| The German woke up yesterday suspecting he’d watch the quarter-final from the stands, but illness and injury struck down David Goodwillie and Damian Casalinuovo and saw Shala playing almost the whole 90 minutes.
He made the most of his chance by firing the Tangerines into an early lead and then helped them fight back from 3-1 down to force a replay.
That delighted him, but he wasn’t scared to say out what many were thinking — only a blunder by referee Dougie McDonald prevented a shock win.
“Rangers’ first penalty was a mistake. We could all see that Dusan Pernis got the ball when he dived at their player’s feet, so it was a fair challenge,” said Shala.
“We were going very well when that happened and I think it was a hard call on us. Their second penalty just before half-time I was not so sure about, but the first definitely should not have been given.”
Despite going from a goal up to two down in 15 minutes around the break, he insisted he could not see United losing.
And he believes the memory of the 7-1 league defeat at Ibrox in December was what made them sure of coming away from this one with at least a draw a nailed-on certainty.
“We were hurting a lot after that game and I knew going back there was no way we could lose this time.
“Everybody in the squad wanted to play and put things right for (manager) Peter Houston and ourselves.
“I have to admit, I didn’t know if I would even make the bench, but, once Goodie got ill, I was told I would.”
Even then, he was shocked when, with less than a minute on the clock, he was called into the action when Casalinuovo hurt a hamstring.
“When the game kicked off, Houstie told Sandaza and I to warm up and I did not even see Damian go down — all I heard was the gaffer calling my name to get back.
“I have had to wait a long time for my chance, so I was determined to take it and, with my goal, I hope I did.” |
