Former FC Porto striker Benni McCarthy thinks if Rangers can follow up the signing of Bruno Alves with two more players of the same quality then they can push rivals Celtic next season.

Rangers struggled to live up to expectations this season, with former boss Mark Warburton's dealings last summer coming up short of helping the Gers to mount a genuine challenge to Celtic.




Warburton left in Rangers in February and his replacement, Pedro Caixinha, was left with mission impossible as the Gers fought to finish at least second, something they ultimately failed to do, coming in third and 39 points behind champions Celtic.

Caixinha is now rebuilding Rangers and has snapped up 35-year-old defender Alves, a player McCarthy knows well from their shared time at Porto.
 


McCarthy thinks Alves is a good signing on the Gers' part and believes if two more players of the same quality arrive then Celtic can at least be pushed.

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"I'm not too sure he'll be able to change that because Celtic are so strong", the former Porto striker told BBC Scotland, when questioned on whether Alves' arrival means the Gers can now push the Bhoys.

"It's going to take more than one Bruno Alves in that Rangers side to take the title from Celtic, but if they sign a couple more players like Bruno, then I think Rangers are in with a shout of giving Celtic a run for their money."

There should also be no concerns over Alves' age, McCarthy feels, as the defender is devoted to his fitness.

"He's a fitness fanatic and looks after himself exceptionally well so that will keep him going for a few years.

"The experience that he'll bring, Rangers really need it from what I've seen last season", he added.

Rangers are set to make further signings, having already landed midfielder Ryan Jack from Aberdeen. Mexican midfielder Carlos Pena is expected to be the next through the door at Ibrox.