Rangers sign ex-Hearts skipper Zaliukas

adamhigginsuk
Jul 11, 2014
2 min read

Stalwart: Zaliukas, who became Hearts skipper in July 2009, scored 14 goals in 212 outings for the Edinburgh side (Picture from STV)

MARIUS Zaliukas has signed a two-year contract with Rangers after impressing the Scottish Championship club during a trial period.

The Lithuanian international defender was a free agent after being released by Leeds United, where he made just 15 appearances last season.

Zaliukas was on trial at the Glasgow side last summer but turned down the chance to sign to secure a move to England.

But after a string of eye-catching displays so far in pre-season, the 30-year-old has put pen to paper as Ally McCoist's men seek promotion to the Scottish Premiership.

He could face his former club in the first game of the new league season with Hearts travelling to Ibrox on August 10.

Zaliukas made over 200 appearances in seven years with the Gorgie club and eventually took over the captaincy, wearing the armband for their Scottish Cup final triumph in 2012.

The Kaunas-born centre-back becomes Rangers' fourth summer signing after the re-signings of strikers Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller as well as the capture of former St Mirren defender Darren McGregor.

"I'm excited to come here from Leeds and on the first day it felt like it was the right decision. It's a brilliant stadium and it's going to be fun to play here," Zaliukas told Rangers' official website.

"I think the Championship is going to be a very interesting league because Hearts and Hibs are in here, and even Falkirk and Queen of the South are going to be tough teams.

"I think our squad could compete straight away in the Premiership, everyone is experienced and top players. I think we are going to have a very good squad."

Zaliukas, who will receive a £4,000-a-week wage with a 100% increase if the club earn promotion, could make his debut in the Petrovac Training Cup first round against Hibernian at Ibrox on 5 August.

He must force his way into the side ahead of last season's regular centre-back pairing - captain Lee McCulloch and Bilel Mohsni.

ZALIUKAS: SEASON BY SEASON

(In all competitions)

2006-07: 2 goals in 29 appearances (for Hearts) 2007-08: 1 goal in 28 appearances (for Hearts) 2008-09: 2 goals in 31 appearances (for Hearts)

2009-10: 2 goals in 25 appearances (for Hearts)

2010-11: 1 goal in 29 appearances (for Hearts)

2011-12: 2 goals in 47 appearances (for Hearts)

2012-13: 4 goals in 30 appearances (for Hearts)

2013-14: 0 goals in 15 appearances (for Leeds)