Countdown on for title shoot-out

Mar 31 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

GARY Irvine has never scored in professional football but his appetite has been whetted by a closed doors strike.

The one-time Celtic youngster recalls a goal at U19 level but netting in a 3-2 closed doors win at Hamilton has raised his sights.

And he admits the next target is scoring in a first team game.

With a crunch clash looming this weekend with second placed Partick Thistle, the in-form full-back said: “It was a strange feeling but all the gaffer said was do it when it really matters!

“I’m in the process of getting in on Youtube. It’s a real collector’s item. But scoring is simple when you get that far up the park!

“Maybe panic would have crept in if it had really mattered. But it was brilliant to score even in a game like that. I’ve been playing with a lot of confidence recently and have found a bit of form. Maybe that had something to do with it.”

The Perth squad were given a few days off in advance of the international break but now it’s full-steam ahead for arguably the most eagerly-awaited First Division clash since Saints saw-off Airdrie in Perth en route to the championship 18 years ago.

That lured a record 10,180 crowd. Saturday’s turn-out might not match it but McDiarmid should post a season-best for a game which could go a long way to deciding the destination of the title.

Irvine said: “Hopefully we’re having the perfect preparation for a big game. It’s going to be massive. A win would put us six points clear and in a great position for the final stages.

“It’s first versus second. It’s what our fans want. Hopefully there’ll be a crowd to back us.”

That message was echoed by manager Derek McInnes, who said: “Partick will fancy their chances coming here but we have a great home record against them.

“I’m sure the supporters realise they have players committed to bringing success to the club. They have shown that in spades. Hopefully we can go on and finish the job.

“We’ll be positive between now and the end of the season to make sure that happens.

“I certainly hope the fans turn-out in force this weekend. We know they are desperate to get back to the SPL after being out of it for seven years so it’s natural they will be a little anxious.

“But we are top of the division and that should be reflected in the turn-out.

“Partick fans will travel in good numbers and they will be in good voice. So our supporters have their part to play. Let’s make sure everyone knows it’s our home game.”

On the injury front, McInnes reported that Peter MacDonald was receiving treatment for a hamstring strain after two games last week. Martin Hardie worked out on Saturday on the back of 90 minutes and a 45-minute run.

Jody Morris will have a steroid injection today and could resume training in 10 days. Andy Jackson will have the plaster off today and get a scan on his Achilles.

Dundee failed to win at Ross County on Saturday, losing a morale-sapping stoppage time equaliser, and they now trail Saints by eight points, with a trip to Dunfermline looming.

McInnes is refusing to concede it’s a two-horse race.

But he stressed: “Regardless of what happens round about us, we don’t want to rely on anyone else heading for the line.

“It’s up to us to get the job done and stay ahead of the pack. All that matters is that we are top after the last game on May 9.”