GLASGOW (AFP) - Rangers manager Ally McCoist has complained the early start to the new Scottish Premier League season is frustrating his efforts to bolster the champions' squad.
Scotland's leading clubs resume action on the weekend of July 23 and that leaves managers with little time to recruit new players.
But with the English Premier League not getting underway until August 13, teams south of the border are in no such hurry to complete transfers.
"It's a fact—the early start has not helped Scottish teams at all," McCoist, who has succeeded Walter Smith, said Monday.
"Quite the opposite in fact.
"The most important date for the boys in England is when their season starts, not right now to get players in.
"Without doubt, in my opinion, it has been a handicap for the Scottish teams."
Rangers are keen to secure Kyle Bartley on a second loan spell from Arsenal, who have yet to decide whether to allow the defender to return to the Glasgow giants.
McCoist said: "It would be great to have him back.
"I spoke to (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger and Arsene wants to have a good look at Kyle in pre-season before he makes any decision on anything.
"I can totally understand his view. He is absolutely, 100 percent, within his rights and I would do exactly the same. He doesn't need to look at his players just now."
Another target is former Ibrox defender Carlos Cuellar but Rangers have still to settle on a fee with Aston Villa.
"Carlos Cuellar is very high on the list," said McCoist.
"I know negotiations have been going on between the two clubs.
"Carlos is a player we would certainly like to see come back but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.
"He is still an Aston Villa player and they are aware of our interest. There has been dialogue but there is still a lot of work to be done on that one.
"It has to go through the right channels and the clubs haven't agreed anything at all as yet.
"That would give you an indication that there is still a lot of work to be done. It's one we will continue to push along."
Scotland's leading clubs resume action on the weekend of July 23 and that leaves managers with little time to recruit new players.
But with the English Premier League not getting underway until August 13, teams south of the border are in no such hurry to complete transfers.
"It's a fact—the early start has not helped Scottish teams at all," McCoist, who has succeeded Walter Smith, said Monday.
"Quite the opposite in fact.
"The most important date for the boys in England is when their season starts, not right now to get players in.
"Without doubt, in my opinion, it has been a handicap for the Scottish teams."
Rangers are keen to secure Kyle Bartley on a second loan spell from Arsenal, who have yet to decide whether to allow the defender to return to the Glasgow giants.
McCoist said: "It would be great to have him back.
"I spoke to (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger and Arsene wants to have a good look at Kyle in pre-season before he makes any decision on anything.
"I can totally understand his view. He is absolutely, 100 percent, within his rights and I would do exactly the same. He doesn't need to look at his players just now."
Another target is former Ibrox defender Carlos Cuellar but Rangers have still to settle on a fee with Aston Villa.
"Carlos Cuellar is very high on the list," said McCoist.
"I know negotiations have been going on between the two clubs.
"Carlos is a player we would certainly like to see come back but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.
"He is still an Aston Villa player and they are aware of our interest. There has been dialogue but there is still a lot of work to be done on that one.
"It has to go through the right channels and the clubs haven't agreed anything at all as yet.
"That would give you an indication that there is still a lot of work to be done. It's one we will continue to push along."
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