St Mirren fans need to give Gus MacPherson a break, warns Rangers boss Walter Smith

Oct 5 2008 By Mark Guidi

RANGERS boss Walter Smith has told the St Mirren boo boys to get off Gus MacPherson's back.

The Buddies have slumped to the foot of the SPL and some punters have started giving their gaffer stick.

But ahead of Rangers' visit to Love Street today, Smith backed Gus to lead them to safety.

The Ibrox manager said: "Gus has done fantastically well to get St Mirren in to the SPL then keep themthere for two seasons.

He has achieved that on a smaller budget than other teams in the league.

"Gus should be congratulated and I'm sure things will improve."

After today's game Smith will have 15 players away on international duty.

And he said: "When you are winning you don't really welcome the internationals."