Road troubles concern McManus

01 May 2009 08:08
The Hoops have managed only one win on their travels since the turn of the year, a run which has allowed Rangers to stay in touch at the top of the table.[LNB]Celtic have been handed three away games in their five post-split fixtures, a run which starts with back-to-back trips to Aberdeen and Ibrox.[LNB]Skipper McManus said: "We've not been able to put our finger on it, but we have not been able to pick up as many points as we would have liked away from home.[LNB]"To be honest, we've not picked up as many points as we should have done."[LNB]He added: "People raise their game for games against us and it's up to us to respond by raising the bar even higher.[LNB]"We always give everything in everything we do, no matter what we do.[LNB]"That's why we are at this club. You have a desire to be successful and be the best that you possibly can, for your family, for the supporters, for the manager, for each other, for everybody connected with the club.[LNB]"We know exactly how important this is. There is a league title at stake and it doesn't get any bigger in your career than winning this.[LNB]"From the start of the season, we have given our all and I can guarantee that in this final push we will be giving 100% in everything we do because we want to win as many things as we possibly can as a group."[LNB]Defender McManus, 26, has been struggling with an ankle injury of late but a two-week break in La Manga has revitalised him for one final push for the SPL title, starting with tomorrow's lunchtime kick-off at Pittodrie.[LNB]He said: "We have a five-game league to win the title now and we're lucky in that we're a point ahead of our nearest rivals, so we're going into this match full of confidence and ready for it.[LNB]"Aberdeen have done really well this season. They had a few players missing in the recent game at Celtic Park, so it will be a totally different game this Saturday."[LNB]Aberdeen will be without their first-choice strike partnership this weekend but Jimmy Calderwood believes his side still has enough attacking firepower to defeat Celtic.[LNB]The Dons are missing the suspended Lee Miller and Darren Mackie, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury, for tomorrow's match at Pittodrie.[LNB]However, Calderwood is confident his side still pose enough of a threat to trouble the league leaders.[LNB]The Dons boss said: "If somebody is out injured then that just gives somebody else an opportunity.[LNB]"We have got options with Tommy Wright, Chris Maguire and young Michael Paton, who has been doing very well.[LNB]"You always want to have your best players fit but it will give somebody else a chance on Saturday."[LNB]However, Calderwood is delighted to have one of his most consistent performers this season in Mark Kerr back in the starting XI after a period out through suspension and illness.[LNB]He said: "It is a massive lift to have Mark back available as he is a very important player for us."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk