Alex Rae believes that Rangers should go all out to get Jamie Walker and Kenny McLean.

Walker has been left out of the Hearts squad for the visit to Celtic Park tomorrow afternoon amid claims from interim Tynecastle boss Jon Daly that he has “had his head turned” by the interest from Rangers.

And Rae insists that Pedro Caixinha’s squad would benefit from getting the player into Ibrox sooner rather than later. “I think he would give Rangers a physicality that they maybe still lack a little,” said Rae.

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“At the end of the day, he is is no use to anyone sitting twiddling his thumbs and out of a squad. “If Hearts aren’t going to play him then the best answer is to find a solution agreeable to both parties in terms of getting what they want and getting the player moved on. I think he would be a great signing for Rangers.”

Similarly, Rae would also like to see McLean in the middle of the park for the Ibrox side. Aberdeen turned down a bid for Mclean from rangers but with the player free to signa pre-contract deal in January, Rae reckons now is the time to agree the move.

“You understand why maybe Aberdeen aren’t keen on selling a player to Rangers but again, I have been in that situation, and if you want to go then it makes sense for the clubs to come to an agreement. I was at Wolves when I signed a pre-contract with Rangers and then the Wolves manager wouldn’t play me.

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“I was the top scorer and found myself out of the team because he felt my head was somewhere else. So, if that is the way it is going to be then you’d be better getting done when you can.” Rae is well aware that Rangers will struggle to push Celtic this term but believes that Rangers may spring one or two surprises.

“I was down in Sheffield for the friendly last weekend and I was blown away by the atmosphere,” he said.

“Everyone was up for it and if you have that same support at Ibrox then who knows what will happen.

“Certainly, I was encouraged by what I saw on the park. I know it was only a friendly but it was the best I have seen them play for a wee while and hopefully that is an indication of what is to come. Certainly, this season, I’d like to see the players give the fans something to sing about and at least a bit of silverware from one of the Cup competitions.”

Listen to the Herald Sport podcast: For our Premiership season preview, we ask if anyone can stop Celtic, will Hearts continue to be mince, and are Hamilton Acces finally going to get relegated?

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