McCoist looking to add more

The Light Blues boss made his first signing since the club was consigned to liquidation in the northern summer with the arrival of former Hearts midfielder Ian Black on Saturday.

With a 12-month transfer embargo set to come into effect on 1 September - and several of his first team regulars having already refused to transfer their contracts to the newco - McCoist faces a race against time to build a squad.

However, despite losing its place in the Scottish Premier League, McCoist believes Rangers' fans still deserve to see top quality players in a light blue jersey.

Speaking after his side's 2-1 extra-time win over Brechin City in the Scottish Challenge Cup, the Ibrox boss said: "I believe you get the best you can.

"The players we are attempting to target are players that our fans deserve to see. At the same time, it's getting the blend right as well.

"The first thing we have to do is win the league but it would be nice to do it with style and give the fans what they want to see.

"I believe that's good young talent, coming in with talented players."

McCoist is hoping to add former Kilmarnock player Dean Shiels and Greek midfielder Pantelis Kafes to his pool over the coming days.

He said: "It's not over the line yet but I know in both cases there is certainly a deal to be done there.

"I've spoken to both players. They seem keen and we are very keen too so we'd be hopeful something could be done."

McCoist acknowledged the need for him to work quickly in the current transfer window.

He added: "We need to build a squad for the next 18 months to two years and we've got to do that in the next four weeks.

"It's important for me to tell you that we are really pleased with the younger boys and I'm genuinely excited about giving an opportunity to some of the younger guys.

"Some of the money we have got off the wage bill, I would be hopeful of getting some of that back to spend.

"I'll sit down over the next couple of days with Charles Green and discuss players and I would be very keen to bring a few in.

"The next three or four weeks are massively important in terms of the next two years and indeed the longer-term future as well."

Americans Alejandro Bedoya and Maurice Edu were both absent from the squad that made the trip to Glebe Park.

McCoist said: "Bedoya said on Friday there was an opportunity for him to go to Helsingborg, I think it was.

"I tried to talk him out of it but it looks to have been unsuccessful.

"Maurice Edu had a groin strain and didn't train yesterday and couldn't travel."

Although players like Carlos Bocanegra and Dorin Goian featured in the cup tie, McCoist admits there could be further exits.

He added: "You would have to ask them. I'm hopeful but I'm realistic enough to know there is an opportunity for one or two to dive out of the window. I hope that won't be the case but I'm not daft."

Andy Little, who re-signed for Rangers on Saturday, opened the scoring against Brechin after just four minutes but the home side levelled through Andy Jackson to force the tie into extra-time, before Lee McCulloch grabbed the winner.

McCoist said: "Normally we play six pre-season friendlies and we've not really had anything so it's a good result for us and a great start.

"That's all we ever wanted, just an opportunity to get back playing football. We were a bit late in the day in finding out [if the game would go ahead] but we are all pleased.

"The staff, all the players and the fans have been fantastic. That's all we wanted, an opportunity to play. We got that today and we are thankful for that."

Brechin boss Jim Weir expects Rangers to launch a successful assault on the lower divisions.

He said: "I've got to be proud of my players.

"There is no doubt the Rangers team is still packed full of quality, although there is no doubt they have been hampered by a lot of players leaving.

"I fully expect them to progress through the leagues - it's not going to be easy, they will know that.

"They'll go to tough away grounds but I think their quality will come through."