Stella hoping to succeed

Ally McCoist: Handed an opportunity to young Australian midfielder Francesco Stella

Australian midfielder Francesco Stella is hoping he can emulate the success of his fellow countrymen at Rangers and prove a hit at Ibrox.

Stella signed on a one-year deal with Ally McCoist's side on Friday night and is just waiting for international clearance before officially becoming a Rangers player.

The 21-year-old is well aware of the history of Australian players at the club and cannot wait to get going.

Stella told the club's official website: "I am delighted to sign for Rangers. It's a great move for me to join such a big club and I can't wait to get started.

"I knew of Craig Moore, Tony Vidmar and Kevin Muscat. I'm happy to be the latest Australian to come to Rangers."

Problems

Stella's parents are Italian and that played its part in the youngster leaving his Australian home four years ago to pursue a career in the youth system in Chievo before moving to Siena.

But while that experience didn't work out he is looking forward to the next phase of his European adventure.

He added: "I had a few problems with Siena. I had another year of my contract to run but we came to an agreement and I was a free player.

"There was then an opportunity to come here on trial and I couldn't say no.

"So I was here for two weeks and then signed a deal last Friday.

"I was with Siena for about two and a half years. Initially I signed as a youth player but in the second year I moved into the first-team squad.

"Unfortunately in Italy they don't tend to use young players so I never made my first team debut but it was nonetheless a good experience to train with a Serie A club.

"I played for the under-21 side and then I went on loan and played in the Third Division and that was good experience too.

"But I'm delighted to be here now and hopefully I can be a success."