Beattie - Rangers a step up

James Beattie believes the opportunity to play in the Champions League for the first time is just one of the reasons why his move to Rangers is a major step forward for his career.

The 32-year-old striker quit Stoke - and the chance to remain in the Barclays Premier League - for a move to the Scottish champions after penning a two-year deal, with a further one-year option, on Friday.

"I've never played Champions League football before so I think that is a step up and a progression," said Beattie.

"The size of the club is huge and I think it's a massively positive step for James Beattie and for Rangers.

"I've had a lot of text messages from friends that I didn't realise I had saying 'you've just signed for the biggest club in the world' and stuff like that.

"I'll probably get to know how big the club is as I play.

"There was interest from other clubs but when you come up here and you speak to Walter Smith and have a look around, the decision was easy."