Ally ally
I’m a TNT Sports fan-favourite… but only die-hard fans know I once starred in a movie alongside star of The Godfather
ALLY MCCOIST has cemented his place as a fan-favourite on TNT Sports.
But only a few fans know McCoist was an actor in a movie alongside The Godfather star Robert Duvall.
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McCoist, 61, is now renowned for his co-commentary on football and analysis on radio.
However, in the twilight of his playing career, McCoist starred in a little-known movie called A Shot at Glory which released in 2000.
The plot of the film centres around manager Gordon McLeod, played by Duvall, who is struggling to get results with Scottish second division side Kilnockie FC.
Under threat of moving the club to Dublin, Ireland by its American owner - played by Michael Keaton - the club attempt to reach their first ever Scottish Cup final.
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Star striker Jackie McQuillan, played by McCoist, is signed from Arsenal with a big but troublesome reputation.
Ironically, the Rangers icon's character in the film is an ex-Celtic legend who is also married to McLeod's daughter.
The movie has a 6.2/10 rating on IMDb, with one reviewer calling it "embarrassing" and another calling it "one of the better football movies".
Despite having not having a pro career in acting, Duvall insisted McCoist was a "natural actor"; and highlighted his abilities when filming a sex scene while his then-wife, Allison, was present.
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When marking the 20th anniversary of the film, the 92-year-old said: "That guy McCoist he was a natural actor, a good natural actor.
"He was very good even when he was doing a love scene and his real wife was right there on the set.
"What about that? Doing a love scene with your wife watching. Oh my God, that sure was interesting.
"He's a great guy. I met Albert Finney and I mentioned I knew Ally McCoist and he said 'Ally McCoist, sharp as a tack'."
Filming took place across several sites, including Dumbarton's former ground Boghead Park and Hampden Park.
Super Ally, as he was known by the Ibrox faithful, also admitted he would love to make a sequel.
He said: "I loved it. I wouldn't mind doing that again, to tell you the truth. I genuinely did enjoy it.
"We had a great group of people doing it as well, it was fantastic fun. But I'm not sure I could manage that overhead kick in the quarter-final now."
McCoist was not the only notable name in the movie either, with former Bolton boss Owen Coyle having a cameo role in the movie.
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With the recent success of Ted Lasso, there may be more scope for future football-themed film and TV projects.
So McCoist could yet make his grand return in front of the cameras.
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