Source: Team_Talk
McCoist: We've Scot to move on
Former Scotland and Rangers striker McCoist was as disappointed as the rest of the nation as George Burley's men saw their hopes of qualifying for South Africa shattered by a 1-0 defeat against Holland.
But he believes there were enough positives from the game to be optimistic about the future, rather than focusing on the past.
"We've got to move forward," said McCoist, who was previously
part of Walter Smith's Scotland backroom staff.
"The non-qualification is a big disappointment for everybody - the players, coaching staff and the fans. But there is no point moping about it, we have to look forward.
"The second-half performance against Macedonia was very good but I was really pleased with the boys on Wednesday night. I was chuffed to bits for them.
"A big result was needed - which they didn't get - but they gave a big performance and I think the reception at the end of the game that the fans gave the players showed they were thankful for their efforts and encouraged by their efforts.
"We have to look forward. There are some new guys who came in and did themselves no harm at all. I'm always the optimist, rather than the pessimist."
McCoist was particularly impressed by his Rangers players, with Steven Naismith excelling in his first start and Steven Whittaker looking assured in the left-back role in place of the injured Callum Davidson.
But he had sympathy for striker Kenny Miller, who hit the crossbar and squandered another glorious opportunity.
McCoist said: "I was off my feet, as we all were at that point. Kenny came in to finish it and knocked it back across and the goalkeeper made a great save.
"I thought he could maybe have lifted it but that's just the way it goes, it was one of those nights for Kenny.
"He hit the bar and had a couple of good efforts and, speaking from experience, I know exactly how he feels.
"Wee Broony [Scott Brown] had a great chance in the first half and Garry O'Connor had the opportunity late in the game so we definitely had chances to score against a very good side who are rated third in the world just now.
"There are definitely a lot of positives."
Meanwhile, Burley has been backed to continue as Scotland boss by current and former Scottish managers.
The 53-year-old is fighting to keep his job and will meet his Scottish Football Association bosses next week to dissect a disappointing Group Nine campaign.
Dundee United's Craig Levein, Kilmarnock's Jim Jefferies, Hibernian's John Hughes and former Scotland boss Craig Brown all believe Burley should be given a second chance.
United boss Levein, who has been touted as a possible successor to Burley, told the Evening Telegraph: "It's not good to be having a new man in charge every year or so and, with the way the team are starting to play, it does not make any sense to consider a change now."
Jefferies said: "I don't think anyone can blame George, he was a bit unlucky.
"I don't see any reason to change it, they should stick with him."
Hughes, who said he "shared the disappointment of the nation" added: "George Burley's definitely the man to take us forward - you need that continuity."
Brown believes the "full responsibility" for the qualifying failure lies with Burley but told BBC Radio Five Live: "I personally would keep George and I'd say to him, 'Get these young guys together and let's have a go for the next campaign'."
