Source: Team_Talk
McCoist delighted with Niguez
The Spanish youngster, 19, has failed to force his way into the first team since joining on a two-year loan spell from Valencia last summer.[LNB]But he came off the bench for the final 18 minutes of Wednesday night's Homecoming Scottish Cup tie at Station Park and scored his first goal for the club.[LNB]And assistant manager McCoist, who took charge of team affairs for the 4-0 fifth-round win, believes he did enough to give Smith plenty to ponder as Rangers continue their treble assault.[LNB]He said: "I was delighted to see young Aaron score. I know he picked up a booking for his celebrations but I enjoy seeing someone pleased that they've scored and it was a special moment for him.[LNB]"The goal apart, I thought he played really well when he came on. He brought a bit of life to our play and gave us a bit of energy.[LNB]"He is one of those boys who wants to run at defenders and take people on and he's a real crowd-pleaser."[LNB]Smith has not been afraid to give youth a chance this season, with his decision to blood 17-year-old John Fleck arguably responsible for reigniting Rangers' Scottish Premier League title bid.[LNB]McCoist added: "John Fleck was given a rest after doing well for the first team and it's great for us that we have these guys coming in and performing so well.[LNB]"It gives the manager options for the rest of the season and Aaron certainly didn't do himself any harm at all with his contribution."[LNB]After taking an early lead last night, a strong Rangers starting XI were made to work hard by their Irn-Bru Third Division opponents until the holders' extra class finally told.[LNB]But their second-half showing may have come at a cost, with both DaMarcus Beasley and Lee McCulloch hobbling off with injuries.[LNB]McCoist said: "Beasley suffered a nasty shin injury and McCulloch said he felt something go in his calf so we just iced him up.[LNB]"But hopefully the two injuries won't be serious and the two lads will be available for Saturday's game with Kilmarnock."[LNB]Rangers remain on course to retain both domestic cups as well as challenging for the SPL title but McCoist insists even holding on to the Scottish Cup will take some doing.[LNB]He added in the Evening Times: "Now we've got a quarter-final tie with Hamilton Accies to look forward to and that will be another tough one."[LNB]That match will be played on Sunday March 8 after BBC Scotland announced they would be televising the fixture.[LNB][LNB] Rangers 2/9[LNB], Draw 5/1[LNB], Kilmarnock 12/1[LNB]
