Cammy Devlin could not hide a wry smile when asked if he was confident of being a surefire starter for Rangers following his summer switch from last season's title rivals, Heart of Midlothian. The Australia international's return from the World Cup had already reminded him of the plethora of players competing for central midfield berths at Ibrox. Media questions at his first public press conference only emphasised the number of players in his position still being linked with a summer transfer.
Rangers have brought in seven summer signings, three of them central midfielders, while already having six on the books – nine if you include three out on loan. Among those are Nicolas Raskin, who has expressed a desire to move to a top-five league and is expected to be sold, and Vanja Dragojevic, purchased from Partizan where he was captain at 20. Dan Neil joined from Sunderland on a free transfer. Thelo Aasgaard, fresh from the World Cup with Norway, and Nedim Bajrami, who has failed to become a regular starter in two years, are attacking midfielders. Jose Cifuentes, Lyall Cameron and 20-year-old Paul Nsio have returned from loans at Toronto, Aberdeen and Raith Rovers respectively without suggesting they are ready for the step up. Mohamed Diomande, whose form dipped in his second full season at Ibrox, is more a box-to-box player. Raskin has looked more effective pushing forward despite preferring a defensive role, a position in which he earned rave reviews at the World Cup.
“Cammy Devlin joins Rangers' crowded midfield as new boss Derek McInnes eyes more deals before season opener.”
New manager Derek McInnes hopes to complete a couple more deals before they start their season away to Dundee United on Friday evening – not necessarily midfielders, though. Given Raskin's anticipated exit, snapping up Devlin on a free transfer from Hearts made sense, especially as the Australian was a key figure in their title challenge. But Rangers have also added two more defensive midfielders in Neil and Dragojevic, before counting two others already at the club.
As Rangers prepare for the top-flight opener, the question remains whether this wealth of midfield options can provide enough ammunition for their strikers.