ARTHUR NUMAN has backed countryman Giovanni van Bronckhorst to deliver success to Rangers if he is appointed as the next Ibrox boss.

The Dutchman has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Steven Gerrard as manager and is closing in on a deal to clinch a return to Glasgow.

Van Bronckhorst has held talks with Rangers in recent days and could be appointed in time to lead the champions into their Premier Sports Cup semi-final with Hibernian this weekend.

Numan starred alongside the former Feyenoord boss for club and country during his illustrious playing career and is confident van Bronckhorst has all the attributes to deliver silverware at Ibrox.

Numan, writing in his weekly column for 5Stars, said: “The focus is now on who replaces Steven as the manager / head coach and discussions have taken place with three candidates in the past few days.

“Giovanni van Bronckhorst is the man who has received the most coverage and, of course, I know him very well. We were team-mates at Rangers and in the Dutch national team.

“He is a talented manager and a very good person. He also does have Rangers in his heart and he speaks very fondly about his time at Ibrox.

“If an agreement can be reached between Rangers and Giovanni then I think we would be getting someone who will continue to bring success to Rangers.

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“Under challenging circumstances, Giovanni was very successful at Feyenoord and won the Eredivisie in 2017 – the club’s first title in 18 years.

“He also captained Holland in the 2010 World Cup final and played 107 times for his country. He is a winner and knows football.

“But I do not know the situation just now in terms of who will replace Steven. I wish the Rangers board well in their search for the new man to lead the team and hope a successful period is waiting for us between now and May.”

The loss of Gerrard last week shocked Rangers as he and his staff walked out of Ibrox just months after delivering a historic 55th league flag.

Gerrard will make his debut as Aston Villa manager against Brighton this weekend as he looks to lead his side away from the Premier League relegation zone.

But Numan reckons the 41-year-old should have added to his medal collection in Glasgow rather than heading for the exit door midway through Rangers' title defence.

Numan said: “Steven Gerrard’s decision to leave Rangers last week really took me by surprise.

“I honestly thought he would have stayed at Ibrox for the rest of the season in a bid to retain the Premiership title and also win a domestic cup.

“To me, he should have continued to try and add to his trophy haul.

“I totally understand why the fans are angry and disappointed with Steven’s decision.

“There is also the £35million Champions League prize to think about and securing that in May for the club would have been the perfect way to bow out.

“That would have taken him to four years with us and I think that length of time is just about right.

“By then, it probably is time for a chance. For all parties concerned.

“Freshening things up is always important and in the summer of 2022 Steven would have been right to call time on his Rangers career.

“The board would have accepted that, the supporters would have totally understood and the players would have looked forward to a new regime.

“But this has all been brought forward by six months due to Steven joining Aston Villa and it’s far from ideal to be searching for a new manager midway through a campaign.”