The Scottish champions beat UEFA's signing deadline when they recruited the United States skipper from St Etienne last night.

The 32-year-old will now be added to the squad for the first leg in Slovenia tonight after being given the green light to play in the tie.

Rangers also completed the signing of fellow American Alejandro Bedoya yesterday.

But, with David Weir and Kyle Bartley injured and Steven Whittaker and Sasa Papac both suspended, boss Ally McCoist opted for defender Bocanegra as the one additional player he could register for the clash with Maribor.

He has signed a three-year deal with the Glasgow giants, having plied his trade in Ligue 1 with Rennes and St Etienne since leaving Fulham in 2008.

Bocanegra left his home near Lyon in the early hours of this morning, flying to Frankfurt then Graz before being driven to the team's base in Slovenia.

He arrived just before 11am local time and now looks set to partner Dorin Goian in the heart of defence tonight.

Bocanegra is thrilled to get his opportunity at Ibrox, with the lure of trophies the deciding factor in his move to Glasgow.

Bocanegra told Blues News, he said: "I was very excited when I heard there was interest from Rangers.

"The move came as a bit of a surprise because I had a good situation in France. I was happy there and not looking to leave.

"Rangers have lots of history though and you can't say no to them. It's just fantastic to be here.

"The possibility of coming to Rangers and looking for titles and trophies is awesome. You don't get a chance to do that kind of thing too much in your career."