Source: Team_Talk
Ross wary of resilient Rangers
Gers manager Walter Smith criticised his players for their complacency as they let slip a two-goal lead against Dundee United on Sunday.[LNB]Rangers have now been forced to replays by Dundee United, Hamilton and St Mirren themselves but they have lost just once to a Scottish team this season, Aberdeen, going into Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup final against the Buddies.[LNB]St Mirren have already had five attempts to beat Rangers, coming closest in a goalless cup draw in Paisley, but Ross believes they can go one step further if they cut down on sporadic errors.[LNB]But his belief in his own team has not been supplemented by any optimism on the grounds of Rangers' 3-3 home draw against United on Sunday.[LNB]"They were maybe vulnerable but they are still unbeaten," the full-back said. "Despite the fact they perhaps show they are human, they show how resilient they have been that they have managed to maintain this fantastic domestic record this season.[LNB]"Obviously we are very familiar with them this season having played them so often.[LNB]"There have been large parts of games where we've played well but there have been periods in the matches where we have made mistakes that have allowed Rangers to win most of the games barring one.[LNB]"It's a case of amplifying the good things and cutting down on the errors. If we do that we give ourselves a platform to win the game."[LNB]The Hampden occasion will be the 33-year-old's first major final and he is determined to grab his opportunity.[LNB]"The main feeling is excitement because it's a major achievement for any player to get to a major cup final," the former Falkirk captain added.[LNB]"When you're younger, you automatically assume these occasions will come round on a regular basis but when you get older you realise it's only the very talented or very fortunate that get there all the time. For many of us in the dressing room, it's our first one.[LNB]"I don't know about nerves, there is more anticipation. I think most players think about games anyway in the lead-up but certainly when it's as big a game as this, it's difficult not to start thinking about it from Sunday.[LNB]"There will be nerves before kick-off but I'm nervous before friendlies so it doesn't make much difference to me. I'm sure most guys will feel a bit of apprehension but they will just look forward to the game kicking off."[LNB]Like most of the Saints side, Ross has played at the national stadium against Rangers, during last year's 3-0 defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.[LNB]"For a number of us it was the first occasion we had played at Hampden and in such a big game," the former Clyde and Hartlepool player said.[LNB]"I think there is experience to be learned from it. It's a pitch that is very different when you're on it rather than looking from the stand.[LNB]"Albeit on that occasion the ground wasn't full and the prize wasn't as big, we can certainly take things from it.[LNB]"I would agree it's given us better preparation, the fact we have been there so recently for such a big game."[LNB][LNB] Rangers 2/7, Draw 9/2, St Mirren 9/1
