Kevin was a leader in team of Rangers captains

KEVIN MUSCAT was going to watch Rangers before he even played for them.

- BY SCOTT MCDERMOTT

‘And rather than being put off by the magnitude of the club or the pressure of wearing the shirt, it made him want to go to Ibrox.

When he arrived in the summer of 2002, it was a dressing room packed with leaders and strong characters. For a new guy, it would have been easy to go into his shell.

Instead, he thrived on it. And in the company of Barry Ferguson, Lorenzo Amoruso, Stefan Klos and Ronald de Boer, Muscat was never afraid to speak his mind.

That's the verdict of his former Rangers teammate Bob Malcolm, who was also part of that Treble-winning squad.

Malcolm played for the club but is now a fan. And with a beleaguered support debating who should replace Russell Martin in the dugout, the 44-year-old has no doubts.

He believed Muscat was the guy they should have appointed when Michael Beale got the job.

He felt the same when Philippe Clement took over. And he’s more convinced than ever Muscat has all the credentials to become gaffer now.

‘The ex-Australia international is a leading contender for the gig but the club might have to wait.

Muscat has been sounded out about a return to Glasgow but is on the verge of a title with Chinese outfit Shanghai Port.

Malcolm has been full of admiration for him since he held his own in Alex McLeish’s squad over two decades ago. And having spent time with him recently he’s adamant he could be a successful Rangers boss.