Alan Hutton has outlined what Barry Ferguson must do to secure the Rangers managerial position this summer.
Ferguson has rejuvenated the Light Blues, eliminating Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce from the Europa League and securing a victory over Celtic at Parkhead. The 47-year-old stepped in as interim boss following Philippe Clement's dismissal last month.
While the club is reportedly exploring alternative candidates for the Belgian's full-time successor – ex-manager Steven Gerrard is currently the bookmakers' frontrunner – Ferguson could force his way into serious contention if he maintains Rangers' impressive form.
Hutton, who previously shared a dressing room with Ferguson at Ibrox, lauded his former team-mate for reinstating a "winning mentality" at the club. He also believes that "a really strong end to the season" would make it difficult for Rangers to overlook him for the permanent role.
"He's turned things around quickly," Hutton, 40, told the Daily Record, via Betway. "He's put that pride back in the players, that winning mentality that you need to have as a Rangers player.
"I think for him to be in the conversation, he'll have to have a really strong end to the season. He's done that, obviously, against Fenerbahce and Celtic, and there's other big games coming up in the Europa League.
"So he needs to go as far as he can in that and have a strong end to the league campaign. Then I'd imagine he'll have a sit down with the new owners and see where it takes him."
Gerrard, currently without a club since parting ways with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January, is widely regarded as the leading candidate for the position. The ex-Liverpool captain guided Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership crown in a decade in 2021 before departing for Aston Villa later that year.
Hutton sees the logic in bringing Gerrard back but isn't convinced he would immediately deliver results. "Gerrard would possibly be the safer choice because he's been there before, he knows what the club's all about," the former defender said.
"He understands it, he's won the league there as a manager. So, he knows what it takes week in, week out to hit those levels. I feel, at the time, when he was manager, the squad was better, it was stronger than what it is in this moment in time. So, with the new owners coming in, they're going to have to spend money to get the quality back up."
Rangers' 3-2 triumph over Celtic helped reduce the gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership. However, Brendan Rodgers' side still hold a commanding 13-point lead, making them heavy favourites to retain the title.
That leaves the Europa League as Rangers' most realistic shot at lifting silverware this season, but their road to success is far from straightforward. In the quarter-finals, they will face Athletic Club, who currently sit fourth in La Liga.
Should they advance, a semi-final showdown against Manchester United could await. Beyond that, potential final opponents include Tottenham, Lazio, Eintracht Frankfurt, or Bodo/Glimt.
Hutton began his professional journey at Rangers in 2002, amassing over 100 appearances before transferring to Tottenham in 2008. He played a role in Spurs' run to the Champions League quarter-finals in 2011 before joining Aston Villa later that year.
He went on to spend the rest of his club career at Villa Park, making over 200 appearances for the Birmingham-based side before retiring in 2020. Hutton also earned 50 caps for Scotland.
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