Source: Team_Talk
Hughes welcomes Gers test
The Bairns will go into the match at Hampden still harbouring a sense of injustice from the teams' meeting in the SPL only 10 days ago, when Rangers ran out eventual 3-1 winners at Ibrox.[LNB]The game was mired in controversy with Falkirk scoring first and Rangers' equaliser coming from a debatable Kris Boyd penalty.[LNB]With Patrick Cregg then dismissed for a tackle on Pedro Mendes, a decision the Westfield men unsuccessfully tried to appeal, the visitors succumbed to two late goals.[LNB]That 3-1 defeat, with a defensive formation, followed a 1-0 reverse on the opening day of the season with a more attacking one, leaving Hughes to contemplate which approach to settle for at the national stadium.[LNB]However, whatever he decides, he is adamant his players will need their opponents to be below par if they are to reach the club's first final since the 1997 Scottish Cup.[LNB]He said: "I'm delighted the semi-final's being played at the national stadium.[LNB]"I think all semi-finals should be played there, and I'm delighted we're playing Rangers, or one half of the Old Firm anyway, because they bring a right good fan base and create a right good atmosphere.[LNB]"We've played Rangers twice this season and we've played them two different ways. We've been unlucky not to have taken anything from the games.[LNB]"But if we're going to beat Rangers, we're going to have to catch them on a right bad day and we'll have to be at our best."[LNB]Hughes has added massive experience to his squad since last season, drafting in former Scotland pair Jackie McNamara and Neil McCann, as well as Lee Bullen, in the summer, and snapping up ex-Rangers and Celtic defender Steven Pressley earlier this month.[LNB]And he is hoping the know-how the quartet have brought to the club will help ease the less-experienced members of his squad through what will be, for many, their first visit to Hampden.[LNB]He added: "It's important that we go and enjoy it but don't get fazed by it.[LNB]"For a few of the boys it will be their first time at Hampden, so it's important that we start really well.[LNB]"But I've got plenty of experience in the team to make sure that's the case."[LNB]McNamara, who missed Saturday's draw against Motherwell with a calf injury, may sit out again but Cregg is available after his ban.[LNB][LNB][LNB]
