Trevor Steven: Forget Cousin, Miller is real deal

Jun 8 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

TREVOR STEVEN has accused Rangers flop Daniel Cousin of short-changing Ibrox fans and insists Kenny Miller is the ideal man to replace him.

The former Gers midfielder - who was involved in Walter Smith's famous nine-in-a-row run - can't understand why Cousin failed to shine in Glasgow.

Steven slated the wantaway hitman for his mediocre displays since January when Fulham made it clear they wanted to take him to the Premiership.

Cousin's proposed £3million move to Craven Cottage fell through and despite his ability he struggled for form as Gers' season crumbled.

Steven (left) is adamant his old gaffer Smith is better without the Gabon striker and reckons Miller could fill his boots.

A section of Rangers supporters are against the former Celtic star's return but Trevor feels he can be the perfect foil for Kris Boyd. He said: "I don't want to criticise the squad but more quality must come in.

"It's expensive and not easy to get but that's the challenge for Walter.

"Cousin did well when he arrived but then lost interest. I can't understand any player who shows how good they are then decides not to deliver.

"He has proved he doesn't have a big team mentality. You could see Cousin's quality was there but what about his character?

The whole thing with Cousin was a bit strange. I don't see what he did to justify being worth £3m to Fulham.

"Walter was keen to get himout but when it fell through he was picked to play so he had to do much better than he produced.

"Celtic have the momentum now going into next season.

"Miller could be the key for Rangers. He works his socks off and any boss with limited funds needs players he can trust.

"A manager's job is at risk when he gets signings wrong. The club can't afford to wait three or four games to see if someone is right.

"Walter's side suffered with their disastrous end to the campaign.

"To have the championship in the bag with a month to go and lose it will have been a psychological blow.

"The two defeats at Parkhead turned the season in Celtic's favour.

"If Rangers had managed just one draw they would have won the league.

"I just hope they can get the right players in this summer."

Steven admits his old boss Smith is under pressure to deliver the SPL title next season.

He said: "Every manager is under pressure and Walter knows he has to win the league next year.

"It sounds crazy to think a Rangers legend like him is under pressure but it's true.

"Celtic came out on top and they're the better team just now.

"If Rangers had pulled it off at the end of the season it would have given them a massive lift. Football is psychological and a huge part of what happened will be in their minds."

Steven expects the Ibrox boss to add flair to his squad over the summer in the shape of a James McFadden-style talisman and try to keep hold of loan star Steven Davis.

But the former Marseille and England man feels the most important change could be the permanent utilisation of Boyd in attack.

Trevor believes Gers simply can't afford to have their top scorer kicking his heels on the bench.

He said: "Davis did well but has a lot more to offer. He's only 23 and although his formdipped towards the end he had some great games.

"But there are a few who need to move on. There are four or five who have to go.

"Unlike last season Rangers need a consistent scorer and they already have one in Boyd.

"But can they get him in the team?

And more importantly, can they get someone to play with him?

"That's a key element. You can't have someone with that amount of goals in him sitting on the bench.

"I know the reasons why he wasn't there. There wasn't a perfect foil for him and now they need to find that - and Miller could be the man.

"They also have to find someone who can create. Not just movement but someone with something special.

"A player like McFadden, in terms of ability, would be ideal.

"They aren't going to get a Brian Laudrup but previously Rangers have had flair players like Mark Walters or Peter Huistra, someone who could give the team options out wide.

"Even I used to give the team a bit of width in my time.

"I used to get crosses in because it was part of my job to make chances."