Ally McCoist advises Rangers ace against transfer amid speculation as comparison drawn to Ibrox record-breaker

Rangers hero Ally McCoist claims the transfer noise surrounding Ibrox defender Olwethu Makhanya reminds him of Calvin Bassey - but he doesn’t think the South African should jump ship just yet.

Makhanya has been one of the standout signings for the Light Blues so far and in turn, the club have been told to expect a few offers in January. The 22-year old joined in the summer from MLS side Philadelphia Union for £3m.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey was another standout stopper during his time at Ibrox. The Nigerian helped the side to a league title, Scottish Cup and European final in his two years at the club, before leaving for Dutch giants Ajax in 2022. His £19m fee, which rose to £22m including add-ons, made him Rangers’ most expensive ever export. He’s now a regular at Craven Cottage in the English Premier League.

Why should Makhanya be in ‘no rush’ to leave the club?

Despite the success of Bassey, former Rangers and Sunderland striker McCoist isn’t sure if Makhanya should follow suit just yet. Speaking to talkSPORT bet online casino, he explained: “I don't think Makhanya should be in any rush to go anywhere. He's had a very good start.

“So from that point of view, there's no doubt that with the way he's started, there will be clubs looking at him, just like Calvin Bassey left for Ajax. 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.”

Makhanya has played an instrumental role in Rangers’ 11-match unbeaten run, having won nine and drawn two. Last month the Light Blues blinked in the title race at Dens Park, where the spoils were shared at Dundee. McCoist claims they can ill-afford many slip-ups like the 2-2 stalemate if they have title ambitions.

McCoist on Dundee slip-up

He said: “You look at the first half against Dundee, Dundee played well, closed Rangers down, and didn't give them any space or time. Second half, complete flip. Derek got the team playing the way he wanted them to play. It will be disappointing from Derek's, the team's, and the supporters' point of view that at that stage you don't go on and win the game.

“Realistically looking at the whole game, I'm not sure you could have grudged Dundee a point after their first half performance. But from Rangers' point of view, if you want to win titles, you've got to turn the screw when you're on top. Even then, not getting the third goal proves to be a real concern because you end up making a mistake, giving the ball away, and they equalise.”