Saints take on the champions

Dec 28 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

DEREK McInnes yesterday insisted there would be no hangover from St Johnstone’s cruel Boxing Day defeat in Glasgow’s East End.

The Perth side was floored by a stoppage-time double which deprived them of a rare point at Celtic Park.

And his players have precious little recovery time before going up against the other half of the Old Firm at McDiarmid tonight (Wednesday) in an all-ticket affair which starts at 7.45pm.

“It was always going to be a big ask playing Celtic and Rangers back to back but we must be positive and take confidence from coming so close to a deserved point away from home against Celtic,” said McInnes yesterday.

“We looked composed and assured in Glasgow and defended very well. It was just unfortunate the lads didn’t get the reward their play warranted.

“We know the same principles will come into play against Rangers. Of course we are going to have to defend well but hopefully, being at home, we can be more creative.”

McInnes observed that Saints’ form dipped after the last defeat from Celtic earlier in the season. They suffered more holes than a Tommy Sheridan defence case, leaking seven without reply to Killie and Motherwell, and after the recent turnaround in fortunes McInnes wants no repetition as the New Year looms.

The manager believes his players have matured and improved since that setback.

“There was a hangover after that 3-0 defeat in the league and we can’t afford a repeat. We can’t allow ourselves to dwell on the ultimate disappointment at Parkhead.

“We have to take belief from the manner of our performance. We have shown self-belief in a run of tough games away from home.

“We went into Sunday’s game believing we could take something from it. We were in on Christmas Day and our preparations were thoroughly professional.

“And that belief was growing minute by minute until those late goals. As we proved when we only lost to a controversial late winner against Rangers at Ibrox, we now have enormous belief playing the Old Firm.

“Just because of what happened in stoppage time against Celtic that confidence should not be dented in any way, shape or form. They are a club expected to compete for and win trophies and we have shown genuine progress from earlier in the campaign.”

McInnes added: “We have options available to us to freshen up the side in one or two positions.”

That will see skipper Jody Morris – pictured top right – returning to central midfield after a one game suspension and with Murray Davidson still doubtful with an ankle injury, Jamie Adams could also feature if he has shaken off an ankle knock.

Adams was suspended for the last two matches but took a painful rap on his ankle in a closed doors game with Hibs. But he is eager to force his way back into the line-up.

McInnes said: “There is a real togetherness about the squad. They are backing each other up, covering for one another and the players are tenacious.

“They showed everything you need to face the Old Firm on Sunday and it will be needed again against Rangers.

“If there is any lingering sense of disappointment about the eventual outcome at Celtic Park we must use it as a spur to drive us on.”