Ibrox Stadium

Last Game

Rangers 1 - 0 Berwick

Saturday, 04 May 2013, 12:45

Scottish Third

McCoist: We've learned lessons

Ally McCoist admits Rangers were given an education about life in the Third Division by Peterhead in their opening league game of the season.

Last Updated: 18/01/13 at 18:33 Post Comment

Ally McCoist: Ready for Peterhead clash

Ally McCoist: Ready for Peterhead clash

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

A scrappy last-gasp equaliser allowed the Light Blues to rescue a 2-2 draw from their first ever league match outside Scottish football's top-flight in August.

McCoist now wants his players to show they have learned from the lessons handed out that day when they return to Balmoor on Sunday.

He said: "It was introduction that will be with me for many years.

"Looking back, it was an education. Never mind the players, it was an education for the staff - myself included.

"We got an unbelievable welcome at Peterhead that day until the referee's first whistle and that's the way you would expect it.

"It showed us how difficult away matches and the opposition will be.

"A good number of our away matches have been televised and that certainly makes the opposition well up for the game.

"Our boys are used to playing in front of the cameras, the opposition aren't.

"But, believe me, they don't freeze. They do the complete opposite.

"They raise their game and good on them for doing that. It will be the same again on Sunday."

Rangers appear to have got over the problems they encountered on the road early in the campaign, but McCoist warned they will still have to work hard for any rewards, particularly away from home.

He added: "Most of the SFL teams will fancy their chances at home.

"Peterhead did enough in the first game, and in the game at Ibrox, to fancy their chances of getting something out of this game.

"With a bit of luck, our fans will know what to expect and so will our players.

"Anything we get, we will have to earn.

"We will have to get the sleeves rolled up and match their natural aggression to go and win the game."

Rangers sit 19 points clear at the summit ahead of the weekend action.

McCoist said: "Things have changed massively - but we've only come a short way, if that makes sense.

"It's changed in the respect that the boys now know what to expect.

"It's still new to them but, when they go to places like Peterhead, Annan, Berwick, East Stirling, they know what to expect now.

"That's a big change for them. It might seem like a small thing but it's a big part of the learning curve.

"There has been progress in terms of our league position and points and where we are - but we've still got a long way to go."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m absolutely disgusted that I've been misquoted in saying that if a chance came up to join Arsenal I would be interested. What I meant to say is if Man United or Chelsea were interested......

gulliver
Agent cools Benteke exit talk

L

FC league positions and points from last 4 seasons - 7 (61), 8 (52), 6 (58), 7 (63). Werner calls it progress, I call it mid table stability.

kolev_lfc
Reds progress delights Werner

I

s there a PR agency covering Begovich, Odemwingie, Steven Fletcher and Grant Holt or something? Why would you offer a quote like that without having been announced by either club. #headsshoulderskneesandtoesgone

Havelange
Begovic hints at Liverpool move

Footer 365

Championship play-off final: Watford boss Gianfranco Zola targeting Europe

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola hopes play-off victory over Crystal Palace will be the first step towards Europe.

Experience key for Blues - Lamps

Frank Lampard has stressed the importance of strong personalities in the Chelsea dressing room and denies any have ever got a manager sacked.

Heynckes hails Robben impact

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has hailed the impact Arjen Robben has made on his side's run to the Champions League final.

Mail Box

Wayne Rooney Is Just An Average Athlete

That's the difference between him and someone like Cristiano Ronaldo - his body just isn't right. We have mails on him, Sparky, Brendan Rodgers and the Europa Lge...

Saving The Europa League And More...

Nice one UEFA, but not far enough. We have some ideas to make the Europa League better as well as more views on Wayne Rooney, Vermaelen in midfield and...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved