Derek McInnes says he shares Andrew Cavenagh’s desire for a calm January transfer window at Rangers.
The Ibrox chairman met with the Fan Advisory Board last weekend and informed supporters that he didn’t expect any significant activity – unless unforeseen circumstances forced the club to go into the market.
After a busy summer which saw 14 new faces arrive at the club, McInnes has a handful of players presently injured including Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Daisuke Yokota and Youssef Chermiti – with Ross McCrorie also now out for a few weeks with a hamstring issue.
But with all of those apart from the Portuguese forward set to return before the end of the year, the Rangers manager concurs with Cavenagh’s view that further wholesale changes won’t be needed.
‘I think we can cope in terms of numbers,’ he said.
‘The conversations I’ve had with both Andrew and Jim (Gillespie, chief executive) separately were a couple of weeks ago, after the Celtic game.
Rangers boss Derek McInnes insists he is happy with his squad
Rangers are in fine form ahead of their trip to face Dundee on Saturday night
‘We spoke about the need for January to be calm and not to become an unsettling month for us. We spoke about the importance of keeping the squad together. We feel that, by the beginning of December, we could have the boys I’ve just mentioned back fit.
‘That will feel like signing three new players with Cammy, Daisuke and Lawrence bolstering the squad. What the chairman said reflects the conversation we’ve had. We don’t expect to be busy in January at all.
‘For me, that’s really good to hear and good to work towards. Hopefully, the players can just work towards this season and we can be as strong as we can.
‘Obviously, the window gives you the opportunity to deal with injuries, loss of form or whatever. These things are always there.
‘But unless there’s a figure that comes in way over the top for any of the players, I think there’s a feeling from everybody, and obviously the chairman has said it, that we want to maintain what we’ve got in the building.’
Rangers take on in-form Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday evening with McInnes’ men again having the opportunity to move to the top of the table before Celtic and Hearts play at Parkhead on Sunday.
Now without European football, Rangers will again play first next weekend against St Johnstone with Celtic and Hearts travelling to face Hibs and Motherwell, respectively.
But with the first lap of the track still to be completed in the Premiership race, the Rangers manager feels it’s much too early to be talking about applying pressure to title rivals.
‘For me, you’ve still just got to win your game at the weekend,’ he added.
‘Whenever you’re asked to play, whether it’s a Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday, you’ve just got to try to win your game. It’s a bit early in the season to be looking too much into that. I think we’re all kind of used to it.
‘Of course, we would rather be in Europe. There was a wee bit of envy watching last night.
‘At the same time, the only real benefit from not being involved, and the only time you feel good about yourself, is if we can be successful domestically.
‘It gives us longer to prepare for games, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. The fact that we’re playing first this time around, I won’t even mention putting pressure on our opposition.
‘I’m more focused on the fact that we need to improve, win more games and concentrate on trying to get another three points.
‘I think that approach serves us well. It has done in recent weeks. It’s about taking small steps, winning your game and not being too obsessed with what’s happening elsewhere.’
A recent addition, the Saturday night fixture slot in the top flight isn’t to everyone’s liking.
But McInnes said: ‘I like them, to be honest.
‘I think the atmospheres are always good. It can be a long day waiting for it, but we know it’s there. We’ll travel up to Dundee in the morning, Saturday night under the lights, live on TV, a full house and Dundee going well … we’ve got our work cut out to get a result.
‘I think you enjoy all these night games, whether it’s a Friday night or a Saturday night. In the past, they’ve been good occasions, but you’re only going to enjoy them if you win.
‘It’s important that we’re ready for it, but I’m looking forward to it.’
