Rangers new boy aims to prove himself at the club

Michael Mols sold me on Gers.. but I’m only here because they’re skint

Former Dutch golden boy Luigi Bruins last night revealed he hopes to resurrect his career at Rangers after being sold on the club by one-time Feyenoord team-mate Michael Mols.

The 24-year-old checked in at Murray Park yesterday to begin a trial period with the crisis-hit SPL champions, along with Bosnian international striker Zlatan Muslimovic.

Both players are free agents after ending spells at Red Bull Salzburg and PAOK Salonika respectively. Manager Ally McCoist has also invited American teenager Jamael Cox, a midfielder with Seattle Sounders, to train with the youth squad while he attempts to piece together his bargain-basement January transfer moves.

And Bruins – a former Holland Under-21 star once tipped for big things – is determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity to follow Mols’ footsteps to Ibrox.

He said: “Rangers are a massive club and if you get the chance to prove yourself here then you don’t say no.

“I had a great education at Feyenoord where I played with Michael. He was the man to contact for everything I needed to know about this club.

“Michael raved about Rangers and told me I should grab the chance. He has tremendous respect for the club and I can understand that because he had such a terrific time in Glasgow.

“But I am not naive. I realise times have changed in football and also at Rangers. But maybe it’s because of these circumstances I now have the chance to play here.

“No matter what the problems may be, the thought of pulling on that blue shirt at the end of this trial is
something that really appeals.”

Bruins, who can play anywhere across the midfield and just behind a main striker, was hailed as a future star when he was lured to Rotterdam from Dutch club Excelsior.

But he failed to live up to his early promise and was transferred to Salzburg last year.

Bruins then played only three games in Austria before being released. Hitman Muslimovic is also determined to impress after arriving for a similar trial period.

The 30-year-old hasn’t played club football since May but has remained part of the Bosnian team and has scored 12 goals in 33 international appearances.

Estonian right-back Enar Jaager has already impressed on trial and he last night pleaded for Rangers to find the cash to deal him in. Leeds also want the 27-year-old but Jaager said: “I’m still in Glasgow and waiting for Rangers’ decision.

“Hopefully it will happen but, as long as it’s not up to me, I cannot promise anything.”

Honduran midfielder Jorge Claros is spending a second week with Gers as he bids to win a deal.