Naismith beats deadline to sign for Rangers

Steven Naismith admits he had almost given up hope before Rangers came in with

their last-minute transfer last night.

The Gers signed the 20-year-old forward from Kilmarnock at 11.59pm last night

to beat the transfer deadline by seconds.

Naismith had submitted and then withdrawn a transfer request in the summer as

Glasgow side had four bids rejected and he assumed his immediate future remained

at Rugby Park, until his late call.

The 20-year-old told the Scottish Sun: "I'm delighted I have this chance to

sign and play for Rangers - better late than never.

"My girlfriend Moya is away in Barcelona and my mum and dad are on holiday so

one of my mates had come around and we were playing on the computer.

"I was just thinking about going to bed when I got a call to say get up to

Glasgow as quickly as I could because I was going to Murray Park for a medical.

"I'd honestly thought it had gone, especially after 11 o'clock."

Naismith, who signed a five-year contract following a transfer that could be

worth £2million, is now looking forward to stepping up a level.

The Scotland international signed for Rangers a day after the club were paired

with Barcelona, Lyon and Stuttgart in the Champions League group stages.

He said: "I'd seen the Champions League draw which was unbelievable and I was

thinking about what could have been. Now I'm going to be part of it.

"I might not feature in Champions League games to begin with, but I'll be

determined to take my chance if it comes."

He repeated his regret at submitting his transfer request but said he was

"angry and frustrated" at a lack of information.

But he believes everyone is a winner following the late deal.

"I think this gives all parties what they want," he said. "Killie get a

reasonable fee which is great for the future of the club and Rangers get the

player they wanted."