KENNY MILLER has the ability, experience and fitness needed to help lead Rangers back into the top flight of Scottish football next season.

That was the confident prediction from his former coach today after the hitman signed with the Ibrox club for the third time in his career.

The former Scotland striker agreed a one-year deal, with the option of another year, after passing a medical at Auchenhowie yesterday.

He was a free agent after negotiating a release from MLS club Vancouver Whitecaps last month and will not command excessive wages.

Indeed, the 34-year-old will be on less money than the likes of Sebastien Faure at the SPFL League One champions.

However, the signing of the 69-times capped star, the sixth top scorer in Scotland history, has not gone down well with many Gers supporters due to his advancing years.

The departure to Dundee United of Charlie Telfer - who has gone from being a virtual unknown to the most exciting teenage prospect since Pele in the space of a few days this week - has not been well received.

And the capture of Miller by Rangers manager Ally McCoist is not seen by many fans as being particularly forward-thinking.

But Vancouver Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson, the former Wales international, believes Miller will be a shrewd acquisition for his boyhood heroes.

Robinson said: "We are going to miss Kenny at Vancouver. He is a fantastic professional both on and off the field and he has fantastic leadership qualities.

"That is the main thing he brought to my team, leadership.

"He was very helpful to all of my young players and I am sure he will be the same with the young players at Rangers.

"On top of that, he is still a top player. He has looked after himself very well throughout his career and still performs to a very high level whenever he takes to the field.

"He is a great professional. He has played for a lot of big clubs in his career and has played at international level for a long time - and you can see why when he plays."

Former Wolves, Sunderland and Portsmouth midfielder Robinson added: "Kenny wanted to return to Scotland for his family and I can understand that. Family is obviously very important to people. He certainly left with our best wishes.

"He brought a lot to the table when he played with us and I am sure the same will be true with Rangers in the future.

"They are getting a great player and a true leader."

McCoist agreed with his Vancouver counterpart and predicted Miller would have a positive influence on youngsters such as Fraser Aird, Calum Gallagher and Lewis Macleod.

Speaking to the official Rangers website, he said: "Kenny brings experience and pace to our forward line and I am sure he will be a great help to our younger players.

"He is a top-class footballer and we look forward to seeing him in a Rangers jersey once again next season when we will be trying to win promotion from the Championship.

"Kenny was a fantastic player for us before, particularly in his second spell when we won many trophies, and I am sure he will be again."