Source: FOOTYMAD
Killie Hoping To Improve On The January Visit To Ibrox
Killie are looking to use their passing game to put a dent in Rangers title defence plans. Kyle Bartley is keen to add to his goals tally this season after opening his Rangers account and then almost handing them a memorable European win in the space of a few days. The on-loan Arsenal defender - who joined Rangers in January - scored his first senior goal to claim all three points against St Mirren in the SPL last weekend. He was then denied the winner in Thursday's Europa League last 16 game against PSV Eindhoven, when his header was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson. Bartley admits his appetite for goals has definitely been whetted. Ahead of today's game against Kilmarnock, he said: "I really enjoyed scoring a goal for Rangers and hopefully I can add a few more to my tally. We had a couple of chances against PSV and we knew with the way we set up that we wouldn't have much of the ball. I had the chance myself and was away doing my chicken dance celebration when I saw the goalkeeper was able to tip it wide so I think I was a bit unlucky in the end.'' Looking back at Thursday game in Holland, Bartley added: "It was a positive result and now we need to switch back on for Sunday's game and make sure we get another good result. The young lads have come in and done well and it was good to see Kyle Lafferty and Vladimir Weiss back in the side.'' Neil Alexander was in goal against PSV in preparation for his appearance in next week's Co-operative Insurance Cup final, although Allan McGregor is set to be back between the sticks today. As far as Bartley is concerned, he is happy with either man as the last line of defence. He said: "We've got Allan McGregor, who is a fantastic goalkeeper, and Neil is a bit unlucky to be sitting on the bench. It's just because we've got such a great keeper in Allan. But Neil came in the other night and was fantastic. He kept a clean sheet, he was organised and he is a fantastic goalkeeper. Coming back to Glasgow with a goalless draw from that game was a fantastic result for us and we are always confident that we can get a result at Ibrox.'' Mixu Paatelainen does not plan to change his team's style against Rangers as his under-strength Kilmarnock bid to pick up three points. Killie travelled to Govan in January on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run but were harried out of their stride by a determined Rangers side, who recorded a 3-0 Scottish Cup win. Alexei Eremenko in particular was subjected to some heavy tackles as Kilmarnock failed to find their passing rhythm. Eremenko is suspended for today's game and fellow playmaker Mehdi Taouil will not be playing as he is out with a hamstring injury. But Paatelainen will again encourage his players to produce the attractive passing football that has earned so many plaudits this season, whatever Rangers have in store. The big Finn said: "There are always tackles in football matches, I don't think that match was particularly dirty. Yes, Rangers showed us a lot of respect by closing us down early and being right on our heels and making sure our key players didn't perform. They applied their tactics, did it really well and deserved their victory. This is a new match and we'll see what happens but we'll go out there and try to be as positive as always and hopefully pass the ball enough to worry their defence." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
