Source: Team_Talk
Ally plays down final symbolism
But the Rangers assistant boss admits he would love to claim the first silverware of the season and pile the pressure on Celtic ahead of the title run-in.[LNB]Both halves of the Old Firm meet in the showpiece event at Hampden this weekend knowing that, just like the Scottish Premier League, there is very little between the two clubs as they battle for the League Cup.[LNB]"Just because you win this one does not necessarily mean you will win the next one," said McCoist.[LNB]"Having said that, I would like the opportunity to make it happen. That goes without saying. I obviously want to win Sunday's game with a view to putting a little pressure on Celtic and they will feel the same way.[LNB]"In the same way that I don't think our loss against Inverness killed the title race, I don't think a loss or a win on Sunday for either team will have a significant bearing on the league campaign."[LNB]The last Old Firm derby was criticised for being too dull after the teams served up a drab goalless draw at Celtic Park.[LNB]McCoist can fully understand fans' frustrations but, as they prepare to meet again, he admits he would take prizes over performances every time.[LNB]He said: "Of course there is an onus on us to entertain but it's about winning for me. I'm only speaking for myself but I personally would like to win first and entertain second.[LNB]"I'm a lot happier, and in a better mood, when we win games of football.[LNB]"I do appreciate we have a responsibility to entertain, that's what the punters turn up at the gate for, they want to be entertained.[LNB]"But - and maybe I'm just being an old cynic - I think if you asked for a win or to be entertained, 99% of Old Firm fans would give the same answer as me."[LNB]McCoist added: "I read Gordon Strachan saying that neither of us have shown any real level of consistency which, in my opinion, is 100% correct.[LNB]"Otherwise one or the other would be way ahead in the league. I also think, this season, you could argue that the gap has been closed between the rest of the league and Rangers and Celtic.[LNB]"You could say that Celtic and Rangers do not have easy games anymore. We have both lost to St Mirren, while Motherwell have taken points, as have Dundee United and Aberdeen.[LNB]"The vast majority of the teams in the league fancy their chances of taking something. Celtic are much the same as Rangers, I really don't think there is an awful lot between the teams."[LNB]However, McCoist believes suggestions the current Old Firm teams are the poorest for a long time are harsh.[LNB]"I can understand people saying that because the last Old Firm game was poor and other teams are more than capable of taking points off us," he said.[LNB]"But I'm not so sure. It's not my job to sit here and say who's the greatest Old Firm team or the poorest Old Firm team. It's my job to get the best out of the Old Firm team we're running at the moment and we will certainly continue to do that."[LNB][LNB] Rangers v Celtic. Click here to bet.[LNB]
