Celtic fans have been known to put their allegiances to one side when it comes to McCoist
Ally McCoist has spoken of his happiness at being respected by Celtic fans.
A significant chunk of McCoist’s 355 goals for Rangers came at the expense of the Parkhead club, but these days he enjoys a positive relationship with many of the supporters who he put through the ringer as a player.
In an interview with the Guardian, he talked about the pride he takes in comparisons with the late, great Tommy Burns, whose casket he helped carry at his funeral in 2008.
While acknowledging that he may never become “universally loved”, the 58-year-old talked about how rival supporters could at least relate to him.
McCoist said: “I’m proud of that. One of the reasons Old Firm supporters could relate to me was I was one of them, playing for the team I wanted to play for.
“If we scored at Celtic Park, the only people I wanted to celebrate in front of was Rangers supporters. I wasn’t interested in getting involved with the opposition.
“I had a lot of respect for where I was and who was there.”
On Burns, regarded as one of Celtic’s all-time greats, McCoist said: “Tommy Burns was a brilliant human being.
“One of the biggest compliments ever paid to me was that I was to Celtic supporters what Tommy was to Rangers supporters.
“You’re not universally loved, far from it, but you are accepted.”
McCoist won 10 league titles in his time at Ibrox, but endured a less successful period in the dugout as he became manager during a tumultuous period at the club.
Since leaving Rangers he’s become a popular pundit, and has formed a cult following in the commentary box with Jon Champion.
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