Lee McCulloch stunned after Rangers fans salute him on Ibrox return

Kilmarnock's stand-in boss Lee McCulloch admits the positive reception given to him by Rangers fans before their goalless William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round draw at Ibrox left him struggling for the appropriate reaction.

The 37-year-old played for the Light Blues between 2007-2015, enjoying plenty of success but ending his time with the disastrous play-off defeat by Motherwell last season which kept the Govan club in the Championship.

Taking charge of Killie for the first time since Gary Locke resigned last week following the home defeat to Hamilton, the Rugby Park player/coach came out of the tunnel to see a two-part banner being unfurled by Gers fans which read: 'Thanks for the memories: Super Lee McCulloch' while they chanted his name.

"That was brilliant, a great touch," said McCulloch.

"I didn't know whether to wave, clap, or try to ignore it. I think I clapped, I can't remember. It all happened so fast.

"I have enjoyed this week and today.

"There were some nerves this morning and I am delighted with the reception I got and delighted with the way the team bounced back from a disappointing result last week."

Killie, who sit second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, put in a disciplined performance albeit second-half substitute Kallum Higginbotham was shown a straight red card in the final minute for a foul on Gers right-back James Tavernier.

McCulloch, who, despite the encouraging performance and result, claimed the experience had not inspired him to put his hat into the ring for the post, said: "At the time I didn't think it was a red card, I haven't seen it back so to be brutally honest I can't comment too much on it."

It was the first time that Rangers have failed to score since Mark Warburton took over as boss last summer although Tavernier and Danny Wilson hit the woodwork and 27-goal striker Martyn Waghorn passed up a great chance late on when he failed to control a Barrie McKay cross when unmarked in front of goal.

The former Brentford boss said: "Yeah and it was frustrating because there was a lot of good work going on.

"Barrie McKay was excellent, I though Dom Ball in centre midfield was very good. We created a lot of chances and their keeper pulled off a couple of good saves.

"I think most of us did (expected Waghorn to score) and he would nine times out of 10 this season, so Martyn is in there hanging his head but he knows he's been first class and he will score that most days I'm sure."

Waghorn is confident Rangers can complete the job in the replay, scheduled to take place at Rugby Park on Tuesday, 16th of February.

He said: "You've seen the game today what do you think? I think we have shown we are a good team and if the luck does go our way we will get the rewards.

"We go there very respectful of the threat they'll pose but I think they'll know they are in for a game."