Ferguson casts verdict on Muscat's potential Rangers return

The Ibrox board are looking to finalise a deal to appoint Muscat as the club's new head coach.

And Ferguson, who spent the final months of last season in temporary charge of Rangers, recently cast his verdict on a potential deal.

"I got to know Kevin quite well when he played for Rangers because we travelled into training together every day," he told RecordSport. "He’s a natural-born winner.

"He doesn’t need to learn what makes Rangers tick – he just gets it. And he’ll surround himself with people who feel the same way.

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"I always kept a keen eye on how he was doing. He’s had success everywhere he’s been apart from a brief spell in Belgium which didn’t work out.

"But he recovered from that setback to win leagues in Japan and China and that tells you about his personality and character."

It is understood that Muscat will look to see out the season with Chinese top-flight outfit Shanghai Port before any return to Scotland. Their final league game comes on November 22.

Between now and then, Rangers have eight crucial matches, all of which the 52-year-old could miss.

Under-19s head coach Stevie Smith will be in the dugout for this weekend's home game against Dundee United.

The 8 crucial Rangers fixtures Muscat could miss

Dundee United (H) - Saturday, October 18 - Scottish Premiership

Brann (A) - Thursday, October 23 - Europa League

Kilmarnock (H) - Sunday, October 26 - Scottish Premiership

Hibernian (A) - Wednesday, October 29 - Scottish Premiership

Celtic (N) - Sunday, November 2 - Premier Sports Cup

Roma (H) - Thursday, November 6 - Europa League

Dundee (A) - Sunday, November 9 - Scottish Premiership

Livingston (H) - Saturday, November 22 - Scottish Premiership