Rangers £15k-A-Week Signing Emerges as Kris Boyd’s Standout Summer Pick: Can They Build Around Him?

Rangers £15k-A-Week Signing Emerges as Kris Boyd’s Standout Summer Pick: Can They Build Around Him? Rangers have started to see the benefits of their summer rebuild, with Kris Boyd identifying Dan Neil as the standout arrival. Speaking to Seven, powered by Ladbrokes, Boyd said several new players had taken time to settle but had recently shown much stronger form. Neil joined Rangers from Sunderland on a free transfer in July and signed a three-year contract. The 24-year-old has since taken on the captain’s armband, while his influence has grown during Rangers’ improved domestic run. Boyd pointed towards the team’s defensive improvement and greater competition for places. He named James Penrice and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur alongside Neil as recruits who have impressed him. Neil then produced his biggest moment yet in the 3-0 League Cup win over Celtic at Ibrox on September 13, scoring twice as Rangers reached the semi-finals. That result came before another Old Firm victory at Celtic Park. Ryan Naderi scored in the 1-0 win on September 20, while Pandur made a crucial save and Makhanya had a goal ruled out. Rangers therefore claimed two derby wins within eight days. Boyd, however, raised a wider issue. He argued that Rangers cannot keep rebuilding at the same rate and must eventually give a settled squad time to develop together. “It was exactly the same last season, and they’ve already moved a lot of last year’s arrivals on, so the key sooner or later has to be stability. You can’t keep chopping and changing players at the rate Rangers have been doing in recent transfer windows. “I’ve got to be honest, I think at the start of the season, a lot of people were questioning a lot of the new signings. “But it might just have taken a while for them to settle, and over the last three, four or five games, I’ve seen a lot of good things. “Defensively, Rangers look really solid; I think that’s maybe six clean sheets in seven now. They look strong, and there’s competition for places which is absolutely key. “You need someone breathing down your neck if you’re playing for a successful team. If you’ve got that, you’re going to perform better in training and that usually leads to better performances on the pitch. “That’s where Derek McInnes is at right now; he’s now settled on a team and he’ll be hoping he can build on that. “Dan Neil has been excellent since he’s come in; he ran the show at Ibrox and he’s one I’m really looking forward to seeing more of this season. “The majority of signings have impressed me to be honest… James Penrice is another one. “The goalkeeper [Ivor Pandur] looks like he’s been Rangers’ goalkeeper for a number of years already… he looks pretty safe. “I’m sure Derek will feel there are still names that can do a lot more, but the most important thing for me is the competition for places.” Can Rangers build their next team around Neil? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Dan Neil of Rangers controls the ball during the William Hill Premiership 2026/27 match between Celtic and Glasgow Rangers at Celtic Park on September 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) I agree with Boyd’s central point, although Neil’s value goes beyond his goals against Celtic. Rangers needed more control in midfield, and Neil has increasingly provided it while giving McInnes another reliable organiser in the middle. His leadership matters too. Sunderland had already trusted him with the captaincy, and Rangers have handed him the armband during a period of major change. That experience can help a team carrying several new faces. The two goals against Celtic added the obvious headline. Yet his bigger contribution comes from his positioning, passing and willingness to protect the defence. Those qualities give Penrice greater freedom to attack, particularly when Rangers push numbers forward. Makhanya deserves plenty of credit as well. His performances against Celtic have made him one of the most visible new arrivals, while his defensive work has helped Rangers maintain their improved structure. Still, a central midfielder can influence more phases of a match. Pandur has strengthened that platform from behind. Rangers started the season with plenty of questions, but recent results have brought a different feel. The side kept St Mirren, Motherwell and Aberdeen out before beating Celtic twice. That sequence gives McInnes something valuable, and that’s selection pressure. Penrice can challenge others, Pandur looks increasingly secure, and Neil has become difficult to leave out. Boyd’s warning about squad churn therefore deserves serious attention. Rangers cannot keep replacing large sections of the team and expect instant cohesion. Neil arrived for nothing, yet his leadership and recent influence make him look like one of the most consequential pieces of McInnes’ rebuild. For Rangers, keeping this core together may matter as much as finding the next signing.