‘I miss him every day’ – Ally McCoist still calls phone of Walter Smith as he delivers heartfelt tribute to Rangers legend at Europa League final

Ally McCoist paid an emotional tribute to his 'best friend' Walter Smith ahead of Rangers' Europa League final clash.

The Gers took on Eintracht Frankfurt as they looked to claim their first European trophy in 50 years, but fell agonisingly short with a defeat on penalties in Seville.

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McCoist, a talkSPORT favourite, was on punditry duty with BT Sport for the clash and paid a heartfelt tribute to Rangers legend Walter Smith, who sadly passed away in October 2021.

Smith is a true Rangers and Scottish football icon and McCoist revealed that he still tries to phone his late friend like he did every day before his passing.

McCoist said: “I miss him every day.

“I get into the car and I can’t take his number off my phone, you know.

“I subconsciously go to phone him in the morning because we always used to have a blather in the morning, and I still do it.

“I still put his number into the phone and dial it and of course, he’s clearly not here.

“He’s so well thought of. I just don’t know anyone who has a bad word to say about Walter Smith. I really don’t.”

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McCoist also believes Smith gave Rangers a helping hand in their semi-final win over RB Leipzig.

McCoist added: "I don’t have any doubt that he was with them. I really don’t have any doubt and I believe he’s here as well.

“He was just a fantastic man.

“He was my coach, my manager and turned into my best friend and he epitomises Rangers Football Club.

“He was taken away far too early; it’s tragic for Ethel, Neil, Steve and the kids and it’s just a crying shame.

“I honestly and firmly believe that he’s here tonight."

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