Derek McInnes is future Rangers manager as Brendan Rodgers backs Killie boss for second Ibrox chance

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes Derek McInnes can still be a future Rangers manager.

The current Kilmarnock gaffer famously turned the Ibrox job down in December 2017 to stay at Aberdeen. McInnes was out of the game for 10 months when he eventually left Pittodrie before taking over at Killie. He led the club back to the Premiership two seasons ago and this term, McInnes has already beaten Rangers on the opening day.

Rodgers, whose Celtic side face Killie in the Viaplay Cup today, is a huge fan of the 52-year-old Scot. And he’s adamant that he’s capable of returning to Ibrox one day as manager. The Hoops boss said: “I like Derek a lot. He’s a good football man who is honest and wants to develop players. There’s no doubt that he’s good enough to manage a top club again. He’s good with players and he knows what he wants.

“He was very close to getting the Rangers job a few years ago and why couldn’t he manage Rangers? He’s a former player there, a very good player, who was part of a successful era for the club.

“So there’s no doubt that could be one for him in the future. Because he’s an outstanding manager.

“Sometimes you’re under-valued when you’re a British coach, especially if you’re home-grown. But if you look at somebody’s body of work over time, you can see what they are.

“And you can see that with Derek. His teams are always up there with the best organised in the country - and really competitive.

“To have that, you must have a way about you with players, especially when you’re able to do it consistently. Derek has shown all of those qualities.

“He is a top class manager and his abilities are Scottish Premiership level at the very least.”

Rodgers is still piecing together his Celtic squad after returning to