For supporters of the club, it’s hard not to look ahead, particularly when there is a Glasgow Derby on the horizon. However, for Ange Postecoglou, who was asked in yesterday’s pre-match press conference about how he prepares for today’s game and whether he’d take the game against theRangers into account when selecting his team for today’s match with Dundee United, it was a case of eyes front and simply dealing with a game against an opponent in which Celtic dropped points the last time they visited Celtic Park, and theRangers game can wait.
“Every game is important so there’s no point thinking what you’re going to do in a game or two games time or three games time, if you don’t accomplish what you want with what’s in front of you. That’s something we’ve been really good at – focusing on what’s in front of us.
“Tomorrow’s team will be the team we think will get the job done. United came here and frustrated us last time so we know it’s going to be a challenge and we’ve got to be up for it. We obviously have some limitations, in terms of options, with the number of absences we’ve got at the moment, but I’m confident the eleven who will start will be best equipped to get the job done.
“It will be a challenge for us, for sure. Their form before that (United’s late win against Ross County) wasn’t great. When you’re going through a bad spell, you just need a good result to raise morale.”
“They got that in the last game, but even if they didn’t, I think we know what to expect It’s going to be a tough game. We’re under no illusions.”
And in terms of injury concerns from a tough encounter against Hearts in midweek, Ange Postecoglou was reassuring when he explained although the group have been impacted by some tired limbs after the match, that was due to some who hadn’t played much football for a period prior to Wednesday night’s win at Tynecastle, and all those who played a part in that fantastic win in Edinburgh will be available for selection today.
“Yes, nothing major. Obviously, a bit of fatigue in a couple of them because they haven’t played a lot recently. But aside from that no injuries, and no-one’s come out with anything that’s going to affect them in terms of team selection for tomorrow.”
As for Celtic’s long term walking wounded, the manager was a little non-committal on time frames for players returning but confirmed none would be back for the game tomorrow and claimed his focus for the time being had to be on those who could be called upon to face Dundee United.
“No, not really. As I’ve said, with all of them it’s different timescales and different rehabs. They are all working away in the background. Some are longer-term than others but, from my perspective, we’ll just look at the players who are available.”
With injured players looking at being some time off when it comes to a return to action, it looks like Celtic’s early work in the January transfer window is paying off, as there remains a squad who still look to have enough numbers to supply a competitive first eleven and also enough to have options from the bench who can assist.
One thing however is clear as much as supporters’ minds may wander to the Glasgow Derby, the manager and the players focus is entirely on a tough fixture against Dundee United this afternoon .
Niall J
