McCoist eager to bring in new faces

Rangers manager Ally McCoist will step up his attempts to bolster his squad ahead of next week's Champions League qualifier against Malmo after watching his side held to a 1-1 draw by Hearts in their Clydesdale Bank Premier League opener.

The Scottish champions had hoped to begin the defence of their title with a victory, but goals in either half from David Obua and Steven Naismith ensured the points were shared at Ibrox. Rangers now turn their focus to Tuesday's European clash at the same venue as they bid to take a step closer to the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

He said: "I've made no secret of the fact and we are all aware that we hope to bring one or two players in."

He added: "If we can get them in beforehand, we will only have one of them who can play on Tuesday.

"If we get them in before the game, that would be great. We are certainly hoping to do that."

McCoist refused to blame the early start date to the season for the lacklustre efforts, saying: "I'm certainly not a fan of the early start to the season, there is no doubt about that.

"But I wouldn't put that down as a reason for us starting the game poorly, not at all.

Hearts boss Jim Jefferies refused to be drawn on how far his side can push the Old Firm this season but was thrilled with their opening day efforts.

He said: "I'm not looking into anything league-wise. Once you have eight or 10 games under your belt, that's when you can see what you have to do.

"It wasn't just the result for us, it was the performance too. Ibrox is not an easy place to come to and get a point."