Why Olwethu Makhanya could be on his way out of Rangers already after win vs Celtic

Olwethu Makhanya may be playing his way out of Rangers already.

The South African was one of many defensive signings that came through the door over the summer.

He has immediately become a starter at the back alongside Emmanuel Fernandez under Derek McInnes.

The 22-year-old has made his presence felt and has certainly felt the love from the Ibrox faithful.

That saw him once again named in the starting XI for another Old Firm victory as he dominated with ease at Parkhead on Sunday.

Makhanya has been central to many positive reviews that could bring eyes onto him away from Govan.

Rangers may fear for Olwethu Makhanya's future

The Gers were in desperate need of a stable centre-half to come in over the summer.

Having utilised Wolves loanee Nasser Djiga throughout last season, that was always going to be necessary.

The 2004-born talent eventually came in from Philadelphia Union and has gone on to make a real impression.

That was only made all the clearer by his performance in the 1-0 win against Celtic on Sunday.

Andy Halliday was certainly impressed as he revealed his fear that Makhanya's qualities could see him earn a move away from G51 very soon.

Speaking on BBC Sportscene, he said: "The only negative about Makhanya is that don't now how much longer he's going to be a Rangers player. I just think he's an absolute Rolls Royce of a defender.

"You're talking about going to Celtic Park, 60,000 Celtic fans and we've seen some of the best Rangers teams and players struggle. You just look at the composure that he finds. He's always showing for the ball, calm under pressure and looking to bypass pressure.

"I think the biggest compliment I can give Makhanya is I think he goes so unnoticed in games, but does the basics so well. I've never seen him make a slide tackle, because of his positional sense, absolutely fantastic."

That sums up the general feelings surrounding Ibrox, especially after the defender netted a superb ruled out volley.

What did Andy Halliday say about Makhanya disallowed goal vs Celtic?

It was an overall, excellent defensive performance as he truly didn't have to get out of first gear.

He won six duels on the day and also chipped in with seven defensive actions.

That wasn't the most eye catching part of his game as he so nearly had a first Rangers goal to his name, and it would have been incredible.

The ball came to Makhanya and bounced off him before he smashed it into the top corner past Viljami Sinisalo.

Unfortunately, it hit his arm before he found the net, as Halliday was left stunned by the strike.

"If this counted, it would have been goal of the season, unbelievable strike. I was as shocked as anyone seeing that hit the back of the net."

It would have capped off a stunning individual performance in a great day for the Gers against their most bitter rivals.

McInnes and Co. will now be braced to face interest in the South African moving forward.