One of Kevin Muscat's old compatriots has lifted the lid on his two Rangers near-misses.

Craig Moore revealed that his fellow Aussie was left 'disappointed' when the Ibrox club preferred Philippe Clement and both candidates were in the running to replace Michael Beale last year.

The 51-year-old had previously been in for the position when Steven Gerrard left the club too, but the Scottish Premiership giants opted to give the main gig to Clement.

Muscat has been heavily linked with the job for a THIRD time in recent weeks, even though Clement remains in post.

Pressure is mounting on the Belgian, with the team 11 points behind Celtic in the league, and nine behind Aberdeen who occupy second spot.

Muscat is currently managing in China with Shanghai Port.

The former Gers player has enjoyed great success there, winning the title and FA Cup. 

His side emerged as 3-1 winners over South Korean side Ulsan in the Asian Champions League yesterday.

Moore was asked if he could see Muscat taking the Rangers job if it became available again.

He told Go Radio's 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.

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"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 have been no conversations ongoing, even during this period.

"I think anyone who interviews for a job and doesn't get it is disappointed.

"He was disappointed because he believed he could close the gap and change things. That opportunity wasn't available to Kevin and it was available to Philippe."