Lovenkrands future still uncertain despite goal
The 25-year-old Denmark international scored the final goal in a 3-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox and that stoppage-time strike lifted them to the top of the Bank of Scotland Premier League table.
It was a fine solo effort and capped an impressive left-wing display that saw Lovenkrands go a long way towards banishing the memories of a dismal campaign last season.
McLeish needs funds to bring in a central defender however and knows that Middlesbrough are mulling over a €900,000 move for Lovenkrands.
Boro chief scout Donald Mackay was in the stands with instructions to provide a full report for manager Steve McClaren on Lovenkrands’ credentials as back up to England’s Stewart Downing.
McLeish said: “Peter, at last, was getting round his opponent, getting crosses in and it should do his confidence good. We have always said we want Peter to scale the heights of my first 18 months here, where he scored a lot of goals. He actually has a good goals-per-season record.
“He is capable and it is just a matter of him believing. We thought he needed a fresh start - and I can’t say that that won’t happen. I think we still need a central defender. It is an area that I want to cover.”
Rangers took a first-half lead through Dado Prso and that was doubled shortly after the restart by debutant Jose-Karl Pierre-Fanfan.
New Livingston manager Paul Lambert was pleased with his players’ performances against the champions.
He said: “The guys gave absolutely everything they had. And if they keep doing that then that’s all I can ask for.”
But he was not so happy with referee Craig Thomson for showing a straight red card to Richard Brittain for a late tackle on Ian Murray.
: Waterreus, Ricksen, Andrews, Pierre-Fanfan, Murray, Novo (Adam 85), Ferguson, Alex Rae, Lovenkrands, Buffel (McCormack 70), Prso (Thompson 63).
: McKenzie, Mackay, Tierney, Dorado, Pinxten, Walker (McLaughlin 68), Adams, Tesevic, Brittain, Scott (Pereira 57), McPake (Snodgrass 57).
: C Thomson (Scotland).
Meanwhile, Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has branded suggestions that manager Gordon Strachan is under pressure as “ludicrous.”
The new Hoops’ boss has seen his team concede nine goals in his first two competitive matches, including the 5-0 Champions League drubbing by Artmedia Bratislava on Wednesday.
Celtic opened up their Bank of Scotland Premier League campaign with a 4-4 draw at Motherwell on Saturday, after throwing away a 3-1 lead at half-time.
But the Parkhead chief executive and the board are convinced the right man is in place to succeed Martin O’Neill.
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