Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist says the club are "very, very hopeful" that Kenny Miller will stay at Ibrox.

The striker is free to speak to other teams in January as his contract runs out at the end of the season.

McCoist was speaking after another Rangers striker, Steven Naismith, signed an extension until 2015.

"Kenny's representative and chief executive Martin Bain have had lengthy talks. We're very, very hopeful he'll sign a new deal to stay," said McCoist.

Miller, in his second spell at Rangers, has been in fine form this season, scoring 20 goals so far.

Kenny's got a young family to think about and it'll be his decision and his decision only Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist

But the Scotland international, who turns 31 in December, has so far stalled on signing an extension to his current contract and could leave for nothing in the summer.

His manager Walter Smith has previously stated that he would like to keep Miller until the end of the season at least - although he admitted that the club would have to consider any January offer.

McCoist says the player is well within his rights to take his time to decide where his future lies, with a number of clubs in England and abroad thought to be interested in signing him.

"You want all your good players to be tied up," said McCoist. "And there is obviously some uncertainty over one or two players.

"It's not over the line yet, but we'd all be delighted if Kenny signed, but he's fulfilling his rights as his contract runs out.

"Obviously I've had a wee word with him, but Kenny's got a young family to think about and it'll be his decision and his decision only."

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