Ally McCoist praises Rangers ‘sharpness’ in rout

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist felt sharp passing and excellent finishing had raised his team’s performance levels as they kick-started their season with an 8-1 thrashing of Clyde.

Kris Boyd leaps to celebrate completing his hattrick in Rangers 81 defeat of Clyde. Picture: Craig Foy/SNS

Kris Boyd hit a hat-trick and Lewis Macleod and Lee McCulloch both scored superb doubles as Rangers moved into the third round of the Petrofac Training Cup with a performance that few saw coming after an unconvincing start to the season. McCoist, who was missing goalkeeper Cammy Bell because of a shoulder injury, said: “We were miles better. Our passing was a lot sharper and the quality of finishing was excellent.

“I just hope this is now a start for us and we can continue playing with a lot more speed. We moved the ball a lot quicker than we have been doing and I hope we can take confidence from that.”

The result gave former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson a difficult return to Ibrox early in his managerial career. The Clyde boss came with an attacking intent but his side were swept aside as Rangers impressed in midfield through Macleod and Fraser Aird, who also scored.

“It’s a sore one for Barry and a sore one for his team,” McCoist said. “I don’t have any doubts that he will bounce back from that. They have far more important things to concern themselves with in the league.”