Neil McCann has declared that he and Barry Ferguson would welcome the challenge of taking the Rangers managerial reins on a permanent basis, as the interim coaching team prepares for Saturday's clash with high-flying Hibernian.
The former Ibrox winger, who joined Ferguson's temporary coaching setup following Phillipe Clement's February departure, expressed confidence in their collective readiness for the role should it be presented to them.
Addressing the prospect during Thursday's press conference, McCann said: "In-house, speaking to Fergie and as a coaching staff, none of us are frightened of a challenge. Not one of us. And if it was to be presented to us I don't think there'd be any of us would say, ‘no, it's not for us’.
"But as I said it's too far of a distance to even encourage that."
Read more:
-
Rangers put singing section on notice as season ticket renewals begin
- Rangers coach provides latest on Vaclav Cerny’s fitness after Dundee absence
Since taking the helm, the revamped coaching team - which also includes former Gers stars Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor - has overseen a notable upturn in form.
Their tenure has already produced several significant results, including a memorable Old Firm victory at Celtic Park, a dramatic Europa League penalty shoot-out triumph against Fenerbahce that secured a quarter-final meeting with Athletic Bilbao, and last weekend's remarkable comeback win at Dens Park where the Light Blues overturned a 3-1 deficit to claim a late 4-3 victory over Dundee.
Despite this impressive run, McCann was careful not to overstate their position, particularly with the club's ownership situation still unresolved amid talk of an impending takeover by the US investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers.
McCann was particularly complimentary about Ferguson's approach to management, countering suggestions that his limited coaching experience might have been a concern.
"What I would say is that I've been very impressed by how he wants to work, his willingness to allow Doddsy and I a lot of say on the training field and in matches," he explained. "A lot of people may have thought from his coaching CV that he maybe was not even ready to take this position, I think he's proved that wrong.
"So it's not my place to say but I don't think anybody in this building will tell you anything different."
Read more:
-
'Really important player': Dessers earns Rangers praise for more than just his goals
-
Ibrox heroes facing relegation reality: Queen's Park's season continues to unravel
When pressed on whether their recent performances - which have still shown signs of the struggles that plagued Clement's tenure - might influence any decision on the permanent managerial position, McCann acknowledged the possibility while maintaining focus on immediate challenges.
"Well, of course it could have an influence, yes. And you would hope that there's been an influence already because they felt they had to make a change, the board, already," he said.
"A new ownership, we don't know what that's going to look like but when a team makes a change, or a board makes a change, with a management team then clearly they're looking for a reaction immediately and they want results. And all we can do is try and get them from it."
The immediate focus remains on the Scottish Premiership fixture against Hibernian, who arrive at Ibrox on an impressive 15-match unbeaten league run under David Gray.
"I'm absolutely delighted for David," McCann added, showing respect for their upcoming opponents while his team aims to continue their own positive momentum.
"I spoke to him actually previous to me coming in here because I know what it's like. It's not straight cut, it's not easy and you've got ideas and sometimes it takes a wee bit of time before new players bed in and new ideas bed in.
"And I'm delighted for David because he's certainly coached a very very good side and they've got things going for them."
