Ross Wilson delays answer on Rangers job offer

Rangers are waiting on an answer from Ross Wilson. Picture: John Devlin

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The Light Blues have identified Southampton’s head of scouting and recruitment as the man they want to head up their new management structure.

Club insiders hoped to confirm the appointment of the 34-year-old - who started his career as a player liaison officer with Falkirk before roles at Watford and Huddersfield - on Friday.

But now it appears he has asked for more time to consider Gers’ offer.

Rangers are also close to naming a successor to former manager Mark Warburton, with surprise candidate Pedro Caixinha understood to be the favourite.

Managing director Stewart Robertson, head of football administration Andrew Dickson and director Graeme Park met with the Portuguese coach - currently in charge of Qatari outfit Al-Gharafa - in London last week.

And he has now jumped ahead of rival contenders Alex McLeish and Gary Rowett for the vacant position.

Chairman Dave King hopes to have talks concluded on both roles early next week, with Caixinha eager to be in position in time to face Celtic at Parkhead a week on Sunday.

However, Graeme Murty will remain in charge for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hamilton.

The Under-20s boss was relieved to pick up his first Ladbrokes Premiership win on Wednesday night as the Ibrox side claimed a 3-2 triumph over St Johnstone.

Emerson Hyndman provided a stoppage-time winner - but only after Gers had thrown away a two-goal lead in the final 15 minutes.

Murty could barely hide his relief at full-time and midfielder Jon Toral praised the stand-in boss’ efforts during the chaotic fall-out that followed Warburton’s exit.

The Spaniard said: “It was massive for Graeme on Wednesday. He has put a lot of effort into the other games as well, he has really helped us and for us to give him that first league win was crucial.

“At the minute we are just thinking about the cup tie on Saturday and then whatever happens happens. It is not for us to talk about really because we are just focused on the weekend’s game.

“If a new manager has until the end of the season to work with the players and then to kick on next season it would be great for the club.”

Toral admitted he has to up his own game.

Like Bournemouth playmaker Hyndman, Arsenal midfielder Toral joined Rangers on loan in January, but while the American has hit the ground running Toral is yet to spark.

However, he has now been shifted to a holding role where he hopes to improve.

The 22-year-old said: “It has been tough for me coming in with everything that happened with the manager but I think that I have settled down all right.

“The last couple of games I have played in a different position than I am used to but if the manager asks me to do that then I will do it and try and help the team out as much I can.

“I knew it would be tough here, I knew I would need a few games to get match fit and I think every game that I have played I have felt better physically.

“Now I need to get used to this new position and try and help the team. The win on Wednesday personally really helps me with my confidence as well.”

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