McCoist Hoping Sectarianism Won't Drive Lafferty Away

Ally McCoist is hoping sectarianism which remains a problem in Scottish football will not drive Kyle Lafferty away from the club. The player had been targeted after his car window had been smashed in a petrol station last week.

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes also had been targeted recently, where previously Neil Lennon was sent an explosive device earlier in the year and Niall McGinn and Paddy McCourt  were sent bullets in the post.

Speaking about the sectarian attacks, McCoist said; "I think we are all sick of it (sectarian attacks). So Kyle's no different from the rest of us," he said.

"Anthony Stokes' window gets panned in, and Kyle gets his car done. It's a sad reflection on society but I still think we are getting better.

"But I don't think what has happened would stand in the way of Kyle signing a new deal. I would certainly hope not anyway."

Kyle Lafferty aired his frustration at being targeted by thugs during in what should be a special moment in his life.

"I'm doing okay, but I'm sick of all this nonsense - there's no need for it," he said.

"All I want to do is concentrate on my football with Rangers  and my relationship with Nicola, and I can't wait for the birth of our baby in three weeks' time.

"These are exciting times for me and I don't need them ruined by incidents like this."

Walter Smith Keen On A Return To Management In England

Walter Smith has today confirmed that he would be willing to take up a opportunity to manage in England or abroad job a job offer come in for the former Rangers boss, the Scot quit his post at Ibrox at the end of last season after guiding Rangers to the SPL title.

Smith paved the way for his assistant at Rangers Ally McCoist to take over the hot seat for the Glasgow club; Smith has now suggested that he would love another crack at managing a club in England.

Smith also insisted that he has no plans to retire from being a manager, he said; "I never said I would retire, I said I would just be leaving Rangers."

"I wouldn't manage again in Scotland, I've managed Rangers on two occasions now and I've managed the national team.

"But if an opportunity came up to go to England or abroad, I would consider that."

James Beattie signs for Rangers

James Beattie has today completed his move to Glasgow Rangers from Stoke City and will go straight into the team to face Kilmarnock this weekend, Beattie has signed a two year contract with Gers.

Beattie's current £35k-a-week salary could of proved to be a stumbling block but Rangers were hopeful of clinching a deal for the 32-year old. Stoke City yesterday shelled out a club record £8million for Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones and with Beattie now off to Rangers they were able to balance their books.

James Beattie added, "I'm delighted to sign for a club like Glasgow Rangers and it was quite a quick deal as far as I'm concerned,"

"I came to Ibrox on Thursday morning and was met by the gaffer and (chief executive) Martin Bain.

Beattie said, "They showed me around the stadium, which was magnificent and you can see it is a club steeped in history. I then walked out on to the pitch, which was magnificent. The walk out, even when the stadium was empty, was something so I'm looking forward to walking out when it's full.

"There was interest from other clubs but when you come here and speak to Walter Smith and have a look around, the decision was easy."

FOOTBALL: Liverpool sign Rangers starlet Danny Wilson

Liverpool have today agreed in principal to sign youngster Danny Wilson from Glasgow Rangers, the 18 year old came through the youth setup at Ibrox and Wilson signed his first professional contract three years ago. The Rangers star has been a target for the Anfield target for sometime and everything but the transfer fee has been agreed.

Liverpool are set to announce the deal soon, will Wilson being pulled out of the Rangers squad which flew out for the pre-season tour of Austrailia today, with Liverpool hoping to complete the transfer allowing Wilson to join with his new team-mates at their pre-season training camp in Switzerland.

"We have agreed a deal in principle with Liverpool for the transfer of Danny Wilson," said Rangers chief executive Martin Bain on the club's official website.

"Liverpool's offer will see the club receive £2million up front with add-ons linked to games played, taking the total value of the deal to £5million."