The South African defender has emerged as one of the club's standout performers since arriving from Philadelphia Union in a £3million deal. Comfortable at centre-back and capable of covering on the left side of defence, Makhanya has become a key figure in Derek McInnes' plans.

His impressive form has inevitably sparked talk of interest from elsewhere, but Rangers legend McCoist believes the 22-year-old is in the ideal place to continue his development and establish himself further.

Speaking to talkSPORT Bet Online Casino, McCoist said: "Pat Nevin generally talks an awful lot of sense, and he's spot on here. I don't think Makhanya should be in any rush to go anywhere.

"He's had a very good start, though the weekend was maybe a little reminder that you don't get any easy games and you're a target.

"So, from that point of view, there's no doubt that with the way he's started, there will be clubs looking at him.

"But I would be advising him to stay for a while, get the job done, keep getting rave reports, and see where it takes him."

McCoist is also encouraged by the progress Rangers have made under McInnes and insists the club's ambitions should remain as high as ever despite their European disappointment.

The former striker believes domestic success must be the priority, with the Premiership title remaining the ultimate target.

He added: "I don't think anything has changed. I think Rangers have got to set out right now to win every domestic trophy they can.

"You have to be looking to win the league title, that is the most important one at the start of the season for a team like Rangers.

"The Cups I always say are a more than achievable bonus, but you've got to get the league title.

"That is still the priority for me looking at it, and the priority for most Rangers fans right now."