Soccer:Rangers legend Derek Johnstone insists Ally McCoist must be given funds to strengthen his squad in January - whether star striker Nikica Jelavic moves on or not.

The Scottish champions surrendered their lead at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after losing 1-0 to Celtic in last night’s Old Firm derby.

McCoist’s men were 15 points clear at the top of the SPL in early November - albeit having played two games more than the Hoops — and now trail their Glasgow rivals by two points in the title race.

As far as Johnstone is concerned, reinforcements are crucial when the transfer window reopens and he has urged owner Craig Whyte to release cash for the manager to spend next month.

And Johnstone warned that any new additions who do arrive at Ibrox must be good enough to hit the ground running for Rangers.

The former Ibrox striker told Sky Sports News: “I think it’s so important that Ally brings in some faces.

“Whether they are loan signings, it doesn’t matter. As long as he’s got someone in there good enough to start.

“Never mind on the bench, they have got enough players on the fringes, they need one or two people to come in and play right from the off.”

McCoist last night played down speculation of a written offer for Jelavic from QPR as “just a rumour” and was unable to confirm their interest.

But Rangers could face a battle to retain the services of the striker, who has netted 14 goals this season.

The Croatian was the subject of a failed #6.5million bid from Leicester in August and the champions could find their resolve tested again.

Johnstone added: “If they are going to get big money for him, I can understand why Craig Whyte will take the money.

“But you can’t just take him out of the side and not bring anybody else in.

“Ally has got to have some money, even if it’s a loan deal, to bring in another striker.

“Even if Jelavic does stay, I think he still needs a striker anyway, somebody fresh to come in.

“He probably needs a creator in midfield as well because there is no spark there.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Bartley has backed Rangers to recover quickly from the defeat at Celtic Park and return to winning ways against Motherwell on Monday.

He told www.rangers.co.uk: “We need to bounce back quickly and I’m sure we can.

“If we win against Motherwell and Celtic lose their game then we go back on top again so we are staying positive.

“Of course it’s hugely disappointing to lose three points at this stage of the season but we have to take it on the chin and move on.

“Everyone gave 100% but we have lost the match and we can’t come up with any excuses.”

Rangers felt they should have taken the lead early in the game when a Lee Wallace header appeared to cross the line but the ‘goal’ was missed by the match officials.

However, Bartley - who replaced the suspended Dorin Goian at the heart of defence

-was just as disappointed with the Joe Ledley goal Rangers conceded from a corner.

He said: “A few of the boys said that Lee Wallace’s header was over the line but sometimes these things go against you. It’s disappointing but there is nothing we can do about it.

“We talked at half-time about how set pieces could be crucial.

“You can’t switch off for a moment in games like these but unfortunately we did and it cost us.

“I thought Celtic defended really well and we found it hard to create chances in the second half.”

The on-loan Arsenal defender added: “For me it was a great experience to play in the game and that’s why I came to Rangers.

“It was fantastic to play beside someone like Carlos Bocanegra who has so much experience and I can only learn from him.”