McCoist committed to Gers despite Palace links

ALLY McCOIST has brushed aside speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Crystal Palace and insisted he remains determined to become a long-term success at Rangers.

Speaking after his team’s 4-1 win over Dumbarton at Ibrox yesterday, McCoist responded to reports from England that his name is on a fresh shortlist drawn up by Palace chairman Steve Parish.

“There has been no contact at all,” said McCoist. “I suppose [it is flattering] but I don’t really know where it came from. Yeah, of course it is [flattering]. It’s obviously the case that even though we have been coming through the lower divisions, maybe people have noticed.

“I always knew Rangers was a story, coming through the divisions, and that’s certainly the case. It’s nice, but I think everyone would appreciate I have got an awful lot of work to do at Rangers which I am really looking forward to.

“I’ve got a job to do here. Anyone who knows me will be aware that I am desperately keen to get the job completed as quickly as we possibly can. There are various steps that we have to take – the immediate one being to get out of this division – and this is where I see myself hopefully short-term and longer-term.”

Palace are seeking a replacement for Tony Pulis, who resigned on the eve of the season. Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon is also understood to be on the London club’s radar.

McCoist, meanwhile, was generally satisfied with another improved display from Rangers, who moved into third place in the Championship table, three points behind leaders Hearts.

But he was irritated at the concession of an own goal by defender Bilel Mohsni who was fortunate not to be sent off for a last-man challenge on Dumbarton substitute Scott Agnew with the score at 2-0.

“I’ve seen the incident with Bilel again and he is certainly the last man,” said McCoist. “I think the referee let it go to see if Dumbarton were going to score but our keeper was out quick to smother it. That’s probably the reason the ref just made it a yellow card. But there was a case for a red, yes.”