Walter Smith believes he has finally found the solution to Rangers' left-side midfield problem after signing Jerome Rothen on loan.
Rothen, 31, on Tuesday wrapped up the formalities of a season-long move from Paris St Germain. Ibrox boss Smith has tried a succession of players on the left wing in the past year but none have come up to scratch.
"Jerome has been a left-sided winger for his entire career, so hopefully he will bring a good balance to our team," Smith told the club's official website, www.rangers.co.uk.
And after watching dead-ball specialist Rothen playing for PSG against Rangers during the Emirates Cup in pre-season, Smith earmarked him as a potential candidate for the role.
Smith added: "We are delighted to welcome Jerome to the club and I think he will be an excellent addition to our squad. He is a player that is well known to a lot of our staff. I have also seen him play over a long period at Monaco and PSG so we know what he brings.
"He has a great deal of experience which was, of course, a big thing for us and he can play on the left, which has been a position we have struggled to fill. We have used a few boys there in the past and, to be fair to them, it's not really been their natural position."
Rothen revealed how rekindling his love affair with the Champions League was the driving force behind his decision to join Rangers. Rothen, who has won 13 France caps, was one of the stars of Monaco's run to the 2004 final.
But since signing for PSG that summer, the winger has now gone almost four years without sampling Europe's premier club competition.
He was recently on the brink of joining German club Schalke, while Blackburn were also keen to secure his services. But as soon as Rangers came calling, there was only one place Rothen wanted to be.
Speaking through a translator during his unveiling at the club's Murray Park training ground, he said: "The Champions League is a big draw for me. I've already had the chance to experience it. This year, I'm going to have the chance to participate again, whereas for the last few years I've only been able to watch it on TV."
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