Rangers next manager latest: Derek McInnes 'under consideration' for Ibrox job

Rangers begun a new era under Barry Ferguson against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Wednesday night.

Former captain and Rangers legend Ferguson took the manager's job vacated by Philippe Clement for the rest of the season as fans hope to reconnect with their side.

Discourse however continues over who could be the boss at Govan beyond this season, with Ferguson in charge for at least the coming months in what could be a long-term audition.

Boyd makes Rangers manager suggestion

Ferguson's first game taking charge of Rangers came against a Kilmarnock side under the stewardship of Derek McInnes, whose name has itself been touted as a potential future Ibrox arrival.

McInnes, 53, represented the Gers during his playing career and went on to captain West Bromwich Albion south of the border during their Premier League days in the early 2000s.

The Paisley-born former midfielder took charge of his 150th Kilmarnock game at Rugby Park against Ferguson's Light Blues.

Kris Boyd, in as a pundit live on Sky Sports as his two former sides faced off (26 February), backed McInnes to be under consideration at Rangers in the summer for the long-term candidate.

"I think he will be [considered], given the job he's done at Aberdeen and now Kilmarnock," Boyd admitted.

"That might be on the horizon for Derek."

Ferguson has Ibrox audition until summer

Ferguson essentially has a free hit here - certainly in terms of domestic achievements, as Rangers will finish no higher nor lower than second no matter what.

The Gers still have plenty to play for in Europe and will want to restore the positive feeling back over the course of the coming weeks and months.

In the bigger picture, Ferguson has a strong hand early on given his history with the club which holds him in good stead, and it's a fairly risk-free appointment which allows him to demonstrate his abilities.

Ibrox needs to come together for his next game against Motherwell on Saturday (1 March), a first home clash in charge for the former skipper, even despite the horrific mood around the place of late.

It will certainly be interesting to see how the long-term managerial search resumes in the summer and whether McInnes will be a serious candidate for the Ibrox board.