Kevin Muscat 'disappointed' by Rangers as Philippe Clement successor chat answered before incoming CEO 'big call'

Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat was left "disappointed" by Rangers after being turned down for the job before Philippe Clement's appointment.

That is according to ally Craig Moore - who all but ruled out the Australian swapping the Chinese Super League for the Scottish Premiership amid speculation over Clement's long-term future at Ibrox. Muscat was interviewed for the Rangers hot seat after Michael Beale was axed following two successful seasons with Yokohama F. Marinos - but the decision-makers at Ibrox opted to go with the Belgian.

After a lacklustre campaign Clement is now under massive pressure from the Light Blues' support - while Muscat has lifted the Chinese FA Cup following on from a Super League title victory. He is now eyeing success in the Asian Champions League with Shanghai having taken a massive step towards the knockout phase with a 3-1 win over Korean side Ulsan in Tuesday.

Asked if he could still see Muscat coming back, Moore told the Go Radio Football Show: "He is doing brilliantly. His Asian experience is going to continue. I don't see how anything would fall into place. I think there is only one option if Rangers pull the trigger, and it's a domestic option of Derek McInnes."

Pressed on if Muscat got the call would he consider it: "At this moment in time he has just finished a Champions League game, they won 3-1 , so they have still got games and focus. I don't think that phone call is going to happen. The reality is Kevin Muscat was extremely keen on the job when he interviewed for the job twice before Philippe Clement got the job. There has been no conversations ongoing, even during this period."

Host Paul Cooney then asked if Muscat was "annoyed" he was snubbed for the Belgian boss, the former