Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry has praised Rangers for embracing their tartan heritage under new manager Derek McInnes, predicting an influx of homegrown talent as the Ibrox side aims to rebuild a core of Scottish figures.
Homegrown Core Restored
After years of appointing managers from across Europe, Rangers have turned to a boyhood bluenose and former player in McInnes to replace Danny Rohl. Hendry, who played alongside McInnes in Dick Advocaat's 1999 Treble-winning squad, believes the appointment signals a return to the club's roots.
“It's good to have that homegrown element because the Scottishness and the core and everything else starts with the manager,” Hendry told Mail Sport on behalf of Best Betting Sites. “He can deliver things to the playing staff, and not even just the playing staff, just the whole staff at the football club will know the values of the football club.”
Rangers have already made a start by signing McInnes' former Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, who exercised a break clause in his Tynecastle contract. Hendry expects more Scottish signings to follow.
“They’ve already signed Shankland and I suspect he will be looking at other Scottish lads who can fit that bill,” he added.
McInnes' Managerial Journey
Hendry, who spent a season at Ibrox alongside McInnes, admitted he didn't foresee his teammate's managerial career but is impressed by his progression through roles at St Johnstone, Bristol City, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock, and Hearts.
“Did I think he was cut out for management when we were together at Ibrox? It's not something that you look at when you're a player,” Hendry said. “But Del’s gone from strength to strength. Even at Bristol City, he was learning all the time. He’s then gone to Aberdeen and Kilmarnock. He's done reasonably well everywhere he's been.”
Hendry compared McInnes' rise to other former teammates like George Donis, now Tunisia coach, and Jason Wilcox, Manchester United's director of football.
Developing Young Talent
Addressing criticism that McInnes hasn't done enough to develop young players, Hendry pointed to World Cup youth international Findlay Curtis as a potential exception.
“It was great to see him come on against Haiti the other night. Special players do come along sometimes and you kind of protect them forever,” Hendry said. “Derek will have his way, but Findlay Curtis is a very highly rated young player with a bright future. That'll be interesting to see what he does with them.”
Challenge to Celtic
While optimistic, Hendry acknowledged Rangers and runners-up Hearts still trail champions Celtic. “Celtic are the favourites because they won the league. You have to play to the final whistle, and they’ll be fancied again next season,” he said.
Hearts fans have taken a hit after losing the league on the final day, their manager, and Shankland. “It’s going to be difficult to get themselves back up,” Hendry added.
