McCoist eager to land Goodwillie

29 July 2011 17:00

Manager Ally McCoist believes David Goodwillie would be able to cope with life in the Old Firm goldfish bowl if Rangers won the race for his signature.

The Scottish champions have already failed with one bid for the 22-year-old, who has been valued at £2million by Dundee United and who is also reportedly attracting interest from Blackpool and Blackburn. United boss Peter Houston has expressed concerns about a switch to Glasgow, saying he would prefer to see the player move south of the border.

McCoist said: "Peter is looking after the welfare of the boy, there is no doubt about that in my mind. Peter believes, rightly or wrongly, that he would get less hassle off the park down south. I fully appreciate where he is coming from. I've got a different hat on and he is the type of player we would like."

He added: "Although it's a different thing entirely playing for the Old Firm, with the right guidance, any player can hopefully handle it.

"It is a whole new experience playing for the Old Firm but we feel that we've got education and experience within our management team, and the team itself, to help any player who comes into the club.

"I wouldn't say our interest in that one is finished. We've got money to spend and, if we feel the deal is right for ourselves, then we will do it."

McCoist also refused to rule out another bid for Anderlecht defender Roland Juhasz.

He said: "It's not over. We had a secondary bid knocked back by Anderlecht and it's something we'll have to discuss to see whether we go back in or not.

"We put a bid in about 48 hours ago which was knocked back but we will be having discussions to see what we do there. I wouldn't really like to discuss the complete financial terms but I don't think we are a million miles away."

Rangers are also assessing whether to step up their attempts to sign ADO Den Haag's Wesley Verhoek.

Source: PA