Ross reminds her City slickers: It’s all in your hands

IF THERE has been an increasing sense that Glasgow City have lost momentum in a month where they have stumbled towards the finish line, the fact remains that Leanne Ross’s side are the only team who walk into today with a single focus: beat Rangers and the title is theirs.

Rangers and Celtic — who host Hearts — could both triumph today but only one can be champions, with goal difference playing its part in that eventuality.

While drama is guaranteed — sufficient enough in its pull to draw in what is expected to be record attendances at Celtic Park and Ibrox for women’s domestic games — it has been ignored by Ross this week.

‘That is hugely important,’ she said. ‘We don’t need to rely on anybody else. If it doesn’t work out on Sunday we’ve nobody else to blame apart from ourselves.

‘We know exactly what we have to do — and that’s go and get the three points. That’s what we’re drumming into the players and it’s what they’re focused on doing.’

While Celtic have never won the title, Rangers claimed their first in an unbeaten campaign last year. Glasgow City may have ended the last campaign empty handed but victory today would secure a 15th title in 16 years.

Their experience will be vital as they look to negotiate a stadium willing their rivals, who were nine points adrift at one stage of this campaign, over the line. A lot will come down to who has the stomach for the occasion.

‘The games can turn on one mistake or one decision,’ accepted Ross (right). ‘There is a lot at stake, maybe a bit of nerves in both teams, but our players have obviously got that experience, not just in winning titles and being in situations like this, but experiencing international football as well, playing in bigger stadiums in front of bigger crowds — that can make a difference.’

City had to face a big crowd at Celtic Park recently and Ross was dry in her observations about the manner in which attendances have seen a sudden surge in numbers at this stage of the season.

‘It’s unfortunate it’s taken until the last game of the season for people to be interested in getting involved,’ she said. ‘I’m hoping that now they are, they can see it’s exciting.

‘We’ve got great players in Scotland, so they should be coming out every week and taking a greater interest in the teams. Hopefully, that can progress next season.’