Rangers defender Bilel Mohsni dreaming of Champions League return for Ibrox men

[ian1964 10,431]

MOHSNI has high ambitions but before then he can't wait for the club's registration embargo to end next week so he can finally make his competitive debut for Ally McCoist's side.

 

 

 

RANGERS star Bilel Mohsni admits he’s dreaming of steering the Ibrox club back to the Champions League.

 

The French-Tunisian stopper has been counting down the days until Saturday when the transfer embargo will be lifted and he will finally be free to play a competitive match for Gers.

 

Mohsni sampled a taste of the big time during the 1-1 pre-season draw with English top-flight side Newcastle.

 

And the 26-year-old has been stunned by the attendances at Ibrox for a team in the third tier of Scottish football.

 

When Ally McCoist showed an interest in signing the stopper this summer he was initially sceptical.

 

But he’s now convinced he has made the right decision to join a famous club and insists it won’t be long before they are challenging for Europe.

 

Mohsni said “When my agent told me Rangers were keen and they were in the third tier of Scottish football, I wasn’t sure it would be that good. But this is a massive club and I want to be part of its history.

 

“It would be great to help them back to the top and perhaps into the Champions League again.

 

“I was in France when Rangers had our first league game against Brechin and when I saw there were 44,000 fans at the game it was unbelievable.

 

“Everyone in the squad is looking forward to playing together.”

 

Mohsni admits it will take time to get match sharp but can’t wait to get cracking.

 

Speaking on the Rangers website, he said: “It’s one month since I signed and I am looking forward to playing again.

 

“I was match fit after the friendlies but I probably need two or three games again to get that back. I’m definitely fit because we have been doing a lot of running. I just need to do a bit of work to get my sharpness back.”

 

Keeper Scott Gallacher could be heading out on loan just as Mohsni makes his entrance. But the 24-year-old is hoping he can follow a similar path to stardom as former Ibrox No.1 Allan McGregor.

 

McCoist wants Gallacher farmed out so he can offer a deal to former Stoke and Dundee goalie Steve Simonsen.

 

And Gallacher is happy to agree after watching McGregor benefit from spells at St Johnstone and Dunfermline early in his career.

 

Gallacher, who played during Tuesday’s Ramsdens Cup win over Berwick, said: “Allan had to bide his time before his breakthrough.

 

“He had to wait behind Stefan Klos which was hard but I’m working hard with our goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart and he’s keeping my confidence up.

 

“Allan got a huge benefit out of his loan spells. Hopefully if I go out on loan it will work out the same.

 

“I have spoken to Allan briefly about it but it’s more about watching him as a top keeper. Allan just gave me general information about catching the manager’s eye.”

 

McCoist is keen to offer a deal to Simonsen but admits midfield trialist Sam Kelly might be a luxury addition to his squad.

 

A stopper and a forward are McCoist’s priorities ahead of midfield, where Republic of Ireland youth cap Kelly plays.

 

But the former Norwich and Everton player has made a big impression since his arrival.

 

McCoist said: “Steve knows we would like to offer him something if we can get Scott out on loan.

 

“Sam has showed up well too in training. I will need to see if there’s a possibility we could maybe offer him something. He’d be a luxury but a nice one to have.”

 

McCoist, meanwhile, has confirmed the contract of Darren Cole has been terminated.

 

The defender was recently asked to stay away after he failed to report for a reserve friendly with junior outfit Cambuslang Rangers.

 

The Ibrox boss said: “Darren’s contract has been terminated and he goes with our best wishes.”

[DUDE 0]

We all dream of that don't we. I think Bilel can help us big time once he plays regularly.