Source: Team_Talk
McCoist has defensive headache
Ally McCoist admits Rangers face a defensive crisis for their Europa League tie after Kyle Bartley's injury in the 2-0 SPL win at Inverness.[LNB] Defender Bartley, who last week agreed a second loan spell from Arsenal, was forced out of the action against Caley after 33 minutes on Saturday.[LNB]The centre-half is nursing a groin strain and McCoist will have to wait until Sunday for a clearer idea of his fitness ahead of the trip to Maribor in Slovenia.[LNB]The Rangers boss said: "He has mixed emotions. He is delighted the boys managed to get through with three points but, at the same time, he is sitting in there with an ice pack.[LNB]"We won't be able to diagnose him until Sunday morning. But if you are going to come off in the first half of a game, we would have to expect him to be doubtful for the European tie, although it's very early to say that just now."[LNB]Bartley was replaced by youngster Ross Perry, who was also struggling by the end of the game, with Rangers' defensive options already severely limited ahead of the European clash.[LNB]McCoist added: "I don't think David Weir will make it, Lee McCulloch will probably have a chance, Sasa Papac is suspended but I would hope Steven Whittaker won't be too far away.[LNB]"With Ross Perry we will be better placed to have a look on Sunday morning."[LNB]McCoist also confirmed that Rangers have withdrawn their interest in recruiting Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar in the current transfer window because of the former Ibrox star's injury.[LNB]He said: "It's done for this window and it's purely and simply down to getting somebody in to play.[LNB]"I don't need to tell you what I think of Carlos, I think he is a top class defender. I would welcome him with open arms but we need somebody to play.[LNB]"I wouldn't say I wouldn't be interested in going back in for him."[LNB]Nikica Jelavic, who had an early effort disallowed for offside, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Ross Tokely was dismissed for Inverness.[LNB]The Croatian striker was then denied a second goal with another spot-kick although Maurice Edu netted from the rebound.[LNB]However, the match ended in disappointment for the American, who was also sent off for a second bookable offence.[LNB]McCoist said: "There were plenty of talking points but I would be of the opinion that the big talking point is that we deserved to win the game and we did win the game.[LNB]"I thought the first penalty might have been a bit soft but I thought we could have had one in the first half. I thought the second penalty was a penalty and I'd like to see the goal again."[LNB]On Edu's red card, he added: "I had a chat with him after the game. Whether you think the first booking is soft or not, he gave the referee the opportunity to send him off.[LNB]"Referees will do that and it's not a criticism of them but they will naturally try to level the game up. That's what happens, it's a natural thing for any human being to do."[LNB]Inverness boss Terry Butcher was unhappy with both penalty decisions.[LNB]He said: "I didn't think the first one was anywhere near a penalty. It was a great tackle.[LNB]"The second one was nowhere near a penalty either. The player possibly made more of it than he could have done."
