Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist pays tribute to late mum after receiving OBE

Rangers and Scotland legend Ally McCoist has paid tribute to his late mum after receiving an OBE from the Prince of Wales.

The former Ibrox striker was named in King Charles’ birthday honours list and received the award for services to football and broadcasting at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

McCoist’s commentary in recent years has become synonymous with the Scotland national team and games across the UK on ITV and other broadcasters.

The 62-year-old, who also revealed his book Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army, will be released later this month, paid tribute to his late mum after the ceremony.

Ally McCoist receives OBE from the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle STV News

Ally McCoist and his family after receiving an OBE at Windsor Castle. STV News

He said: “It was fantastic, it was everything I’d hoped it would be.

“It means an awful lot, I can’t lie to you.

“It’s very humbling, I’m very proud and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about my wee mum who will be watching somewhere with a big smile on her face.”

McCoist joked he managed to squeeze in as many members of his family as he could for tickets to the ceremony.

He added: “Back in the day you used to get comps handed out and if players weren’t using their tickets you used to get them.

“But I found out that it doesn’t work like that down here.

“I got four of my boys in and obviously, my wife, which is great so I did alright, I’m not complaining.”

On his memoir, McCoist said: “After a thrilling summer of following the football in Germany, I am so excited to announce that my first book, Dear Scotland, will be published by Hodder & Stoughton this autumn.

“In it, I will tell you all about how I fell in love with the Scottish national team, celebrate our small nation’s massive place in the game’s history, how my dreams came true when I played for the Tartan Army and many wonderful tales of playing for and standing with the greatest fans on the planet.

“Oh and AC/DC might get the odd mention too. I can’t wait for you to read it soon.”

Dear Scotland: On the Road with the Tartan Army will be launched at an event at Mar Hall on October 25.