Rangers 3 East Stirling 1: Ally McCoist delight at Sandy Jardine appearance

The Glasgow giants defeated East Stirling to take their lead at the top of the Scottish Third Division to 23 points.

However McCoist said it was the appearance of the celebrated member of the team which won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1972 that gave him the most pleasure.

Jardine, who has been receiving treatment since before Christmas, spoke to fans over the PA system and McCoist said: “The three points were massive, but seeing Sandy back at the club was a massive, massive boost for everybody. It was fantastic.

“We were absolutely delighted and people were visibly moved to see him back here and I thought he was looking brilliant, I really did.

“He came in for a cup of tea before the game and he was obviously looking a little bit weaker than normal.

“But after what he has been through, I think he is looking absolutely remarkable even if he still has a good bit to go.

“Having spoken to him, if anyone is ready for the challenge and the fight ahead, it is Sandy Jardine.”

Rangers trailed the visitors at the break thanks to an Andrew Stirling strike, but hit back through a Lee McCulloch goal and a double from Andy Little.

McCulloch admitted that strong words were exchanged in the Rangers dressing room at half-time.

The Gers captain said: “The boys were having a wee go at each other at half-time, which was needed. We knew it wasn’t good enough.

“After having a chat with each other, it showed in the second half, when we came out to play some good stuff at times.”

Meanwhile SFA chief executive Stewart Regan has called on everyone in Scottish football to move on after the SPL decided that Rangers would suffer no sporting sanction for non-disclosure of payments.

Regan said: “If we were as good at promoting and growing the game on the field as we are at picking over the bones and the negative issues and the animosity and the conspiracy theories, we would be really world class.”