ENGLAND/ HEARTS, McGowan reveals why he snubbed move to Rangers

© foto di Giacomo Morini

Hearts full-back Ryan McGowan has revealed he snubbed Rangers to save his international career.

The 23-year-old held talks with Gers gaffer Ally McCoist in the final hours of the last transfer window but rejected the chance to sign for the Ibrox outfit.

His decision further endeared him to the Hearts faithful while his former team-mate David Templeton was slated for penning a contract with the Third Division Light Blues.

And Aussie ace McGowan insists the decision wasn’t difficult due to the damage the move could have done to his hopes of staying in the Socceroos squad.

He said: “Hearts accepted a bid but I rejected it.

“Ally McCoist called me to go and see him, which I did out of courtesy, but I explained I didn’t think it was the right move.

“I was put in a position with Hearts accepting the bid. Rangers may have good players but you only improve by playing against the best, and that’s in the SPL, not Division Three.

“It’s a massive club but it wouldn’t have helped my international prospects. It was a football decision.”

McGowan, who is preparing for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Jordan, also revealed he was never set to commit his future to Scotland.

He added: “I’d been asked to play a number of times for Scotland but it was always Australia for me. I’m a proud Aussie.”