GORDON McQUEEN reckons Ugo Ehiogu can shore up Rangers backline - if he stays clear of injury.

The former Middlesbrough player and coach knows the 34- year-old stopper well.

Ehiogu has agreed personal terms to come to Scotland initially until the end of the season, with a view to a further year after that.

But the one-time £8m defender has struggled in recent times after an unsuccesful loan spell at Leeds United.

And McQueen said: "I worked with Ugo at Boro and have also watched him over the past six years. He has had a lot of problems with injuries in the last couple of seasons. But, if they can keep him fit, Ugo could be a decent bit of business for Rangers.

"I watch the SPL games on Setanta and I know what Walter Smith has inherited at Rangers. Ugo is a no-frills centre half and he could do well.

"He won't get the ball down and try to play. He just heads it clear or boots it clear and, when he was in his prime, there were few better than him."

The former Scotland defender watched Ehiogu slip down the pecking order at Boro but has dimissed claims that he's now too old.

"Ugo has looked after himself and there is not an ounce of fat on him," McQueen added.

"Central defence is not the most demanding position in terms of running all over the place. If he can stay clear of niggling injuries he can play on."