Viking star set for Gers

Walter Smith chases another striker

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008

Andrius Velicka

Velicka: Heading back to Scotland

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Rangers are stepping up their pursuit of Viking Stavanger striker Andrius Velicka.

The former Hearts forward only left Scotland in February, but could be set for a quick-fire return.

His Norwegian club have reluctantly accepted an offer from the Gers, thought to be around £1million, and negotiations over personal terms will begin shortly.

Walter Smith's side secured the services of Scottish international striker Kenny Miller on Friday, while Nacho Novo, Jean-Claude Darcheville, Daniel Couisn, Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith complete the attacking options at Ibrox.

Velicka is concerned as to how he fits into Smith's plans with so much competition for places, but Rangers chief executive Martin Bain is due to hold discussions with the player in the coming days.

Earnings

Viking's sporting director, and former Rangers hit-man, Egil Ostenstad confirmed that the Lithuanian international looks set to be heading back to the SPL in the near future.

"I have had a very good dialogue with Martin Bain," he said.

"Andrius has been given permission to discuss a contract with Rangers over the next few days."

"At this stage in his career it wouldn't have been right for us to block a move to one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"He will earn considerably more than he earns at Viking."

Popularity

Meanwhile, Kenny Miller has spoken of his desire to win over the Rangers supporters who have questioned his return to the club.

"Playing for Celtic hasn't helped in terms of my popularity with the Rangers fans but I've heard a lot of things said and most of the time it comes back to one thing - a lot of Rangers fans don't want me because they just don't think I'm very good," he told the Daily Record.

"I've seen my signing described as a backward step and, most importantly, the manager does not believe it is."