Rangers’ pursuit of Derek McInnes likely to rumble on for at least another 24 hours

RANGERS’ pursuit of Derek McInnes is likely to rumble on for at least another 24 hours, Press Association Sport understands.

The Aberdeen boss remains Gers’ number one choice to replace Pedro Caixinha.

But Ibrox chiefs have yet to make contact with Pittodrie chairman Stewart Milne to seek permission to speak to the 46-year-old and it may be nearer the weekend before the clubs finally get down to discussing terms – including McInnes’ reported £800,000 release clause.

However, Rangers bosses are hopeful they will have their man in place by the time they host Ross County on Saturday.

The fresh delays, though, will frustrate both McInnes and Milne.

After his side were beaten for the second time in five days by the Light Blues on Sunday, McInnes admitted his annoyance that speculation linking him to the Govan vacancy had been allowed to “drag on and on” since Caixinha was axed six weeks ago.

The Dons will look to bounce back from their disappointing doubleheader when they travel to Dundee on Friday night but Milne will be upset preparation for that game is again being overshadowed by events in Glasgow.

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Meanwhile, the Ibrox squad are readying themselves to prove they deserve to play a part in the club’s future, according to midfielder Jason Holt.

The former Hearts battler forced himself back into the Gers line-up under caretaker boss Graeme Murty but knows he will have to justify his involvement again once a new manager is appointed.

“It’s great to be back in the team playing every week and helping the boys,” he said as the Rangers players made their annual Christmas visit to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow. “It’s not just been myself, the whole squad have enjoyed working under Graeme.

“Graeme came in to help us all out and we’ve given him 100 per cent.

“But as for a new manager, everyone will be playing to prove that they deserve to be in the team.”

Rangers’ back-to-back wins over Aberdeen has pushed them up to second spot but they now return to the task of winning three games on the bounce – a feat Gers have not managed since last December.

“The last two results have been really good for the club but it’s about pushing on now and building on it,” added Holt. “It was important that we showed a reaction to the two defeats to Hamilton and Dundee as they were hugely disappointing.

“It was a great result but it will count for nothing if we don’t back it up.

“We won’t get carried away. It’s only two games we have won and now we need to build on that as we’ve shown this season and last that consistency has been a problem for us.”

The Scottish Football Association has confirmed it has received Gers’ appeal against Ryan Jack’s weekend dismissal. His case will be heard at a hearing on Thursday morning.