Source: Team_Talk
Gannon calls for more of the same
Only a late penalty save from Allan McGregor prevented Motherwell taking three points from an impressive display against the champions on Saturday.
Gannon, however, has told his team they will need to play just as well to maintain their unbeaten SPL record against the similarly undefeated Dundee United.
"What I keep reminding them is that we want to maintain that standard, that way of playing, that penetration, against other teams," said the former Stockport boss.
"That's the psychological thing when you play these big games, whether the players can raise themselves for the so-called lesser teams.
"I've questioned a couple of the boys about some of the comments they made about 'raising their game' and 'trying twice as hard for this one'.
"I've reminded them that good professionals raise their game to the highest level and try as hard in every game, and only by that will we be able to compete with Rangers, not only on the pitch on any given Saturday, but also in the league table."
Gannon revealed the belief in his new-look squad was continuing to increase, but he realises the trip to face Craig Levein's team on Saturday offers another major test of their progress.
"United have started strongly, I think they will be there or thereabouts (for third place) at the end of the season," Gannon added.
"They have a good manager, good experience, an excellent squad with some talented boys, and they will be able to maintain their strength throughout the course of the year.
"It's a real yardstick for us but given the health of our squad we are confident we will be able to compete at the moment.
"I know it will be difficult over the course of the season to be constantly knocking on the door of the top three, but at the moment we're enjoying the fact that we're playing well and getting results, and we want that to continue."
Winger Chris Humphrey has returned to training following some time off but defender Shaun Hutchinson is struggling to overcome the ankle strain that ruled him out against Rangers.
"Unfortunately for him the swelling hasn't gone down as quickly as we want," Gannon said.
"It's going to be touch and go right up to the game whether he's going to be fit or not.
"If there's any doubt we will certainly not consider him, because he has had a couple of little knocks now and we probably need to sit him out and get him stronger and fitter for the coming games."
Dundee Utd 5/6, Draw 5/2, Motherwell 10/3
