Billy Davies believes the challenging circumstances at Rangers should afford manager Ally McCoist a break from criticism.

Davies’ former club were absent from Monday’s draw for the sixth round of the Scottish Cup, having lost 2-0 to Dundee United at the weekend.

That loss means Rangers are only competing for the SPL title this term, having also exited the Champions League, Europa League and Scottish Communities League Cup in the first half of the season.

Their exit comes against a backdrop of difficult times behind the scenes, with striker Nikica Jelavic sold and not replaced during the January transfer window.

Rangers are also waiting on the verdict of a tax tribunal, which could see them billed £49m, and Davies says McCoist is doing his best with what he has been given.

"Give him a break - that's what I say," said Davies. "He's working under very difficult circumstances and he is doing his best.

"He is also working under circumstances that are out of his control. So the message is to give him a break.

"At every club, three things happen. One, the board deals with finances and provides the finances for the manager and staff.

"You've then got the middle-men who negotiate the contracts to get the players in.

"Then the staff come in and take care of the players and do the best they can with the resources provided."

Just 17,822 spectators took in Rangers’ Scottish Cup exit, sparking suggestions that fans were staying away from Ibrox amidst the current uncertainty.

Davies added: "I think every fan goes through the ups and downs season after season. They will win and they will lose.

"At clubs like Rangers and Celtic there is a big desire constantly to win trophies.
"When you're dealing with this situation then it is very difficult for a manager and staff and players to go and prepare themselves for the next match knowing what's going on.

"It is difficult circumstances and I'm sure that many people will understand that.

"As Coisty has been saying for the last week or two, it's time for everybody to get together and to continue to focus on the remaining matches."