Broadfoot Desperate To Cement His Place

Feb 24 2008 By Gordon Waddell

KIRK BROADFOOT will never believe he's in with the bricks at Ibrox - because the day he does will be the day the house falls in on his dream.

A run of games since the turn of the year has taken the ex-St Mirren stopper from the fringes to the front line in Rangers' chase for the treble.

And he wants to cement that spot. Kirk used to think pressure was a relegation battle - now it's about looking over your shoulder waiting for a multi-million pound signing to take your shirt.

That's why he will never accept he's being groomed to take over from Davie Weir.

Broadfoot, 23, said: "If I'm being groomed for Davie's job it doesn't say a lot for Andy Webster who's a Scotland international. It's all about taking your chance when it comes - and Andy will get his.

"But we could go and spend £2million on another Carlos Cuellar in summer.

"You never take anything for granted at a club this size.

It's a true saying it's tough at the top. Getting a game is difficult and gives you an edge to prove you can do it."

That kind of attitude takes mental strength - but it helps when you've prepared yourself to tough out a whole year of learning the ropes.

Kirk shrugged: "Speaking to Andy Millen at St Mirren prepared me for what was ahead. My expectations for the season were just to find out how things worked here.

"I knew I wouldn't be playing every week but hopefully now can get a wee run going."

Broadfoot's peace of mind was aided by the fact he was joined by Alan Gow, Chris Burke, Stevie Naismith and Webster on the fringes during the first half of the season.

He said: "That probably helped although we've never been left out of things. Guys like Barry Ferguson and Davie make you one of the lads.

"Davie's the ultimate pro and the way he plays is no-nonsense which is the best way to defend. I realise what he does is far easier than trying to dribble out of defence."

Versatile Broadfoot looks certain to keep his place at right-back when Gretna come calling today and grinned: "Last year I'd have been thinking this was a six pointer.

"This time it's three that will keep us ahead of Celtic.

It's different - but better!"