Rangers ‘not scared’ to face SPL side, insists Ally McCoist

By STEPHEN HALLIDAY
Published on 03/12/2012 00:07

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist says his team have no fear of being paired with Scottish Premier League opponents in today’s Scottish Cup fifth-round draw, despite their home elimination from the League Cup by Inverness Caledonian Thistle earlier in the season.

McCoist saw his Third Division leaders book their place in the last 16 with a 3-0 win over Elgin City at Ibrox yesterday thanks to goals by Dean Shiels, Kevin Kyle and Kal Naismith. Rangers experienced mixed fortunes against SPL sides in the League Cup, defeating Motherwell in the third round before being humbled 3-0 at home by Inverness.

“I wouldn’t start screaming from the rooftops that we are ready for anything but an SPL team wouldn’t scare us,” said McCoist.

“I certainly hope we are ready to play an SPL side. I don’t see any reason why not. We had two League Cup games against SPL opponents this season. We performed well against Motherwell, then against Inverness, not particularly well in the second half. But it’s not a crime to be beaten by Inverness this season.

“The main objective for us today was obviously to get through to the next round and we did. Our goals were well executed and there were some really good individual performances within the team.

“One of the most pleasing aspects of today was keeping a clean sheet. We switched off a couple of times in the second half and Neil Alexander had to make a terrific save.

“But I said before the game that Elgin are a good team going forward and it was an awkward tie for us. So I’m really pleased to get through.”