St Mirren defender Marcus Fraser expects Rangers to ‘come here guns blazing’

Marcus Fraser believes St Mirren would be naïve to think Rangers might show any signs of vulnerability in Paisley on Sunday.

The Ibrox side had won just two in eight in all competitions before last week’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts at Hampden Park alleviated some pressure.

Philippe Clement’s men are three points behind Premiership leaders Celtic with five post-split fixtures remaining and a cup final against the Hoops on May 25 to conclude the season.

St Mirren are in fifth place and fighting to clinch a European spot, and Fraser insists they will have to do it the hard way if they are to get any joy against Rangers.

The full-back said: “They are in a title race and obviously Celtic and Rangers, two good teams, are there for a reason. Their individual players, their squad is really good.

“It is over a long season so we are not naive to say they have had a few bad results.

“We need to be on our game to get a result and that’s where a big performance is needed for us, and I am sure if we all turn up in the right frame of mind we can get that.

“There has got to be (belief). The big factor for us is we are at home.

“We have a lot of fans behind us, which is big for us.

“Of course we know Rangers are a really good side. People are speaking about Rangers this and that, but they are still in the title race and they will come here guns blazing.

“So we have to match that. We want a positive result from the game because we know what is at stake for us. It’s a massive game for us and obviously for them as well.”