Critics reckon Rangers can be got at... a bit harsh for the team who are top of the table
Fir Park No.1 Kelly knows Steelmen face as difficult challenge as ever against club that raised him as a kid
Liam Kelly spent 12 years in Rangers’ youth system but he’ll be going all out to put another dent in his old club’s title aspirations at Fir Park this afternoon.
The Motherwell keeper never managed to break into the first team during his time at Ibrox.
After signing for the club at the age of just 10, he understands the pressure Steven Gerrard and his players are under following some disappointing recent results.
However, he wishes that he and his Wel l team- mates had simi lar problems.
The 25-year- old said: “There is a feeling going about that Rangers can be got at – but they still went into this round of fixtures sitting on top of the league.
“I wish we were sitting at the top of the table and people were saying that we could be got at!
“However, the league champions are coming here and it should be a great game.
“They’re a top side and we know how tough it’s going to be.
“But we’re in a good place and we got a point at Ibrox just a few weeks ago – when their goal was offside!”
Celtic’s surprise stalemate with Livingston yesterday means that Rangers can go four points clear at the top, which wi l l add to the expectation of the travelling fans.
Kelly said: “That could work in our favour but it could also work against us. It’s still very early, isn’t?
“We’re in a decent position in the table and stopped a run of three defeats in midweek but we know how hard this game is going to be.
“Being honest, I don’t think Celtic’s result against Livingston will make any difference.
“There are still 27 league games left, after all. Nothing will be decided this weekend.
“Rangers are a tactical team and they will be wel l up for it against us.”
I b r o x ma n a g e r Ge r r a r d h a s been switching all season between veteran keeper Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin but Kelly doesn’t view that approach as a problem for the champions.
The Fir Park No.1 said: “It’s unusual but they have two great keepers so the rotation isn’t bad.
“Allan’s record speaks for itself but I’m also a fan of Jon. I’ve worked with him on international duty and he’s excellent when coming for crosses, a great shotstopper and is also
Ewing Grahame
comfortable with the ball at his feet. I don’t think it makes too much difference who is between the posts for them. Allan’s had huge moments for Rangers and enjoyed a career that I can only dream of.”
Kelly pulled off two stunning late saves to earn his side a point in Wednesday’s 2- 2 draw with St Mirren and is looking forward to pulling out the stops again today. He said: “I love playing in all of our games. I don’t get too emotional, however, even if I was shouting at the assistant ref for saying I was off my line when I saved Eamonn Brophy’s penalty onWonWednesday.
“I wanwant to be involved, make an impact and help the team. I don’t always alw play well – I’d been be rubbish for the past p few weeks – but b Sunday’s a big game g and a great challenge c for us. “We drew 1-1 with w them at Fir Park Pa in my second game gam here last season so it cacan be close.
“We’ll probably need themtothemto be off it a wee bit and we’ll need to be at our absolute best but that’s always the case when you play the Old Firm.
“All we can do is go into it with a positive mindset, give maximum effort and see how we get on.”
Kel ly’s hoping another good display against Rangers will help him keep his place when Steve Clarke names his squad on Tuesday for next month’s crucial World Cup ties against Moldova and Denmark. He said: “We’ve so many good goalkeepers that I’m
always proud whenever I’ve been selected.
“If other goalies are chosen ahead of me then I just look at them and admire them for how good they are.
“I’m never too downbeat if I’m left out because the competition is so strong. I just try to do wel l for Motherwell and if the Scotland manager likes that then brilliant.
“Chris Woods, the new Scotland goalkeeping coach, has been excellent. You can see he’s had a lot of experience in the game. He’s very calm, has a lot of game knowledge and manages us really well.
“His training sessions are good so if I can keep working with him and the other Scotland lads it would be fantastic.
“I was fortunate when Craig Gordon came to Rangers in
2014 to do his rehab.
“I was playing for the youth team and he trained with the Under-20s.
“I did a lot of work with him and it’s remarkable now, seven years on, to be in the Scotland set-up with him.
“He’s a real ly good, chilled- out guy and an amazing professional.
“It’s up to me to push him as much as I can and make him play at his best because that benefits the country, doesn’t it?
“I can’t remember him ever making a mistake.
“Craig’s one reason why Hearts have been doing so well. He made great saves when they beat us 2- 0 this month.
I’m a huge fan.”