McCoist - who was promoted from assistant to the top job when Walter Smith quit at the end of last season - has endured a challenging start to his tenure at the Ibrox helm.

The Scottish champions have crashed out of European competition twice already this term after failing to come through qualifying for both the Champions League and the Europa League.

McCoist also faced difficulties in landing a number of his targets during the transfer window, while being forced to contend with injury problems.

However, Rangers sit top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and Weir wants to see McCoist given a proper chance to make his mark as manager.

He said: "He has brought in new players and he has his own ideas. I know he wants to keep a lot of things the same but you can't be expected to be up and running in a couple of months.

"Football managers are under pressure, as players are. That's the environment you work in and that's the reality of the job. When you take the job, you know that.

"But you've got to give a manager the time to implement his strategies and philosophies.

"Then, after a period of time, after a number of years, if it's not happening, then maybe you've got to ask questions.

"But the most successful managers have had longevity and the time to put their ideas into practice.

"Rangers haven't had many managers over the history of the club so hopefully that will remain the case and people will be given the time to do the job that they are capable of doing."

Weir has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Champions League qualifier against Malmo on July 26 and the 41-year-old was reluctant to set a deadline for his return to action.

He said: "I don't really want to put a time on it because I thought I would have been back by now and I've been disappointed not to get back.

"I just want to be ready to come back whenever it may be and give myself the best chance of playing. Hopefully it won't be too long but I don't want to start setting targets and then be disappointed.

"It's a big concern to be honest because I've always been fortunate, especially while I've been here, to not be injured and to play.

"When you are injured, it asks you another question and it's another test. But football is all about tests and trying to overcome obstacles.

"It is an obstacle and there is competition for places now so it's going to be difficult to get in the team. But you've got to meet those challenges, whatever they may be, and I've got a couple of challenges coming up."

Rangers have been hit particularly hard with injuries in defence this season and the veteran centre-half added: "It is frustrating because you want to help and you want to be involved.

"We have had a couple of disappointments European-wise and you want to be able to help and play a part in it.

"It's disappointing when you can contribute but the boys have done well, particularly in the league, and some of the away performances and results have been very good.

"There have been negatives in the season, we can't deny that, but there have been positives as well."

Weir, meanwhile, insists he has no plans to call time on his playing career just yet.

Speaking at the launch of his autobiography, Extra Time, he said: "I've been asked that question for God knows how many years now and I've always had the same answer.

"Hopefully I'll be saying it for a while longer.

"I'm sure there will come a time when the final whistle will blow but I've been lucky to last as long as I have done and I've enjoyed every minute and I'm probably getting a bit greedy now."

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Meanwhile, new signing Matt McKay hopes to make his Rangers debut against Dundee United this weekend despite admitting he still has plenty to learn about Scottish football.

He said: "I don't know too much about Dundee United so far other than they play two hours away and they wear orange.

"I know they've not had the best start to the season but that they're usually a top-six side so they'll give the team another good challenge.

"Like anyone who goes to a new club, I want to be playing as soon as possible and I'm fit and ready.

"I've just had two internationals with Australia and I'm feeling fresh and I'm looking forward to playing my part."

The Australian midfielder arrived in Scotland yesterday and met his new team-mates for the first time at Murray Park today.

He told Blues News: "I'm hoping to settle as soon as possible and my first impressions have been really good. I'm getting lost in every room I go into at the moment but the facilities are great.

"I'm really enjoying meeting everyone and now it's a case of making sure I'm ready to play when I'm called upon."