The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
UnitedandDonshavebetterScottishCuphopesthanGers– McCoist
RANGERS MANAGER Ally McCoist does not believe his side are favourites to win theWilliam Hill Scottish Cup.
A home game against Albion Rovers is all that stands in the way of Rangers reaching the semi-finals, which will both be held at Ibrox.
The League One leaders are the second favourites behind Aberdeen with all major bookmakers after the Dons were handed a home tie against Dumbarton as reward for their shock win over holders Celtic.
But the Rangers boss believes there is little difference between his side and the Scottish Premiership teams left in the tournament.
St Johnstone face Raith Rovers away after their 4-0 win at Forfar while Dundee United are set for a trip to Inverness if Caley Thistle can overcome Stranraer in a replay.
McCoist: “Some bookies might have us as favourites now but I wouldn’t go that far.
“I’m not trying to play any mind games when I say this but I think Aberdeen and Dundee United will, in a lot of people’s eyes, still have a slightly better chance.
“I counted us in the next band after Celtic and I still do. I don’t think there’s an awful lot between a lot of the teams there.
“But United
beat
St Mirren 2-1 and I watched St Johnstone three weeks ago when they beat Partick 1-0 and they weren’t looking bad at all.
“They had a fantastic result at Forfar and a lot of people would have been looking at that as a really tough fixture.
“We’re in the mix but when you consider the other teams in there, I still don’t think we’re favourites to win the competition.
“You’d have to say Aberdeen would probably be most people’s favourites now.”
Richard Gough and Alex Rae have become the first two former Rangers players to back a Supporters Direct Scheme that could hand the supporters power at Ibrox.
SDS has already helped supporters of Dunfermline and Hear ts successfully arrange deals to take control of their clubs.
The SDS has already won the backing of ninein-a-row captain Gough.
“As we are a PLC, fans collectively owning shares is in my opinion one way to ensure this, and the more they own the louder their voice,” said former Dundee United defender Gough.
Ex-Dundee boss Rae —who helped the Glasgow side land the 2005 Scottish Premier League title — has also indicated his support.
It is understood that SDS has drawn up a blueprint that will see a Community Interest Company formed, which will then collect monthly contributions from fans.