Clyde V Ross County Preview

It appears that both sides are at full strength for tonight’s match. The pitch is in perfect condition and the scene is set for this crucial cup clash at Broadwood. Noone needs reminding of the significance of the game, “the day after the draw, the guys were hyper at training,” commented Billy, “and I can imagine it was the same at Ross County. They haven’t been in the quarter-finals ever so you can imagine what it means to them but it’s the same for some of our guys who have never played in such a big game.

“We know we have to take care of Ross County before we get carried away but it is very difficult to keep it in the background. Following the draw the stadium people started contingency plans. They’ve got to work on the assumption that we get through to face Celtic as there would be too much to do if they had to leave everything to Wednesday morning for potentially there are seats to be replaced and tickets to be organised and things like that. You hear it all going on but you have to try to switch off although you’ll never do that 100%.”

Billy continued, “I’ll be honest, I’m excited at the prospect of playing Celtic but first we have to give ourselves the opportunity to do that. If we don’t succeed, it would be a massive disappointment and I would be telling lies if I tried to pretend otherwise but as long as my players give me 100%, if it’s not good enough on the night, I won’t have any complaints. If we’re squeezed out because we don’t play to our potential then I will have something to say.”

It’s a manager’s role to ensure that the players are focussed on the tie. The professional way in which the players have handled the increased media coverage is evidence that the players are in the right frame of mind. Nothing is certain but the fact, that this is a squad who will give their all for victory and the fans have a vital role to play in giving the team their backing from the first to the final whistle.