Gazza can inspire Rangers to European glory, says assistant boss McCoist

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

• More Rangers news

The former Ibrox midfielder and England international is currently receiving treatment in the Priory rehabilitation clinic following reports of a suicide attempt in a London hotel.

The 40-year-old has fought a lengthy battle with alcoholism and depression in recent years and was sectioned under the Mental Health Act in February amidst fears for his safety from family and friends.

Scroll down for more

Celebrate good times: Former Rangers team-mates Gascoigne and McCoist

A former team-mate and close friend of McCoist's, however, Gazza remains an iconic figure at Ibrox and the Rangers assistant manager believes his attendance at the UEFA Cup Final would be a huge boost for the club.

"The sight of Gascoigne in Manchester would give everyone a boost and you never know, it might give the boys an extra bit of inspiration," said McCoist. "Gazza was one of the first to text after Fiorentina, just minutes after final whistle, which was absolutely fantastic, brilliant.

"Every one of us is with him all the way and I pray to God that he heals because he needs to heal. The rest of our boys feel the same and I am sure he will come through this and get better."

With Gascoigne's children now admitting they can do no more for their father, the legendary figure checked himself into the Roehampton clinic last week for his own protection.

Scroll down for more

On the European glory trail: Smith (right) and McCoist

Yet McCoist added: "I hope to God he can make the Final because you know what he is like with those Rangers fans. He is an absolute legend.

"I take comfort from the fact he was in touch right after the semi-final, which tells me he is maybe not as bad as is being made out.

"Gascoigne is a football person. Of course, there is daftness, as well, and there was always a lot of fun in our team but no one can ever say we never took our football seriously.

"He lives for football 24/7, like every one of that nine-in-a-row team did. I'd love him to be at that Final on Wednesday.

"Every team could do with a Gascoigne spark. We had it in the 1990s with him and Laudrup but never reached this stage."