James Fowler hopes for a spot of deja vu at Ibrox

James Fowler had been picking Alex Neil’s brain on the way to trying to win promotion.

The Queen of South boss would love to repeat the way that Hamilton Accies upset the odds to triumph in last season’s play-offs against Rangers today.

The Lanarkshire outfit were able to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Hibs at Easter Road 12 months ago to clinch promotion.

Fowler was keeping the company of Accies’ manager Alex Neil at that time when both were studying for their “A” coaching licence.

It’s the same scenario at the moment, with both men spending time at the SFA’s training HQ at Largs while they mastermind a promotion push.

Fowler said: “I spoke to Alex last year when he was on the same course, flitting in and out. He had other things on his mind, but was keen to get his ‘A’ licence done while Accies were in the play-offs.

“I think that shows how key it is to get it done because he has progressed to move down south and take over at Norwich.

“I remember Alex and his assistant, Frankie McAvoy, were quite happy with how they played in the first leg last year.

“They felt that if they could go there and get the first goal, it might get a bit nervy for Hibs because they were the favourites.

“It’s the same for us going to Ibrox.

“There wasn’t much in the first game, so there’s not anything for us to be worried or too downbeat about.

“Rangers will have the expectation of a full house, and if we can get the first goal then the pressure will switch to them. We’ll see how the players deal with that.”

Fowler believes the distraction of doing a coaching course can be a positive thing.

He said: “I saw Alex Neil again on the Pro Licence course last week. He is in the same situation as he was last year, and was coming up while preparing for Norwich’s semi-final against Ipswich.

“It’s funny how things work out.

“It’s been good to speak to the coaches and fellow candidates on the course. They’ve told me we were unlucky to lose last weekend, so that reaffirms my views on the game.

“Sometimes you can be a wee bit clouded in your judgment. But when you hear that from other people whose opinions you respect, it helps.”