RANGERS legend Ally McCoist hopes to see John Souttar seal a move to Ibrox before the transfer window closes - but only AFTER the Scotland internationalist has faced Celtic.

The Hearts defender signed a pre-contract agreement with the Premiership champions earlier this month and could complete a permanent switch before the window slams shut on Monday night.

McCoist would like to see Souttar donned in light blue for the remainder of the campaign but only once the centre-half has had one last chance to damage Celtic's title bid.

The two sides meet at Tynecastle on Wednesday night and while the Ibrox great expects Souttar will have to deal with his fair share of boos from both sets of fans, McCoist reckons the defender will take it in his stride.

"I think he'll be making that journey across the M8, hopefully just after that Celtic game," McCoist told BT Sport's Scottish Football Extra.

"I would imagine John Souttar might be on the receiving end of a little bit of stick, potentially from both sets of supporters in this fixture.

"I'm sure it won't bother him at all.

"He's an excellent player, his injuries have been well-documented, but it's a very intelligent signing by Rangers.

"They certainly look as though they need freshened up, they could do with a couple of new faces. The sooner they get John Souttar in after the Celtic game, the better."