Ollie Looking To Get One Over

Last updated : 12 November 2004 By Mark O' Haire

Ian Holloway yesterday identified the two players who Rangers need to watch closely and pay special attention too.

Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts, both play up front for table-topping Wigan Athletic and both made there name in football down to Rangers boss Ollie.

It was Ollie who gave both players there breakthrough at Bristol Rovers before selling them onto as there stature grew.

Now a couple of years down the line, both strikers still terrify defences up and down the country, more so than they ever did- leading the line of the Wigan attack.

Ollie said:
"I used to love them two because they wore my badge. But now I hate them because they play for someone else!

"We have to stop them and we're going to have to be all over them. But if I was them I wouldn't want to be playing against Georges and Danny.

"Reputations are earned and those two are doing very well for themselves at Wigan. But we're doing pretty well now, too."

"I'd love to beat them. We've played some great football and we haven't deserved to lose our last three away games.

"We've got a lot of players asking if they are good enough to play at this standard and the answer is 'yes, they are'. I can't wait for this game."

Ollie was quick to dampen supporters hopes of a loan signing before the game, making it highly unlikely a new face will be in place in time for the match saying:

"I'm coming up against a brick wall."

Meanwhile, Gareth Ainsworth is set for a starting role on the right-hand side of the R’s midfield.

With Martin Rowlands and Tony Thorpe facing six-week layoffs, Ainsworth is likely to be asked to step into Rowly’s shoes, something he’s very excited about.

"Wildthing" says:
It's great to be back playing again.

"The adrenalin got me through at West Ham and I really enjoyed the match. Now I'm really looking forward to a home game.

"The atmosphere here is amazing and it's just fantastic to play in front of this crowd.

"Hopefully I'll be picked and the Gaffer has told me to give everything if I am. But he doesn't need to tell me that!

"I play 100% and if I can't, there's no point me playing. I'll play until I drop."

Marcus Bean is the favourite to step into the suspended Marc Bircham’s shoes along side Magic-Hat Kevin Gallen.

Marcus Bignot returns from suspension and should go straight back into the starting eleven.

Despite missing training earlier this week after picking up a heavy knock at Upton Park last Saturday, Danny Shittu should also start.

Big Dan was very concerned after receiving some tough treatment from Hammers striker Don Hutchinson that his knee was about to crack- again.

He said:
"I spent the first half trying to tell myself I wasn't going to get injured, and I was just glad to end the game injury-free.

"I've been working hard since to get my touch right and to get my movement right before the next match."

Come on U R’s