Hanlon boost but Savo’s struggling

Jan 13 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

Hanlon boost but Savo’s struggling

DEREK McInnes believes his Perth players can make history by beating Rangers in the Scottish Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

Yesterday, the McDiarmid manager was boosted by news that on-loan Hibs full-back Paul Hanlon could feature against the Ibrox side, with the Easter Road team bounced out of the competition in the Edinburgh derby.

But he has a major worry over top scorer Stevie Milne, who put Rangers to the sword with two League Cup goals during Owen Coyle’s reign.

The centre is getting intensive treatment for a thigh strain.

Midfielder Martin Hardie and striker Peter MacDonald are definitely ruled out of tonight’s Homecoming Scottish Cup tie.

McInnes said: “Savo is very doubtful and he has proved he can score goals against top teams. It would be disappointing if he can’t play.

“But if he doesn’t make it we have options, with Andy Jackson and Collin Samuel both fit. Also, Derek Holmes went over an ankle in training in Friday but he will be ok.”

Midfielder Kevin Moon has also returned to training.

McInnes is delighted to get the go-ahead from Hibs to field top-rated Scotland U19 player Hanlon, who impressed in his debut against Clyde, in the club’s last game on December 27.

The manager said: “I spoke to Hibs manager Mixu Paatelainen and he had said Hanlon could play if Hibs were knocked out of the cup. I’m grateful to him for that.

“We had a practice match amongst ourselves on Saturday and Paul was always an option. Obviously his availability depended on the Edinburgh derby result on Sunday.

“He is a natural left-back, although Graham Gartland, Steven Anderson and Liam Craig can all play there.”

McInnes said excitement was building, with the BBC setting-up their cameras for live coverage.

“You have to look forward to these games. We know it’s not our most important tournament this season but we won’t dilute it’s importance. Hopefully it will be a fantastic occasion and one for us to remember.

“It’s the first time we have had one of the Old Firm on our own patch in recent years. It will be great seeing McDiarmid busier than usual.

“We will be positive in our approach against the holders and I believe we have players to pose Rangers problems.

“We know Rangers will get chances but we have to keep them to a minimum. We have to defend well, your keeper always has to play well against the Old Firm and then you have to take your chances.

“As for transfer speculation at Ibrox, you try to second guess any opposition team but with Rangers you know they have quality in the squad to replace individuals.”