IBROX legend Mark Hateley has called for Rangers to be reinstated back into the SPL next season – before it's too late.

The former Light Blues striker has appealed to club bosses to include Ally McCoist's men in the top flight as discussions over league reconstruction are set to come to a head within the coming days.

As things stand, Rangers will not be mixing it with Scotland's biggest clubs for at least another two years, with the Gers set to lift the Irn-Bru Third Division trophy before their match with Berwick this Saturday.

But Hateley, who was at Ibrox promoting the Rangers versus Manchester United Legends match next week, reckons the Light Blues should be accelerated up the leagues as a matter of urgency.

He said: "Rangers are down in the Third Division but they've done their time.

The biggest picture is the good of Scottish football and it is not about what has happened in the past.

It's all about saving Scottish football. If we carry on the way we are going, in two or three years time – even if Rangers win the leagues and get back – it could be too late by then."

He added: "If you were to take Real Madrid out of Spanish football, what would it be like?

"A one-horse race and nobody shows any interest or puts any investment into a one-horse race. Sporting integrity is to save the football clubs.

"Nobody wants to associate themselves with the SPL at the moment.

"So you do what is right for Scottish football and that is having your best football clubs in your top tier.

That attracts all the good things football needs. People are going to say I'm saying that because I used to play for Rangers but I am looking at it honestly."

Going on the basis that McCoist will be guiding his side through a term in the Second Division next season, Hateley says he would welcome his old pal calling on the help of some familiar faces.

and fans' favourite Nacho Novo, who will line up in the legends game on May 6, is just one of the names that he believes would be a great addition to the team.

He said: "Nacho is a terrific guy and he's a fit guy.

"I spoke to him this morning and he was excited about coming back for the legends game and what he thinks could be his future.

"That's what this football club does to you; it always seems to draw you back to it. Nacho at 34, with no major injuries, never say never."

Hateley added: "What you do get from players who have already played for the club is a sense of responsibility.

"The expectation is the most difficult thing to get your head around at Rangers.

"If Ally wants to go down that route of bringing players back to settle in around a younger set-up, I would say that's a great idea."