Ex-Lyon coach Le Guen has joined Rangers on a three-year deal

The Frenchman said he was aware of the sectarianism which has dogged Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic in the past.

However, he said he preaches tolerance and expects others to do likewise.

A leading spokesman for Rangers fans said they were delighted at his appointment and results were all that would matter to them.

Le Guen, 42, said he is still a Catholic but now only goes to church on Christmas Eve in his home town.

He joined Rangers in March from French club Lyon on a three-year deal, replacing Alex McLeish who led the club for four-and-a-half years.

Speaking to the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, he said: "I was a practising Catholic up to about 17 or 18 years old, that's the way I was brought up.

How can we have Catholic players and then have concerns over a Catholic manager? Jim Templeton Rangers Supporters Assembly

"So, yes, you can say I'm a Catholic. But these days I don't practise. The only time I go to church, in fact, is back in Pencran, my home town, on December 24 - just because it's a tradition in the family and something we've always done.

"It's a tradition which I will be breaking this year as Rangers have a game on December 26, so there you are. But it's not something that will particularly worry me. I'll have a thought for my family as I know they will be there."

He told the newspaper: "I'm not someone for whom religion is a big part of life. I'm a tolerant man and I expect others to be the same."

Le Guen said he had been aware of recent controversy about claims of sectarian chanting by a section of fans at a Champions League game.

'Over the moon'

He said: "But all I can really do at this stage is repeat that I preach tolerance. In my day-to-day existence I try to behave in a way that goes in that direction."

Jim Templeton, president of the Rangers Supporters Assembly, which incorporates the Blue Order and the Rangers Supporters Trust, said: "I have yet to come across a Rangers fan who has even mentioned his being a Catholic.

"It makes no difference. Rangers fans are over the moon about this appointment.

"How can we have Catholic players and then have concerns over a Catholic manager? He will be welcomed with open arms."

He added: "We can't deny that sectarianism is there but it has reduced dramatically down the years and I have confidence it will be reduced further next year."