Ally McCoist has revealed he was ‘worried’ about what he would say to Prince William as he was awarded an OBE at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
The former Scotland international was honoured for his services to football and broadcasting with the Prince of Wales handing him his award.
McCoist, who won 10 league titles with Rangers in his playing career, was seen beaming from ear-to-ear while in conversation with Prince William.
But the 62-year-old has admitted to having some nerves about meeting the heir apparent to the British throne.
Ally McCoist received an OBE for services to football and broadcasting
PA
“I think the fact that we had met before and chatted before was a good degree of comfort,” he said.
“It was great, it was special.
“You sometimes worry will there be things to say, will there be things to talk about, but he puts everybody at ease.
“I really enjoyed the couple of minutes’ conversation we had.”
McCoist also revealed that the pair inevitably spoke about Villa with Unai Emery’s side getting ready to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.
“I’m obviously well aware that the prince is an Aston Villa fan – they’ve got a very, very big game tonight, which I think he’s going to,” he said.
“So we spoke about that, and just generally working in broadcasting and life, really.”
Villa’s match against Bayern will be the club’s first home fixture in Europe’s elite competition since 1983.
Ally McCoist admitted to being worried about chatting to Prince William
PA
Prince William has been a regular at Villa Park over the years and has begun bringing Prince George to some matches.
When asked about his career highlight after receiving the award, McCoist lit up as he spoke about being involved in a sport that he’s loved all his life.
“Probably this, to tell you the gospel truth, and I really mean that,” he replied.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Ally McCoist said they spoke about Aston Villa
PA
“I’ve been very, very blessed to do something I love effectively all my life.
“There’s not many people who can get up in the morning and genuinely love what they’re doing.
“Playing football for a living was a dream, to do it professionally for 22 years was absolutely fabulous.”