Nicky Clark will prove a big success

Once rejected by the ibrox outfit for being too small, the striker has built a large reputation for himself.

There is no such thing as a risk-free signing in football. You can watch players all you like, but until you put them into the environment you never know exactly how they are going to fit in.

There are, of course, differing degrees of risk, and assessing these can be as interesting for onlookers as it is crucial for the managers at the centre of the deals.

Rangers’ recruitment of Nicky Clark is a case in point. It is a nice story because Clark, son of former Rangers and Hearts striker Sandy, was rejected by the club as a kid. Then, he was told he was too short. Presumably they view him now as the right height!

In what is a terrific example for young footballers, he proved his coaches wrong and built himself a reputation as a fine young forward through his goalscoring exploits for Peterhead and Queen of the South. What makes it intriguing, though, is the fact Rangers have chosen to go for a player with a great record at the level they will be playing in a clear change of signing policy.

Clark scored 34 goals for Queens in the Second Division last season. His haul helped them comfortably win the title and earn promotion to the First Division, an opportunity the 21-year-old has passed up to go to Ibrox. Logic suggests he should be set for another great return this season. Rangers, after all, operate a far higher wage bill than Queens.

Just as I predicted they would win the Third Division comfortably this season, so I am convinced they will run away with the Second next term. Ally McCoist’s other summer signings have been picked up from the SPL but I think the Rangers manager has definitely been more pragmatic this year. Cammy Bell is a decent and very steady goalkeeper. Jon Daly has the power and aerial ability to trouble defences at any level.

You could argue that there is a question whether Nicky Law will enjoy the switch from top flight to Second Division. Personally, I think his performances for Motherwell this year strongly suggest he will be a success. He moved north from England and wasn’t shy about imposing himself on games.

Put them together with the existing squad and I am convinced Rangers will have the formula to complete the next stage of the club’s journey back to the top.

But . . .

If they are to be competitive in the cup competitions right NOW, there is one area of the team that has to be addressed. I am talking, of course, about the centre of defence. Emilson Cribari hasn’t exactly set the heather on fire and Chris Hegarty is still developing. What Rangers really need is to bring in a sure thing but, as we said at the start, there are no risk-free signings in football.