Pride means we're still Keane, says Rasmussen

Published on Monday 8 March 2010 08:56

MORTEN RASMUSSEN insists pride will drive the Celtic players on for the rest of the season.

The former Brondby striker was handed his first SPL start since arriving at Parkhead in January at Falkirk yesterday and set up Robbie Keane for the first of his two goals in the 2-0 win.

However, Tony Mowbray's side are ten points behind leaders Rangers, who have a game in hand and only the most optimistic Hoops fan would predict a comeback.

But Rasmussen insists motivation will not be difficult, especially with the Active Nation Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at Kilmarnock to look forward to next week.

"I don't think it is difficult (to keep going)" he said. "As a professional, you want to show your best when you play, you have pride, so I don't think it is difficult.

"We must look in each other's eyes and know that we have done the best we could.

"We have to win every game and then see how the title is looking – anything can happen in football.

"Is it hopeless? No.

"We have a lot of games left and an important cup game at the weekend so I don't think so."

Rasmussen was delighted to get his first SPL start alongside Keane, who showed why he is reportedly earning 65,000 per week on his loan deal from Tottenham, with two fine goals which sunk a Bairns side who might have caused the visitors more problems with better finishing.

He said: "I do my best in training so I was pleased to start.

"It was nice to play with a top-class striker, I enjoyed it.

"You learn a lot when you play and train with a good player – but the whole team are good players."

Falkirk remain three points adrift at the bottom of the SPL but boss Steven Pressley is more than confident his side can avoid the drop.

"I think we can stay in this division," he said. "We have ten games to go now and our focus is beating St Johnstone next weekend.

"The players were disappointed because they know that winning is the most important aspect but in terms of what you can ask for from players, I can't ask for any more than what they gave me.

"Robbie Keane was the difference between the teams, he produced two wonderful finishes and we missed a number of opportunities."