Ibrox boss happy with ‘professional’ display

The Rangers manager was fully satisfied with the performance of his team in a 4-0 win at Gayfield which included valuable contributions by several players who have been on the fringes of his first team squad for much of the season.

McCoist knew he was on a hiding to nothing beside the North Sea and expressed pleasure that his players took on board his pre-match warning of the storm they would face if they failed to win.

He said, “It was a really professional performance. I said to the boys beforehand that the result was all that mattered. No-one was going to pat us on the back for a good result, but there would be plenty to say if things didn’t go according to plan. I thought the attitude of the players was first class and we ran out deserved winners.”

David Healy sent Rangers on their way to today’s fifth-round draw with his second goal in as many games, while John Fleck caught the eye in central midfield and Algerian substitute Salim Kerkar produced the most sparkling moment of the match with a spectacular fourth goal.

“Healy and Nikica Jelavic did well together up front,” added McCoist. “The two Arbroath centre-halves were really solid competitors and put themselves about, but I thought our two lads did well and the ball stuck with them. We created a lot of chances and to score four goals is very pleasing.

“I was delighted for Salim Kerkar. He is an absolutely smashing lad and he has waited long enough for his chance. It is wonderful to see his relationship with the fans. I think they really appreciate the fact he is a solid citizen. He is always there, always reliable. He got his chance today and took it.

“It is really important, with the injuries and suspensions we have, that you have boys to come in that you can rely on. I’ve always felt we have lads who could come in and do a job. John Fleck did well again, while Jordan McMillan came on later. Long gone are the days when it’s just about 11 players.

“I spoke to John and Maurice Edu before the game because I felt central midfield was a key area. I felt those two lads could send out the signal to the rest of our team, and indeed to Arbroath, that they were going to run the game and dominate midfield. I felt they did that very well.”

Arbroath player-manager Paul Sheerin had no complaints about the outcome and stated his relief that he can now renew his focus solely on his bid to secure a second successive promotion.

“Rightly or wrongly, I believed beforehand that we could maybe cause an upset,” said Sheerin. “There no shocks in the Saturday games and I felt it might be our turn. But the gulf in class was huge today. We did okay until Rangers got their first goal, we had a couple of half chances, but Rangers were well worthy of their win in the end.

“The build up to this tie has been a bit of a hindrance to our league form, and I’m glad we can put it to one side and get back to concentrating on trying to get out of the Second Division.”