Players have to meet challenge, says Alex McLeish

May 2 2008

BLUES players have got to help themselves at Fulham tomorrow, said Alex McLeish.

Experienced in big-match scenarios, from his time at Rangers or in charge of the Scotland national team, McLeish said he would pass on all the tips he could.

"You have got to use all your experience, everything you feel you're physically capable or mentally capable of giving the players to overcome a situation," he said.

"I can give them all the help they need, all the direction, but they've got to take it out onto the pitch with them.

"All the shouting and encouragement that goes on in the dressing room before the game, they've got to put that into practice when they take the field at Craven Cottage at three 'o' clock on Saturday."

Asked if tomorrow was as personally big as Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifying showdown against the Italians, the Blues manager responded: "You live for today.

"History's history and this is the most important game for me."