Rivals boss reveals he once tried to sign Rangers star

Rangers escaped a shocking loss at the hands of Partick Thistle last Friday, with midfielder Graham Dorrans coming to the rescue and helping the visitors draw level with 13 minutes to go.

The 2-all draw, whilst a disappointment, ensured the Gers go into Saturday’s Old Firm clash against Celtic without a defeat and they are 5 points behind the league-topping rivals.

Hoops’ boss Brendan Rodgers reckons the Ibrox outfit pose a threat to his side’s title-defence ambitions, and is aware of the fact that any player could prove to be the hero of the day for Rangers.

The Northern Irishman has eyes on Dorrans, and has showered encomium on the 30-year-old Scot. Rodgers revealed he attempted to land the player during his stint with Swansea in the EPL.

He told reporters ahead of Celtic’s visit to Ibrox: “He (Dorrans) was a player I wanted to bring to Swansea at the time, and he is a very good footballer.

“Graham Dorrans is a player I have always liked. In fairness to Pedro [Caixinha], he has come in and had to assess the group and have a look at it.”

Dorrans has bagged 3 goals in 6 league games this term, with his brace against Motherwell on his debut – the opening day of the season, helping Rangers to all 3 points.

The former Livingston and West Brom midfielder arrived Ibrox from Norwich City in July, and is proving to be a key cog in Caixinha’s midfield.

The Scotland international will hope to help Rangers to a much-needed victory over Celtic on Saturday.