McCoist backs Miller to shine

Assistant manager confident striker can silence critics

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 30th June 2008

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Miller: Controversial switch

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Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist expects Kenny Miller to silence the Ibrox doubters next season.

The striker recently returned for a second spell with the Gers but has seen his arrival met with discontent from certain sections of the club support.

A season spent with arch rivals Celtic has hardly helped his cause, while some supporters believe he is not the type of player that Rangers should be looking to bring in.

It has become clear that the Scottish international will need an explosive start to the season if he is to win over the fans, but his new coach believes Miller has the ability to do just that.

"Yes, Kenny is under pressure but we are all under pressure to get results," McCoist said.

Competitor

"I know there has been a little bit of controversy, if you like, because of the move but I don't think it's a big deal at all.

"Players come and go between clubs and because he played for Rangers then Celtic and is now back at Rangers makes no difference to me.

"The only thing that does matter to me is that he plays well.

"Kenny will endear himself to the fans because of the way he plays the game. He works his socks off and he is just a tremendous, tremendous competitor.

"So from that point of view I don't think Kenny will have a problem.

"All I would ask is that everybody gives him a fair crack of the whip and then I would expect Kenny to do very, very well."

Crazy

Miller could be paired in the Rangers attack next season with international team-mate Kris Boyd.

The forward is a summer transfer target for Championship side Cardiff, but McCoist is expecting the 24-year-old to still be with the Gers when the new season gets under way in August.

"Nothing is 100 per cent guaranteed in football but I would be very disappointed if Kris Boyd didn't start the season, or finish the season for that matter, with us," he added.

"In my opinion he is the best finisher in the country and I don't think many people would disagree with that.

"We want to keep our best players and we have somebody who can do the hardest job in the game, that is put the ball in the net.

"We would be crazy to let him go."