Ex-Rangers defender Alan Hutton is backing his former club to snap up goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky on a free transfer this summer.

St Mirren have confirmed the 29-year-old has left the Scottish club with “immediate effect” after turning down a new contract. The Light Blues have been linked with the Czech shot-stopper and Hutton thinks he would be a smart signing:

“It doesn’t surprise me Rangers have been sniffing around him. Especially a free agent, it ticks the box if they’re spending a lot of money on Hagi and they can get a player they need for the squad on a free, it’s the ideal situation for them. I think he’d be a great addition to the squad.”

With Wes Foderingham and Jak Alnwick both leaving at the end of this month, manager Steven Gerrard will only have Robby McCrorie as backup for number one Allan McGregor.

After his loan spell at Livingston, some supporters would like to see McCrorie given a chance at Ibrox but at 22 years of age, he is still a relatively inexperienced keeper.

Hladky, in contrast, would give Gerrard a reliable number two, who could fill in when needed if McGregor does get sidelined with injury. Considering he is available on a free as well, it does seem like a sensible addition to the squad.