Sport

Rangers expecting hot reception at Falkirk

RANGERS manager Walter Smith believes fear will be a major factor in the title race between his side and rivals Celtic's in the…

Sat Jan 06 1996 - 00:00

RANGERS manager Walter Smith believes fear will be a major factor in the title race between his side and rivals Celtic's in the coming months.

Smith's view is echoed by relegation threatened Motherwell boss Alex McLeish, whose side hasn't won in 10 games.

The top two face the bottom two today as Rangers, eight clear of Celtic having played two games more, visit Falkirk while Motherwell travel to Parkhead.

McLeish argues that the stakes are higher for those battling against relegation.

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"There's no doubt in my mind that the 10 team top league is preventing our football from making progress," said McLeish, whose Motherwell side are level joint bottom with Falkirk, one point behind Partick and three below Kilmarnock.

It's ridiculous that so many clubs are involved in this and while the Old Firm are making progress because of the finance they can generate the rest are not.

"The consequences of relegation are frightening. Everybody thought Dundee United would stroll through the first division and come straight back up but it is not working out that way."

McLeish takes his side to Parkhead with Dougie Arnott and Brian Martin expected to make it - but the rest of his casualties are still out.

"We are sending Tommy Coyne to a specialist to have his knee looked at as there has been no progress," said McLeish.

At Ibrox, Bell's Manager of the Month Smith predicted a hot reception for Rangers at Brockville, where John Lambie will give Andy Gray and Albert Craig their Falkirk debuts.

"I think the second half of the season will be characterised by desperation," said Smith.

Celtic could be unchanged for Motherwell's visit despite the fact that John Hughes and Peter Grant are available again after suspension.

Manager Tommy Burns can see no justification in dropping Malky Mackay or Phil O'Donnell, the midfielder he signed for £1.75 million from Motherwell in September 1994.

"I thought Wednesday's Old Firm game was Phil's best since he came here," said Burns. "We know what he can do, he is 23 and has everything ahead of him.

Celtic will have the backing tomorrow of another large crowd, their attendances at Parkhead already a staggering 100,000 up on last season at Hampden.