Watch for the SPL's also-rans having a very decisive input

Derek Ferguson

I CAN just imagine how annoyed the players in the Hearts, Dunfermline and Kilmarnock dressing rooms must be these days. The way some people are talking, these guys just need to turn up in the last few games against Rangers and Celtic to help provide them with the necessary goals. But what’s forgotten is that these are professionals with professional pride, who won’t want to be beaten, let alone beaten by a load of goals.

OK, if either Old Firm side play to their full potential then they shouldn’t lose, but who can ever guarantee that and it’s insulting to suggest the people at Tynecastle, East End Park or Rugby Park aren’t capable of upsetting things if they play at their best and some of those in Rangers or Celtic shirts have an off day. That might be all it takes for Hearts or Dunfermline or Kilmarnock to influence the outcome of the title. And they’ve now all got a point to prove.

But I do think the only people who think it’s a foregone conclusion are some sections of the media or the more blinkered fans. I would bet there is no-one at Ibrox or Celtic Park taking anything for granted. They are so focused. They know that a mistake now could spell the end of their chances. It makes it very nervewracking for the fans or those close to the players but I can assure you that the players are just excited to be involved in such big games. They know what’s required and all the best footballers love being involved in matches like these.

If it goes to goal difference, though, it’s going to be really tough on whoever loses. The summer is going to drag on and I think the hangover from it will still be felt next season. I remember when I was at Hearts, guys like John Roberston and Gary Mackay never really talked about it openly but you could tell they were still affected by the way they had lost the league to Celtic on the final day of the season in 1986. It still really hurt and played on their minds. The "what ifs" and "if onlys" still niggled away at them.

‘Hearts, Dunfermline or Kilmarnock could influence the title outcome’

I’d hate that to be the case for Barry. He’s not thinking about it just now but if his penalty misses against Dundee proves decisive, he’ll be devastated. That’s why I was so gutted for him that day. Because we think the same way, most of the time I know what is going through his head, so when he missed the first one it was terrible. I knew how much he was hurting and then when he missed the second, I was nearly greetin’ for him. I could see in his face that he felt he’d let everyone down. I’m just glad he didn’t take the third one - I couldn’t have handled it and I think he did the right thing by letting Mikel Arteta take it.

But, for now, he’s totally focused on the final two league games. He knows what’s needed. That’s why he dragged himself out of his sickbed to play against Kilmarnock. I still don’t know how he managed to play the full 90 minutes because he was still in his bed really unwell at 11.30am, but it shows what adrenalin can do for players and it shows how much Barry and the rest of the players want the title.

That’s why Celtic’s UEFA Cup game won’t have a bearing. I don’t doubt it will be draining, mentally and physically, but it was the same when they came back from the semi-final and won the Old Firm game to keep the league race alive. I think everyone at Rangers assumed Celtic would tire in the last 20 minutes but they didn’t. They were running on adrenalin and Rangers paid the price for making assumptions.

When things are this tight, though, the best players stand up to be counted. They are the players who won’t accept defeat and take games by the scruff of the neck. It’s also the time the managers and their assistants earn their wages, making sure the players are in the right frame of mind and totally prepared. But it’s great for Scottish football that it’s going right to the wire.

My only complaint is that I’ll be on holiday with my wife and children when the last game is played. I would’ve loved to have been there for Barry. He’s his own man but I think he finds it a comfort knowing I’m there to talk to. He knows I know what he’s going through. I’d love to see him lift the trophy because I know how much it would mean to him. Even if things don’t go Rangers’ way, I’d still like to be there for him, instead, I will be trying to find a television and he knows I’ll be thinking of him every minute of that game.

Taken from the Scotsman