ARTHUR NUMAN believes it is vital that Gers boss Walter Smith unearths a new midfield playmaker to replace crocked captain Barry Ferguson.

The Ibrox side's lack of a creative influence, who can unlock packed defences with a killer touch, was glaring over the final stages of their pre-season friendlies against Schalke in Germany and at Clyde on Tuesday.

And Numan believes there is pressure on boss Walter Smith to add a creative gem ahead of the clash with Kaunas next Wednesday.

The former Ibrox defensive star said: "You can see that Rangers are lacking in creativity in the midfield.

"They were very well organised when I played against them for Clyde on Tuesday, but perhaps lacked someone who could make the killer pass and unlock the opposition defence.

"Of course Barry Ferguson is a huge loss with his injury. Particularly against Kaunas at Ibrox, with them trying to get so many players behind the ball and pack the midfield, Barry will be a big loss.

"So, for me, I think Rangers do need another midfielder who can unlock play and make things happen. I know they have been linked with the Finnish lad Mika Vayrynen at my former club PSV Eindhoven and he could do a job.

"But I think for Europe there is a real need to bring someone in to the midfield to make things happen. So the pressure is on but it all depends on the budget. What Walter can't afford to do is panic, he must only bring in a player who will provide what they lack."

But when it comes to reading into pre-season form, the former Holland left-back believes mixed results only offer a confused picture.

Numan said: "You can read nothing into pre-season games. I remember PSV Eindhoven had a horrible pre-season back in 1988 and went on to win the European Cup and the Dutch league.

"So it is about letting the manger try out his systems, getting fit and getting the new boys vital time to gel.

"But you win nothing in pre-season even if the confidence you do get from winning your build up games can help you make a decent start to the real thing."