And the Ibrox assistant manager believes the Dons' shock semi-final defeat to Queen of the South last week will act as a warning to his players ahead of their own last-four clash with St Johnstone.

The Irn-Bru First Division outfit are all that stands between Rangers and another Hampden final and, even though it has been a year of cup shocks on both sides of the border, McCoist is refusing to even contemplate an upset at the national stadium tomorrow.

"We are not thinking about that, that's for sure," he said.

"In the Scottish Cup and the FA Cup, it's been incredible this year.

"But we came through a tough game against Partick Thistle and that should be education enough for our team, as should Queen of the South beating Aberdeen in the semi-final.

"We will treat St Johnstone with maximum respect because they are a good side and Derek (McInnes) has them playing some great football.

"But that's as far it goes. We are going to pick a team on Sunday that should win the game.

"It's a massive game for us because you are effectively judged on the trophies you win and it's a second opportunity for us to get to a final and another ideal chance for us to pick up more silverware.

"But the other semi-final showed us how difficult that will be."

McInnes used to provide lifts for McCoist during their playing days together at Ibrox and the Gers number two is not surprised to see his close friend driving St Johnstone towards success.

"Not in the slightest," he insisted.

"Derek was my travelling companion to Ibrox latterly in my career and he is just a great lad.

"Sometimes you play and train with guys who you have a feeling will go into coaching and management at the end of their careers and Derek absolutely had that in mind.

"It's probably come as a surprise to him, dare I say it, that it's come so quickly but I think he has come in and handled it really well.

"He wants to do well and he will get better. I don't doubt that Derek will want to break our hearts and a little bit of his own heart on Sunday."

As for McCoist's own venture into coaching in the last 15 months, he added: "I can't speak for Derek but I'm sure he's not surprised to see me in coaching.

"I'm maybe a bit surprised that I'm sitting here myself but it's been great, I've loved every minute of it.

"I dreamed about doing this job and I'm very fortunate."

Rangers are hoping to return to winning ways following defeat to Celtic in the midweek Old Firm derby.

They remain in the hunt for a further three trophies this season, with a UEFA Cup semi-final against Fiorentina to look forward to this coming week.

And McCoist beamed: "I've had a fantastic year, it's been a real rollercoaster.

"We've had some great highs like winning the CIS Cup, the European run and then there's the lows. Wednesday night was a low.

"But I think that's all part of the learning curve.

"Once they cross the line, there's not a lot I can do about it. I think that's what I've learned the most."