Wednesday 30 January 2019 14:04, UK
Rangers have bolstered their squad with the signing of US international Matt Polster, but who is the versatile American? We spoke to MLS expert Andrew Wiebe to get the lowdown.
Rangers confirmed the arrival of Polster on Wednesday on a two-and-a-half deal, having impressed while on trial at Ibrox.
Polster had spent three years had Chicago Fire in MLS, winning his first senior US cap last year in a friendly against Bosnia.
But what position does he play? What are his strengths? Will he cope with the pace of the Scottish Premiership? We spoke to MLS expert Andrew Wiebe to find out more.
"He is very versatile," Wiebe said on Sky Sports News' Transfer Talk podcast. "And he is increasing in quality in a position that is very key in modern soccer - outside (wing) back.
"As a defensive midfielder, he came out of college and he did well in the SuperDraft, but it remained to be seen where his long term future will lie.
"Here he thrived. He started to pick up the ball in advanced positions, he is really good at cutting inside, which proved to be really effective here in the states as he had the technical ability from his midfield days.
"He started to pick up fitness, and started to pick up height, and it appeared he would be able to solve the US's outside back problem. He got a cap and got in look in there.
"This is a guy that the (Chicago) Fire did not want to lose. When they were really good in the play-offs a few years ago, Polster was a big part of their side both in attack and in defence.
"He is a really good signing for Rangers. He is not the sort of player that will be players to the end line, he is more about the quick switches from his midfield days.
"He is strong, and will not be fazed by the physicality in Scotland. He has had knee surgery, but as long as he stays healthy, there is no need to worry about him with the adaptation process. There is a bit of a path to follow here, with plenty of players having come from the States."
