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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Rangers tipped to make big transfer by former Celtic man should Giovanni van Bronckhorst defeat PSV

Charlie Nicholas has tipped Rangers to make a surprise transfer addition should they see off PSV and reach the Champions League group stages.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men go up against the Dutch giants in the first of two meetings tonight at Ibrox as both clubs look to cross the final hurdle and reach the lucrative tournament proper. The Light Blues booked their play-off spot with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Belgian outfit Union SG while Ruud van Nistelrooy's men dumped out Monaco.

One of the big changes made at the start of this season for Rangers has been the goalkeeper situation with Jon McLaughlin handed the No1 spot over Allan McGregor. The latter was hugely impressive in the run to the Europa League Final last season and after much consideration decided to pen a new one-year deal. However, he has found minutes hard to come by so far this campaign with ex-Hearts man McLaughlin in possession of the gloves.

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Former Celtic man Nicholas believes PSV will be a huge test for the Scotland international, but while he believes he has done well in the past few games, he expects Rangers to go out and buy another goalie should they reach the next stage.

Writing in his Scottish Daily Express column, Nicholas said: "If Jon McLaughlin continues his recent revival then Rangers should be in safe hands to see off PSV Eindhoven and book their place in the group stages of the Champions League.

"The first match at Ibrox tonight will be important before Giovanni returns to Holland with Rangers for the second leg. I do think it could be a big test for McLaughlin. The keeper will need to be bang on it and alert.

"PSV could be quiet for 20 minutes and then be all over Rangers.

"That is why it is such a big night for McLaughlin. I know he made a mistake in the first European game but then he came out and made a couple of decent saves.

"I do think he will be as vital as anyone. If he has a very good night then I think Rangers will win - that is how important he can be. He is now settling down and is maybe a wee bit calmer. His confidence is slowly coming back and a big performance tonight would do him the world of good.

"McLaughlin has done well in recent games but I still expect that if Rangers get through they will go out and sign another goalkeeper. I really do think Van Bronckhorst will have that view.

"If he wants to get to the Champions League level and maintain the club at that level, then it could be an area where he will upgrade. Funds would also be available if they were to qualify for the group stages."

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