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. 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.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.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."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."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.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."With Ross Perry we will be better placed to have a look on Sunday morning."McCoist also confirmed that Rangers have withdrawn their interest in recruiting Aston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar in the current transfer window because of the former Ibrox star's injury.He said: "It's done for this window and it's purely and simply down to getting somebody in to play."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."I wouldn't say I wouldn't be interested in going back in for him."Nikica Jelavic, who had an early effort disallowed for offside, opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Ross Tokely was dismissed for Inverness.The Croatian striker was then denied a second goal with another spot-kick although Maurice Edu netted from the rebound.However, the match ended in disappointment for the American, who was also sent off for a second bookable offence.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."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."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."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."Inverness boss Terry Butcher was unhappy with both penalty decisions.He said: "I didn't think the first one was anywhere near a penalty. It was a great tackle."The second one was nowhere near a penalty either. The player possibly made more of it than he could have done."

Source: Team_Talk