THE DADO OF 'EM ALL

ALEX McLEISH has hailed Dado Prso as his best Rangers signing - but doubts if the Croatian will have the same explosive impact under new Ibrox gaffer Paul Le Guen.

Eck's record in the transfer market has been patchy since he took over from Dick Advocaat in December 2001.

However, he unearthed a gem when he landed Prso on a Bosman from Monaco two years ago.

The striker has been Rangers' most consistent player - impressing with his passion and eye for goal.

And as he prepared for his final game in charge of Rangers against Hearts today, an emotional McLeish took time out to praise Prso.

Eck said: "I don't like to single out players but Dado has been a tremendous signing.

"I knew from the minute I met him he was a bit of a warrior - that he'd be in the trenches when we needed him.

"I had a gut feeling about him. I could just see it in his eyes. He had a presence about him.

"Dado is a passionate man and spoke fondly of his experience at Ibrox when he played here for Monaco in the Champions League.

"He enjoyed the atmosphere and was keen to sample it regularly.

His quality won over the Rangers fans and he has played a major part in the success we had last season and in the Champions League this term."

Yet Prso turns 32 in November and McLeish fears his successor won't see the best of him.

He said: "I don't know what Paul has in mind for Dado. I don't know whether Dado will be able to play every week because he's had a problem with a knee and his hamstring also popped.

"Whether he will be able to do it every week in Europe and the SPL remains to be see. I just hope he can be an influence.

"I hope Rangers can get back into the Champions League.

"I'm disappointed we didn't make it this year. I'm not proud of the fact we have finished in third. But congratulations to Vladimir Romanov and Hearts."

McLeish didn't appear too comfortable talking about the new era at Ibrox and what he felt Le Guen could achieve.

He said: "What will be happening at Rangers a year from now? It depends on how many players Paul brings in and the quality of the new boys.

"I don't know the budgets for next season. Martin Bain will know he answer to that."

However, big Eck insisted he can leave with his head held high after landing seven trophies including the treble in 2003.

He said: "I've had highs and lows. Winning my first title as manager was the best moment.

"From that point nobody could take that away from me. To win the Scottish Cup the following week against Dundee was great.

"When I came to Rangers I just wanted to get through the first week. In my first game we drew 2-2 at Motherwell.

"It would have been terrible to leave without winning a trophy."

On McLeish's first day in charge he had to rubber-stamp Kenny Miller's £3million move to Wolves.

The former Hibs striker was the first of many out the door as Eck was forced to cut costs.

He recalled: "A lot of quality left. I sanctioned the Miller deal. David Murray said: 'You don't have to sell but it would help.'

"It made sense to sell Kenny. He wouldn't have been a first choice striker. Shota Arveladze and Michael Mols were ahead of him in the queue.

"I also lost squad players such as Bert Konterman, Russell Latapy, Andrei Kanchelskis and Tony Vidmar.

"Losing first-choice guys like Arthur Numan, Neil McCann, Claudio Cannigia and Lorenzo Amoruso wasn't ideal either."

McCann and Amoruso headed to England after leaving Ibrox and there's a chance McLeish will also take that route.

However, his plan is still to take a lengthy break from the game.

He said: "I've worked in Scotland for 30 years and something different appeals.

"Tony Mowbray was accurate recently when he said Scotland is a suffocating place to work.

"I've not applied for any jobs and I'm not looking for one. It could be that come the start of the season I'll have itchy feet.

"I've been at the cutting edge for 30 years so I suppose I will miss it. If I'm lucky enough to get an offer I'll consider it."

McLeish will be a target for clubs at home and abroad but his only thought right now is getting today's game over and done with.

And it will be interesting to see what kind of farewell he gets from the Ibrox faithful against Hearts.

McLeish said: "Whatever happens it will be spontaneous.

"I'm proud to have served this club. Not many people get the chance to be Rangers manager.

"With the resources I've had it's difficult to see anyone else doing better."

Taken from the Sunday Mail