BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Queen of the South manager James Fowler has ordered his players to stop being so nice to each other.
Fowler reckons the Doonhamers will have no problem getting themselves fired up for tomorrow’s clash at Hibs.
But the Queens boss reckons there are times when they have been complacent in the so-called smaller games.
And Fowler wants his players to start getting on each others’ back if they think a team-mate is not pulling their weight.
The former Kilmarnock midfielder said: “It’s important when they go over that white line that they role the sleeves up individually and collectively.
“They’re all good friends but it’s important they get on at people as well if they’re not doing the job as well as you would like them to be doing.
“It’s all right me and Gav (Skelton) shouting from the sidelines but I think it’s important that together as a unit they make sure they’re all doing their jobs, and if someone is having a tough time next to them then they go and help the guy.
“We seem to be able to get ourselves up for the bigger games.
“I think that’s the mental side as well, you know you have to work harder because you’re playing against better players and that just comes naturally.
“Sometimes when you’re playing teams that are below you in the league or think they’re similar to where you are, you feel you don’t have to work as hard.”
Fowler, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Hibs at Palmerston on October 3, added: “Hibs have been flying and have been really consistent, and they’re pushing Rangers for the title.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game but it’s about standing up and being counted.
“As a player you want to go to all the big stadiums with the big crowds and test yourself to see how good you can be.”
