Football: Clyde boss seeks to keep players fit ahead of Gers clash

Dec 19 2012 by Kenny Smith, Rutherglen Reformer

Clyde gaffer Jim Duffy aims to keep his squad as fresh as possible as they prepare for their Boxing Day clash with Rangers at Ibrox.

Although the Bully Wee don’t have a game this weekend, former Chelsea coach Jim is looking to arrange a friendly match, as he knows how critical it is to keep his players as fresh as possible when they come up against a full-time squad.

And although Stefan McCluskey is likely to miss the game thanks to a calf problem, there should be no other injury concerns for the Bully Wee gaffer.

He said: “We’re trying to arrange a bounce game to keep the players ticking over.

“Obviously Rangers are full-time and they have a game against Saturday against Elgin. They’ve got the resources to keep their players training in the lead up to the game. Ideally we’ll get a wee bounce game on, though we’ve also got to rely on our players to keep themselves fit.”

Jim also insists the visit to Ibrox will be one of the highlights of the season.

For most of his players this will be the only season they will get the chance to play at Ibrox and in front of such huge crowds.

He insists it is an occasion to be relished.

He added: “Ibrox is one of the premier stadiums in the country, not just in Scotland but in the UK. It’s a phenomenal stadium to go and play in. It’s got a fantastic atmosphere and Rangers fans have been packing in for the games.

“There’s close to 50,000 people there for each of their home games and that’s something that most of the players will never have experienced before.

“It’ll be a new adventure for them and we’re looking forward to it.”