Saints have got nothing to fear

Nov 26 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN defender Chris Innes reckons his Buddies can ditch the fear factor when they travel to Parkhead on Saturday to face Old Firm giants Celtic.

Innes insists Gus MacPherson’s men will relish the challenge of taking on the Hoops in their own back yard.

The former Gretna and Livingston stopper told Express Sports: “I don’t think the boys have anything to fear from Celtic.

“And I don’t think that any footballer should fear going to these places.

“You should thrive on the opportunity to play at places such as Parkhead.

“Of course, there will be a big crowd there and even bigger media attention.

“But, personally, I look on it as just another game.

“If selected to play, I will approach the game in the same manner as any other and look to do my best for my team.”

Saints were on the end of a 7-0 demolition job at the hands of Celtic the last time they made the trip to Parkhead.

Their cause wasn’t helped on that occasion by a red card for full-back Jack Ross.

But Innes, who only joined Saints during the summer, insists that dreadful result will not prey on the minds of the Paisley players who were involved in that painful defeat.

He said: “I don’t think there is any point at all in looking backwards.

“Last season has gone and we have progressed as a club since then.

“We have to look forward and we must take the positives from what we have done so far this season.”

Buddies boss MacPherson could have a welcome selection headache ahead of the crunch game after skipper John Potter returned to training this week.

It could mean that Innes, who scored with a fantastic header against Hibs at the weekend, will be involved in a three-way fight with Potter and Lee Mair for the two centre-half positions for the trip to the East End of Glasgow.

And, while 33-year-old Innes is clearly desperate to make his third straight start for the Buddies, he knows he faces a fight to hold on to his jersey.

He said: “I’m here to play, not to sit on the bench.

“But it’s ultimately up to the manager to decide who gets picked.

“As long as I’m performing and putting questions in the manager’s head then that’s really all I can do.

“We know it’ll be a tough task when we go to Parkhead.

“The fact that Celtic were beaten by Dundee United last Sunday won’t help us.

“I’m sure Tony Mowbray will have his team fired up.

“However, our own manager will have us well organised and motivated for the game.”