Fanning the FLAMES
WHAT THEY SAID ABOUT THE POWDERKEG SHOWDOWN
JACKIE McNAMARA
‘I’m surprised the decision for the semi-final venue was made so early. Had it been Celtic who got to the semi-final, what would they have done? Kept it at Ibrox and nd split the allocation? There’s no doubt d bt that we’re at a disadvantage.’ — Speaking after Rangers beat Albion Rovers to set up an Ibrox semi-final
SSTEPHEN THOMPSON
‘My point is about sporting integrity and neutrality. Both clubs should be treated tr equally. Just give us as many tickets ti as we want, we should be entitled e to the same number as our opponents. OK, we won’t sell 20,000 but it’s supposed to be a neutral venue.’ — The United chairman’s team will be backed by 11,000 fans today
RAY McKINNON
‘If Rangers play like they did today, they’ll get beaten. There’s no doubt about that because United are a decent side going forward. As well as their promising talent, they have Paul Paton and John Rankin who will ill play l up against Nicky Law and Ian Black all day long.’ — Former United player after an unconvincing Rangers beat his Brech inside 2-1 on March 23
ALLY McCOIST
‘We’ll regroup and start to prepare for a massive game. Do I view it as a must-win? I’m not sure, we’re playing one of the better teams in the country in a cup semi-final for which they’ll be favourites. Do I still think we can get a result? Yeah, definitely I do.’ —Following the trauma of losing the Ramsdens Cup Final to Raith on April6
JACKIE McNAMARA
‘Sunday’s result puts more pressure on Rangers, no doubt about that. They’ll be hurting and, with it being their home ground, that adds to the pressure. Is playing at Ibrox a negative now? I don’t know, it depends. If they had won on Sunday there would have been a feelgood factor, it wouldn’t have defined their season.’ — McNamara turns up the heat on Rangers the day after the Ramsdens debacle
DREW ROBERTON
‘All I want from the Dundee United game is that every player can look himself in the mirror at the end of the match and say he gave it his best shot for himself, for the club and for the fans. After the Ramsdens final, some of the squad need to ask if they did enough.’ —General secretary of the Rangers Supporters Association
LEE McCULLOCH
‘This weekend, the players obviously owe the manager for the support he has shown us — myself in particular over the past couple of years with administration and all that went t on. It would be great to give him a bit back. b k The dressing room is right behind him.’ —The stalwart Rangers skipper gives his backing to boss McCoist