Friday 26 December 2014 13:47, UK
Lee McCulloch has revealed saying goodbye to his hero Ally McCoist earlier this week was an emotional occasion.
McCoist's three-and-a-half year reign as Rangers manager was brought to an end on Sunday when the club placed him on gardening leave.
And the following day McCoist said his farewells to the squad members at their training base at Murray Park.
He spoke brilliantly and thanked everybody.
Skipper McCulloch, who has moved into a captain-coach role at the club following McCoist's departure, said: "It was emotional. He spoke brilliantly and thanked everybody.
“He thanked the staff at Murray Park and also the players. And the players thanked him back. So, yeah, it was emotional. Monday was a pretty tough day to be honest.
"Ally did loads for me and my career. He was obviously my hero before I came here, watching him play as a Rangers fan.
"Then coming in as a player, I found it a little bit tough at the start of my stint here. But he stuck by me, which gave me confidence. And then he appointed me captain as well, so there are a number of things he has done for me."
McCulloch is confident his former boss will do well if he gets a chance at another club, adding: “He has got great knowledge of the game and has gained great respect from the dressing room."
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Hibernian, and their chances of catching runaway Scottish Championship leaders Hearts, McCulloch added: "There is an obvious gap to Hearts that we don't want to get any bigger.
"So Saturday's match is going to be really tough but one we are confident we can take something from. There will be a full house at Easter Road. Every time Hibs have played us this season they have been on top of their game. We will need to be guarded against that.
"You gauge yourself against the top teams in your division and so far we have come up short. But Saturday is a chance to put that right."
Watch Rangers attempt to pull clear of Hibs in the race for second spot live on Sky Sports 1 from midday this Saturday.
