BY KYLE GUNN

Ahead of his side taking on Rangers at the Simple Digital Arena tomorrow, St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin has been reminiscing about his last match as a Saints player - a 2-2 against the Ibrox side back in 2016.

Making his 153rd and final appearance in the black and white stripes, Goodwin came on with 25 minutes remaining as Lewis Morgan secured a final day point with an injury time leveller against Mark Warburton's side.

It's two completely new-look sides lining up this weekend and while Goodwin, a Liverpool fan, is excited at the prospect of facing Steven Gerrard's team, he also took a moment to reflect on his last outing as a player for the Buddies.

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“It was an emotional day and a sad day for me," Goodwin told Gazette Sport. "I loved my time here as a player and I never wanted to leave but that is the nature of the beast. I was getting on and the manager wanted to freshen the squad as they are entitled to do. You just have to accept it and take it on the chin. I wasn’t prepared for it though. Thereafter I went part-time to Alloa which was a great learning curve but an eye opener for me. It was sad.

“But I am back at the club and I can’t wait for Sunday. Everyone knows I am a big Liverpool fan and I am looking forward to facing Steven Gerrard. I loved him as a player and he was one of the best midfielders to grace English football. He was a leader and captain and he has carried that on as a manager. 

"I have been impressed with how he has handled the pressure of being Rangers manager. He has taken to it like a duck to water. This must be a big game as everyone is passing themselves fit and want to play - that is a good problem to have.”

The Gazette: Goodwin picking up his obligatory yellow card in his final St Mirren matchGoodwin picking up his obligatory yellow card in his final St Mirren match

Gerrard's side were in Europe League action on Thursday as they secured a hard-fought and well-deserved 0-0 draw against Legia Warsaw in Poland.

And with that crunch play-off tie in the balance ahead of next Thursday's second leg, Goodwin believes that will have a baring on Rangers' team selection. 

But the Irishman says he is likely to field the same starting XI that shocked Aberdeen earlier this month.

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He continued: “Rangers are in the tie at 0-0, and it might have a bearing on Steven’s team for Sunday, but we will play the exact same way we did against Hibs and Aberdeen in our first two games. 

"We have no secrets and I have nothing to hide. The boys have done great, so why would I change it? I won’t try and be clever or do anything out of the ordinary. We will be organised and set up the same way we did in our first two games. I trust the players can cause Rangers problems. The first three games have been a baptism of fire but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Some people thought we didn’t stand a chance but if there is a good time to face the big boys, it's when they are in Europe and have other things going on. We were disappointed not to take anything at Easter Road but we backed that up with a clean sheet and a win over Aberdeen.”

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