Published Tuesday, 03 January 2012
With top goalscorer Nikica Jelavic sidelined with a groin injury, the Northern Irishman was thrown into the action at Ibrox on Monday and responded with the opening goal in a 3-0 win.
The only low point for the Scottish champions on the day was the sight of Kyle Lafferty being carried off early on and he now faces up to five weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.
Healy, 32, is well aware that injury worries have only intensified McCoist's desire to recruit a striker this month but he is determined to prove to the boss - and everyone else - that he can make an impact if given the chance.
He said: "You've always got something to prove. People will say the old one that I've had for years - 'He's scored goals at international level but hasn't scored enough at club level'.
"I've still got time to do that - and hopefully for this great football club.
"I had to [hit the ground running] and I'm thankful to the manager for giving me the opportunity.
"There are not too many other players at the minute and I'm sure in the January window we will be linked with quite a few strikers.
"It's up to me when I get a chance to do what I did today and score goals and win games.
It's always nice to get on the scoresheet. It's a new year and a new start.
David Healy
"It's one goal so I'm not going to get carried away and I don't think everybody else will be getting carried away. But, for me, it was nice.
"It's been a long time since I've started a game so hopefully my performance and goal will help me get more minutes on the pitch."
Healy's only other start this season was against Falkirk in the 3-2 Scottish Communities League Cup defeat in September.
He added: "It's always frustrating. Any professional will tell you, if you train all week you want to be involved and you want to be part of it.
"When you're not playing it's disappointing but the manager has always said it's a squad game.
"We've got a good bunch of lads and there were a few lads missing so hopefully the boys who played have done enough to give the gaffer a little bit of a nudge and to know that we can come in and do a good job."
Healy set the ball rolling against Motherwell before setting up Sone Aluko for his first goal for Rangers.
An own goal from Stephen Craigan then ensured there was no way back for the Steelmen as Rangers secured a much-needed victory following their Old Firm derby defeat.
Healy said: "The most important thing was that we got the three points after losing two in a row.
"That's the main thing and that's what the gaffer wanted. We scored three goals and kept a clean sheet."
Motherwell boss Stuart McCall said: "We came here with positive intentions but the players who have done so well for us this season weren't at their best.
"When you go to the Old Firm, you need your key players to be at their best and we weren't, other than the goalkeeper."