Steven Thompson says he does not know why Rangers have not been looking closely at appointing Derek McInnes as their new manager, calling such a move a "no-brainer".
McInnes, a former Rangers player, has been impressive in charge of Aberdeen and currently has the Dons sitting in second spot in the Scottish Premiership, ahead of the Gers, despite the Ibrox club boasting a bigger budget.
But Rangers have not gone for the 45-year-old and are expected to appoint Portuguese tactician Pedro Caixinha to take charge of the club, having now thrashed out a compensation package with Qatari outfit Al Gharafa.
Thompson is unsure why Rangers have not instead turned to McInnes and thinks the Aberdeen boss has demostrated his credentials.
"I've no idea [why McInnes isn’t being looked at by Rangers]", he said on BBC Scotland Sportscene Extra.
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"I think he'd be a great candidate.
"He's proved himself in Scottish football season after season.
"This season yet again, despite Rangers being in the league and Hearts being strong he's proved how good a manager he is; already reaching a final, the semi-final of another and second in the league.
"His stock is rising and he knows Rangers Football Club having played there.
"For me it's a bit of a no-brainer", Thompson continued.
"I think Derek's a top, top manager."
McInnes took charge of Aberdeen in 2013 after a spell with English outfit Bristol City.
He led the Dons to the Scottish League Cup in 2014 and has a win rate of north of 50 per cent with the Pittodrie club.
