RANGERS boss Ally McCoist today defended his side's pre-match build-up for the SPFL League One match against Forfar Athletic.

The Ibrox club booked into a plush hotel in Carnoustie yesterday ahead of the game against their part-time rivals at Station Park.

The move raised eyebrows as Light Blues chief executive Graham Wallace has embarked on a series of cost-cutting measures. And last week he asked the first team squad to take a 15% pay cut in an attempt to drive down the wage bill. But McCoist, whose side beat Forfar 2-0 to move 20 points clear of Dunfermline at the top of the table, defended the preparations.

He said: "First and foremost, the game was rearranged on December 5. We look ahead and we made our preparations then.

"I can understand people questioning them, but it is my job as Rangers manager to give my players the best opportunity to perform to their best. We are Rangers Football Club. We have always been, and always attempt to be, as professional as we possibly can. That will never change as long as I am manager.

"We have to give the players the opportunity to play as well as they can. We have to prepare for games as well as we can. We will continue to do that.

"Until we are told that we can't prepare as well as we would like then I will continue to do that. If I do get told we can't prepare in the manner we are accustomed to then I will alter it.

"It would be disrespectful to the opposition if we didn't prepare as well as we could. Anyway, the Forfar boys went away for a pre-match meal as well.

"We have to do what we think is right and that is to prepare the boys in the correct manner. And that is eating and resting and being totally professional.

"If there are cuts in certain areas then we will adjust to that. But we will continue to be as professional as we possible can if cuts are made."

McCoist, meanwhile, confirmed that he will hold further meetings with chief executive Wallace this week about the ongoing cost-cutting at Rangers.

He said: "I have got a meeting pencilled in for Friday. I would imagine that we will be meeting either today or tomorrow as well.

"I don't know what to expect. That is not my gig at all. We will react to the decisions that are made and we will get on with it as best we can.

"I don't want to think negatively at all about anything. I am not closing my eyes to the situation. Some people maybe think that I have done that. But I am well aware of the situation and will react accordingly."

McCoist was delighted with the 2-0 win -which was achieved courtesy of Bilel Mohsni and David Templeton goals - at a venue Gers have struggled at this season.

He said: "It was a fantastic result. We scored two wonderful goals at a ground we have found difficult to play at this season. It is a tough place to go."