KENNY McDOWALL admits that recruiting the services of Walter Smith would provide a massive boost after the Rangers icon refused to rule himself out of a short-term return to Ibrox.

 

Smith backtracked on previous assertions that he would not return to the dug-out over the weekend when stating in an interview with Sky Sports that he would "never rule anything out" should the new board seek his assistance.

Dave King, whose consortium swept to power at the end of last week, is understood to be holding discussions with shareholder Felix Magath, the former manager of Fulham, over the best way forward for the footballing department with the current team struggling to gain promotion.

Just six wins in the last 16 fixtures has destroyed the club's hopes of silverware this season with Smith, himself, conceding that bringing in a manager to replace his former first-team coach McDowall, working his notice period after resigning, has to be a priority with a passage to the SPFL Premiership via the play-offs still a possibility.

"Walter Smith going anywhere would absolutely give the place a lift," said caretaker boss McDowall. "He is a great man and has done so much in the game.

"Why would you not, at the end of the day? It is not really my call, though.

"Walter brought me here and we had a fantastic time. There have been one or two wee changes since then. He might notice that when he comes in.

"It's been a tough, tough time we've had since he left.

"It's Walter's decision.

"Every time you look at a paper or the telly, there is someone else being quoted whether it is Walter, Felix Magath, Billy Davies, Stuart McCall or Terry Butcher.

"It doesn't really affect me. Talk about replacing me has been there since I took the job as caretaker manager.

"I'm here and ready to meet the new board whenever they want to meet me.

"The papers are full every day with who is going to be the next guy in, so there is a demand to replace me. The most important thing is that the right thing is done for the club."

McDowall admits that he would also like to see Ian Durrant brought back to working with the first-team after being demoted to the Under-20s by chief executive Derek Llambias.

"Ian Durrant got put down to the youth department, which was not the best thing to happen to him," said McDowall. "I would look to get Ian back up working beside myself and Gordon Durie."

Ally McCoist remains on gardening leave with McDowall admitting that he would also like to see him return in some capacity. It is highly unlikely, however, that he would be considered for his former role as manager.