RANGERS sacked a coach after a boy made abuse allegations against him, the club has revealed.

Then-manager Graeme Souness axed youth scout Gordon Neely — who worked with the Light Blues between 1986 and 1990 — following a claim of inappropriate behaviour. Neely was dismissed at a meeting attended by Souness and his assistant Walter Smith.

The showdown took place in 1990 after the youngster confided in his father – a serving police officer – about an incident involving Neely and the club alerted police.

An Ibrox spokesman said: “Rangers is now aware of an alleged incident involving an individual who worked very briefly for the club more than 25 years ago. It’s understood the individual was dismissed immediately and that the police were informed.

“Rangers wish to stress all employees adhere to the strictest codes of conduct, especially when dealing with children and young people.

“Rangers have not been approached by Police Scotland or any authority regarding this allegation.”

The revelation comes to light as police throughout the UK probe claims of historical sex abuse in football. But it is not connected to Police Scotland’s current investigation into “non-recent” cases.

Star-spotter Neely was one of the game’s most sought- after youth coaches when he left Hibernian in 1986 to join Souness at Rangers. But his football career effectively ended when he was axed after more than three years at Ibrox. He died of cancer two years ago, aged 62.

Neely began his coaching career with Edina Hibs and Hutchison Vale boys’ clubs in Edinburgh.