FORMER Rangers player and manager Ally McCoist has refused to rule out a return to the Ibrox club following the sacking of Pedro Caixinha. 

The Portuguese was dismissed on Thursday after just seven months in charge at Ibrox and speculation over who could succeed him in the role has been rife. 

McCoist became the Gers' record goalscorer during 15 trophy-laden years in Light Blue, before returning to guide the club to the Third Division and League One titles as manager. 

Read more: Derek Johnstone: Rangers board must get it right this time - and Sam Allardyce could be the man for Ibrox hotseat

And speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, the 55-year-old suggested he would be interested in making a shock return to the club he left in 2014.

He said: “You never know. Listen, it’s the club I’ve loved since I was a very small boy.

“I was very fortunate enough to play at the club for 15 years and it was the greatest privilege of my life to manage the club.

“So I’m not going to sit here and say no – because it’s a football club I’ve always loved and will continue to love.

"But what we have to think about is the football club moving forward and whatever is best for the club, that must happen."

Graeme Murty has been placed in interim charge until a permanent appointment is made and will lead the team against Hearts on Saturday.

Former Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and ex-Hoops player David Moyes have been among the names tipped for the job, but McCoist backed the club to go for more familiar faces - at least in the short term.

"The best man for the job should get the job," he said.

“I think David Moyes obviously has fantastic pedigree as has Gordon Strachan.

“But if it’s an interim coach, I know Graeme Murty’s taking over until they appoint a manager.

“But listen, why not go the whole hog? Why not go and get somebody like Walter Smith and Graeme Souness to take over just now until they decide what they want to do.

“Because certainly those two men would have the qualities of bringing a bit of respect, a bit of protocol and a little bit of class back into our football club.”