Rangers manager Ally McCoist revels in SPL away record
Last updated on .From the section Football
Rangers manager Ally McCoist was delighted that his players maintained their flawless Scottish Premier League away record with victory at Tannadice.
Striker Kyle Lafferty's 61st-minute goal against 10-man Dundee United follows wins on the road at St Johnstone, Inverness and Motherwell.
"We know they are very difficult places to go," said McCoist after Rangers' fourth SPL away game without conceding.
"We have played some good football and I feel deservedly won all those games."
United's Johnny Russell was shown a straight red card by referee Calum Murray after half an hour for directing a headbutt at Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot.
"It was a moment of madness from young Johnny," added McCoist.
"He just lost his head and that changed the game. We kept our discipline; we didn't start panicking, just playing balls forward in search of a goal.
"Looking over the 90 minutes I felt we were worthy of the three points. We created chances that on another day we could have added to.
"I would have loved the second goal and I felt our play probably merited it as well, when [Steven] Davis's shot hit both posts.
"But we kept our discipline at the back; the back four marshalled the position well."
The result means Rangers go in to next Sunday's Old Firm match at Ibrox topping the table and McCoist hopes that striker Nikica Jelavic will be available after injuring his knee playing for Croatia against Israel in midweek.
"It's nothing major," said the Rangers manager.
"There's a little bit of stiffness in the knee and the medical lads didn't want to take a chance with him.
"He will get a bit of treatment tomorrow and Monday and I am very hopeful for next week."
New arrival Matt McKay, the Australian midfielder, made a substitute's appearance in the final 10 minutes at Tannadice.
"He looked lively, he keeps the ball, has a nice left foot and he looks quick enough," added McCoist.
"The fans will take to him because he is a whole-hearted player. I like the Aussies and the Americans; they have a great work ethic and they have a great education in sport.
"Matt is that - he knows how to commit himself to a winning team and the fans will enjoy his play."
Another new face at the Murray Park training ground is 26-year-old Argentinian triallist Matias Abelairas.
McCoist said of the left-sided midfielder: "He is out of contract and looking for a club. We are just having a look at him. He was up at the game today.
"There's not a lot in it at the moment. We are having a look at him and he is having a look at the facilities and training with us for four or five days and we will see where it takes us."
