| Saints face the Ibrox side in a 12.30 kick-off with Derek stating, “It may be a big day with live TV and a large crowd, but it’s three points at stake as in any other league game and we’re aiming to get those points.”
Saints had been out of the SPL for seven years and, despite only recording one win since they came back, the Perth men have played well.
“It was good playing Rangers in cup games, but it’s better to be facing them in the league,” Derek went on.
“We put in a lot of hard work to get to the SPL and want to be involved in games like this. The occasion will take care of itself and it’s one we are looking forward to.”
“Rangers are firm favourites, there is no question about that, but if we can play the way we can, we can get a result.”
Jody Morris can be an influential figure for Saints who have benefited greatly from his experience and ability this season.
He has been laid low by a virus, but the Perth men are very hopeful he’ll make it.
The same applies to leg injury victim Filipe Morais, but a bigger doubt exists over Steven Milne, whose ankle injury is proving slow to clear up.
For his part, Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist would love nothing more than to see his old Ibrox team-mate Derek McInnes keep his former club St Johnstone in the Premier this season.
He has been thrilled by the success Saints have enjoyed so far and still looks out for their results.
However, McCoist insists there will be no room for sentiment — and hopes this will be one game which ends in defeat for the Perth club.
“I’m delighted for Derek, because he was a team-mate and is still a very good friend,” said McCoist. “I’m also delighted for the club he is working for.
“It was more than 30 years ago that I signed for St Johnstone, and it’s a club that’s still in my heart.
“I genuinely still look for their results. It’s a great club and I hope they continue to flourish under Derek.
“But we’ve got to go there and take the three points and we know how difficult it’s going to be.
“Derek has got them playing well and they are really difficult to beat.”
Rangers headed into their last game — the Old Firm derby — knowing defeat would see them fall seven points behind Celtic in the title race.
Instead, they secured a morale-boosting win and could go top themselves this weekend if they take maximum points from the lunchtime kick-off.
“It’s strange isn’t it?” said McCoist. “But that’s the life we live — you are either up or down.
“It’s a great chance to go top of the league and that’s the way we look at it. That’s the incentive — to be top of the league before the rest of the games kick off.” |
