Ross: Now’s the time to focus on glory

Apr 23 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES defender Jack Ross is relieved he can finally focus on this weekend’s big match at Hampden.

Ross, above, insists St Mirren’s flirtation with the SPL drop zone has stopped the Paisley players from spending too much time thinking about their Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final clash with Rangers.

It has been more than six long weeks since the Buddies secured a famous 1-0 quarter-final win over Celtic at St Mirren Park.

And former Falkirk skipper Ross, 32, insists the Saints stars have focused solely on collecting precious league points since then – rather than daydreaming about the Hampden glamour tie.

He explained: “We haven’t been able to think about the semi-final too much because of the league position we were in.

“You always have to be respectful to your next game but, if we had been more comfortable in mid-table of the SPL, then I’m sure the attention would have started to drift towards playing Rangers at Hampden.

“The focus has been on the important league games that we’ve had to play but now we can enjoy the build-up to the cup tie.”

Ross admits everyone in the Saints dressing room is excited about their day out at Hampden.

He said: “It’s a big game for the club. We know that, if we can produce a good performance, then we have a great chance of reaching a Scottish Cup Final.”