Lewis MacLeod has returned to Rangers nine years after departing.

The 29-year-old was forced to retire as a player in 2022 after a series of serious injury issues.

An academy graduate at Auchenhowie, coming through the youth ranks while the club came up the leagues, MacLeod has now taken the next step in his coaching career at his boyhood club.

After spending time coaching at Brentford, he's not back at Ibrox to work with the Under-14s side. 

He told the club website: "It feels really good to be back. You obviously need to change your mindset from being a player to a coach but from the moment I came back through the door everyone has welcomed me.

“I’m really enjoying this side of football. I’m part-time with the 14s, we train three times a week and have a game at the weekend - usually on a Sunday.

"I am focused on that age group but if I am needed elsewhere I am happy to help out and I’m enjoying every minute of it.

READ MORE: Hearts dressing room video from Murrayfield emerges as Rangers fans react

“I wasn’t expecting to retire as early as I did but I was always interested in coaching. To retire because of injury at 29 is obviously difficult but on the other side it is good to get into coaching so quickly.

"Hopefully this will stand me in good stead for years to come. You learn here every day and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. I’m going to enjoy every minute and see where it takes me.”

MacLeod left Rangers in 2015 after Ally McCoist sanctioned his move to Brentford after his impressive form in the lower leagues.

He then moved on to play for Wigan and Plymouth before calling time on his career two years ago.