Derek Johnstone: Signing Joleon Lescott could be a masterstroke for Rangers

I always liked Lescott as a player when he was at Everton, before his mega-move to Manchester City. He always looked the part, and remember, did enough to impress a couple of England managers sufficiently to include him in their squads and teams.

I’m not so sure he – or quite a few of his team-mates – covered themselves in glory at Aston Villa last season, which is why he is looking for another club. But he could be what Rangers are looking for, if the price is right.

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They won’t be offering the same as what a Premier League or Championship club would be down south. But then he might not have any offers coming his way, at any price, but wants to continue his career.

At 34, I don’t know what he is like pace wise. But he will be able to read the game, and that could be exactly where his greatest value to Rangers would come, particularly if he has a younger player beside him who needs some coaching.

We saw it a few years ago when Davie Weir, closing in on 40, was able to nurse younger players next to him – namely Danny Wilson – through 90 minutes, week in, week out. Wilson was given a masterclass in defence every time he played, and that would be useful again for Rangers now, no matter who partnered him.

In my day, I was co-opted in to playing centre back because of injuries to Colin Jackson and Ronnie McKinnon by Willie Waddell. I was a novice who would have played anywhere, but I became a good centre-half thanks to the on-field coaching I got from Dave Smith.

If Rangers got for an experienced defender, they could get someone who nails down the back line, and, teaches those around him how to be a better player.

It might cost a few quid. But that could be a win-win situation for Rangers and Mark Warburton.