MARIUS ZALIUKAS will increase Rangers' aerial firepower if he agrees to put pen to paper with the Ibrox club.

That was the prediction of Gers left-back Lee Wallace today as Ally McCoist stepped up his efforts to land the Lithuanian.

McCoist was greatly impressed with the 29-year-old centre-half during a trial at Murray Park last week.

And he has offered the former Hearts defender, who is a free agent after leaving the Tynecastle club in the summer, a deal.

Wallace played with the 6ft 3in stopper at the Jambos and is hopeful he agrees to move to the Glasgow club, and he reckons McCoist's team will be even more dangerous in the air at set-pieces if his old team-mate agrees to join.

And with Lee McCulloch and Bilel Mohsni both scoring regularly so far in the 2013/14 campaign, his capture would be sure to send a shiver up the spines of their rivals.

He said: "It'll be great if Marius comes here. I've obviously spoken to the manager a couple of times earlier in the season and he was in here training last week.

"I've known him for a number of years - he's got a wealth of experience in the SPL and has lifted the Scottish Cup with Hearts.

"He's a great centre-half and he's good in both penalty areas, so we know his qualities. If he comes in, he'll certainly add strength to the team.

"I'm surprised he hasn't got a side. He's a great player and has great qualities. He's a top centre-back who is a threat going forward.

"He would add a significant piece of solidity to the team because he's a powerful defender who is very dominant in the air."

Wallace added: "The manager knew about him and we've obviously spoken about him. Hopefully we'll see him at the club soon.

"I told him that I've played with him for a number of years at Hearts and he's clocked up a big amount of appearances for Hearts.

"I remember when he first came over, I was still a young boy at the time and he was a wee bit raw to start with.

"But he quickly adapted and he's played a great amount of games for Hearts and lifted the Scottish Cup a few years ago, so he will certainly add that bit of quality."