Alex Gogic insists winning at Ibrox is simply the best as he bids to end St Mirren’s hoodoo tomorrow.
The Buddies haven’t been victorious at Edmiston Drive since Kevin McGowne scored the winner in a 1-0 success over Rangers back in November 1991.
That was three years before Gogic had even been born but the Cypriot international has savoured two triumphs on Glasgow’s south side with Hamilton Accies.
In November 2017, Gogic was actually sent-off in the last minute but goals from David Templeton and Darren Lyon had already sealed a sensational 2-0 success.
Then in March 2020, right before the onset of covid, striker David Moyo’s second-half goal clinched a vital 1-0 win for the struggling South Lanarkshire side.
Gogic recalls both days fondly and acknowledges that, while teams still get the same three points, victories at either of the Old Firm venues hold special significance.
“I guess it’s never a good time to go there,” he smiled when asked if this was a good fixture following Saints’ 4-0 thrashing from Hearts at Tynecastle last weekend.
“But if you do get a result, it’s a big result. We have to obviously be much better than what we were on Saturday if we want to get anything.
“It was a great feeling to get a result there, especially with Hamilton. I think one of the years was just before covid hit so we needed a result because Hearts had went above us. Then we ended up getting a result.
“When you get the result against them, it’s a big result, especially for the fans. It’s the best.
“What does it take to win? It is belief for sure and a game plan. Obviously, if you lead or you score a goal, clean sheet then always helps; you know, you can’t beat it.
“It’s a big team so it’s always nice to win a big game. But at the end of the day, it’s just three points.”
Gogic planned to watch Rangers’ Europa League clash with FC Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night – a tie Philippe Clement’s under-fire team convincingly won 4-0.
Regardless of the scoreline, however, the 30-year-old reckons Premiership matches are a whole new ball game.
“I will watch the game but I think you can’t compare,” he added. “European games are so different to Scottish games. The intensity is different, everything’s different about it.
“But we go with what the gaffer says. It’s his game management so we have just got to follow the rules.”
Meanwhile, Gogic is delighted to see manager Stephen Robinson sign a contract extension at the SMiSA Stadium until 2027.
He said: “It’s very good news. I’m happy and I’m here until 2027 as well. It’s amazing working with him. He is demanding, but in a good way, as he is a perfectionist. He gets the best out of every player.”
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