McCoist still has the knack

While football observers are waxing ecstatically over the foreign players in the English Premiership, Scotland too can boast several quality imports over the summer months.

Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen have all increased their foreign legions, yet one Scot refuses to walk out of the spotlight. Ally McCoist proved once again that he has few peers in the business of putting the ball in the net with a hat-trick against Dunfermline.

His efforts helped Rangers to a 5-2 win over the Fife side and also give Rangers increased confidence that they can find the net against Alania Vladikavkaz in Russia in the European Cup on Wednesday.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Rangers will look to the on-form Brian Laudrup and Peter van Vossen, as well as McCoist, to put the tie beyond doubt. Van Vossen scored the other goals for Rangers on Saturday.

Tommy Burns, the Celtic manager, declared himself unhappy with his players despite their 4-1 win over Raith Rovers at Celtic Park. Leading 3-0 after 50 minutes, the home side relaxed, allowing Raith the chance to get back into the game.

"I was happy for an hour, but then we went to sleep. We should be looking to score goals all the time," Burns said. Andreas Thom scored a double for Celtic, with their other goals coming from Pierre van Hooijdonk and Simon Donnelly. Ominously, with just 2 games played, Rangers and Celtic are clear of the rest already.

The draw for the third round of the Coca-Cola Cup produced good news for two smaller clubs. Ayr United were given the plum tie of a visit to Ibrox while Alloa will have to move their home game with Celtic away from 4,000-capacity Recreation Park.

COCA-COLA CUP Third-round draw: Dundee United v Dundee; St Johnstone v Hearts; Rangers v Ayr; Morton v Aberdeen; Dunfermline v St Mirren; Albion Rovers v Hibernian; Partick Thistle v Airdrie; Alloa v Celtic. (Ties to be played 3 or 4 September).