Scotland striker George Hirst has given his full endorsement of Rangers transfer target Dan Neil, insisting any club that signs the midfielder will be fortunate to have him.
Hirst played alongside Neil during the second half of last season after the Sunderland midfielder joined Ipswich Town on loan in January.
Neil’s arrival at Portman Road contributed to Kieran McKenna’s side securing promotion back to the Premier League, with the 24-year-old making an immediate impression.
Now out of contract this summer, Neil has been heavily linked with a move to Rangers, where manager Danny Rohl is known to be an admirer from his time in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday.
Neil captained Sunderland on their journey back to English football’s top flight but has struggled for game time following the arrival of Swiss star Granit Xhaka.
Rangers are not alone in pursuing Neil on a free transfer, with Coventry City, managed by Frank Lampard, also reported to be interested following their own Premier League promotion.
Hirst, who is currently part of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad, was impressed by Neil both on and off the pitch during their brief time together at Ipswich.
The striker believes Neil would handle the pressure of life at an Old Firm club with ease, given his experience at Sunderland in the football-mad North East.
Hirst said: “Dan is a quality player and I can’t say a bad word about him as a guy either. He came to us in January and fitted in straight away.”
He continued: “He’s playing for Sunderland having come through their academy and they’re another big club. That area is football mad, you’re either Sunderland or Newcastle.”
Hirst added: “So that in itself comes with a pressure so Dan has grown up used to having it. He’s a quality player, on the ball, excellent, as he’s tidy and clean. And off the ball, he does the dirty stuff as well.”
He concluded: “I haven’t spoken to him so I don’t know where he’ll end up going. But whoever gets him will be lucky to have him.”
Rangers have already begun their summer recruitment by signing Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland on a free transfer, with the striker agreeing to a two-year deal at Ibrox, including an option for a third year.
Rangers owner Andrew Cavenagh is deliberately targeting leaders for the squad following another trophy-less campaign in which the club finished third in the Scottish Premiership.
Neil fits that profile, but the Ibrox club face significant competition for his signature, with interest reported from clubs both in the UK and abroad.
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