Ferguson and Muscat travelled into training together every day whilst Ibrox teammates and he’s backed Aussie to deliver
Kevin Muscat (C) holds up the trophy as he celebrates after taking Japan’s professional J-League football title
Barry Ferguson hailed Kevin Muscat as a natural born winner after the Aussie agreed to become the next manager of Rangers.
Record Sport broke the news online that Muscat had agreed terms to replace Russell Martin.
The Ibrox heirarchy have held successful negotiations over the past 48 hours with the current Shanghai Port boss and a broad agreement over a long-term contract has now been thrashed out.
But Muscat won’t be in place for Saturday’s home clash with Dundee United with under-19s coach Steven Smith in charge for the fist game since the sacking of Russell Martin.
Former captain Ferguson – who was interim manager last season after the sacking of Philippe Clement – hailed the appointment and insisted his former team-mate has the passion to lead Rangers back to winning ways.
Ferguson told Record Sport: “I got to know Kevin quite well when he played for Rangers because we travelled into training together every day. 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.
“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.”
Barry Ferguson and Kevin Muscat
Rangers are now in discussions with Shanghai Port over a compensation package.
The 52-year-old is not expected to make the move to Glasgow until next month, once the Chinese Super League comes to a close.
Muscat has Shanghai Port at the top of the table and he wants to lead them to another title.
He is expected to make the move to Scotland with his coaches Ross Aloisi and Vince Lerardo.
Record Sport broke the story earlier this week that Neil McCann is in line for a major role in Muscat’s backroom team at Ibrox.
McCann could also take interim charge of the team until Muscat finishes the season in China.
The pending arrival of Muscat will come as a major relief for the Rangers board who have been searching for a replacement after they sacked Russell Martin before the international break.
They held talks with Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl but both decided to pull out of the running before the Ibrox board had made a final decision.
The Rangers hierarchy wanted an experienced head that would unite their support and feel they have got that in Muscat.
The former Australian international has won leagues in his homeland, Japan and China.
He also had a season at Rangers as a player, under Alex McLeish, in 2002-03.
Muscat has previously been in the running for the Rangers job before they opted for Belgian Clement.