Rangers striker Francisco Sandaz suspended after being duped into revealing salary details in hoax telephone call

The striker also said he was open to a move away from Rangers

Rangers have suspended striker Francisco Sandaza amid a club investigation into comments he allegedly made during a hoax telephone call.

Sandaza allegedly declared details of his salary and declared himself open to a move to a better league during a telephone conversation with a Celtic fan who was pretending to be an agent, which was broadcast online.

A club statement read: "Francisco Sandaza has been suspended by the club pending an investigation into comments made by the player in a recorded telephone conversation.

"The club, Francisco and his agent have had discussions and manager Ally McCoist also spoke with the player, who did not take part in today's training session.

"Francisco will not return to the club while the investigation is under way.

"Rangers regard this is an extremely serious issue but there will be no further comment until the inquiry, which could take a week, has been completed."

McCoist, speaking ahead of the Third Division clash against Stirling Albion at Ibrox tomorrow, where they will clinch the title with a victory if nearest challengers Queen's Park fail to win at Annan, said: "Fran has been suspended by the club on full wages pending an internal inquiry.

"We are very hopeful that the inquiry won't last any more than a week but he has been suspended and won't be coming to Ibrox or Murray Park pending the investigation.

"We will be issuing a statement after the investigation, we will have more to say then.

"I can't say anything that would be to the detriment of the investigation.

"It is the last thing we need at this moment in time, we have seven players out tomorrow."

Asked if Sandaza could be sacked, McCoist replied: "I have no idea. We will have to wait to see what the investigation unfolds."

PA