Novo: Let's have more loan Rangers!

Aug 17 2008 Gavin Berry

NACHO NOVO reckons loan star Aaron Niguez will prove a smash at Ibrox - and pave the way for more talented kids to swap Spain for Scotland.

The exciting 19-year-old attacking midfielder arrived at Rangers last week on a two-season loan deal from Valencia.

And Novo insists there are plenty more talented youngsters in his homeland looking for their break as La Liga's big guns recognise the value of farming out their kids to gain top-team experience.

Novo vowed last night he'll take Aaron under his wing and help him settle in to his new life. And the former Dundee and Raith Rovers star joked he's especially glad his new Gers buddy is smaller than he is!

Nacho laughed: "I'm pleased about that - now I'm not the only 'wee man' at Ibrox.

"Seriously, he looks sharp considering he's not had as much pre-season training as the rest of the squad.

"He'll be a good signing - he's a young talent, a youth international who has played for Valencia and gained experience on loan at other clubs in Europe and moving here can only help him further."

Aaron's arrival comes in the same week as Old Firm rivals Celtic snapped up Barcelona kid Mark Crosas.

Novo insists the fringes of La Liga's top teams are a fertile market that could be exploited further.

He said: "There are a lot of players at clubs like Valencia, Barcelona and Real Madrid who they hope can do well on loan before bringing them back.

"At Real Madrid for example, it's scary. They have about half their squad out on loan at other clubs in Spain.

"But it's good. It helps the young boys and eventually the club itself and Aaron can do well for us."

The Ibrox teenager was left out of the squad for yesterday's clash with Hearts because he is still short of match fitness - but Novo has seen enough to suggest Aaron is a bit of a boy wonder.

He said: "I have the same agent as Aaron so I already had a good idea about him. He is confident with both feet, fast and although he is small, he is strong.

"It's up to the manager where he plays but he can take on any role - on the left, right or in behind the strikers. His versatility will give him more chances to play.

"You can never have enough good players so, yes, the squad needed the likes of Aaron. The more competition for players the better it is for Rangers.

"I don't know what kind of attitude he has, that will come when he starts training properly, but I think he has character."

The boy's character could be tested as he adjusts to life in Glasgow and learning the lingo - but Novo is there for him.

It's been seven years since he arrived in Scotland in July 2001 to set the First Division alight with Raith Rovers.

Nacho had to adjust to Scottish culture - but feels stronger for it now and reckons he can help his young countryman acclimatise too.

He said: "I know the difficulties you encounter when you move to a new country but I'm here and can help Aaron settle.

"All the boys in the dressingroom will help. I'll be careful not to speak too much in Spanish so he learns English quicker.

"When you can't speak the language it's hard - but Scottish people are always helpful."

Aaron checked in just days after Spaniard Cuellar left Ibrox in an £8million move to Aston Villa.

Novo was upset to see the solid stopper go but reckons the Ibrox scouts can find a replacement for the former Osasuna man.

He said: "Carlos is a friend so it was sad to see him go.

"But he didn't want to be at Ibrox and there's no point in making him stay because then you're heading for trouble.

"He wanted to move on and you just need to accept that. I'm sure we can find someone else.

"Carlos was an ordinary player at Osasuna and didn't play every week. Moving to Rangers opened up a whole new world for him and gave him his chance. Good luckto him."

Under-fire Gers now go into a crucial spell without last season's Player of the Year - the back-toback trips to Aberdeen and Celtic.

Saturday's lunchtime showdown at Pittodrie will bring back painful memories of losing the title there on the final day of last season - but Novo insists they must overcome this double header.

He said: "We need to handle these games and do the business at Aberdeen and Celtic Park.

"It's as simple as that. We must work hard and get the results.

"I've read the criticisms being levelled at Rangers.

"We enjoy it if we are playing well and getting praised so must understand the other side to that.

"But there has been criticism of the gaffer and I don't think he is at fault. In Kaunas, for example, we started well and went 1-0 up only to lose the game.

"It was down to the players and we have to do better. We win as a team and lose as a team."