Gary’s getting reacquainted with Rangers
It has taken Gary Mackenzie more than 15 years to play a game against Rangers.
The St Mirren centre-back last graced a fixture featuring the Ibrox men when he was wearing Light Blue.
He made two appearances for Rangers in 2004, before going on to play for Dundee, MK Dons, Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers.
Had it not been for injuries, Mackenzie might have gone on to greater things.
He was selected for Scotland squads in 2011 and 2012, but didn’t get the chance to play for his country.
The 33-year-old was out for nearly a year with an Achilles’ problem before returning to help the Buddies beat the drop at the end of last term.
The chance to face Rangers today is one he’s very grateful for.
The big defender said: “I think as long as you’re playing, you want to play at the highest level you can. That’s your motivation when you’re injured.
“There are dark days when you get a setback or don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. You think: ‘Enough’s enough’.
“But being a football man all my life, you need to find something that motivates you, drives you back and gets you to the top of your game. That’s playing in the big games and trying to prove your worth to your own team, and everyone that’s watching.” Mackenzie stepped out of the shadows in March when he was brought into the St Mirren team to face Dundee. He turned in a Man-of-the-match performance and became a fixture in the defence.
“I didn’t ever doubt my ability as a footballer,” Mackenzie went on.
“What has held me back in my career has been injury. It has set me back so many times.
“I know if I’m fit and playing well, I can help the team. Last season, it was just a case of staying fit and helping the boys get to where we wanted to be last season. “I hoped that would earn me another year here and justify giving me a contract. “The Board thought it did and I’m looking to repaying them with a good season and playing as many games as I can. “We will have to be on our A- game against Rangers. They have threats all over the park, from back to front.
“You have to be switched on, but I think the best performances we’ve put on this season are where we’ve managed to do that and frustrated teams.
“That will be the plan and it won’t change against Rangers.”