ELVIS CAN BE IBROX SAVIOUR

RONNIE McKINNON last night called on Paul Le Guen to rescue Steven Pressley from his Tynecastle hell and bring him back to Ibrox.

McKinnon played 473 games at the heart of Rangers' defence through the 1960s and into the early 70s but winces when he watches the current rearguard fold like a cheap tent every time they come under pressure.

He insists they need a centre-half who can inspire the men around him and instill confidence - and he swears the man for the job is former Ranger Pressley.

Last night McKinnon said: "What Rangers desperately need now is a commanding centre-half.

"They need a man who is proven and experienced - someone such as Steven Pressley who is currently unsettled at Hearts.

"He has the experience to carry them through this difficult period and he can help coach the younger defenders through games.

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"Rangers' defence is leaking like a sieve and Paul Le Guen's priority must be a stop-gap centre-half.

"Allan McGregor is doing very well in goal and Karl Svensson is a good young player but he lacks the experience of the Scottish game and would also benefit from playing alongside someone such as Pressley."

McKinnon insists Rangers have had defensive problems in the past and solved them.

He said: "When I was young, they had a similar problem and signed a stop-gap centre-half in Willie Telfer from St Mirren.

"He was a mature and well respected player but was in the twilight of his career, like Pressley now, but he plugged the gap and helped them through a rough spell."

Rangers trail 16 points behind Celtic in the SPL but McKinnon insists there is little between the sides and swears Le Guen will overcome his current problems and shine like he did at Lyon.

The former stopper who won 28 caps and a Cup-Winners'Cup medal during his 13 years at Ibrox said:"Le Guen is a widely respected man throughout Europe and although his policies aren't bearing fruit at the moment, he needs to be given time.

"It could be a case of history repeating itself because he had a rocky start at Lyon but it came good in the end.

"He was highly sought after and it was a terrific coup for Rangers and David Murray to bring him to Ibrox.

"There's never much between Rangers and Celtic. It's normally whoever scores the first goal that has the edge. However, right now Rangers have no understanding at the back and it has cost them.

"I was a guest of the club when they played Hearts at Ibrox and they were brilliant. Their wingers, Chris Burke and Lee Martin, were creating havoc all day long but both are out now and that is also a blow to the side.

"Having players take people on in the wide positions is crucial to any side.

"They need to use that performance against Hearts as a benchmark for the future.

They played the way they should and the fans loved it."

McKinnon has taken heart from Rangers' UEFA Cup form which has taken them to the top of their group and guaranteed the club European football in the New Year.

He said: "They are taking the game to sides away from Ibroxwhichismind-boggling. "Traditionally, playing away in Europe means you adopt a defensive policy but Rangers' approach has been refreshing.

"Now, if they can sign a commanding centre-half such as Pressley who can take charge in the box they could go all the way."

Taken from the Daily Record