Ally silent on Naismith incident

26 September 2011 13:09
Rangers boss Ally McCoist does not want Steven Naismith to change his style of play despite being handed a two-match ban for violent conduct.[LNB] Television footage showed Naismith catching Austin McCann in the face with an elbow during Saturday's 4-0 SPL win at Dunfermline.[LNB]The incident was missed by referee Iain Brines, and played down as an accident by McCann afterwards, but prompted a Notice of Complaint to be lodged with Rangers by the Scottish Football Association on Monday.[LNB]After reviewing video footage, Rangers decided to accept the punishment, which sees Naismith sit out Tuesday's game against Kilmarnock and the visit of Hibernian at the weekend.[LNB]However, speaking earlier on Monday, McCoist was keen to defend Naismith's general approach.[LNB]He said: "I would not want to take anything away from Steven's game in terms of his natural zest and enthusiasm to play the game because that is one of his biggest strengths.[LNB]"You've got to control these emotions and talents and, in that respect, he is no different from any other individual."[LNB]Meanwhile, McCoist has called on his players to continue their fine form in the SPL when Kilmarnock come calling.[LNB]The Scottish champions have already exited the Champions League, the Europa League and the Scottish Communities League Cup this season and the manager insists they must now focus on remaining top of the SPL.[LNB]He said: "We are delighted that the league form has been very steady and very good. It's a good start, that's all it is.[LNB]"The lads know, because of the League Cup exit, that we have to train all our thoughts for the next few months on league results.[LNB]"You would rather be in cup competitions but, at the same time, at least we all know we can train our thoughts in one direction.[LNB]"So far, it has been very, very good and the level of consistency in the league games has been really pleasing and that must continue."[LNB]On the visit of Kilmarnock, McCoist added: "I'm looking forward to the game. It's an opportunity for us to extend our lead at the top of the league.[LNB]"Our form in the league has been really pleasing and we have shown a lot more consistency in our league performances than we have in anything else this season.[LNB]"The last two league games have been very encouraging against Celtic and Dunfermline.[LNB]"It will be a tough game because in recent years Kilmarnock have always tried to play and they believe in their own strengths.[LNB]"Kilmarnock believe in themselves and they go and attack teams so it should be a good game."[LNB]Rangers are boosted by the return of skipper David Weir, who has been out of action with a hamstring injury since the end of July.[LNB]But McCoist warned the veteran defender he will have to fight for his place in the team just like everybody else.[LNB]He said: "One of the most important things is that we have competition for places.[LNB]"We believe that you have to be looking over your shoulder and you have to be playing well and earning the right to be in the team.[LNB]"Davie is the skipper and he knows that more than anybody."

Source: Team_Talk