Source: Team_Talk
Webster defends Collum's display
Rangers defender Andy Webster has backed the performance of Old Firm referee Willie Collum and says he would not relish performing such a job.[LNB] Collum took charge of the fixture for the first time at the weekend and sparked controversy with some of his decisions.[LNB]Celtic boss Neil Lennon was unhappy after Rangers were awarded a dubious penalty and also claimed Lee McCulloch should have seen red, as the Hoops lost 3-1.[LNB]But Webster - who did not make the squad for the visit to Celtic Park - had sympathy for the referee, who apparently received threats in the wake of Sunday's match.[LNB]He said: "A lot of the time, there is a lot of emphasis placed on the referee.[LNB]"Watching the game on television on Sunday, there were a lot of stats coming up about the referee and stuff.[LNB]"When you start highlighting the referee in that manner, it maybe puts unnecessary pressure on them.[LNB]"People say a referee has had a good game when they are quiet and unassuming.[LNB]"It's a difficult one. It's a high-pressure situation, especially in Old Firm games, to be able to handle it and I thought the ref did well.[LNB]"It's a difficult job and not one that I would relish.[LNB]"Generally, you are never going to win as a referee. It's a difficult job to do and they do it to the best of their ability."[LNB]Webster has put his injury troubles behind him but has so far been unable to force his way into boss Walter Smith's plans.[LNB]He has made just one appearance so far this season, in the 7-2 win over Dunfermline in the Co-operative Insurance Cup, and is set to be involved again in Wednesday's quarter-final at Kilmarnock.[LNB]He said: "I'm just looking for an opportunity, the same as everybody else.[LNB]"When it comes, hopefully I'll take it. The team has done exceptionally well so for anybody to get in at the minute is difficult.[LNB]"I just need to bide my time and work hard in training. We play practice matches and I'll work hard in those and wait for an opportunity to come around.[LNB]"With the size of the squad that we have now, I would think there is more of an opportunity to get a game.[LNB]"From that point of view, the manager is going to have to utilise the full squad and hopefully, being part of that, I'll get a game."[LNB]Despite such a compact squad, Webster has no fears about Rangers' ability to cope as they attempt to juggle their domestic commitments with an impressive run so far in the Champions League.[LNB]The defender said: "There is a lot of quality within the side and a lot of players who can play in numerous positions.[LNB]"Of course it's going to be physically demanding on the players but I think that's something they relish.[LNB]"You want to do as well as you possibly can in every competition you go into. The boys relish the challenge and it's not something they've not been through before."