Makhanya was crowned Premiership Player of the Month in September for his rock solid displays in defence

Rangers ace Olwethu Makhanya has the potential to raise his game even further and play at a higher level if he to make a quickfire transfer exit from Ibrox.

That's according to the South Africa international's former boss at Philadelphia Union Bradley Carnell, who is excited to see what lies in store for the 22-year old. Makhanya made the £3million switch to Scotland in the summer and has quickly formed a strong partnership at the heart of Derek McInnes' back line alongside Emmanuel Fernandez.

The Durban-born player helped Gers rack up a seven game winning run in all competitions prior to last Saturday's disappointing 2-2 draw away to Dundee and was named as the Premiership Player of the Month for September. Makhanya is already being touted for a big move down south, although Light Blues icon Richard Gough exclusively told Record Sport that the player's agent has assured him he won't be going anywhere in January.

And Carnell - who worked with Makhanya for two years in the States - reckon the centre back's physical attributes and skill set make him well equipped to compete in any league. Speaking to FAR Post, he said: "You always have to be ready. He has shown he has the physical tools and the skill set to play at any level; you just need the exposure, and you just need the chance.

“Is anyone ever really ready for the next step? Unless you try, you’ll never know. The time he had in Philadelphia and now the time he’s having in Glasgow gives him a good gauge that he’s able to step up to different levels, and that’s very important – for him to know that he can do it.

"He’s raising up the levels and adapting very well, and he is showing that no level is too high for him right now. But what’s important is staying grounded and being humble, and doing all those things we’ve tried to guide every player with, not just the physical, tactical, and technical tools. But also the life skills to tackle challenges off the field and deal with people and the media in the right way. He is on a really good path, and he’s adapting to every level."

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources . Click HERE.

Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.

Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.

You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers page and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season.

We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.