ALLY McCoist today paid tribute to former Rangers star Carlos Bocanegra after he announced his retirement from football.

The American will hang up his boots at the end of the current Major League Soccer campaign as he brings the curtain down on a glittering career.

After a successful spell down south with Fulham, Bocanegra turned out for Rennes and St Etienne before joining Rangers.

He became a hero with the Light Blue legions during a short lived spell in Glasgow and McCoist has hailed his former defender as he gets set to bow out from the game. He said: "On behalf of all the players and staff at Rangers I would like to wish Carlos all the very best as he retires.

"Although he only spent one full season with us, he was a fantastic leader and terrific ambassador for Rangers during his time at Ibrox.

"I had the pleasure of meeting up with Carlos during our pre-season trip to the United States in the summer and he spoke in glowing terms about his spell in Scotland.

"He joined us near the end of his career but he was a fine player for us and the Rangers fans appreciated everything he gave us.

"Carlos also went on record to say how much he enjoyed his time in Scotland and if he could have spent his entire European career with Rangers he would have.

"He will always be held in the highest regard at this club and the fact he has played at the highest levels of the game for so long is testament to the quality and character he possesses.

"I wish Carlos well for the future and I have no doubt he will be a huge asset to the game as a coach or manager in the years ahead."

It was a case of right place at the wrong time for Bocanegra as his arrival at Ibrox coincided with Rangers' financial problems and drop into the then Third Divison.

He made a handful of appearances for McCoist's side on The Journey before joining Racing Santander on loan and then clinching a move to Chivas USA.

But the 110-times capped star insists he will never forget his time at Rangers.

He said: "There are a lot of memories from the different club teams. You are making new friends, seeing new places, and experiencing new cultures. Soccer has shown me the world, and I grew up and became the man I am because of it. One that sticks out was my time at Rangers.

"It was a fantastic experience at the top club in the country. To have the chance to play in front of 52,000 fans every game at Ibrox was incredible.

"That showed me how much I love soccer and how much supporters can be a part of a club and even be part of a culture. Those things you never forget."

Meanwhile, Rangers' league trip to Hearts on Saturday, November 22 has been moved forward to 12.45pm for BT Sport coverage.