ALLY McCOIST used to share a dressing room with Gus MacPherson during their Kilmarnock days and he always knew his good pal was destined for a management career.

So the Rangers assistant manager insists the Ibrox club will be giving their Scottish Cup semi-final opponents every respect when they clash at Hampden Park tomorrow lunchtime to battle it out for a place in the final.

McCoist has carried out several spying missions to get the lowdown on MacPherson's side.

And the upshot is he knows Rangers will be facing a side that will provide them with a tougher test than many might expect.

"I've been to watch St Mirren on several occasions this season," explained McCoist. "That's partly down to the fact they are my local team.

"They are not a team with any superstars but they have is a tremendous working unit who are all willing to dig deep and help each other out and there is a good mix of youth and experience there.

"They've already defeated us once this season at Love Street and don't forget the fact they knocked Celtic out in the previous round.

"So you can take it as ready we will not be taking anything for granted."

With Rangers just one point behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the title race, the Ibrox club know they are still in with a shout of landing the double.

Ibrox legend McCoist admitted that prospect would spur his team on.

"It would be fantastic," beamed McCoist. "Especially when it has been a bit of a bumpy ride for everyone involved at the club this season.

"If we are honest, we start out wanting to win the league because that is the priority."

Rangers preparations for the game were disrupted with the injury blow to Barry Ferguson as he bid to force his way back into the first-team after being axed for his part in the Scotland boozegate scandal.

Although it was unlikely he would have started tomorrow, McCoist insists he was in their plans for this season and still will be should he return within the three-week period the midfielder has suggested as a possible return time.

"I spoke to Barry after the game," explained Coisty.

"He had a scan yesterday and definitely has a tear. Nobody knows calf injuries better than me.

"He is saying three weeks and while I hope that is the case, it might take a bit longer from personal experience.

"I do not think that for a minute this is the end of him at Rangers.

"He still has a year left on his contract to go and there is every chance he will play again.

"All he has is a calf injury. Unless something else happens - if someone comes in for him or if he wishes to leave - he will be here next year.

"That's the way I am seeing it and I am sure Barry will be the same.

"What has been said is in the past. The same goes for Allan McGregor. Of course he has a chance.

"It would be the same for Barry if he was fit. If they are ready to play then we think about it over the next 24 hours.

"It was a club issue and we all have to stick with that. His attitude has never been a problem. He comes in and does his work and that's the way I have always known him to be.

"I don't know what goes on in the dressing room because my days of being in there are long gone."