Rangers will make a loan move for a Premier League defender when the January transfer window opens, according to Noel Whelan.

The pundit believes the injury sustained by Filip Helander could well force the Light Blues to strengthen their backline with another signing in the New Year:

“If they do anything it will be a loan deal for a Premier League player, I would imagine. Someone who needs game time. They might just need that cover and backup. Signing a player in January becomes very expensive for any club. It’s an unfortunate situation for Gerrard, he needs to figure this one out.”

Helander is now recovering from knee surgery but manager Steven Gerrard has said the Sweden international will be out for “at least” a few months, suggesting he could be sidelined for longer.

With Gerrard having criticised his team for “flaky” defending in the 1-1 draw against Motherwell at the weekend, it does add fuel to the fire that a new centre-half could be recruited.

Jack Simpson was Connor Goldson’s centre-back partner yesterday but he was very poor. He was at fault for Kalyne Woolery’s equaliser midway through the second half, whilst he also did not cover himself in glory when Tony Watt had a chance to score.