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Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat has spoken for the first time since the collapse of a proposed move to Rangers. The Australian emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Russell Martin last weekend after positive discussions with owner Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises. But a whirlwind 24 hours kicked off on Sunday night after a deal fell apart amid growing concerns from inside Ibrox over the arrival timeline of the boss - despite Muscat agreeing a deal in principle to replace Russell Martin in the vacant hot seat. The 52-year-old had been expected to see out the Chinese Super League season in the midst of a title fight - which would have seen him unable to leave the Far East until November 22. The next day, former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl was named as the new head coach. While Rohl focuses on jolting Rangers ailing campaign - with the Glasgow giants managing just one Scottish Premiership win this season - it's business as normal for Muscat in China after he followed Steven Gerrard and become the second boss to allow the Light Blues job to pass him by. The former Rangers Treble-winner was looking to lead his side to their first win of the Asian Champions League campaign against J-League outfit Machida Zelvia. However, Port would slump to a 2-0 defeat and remain rock bottom of the group stage with just a point. While attention shifts back to domestic duties for Muscat's side next week against Zhejiang as they look to defend the title, the boss insisted he was looking to make a mark on the continental competition. And amid the backdrop of a move to European football falling apart, Muscat insisted he would continue to personally develop as a coach. Speaking at the Port press conference, he said: "The AFC Champions League is the highest-level league in Asia, with a fast pace. "The teams are from various Asian football powerhouses, and the players are very capable. "I hope to improve my abilities, learn from stronger opponents, and continue to hone myself." 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 . Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On , every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
