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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Neil McCann points to £7m Abdallah Sima to solve Rangers' striking problems

Abdallah Sima could well be Philippe Clement's answer to Rangers' striking problems. 

That's according to former Ibrox player Neil McCann. 

The pundit believes the on-loan Brighton forward, who has 12 goals so far this season for Rangers, could be the perfect long-term solution. 

However, the 49-year-old did admit he's unsure whether an outlay of around £7m would be viable at this time for his old club.

Sima scored a brace at the weekend in Sunday's win over St Mirren. He followed that up by meeting the only goal in a hard-fought 1-0 win at Tynecastle last night.

Of all of Michael Beale's summer signings, Sima along with Jack Butland has passed the test in the eyes of the fans, with Danilo, Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers less than convincing so far. 

McCann reckons Sima could be the answer through the middle for Rangers, rather than playing off the left. 

He told Sportscene: "He's a player who has certainly made an impact. Out of all the signings, he stands out head and shoulders above most outfield players. 12 goals for the season is very impressive. He's got pace and threat in behind which terrifies defenders. He can actually have a bit of composure about him as well.

"He is actually a player I think has the presence to play as a centre forward. We seen Danilo missing a number of chances, talk about Dessers out of form, Roofe can't really stay fit. I think this guy can play through the middle and allow maybe someone else to go to a wider position.

"Without doubt if they can get him, go and try to acquire him permanently. But it's the money. Are they going to have the finances to get someone like that? What is he going to cost? £6 or £7m? Have Rangers got those finances? I don't know."

James McFadden added: "I think for the reasons Neil has mentioned, he is a player that has stood up when it has mattered. He's scored goals and played mostly in a wide area. Danilo is passing up chances and Dessers hasn't really hit the form. Sima is the one scoring the goals alongside James Tavernier. Like anything, it comes down to money."

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