Ally McCoist reveals Neil Lennon has joined his crew as Rangers icon convinced pal is perfect next Sunderland boss

Rangers icon Ally McCoist believes former Celtic rival Neil Lennon would be the perfect choice to revive Sunderland.

The 50-year-old is among the favourites to succeed Lee Johnson who paid with his job after a dismal 6-0 defeat to Bolton on Saturday.

Sunderland sit third in League One, however, they have played more games than their promotion rivals and are hell-bent on avoiding a third consecutive season in the third tier of English football.

Lennon has been out of work since leaving Celtic in February after a dismal season that saw Rangers romp to the title by 25 points.

And McCoist admits he would be chuffed for the Irishman - who has become part of his social crew in recent times.

The pair had an infamous touchline clash in 2011 but are on good terms now and the Ibrox icon reckons it's a deal that makes sense.

Speaking to talksSPORT, he said: "Is that not great?

"I'm delighted for Neil, he's been playing five-a-sides with us, believe it or not.

"The two of us have still got it, we're just not as mobile as we once were, but we have still got it.

'It would be great to see him back in, however, bizarre surroundings, absolutely bizarre.

"Where were they sitting, third? And Lee Johnson (is sacked), really strange.

"However, if Neil gets it, the very, very best to him as obviously, that's my old team."