Kenny McDowall says it's difficult to enjoy life as Rangers caretaker boss

Kenny McDowall admits it is difficult to enjoy his role as Rangers caretaker manager and would much prefer Ally McCoist to be in charge.

McDowall, like McCoist, is serving a 12-month notice period but unlike the former Rangers striker he remains on coaching duties.

The former Celtic reserve coach, who has been at Ibrox since 2007, has this week had to contend with an ongoing boardroom power struggle, controversy over supporters' sectarian chants and fresh disciplinary problems for goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.

However, it has by no means been one of the most turbulent weeks in recent Rangers history.

And even a victory over Raith Rovers, which ended a three-game losing streak, appeared to have done little to boost McDowall's mood as he looked ahead to another tough challenge at Falkirk this Friday night as Rangers continue their Scottish Championship promotion challenge.

"I'm trying to enjoy it but there's a lot to take on board," McDowall said.

"What I have got to try and do is get the team winning football matches. When I'm doing that, I'm enjoying it.

"It's not easy, I wouldn't sit here and lie to you, but we have got to do the best we can do. We need to get promotion this year and get Rangers back into the top league."

When told his job appeared a difficult task, the former St Mirren striker said: "It must look that way from the outside, it certainly feels that way on the inside. I have never done this before so it's the first time for me, and it's difficult."

When asked whether he would prefer to have done the job at a different time, he said: "Not particularly because I came here with Walter Smith and I was very fortunate to be asked to be Ally's assistant. I would much rather Ally was sitting here and not me, to be honest with you.

"But circumstances have dictated that I'm sitting here talking to you so I just have to get on with it and do the best I can do for the club."

McDowall revealed he was in constant contact with McCoist.

"He is my friend, first and foremost," he said. "And he loves the Rangers as well, so he is always wishing us all the best in every match we have played since he was put on gardening leave."

When asked whether the players' mood had been lifted by their win in Kirkcaldy, he said: "Not necessarily, because the expectation here is that you win every game. You don't get a pat on the back when you win one after losing three, that just doesn't happen. They know they have to win games here."