Del begins the build-up to clash with Rangers

Jan 9 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A COMBINATION of flu and the weather has disrupted St Johnstone’s cup preparations but manager Derek McInnes insists the countdown now starts in earnest.

While transfer speculation has overshadowed the Ibrox club in advance of Tuesday’s fourth round tie, McInnes has deferred a detailed briefing on the opposition.

Yesterday, with midfielder Martin Hardie looking likely to miss the match, McInnes observed: “We’ll sit down and see who they have available and try to second guess their line-up.

“Regardless of who plays, Rangers will have top players at their disposal.

“It was too early during the week to sit down and provide our players with too much information on Rangers.

“Now we can start the fine-tuning for Tuesday. In terms of motivation the game takes care of itself. But if we go about it properly we can pose Rangers problems.”

The planned midweek run-out with Dundee United fell victim to the weather, meaning Saints will have been out of action for 17 days by the time they kick-off against Rangers.

But with several casualties to contend with, McInnes said: “A few of the boys, including Graham Gartland, Andy Jackson, Collin Samuel and Euan McLean, could have done with a game.

“But given the injuries and flu going the rounds it wasn’t a disaster that the United match couldn’t go ahead.”

New recruit Gartland hasn’t played competitive football for a few months but McInnes has been impressed with his overall fitness.

He is a contender for the left-back slot, with Hibs unwilling to let Paul Hanlon become cup-tied.

If they lose the Edinburgh derby on Sunday, the youngster could be available to McInnes but he may have to secure another full-back for the remainder of the campaign.

“Graham is a good professional and he was training with clubs in England before coming here.

“We have options at left-back, with Graham, Liam Craig and Steven Anderson,” said McInnes.

The manager hopes to have the vast majority of his squad training tomorrow, with the status of Stevie Milne (thigh) and Peter MacDonald (calf) improving.

But McInnes admitted: “Martin Hardie is very doubtful. He has a slight hamstring tear but he should be available for the Partick game if he doesn’t make it for Rangers.”

Several players, including McLean and Jody Morris, were steering clear of McDiarmid in midweek after reporting flu-like symptoms. But both are expected to be in the squad for Tuesday.