Ronald de Boer became the sixth member of Rangers’ Dutch contingent when he signed from Barcelona for £4.5 million at the end of August 2000.

He began his career with Ajax Amsterdam as a teenager, and after one season with FC Twente gaining first team experience, he established himself as a regular up front for the Dutch giants, with twin brother Frank also playing in defence.

The Ajax side of the mid-nineties was a formidable outfit, winning the European Cup in some style in 1995, beating AC Milan in the final in Vienna.

In January 1999 Ronnie moved to Barcelona for £7 million, where he again teamed up with brother Frank.

Both de Boers were in the Dutch squad for Euro 2000, with Ronnie making three substitute appearances and scoring Holland’s second against Denmark.

But after the European Championships in the summer, where Holland were eliminated by Italy at the semi-final stages, Ronald didn’t enjoy the best of times at the Nou Camp where he was told there would be no guarantee of first team football.

That sparked a rush for the Dutchman’s signature with Alex Ferguson, no less, leading the hunt, hoping to take him to Old Trafford and further enhance his already multi-talented squad.

But De Boer was told by the Manchester United boss that only David Beckham and Roy Keane were certain starters in the first 11 every week and the midfielder instead opted for a move to Ibrox, teaming up with Dick Advocaat once again who was his manager during their days together with the Dutch national team.

The midfielder, who started his Light Blues career playing just off the front two, has been an instant hit with everyone at the club since his arrival at Ibrox, scoring on his Champions League debut during the 5-0 demolition of Sturm Graz.