RANGERS goalie Jak Alnwick hopes his brother can provide the inspiration for a successful end to the season.
The 24-year-old is desperate to be part of a victory over Hibs that will secure second place for the Ibrox men.
He will then set about proving to new boss Steven Gerrard that he should be the club’s first-choice keeper.
Last Sunday it was another member of the Alnwick family with a footballing future at stake.
Jak’s big brother, Ben, was part of the Bolton Wanderers side that escaped relegation from the Championship by coming from behind to beat Nottingham Forest.
The Light Blues’ player said: “They needed to win and two teams to lose.
“I watched the first half on television then I went out the house and didn’t listen to it until I came back and heard the result.
“I was a bit nervous for him. He came off at half time with a little niggle but he’s fine.
“I get more nervous watching my brother than I do playing myself.
“It was a case of the team being dead and buried at 2-1 but two goals in the space of a couple of minutes and they end up staying in the Championship. That’s how crazy football is.
“You can go from devastation to the happiest moment of your career.
“He had a similar career to me, went to a big club in Tottenham. Same with me at Newcastle, didn’t play a lot of games, went out on loan.
“Then had to kind of rebuild again and go out and play football, went to Peterborough and now Bolton.
“When you’ve got the experience of my brother with what he’s done, to be able to pass it down to me.
“Even moving into certain clubs it’s always brilliant to have that experience above me.
“He always comes to games – as does my dad – when they can.
“My dad, Rob, was up in Aberdeen from Newcastle the other night. He follows me and my brother everywhere.
“It’s such a supportive family. My brother can give me little tips that he’s made mistakes in the past on or he looks at a game with different perspective.
“Unless you’re a goalkeeper, it’s hard to fully understand sometimes the position, the pressure and everything that comes with it.
“He passes down a lot of information – even after a game when I’ve done really well, he’ll still tell me I’m wrong!”
Once today’s game at Easter Road is done and dusted, Alnwick’s fate will be in the hands of new boss Steven Gerrard.
He’s only been playing recently because of a shoulder injury sustained by Wes Foderingham and it seems Allan McGregor will be returning to the club from Hull City.
Alnwick said: “It’s been nice to get a run of games and hopefully I can continue that.
“I’ve always wanted to stay at this club, no matter what, and I’d back myself against anyone.
“You’ve got to have confidence in yourself. Now I’m playing in the team, that’s where I want to remain.
“I watched Steven Gerrard a lot growing up. He’s my kind of era.
“He was obviously a top quality player who played under some great managers and he’s under one of the best managers at the moment. I think he’ll do a brilliant job.
“It just shows where the league’s at, and where this club’s at, that you can attract the big names.
“There are always big names linked with the club and it shows the direction we’re going in.
“It’s obviously been a process, but we’re getting there.”
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