Ally McCoist names Rangers star Danny Röhl should not bench again following his monstrous performance despite very small playing time

Rangers legend Ally McCoist has heaped praise on Djeidi Gassama following his match-winning impact in the thrilling 4-2 victory over Hearts at Ibrox on February 15, 2026. The French winger, who entered as a substitute in the closing stages, delivered a decisive assist that sealed the comeback and narrowed the gap to league leaders Hearts to just two points in a fiercely contested Scottish Premiership title race.

In the high-stakes encounter, Rangers twice trailed before Youssef Chermiti’s hat-trick turned the game on its head. Chermiti equalized in the 39th minute, put the hosts ahead shortly after halftime, and completed his treble in the 90th minute. It was Gassama’s lung-busting run on the counterattack that made the difference for the third goal—he retrieved possession, drove forward with pace and purpose, and teed up Chermiti for a clinical finish past Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow. The Ibrox faithful erupted as the strike not only confirmed the win but injected fresh momentum into Rangers’ pursuit of silverware under head coach Danny Röhl.

McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT post-match, was effusive in his admiration for the 22-year-old’s contribution despite limited minutes on the pitch. “What a cameo from Djeidi Gassama,” McCoist said. “He comes on when the game’s still in the balance, shows incredible energy and vision, and delivers the killer pass that puts the game to bed. That’s the mark of a real impact player—someone who doesn’t need 90 minutes to change things. Small playing time, massive influence. He’s got that spark Rangers have been crying out for in big moments.”

The former Rangers striker didn’t stop at praise; he issued a direct call to manager Danny Röhl. “Danny, you’ve got a gem here,” McCoist urged. “Gassama’s been electric off the bench in key games this season—why wait until the clock’s ticking down? Start him earlier, give him the platform from the off. His pace, directness, and decision-making could unlock defenses when teams sit deep against us. In a title run-in like this, you can’t afford to leave quality like that on the bench for too long. Trust him from the start—he’s ready.”

Gassama, signed from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer window, has steadily built a reputation for game-changing cameos. Rangers rejected a lucrative loan-to-buy bid from Monaco earlier in the campaign, underscoring their belief in his long-term value. McCoist’s comments reflect growing sentiment among supporters and pundits that the winger deserves more consistent starts as Röhl’s side chases top spot.

With the Premiership heating up, Gassama’s emergence could prove pivotal. As McCoist put it: “Impact isn’t measured in minutes—it’s measured in moments. And Djeidi Gassama is delivering those moments right now.” Rangers fans will hope Röhl heeds the advice ahead of the crucial run-in.