ALLY McCoist has praised Andy Little for the important role he played in the Rangers fightback against Arbroath.

And McCoist has hinted he could now be set to give the Northern Ireland internationalist an extended run in his preferred position up front.

The Gers fell a goal behind to their part-time opponents in the second half of the SPFL League One game at Ibrox on Saturday.

But the Light Blues manager made an inspired substitution that brought about a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for his side.

He threw on David Templeton for Nicky Clark and moved Little from wide on the left into attack alongside Jon Daly.

McCoist said: "We got off to a poor start in the second half, but I was absolutely delighted with the reaction and the quality of our goals.

"I thought the game changed when we put Andy Little through the middle. He was very direct and he turned their back four.

"I was pleased to see him get his goal because I thought the rest of our team reacted to Andy's contribution. He threw down the challenge a bit.

"I thought him moving up front was a big change in the game for us. I don't think anybody could begrudge us the victory in the end."

He added: "I believe the way Jon and Andy and Nicky Clark went through the middle they definitely worked their back four.

"If you can work them when you are not getting your rewards at the start of the game then I believe, nine times out of 10, you'll get your rewards at the end of the game."