McCoist still keen on Naismith

Ally McCoist has hinted that Rangers remain keen to sign Kilmarnock striker Steven Naismith.

The Rangers assistant manager suggested a move could be revived for the 20-year-old during a light-hearted interview ahead of today’s friendly match against Chelsea.

“You’re always looking for improvement, and bits of pieces in areas we’d like to improve,” McCoist told BBC Radio Scotland.

When Naismith’s name was mentioned, McCoist said: “Well yes of course, maybe. He’s a player who – I don’t know if you know – we’re interested in.

“But we have to pick the players who are available at the moment and the boys who have come in have settled in very quickly.”

Rangers have made several offers to Kilmarnock for Naismith, but have refused to meet the £2m valuation.

Naismith submitted a written transfer request on Thursday, but Kilmarnock chairman Michael Johnston insisted it would not alter the situation, with the Rugby Park club still determined to sell only at their asking price.

McCoist was reminded that Rangers’ latest bid for Kilmarnock had been withdrawn by manager Walter Smith.

“You’d better ask him, I don’t know. I’m just his assistant, he doesn’t tell me anything,” McCoist quipped.

Naismith was left out of the Kilmarnock team for today’s friendly against Leicester.

Meanwhile, McCoist expects the sale of 30-year-old midfielder Libor Sionko to Danish champions FC Copenhagen to be completed imminently.

He added: “I don’t think it’s 100% signed and sealed but I think it’s just about there.”