Derek McInnes has not tried to dress up Rangers' pre-season as complete. He says the club still need more creativity and better service for the forwards, even after seven new signings and a goalless draw with West Ham. He also said Rangers are hopeful of one more deal within 48 hours, with another possible before Friday night against Dundee Utd.

The attack still needs more

McInnes was direct about what he wants. "It is just those difference makers," he said. "I think a club like ours needs to have those guys who can isolate and go one v one and can play off both sides."

That lines up with the way Rangers have looked in their last two pre-season games, where they failed to score in open play. The goalless draw with West Ham was the clearest example, and it is hard to argue with the manager's point when the forwards are still waiting for cleaner service.

He put it even more plainly when talking about his strikers. "Ryan, Lawrence and Bojan are very much dependent on service and we need to provide a bit more of that."

Raskin's absence and the midfield picture

Nicolas Raskin's situation is part of the wider picture, but it does not change the immediate message before Friday. McInnes said Raskin will be back this week, but he will not be available against Dundee Utd because he will not do enough training before the game.

There is also the longer-term question around interest in the Belgian, which is why Rangers have already brought in three defensive midfielders this summer. Raskin logged 2 goal contributions in 6 World Cup appearances, which explains why he remains a player with a market, but McInnes is still planning for him to miss the opener.

The more pressing issue remains the final third. Seven new faces already suggest Rangers have done plenty of work, but McInnes is still pushing for another body and, more importantly, for players who can beat a man and create chances rather than simply add depth.

Friday night against Dundee Utd is the next date that matters, and McInnes still expects transfer movement before then.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →