Still Business As Usual On Playing Side At Ibrox

Last updated : 14 November 2014 By Ed_ScottishFitba

C:WindowsTempphp8E53.tmpDespite Rangers being forced to borrow more money earlier this week, manager Ally McCoist insists he has not been asked to draw up any cost-cutting measures affecting his playing staff. Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, who has an almost 9% stake in the Scottish Championship side, lent Rangers another £1m just weeks after putting £2m into the club which gave him effective control of the League One champions. This injection will need to be added to before the end of the season and a number of initiatives to save money would be under consideration. Like most businesses, staff costs will account for the highest percentage of expenditure at the Ibrox club.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday's home game against Alloa, McCoist said: "I'm not sure at the moment. Obviously job lossess at any level or any description is sad and bad news but at this moment in time I haven't been told there will be any cuts at all within the footballing side. It's very much, if not business as usual, we certainly have to remain focused and continue with the difficult job and very important job of winning games."

When pressed on the impact of potentially losing some of  their players, McCoist added: "It would be wrong to comment and prejudge something that, at this moment in time, isn't happening. If it happened I would probably give you a comment on it but at this moment in time my footballing staff is intact and concentrating fully on a tough game which will hopefully allow us to close the gap at the top of the league tomorrow."

McCoist has been handed a timely boost ahead of the visit of Alloa after midfielder Lewis Macleod was released by Scotland in order to play in the game. Macleod was called into the squad for the European Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park and next week's friendly against England at the same venue. But McCoist revealed that after a chat with Scotland manager Gordon Strachan he can now call on the services of the midfielder on Saturday. McCoist went on: "He trained with us this morning. He is thoroughly enjoying his time with the Scotland boys. I think he is going to the game tonight and he will turn up tomorrow and be in the squad for the game against Alloa."