Switch back on to domestic duty, urges McGregor

18 November 2011 01:46

Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor says his teammates must remain focused as they return to Scottish Premier League action after the international break.

The Ibrox club hold an impressive 12-point lead at the top of the table following an unbeaten start to the season while rivals Celtic's form has been faltering.

However the Gers' nine-game winning run came to an end in a last gasp 1-1 draw with St Mirren following the previous international break and McGregor has vowed not to let the same happen when St Johnstone come calling on Saturday.

"You need to be focused all the time. It was just unfortunate that they got the goal at the last minute," McGregor said of the St Mirren draw.

"We could maybe have put it to bed but the goal should never have happened.

"It's just one of those things and you need to move on.

"I don't think you can go into the next game saying 'Oh it's an international break' - we just need to play like we always do."

Manager Ally McCoist should have a full squad to pick from apart from long-term injury Steven Naismith, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Celtic have the chance to put some pressure on their Old Firm rivals when they travel to take on Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the early kick-off match.

Terry Butcher's side may be propping up the rest of the SPL but Inverness has not been a happy hunting ground for the Hoops in recent years.

However, after struggling for form earlier in the season Celtic striker Gary Hooper believes it is important that his teammates carry on the momentum they built up before the international break as they aim to cut the gap with Rangers at the top.

"We have got to win every game, no excuses. It is very important to win on Saturday. We will go there like we did at Motherwell and get the three points," Hooper said.

"It's going to be a tough game. It's a long way from here and it is a tight pitch but there are no excuses now. We just have to get in and out with the three points."

Celtic have had to come from behind to win their last two games, with Anthony Stokes and Hooper scoring the goals.

But Hooper believes they have a new found confidence that will help them push on and up the SPL table.

"Our focus is on three points on Saturday and nothing else. Those two games have made us more confident to go there and get them," the English striker added.

"But I will keep saying it - we have to win every game. No excuses."

Elsewhere on Saturday, second bottom Aberdeen face a tough task as they host third placed Motherwell at Pittodrie. Dunfermline will aim to move away from the relegation zone as they visit St Mirren and caretaker manager will take charge of Hibernian for the first time as they welcome Kilmarnock to Easter Road.

Hearts will have to do without boss Paulo Sergio for their match at Tannadice against Dundee United as he begins the first of a five-match ban handed to him by the Scottish Football Association following his outburst during his side's 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock in October.

Fixtures (1500 unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Inverness CT v Celtic (1230), Aberdeen v Motherwell, Dundee United v Hearts, Hibernian v Kilmarnock, Rangers v St Johnstone, St Mirren v Dunfermline

Source: AFP