Source: FOOTYMAD
No Bridge too far for Rankine
York City striker Michael Rankine certainly won't be overawed when lining up against Oxford United in the Blue Square Premier play-off final this weekend. The former Rushden & Diamonds marksman is one of four players from York's likely starting eleven never to have played at Wembley before. Key midfielder Alex Lawless and defenders Luke Graham and James Meredith will also be making their debuts at the home of English football. But as for Rankine, he has already tasted big-time atmosphere when appearing at Stamford Bridge for Scunthorpe United in an FA Cup tie against Chelsea five years ago."I'm obviously expecting great surroundings but I won't be overawed," he told The Press. "I've played at Stamford Bridge before and, once you are on the pitch, you tend to forget about what's around you and concentrate on your job although I hope our fans are as loud as possible because that encourages us. "I just want to focus on getting York promotion and enjoying the celebrations afterwards", added Rankine, who has played such a major role in his club's success this season.York's usual front pairing of Rankine and Richard Brodie have so far scored nearly fifty goals between this term, although the Doncaster-born 25-year-old has managed to claim only ten of them for himself, including a couple from the penalty spot.Not that he's unduly concerned though, if it helps the Minstermen to finally secure a long-awaited Football League return after a six-year absence this weekend."You don't get as much satisfaction from creating goals than you do scoring them but I still get a lot because it's a team game and, if you get to the play-off final, it's down to a collective effort," he reasoned. “I’ve been pleased with my performances this season and believe I can kick on from them.”
