Ally McCoist urges Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya to ignore transfer interest

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has advised Olwethu Makhanya to remain at Ibrox and continue developing rather than rushing into a move to the English Premier League.

The 22-year-old South African defender has made an encouraging start to his career in Scotland, with his performances attracting attention and placing him on the radar of potential English top-flight suitors.

McCoist believes Makhanya would benefit most from staying with Rangers for now and building on his early progress. Speaking to talkSPORT Bet Online Casino, the former Rangers striker backed Pat Nevin’s assessment that the defender should not be in a hurry to leave.

“I don’t think Makhanya should be in any rush to go anywhere,” McCoist said.

“He’s had a very good start, though the weekend was maybe a little reminder that you don’t get any easy games and you’re a target.

“So, from that point of view, there’s no doubt that with the way he’s started, there will be clubs looking at him. But I would be advising him to stay for a while, get the job done, keep getting rave reports, and see where it takes him.”

McCoist acknowledged that Makhanya’s performances are likely to continue drawing interest from clubs, but stressed that the defender should first establish himself at Rangers.

The former striker’s recommendation carries particular weight because of his status at Ibrox. McCoist remains one of Rangers’ most celebrated figures, having built a legendary reputation during his time with the club.

Makhanya’s progress has therefore placed him firmly in the spotlight, with the possibility of a future move to the English Premier League already being discussed. For now, however, McCoist believes the defender’s priority should be to consolidate his position at Rangers and maintain the form that has brought him attention.