St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes has called for a fair deal for Michael Duberry.
The six foot three inch, powerfully-built former Chelsea and Leeds defender has been cautioned five times in 11 games since signing on a free transfer from Wycombe at the beginning of February.
McInnes reckons he’s getting a raw deal because of his size and the reaction of opposition fans to him.
“Of the bookings Michael’s had, I would say at least three have been very harsh,” the McDiarmid Park manager said.
“Against Hamilton on Saturday, for example, he has clearly won the ball. But because of a theatrical reaction to the challenge he ends up on the wrong end of a poor decision.
“For me his size seems to go against him. That, and the fact opposing supporters seem intimidated by him and the way they react, is sometimes forcing the referee’s hand.
“He’s not a dirty player. The timing of some of the challenges he’s been yellow carded for have been spot on.
“All we are looking for is for officials to judge the merits of his tackles and not be influenced by other factors.”
Saints will have Kenny Deuchar available after he had to be withdrawn from the weekend defeat by Hamilton suffering from concussion and blurred vision.Doctors in the houseDeuchar revealed three doctors himself included have cleared him to play.
“My dad is a GP and as my vision is fine and I only have a slight headache he’s happy for me to play,” revealed the qualified MD.
“I’m comfortable with that prospect as well, as is our club doc.
“So it’s 3-0 in favour which is fine.
“Last week was tough for me. I had the disappointment of having to come off against Celtic because of an ankle problem and missing the Falkirk game.
“Then I got the head knock against Hamilton and couldn’t see right. I’m hoping this week is better.
“Martin Canning, who I clashed heads with midway through the first half, is actually my mate.
“He texted me after the game to say he also had a headache but I definitely came off worst.
“However, as I didn’t lose consciousness and haven’t suffered any loss of memory, I’m OK to take part.
“These are the games you want to feature in and unfortunately I’ve missed out on most of the Old Firm matches this season.
“But before coming here I got three goals in two starts for Gretna against Rangers so I’m confident about doing OK in this one.”
Taking just one point from their last three games has left Saints’ top-six hopes hanging by a thread.Hunger callMcInnes is demanding his side, who’ve been hindered by injury, rediscover their hunger.
“We need to be playing cup tie football week in week out, because when we don’t do that we aren’t as effective as we can be,” he stated.
“Rangers are proving relentless in their quest for the title and when you are playing a team who see the finish line and are driven to get there then you are up against very dangerous opponents.
“If they are at their best we could be in for a difficult night. But if we are at our best then they in turn could find it tough.
“I’m looking for a performance full of energy and drive.
“There was a freshness and passion about the whole thing when we played them here at the start of the season.
“We need to treat this match the same way.”
Saints have a concern over Steven Anderson (slight hamstring strain) while Graham Gartland misses out as he still has not recovered from a viral complaint and is to see a specialist.
Andy Jackson will be in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Arbroath.
The club have a bounce game tomorrow in which Kevin Rutkiewicz will feature. But that’ll come too soon for Peter MacDonald, Steven Milne and Stuart McCaffrey.
Rangers have no fresh injury worries but defenders Madjid Bougherra and Kirk Broadfoot remain on the sidelines.
Bougherra is expected to be out of action for another week or so with a hamstring injury, while Broadfoot is struggling with a similar problem.
Tonight’s match will be broadcast in its entirety by BBC Alba starting at 10pm. The same channel has similar plans for tomorrow evening’s Hibs v Dundee United meeting.