Scottish Championship: Derek Johnstone says that there are no guarantees for Rangers
Tuesday 3 February 2015 12:19, UK
Derek Johnstone is not convinced that the arrival of five new players from Newcastle on transfer deadline day will offer Rangers any guarantee of promotion.
However, the former Ibrox stalwart believes at least two of the new signings will strengthen manager Kenny McDowall's options as he looks to close the gap on runaway leaders Hearts.
Rangers are 16 points behind Hearts in the Championship but a top-four finish would guarantee a ticket to the end-of-season play-offs.
I don't care if they can't pass the ball you just need someone who can go in and win the ball in and around the box.
Johnstone told Sky Sports News HQ: "The deal was no surprise as it had been in the pipeline but what is good for Rangers is that there are five players from all over the pitch, defenders, midfielders and strikers; Kenny McDowall needs freshness in the side.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the Slovenian Haris Vuckic. I remember watching him playing against Scotland, an attacking midfielder so hopefully he can do well.
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"Remie Streete is another to watch out for. What Rangers need is a no-nonsense centre-half. I don't care if they can't pass the ball you just need someone who can go in and win the ball in and around the box.
"Streete seems to be a solid player and I know he has been on the bench a couple of times for Newcastle. I think he could well be important.
Important
"The players have got to fit in and they have a important Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers this weekend and they would be eligible to play in that.
It's a great piece of business. Celtic have got Dundee United's two best players for £2m. It is an incredible deal.
"But I don't think Rangers are going to win the league. It is more likely going to be a play-off so hopefully thay can get back down to league business and push on."
While Rangers were bringing in a quintet of new faces, Celtic were securing the services of two of Scotland's hottest prospects, Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven from Dundee United. Johnstone says that it has been a shrewd move by manager Ronny Deila.
He said: "It's a great piece of business. Celtic have got Dundee United's two best players for £2m, it is an incredible deal. These two players will be big players in the future, not just for Celtic but for Scotland as well. Stuart Armstrong is an attacking midfielder and he can score goals, he is a great acquisition for Celtic.
"Even without them Celtic would retain the title but this will just guarantee it. They have got two exceptional players to bring into their squad.
"Not only do Celtic have these players in their squad now but Dundee United's team will be considerably weakened for the League Cup final in six weeks time when Nadir Ciftci is also suspended. The odds will be against them on that day."
Watch Celtic take on Dundee in the Scottish Cup live from Dens Park on Sky Sports 1 this Saturday from noon plus Dundee United at Stranraer 24 hours later on Sky Sports 2
