ALLY McCOIST is pleased Rangers have avoided the distraction of an Old Firm cup clash.

The Light Blues were in the hat with Celtic for the League Cup quarter-final draw this week.

Rangers were handed a home tie against St Johnstone while Ronny Deila's side face Partick Thistle.

And McCoist is now determined to focus on the Championship title race after the Gers saw off Falkirk on Tuesday evening.

McCoist said: "We said if we could get a home tie we would take it and we've got that against a side which, on its day, is capable of giving anybody a game.

"St Johnstone are a really solid, hard-working team which ended up winning the Scottish Cup quite comfortably last season.

"As much as we're pleased with the draw, we've certainly not underestimating the task ahead of us.

"We certainly weren't pining for an Old Firm game and we would take whoever the cup draw gave us.

"It's going to be a tough game against St Johnstone. It's one which can hopefully be put on the back burner a little bit.

"We'll certainly be doing that because we've got some tough league games to concentrate on before we concentrate our thoughts on the League Cup again."

Rangers return to league action on Monday against Hibs and could welcome back midfielder Lewis Macleod from injury.

Front man Nicky Clark has returned to training after he was taken off against Alloa while goalkeeper Cammy Bell's shoulder operation has been a success.

Striker Kenny Miller remains out of action with a calf problem.