McCoist defends Old Firm actions

14 October 2009 07:23
But the Ibrox assistant boss insists Rangers and Celtic have every right to explore any opportunities which would allow both clubs to fulfil their potential. The issue of the Glasgow giants quitting the SPL for the Barclays Premier League - or the second tier of a restructured system - has once again dominated the headlines after both camps reiterated their desire to see such a move happen. However, Scotland boss Burley fears such a plan would be disastrous for football north of the border - as well as the national team - with the Old Firm likely to be in the position to shun homegrown youngsters in favour of expensive foreign talent, as well as leaving a weakened league behind. "I can understand concerns and both sides of the argument," McCoist said. "Nothing is crystal clear at the moment, there are no guidelines which have been written or drawn up. "The whole thing is still hypothetical but in terms of any club wanting to better themselves and make progress, I think we should all encourage that." However, with former club St Johnstone talking up their chances of a result this weekend against a Rangers team who have dropped points to Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen already this season, McCoist admits the rest of the SPL are now less intimidated by the Old Firm. "That's 100 per cent true," he said. "I wouldn't say it's familiarity but when you play each other at least four times a year it can certainly breed confidence. "If you play Rangers and Celtic you know you've got to play them again and you can have them watched and learn one or two things and you might fancy your chances." Meanwhile, McCoist admits he would be "crazy" if he did not want Kris Boyd to remain at Rangers beyond the end of the season. The striker is out of contract next summer and has yet to reach agreement on a new deal. Recent reports suggested the 26-year-old would be unwilling to accept a new contract on reduced terms and he has been linked with several clubs since a proposed move to Birmingham last January collapsed over personal terms. However, Boyd has already expressed his desire to remain at Ibrox and McCoist insists he is just as keen to see the prolific hitman pledge his long-term future to the club. "From my point of view, as the assistant manager, I think it would be great if Kris stayed," said McCoist. "We value his goals highly and I've said on numerous occasions that pound for pound I think he is the top finisher going in the country. "If we can provide him the ball in that area, he will score us goals. "So, from that point of view, it would be crazy for me to say anything other than I hope he stays."

Source: Team_Talk