INJURED BALL SEALS GERS MOVE

The deal was set to go through at the start of August, but The Gers halted the transfer after the defender failed to prove his fitness while at Ibrox for a medical.

The club and player were keen for the deal to go through, though, and Ball showed his determination by spending the last week in Glasgow working on his fitness.

On Friday, the defender had further tests and the SPL side were satisfied that his problematic knee would stand up to life in Scotland.

However, Gers boss Dick Advocaat did state that the player will not be seen in a Rangers shirt until at least October.

"All medical and contractual matters regarding Michael have been resolved and we are pleased with the acquisition of the player," the Dutchman said.

"The player, however, won't play for six to eight weeks because we don't want to take a gamble but on the longer term there is no risk at all."

Speaking to the Rangers official website, Advocaat praised Everton for their part in the deal.

"I would also like to thank Everton Football Club for their cooperation, particularly the chairman and Walter Smith, and both clubs showed the way business can be done.

"At his age, 21, he is a very young and promising English full back who can also play in other positions so we are very pleased.

"Rangers Football Club is not only interested in the short-term but also in the long-term and Michael Ball is definitely a player for the longer term future."