IT's the job where stress and strain are unavoidable occupational hazards.

But Rangers manager Ally McCoist has more to worry about these days than mere football matches.

It's the health of his club that he's worried about, and yesterday Craig Levein expressed his admiration as McCoist shoulders the hopes of the beleaguered Rangers support.

The players are not speaking publicly and nor is anyone on the board, with the exception of a statement from Dave King. Paul Murray is a figure for supporters to rally around, perhaps, but he remains on the fringes.

McCoist is the one popular figure the supporters can look to within the club itself.

In Levein's view, it is McCoist's own deep emotional attachment to the club which dictates that he can do nothing but immerse himself in every attempt to save them.

"I think it will probably take more out of him because he is investing himself," said Levein

"He is carrying the weight of the club on his shoulders. Everybody else has scarpered and he is left holding the babies.

"To be manager of Rangers is a really difficult job. It's an experienced person's job, generally, and he has gone quite young into coaching and into the manager's job.

"You don't expect to have to deal with some of the things he's had to deal with.

"Alastair is a lot tougher than people give him credit for. They don't realise how strong a character he is.

"Although it is tough for him, Rangers couldn't have a better man fighting the corner for the staff, the players and the supporters."

Levein's admiration for McCoist did not extend to proposing him as the season's best manager, of course. He was at Hampden yesterday to publicise PFA Scotland's manager of the year award.

Although he paid tribute to Motherwell's Stuart McCall, his friend Peter Houston at Dundee United and Derek Adams of Ross County, the leading candidate was obvious.

"Neil Lennon has an outstanding chance because of the difficulties he's had and how he has worked his way through the problems," said Levein.

"Going back to the Kilmarnock game, they were 3-0 down at half-time and the guillotine was being sharpened. He says himself his head was on the chopping block. To go from that point to where he is now is a miraculous turnaround."

Levein and every senior club's manager will vote on the award and the winner will be announced at the PFA Scotland dinner on May 6, hosted in conjunction with sponsors Cheque Centre.