McCoist closing on signings

23 July 2011 16:44
Ally McCoist revealed after Rangers' SPL opener at Hearts that he may make a signing before Tuesday's Champions League qualifier against Malmo.[LNB] The Scottish champions had hoped to begin the defence of their title with a [LNB]victory, but goals in either half from David Obua and Steven Naismith ensured [LNB]the points were shared at Ibrox.[LNB]Rangers now turn their focus to Tuesday's European clash at the same venue as they bid to take a step closer to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League, with McCoist keen to secure at least one of his targets by then.[LNB]He said: "I've made no secret of the fact and we are all aware that we hope to [LNB]bring one or two players in.[LNB]"If we can get them in beforehand, we will only have one of them who can play [LNB]on Tuesday.[LNB]"If we get them in before the game, that would be great. We are certainly [LNB]hoping to do that.''[LNB]Palermo defender Dorin Goian appears the most likely of those on McCoist's [LNB]wanted list to sign for Rangers in the coming days.[LNB]Asked if he was moving closer to a deal for the Romanian, McCoist added: ''I [LNB]hope so.[LNB]"To be honest I haven't had a chance to see Andrew [Dickson, head of football administration] after the game but I know of one or two phone calls getting made this morning.''[LNB]However, he insists the capture of Goian would not necessarily mean the end of his pursuit for former Ibrox centre-half Carlos Cuellar.[LNB]He said: "I'm ruling nothing out and I'm ruling nobody out. We need players, [LNB]plural, so I wouldn't rule anybody out.''[LNB]The SPL flag was unfurled against a backdrop of fireworks before kick-off, but [LNB]Rangers' first-half display failed to live up to the dramatic build-up.[LNB]However, McCoist refused to blame the early start date to the season for the [LNB]lacklustre efforts.[LNB]He said: "I'm certainly not a fan of the early start to the season, there is [LNB]no doubt about that.[LNB]"But I wouldn't put that down as a reason for us starting the game poorly, not [LNB]at all.[LNB]"To be quite honest, I thought we were disappointing in the first half. You [LNB]have to give Hearts credit for the way they played but we just didn't seem to [LNB]get going in the first half at all.[LNB]"You sit back and reflect and, as disappointed as I was with the first half [LNB]performance, I was really pleased with the reaction from the players in the [LNB]second half. We could have nicked the game.''[LNB]Despite the result, McCoist is confident his side will be ready for the [LNB]challenge posed by Malmo, adding: ''I don't think I'll have to lift the players, [LNB]to be honest.[LNB]"We have had a 1-1 draw against a team who are quite good to be fair and who are a lot of peoples' favourites to finish at least third in the league.[LNB]"I don't think I'll have to lift anybody. It will just be a matter of getting [LNB]them regrouped.''[LNB]Hearts boss Jim Jefferies refused to be drawn on how far his side can push the Old Firm this season but was thrilled with their opening day efforts.[LNB]He said: "I'm not looking into anything league-wise. Once you have eight or 10 [LNB]games under your belt, that's when you can see what you have to do.[LNB]"It wasn't just the result for us today, it was the performance too. Ibrox is [LNB]not an easy place to come to and get a point.''[LNB]Jefferies is sweating over the fitness of Andy Webster, who was forced out of [LNB]the action after eight minutes with a recurring groin problem, and David [LNB]Templeton, who suffered a head knock, ahead of their Europa League qualifier against Hungarian side Paksi on Thursday.[LNB]Mehdi Taouil is also a doubt after picking up a knock.

Source: Team_Talk