Rangers hero compares star to former defender as promising start sparks Newcastle United transfer flashback

Rangers hero Alan Hutton is liking what he’s seeing from new defender Olwethu Makhanya - but his recent performances at Ibrox have sparked a ‘real concern’ that he could follow in the footsteps of former defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.

The Frenchman joined Rangers in the summer of 2004 on a five-year deal where he played alongside Hutton. However, after strolling the SPL, Boumsong attracted plenty of transfer interest and was sold to English giants Newcastle United the following summer for £8m. While the lucrative deal helped Rangers financially it also meant they were lighter on quality defensive options for the remainder of the season.

While it’s still early days, Makhanya has enjoyed an equally strong start to life in Govan following his £3m transfer from MLS side Philadelphia Union last month. The 22-year old South African has been assured figure both in and out of possession for the Light Blues so far - particularly in last weekend’s 3-0 home win over Celtic in the League Cup.

Hutton on Makhanya ‘concern’

While Hutton has no worries about the ability of the defender, he is concerned that recent performances could attract transfer interest, similar to Boumsong 22 years ago. He told the Daily Record: “It’s a real concern that Makhanya is doing so well that somebody might come in and try to pinch him in January, similarly to what happened with Boumsong. Listen, that's part and parcel of football these days.

“Rangers talk about the model that they're trying to build where they bring in players, develop them and move them on for profit. Unfortunately for Rangers, the bigger clubs are going to pinch their best players. But the fans here want to see guys like Makhanya long-term. He's only young himself, so he'll want to develop too. This is the first stage in that, coming over to Europe and showing what he's capable of.”

Hutton on Penrice

As Makhanya was moved out to the left to neutralise the threat of Hoops winger Haissem Hassan, Rangers left back James Penrice was asked to move into midfield, in what was a master stroke from manager Derek McInnes. Hutton now believes the defender can keep fellow full back Tuur Rommens out of the team when he returns from a groin injury.

He added: “It was incredible, he covered every blade of grass. I just feel that's the type of player that Rangers should have signed years ago. He was flying at Hearts but was allowed to leave and go to Europe, so for me it was an opportunity missed. When Tuur Rommens came in, I was thinking, ‘Brilliant. We've got a solid left back here, a player who gets up and down and knows how to defend’. Then the injury happened and Penrice comes in, and to be fair he's been absolutely brilliant. You're now asking, how does Tuur Rommens get back into that team?”

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