Rangers boss Ally McCoist has dismissed claims that his club have played the system in order to allow them to field Lee McCulloch against Celtic on Wednesday night.

The Glasgow club are appealing the red card McCulloch received against St Mirren on Christmas Eve and some have claimed that Rangers are taking advantage of the Scottish FA disciplinary system, as the move will mean the midfielder is available for the Old Firm clash.

However McCoist denied these suggestions, saying: "Are we playing the system? Not at all.

"I've watched it yesterday, eight, nine, ten times - every angle. I think it's harsh."

If Rangers appeal of McCulloch's dismissal is deemed opportunistic by the SFA, then it is possible his ban will be extended by another match.