Yogi Wants Bold Firm Approach

Mar 30 2008 By Brian Welsh

BAIRNS gaffer John Hughes reckons his players have to show the mental strength of the Old Firm to secure a coveted top-six spot.

Yogi's men will travel to Aberdeen a week tomorrow knowing they could seal that feat with victory.

The boss admits pressure is building and knows what itwill take for his men to achieve their goal.

Hughes said: "Is there apprehension?

Possibly. But I hope we have the character to go up to Pittodrie and do it.

"It's the same as the players in the Old Firm game. You need the mental toughness to handle it as most of the game is played in your napper, between your ears."

Yogi (right) said of the draw with Killie: "I'm a little disappointed not to have won as that would have made us 75 per cent certain.

"But we certainly went for it by going four up front and three at the back at the end."

Counterpart Jim Jefferies singled out keeper Alan Combe for his excellent display and insists his side's showing is encouraging for next term.

Jeff said: "Combe has saved us more times than he has cost us this season. It's a clean sheet away from home against a topsix side and makes me happier about next season than I was three or four months ago.

"We're now looking for three or four playerswhen previously I was thinking seven or eight."