move to Wolves. A �£500,000 fee has been a greed with the Championship pacesetters and personal terms should be hammered out over the weekend. Wolves' chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We're having discussions with Rangers." Other fringe players such as Chris Burke, Andy Webster, DaMarcus Beasley, Brahim Hemdani and Christian Dailly could go before Smith looks to bolster his squad with one or two additions. However, Andrius Velicka is not among the players Smith wants to move on, which will dash the hopes of Hearts boss Csaba Laszlo. Rangers have been boosted by the return to fitness after eight months of Steven Naismith who is in the squad for tomorrow's game at Inverness although he may not feature. Smith has set his side a New Year's resolution to go on a winning run that will take them closer to rivals Celtic after last week's Old Firm defeat left them trailing by seven points. He said: "We went on a run at this stage last season that eventually took us to the top of the league so we hope this campaign mirrors that one, although there are no certainties. "We have to make sure we're more steady and consistent - starting at Inverness." http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/2009/01/03/walter-smith-i-may-not-be-able-to-stop-madjid-bougherra-leaving-86908-21011887/

Rangers will ask �£7.5million for goalkeeper Allan McGregor if English Premier League clubs seek to lure him away from Scotland. The Ibrox No 1 is the most valuable remaining asset in Walter Smith's squad and is expected to attract offers during the January transfer window. Rangers will not want to part with McGregor cheaply but, with no European income following the Champions League calamity in Kaunas, a significant bid could prove tempting http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1104014/Golden-gloves--Rangers-7-5million-price-tag-keeper-McGregor.html?ITO=1490

Rangers boss Walter Smith says no clubs have been in contact regarding the availability of skipper Barry Ferguson. More...

I've been thinking about the left side of midfield where we are glaringly poor. We have tried umpteen players in that position and still have not found an adequate solution. I think it is almost a definite that Walter Smith will try and buy someone to fill in this big crack in midfield. But i've come up with two ideas.(apologies if they've already been stated). As Rangers have tried the likes of Adam, Novo, Burke, Lafferty, and Mcculloch without success would it not be possible to play narrower through midfield and have an attacking midfielder on top of three midfield players in the centre and two up front.... ..................Davis.....................Ferguson,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Mendes.............. ...........................................Novo..................................................... ............................Boyd..........................Miller.................................... It doesn't have to be Novo but i think he is good in that roll. If we have to go wide in this formation we can use the full backs to bomb forward(however, i'm not convinced Broadfoot and Papac are the ones to fulfil this roll. My next solution is that we but Kris Commons. I have watched him play for Derby and Scotland and have liked the fast paced, dribbling tricks that he can do, and he takes on the defender and floats in a killer ball and he can force the oppositions midfield way back towards the defence. I think he is an ideal candidate for the left side problem and i think we could get him for between 1.5m and 2m. the fact he is a Scotland international is a bonus. What do you guys think?

Newcastle are trying to sign Rangers duo Barry Ferguson and Madjid Bougherra in a double deal, skysports.com understands. Magpies chief Joe Kinnear is looking to bring a number of new faces into the club during the winter transfer window. The Rangers duo are very high on Kinnear's wanted list and talks began earlier this week. Both midfielder Ferguson and defender Bougherra have Premier League experience with Blackburn and Charlton, respectively, and Kinnear sees the duo as ideal signings. Newcastle are looking to take advantage of Rangers' current financial situation and swoop for the duo. "I have enquired about Ferguson, but we will wait and see what the outcome of that is," said Kinnear. "We are finding it difficult to bring certain players from clubs. Our bids haven't been accepted so far. "The problem is two or three clubs are in for the same players. At the moment, there could be teams bidding more than us. "It would help if I could move some of the players here and get the finances in that way. But we have had no bids for them." Gow offer Rangers boss Walter Smith insists the only bid they have received is from Wolves for Alan Gow, who impressed during a six-month loan stint at Blackpool. "We are not looking for anything else at the moment. With it being the transfer window, there will be speculation," said Smith. "There is nothing we can do about that but we have had no other enquiries for anyone else other than Gow. "We have had one enquiry from Wolves for Alan Gow. Negotiations are ongoing and that is the only enquiry we have had for any player. "There are 28 players on the staff and we have to adjust that number a little bit and we have to wait and see what happens with that over the next few days but, so far, that is the only enquiry we have had for anyone." Smith, though, did concede the club would sell if a deal was too good to turn down. Numbers "There are obviously players in our squad that we wouldn't like to lose," he added. "We were in a situation last year when Alan Hutton was sold to Tottenham. "We didn't want to lose him but the bid was such that we had to take it from a purely financial sense. You can never say that won't happen again. "We would want to try to keep the group who have been involved in playing on a regular basis together and add to that if we can. "First and foremost, we have to adjust the numbers that we have and that's the group who haven't been taking part in a lot of the games." http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_4738893,00.html The whole Ferguson thing is a bit of a bolt from the blue which hadn't really been spoken about that much but the Bougherra thing we obviously all know about.

ALAN GOW is hoping to clinch a move to Championship pace-setters Wolves in the next couple of days. Alan GowThe former Falkirk frontman, who has had a difficult time since joining Rangers in the summer of 2007, is wanted by Mick McCarthy whose side are looking good for Premiership football next season. Ibrox boss Walter Smith revealed today that Wolves have made contact about Gow and that negotiations are now underway over a fee. Gow, who has only appeared twice for Rangers, spent the first half of this season on loan at Blackpool where he caught the eye of the Molineux side. He was back at Murray Park this morning and took part in the first team training session. Now if a fee can be agreed it looks like he will move to the Black Country to join the side who are seven points clear at the top of the Championship. Tomorrow Wolves travel to face Alex McLeish's Birmingham, who sit second along with Reading, and if they can win that one they will take another huge step towards their Premiership dream. Clearly it would be a terrific move for Gow but it will all depend on Wolves and Rangers reaching an agreement. Smith said today: "We have had an inquiry from Wolves for Alan Gow and negotiatoions are on-going." Gow could be one of a number of fringe players to move on in the January transfer window.