Ally McCoist gets carried away over big Hearts moment and responds 'absolutely' to title race question
The Rangers and Scotland hero has been assessing another big weekend for Hearts.
Ally McCoist can see Hearts going the distance in this year’s Premiership title race - as he was left floored by a huge Jambos moment at Dundee.
The Tynecastle side are still leading the pack after a 1-0 win at Dens Park, playing the entire second half with 10 men. They have Glasgow’s big two on their heels though, with Celtic back in calmer waters after the chaotic Wilfried Nancy tenure, Martin O’Neill returning as gaffer and guiding them to a 4-0 weekend stroll over Dundee United.
McCoist was keeping a close eye on former side Rangers as they kept place in second with a 2-0 victory over Aberdeen. The former striker is in no doubt that the Jambos managed by Derek McInnes will take this title race all the way into the spring, as he assessed the weekend’s top flight action.
Ally McCoist on Premiership title race
He said on talkSPORT: “Martin comes back in, goes to a four straight away, comfortable victory. They should have ended up with 10 men, poor refereeing. Celtic got back to winning ways and in comfortable fashion. I didn’t think it was any real surprise there. The big test will be the next few games.
“They played well against Rangers for 45 minutes and then were well beaten and it was no surprise that Nancy lost his job, none at all. It was clear – he had to go. There was nearly a revolt, a civil war going on with the fans and the board which I don’t think has been completely sorted out yet.
“Martin coming in will calm things down because he’s a calming influence. I did say and I’ll say again, he’s a safe pair of hands but he’s much better than that. A bit of stability. Hearts again though, tremendous result, down to 10 men, Claudio Braga scores again lovely goal. Big three points.
Ally McCoist on Craig Gordon save vs Dundee
“They don’t look like they’ll go away any time soon. They lost game at Easter Road and were well beaten, they came into the game late on but Hibs deserved to beat them. They’ve been Celtic and Rangers home and away twice. Rangers have been absolutely tremendous result wise under Danny Rohl, tremendous. The last seven games, they’ve beaten Celtic, lost to Hearts, but some brilliant results at Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Hibs.
“They’ve got themselves right back in it, absolutely back in it. For the first time in a long time its really, really interesting. Hearts have been a breath of fresh air and they’re there on merit. Do I think they’ll stay the distance? Absolutely. I’m not sure they’ll win it but they’ll be there or thereabouts which I think is great.”
McCoist was also left floored by Craig Gordon’s stunning save to deny Emile Acquah a late leveller for Dundee, handing it comparisons to legendary keeper Gordon Banks’ historic save from Pele in an England clash with Brazil. Asked if the moment is save of the season, McCoist responded: “It’s got to be up there. You could get carried away and I am getting carried away. It’s a similar one to Banksy’s which is one of the greatest saves we’ve seen of all time – it’s similar. The opposite side, plucks it out with his left hand. It’s a tremendous save. I think he might you know (go to the World Cup). Why not? It would be incredible.”