The Ibrox icon delivered a scathing verdict on the team he loves after he watched them fold at Tynecastle

Ally McCoist Slams Rangers as “Mentally Fragile” and Backs Hearts to End 66-Year Title Drought

The Rangers legend didn’t hold back in his criticism of his former club after watching Derek McInnes’ side fall seven points behind league leaders Hearts, with just three matches left in the Premiership season.

Despite Dujon Sterling giving Rangers an early lead, second-half goals from Stephen Kingsley and Lawrence Shankland sealed a comeback win for Hearts, who also moved three points clear of Celtic in what is shaping up to be a historic campaign.

Speaking on talkSPORT, McCoist said: “Hearts got a brilliant result, and I genuinely hope they go on to win it now. They thoroughly deserve it. They’ve played Rangers and Celtic seven times combined, winning five and drawing one—that’s incredible. They still have Celtic to face on the final day, which could be crucial—but it might not even matter.”

While McCoist admires Hearts’ resilience, he believes Rangers lack the grit required to top Scottish football. He also warned Danny Röhl’s side that playing in patches won’t be enough to beat their rivals.

“You’d think so, but the problem is Rangers look mentally weak. I know saying they’ve ‘got nothing to play for’ sounds ridiculous ahead of an Old Firm game, but I’m just not sure they’re strong enough mentally. That concerns me,” he said.

“Look at the pattern: 2-0 up against Celtic, they only play 45 minutes. 2-0 down at Livingston, another 45 minutes. Against Motherwell, 2-0 up, again just 45 minutes. They can’t put together a full 90-minute performance.”

McCoist then agreed with a fan’s suggestion that the lack of Scottish players in Rangers’ starting XI has cost them the title.

“First thing I jotted down—no Scots. It’s unbelievable. Say what you want, but it matters. It’s huge. Our successful Rangers team was full of Scots: Gough, Goram, McCall, Durrant, Brown—I could name eight. Yes, we also had top-class Europeans, but you need Scots in your team. They understand what it takes.”

McCoist doubled down on his claims about mental fragility, contrasting Rangers’ weakness with Hearts’ strength.

“Credit to Hearts—absolutely different class. The spirit they showed was outstanding. Rangers dominated the first half, but that’s the problem—no killer instinct.

You can have all the talent in the world, but without the will to win and mental strength, you win nothing. If you’re mentally weak and lack ability—and Rangers lack both—then you’ve got no chance. In the second half, Hearts looked mentally strong. That’s everything.”