McCoist refuses to panic

Rangers manager Ally McCoist last night hailed Lewis Macleod for the wonder goal that has brought him much-needed breathing space.

The Scotland Under-21 internationalist struck a stunning overhead kick early on to deliver victory at Livingston yesterday.

And that went some way to easing the immediate pressure on the Light Blues boss following Monday’s home defeat from Hibernian.

“I don’t remember striking too many with venom like that,” said McCoist with a smile.

“I thought Blackie had knocked it back into quite a dangerous area. But when I saw it again, dear me, it is a top, top goal.

“In this day and age, when we talk about young Scottish players, to have the technique to do that is so impressive.

“I don’t doubt there will be quite a few watching that one over the next few days.”

Kris Boyd among them, the forward continuing his scoreless run in the League this season after missing a sitter.

“It will come for Kris, I am sure of it,” said McCoist. “The important thing is that we won because it has helped.

“As I have tried to explain, sometimes, particularly at our club, there’s no real middle ground. With us, particularly at the moment with what’s happening, it’s either up there or down there, which is understandable.

“But within the camp, we have a reasonable concept of what’s going on and know our own jobs.

“Walter Smith is one of the greatest managers Rangers and this country has ever had. But in all my time with him, I never saw him panic after a bad result.

“I also never saw him getting carried away after a good one. And it’s important that I maintain that.

“It’s a long season. So far, we’ve done well in the cups but we’ve lost a couple of League games to sides peopled expected to be our rivals.

“Is it a disappointment? Yes. Is it a disaster? No.

“It’s not about me. But if you’re offering me the title now, even winning it by a single goal, I’d take it. Absolutely, I’d take it.”

The Rangers manager, meanwhile, expressed his disappointment about trouble that resulted in five arrests being made in the away section of the crowd.

“I don’t know anything about it. I did see it and it looked pretty unsavoury,” he said.

“Until I get a report on it, I would be loathe to comment on it, but we can do without incidents like that.”

Spectators watched on as police and stewards appeared to have blows thrown in their direction.

But Livingston Safety Officer Alan Scott stressed there were no injuries.

Scott would not comment on further reports of scuffles between fans from both sets of supporters outside the ground post-match.