LIVINGSTON boss David Martindale has backed Ibrox candidate Michael Beale to be a "great fit" should he become the next Rangers manager.

The former Ibrox coach - now at QPR - is the early front-runner to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst after he was dismissed on Monday.

And for Martindale, it seems an obvious choice with the Livingston manager confident Beale would slot in perfectly at Ibrox.

Regardless of the exact personnel appointed to the top job at Ibrox, Martindale would like to see a British manager given a shot at the role.

The Lions boss revealed his opinion that someone with a knowledge of British and Scottish football should be hired by Ibrox chiefs.

Martindale was complimentary of the job Ange Postecoglou has done at Celtic, but advised a British manager should be appointed by Rangers.

He told STV: “I don’t want to speak out of turn because it’s not my place to talk about other clubs and other managers but I think Michael would be a great fit for Rangers.

“That’s up to Michael Beale and Rangers Football Club, not David Martindale.

“Would that be a good fit? Probably but I don’t know more than you do.

“I’m a big advocate for British managers. I think someone with a knowledge of British football [is preferable].

“Would I like to see Michael get the job over a foreign manager? Yes I would but that’s just my personal preference. I think there’s a lot of talent in Scotland. I see Sean Dyche has been linked and he’s another fantastic talent.

“I like to see progression within the British game and I think there’s a lot to be said for hiring someone with knowledge of the players and knowledge of Scottish football.”

Martindale had been mentioned himself in connection with the vacant Rangers post by fans - but admitted he's not expecting a call for an interview.

He joked: “Nobody has been in touch. I don’t envisage anyone being in touch.

“I look forward to seeing who Rangers bring in.”

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