Rangers FC midfield depth tested as McInnes eyes wide area reinforcements

Rangers FC manager Derek McInnes has significantly deepened the squad’s central midfield options ahead of the Scottish Premiership season, a move that has intensified competition for starting positions. The Ibrox side has added Cammy Devlin, Dan Neil, and Vanja Dragojevic to an existing group that already included six central midfielders on the books and three on loan.

Devlin, who joined from Heart of Midlothian on a free transfer following McInnes’s appointment, acknowledged the high level of competition upon his arrival. The 28-year-old Australian, who anchored the midfield in a recent goalless pre-season friendly against West Ham United, stated he was taking nothing for granted despite his previous success in the title challenge with his former club.

The squad’s composition has drawn scrutiny from former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday, who argued on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sportsound that the current group lacks the ability to dictate games. Halliday noted that while the 11 central midfielders are tidy and dogged out of possession, none currently possess the creativity or goal-scoring threat required to unlock defences, suggesting further recruitment is necessary.

McInnes, however, remains confident in the strength of his central options, particularly with Nicolas Raskin expected to return from the World Cup. The manager indicated that while the middle of the park is well-stocked, the club may target a winger to provide additional support for the strikers ahead of the season opener against Dundee United.

Rangers are reportedly linked with Sturm Graz defensive midfielder Ryan Fosso, though McInnes has not confirmed whether further central additions are imminent. With the club having recorded 11 departures against seven summer signings, the focus now shifts to ensuring the new arrivals can translate their quality into performance when the league campaign begins.