St Johnstone’s cup clash with Rangers

Feb 2 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

TWO years down the line and Jody Morris admits he’s still haunted by his penalty shoot-out miss against Rangers in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

But yesterday, clearly relishing the prospect of St Johnstone’s fourth cup semi-final in the space of three years, the Perth midfield talisman made it clear he wouldn’t shirk the challenge if he’s required to step-up to the mark again at Hampden late tomorrow night.

Ever methodical in his preparations, manager Derek McInnes will have his players practising spot-kicks in the countdown to the Co-operative Insurance Cup clash with Rangers.

Morris endured the agony of a crucial miss in the Scottish Cup semi-final, which set-up the Ibrox side for a final match-up against Queen of the South after 90 minutes had failed to separate First Division Saints from the red hot favourites.

He sat out the weekend win over Hearts and despite a scan appointment on a pelvic problem, Morris looks set to lead Saints into their latest bid to emulate teams of 1969 and 1998, which are the only ones to have graced a national cup final in the club’s 125-year history.

“It’s a massive game for everyone at the club and obviously I want to be involved in it,” he stated. “The memory of that penalty shoot-out miss will live with me forever. On the park, it’s definitely one of my worst times in football. Even if we win this time I will feel exactly the same about it. I felt very lonely that day. There are certain memories in my career and that’s one that pops-up a lot.”

But Morris made it clear he will put himself in the firing line again if required. He’s watched seasoned England internationals hide when World Cup and Euro Championships have been on the line. And you get the feeling he finds that unsavoury.

“I would have felt worse if I hadn’t put my hand up to take one of those penalties. I’ll be the first to offer to take one if it’s needed.”

Morris recalls lower league Saints being massive underdogs in the last Hampden match-up with Rangers but this time the odds have been trimmed because of their SPL status. But he confesses the Perth side have to crank-up the performance levels which disposed of top three contenders Hibs and Dundee United, and certainly improve on their lacklustre display in a 3-0 Ibrox defeat.

“Rangers will still be favourites and so they should be. They are the best team in Scotland and they will want a trophy. But it would be amazing to help take St Johnstone to the final. When players are put in this situation you see if they shrink away or puff out their chests and show what they are made of. We have a bunch of guys here with the right mentality and they all want to help each other.”

Manager McInnes is desperate to pen a fresh chapter in the club’s history and the pain of semi-final exits against Hibs and Celtic as a player, and the Rangers defeat as a manager, is being used as a motivational tool.

Chris Millar was spared training yesterday with a tight groin and weekend matchwinner Kenny Deuchar rested-up after taking an injection to face Hearts. Both should be available and Collin Samuel is an outside bet for the bench after returning to training following knee surgery.

The Perth squad will stay overnight at an hotel to prepare for the big game and McInnes is relishing the opportunity which has been earned by his players. Only Willie Ormond and Sandy Clark have taken Saints to Hampden finals.

“This is my fourth semi-final with Saints and enough is enough. Let’s try to go all the way this time,” he declared. “Staying in the league is the priority this season but this could move the club on. It’s the toughest draw possible but if you are to win silverware you generally gave to beat one of the Old Firm.

“Not many clubs have been to as many semi-finals as us in recent seasons so we have boys with experience. And there is extra motivation there.

“It was bad enough losing as a player in those semi-finals but as a manager the Rangers defeat still gets to me because we looked comfortable at 1-0 in extra-time. But now we have another chance to reach a final.”