Warburton: McParland Will Bring Quality To Rangers

Rangers manager Mark Warburton has described the appointment of Frank McParland as head of recruitment as a "huge step forward" for the club.

Rangers have secured the services of the 56-year-old just five months after he joined Burnley as sporting director. The Championship leaders have been operating without a similar employee since Neil Murray left his post as chief scout in April 2013.

And Warburton declared they had recruited one of the best scouts around as he was reunited with someone he worked with at Watford and Brentford, where he was director of football.

Warburton said: "It's a huge forward step for us. It was about being patient to get the right man. We could have rushed in two weeks into the season but, like a player, it's about getting the right person at the right time. So it's well worth the wait.

"I have no doubt about the quality he will bring. I'm sure his impact will be fairly immediate. "I'm delighted to get someone of Frank's calibre to come to the club, recognised as one of the best in the business. His track record speaks for itself and he works long and hard."

McParland also spent eight years at Liverpool over two spells as chief scout and then director of academy and player development, introducing Raheem Sterling to the club during the latter stint.

McParland told Burnley's official website: "This has been a tough decision because I completely respect all that Burnley Football Club has done for me in my short time here.

"The management, staff, players and fans have been wonderful in welcoming me into such a tight-knit club.

"However, Mark and I go back a long way. We've had a close friendship for nine years or so and we've worked together professionally for four or five years now.

The lure of joining up with him again was just too great."

That close working and personal relationship was vital for Warburton and assistant David Weir.

The Rangers boss said: "He knows the type of player David and I want here, he knows the profile and individual attributes we need. I have no doubt he is one of the very best.

"It's important it's an honest relationship. We argue about things but he knows what we want in a player.

"We like players who can adapt to different roles and demands and he knows the type of player who fit that requirement. I have absolute faith in his judgement and feedback."

Rangers are close to making an immediate signing, although one that has been in the pipeline for several months before McParland arrived. Former Derby and Watford midfielder John Eustace is set to finally sign a contract following a long stint training at Murray Park.

"We're very close now," Warburton said. "I think within the next couple of days we will have some very positive news. He is well-liked by the squad and I have no doubt he will add value."

Another player who is training with the club is 24-year-old Israeli midfielder Gai Assulin, who spent time in the Manchester City and Barcelona youth set-ups and was most recently with Real Mallorca.

"We are just looking at Guy and he is looking at us," Warburton said. "He is a guy coming in to train, trialist is the wrong word. He's a very talented boy with an excellent CV and we will see how the next few days progress."