Mark Warburton needs another striker at Rangers, says Thompson

Former Ibrox forward Steven Thompson believes the Englishman will delve into the transfer market to unearth a new hitman, and thinks the added competition for places will be crucial next term.

Last season Rangers were reliant on the potency of Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn, who between them netted 49 times in light blue.

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While that haul is impressive, especially considering Waghorn missed a large chunk of the campaign through injury, Thompson believes reinforcements will be sought after.

“I do think Mark Warburton will sign another striker, I don’t think there is any doubt about that,” he said.

“I think there will be another one coming in before the season starts.

“I’d still expect to see another striker arrive as you need to have competition for places. You would want to be carrying more than two out-and-out strikers in your squad.”

Rangers so far have brought in Jordan Rossiter, Matt Crooks, Josh Windass and Joey Barton.

But while Thompson reckons another signing in the form of a forward will be brought in, he has full belief in the men already employed to bang in the goals for Rangers.

Despite being 36, Miller proved a reliable marksman for Warburton last term by netting 21 goals, and Thommo is no doubt the former Scotland internationalist can step up again.

“I think Kenny Miller proved to everyone last year that he is more than capable even at 36, of leading the line for Rangers,” he said.

“A lot of folk will question if he can step up again. Obviously it’s a step up from the Championship to the Premiership but to me, Kenny looked as sharp as ever last season.

“He got 21 goals and will continue to score goals. It will be harder for him and he may be used more sparingly. But in my opinion there is no doubt Kenny will be influential for Rangers again next year.

“He will score goals again next year. Yes, they can use Waghorn down the middle although they may use him on the wide areas.

“I suppose Rangers also have Ryan Hardie at Raith to call back, but they may do that with the view of putting him out on loan again.

“Either they will think in pre-season ‘he is looking red hot, let’s involve him in the first team’ or maybe let’s put him out on loan for six months but maybe to a higher standard to see if he can cope.

“He is another option for them because he was impressive last year. He actually scored a hat-trick against us when I was at St Mirren last year, so it’s worth mentioning him.

“But I’d suggest Mark Warburton will be looking to carry three to four strikers. If that’s the case, he needs at least one more.”