St Johnstone Vs Rangers - Official Matchday Thread

David Healy can't wait to meet up with old pal Steve Lomas - then try to get one over his former international team-mate.

The pair were in the Northern Ireland squad together when Healy was in the early stages of his international career.

They have gone their separate ways since, with Lomas taking charge of this weekend's opponents St Johnstone back in November.

His very first game at the helm saw his team draw 0-0 at Ibrox and he will be looking for another positive result in Perth.

But after scoring against Motherwell and Arbroath recently, Healy is determined to keep his own good form going at the expense of his friend.

He said: "Steve's one of my old international team-mates and he was - and still is - regarded as a Northern Ireland football legend.

"I got into the squad at an early age and while I was 20, he was in his late 20s or early 30s and was a renowned player.

"He was a midfielder and while I'm sure he'll admit he wasn't the world's greatest footballer, he wore his heart on his sleeve and had great passion.

"He's showing that now at St Johnstone and he has started really well since he took charge there a couple of months ago.

"I think we owe them one though after our last game with them. They did well but there are no favours in football and hopefully we can come out on top.

"After he provided me with a few goals before, I want to show Steve I can still score now this weekend."



Allan McGregor will miss the game with St Johnstone because of a thigh problem.

The Scotland international didn't travel to Perth, nor did he take part in training prior to the meeting with the Perth side as he received treatment.

That means back up keeper Neil Alexander is set to start in goals in what will be his first SPL game of the season.

The former Ipswich star's only other competitive appearance since the summer came in the 3-2 League Cup defeat to Falkirk at Westfield back in September.

Third choice Scott Gallacher, himself only recently fit again after a torn thigh muscle, is likely to be on the bench after being included in the squad.

No indication has been given of how serious the injury to McGregor - an ever-present in the league until now in 2011/12 - is.

Gers will continue to monitor his condition over the next few days as they try to determine the extent of damage.

Being without McGregor is a big setback to manager Ally McCoist, who is already without Kirk Broadfoot, Steven Whittaker, Steven Naismith, Kyle Lafferty and Jamie Ness.