Why Olwethu Makhanya is yet to show Rangers his best as fans teased with new inside claim

Olwethu Makhanya may have another level to go to in a Rangers shirt.

The Bears signed the centre-back from MLS side Philadelphia Union in the summer, in a package deal worth around £3million.

The Gers were left short in the position after Derek Cornelius and Nasser Djiga returned to their respective parent clubs at the end of last season.

Makhanya has taken life at Ibrox like a duck to water, forming a formidable partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez already.

Derek McInnes' side kept four consecutive clean sheets before the international break, and are currently on a six-game winning streak.

A lot of the reason for Rangers' recent success is Makhanya, as Fernandez reveals why his defensive comrade could go even further for the Light Blues.

Emmanuel Fernandez teases Rangers with Olwethu Makhanya claim

Fernandez and Makhanya are currently both away with their nations for international duty.

Makhanya recently made his competitive debut for South Africa, helping his side to a 2-1 win over Guinea in the Africa Cup of Nations qualification stage.

The defender could yet play another two games for his country before returning to Auchenhowie, with fixtures against Eritrea and Egypt both marked in the calendar.

Fernandez is currently away from Govan, representing his nation of Nigeria in the same competition.

The 24-year-old has been speaking about Makhanya recently, explaining why he could go to another level for the Gers.

He said, as quoted by Footy Africa: "He’s a very good player, South African boy. To be fair, I was surprised when he came in. I didn’t expect him to be as good as he is, but he’s a top player.

"There’s even still more to come from him; there’s still more understanding to come from him, because the game’s a bit different in Scotland, but he’s very good."

Fernandez is suggesting that his centre-back partner is still transitioning to the Scottish game, meaning his confidence looks likely to only grow with time.

Makhanya is already being tipped to become a big-money sale for Rangers in the future, though the 49ers won't have any idea of cashing in anytime soon.

What Rangers' current defensive issue is

Rangers' goalkeeping department is secure, as Ivor Pandur looks to be getting more comfortable by the game.

The left-back spot has cover from two top-class players in Tuur Rommens and James Penrice, while the Gers have Dujon Sterling and Kosta Nedelijkovic on the other side of defence.

However, Rangers' centre-back picture could become scary if something were to happen to either Makhanya or Fernandez.

Ben Godfrey has already proved some initial doubters wrong at Ibrox, whether that be for fitness reasons or sheer quality.

The Gers have John Souttar, who has been frozen out of the squad by McInnes.

It could be a position that McInnes and Rangers look to add cover in January, just to be careful.