Michael Beale was previously told to sign Ryan Porteous for Rangers, it has emerged. 

Former Hibernian and Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson has revealed that he told the Englishman about the defender years ago.

The Watford defender scored his first goal for Scotland last night as Steve Clarke's men took another big step towards Euro 2024 with victory over Cyprus.

He has emerged as a key figure in defence for the national team, playing on the right alongside Jack Hendry and Kieran Tierney at the back.

He departed Scottish football in January this year, as Watford bought him from Hibs for less than £500K.

And Thomson still can't believe the 24-year-old cost that little for the Championship outfit.

Thomson used to coach in the academy setup at Rangers around four years ago when Beale was the first-team coach at the club working under Steven Gerrard.

Today, he told BBC Sportsound that he advised Beale that Porteous had tremendous potential. 

He said: "£450K for Ryan Porteous, Watford must be rubbing their hands, it's a steal. I actually told Mick Beale to sign him when I was at Rangers, when I coached in the academy."

Ex-Hibs and Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart came in: "That'd of gone down well."

Thomson responded: "He would have ended up with the same reputation as me! They are all developing. I am not being disrespectful to Watford but someone is going to test their resolve pretty quickly I would imagine with Ryan's performances."

READ MORE: Lawrence Shankland Hearts to Rangers move mooted by former player

Meanwhile, a potential move from Hearts to Rangers for Lawrence Shankland has been mooted by a former player of both clubs.

Ian Black reckons the Scotland international could depart Tynecastle in January if he continues his form in front of goal for the Jambos.

Shankland, who is currently on international duty with Steve Clarke's squad, has five goals in nine matches so far this season.

That follows on from the 28-year-old's stunning campaign last time out where he netted 28 times in 47 appearances.

Both Rangers and Celtic have been linked with the former Dundee United and Ayr man in the past. 

Most recently Kris Boyd explained he could not get his head around why neither Old Firm outfit had pursued a move for Shankland.