GOODWIN:WE CANTURNUP HEATONGERS
ROOKIE AIMS HIGH AFTER DEBUT
BY GRAEME MACPHERSON
ST MIRREN boss Jim Goodwin reckons the intensity of the title race will have Rangers feeling the pressure tomorrow.
The Ibrox side know they can’t afford any slip-ups as they look to keep tabs on Celtic at the top of the table.
Saints go into the match as huge underdogs but Goodwin hopes they can capitalise on the nerves of the home crowd.
He said: “Both sets of Old Firm players are under huge pressure right now, particularly at home.
“There’s a level of expectancy now for the Rangers players. Their fans expect them to run Celtic all the way.
“So we have to make life as difficult as possible for them. If we can go there and stay in the game for the first 10 to 15 minutes then you can usually sense the anxiety setting in.
“Their supporters get a bit edgy if they don’t score early and we have to hope that creeps on to the park.
“If we get the game plan and tactics right then I genuinely believe we can take something.”
Goodwin has no qualms about throwing in centrehalf duo Akin Famewo and Conor McCarthy for their league debuts.
The pair, both 21, were barely tested against Broxburn in the Scottish Cup but their gaffer insists they’ll be ready for Ibrox.
He said: “I’d have no issue at all about sticking them in again for this one.
“Akin has played senior football at Grimsby so knows what it’s all about and is captain of Norwich under-23s. Conor’s played in Europa League qualifiers and a lot of big games.
“They won’t be fazed about playing at Ibrox. They’re big characters and confident young men. They are looking forward to the game and won’t be nervous about the prospect.”
Liverpool fan Goodwin is also looking forward to some English title chat with Steven Gerrard once the main business is finished.
He added: “Myself and Lee Sharp are going down to watch Liverpool v West Ham in February.
“I don’t want to blow too much smoke up Stevie G’s backside. Gary McAllister was some player as well.
“Hopefully at the end of the game we’ll have a coffee in the office and maybe start talking about the Liverpool days.”