Rangers Transfer Update: Dailly, Moore

Rangers gaffer Walter Smith has put an end to speculation linking West Ham’s unsettled fringe player Christian Dailly with a move to Ibrox.

The 34-year-old could have offered cover across a variety of defensive and midfield roles, and was a regular in Smith’s Scotland squads.

However, the wily boss has now ruled out any loan approach for Dailly.

"It was just one of those things I had an idea about," Smith revealed to the BBC.

"But we've got no business at the present moment. Unless something crops up that we feel will be of benefit to our squad, we'll go with what we have."

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Rangers’ defence has been somewhat lacking in cover this season, but things could be about to improve. Steven Smith and Andy Webster are set to feature in reserve action this week as they bid to return from long-term injury woes.

Veteran stopper Ugo Ehiogu has left Rangers for Sheffield United, while Carlos Cuellar (pictured left) has today been linked with a move to Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle. Keegan is also rumoured to be willing to enter the race to land Alan Hutton, who covets a move to Manchester United after recently rejecting Spurs.

Further up the pitch, midfielder Kevin Thomson will be missing for six-weeks with a groin problem. This development could mean Brahim Hemdani could stay as cover, despite being tracked by a host of English and French clubs.

On the attacking end, Rangers have reportedly approached Aston Villa about striker Luke Moore, who is said to have already visited Glasgow to assess Ibrox and training facility Murray Park.

Smith Content With Second Half Improvement

Walter Smith admitted that Rangers will struggle to take the SPL title ahead of Celtic with form like they showed in the first half of the visit to Inverness.

Jean-Claude Darcheville won the match for the Gers on 89-minutes as they ground out a crucial win to go four points clear of Celtic.

“First half, certainly not,” Smith told Setanta after the game.

“But in the second-half, I felt we picked up a little bit, we looked a little bit more aware of the situation we were in and looked as if we wanted to get in there and get a goal.

“So, that was better from us, but as I say, first half we won’t get any where if we play the way we played then.”

Charlie Adam had a goal ruled offside before Rangers did eventually score, which Smith believes should have stood. The visitors were made to work hard by a stuffy Caley Thistle side and Smith was of the opinion that it took Rangers time to get going.

“It was a hard fought one I must say,” Smith admitted.

“First half of the game I thought we didn’t start well. In fact, neither side I think in the first-half would be happy with their performance. We picked up a little bit maybe after about ten or fifteen minutes of the second-half.

“After that I felt we put more pressure on Caley and we created one or two opportunities, scored what I thought was a good goal and to have it chopped off but managed to get the winner through Jean-Claude, so delighted to win as not many teams have won here this season. So we’re pleased with that.”

Rangers' Cup Clash Called Off Rangers' Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash with minnows East Stirlingshire has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Rangers' encounter with the Shire has become the latest game to fall foul of the weekend weather, with the Sunday match being postponed until further notice.

The Third Division outfit were set for a major Scottish Cup payday at Ibrox due to a live television broadcast of the Scottish Cup match, but this has now been thrown into jeopardy.

Rangers are currently discussing a possible rescheduling with the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football Association, but finding a new matchdate could be difficult: the replay window of 23rd January is currently occupied by a rearranged Old Firm fixture with Celtic.

The Gers, who top the Scottish Premier League, sit forty league places above the Falkirk side, who are 8th of 10 in the Third Division.