McCoist: It’s all about the players

ALLY McCOIST insists tomorrow’s Old Firm derby is all about the players and not about himself and Neil Lennon.

The pair clashed at the end of a particularly fiery Scottish Cup tie between the Glasgow giants back in March.

McCoist has since been promoted from his role as Walter Smith’s assistant and is preparing to pit his wits against Lennon in the dugout for the first time as manager.

Asked if tomorrow’s clash at Ibrox is a chance for him to get one up on Lennon, McCoist insisted: “Not at all. I know that’s not the answer you wanted to hear but it’s about the two teams.

“I want our team to go out and play well and win the game. Once that whistle goes, there is nothing the managers can do.

“They can tweak formations and change players but the most important people in Old Firm games are the players on the park. It’s the players who will hopefully win us the game.”

McCoist says this game will be no different to any other Old Firm derby, adding: “The scrutiny on the players and coaches and management is always there.

“It’s something you’ve got to handle and it’s something the players and coaches and management staff will hopefully handle.

“The scrutiny is only greater because of the enormity of the game, there is no doubt about that in my opinion.

“The expectancy levels to have discipline should be the same no matter what the game is throughout the country.

“It goes without saying that, because of the size of the game and the focus on the game, there is far more scrutiny on ourselves.”

McCoist is relishing his managerial debut in the famous fixture and does not feel the need to seek advice from his former mentor Smith ahead of the match.

He said: “I won’t consult with him, not at all. I would imagine we will have a conversation but I won’t be phoning for any special knowledge or tips or anything like that.”

“I’m lucky in the respect that I totally understand and know the enormity of the occasion having played in so many of the games.

“I do appreciate the enormity of the situation so from that point of view, having played in a few and assisted in a few, you would hope that would help.”

Lennon believes the fixture against Rangers is the perfect way for his players to bounce back – and he is looking forward to the passion and tensions that come with it.

“Going from the European game into the Old Firm game is probably the best thing that can happen,” said Lennon.

“Sometimes you can come back from a European game and there is a flatness going about your SPL duties but with a game of this magnitude, it can be easy to motivate the players.

“I like the edge, it keeps you on your toes. I think everyone enjoys it.

“You love Old Firm games when you win and hate them when you lose.

“I enjoy going there, I always have done. It’s a great venue to play football in and there is always a decent surface.

“It isn’t intimidating but there is always an edge to the atmosphere which is always good.

“I think that is what football is all about, going to away grounds like Ibrox and Tynecastle and setting out your teams to do well. It is a good challenge.

“I have been delighted with the way the team has performed at Ibrox since I took over as manager.

“I think they have played very well and were unlucky not to win the last one.

“But it’s a new season, Rangers are a bit fresher with new players and we have improved the squad as well, I think.

“It’s the first Old Firm derby and you can’t dictate which way it is going to go, but it won’t be a season-breaker one way or the other.”

Lennon is hoping that skipper Scott Brown and striker Anthony Stokes will recover from their respective ankle and thigh injuries which led to them missing the trip to Spain.