McCoist hails Gers' mentality

18 December 2011 10:47

Ally McCoist is relying on his side's mentality as much as their magic this season after another unconvincing performance in the 2-1 win over Inverness at Ibrox.

A dramatic late strike by substitute Kyle Lafferty took the champions seven points clear of Celtic at the top of the table but again it was an uncomfortable afternoon for the champions.

"We still created chances to score four or five goals but there is a spark missing," said McCoist. "We will go back and work on things like the shape of the team and set-pieces but there are things that you can't work on which is just as important and they are all mental."

He added: "It is belief, hunger and desire and these things are as important as anything. We have always had them in abundance and they will certainly be required to retain the championship.

"Today indicates that we certainly have them because that was a game that, quite easily, you don't win."

Caley boss Terry Butcher was angry with referee Bobby Madden at the final whistle but had calmed down by the time he came into the press room.

The former Rangers defender was able to make a joke about two penalty claims which were denied, leaving his side still to be awarded a spot-kick this season. A Foran header appeared to hit the arm of Jelavic in the first half and after the break Gers defender Kyle Bartley appeared to pull back Caley striker Billy McKay in the box.

He said: "There was a problem with time but I have spoken to the referee and he added extra time on so I was happy with that.

"We don't get penalties - 20 games this season and not one penalty. It is an unwritten SPL rule. It is part of the constitution that Inverness don't get penalties. That's a joke. I thought they were legitimate but the referee didn't think so.

"I thought Bobby Madden and the officials had an excellent game."

Source: PA