Zaliukas On Trial With Rangers

Photo by Jeff Holmes Rangers have taken former Hearts skipper Marius Zaliukas on trial for the second time in a year after the Lithuanian negotiated his release from Leeds United. The 30-year-old central defender was freed by the Elland Road club on Tuesday after making just 15 appearances for the SkyBet Championship outfit last season. He will now join Ally McCoist's squad for their pre-season tour of the Highlands and could feature in Wednesday night's friendly clash with Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park. Ex-Jambo Zaliukas spent a week training with the League One champions last September after his Tynecastle exit as the Light Blues pondered a move - but instead chose to sign for Leeds. He spent seven years in Edinburgh with the Gorgie side, captaining them to their famous 5-1 win over city rivals Hearts in the 2012 Scottish Cup final. McCoist has already added former St Mirren defender Darren McGregor to his squad, as well as handing Ibrox returns to strike pair Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd. Ismael Bouzid, another former Hearts defender, has also joined the club on trial.