Ally McCoist at centre of classy gesture from Rangers ahead of Lyon tie at Ibrox

Ally McCoist was gifted with a custom Rangers jersey as he made an appearance at Ibrox after being awarded an OBE this week.

The Rangers Review posted on X (3 October) a photo of the Ibrox legend holding up a shirt with his famous number nine on the back, and the letters OBE above it to commemorate McCoist’s award.

McCoist appeared on the Ibrox pitch ahead of the Gers’ Europa League match against Lyon on Thursday (3 October), with Philippe Clement’s side looking to make it two wins from two in Europe and five on the spin in all competitions.

Rangers have to take Ally McCoist inspiration against Lyon

Arguably Ibrox’s favourite son, McCoist’s presence in the stadium during the Gers’ first European home tie of the season will certainly help to add to the atmosphere against Lyon.

Although Clement’s side have won their last four matches without conceding, they’ve not exactly embodied the spirit of McCoist at the other end and have been profligate in front of goal.

Cyriel Dessers, who dons the number nine shirt at Ibrox these days, may have netted seven goals in 11 appearances so far this season, but hasn’t been spared criticism after some high-profile misses.

Facing a Lyon side packed with quality despite making a slow start to their own campaign, Dessers and co cannot afford to be wasteful in a game expected to be decided by fine margins.

McCoist wouldn’t have allowed himself to be out of the goals for long, but eve after receiving an OBE this week, there’s nothing that will please the 62-year-old more than a Rangers win in Europe.

In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd was “surprised” at how long it’s taken for one player to return to the first-team fold at Ibrox.

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