McCoist has emerged as one of the favourites for the vacant manager's position at the Stadium of Light following the departure of Roy Keane.

However, Rangers chairman Sir David Murray recently revealed McCoist would be the natural successor to Walter Smith if Rangers can wrestle the title back from Celtic.

McCoist, a former Sunderland striker, has reiterated that Rangers are the team he has always wanted to coach.

"At the moment my job is to be assistant to the manager. Walter is still my father figure and boss," McCoist told the Daily Record.

"I'm not thinking about anything beyond that and it doesn't annoy me that people still think of me as the boy who sowed his wild oats without considering I might make it as a coach.

"The people who really know me understand football is my life, Rangers is my team - and I have no regrets about giving up a life in television to pursue my dream of working for the club."

Rangers striker Kenny Miller said: "I wouldn't ever want to see the day when Ally left Rangers - and I'm sure that goes for Walter Smith and Sir David Murray.

"He makes Murray Park a great place to work during the week, and I can assure you he's not here for a laugh.

"This is where Ally wants to make a managerial career for himself.

"He's also got a bigger job with Rangers than he would have for Sunderland."