Rangers boss Ally McCoist was buoyant after watching his side com from a goal down at half-time to defeat Celtic 4-2 in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox yesterday. The reigning Scottish champions fell behind 2-1 when goalkeeper Allan McGregor allowed Badr El Kaddouri's 41st minute shot in through his legs but managed to really in the second half to come away with a rousing win to go four points clear of the Hoops at the top of the SPL table.
McCoist admitted that McGregor's mistake could have been costly but he was delighted that his players were able to fight back and atone for the blunder.
"I had no job at all lifting Allan at half-time. He's a top-class goalkeeper. You could make an argument for Allan's performances going a long way to us winning the title last season," McCoist said.
"I just said to the boys: 'maybe we're due Allan a wee turn in the second half.' I have to say they certainly returned one or two favours for Allan.
"Out of all the players I'm especially pleased for him. He doesn't like losing at the best of times but he wouldn't have liked losing this one after letting that goal in."
On McGregor's howler, McCoist added: "I was as shocked as anyone when the ball hit the net.
"Good goalkeepers maybe do that three or four times in their career.
"But listen, if anybody is due a favour it's Allan McGregor because he's been top class for us - and will continue to be.
"I don't think the lads needed fired up. I just wanted to remind them that maybe Allan deserved a wee break from us.
"He has been, and will continue to be, top class. The boys know that."
Earlier in the match, Steven Naismith put 'Gers ahead in the 22nd minute before Gary Hooper leveled and then El Kaddouri had the visitors in front by half-time.
But Rangers hit back through Nikica Jelavic ten minutes into the second half before Kyle Lafferty edged the Ibrox club in front and then Naismith made it 4-2 late in the contest.
