Rangers striker Kyle Lafferty and new centre back Gareth McAuley are very familiar with each other as players.
Both are Northern Ireland mainstays and were part of the team that famously reached Euro 2016.
But the both are also close enough to have exchanged personal phone numbers. Something Lafferty took full advantage of to text the 38-year-old when news of him joining broke.
“Please tell me it’s true”
Lafferty text Gareth McAuley saying “please tell me it’s true” when he heard the player was singing. Lafferty is very familiar with the type of player McAuley is and what he brings to the club.
“He is an experienced player and he scores goals as well. I think the Scottish League will be perfect for him.I think he will play games and score goals for Rangers.”
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Another bluenose in a blue jersey
Gareth McAuley, like Lafferty, is also an ardent Rangers supporter. McAuley described the move as a dream coming true.
Having diehard bluenoses in the team is excellent for two reasons.
Firstly, they know what it means to the fans, and secondly they can introduce other players to the culture of the club.
Lafferty said: “He’s a Rangers fan (McAuley) and he is another player the gaffer has brought in who knows what it means to himself, his family and the fans to put on the blue jersey.”
Having the experienced heads of both Lafferty and McAuley join the club is huge for Rangers. These are two players who will give it all for the badge.
It’s also a bonus they appear good friends off the field.