Published: Friday, 5th February, 2010 9:27am

Macca faced 'toughest two weeks' of his career

by Graham Gibson

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PARS gaffer Jim McIntyre wants his players to make the most of their biggest game of the season after they helped him come through the "toughest two weeks" of his managerial career.

The Stenny debacle left Macca reeling but now he is urging his players to believe in their own ability when Celtic, with new signing Robbie Keane in their midst, come calling in the Scottish Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Macca said, "It was my toughest two weeks as a manager and we definitely learned from the mistakes that were made.

"It was horrible as we didn't know what way the appeal was going to go but we're delighted to get a second chance and managed to get through."

McIntyre hopes his players take inspiration from the sight of Keane, a player who has cost a total of £70 million in transfers, lining up against them rather than go into their shell.

"It's a top quality signing and is excellent for Scottish football, giving everybody a lift.

"If my players can't get up for a game against Celtic then you're struggling.

"This is the biggest game of season so far in terms of calibre of opposition we've faced.

"We can go into the game a lot more relaxed as you know you're the underdog but you should have that professional pride in you that it can be done.

"We need certain factors on the day, to play our best, a few Celtic players to have an off day and get the break of ball but you have got to have that inner belief that each team you play against is beatable.

"Whoever Celtic play they've got quality, whether on the bench or with more options as to how to play. We've got to worry about ourselves."

His players can take heart from the fact the gap between the Old Firm and the rest is no longer as big as it once was, when McIntyre would pull on his boots to face off against Henrik Larsson, John Hartson and co.

"I would agree that the teams I faced as a player were stronger than they are now but there is still a definite gap," he said.

"The teams that I faced had some unbelievable players, like Larsson or Hartson, but they've still got a lot of quality and more than we have.

"That's a fact but that doesn't mean the game will go in your favour."

With Celtic manager Tony Mowbray under undoubted pressure to turn his struggling side around, McIntyre can still see a lot to admire in the Hoops boss which he would like to emulate one day.

"You also look across and see what a great manager he's been and how well he's done at Hibs and West Brom. That is the kind of guy you look up to and want to be there someday.

"I want to get the ball down and play, get wide and get at teams.

"We've had a lot of plaudits this year in our division in terms of the football we try to play but if it is not working against Celtic we'll still look to change it."