Ally McCoist, the Rangers manager, is relieved that his side avoided Celtic in the League Cup quarter-final draw, with the Ibrox club instead hosting St Johnstone next month.

Celtic, of course, have a Glasgow derby to look forward to in the last eight - against Partick Thistle.

There had been some discussion before the draw was made on Wednesday night as to how those at Rangers would feel about facing their city rivals for the first time since descending to the lower leagues. That has all proven to be superfluous, of course, and McCoist is satisfied to avoid an Old Firm cup tie.

"We certainly weren't pining for an Old Firm game and we would take whoever the cup draw gave us," he said. "It's going to be tough against St Johnstone. It's one which can be put on the back burner."