Both Rangers manager Walter Smith and Rangers chairman Sir David Murray have expressed their backing of Ibrox cult hero and current assistant manager Ally McCoist to take over as a manager once Smith leaves the club.

Smith told press: “Ally will have the opportunity if we are successful, and I hope he gets that opportunity to become the manager. I've said before that, when I do leave, I hope that he will take over.”

Not only does McCoist have the backing of the clubs chairman and current manager, but it seems as if the Scottish veteran has also received the backing of the players with DaMarcus Beasley leading the plaudits.

The American winger praised McCoist saying: "You see on the training pitch that he still loves the game and that he has so much passion for the club. He was here for so long and scored so many goals, I think it is just part of him”

"I think he would be a great asset if he were to become the gaffer. All the guys respect him and know what he's done for this club and it would be something that we'd all be excited about.

"He's the most vocal on the training pitch and I don't think it would be a problem, whenever Walter Smith decides it's the right time to leave, to have Coisty as the number one."

McCoist is something of an idol at the Ibrox stadium after the striker notched up 418 appearances for Rangers, scoring a magnificent 251 goals in 15 years at the club.