McLeish defiant ahead of Old Firm return

UNDER-FIRE Rangers manager Alex McLeish is convinced he can lead his wounded men to victory over Celtic in the Bank of Scotland Premier League at Parkhead in nine days time.

The Scot was remaining defiant after coming under more pressure following the holders’ CIS Insurance Cup 2-0 defeat by their arch rivals, while the club are staying tight-lipped on the intense speculation that the manager’s days are numbered.

But despite their terrible run, which has seen them win just twice in their last 11 matches, McLeish believes Rangers can gain revenge at Parkhead if he is given the time.

“We are capable of getting a result,” insisted McLeish.

“People will turn around and say differently but we are definitely capable despite our problems and injuries.”

Skipper Barry Ferguson is also determined to make amends in the second part of the double-header.

The midfielder said: “It is hurting me and I hope it is hurting the other players but I can only go out and do my best. We are a team and we need to try and get together and get through this.

“We just have to try hard and hope this bad run comes to an end. Obviously the gaffer is under pressure because you are expected to win almost all of the games at Rangers and we have not done that.

“I am bitterly disappointed with that. At the end of the day we were beaten by our nearest rivals and they will be gloating for the next 10 days. It is up to us to try and send our fans home happy in the next Old Firm game.

“I will get away with Scotland for a few days but my main priority is getting Rangers back winning again.”

McLeish is odds on to leave Ibrox by the end of the month, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.

They make him 8-11 to either walk out or be sacked by the end of November and 4-9 to be out of the door by Christmas, with the price that he sees out the season in Govan 4-1.

But Nacho Novo has urged the supporters to rally behind the team and manager McLeish. The Spanish striker, who is on the way back from a foot injury, said: “It is harder to watch when the team is not doing well and I can understand why the fans are frustrated.

“But the fans are important to us and can really give us all a lift. The atmosphere at the Porto game earlier this season, for example, was unbelievable.

“For 90 minutes they were cheering and they really help us.”

Novo has been touched by the volume of support he has received since being crocked at Tynecastle in late September and he has vowed to repay them with goals when he returns.

The former Dundee hitman, who notched 25 in a successful debut campaign at Ibrox, has set his sights on being fit for the Champions League showdown with Porto on November 23.

Novo said: “I would really like to play in Oporto. All my family live near there and would be able to go and watch me. My grandmother has never seen me play for Rangers in the flesh so she could go to that game. She is a football fanatic so I would really like to play in this one for her.

“I should be off the crutches this week and I think I will be okay to do some swimming and then some light running very soon.

“The rehabilitation is going well and I hope to come back as quickly as possible.

“It is frustrating not being able to play but I am working hard to get fit so I can go out and do my best for Rangers.

“I have had great support from the fans since my injury and I would like to thank them for that.

“Now I hope to repay them by scoring goals for Rangers. They have inspired me to get back into the team quickly and I want to do everything I can for them.

“I am not used to missing a lot of games so it has been a nightmare at times but I have had good support and I have to thank them.

“I am going to come back a stronger player, that us for sure.”