We are focused

Head Coach Davie Irons believes his side’s determination will guide them through a crucial period that could make or break Gretna’s season.

The Black and Whites face fellow strugglers St Mirren at Love Street on Saturday before Inverness Caledonian Thistle visit Fir Park next week.

A trio of crunch games is completed with a trip to Falkirk the following Saturday and Irons admits they must take as many points as possible to avoid falling behind.

“It’s a very important time for us and we have the opportunity to get right back amongst it,” he said.

“We don’t want to get cast adrift so it’s vital we get something from the three games coming up. However, we are only taking it one at a time and are completely focused on St Mirren.”

“Three points would put us level with them but it will a very difficult game. They have a lot of experience playing at this level and they know what they have to do to stay in the league.”

“It’s too early to call it a relegation battle but it will have that extra edge to it as it’s the bottom two clubs facing each other and we both need the points.”

“The International break maybe came at the wrong time for us but the lads had a few days off and have come back refreshed ready for another challenge.”

“They have been bright in training and are desperate to do well on Saturday. We all know what we have to do and are very determined to succeed.”

“We have a battling quality to our side and we showed that against Celtic. It’s certainly something we will need in the next three games as the other teams will be looking to get clear of us.”

“It will be a tough couple of weeks but if we can get some positive results then we will be in a much better position at the end of it.”

Gretna will be without French defender Aurélien Collin, who suffered a knee injury against Celtic, while Martin Canning is continuing his recovery from ankle surgery.

But with Tony Caig now eligible to play, Irons faces a selection headache with Greg Fleming also vying for the No.1 jersey.

“We’ve never been in this situation before, so it’s a nice problem to have,” he said.

“They are providing competition for each other and that can only be a good for them and the team.”

“We’ve put a lot of faith in Greg and he’s been under a lot of pressure as he’s been thrown in this season. But credit to him as he’s been magnificent for us and his call-up to the U21’s was much deserved.”

“Tony will bring great experience and knowledge to the side and he has to take a lot of credit for Greg’s development. He’s been working hard with him in training and helping improve various aspects of his game.”

“It’s a difficult decision but we will make the right one for the team.”