McCulloch won't be put on the spot

Published: 18 Mar 2010 - 18:35:47

Rss feed

The Ibrox midfielder missed his spot-kick when the 2008 final against Dundee United at the national stadium went all the way and had to be rescued by Allan McGregor and Kris Boyd. In a dramatic finale following a 2-2 draw, the Rangers keeper made two saves and Boyd slammed in the winner to secure the first trophy of Walter Smith's second Ibrox reign. "My memories from that final are mixed from a personal point of view," McCulloch told the club's official website. "I missed a penalty that day and I've not taken one since - I don't think I will be taking one again either. "Boydy still reminds me about it but at the time I was delighted. "Greegsy (McGregor) saved one and then Kris scored so I was definitely relieved. "At the time, at least I was man enough to step up and take one - that's the way I look at it. "There were boys who didn't want to hit one and I guess I'll be one of them the next time." McCulloch believes that close-run victory against the Taysiders was the springboard for a remarkable run that has now seen Rangers reach five consecutive domestic finals and a UEFA Cup final. He said: "The Dundee United final was the first trophy that I had won at Rangers and it was the gaffer's first win since coming back. "That set the tone because it went to penalties but we managed to come through it and collect the trophy. "I think the players have used it as a platform. "For a number of the players it was their first trophy too so it's been a big factor for us. "Winning like that gives you the belief that you can do it and that you can keep doing it. "I think our record since shows the desire we have as a team and as long as we have that and something to play for we are a good side and are difficult to beat." St Mirren have failed to beat Rangers on five occasions this season but McCulloch is expecting a difficult afternoon. He said: "They have a style of play that will make it difficult for us, and they have some really good players in their team. "They are good at picking out the big lads up front and feeding off that so we know we need to be on our toes on Sunday. "In the middle of the pitch they will usually line up with three against the two that we normally have in there so it's difficult at times. "But you get used to playing against an extra man in midfield because teams do that quite often against Rangers. "If there are three in there then there should be space somewhere else for one of our guys to go and play. "It will be a great day out if we can win the cup and we've been in finals before so we know what we have to do." Rangers 2/7, Draw 9/2, St Mirren 9/1