Former Rangers full-back Arthur Numan believes Walter Smith must employ a more attacking ethos next season.

Smith's cautious approach reaped rewards last season as Rangers won both domestic cups and came within one match of adding the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and UEFA Cup to their haul.

However, there were murmurings of discontent in the Ibrox stands throughout much of the season as Rangers relied on a lone striker in many of their games.

While Numan understood the need for caution after two barren seasons, a man schooled on total football is looking for Smith to throw off the shackles to some degree.

The former Holland international said: "Sometimes it is inevitable that you play more defensive, especially in Europe, especially when you play away from home, when it is important you don't give away many chances.

"But, especially when you play at home, you hope to see your team attack and that they will score some goals.

"It is important to find the balance, because some of the games I have seen were too defensive and it was all about getting a result.

"Sometimes you want to see the team, especially when they have the ball, come out and try to attack.

"Some games you have to defend and sometimes you have to attack more - hopefully we will see a lot of entertaining games this season."

Smith has shown signs of recognising the need for more creativity up front with strikers Andrius Velicka, Kenny Miller and Kyle Lafferty arriving for a combined fee of more than £6million.

Miller made his second debut for Rangers in Sunday's friendly win in Munster, while Velicka and Lafferty could be in line to face Sportfreunde Lotte.

"There is enough quality in the squad and especially up front, players who can score goals," said Numan.

"Hopefully we will see that once the first game starts in the league."

Numan was back at Ibrox to promote the launch of the new Rangers ladies team, who will play in the Scottish Women's First Division next season.

"Football in Holland is popular not only for men and boys, but for the past 10 years more and more girls and ladies play as well," he said.

"Last year a professional league started. It is so popular over the world, so I'm not surprised Rangers have a ladies team now."

Ibrox season ticket holder Jayne Somerville, who will captain the team, added: "I can't wait to pull on the blue jersey and play for Rangers.

"I've played in the Women's Champions League, and for my country, but this tops the lot.

"I'm still only 21 so I can improve further and the set-up at Rangers is better than any other club I know."

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