IT wasn’t quite the last-minute frenzy some had expected. More a sedate arrival at an inevitable conclusion as Rangers wheeled Philippe Senderos through the doors at Ibrox to complete their summer recruitment programme.

Whether it was ‘their’ man they finally got, or the one who was left out of an original pair, is open to speculation and conjecture.

When the proposed deal to bring ex-Aston Villa stopper Joleon Lescott to Glasgow fell through the other week, Senderos, another deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park, became the sole focus for Rangers manager Mark Warburton.

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The Ibrox coach, at some point in the last few weeks, realised he was lacking a commanding defensive pivot, able to cut out slack goals conceded from set plays; an on-field coach to give younger players a helping hand, and, above all else, someone with a modicum of organisational acumen. That meant a central defender – actually, make that another central defender – was always a priority for Warburton before the Scottish transfer window was boarded up for the summer.

Warburton had already secured the services of Clint Hill a few months back, one of his 10 previous summer investments. His form and presence however, has, to most neutrals (and a few of the Ibrox regulars), been somewhat lacking in the above categories.

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While there will be collective relief at Senderos pitching up, it remains to be seen if the 31-year-old Swiss international– who can list Arsenal. Fulham, Milan, Valencia and Grasshoppers as former permanent and temporary employers – will do the job Warburton requires him to fulfil. He won’t have long to wait to find out.

Senderos will be given his first run out in a Rangers kit in Belfast this weekend against Linfield. If that outing might be described as one conducted amongst like-minded folk, the same could never be said for what he may encounter a week hence.

Rangers, unbeaten but this far unconvincing, travel across the city to meet the reigning champions, league leaders and title favourites Celtic. It might be the kind of game Senderos wants to be involved with, but, just how much he enjoys it will have everything to do with the result. If Rangers lose, they would be four points behind their arch rivals, who would also have a game in hand.

Still, last night, having checked in to his new surrounds after a short holiday break with his family, and signed a one-year deal, donned his new colours and posed for the obligatory happy snaps, Senderos was in upbeat mood about visiting Celtic Park.

“That’s the kind of game everyone wants to play in – and hopefully I can have a good week of training and then we will see from there,” a cheery Senderos told the club website.

“This is why you come to such a big club though to play in those kind of games. It is right up there with some of the best derbies in the world, and I am expecting a lot of noise as I said before, and the whole city vibrating to this game.

“I expect tough games with all the teams though. I have seen already the last few games since I have been here, and it is very difficult to play as everyone is expecting Rangers to come out and to try and play their football.

“If the other teams sit back and make it difficult for you, it’s going to be hard to break down. You have to find solutions though, and that’s where experience and quality comes into play.

“Hopefully we can do that and manage that in those games.”