Kevin Phillips put Dan Neil in the spotlight quickly. He said the 24-year-old can be a "massive" signing for Rangers after joining in pre-season.
Phillips said the move gives Rangers a player with energy, desire, hunger and experience. He also said Neil is a good captain with great leadership qualities, and added: "Dan Neil is a massive signing for Rangers".
Iain Dowie on Rangers
The comments came after Rangers beat off interest for a player who had suitors this window, including Southampton. That makes the deal more than a simple summer addition: Rangers have landed someone they view as a major piece, while Southampton came away empty-handed.
Phillips called it "a great bit of business" for Rangers, and said losing Neil to a Scottish Premiership side is a big blow for Southampton. The timing matters too, because Neil has already joined Derek McInnes' side in pre-season rather than arriving later in the campaign.
Lawrence Shankland link
Phillips also pointed to one possible fit that could change how Rangers look in attack. "If he starts alongside Lawrence Shankland, I think that will make a huge difference, in my opinion," he said.
That gives Rangers a straightforward next step: getting Neil settled into the side and working out where he fits best. Whether he lines up with Lawrence Shankland is the open piece, but the message from Phillips was clear — Rangers have added a 24-year-old he believes can shift games in Glasgow.
