Bilel Mohsni could be on his way to Northern Ireland.
That is the plan of Dean Shiels, current manager of NIFL Championship side Dungannon Swifts, who wants to bring his former Ibrox teammate to the County Tyrone club.
In what would be a relative signing coup for Shiels’ side, he is gearing up his team for an instant return to the Northern Irish top flight, following their recent relegation.
The NI international has marked a playing style on the Swifts, wanting them to play open, expansive football and he is determned to recruit additional players to carry out the game plan.
Mohsni is currently a free agent having most recently turned out for Barnet and Grimsby Town last season.
As reported by the Belfast Telegraph, today:
‘Dungannon Swifts manager Dean Shiels is aiming to complete what would be one of the most high profile summer signings in the Irish League by bringing former Rangers team-mate Bilel Mohsni to Stangmore Park.’
‘It is understood that positive talks have taken place between the parties and a deal is in place subject to a work permit.’
‘French-born Tunisian international defender Mohsni was with Shiels at Ibrox between 2013 and 2015 and is the type of experienced performer that the former Northern Ireland frontman is hoping to attract to the Tyrone outfit in the close season.’
Maverick
Now 33, Mohsni would bring experience and ability to Dungannon, however questions remain on the temperament of the player.
He was known as a maverick in his time at Ibrox, with many dribbles, a few goals as well as confrontations with opponents in addition to his main role as a defender.
Most infamously, the Tunisian was directly involved in a fracas with Motherwell’s Lee Erwin at the end of Rangers disappointing 2015 playoff loss to Ian Baraclough’s Fir Park side.
The big defender saw the red mist and landed a punch or two on Erwin, following a confrontation.
Hopefully an older and wiser Mohsni will arrive for Shiels if he agrees to ply his trade in the tranquil town of Dungannon.