FRASER Aird today paid tribute to Rangers skipper Lee McCulloch for making sure Ally McCoist's shock resignation hasn't impacted on the Ibrox players.

Aird and his team mates were stunned to discover that McCoist had decided to stand down as Gers boss after three-and-half years in charge.

The 52-year-old has started a 12 month notice period - but it is unlear if he will stay on or will be paid off and a replacement brought in.

The uncertainty over the legendary striker's future didn't appear to affect his side at the weekend as they cruised to a 2-0 win over Livingston at Ibrox.

Aird, who picked up the Man of the Match award after scoring the first goal and creating the second, is determined to help the Light Blues go on a winning run for his gaffer.

And he has praised the senior players at the Glasgow giants - and captain McCulloch especially - for ensuring that mounting speculation over McCoist's position has not affected them.

He said: "All of the older boys in the squad are good.

"They are always there for a bit of advice when you need it.

"But Lee McCulloch especially is good.

"He has been very good with me personally over the years since I have broken into the first team.

"Whenever I have needed something since I have been playing for the side I have always gone to him. That is what the captain is for.

"He has been at the club through the good times and the bad.

"He knows what it is all about and how to handle whatever situation arises.

"There have been a lot of stories with the manager resigning, but we have all worked hard in training and Lee and the older guys have been responsible for that.

"We wanted to go out and put on a performance and put the defeat to Queen of the South behind us and that is what we succeeded in doing.

"To get the win against Livingston was pleasing.

"Hopefully now we can go on a run in all competitions and stay on track to win promotion in the league."

Aird added: "As I say, all of the older players in the squad have been great and they certainly played their part in our win at the weekend.

"The likes of Waldo, Boydy, Blacky and Kenny, Foster and Jig have all been invaluable for us.

"They are great to be around and as a younger player you can only learn off them.

"It is good for us to have a backbone of experienced players like that running through the team."