Walter Has To Wield Axe But It Will Be For Sake Of Team

Mar 16 2008 By Gordon Waddell

WALTER SMITH knows he will look around his dressing-room today and have to plunge a dagger into someone's heart.

Derek McInnes can still feel the pain of that blade 11 years on.

But as he watches two of his old clubs do battle for the CIS Cup this afternoon the St Johnstone manager admits he now understands how hard it is to be the axeman who ends a cup dream.

Despite the hurt of missing his first cup final as a Ranger in that historic nine-in-a-row season Del insists Smith's integrity for his team has never wavered.

Gers ended up beating Hearts 4-2 in a Gazza-inspired thriller at Celtic Park in 1997 and McInnes said: "I'd played in all the games up to the final, scored against Ayr in the quarters and Dunfermline in the semis so thought I was starting or at worst be sitting on the bench.

"I was totally unprepared when Walter pulled me into his office at Ibrox before we set off to tell me I wasn't in the 14.

"Andy Goram was struggling with his knee so he had to put Theo Snelders on the bench. Peter Van Vossen was there and Davie Robertson was the surprise.

"Walter wouldn't normally have a left-back as a sub but felt he owed David loyalty for his work over the years even though he was just back from injury.

"He said it was harsh on me but one day I might be in his position and understand it more.

"I didn't buy it and struggled to come to terms with the celebrations. Walter even pulled me on to the dancefloor and told me I had plenty of time for more.

"He gave me a medal the next morning and I got the bonus but I'd rather have had the memory of playing in the final.

"However, I understand what he was on about. Even now when I'm picking subs I think about it and it can be harsh."

"But the one thing you can rely on is there will be integrity about Walter's decision. It's always for the team's benefit. He'd never let personalities come into it."

McInnes spent four and a half years at Rangers before shipping south to West Brom. Dundee United eventually brought him back north - and he has mates in both teams he wants to see shine today.

Del said: "There are a lot of good people at United, guys I played with like wee Mark Kerr who I love to bits.

"A lot has changed as well. Craig Levein has done a fantastic job with a far smaller budget than some of his predecessors had. They have a real team ethic and are well organised. My No.2 Tony Docherty worked as a coach there this season so I know how much work goes into their preparation for games.

"United are capable of living with Rangers - they'll feel they can win because they've done it already this season.

"I played against Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final for United under Gordon Chisholm and for long periods we were the better team before Alan Thompson scored a pretty scabby goal to turn it - but maybe we lacked belief.

"Craig will tell his players to make the most of it."

McInnes believes one man can be pivotal though - and it's a player he reckons already deserves his place alongside the Rangers greats whether he lifts four trophies this season or none.

He said: "Barry Ferguson will be desperate to win that first cup for Walter and it could be a massive season.

"But he's already one of the great Rangers players. It's strange opinion is still divided on him among Gers fans because he has been their star for years.

"When it's a homegrown boy sometimes there's more criticism but Barry would stand up in any Rangers company throughout history. If he plays well it will be hard for United."