Neil McCann believes the experience of Aaron Tshibola can be crucial in Kilmarnock's survival fight after the midfielder signed up for a fourth spell at Rugby Park.
Tshibola, 31, has played in Turkey, Cyrpus, Dubai and Greece since last turning out for Killie in 2021 and manager McCann wanted his know-how after signing several young players earlier in the window, including on-loan Rangers winger Findlay Curtis.
McCann said: "He brings an experience to the group. He knows the club, I think he's got an affinity with the fans.
"He knows the league, which is important, which type of football is here, what's expected.
"He just brings a bit of presence and good football. All of those things that I've mentioned there are so important to us right now because we've got a bit of a younger squad.
"You think about the additions we've made as well, young Nicky [Clescenco] is going to need a bit of leadership there.
"You've got Joe [Hugill] just coming up new into the league, you've got Fin, although he's got great experience already, he's still young.
"I felt that the experienced head was important to get into the middle of the pitch and big Tish brings that."
McCann wants his side to play with freedom against Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday after beating Aberdeen 3-0 last Saturday for a first win in 18 matches.
McCann, who was on the Rangers coaching staff with assistant Billy Dodds for an interim spell last season, said: "We're going there with full respect of how good Rangers have been this season under Danny Rohl. We know how hard it's going to be going to Ibrox.
"I know that first hand myself, the experience that Billy and I got last year.
"Believe me, this group will have no shackles on them. We're going there to play. We're going there to win the game and that belief will be instilled in them."
