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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Mark Walker

Kevin Muscat speaks out for first time since Rangers management links

Kevin Muscat has spoken for the first time since he was installed as favourite to take the Rangers job.

But the Australian boss would only talk about his own team, after he guided his Yokohama F.Marinos side to an AFC Champions League win in China.

The former Rangers full back has been heavily linked to the vacant Ibrox post since the dismissal of former manager Michael Beale, who was axed after their 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen at the weekend.

But he proved it was business as usual as he took charge of Yokohama's 1-0 victory against Shandong Taishan in Jinan in China.

It was a much-needed win for Muscat and his team in the second round of fixtures in the group stages after suffering a shock defeat in their opening game to South Korean outfit Incheon United.

Muscat said: "This was never going to be an easy match in difficult conditions here in China.

"I thought the players were excellent, played some great football and got a fantastic result.

"I am delighted with the win.

"We had a game plan to go and press them right from the front and I think we were able to show our many strengths in the game.

"I was also pleased with how we dealt with crosses coming into our box. We were strong in defence.

"The entire team played well.

"If the team as a whole are clear about what they need to do and what their roles are, I think the results will come naturally and I think we deserved the win."

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