Ferguson: My Goal Is For Phil

Jan 6 2008 By Mark Guidi

RANGERS skipper Barry Ferguson last night dedicated his goal in the 2-0 win over Dundee United to tragic Motherwell star Phil O'Donnell.

The midfielder attended O'Donnell's funeral last week and the captain's armband he wore yesterday at Ibrox had a No.10 and a Well club crest on it as his own tribute.

After the victory over United took Gers top, Ferguson said: "I went to Fir Park last week to put down some flowers.

"And Phil's brother-in-law asked if I'd wear this armband just to remember what kind of player and person Phil was.

"I was with Lee McCulloch and Stephen McManus at the time and said I'd be happy to do it. I dedicate my goal today to Phil and his family.

"During the past couple of years I got to know Phil as I'm friendly with members of his family. It has been a tough week for them and it was a really sad thing to happen."

Ferguson was happy to see his team leapfrog Celtic at the top yesterday. Now he wants a win at St Mirren on Tuesday night to move four points clear.

The Gers skipper said: "We knew what was at stake in this game and our aimwas to go top.

"It's the first time we've been there in a long time andwe hope to stay ahead.

"We have difficult games ahead. However, to become SPL champions you have to win difficult games and we'll have that at St Mirren.

"They're scrapping for points and won't make it easy for us. There's great satisfaction at being top - the signs are good.

"The manager has been here for a year now and we're ahead of schedule. If we can add one or two new players it will make us even stronger."

Boss Walter Smith (right) shot down reports he is set to sign Manchester United and Scotland star Darren Fletcher.

And he claimed he was delighted with his side's form over the festive period.

Smith said: "We have been playing some good football and keeping possession well.

"That was the case at Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago and we took it on against Hibs last weekend. It was the same in this game and the football has been as good as it has been all season.

"Dundee United are an awkward side to play against but we defended well when we had to and created a number of chances.

"It's important to keep winning so we can stay top. It's not complicated - all we want to do is keep winning."

Craig Levein's side didn't once trouble Gers keeper Allan McGregor during the 90 minutes but the United boss wasn't unhappy with his side's display.

He said: "My players worked extremely hard and had plenty possession. But we didn't look like we were going to score.

"We didn't lack energy but we lacked a cutting edge."

Levein praised keeper Euan McLean who saved a late Kris Boyd spot-kick. He said: "That was a great save and he had other good stops. It will do his confidence the world of good."