ALLY McCOIST today defended his decision to call off Rangers' Championship clash with Cowdenbeath last Saturday.

The SPFL upheld the Light Blues' request after an appeal from Jimmy Nicholl's side as Rangers spent the international weekend on the sidelines.

Hearts extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points, but McCoist insists the right call was made for his side.

He said: "The first thing is that I've got to look after the interests of my football club and I think the best way to put it would be if we played the fixture without four players and we got beaten, I'm not sure there would be too much sympathy and people would say they were a wee bit unlucky because they had four players missing.

"I think we all know football doesn't work like that. So it is our job to play as strong as possible a team for ourselves, but also to respect the opposition.

"Having called some games off now, I think it would grossly unfair on some of the other teams.

"For example, if we go to play Dumbarton while there is an international and we play them while we are missing four players, is that then fair on Cowdenbeath?

"So we have to show fairness to everyone, but the most important thing is that we have to look after our own corner."

McCoist has yet to see Kris Boyd net in the Championship this term, but he is confident the goal drought will come to an end.

He said: "Boydy will be fine. He's been contributing in other ways and I just think it's a matter of time before he gets off and running."