Rangers would be hiring an Ange Postecoglou clone if they appoint Kevin Muscat as their next manager, according to former Gamba Osaka boss turned pundit Tomohiro Katanosaka.

The former Ibrox defender is reportedly on the Rangers shortlist to replace Michael Beale after winning the J-League last season with Yokohama F.Marinos, where he succeeded ex-Hoops boss Postecoglou.

With the Japanese season approaching an exciting climax with Yokohama four points behind leaders Vissel Kobe with five games left, Katanosaka - who managed in the J-League last year - was asked to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each title-challenging manager.

And he reckons Muscat has seamlessly carried on the work of Spurs boss Postecoglou, who left Yokohama to go to Glasgow in July 2021.

Katanosaka said: "Yokohama F.Marinos' style has been established since Ange Postecoglou was there and Kevin Muscat has continued that.

"That means they play with a 4-3-3 which plays to the strength of the wide players in the team.

"They use that width to play with great speed and counter-attacking and they are fast at getting into their opposition's half.

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"Kevin Muscat has continued that high-intensity football with a fluid attacking system and a solid and tough defensive unit.

"The way they play does not change no matter who they play. That is the strength of Muscat and Marinos.

"It doesn't matter to him if their opponents play with three or four at the back. That's the way they play regardless.

"If their attacking wide man goes outside, the full back goes inside. If the full back goes outside, the attacking wide man goes inside. That's what they do.

"They are almost telepathic. It's like his players can now pass the ball without looking. Their speed of passing is incredibly quick.

"Muscat has carried on this style which is based on the characteristics of their players.

"Having said that, I feel that these days, their system is no longer as effective as it used to be and perhaps that's why they are not top of the league.

"I believe Kevin Muscat got the job of replacing Ange Postecoglou because their board wanted a manager who could implement the way the City Group wanted them to play.

"Foreign players who joined the team were selected because of data from the City Group too. But credit to him because he has been able to continue the Postecoglou style by selecting players and coaches that fit and employing the same tactics.

"Muscat is also absolutely thorough and professional when it comes to the things he wants his players to do."