Rangers have handed a trial to Steve Simonsen as boss Ally McCoist seeks to boost his goalkeeping options.

The 34-year-old joined up with the squad today and will spend the rest of the week training with the Light Blues.

McCoist is keen for reserve goalkeeper Scott Gallacher to go out on loan and wants to recruit a more experienced campaigner to battle Cammy Bell for the gloves.

Simonsen is a free agent after penning a short-term deal with Dundee last season, which saw him make eight appearances for the Dees.

However, the former England Under-21 international is better known for his club career south of the border.

He played for Everton under former Gers boss Walter Smith and also had spells at Stoke City, Tranmere, Sheffield United and Preston.

McCoist told the club's website: "In an ideal world, we'd put Gall out on loan so that he's playing every week and we could bring another goalkeeper in to compete for the number one spot.

"Steve has come in and we're very thankful to him for doing that. We can have a look at him and he can have a look at our place as well. We'll see where that takes us.

"Nothing's set in stone at the moment. I've not seen him in training yet but I saw him in the gymnasium and he looks like he has been looking after himself.

"I don't think his fitness will be a problem and we've obviously spoken to one or two people about him who recommended him highly.

"Steve has been training here and there and I think he has had one or two other offers from other places which he has had to weigh up."

A transfer embargo means Rangers cannot register their new signings until September 1 and are restricted to featuring two new recruits at a time as trialists in league matches until next month.

McCoist added: "The bottom line is there's no immediate rush for us to do anything because of the situation we're in at the moment.

"Ideally, we'll play Gall between now and the last week in August then we can look at maybe sending him to play somewhere else.

"Steve's here for the rest of the week. He'll train today, tomorrow and through to Friday then we'll have a wee chat about things."