David Haley spoke to Celtic TV yesterday ahead of this evening’s SWPL1 match against Motherwell at The Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, where Celtic FC Women will be looking to pick up the three points and narrow that gap on leaders Glasgow City to just three points.
Celtic FC Women have been in top goalscoring form so far in 2023, scoring a magnificent 17 goals in two away matches against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup (9-0) and Glasgow Women in the league match on Sunday.
And the Ghirls have another home league match this Sunday, this time against Partick Thistle so six points will continue the momentum as the team eye a first ever title win for Celtic.
On tonight’s match, which kicks off at 7.45pm – ie the same time as Celtic take on St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park – Haley is pleased with the preparations and the manner in which the squad has trained over the last few days.
“Preparations have been going well. We obviously had the game against Glasgow Women on Sunday and we’ve been in training the last two days. So we go into (tonight’s game) fully focused and ready to go.
Haley appreciates that the quality of opposition increases now with both Motherwell and Partick Thistle higher quality sides than the first two opponents in the New Year, and he hinted at some squad rotation over the course of this six points double header at Airdrie.
“They’re tough games, we have to monitor the workload for each individual player and there’ll probably be some rotation throughout the games,” Haley said. “It’s been a good start for us in 2023, not only getting the goals but also keeping two clean sheets. That’s something we want to continue and keep the momentum going.”
The home support that this exciting Celtic FC Women’s team has been steadily increasing, although the fixture clash this evening with Ange Postecoglou’s side. This game this evening is a re-arranged fixture after the pitch at the Excelsior Stadium was frozen just before Christmas. Celtic wanted to play the match mast midweek but Motherwell rejected that proposal so with Fran Alonso wanting the game played as soon as possible, that’s why it is being played this evening.
🗣 "The fans are really important to us so we're asking them to get along as often as they possibly can."
🎟 Support the Ghirls under the lights at the Excelsior Stadium tonight ➡️ https://t.co/X3KAPDK0jt#CELMOT | #SWPL | #COYGIG🍀
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) January 18, 2023
“The fans are really important to us so we’re asking them to get along as often as we can,” the Celtic FC Women Assistant Manager said. “The pitch is great, the facilities are great and we really enjoy being there. It really is becoming a home for us now.”
Haley also commented on new Celtic signing Hana Kerner. The 25 year-old American wing-back was announced yesterday and should be in the squad if not this evening then on Sunday afternoon. David Haley is clearly excited at the new addition to the squad and looking forward to watching what Kerner can add to the Celtic team.
“The ideal scenario is that you get all your players in as early as possible,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to get Hannah in early doors and we’re really excited by her. She is going to play in the wingback position and we’re really excited by what she can bring to the team.”
✍ #CelticFCWomen are delighted to announce the signing of American wingback Hana Kerner, subject to international clearance.
Welcome to Celtic, Hana! 🍀🇺🇸#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/l4Q3oasCwu
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) January 17, 2023
Watch David Haley’s pre-match interview with Celtic TV below…
Back home! 🏡
🏆 SWPL
🆚 Motherwell
🏟 Excelsior Stadium
🎟 £8 adults, £4 kids PATG
🕗 7:45pm#CELMOT | #SWPL | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/CfQRgXFm7k— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) January 18, 2023
