John Hartson in Rangers transfer confession as he raves about Rabbi Matondo and admits Tom Lawrence surprise

The Welsh duo are part of seven new arrivals amid an Ibrox rebuild in the wake of big money exits for Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo

Celtic hero John Hartson expects compatriots Rabbi Matondo and Tom Lawrence to make a telling impact at Rangers after their switch to Ibrox.

The Welsh duo are part of seven new arrivals for Gio van Bronckhorst 's side this summer, amid a rebuild in the wake of big money exits for Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo. And Hartson was especially bullish about 21-year-old Matondo's chances for Rangers success following his permanent switch from Schalke.

The former Parkhead goal machine is also a believer in Lawrence and remains surprised to see the former Derby County man on the outside looking in ahead of the national team's first trip to a World Cup since 1958. Lawrence has been absent from recent squads and that led to a personal appeal from Wayne Rooney asking for a recall.

But Hartson is convinced both will star under the Dutchman this season. Speaking to Go Radio , he said: "Good players, I have seen a bit of Rabbi Matondo with the Welsh set-up, very quick, very direct, skilful, he's one for the future but I think he can make an impact.

"Tom Lawrence, lots of experience with the national team, with Derby, Wayne Rooney made him captain, that's how much he thought of him around the place. He can play along the front, anywhere through the middle or wide. Rob Page doesn't pick him for some reason."

While Hartson expects big things from Lawrence, he reserved his loftiest praise for jet-heeled Matondo who has turned heads during his early pre-season opportunities in Light Blue. He added: "For me, two good players, two proud Welsh lads and two good signings, especially Matondo who is a threat. He likes to take players on. Only likes to go one way, one thing on his mind, he's very positive. That's a good signing, Rabbi Matondo."

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