ALEX RAE reckons Pedro Caixinha needs to add steel to the spine of the Rangers squad with his work ethic and transfer dealings.

Caixinha will make his dugout bow against Hamilton Accies this weekend as he looks to lead the Light Blues to second spot in the Premiership standings.

He has also targeted Scottish Cup glory this term following his appointment as Mark Warburton’s successor at Ibrox.

The Portuguese has vowed to place high demands on himself and his players in the pursuit of silverware in the coming years.

And former Gers midfielder Rae hopes the 46-year-old can make an immediate impact on and off the park this term.

He told Ladbrokes News: “Caixinha was a left-field appointment, and there’s a bit of guesswork in terms of what he’ll change at Ibrox – but his ethos and way of doing things is already becoming visible.

“He has a clear focus on energy and pressing, and that’s reflected in the training methods he’s put into place. A lot of it is focused on performing with a high tempo and forcing the opposition into mistakes.

“One thing they lacked under Mark Warburton was aggression. They were too lightweight and got bullied out of games too often. And that’s something Caixinha is already looking to change.

“Tactically, we’ll have to wait and see. Right now Rangers are used to 4-3-3, having played that way for 20 months under Warburton, so it will be interesting to see if and how he changes that formation, and where he uses certain players within the set-up he chooses.

“I think the manager will see the current Rangers squad as a blank canvas. He’ll give everyone a chance between now and the end of the season – and see how they all do on their audition for him.

“However, while there are some very good players in the current squad, Rangers need to strengthen throughout the spine of the team this summer. They need another centre-half, especially with Hill turning 39 later this year, and a midfielder who can really pull the strings.

“I’d also say they could do with some extra firepower up front. Rangers have been wasteful in front of goal at times this season. There have been games where they’ve dominated play and created changes, but failed to win.

“I personally think that trying to secure Hyndman and Jon Toral – both on loan – on permanent deals would be a good move, but I’m sure the manager will have other targets in mind too. Especially so as he has so many connections in world football.

“A lot of managers look to bring in players who have done a turn for them in the past – so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reunite with some of the guys he’s managed in Portugal, Qatar or Mexico.”