SASA PAPAC is disappointed Ally McCoist won't get the chance to lead out Rangers at Hampden.

But the former Ibrox hero has backed caretaker boss Kenny McDowall to handle the Old Firm heat and give the Light Blues a fighting chance of upsetting the odds.

After guiding Rangers through Third Division and League One campaigns, McCoist will miss out on what would have been one of his biggest days in the dugout on Sunday.

He will have to watch on from afar as McDowall and his players look to see off Celtic and book their place in the League Cup final.

Papac told SportTimes: "It is sad that Ally is no longer at the club. I was disappointed when I heard that he had left Rangers. He is a legend at the club and was well thought of by the fans, the players, the staff.

"He stayed with the club through a bad situation because he is a Rangers man and he wanted to do his best for the club.

"It is sad he is not there. A man like Ally should be at Rangers and maybe in the future there will be a way for him to come back to the club again."

While McCoist watches on, his friend and former assistant will be in the heart of the battle as the Gers go head-to-head with Ronny Deila's side.

It is the toughest test of his managerial reign to date, but Papac reckons his big-game experience will stand the 51-year-old in good stead.

He said: "Kenny is a very good coach and he has got experience of being involved in these games.

"He knows what the Celtic game means and has been involved in winning matches against Celtic. It will be a big day for him.

"I think his experience will be good for Rangers and for the players. He knows the club well and he will know what to expect this weekend.

"It is a difficult situation for him at the club. But I believe in Kenny and I believe he can get a win for Rangers."