BOB MALCOLM hopes it’s third time lucky for Kevin Muscat as the Aussie competes for the Rangers job.
The former Light Blues defender was linked with a return to Ibrox when Michael Beale was sacked in October 2023.
Muscat was touted again in February when the axe fell on Philippe Clement.
But on both occasions the 52-year-old was overlooked.
Now, with Steven Gerrard out of the running and Danny Rohl pulling the plug on talks, Malcolm believes the stars are aligning for Muscat.
The ex-Ibrox player said: “If I’m being honest, I think he should have been in long before now.
Read more Rangers stories
‘TOUGH’
Raskin needs to ‘feel the love’ from next Gers boss as he breaks silence on Martin
MEGA OFFER
Get £50 in free bets to spend on football when you stake £10 with Betfred
“There was talk when they were looking for someone to replace Beale, but Philippe Clement got the job.
“There was more talk after he left the club and Musky was linked again at that point. But the club instead went for Russell Martin.
“There’s no doubt it should be third time lucky for Kevin.
“Of all the names left out there, he’s the obvious candidate as far as I’m concerned.”
Malcolm struck up a friendship with Muscat when they shared a dressing room together at Ibrox. Some 22 years later, they still remain close.
For Malcolm, the Australian is the only man who should be entrusted with the urgent task of succeeding sacked Martin.
He said: “I think it’s fair to say that the majority of supporters had their hearts set on Steven Gerrard returning.
“When it became clear that wasn’t going to be happening Musky becomes a no-brainer.
“He would command instant respect and he’d start by immediately driving up the standards that have sadly been allowed to fall away.
“When you look at some of the other names mentioned, none of them come close to ticking the same boxes.
“Not only has Musky been at the club as a player, he also knows what it takes to win at Rangers. Add to that his success as a manager and there’s no question he’s the obvious candidate for me.”
Alex McLeish signed Muscat in 2002, with the defender playing 22 times as Gers won the Treble in his only season in Scotland.
He also starred for Crystal Palace, Millwall and Wolves during almost a decade in the UK.
And while he built up a hardman reputation as a player, the 46-times capped left-back has truly excelled since hanging up his boots and launching his coaching career with success in Australia, Japan and China.
Malcolm said: “You need to get to know him. Once you do you realise he’s such a cracking guy.
“As a player, he was hard as nails and he was tarred with that reputation.
“He loved a tackle, but then we all did.
“Once you get to know him you quickly appreciate how good a guy he is.
“People talk about him as a player, but that’s doing a disservice to the quality manager he has become.
“He’s all in for the players. His man-management skills are second to none and that’s something he’d bring to Rangers.
“As well as driving standards, he would get the players believing in themselves again. I’ve no doubt he would get them playing again.
“I don’t believe this squad is as bad as it’s being made to look.
“They’ve had their problems for sure, but a lot of that is down to the system that the old manager tried to impose on them.
“Musky would bring his own style, but if it wasn’t working then he would have a plan B that would enable him to adapt.
“The players looked scared at times towards the end under Martin. The style clearly didn’t suit them, it just wasn’t working.
“You need to be a certain character to play for Rangers. The demands are there for everyone to see.
“I think Musky would help get the best out of the players who are there at the moment.”
As SunSport revealed, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Rohl was being considered along with Muscat before the German walked away.
Muscat is clear front-runner now, but he is in charge of Chinese Super League leaders Shanghai Port, who are involved in a thrilling title race with just four games to go.
The season finishes next month and that has complicated discussions over Muscat’s future, with the Aussie fully focused on defending the title he won last season.
But Malcolm is adamant Gers should not be put off by having to wait a little longer to get their man.
He added: “If it’s a case of waiting four weeks then you wait four weeks.
“If you really want to get this appointment right then another four weeks won’t make that much of a difference in the grand scheme of things.
“If they truly believe that Musky is the man then they need to go and get him.
“He’s had incredible success as a manager, in Australia, Japan and now China. I’ve no doubt that would translate to Scottish football.
“It didn’t stop Ange Postecoglou from delivering success in Scotland, did it?
“Good managers can work in any environment and it’s not as if Musky doesn’t know what he’s walking into at Ibrox.
“He’s been at Rangers as a player and he’s well aware of the demands.
“He carries a presence and that’s so important at Rangers.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
GER KIDDING
Rangers boss shock as Steven Gerrard becomes bookies favourite for job again
GROUNDED
European airports forced to cancel ALL flights affecting hundreds of Scots
“The club is crying out for someone to lead them and I don’t think you can look past Musky at the moment.
“It’s a massive decision for the board, but they’d have a lot of Rangers supporters back on board if they went for Musky.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
