We can shock Rangers again, says Miranda

Nov 15 2008 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

FRANCO Miranda insists his Buddies can be heroes again when they take on Rangers at Ibrox this afternoon – but only if they avoid any more late lapses in concentration.

St Mirren have fallen victim to late goals in three of their last four outings, conceding five times in the final 11 minutes of those games.

The leakages by the Saints defence against Dundee United, Hearts and Aberdeen have cost Gus MacPherson’s men valuable SPL points.

And Miranda knows the Paisley side will need to stay switched on for the entire 90 minutes at Ibrox today if they are to have any chance of repeating last month’s sensational win over the ’Gers.

The 23-year-old Argentine defender said: “We’ve had a concentration problem in a few of our games.

“But I think we’ll be able to focus this weekend when we play Rangers.

“We’ll have to cut out our mistakes and, if we manage that, then we can definitely get a result.

“We can do it against Rangers and we’re looking forward to this game.

“We will do our best to try to win the game and get the points.

“We could all be heroes.

“A draw would even be a good result at Ibrox because Rangers have a good team.

“We’ll be positive, try to do the right things and see what happens.”

Stephen McGinn’s stunning strike against Walter Smith’s men at Love Street back on October 5 shocked Scottish football.

Rangers will be looking for revenge this afternoon, with Miranda and his fellow defenders set for a busy afternoon.

The Saints players are convinced they can be shock troops once again – but they’ll have to end their goal drought if they are to bag another win over the Old Firm giants.

They haven’t hit the back of the net since they beat Hamilton 2-1 last month.

Since then, the Buddies have played more than 400 minutes of SPL football without a goal.

But Miranda is confident that run won’t go on for much longer.

He said: “The goals can come, definitely.

“If you don’t score goals, you don’t win games, and we know how important it is to score.

“Scoring can change a game’s complexion and, hopefully, we can do that this weekend.”

Miranda’s solitary strike this season was his fine finish during that victory over the Accies at Hamilton and he’s desperate to add to his tally.

He said: “If I get a chance to score then, hopefully, I can take it. I scored against Hamilton and I’d love it if I could score against Rangers and help the team to win three points.”

Buddies boss MacPherson has named an unchanged squad for today’s trip to Ibrox.