OPINION
With 261 appearances over three separate spells at Ibrox, there are few players in recent memory with as big a connection to Rangers as Kenny Miller.
However, if the latest report is to be believed, then the 38-year-old forward is approaching the end of his time as a player at Ibrox, this time for good.
According to the Scottish Sun, the veteran forward is in line for a summer exit with the club unlikely to hand him an extension to his current deal, which ends this season.
That in itself is not a surprise, with Miller’s season being curtailed by a ruptured Achilles tendon which kept him out for two months.
The striker has four goals and five assists in 21 appearances, and with him set to turn 39 next season, the writing is on the wall for Miller.
However, that is not to say that Miller’s time at Ibrox should be ended completely.
A player with his experience – Miller is in his 20th professional season, having made 613 appearances for seven clubs in that time, scoring 199 goals – should not be allowed to rot away on the waste pile.
That is especially true considering his affinity and knowledge of the club.
Manager Graeme Murty has answered every question thrown at him so far (except their Old Firm loss), as has director of football Mark Allen.
But this is an opportunity that they cannot pass up. Miller must be offered a coaching role at Ibrox.
This is a player who, along with his brilliant club career, has 70 caps and 18 goals for Scotland.
His experience for club and country puts him in a unique position of being able to pass that knowledge on to the next generation, which is something that Murty himself cannot do.
Miller is a natural leader, and would surely jump at the chance to stay involved at Ibrox while hanging up his weary boots.
It is a clear and obvious opportunity which must be taken by the Rangers hierarchy, who would be losing a brilliant mind and potential top coach if they somehow miss it.
It would also be a sad indictment on the under-fire Murty if that happens, and may suggest that he is not the right man to take the club forward if he fails to recognise this golden opportunity.