Ally McCoist gets emotional as Rangers legend speaks of ITV World Cup Final ‘privilege’ and fans all say the same thing

ALLY McCOIST won plenty of honours on the football pitch with Rangers and international caps for Scotland.

But the manager turned media personality has spoken of his ‘privilege’ at being called for punditry duty for today’s World Cup Final.

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Argentina took on France at the Lusail Stadium in Doha.Credit: Getty

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France were defending their 2018 trophy – with Lionel Messi and Argentina hoping to avenge their 2014 defeat to Germany.Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

Sitting alongside Arsenal ace Lee Dixon on the gantry for ITV, McCoist informed the viewers on all things Argentina and France as the international pair went head-to-head for glory in Qatar.

And the Scotsman was a popular choice for the broadcaster – as the additional voice to the established duo of Dixon and lead Sam Matterface.

McCoist often partners Jon Champion in a popular terrestrial double-act carried over from their work together in Russia four years ago.

But after being called up for the big one McCoist couldn’t disguise his pride as the game kicked off.

Seconds into the Final he said: “Good afternoon everyone and the first thing I have got to say is just to be here is an absolute privilege.

“It was always a dream to play in one of these cup finals and as a Scotsman even that was beyond us but to be here with you two is the next best thing and let’s bring it on.”

Dixon echoed his sentiments and wasn’t the only person pleased to hear McCoist behind the mic.

Plenty of his fans said the same thing as social media turned out to welcome the former Rangers boss to their screens and speakers.

One tweeted: “McCoist: It’s a privilege to be here. Us: The privilege is ours to have you on commentary, Ally.”

Another added: “3 minutes in and although Messi and Mbappe are on the pitch, Ally McCoist will no doubt be the best thing about this World Cup final.”

One social media user suggested McCoist could be the key in the TV channels’ battle with the match being shown simultaneously on BBC and ITV.

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McCoist was beaming with pride at his role for the Final.

She said: “Will be intrigued to see if ITV have narrowed the ratings gap as I too have ditched BBC in return for the joy that is McCoist.”

Another added: “Normally BBC is the choice for big finals, but locked onto ITV as McCoist on co comms. Most quality assists in the tournament.”

On Twitter another asked: “While Ally McCoist is commentating on the final is there anyone watching the BBC feed? They shouldn’t be!”

A few even joked McCoist was due a special award and used a very appropriate football analogy.

One wrote: “Man of the WC has to be Alistair McCoist. Remarkably played his way into the World Cup final when told he wouldn’t start at beginning of tournament.”

Another added: “No matter who you were supporting this tournament, I think we can all agree there’s one man who deserved to be involved in the final, after carrying his entire team on his back from day one.

“Ally McCoist, you’ve earned this.”

McCoist has also been working for talkSPORT while on media duty in Qatar.

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