No repeat of Forfar defeat, warns Ally McCoist

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist will remind his players of their Forfar disappointment as he looks to avoid another early-season struggle on the road.

Ally McCoist has vowed to avoid another struggle. Picture: SNS

McCoist will use the memory of the defeat to League Two rivals Forfar in the League Cup earlier this month to prepare them for their trip to Stair Park to face Stranraer on Saturday.

McCoist told the club’s official website: “It was well documented we didn’t win any of our first four away games in the Third Division last season. We don’t want that to happen.

“We’re hopeful the team we put out will be more than capable of going out and getting us a positive result.

“Thoughts of Forfar might still be there but do you know what? That might not be a bad thing and I’m all for a wee reminder of how hard that was if it’s for the right reasons.”

With Emilson Cribari (groin) and Chris Hegarty (ankle) doubtful and Anestis Argyriou sustaining a knock on under-20s duty, and Bilel Mohsni, Stevie Smith and Richard Foster ineligible, Kyle McAusland is looking to regain a starting place after coming off the bench in last weekend’s opening league win over Brechin.

McAusland said: “I feel I had a good game against Albion Rovers and I was a wee bit disappointed not to start in the next match at Forfar.

“That’s football though and you need to deal with that. I think I’ve done well as a substitute when I’ve come on recently so hopefully that works in my favour.

“It’ll be a hard-fought game on Saturday and Stranraer are a big, physical team. They got big lads up front and it could be one mistake that settles the match.”