Why Ally McCoist was ‘going mad’ at Anthony Ralston but Rangers hero defended Celtic star

The Hoops right-back’s display was a big talking point from Wednesday’s game

Ally McCoist was “going mad” as Anthony Ralston struggled against Switzerland – but at the Celtic star’s teammates rather than him.

Ralston had a nightmare of a first half against the Swiss, gifting Xherdan Shaqiri the ball with a slack pass before the little forward smashed one into the roof of the net to equalise. He generally struggled throughout the first 45 too as he was given a lot of problems down Switzerland’s left.

The right wing-back bounced back and turned in a strong second half display as Steve Clarke’s side saw out the draw. But McCoist was apparently fuming during the opening period – and not at the Hoops man himself but his teammates over the lack of help they were giving him.

Sam Allardyce has told how the Rangers legend felt Ralston should have been given more help defensively, instead of being left on his own to deal with the threat of Michel Aebischer.

Allardyce told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “To see Scotland bounce back with a bit of fight. So the one that hit the post and then the lad who missed the header [Grant Hanley] at the other end. So it really could have gone either way, but a draw’s a fair result in the end.

“I mean, what was his name the fullback who passed that ball to him (Ralston). He must still be having nightmares over that.

Ally McCoist was going mad about it. ‘Get him some help. He needs some help. Get him some help.’

Because instead of doubling up for him, he was getting isolated too much and he was struggling to cope with him.”