RANGERS legend Derek Johnstone insists Ian Durrant will have a bright future in front of him despite being let go by Rangers.

The Ibrox icon spent last season in charge of the club’s Under-20s in several roles he has held at Murray Park over the years but will not return after the summer.

It is understood boss Mark Warburton is keen to reshuffle the youth set-up at the club leaving the 49-year-old, who has been part of the coaching staff since 2005, out of work.

Speaking about the decision, DJ told SportTimes: “I am absolutely gutted for him. If there is one person that is Rangers through and through who has given his all it’s him.

“I’m very surprised to hear it, but Mark Warburton is the man with the responsibility so he’s entitled to do what he sees fit for the best of the club.

“One thing is certain, though. It won’t be the end of the road for wee Duranty. Ally McCoist has said he wants another job so who knows?

“Maybe that’s the way it goes. Kenny McDowall is still out there, too. Ally is desperate to get back into football. Maybe the three will get back to together.”

During his time at Rangers after he called time on a 14-year stint as a player, Durrant has also been a first-team coach under McCoist and Walter Smith.

Johnstone believes he deserves great credit for what he has achieved with the U20s, however, and believes the club hero earned the respect with the youngsters he helped nurture through the ranks.

“He was working with Ally in the first team then swapped with Gordon Durie, he has a lot of respect from these youngsters,” he said.

“A lot of the players went out on loan though and he was left with under 17s and 18s, so it wasn’t ideal for him.

“He’s given his all. Apart from the short spell at Kilmarnock he’s been there for his whole career. I’m very surprised. With his experience he knows what Rangers Football Club needs as he’s been there seen it and done it.

“In terms of Mark Warburton, for the first team he’s not done much wrong. He’s got them where they belong and playing some good stuff.

“He’s taken two or three players Ian coached at under 20s into the squad so he has made a difference.”