Roll on two hours and it was all about a group of players performing well beyond their years.
McCoist described the demands on the group of players promoted from Murray Park's youth ranks to the first team squad as kids being asked to do men's jobs.
He can be quietly satisfied that they are, thus far, meeting those expectations. Even more so, that the line of talent has yet to be exhausted.
The Rangers boss dipped in to the pool of players being prepared for first team duty again when he called upon Fraser Aird last week.
Having spent Tuesday night's defeat to Queen of the South on the bench, Aird was handed a debut against Montrose, and can be pleased with his contribution.
His manager will no doubt be equally satisfied by the early signs from the Canadian born 17-year-old, but it may be the other firsts achieved on Sunday that make this a particularly happy birthday for McCoist.
Lewis Macleod and Robbie Crawford each bagged their first senior goals for Rangers and Macleod walked away with the Man of the Match award.
The 18-year-old's performance in particular showed just how far he has come already this season.
Impressive as an ever present member of McCoist's midfield, this was arguably the first time he stepped up to truly influence a match and show the full range of talents he possesses.
The nature of Crawford's finish was equally impressive and the ease with which Aird took to the game is testament to the work done in paving the way for youngsters this season by both Macleod and Barrie McKay.
Confidence must be high among the group of players in that age range knocking on the door for an opportunity to impress McCoist and the work of those in the squad now can only encourage that.
For fans it is extra special to see a positive performance from a home grown star, so for the 45,081 that packed Ibrox yesterday it can only be positive that six of those in the match day 16 against Montrose have emerged from Auchenhowie.
With an average age in the squad of just 24 there seems little reason that won't continue to be the case for the foreseeable future.
Particularly if those given the chance at the younger end of the age rage continue to take to the team as though they have been part of the squad for some time.
