Chris Brunt is still said to look out for Rangers’ results – despite leaving Ibrox 16 years ago.

Odds on Michael O’Neill becoming the next Rangers manager have been cut from 16/1 to 6/1 in the wake of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off defeat on Sunday.
O’Neill, whose side were beaten by 1-0 Switzerland thanks to a penalty conceded in dubious circumstances, previously led the unfancied Ulstermen to the last 16 of last summer’s European Championship – their first international tournament in 28 years.

There’s little doubt therefore that O’Neill’s Ibrox appointment would please many Rangers supporters, while the prospect of a reunion with some of his international stars in the transfer market is bound to whet the appetite further.
One player who may be open to following O’Neill to Rangers is West Bromwich Albion midfielder Chris Brunt, who previously spent six years on the Scottish giants’ books, before an overhaul of the club’s youth system saw him leave for Middlesbrough at the age of 16.

The Birmingham Mail reported at the start of the decade that Brunt still keeps an eye on Rangers’ results, and with his contract up at the end of the campaign, the 32-year-old – whose West Brom appearances have decreased this season – could find himself within the club’s reach next summer.
A versatile left-footed player, renowned for his dead-ball prowess, Brunt would surely be welcome at Ibrox – especially if Niko Kranjcar leaves for nothing.
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