Hamilton star Kirstie McIntosh reckons Rangers test is perfect chance to prove the doubters they belong in SWPL
KIRSTIE McINTOSH knows Hamilton will be underdogs against Rangers today.
But the Accies midfielder reckons it’s the perfect chance to prove the doubters they belong in the SWPL.
Hamilton kicked off their return to the top flight with a 2-1 win over Hearts last weekend, and are looking to keep up their perfect start against the Ibrox side.
McIntosh is well aware the Glasgow giants will be expected to roll them over live on the BBC, but she believes they can cause an upset.
She said: “If someone had said we would get the three points in our first game we would have been delighted.
“It’s a positive start and it gives us confidence going into this game with Rangers.
“We obviously ended last season on a high and a win over Hearts kept that feel good factor in the camp.
“It showed we can compete in this league and we deserve to be here.
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“We know the Rangers game is a massive challenge and we are under no illusions how good Rangers are.
“They have invested heavily and they are getting their rewards for that.
“But you can only play who is in front of you and we will look to stick to our own game plan.
“We aren’t going to be rolling over to anyone and letting them do their thing. We will get in their faces and make it a tough game.
“We didn’t fight last season to get promoted just to be here for a season.
“We can’t be intimidated by the challenge of playing the bigger teams, you have to embrace it and try to show we can go toe to toe with the best.
“The game is live on the TV and that’s massive as girls can see some role models who are in the game.
“I remember growing up watching Kim Little and wanting to follow in her footsteps.
“I think the game in ten years’ time will be higher than it is now and that can only be a positive.”
Hamilton announced the team will be fully integrated into the club moving forward.
McIntosh is delighted with the move and says it shows how seriously Accies take the side.
She added: “It shows the game is going in the right direction and the more we can tie in with the men’s side the better.
“We are training and playing at the stadium and we are trying to build a professional ethos here.
“It is a really positive step and it shows the commitment the club has to the team.”
Meanwhile, forward Josi Giard is desperate to make up for her penalty miss against the Jambos by netting against the Gers.
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The German striker hit 12 goals last season to help Accies to promotion and is keen to claim another three points.
She said: “It’s disappointing to miss a penalty, as I am always looking to score.
“The most important thing for us was winning the game and thankfully we did that.
“I’m really excited about this game and we know it will be a really challenging game.
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“It will show us where we are and what to expect for this season.
“The first objective is to stay in the league and prove to people we belong here.
“Some people don’t believe we have the quality to stay up but we use that as motivation.
“I like being the underdog and trying to prove people wrong and that’s what we will look to do this year.”
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Hamilton v Rangers takes place at New Douglas Park. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 concessions and can be purchased at the gate. Kick-off is 4:00PM.
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