What positive impact can Thursday night’s success have on tomorrow’s game?
The impact is that we are through to the semi-finals in Europe. We had a great night on Thursday and it gives us a lot of positive momentum. I think that’s very good going into the game tomorrow.
Is everyone available for tomorrow?
Yeah, we still have to train in a couple of hours but we don’t have any injury doubts. It wil be a case of doing the last session and looking forward to the game.
Is there much you need to change against Celtic this time?
Of course, you want to cut out mistakes in games. The game we had a couple of weeks ago we started reallly well but by the end of the first half we had already conceded two goals. We have to defend better as a team and make sure we don’t concede goals. The second half we were pushing for an equaliser and had a lot of chances that we created in their box. We have to be more clinical and have a good display for over 90 minutes or longer if needed. It’s a big game so it needs big performances. Top games are always close and we have to make sure we are winning this tie to go to the final.
How crucial is Borna Barisic?
I’m really happy with the performances of Borna in the last couple of games. He had a tough period but he worked hard to be ready when needed. He’s been playing really good in the last few games and we know his qualities. I’m really happy he’s playing at a really good level.
Will the club be talking to SPFL about fixtures ahead of the European semi-finals?
They are having talks now and obviously, when you have more games in the last stages of the season with a lot of games to be played, you’ve seen in other countries where a lot of games are moved to different dates or kick-off times were changed. We want to do the best for Scotland, getting points for everyone in this country so hopefully the SPFL will be helping us to perform as well as possible and make sure we have time enough to rest for the games we have in Scotland.
Do you have any injuries or suspensions you need to update us on?
We have everyone available so we are happy with the squad. It was a tough and demanding game physically but we have enough time to recover from that. We will have to wait until the final session later but we have everyone on board.
Aaron Ramsey has shown his quality, is it a good headache to have to accommodate him?
It’s always good to have headaches about players to pick because it means you have a good squad and options. Aaron has played the most since he came in the last couple of weeks. He had some setbacks in the beginning but he’s played a lot. He’s the best he’s been physically since he came. We will help him and keep him fresh for the games ahead. I’m really happy with his performances and availability.
How important is Allan McGregor in this game?
He’s an experienced player so he’s been in these moments in his career. Experience helps you to perform on the higher level. He played his 101st game in Europe last Thursday which means he’s played a lot of games and you want your experienced players in these moments and the final weeks of the season to help the team.
Were you aware of the situation in 2008 and what scope is there to shift fixtures?
Of course, we can have the request and I think that’s what we are doing at the moment but in the end the SPFL has to agree and make sure the fixtures are moved. We will do everything we can to do so but the final call is the SPFL. In other countries, the FAs are moving the dates so the only thing that can happen is they agree and that’s what we are waiting for.
Do you have concerns of Connor Goldson’s contract running down?
I’ve never experienced in my coaching career when a player is out of contract that it affects them. It’s a circumstance that’s happening a lot. Connor is handling it really well. He’s performing well and it doesn’t have a negative influence on him and it definitely hasn’t had a negative influence on me. It’s just the way it is in football where you have to perform no matter what. Especially in a club the size of Rangers. He’s been doing that and winning games to bring success to this club.
What do you think of James Tavernier’s Rangers numbers over the years?
Well, those numbers are not common for a full-back. I didn’t have those numbers. It shows the quality he has with his drive pushing forward and with his assists. He has created many over the years and also scored goals so that’s really a good thing to have for the team. He’s been doing really well. I’m happy with him and happy for the team with his contribution. He just needs to keep going and try to make crosses and goals whenever he can. I’m really happy with his performances.
Are you looking to get the full-backs high against Celtic?
I think we have been quite a lot in the opponent's half in positions we can deliver crosses or dangerous deliveries. This is something we have been training on to create danger in those moments like in the second half against Celtic. Last Thursday we showed we are improving in those areas and we need to show that tomorrow. It’s an aspect not only for the full-backs but also for the whole team.
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