Kevin Thomson in line for Cove Rangers job as Ibrox hero prepares to fill Paul Hartley's shoes

Kevin Thomson could be offered a swift return to management by Cove Rangers.

The former Rangers and Hibs midfielder stepped down as boss of Kelty Hearts a fortnight ago just two months after successfully guiding the SPFL new boys to League Two title glory.

But he could now be set to leap up two divisions to the Championship after being identified by Cove chiefs as the man to replace Paul Hartley at the Balmoral Stadium.

And Record Sport understands Thomson would be interested in the position.

Hartley also enjoyed title success after leading the Aberdeen outfit to the League One crown but has since been poached by Hartlepool following back-to-back promotions.

Thomson opted to walk away from his Kelty post last month as he seeks a route back into full-time football.

The 37-year-old started his coaching career with Rangers’ youth academy before making the switch to New Central Park last summer.

The Fife outfit’s first ever campaign in the senior ranks saw Thomson mastermind their title triumph with two months of the season to spare.

His impressive efforts – which also included dumping holders St Johnstone out of the Scottish Cup – were noted by Kilmarnock and Raith Rovers, who both made moves to hold talks with the retired Scotland international about vacancies this year.

He was pipped to the Rugby Park post by Derek McInnes before pulling out of the race to take over in Kirkcaldy last month after failing to agree terms with Rovers chiefs.