Smith hopes McCoist news offers boost

23 February 2011 17:00
Walter Smith hopes the news that Ally McCoist will be replacing him at the helm in the summer will provide Rangers with a timely boost ahead of their Europa League tie against Sporting Lisbon. McCoist - currently number two at Ibrox - has long been tipped to take over from Smith when he quits the Scottish champions at the end of the season but confirmation of the appointment only came on Tuesday. Until the hastily-convened press conference to announce Smith's successor, there may have been an element of gloom around the Govan club following back-to-back disappointments on the field. The first leg against Sporting in Glasgow ended in a 1-1 draw when the Portuguese claimed what could yet be an invaluable late away goal, before Rangers suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Old Firm rivals Celtic at the weekend. He said: "You would need to ask the players about their reaction but I was pleased that it was finally announced that Alistair would be taking over. "It was pleasing from that aspect and, if it does give us a bit of a boost between now and the end of the season, we will be happy about that."

Source: PA