BILLY KIRKWOOD is confident Kenny Miller will forge a successful career for himself on the touchline in years to come – but not until after he has helped Rangers back to the top of our game.

The 36-year-old has joined the Murray Park youth staff in recent months as he has combined his playing responsibilities with a role alongside Under-20 boss Ian Durrant.

Miller has been handed a new Ibrox deal by boss Mark Warburton as he has been rewarded for his form this term that has seen him net ten times from 21 appearances.

And Light Blues Under-17 coach Kirkwood reckons the former Scotland international still has plenty of unfinished business on the park before he moves into the dugout.

He said: “Players like Kenny always aspire to become coaches. He is through the first level of his coaching badges and it is good that he is going that way.

“If you look at Ryan Hardie, he will benefit from having someone of Kenny’s knowledge and experience working with him every day.

“If the young players are willing to take that advice on and learn from it then that is only going to be good for the club.

“All these things go hand in hand. It is not just what we do with them, it is the whole environment here.

“It is difficult for Kenny just now because he is still a very valuable member of the Rangers first team and he has got a big job there to focus on.

“He has taken steps on the coaching front and the work he is doing just now will help him.

“But I am sure Kenny is not focusing on becoming a coach right now, he has still got a big part to play in helping Rangers to win the Championship and hopefully playing in the Premiership next year.

“I am sure Kenny is a few years away from going into coaching but the work just now will definitely help him and the young kids.”