Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has complimented Celtic ahead of this afternoon’s game but says that he will be looking to get a result at Paradise. Celtic won the game at Rugby Park back in August, beating Kille 5-0, but McInnes is looking to take something from the game.
As reported by the Daily Record, McInnes is refusing to let his team treat the game as a free hit even if he respects the quality on show from Ange Postecoglou’s side. Celtic will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premiership to twelve points with Rangers playing on Sunday.
“We’re on a run of games now where we’re going to be stretched and tested but I’m looking forward to it for a load of reasons.
“We’ve just entered a window and our aim is to come out of it as a bit more rounded as a squad but I’m interested in how my team copes at Parkhead and how they deal with the problems which arise.
“I’ll find out more about my players but this is an opportunity for them to step forward and prove that they should be playing in that semi-final.
“Celtic have a better level of player and so many other advantages over us but I think, from our point of view, that we show courage, confidence, personality and determination because we need to do a lot of things right to get a result there and that’s our intention.”
McInnes was in charge of Aberdeen for almost eight years, often causing Celtic problems. While in charge of the Dons, he oversaw a win in May 2018, which saw the Pittodrie club gain second place in the Premiership.
The experienced manager stated that he will go out to try and make an impact on the game and that his players will not be allowed to go into the game without the belief that they can get a result.
“Our intention will be to disrupt the flow of their play, to try and annoy and frustrate them. We recognize their strength but we also recognize our own.
“I don’t want any of our boys turning up there tomorrow thinking that we can’t win. It’s a game of football and we’ll try to do just that.
“We’ll have some lads playing at Celtic Park for the first time, some new arrivals and some youngsters but we need to expose them to that and I’ll know a lot more about my team after these next three games.
“There are no free hits in this league. Celtic are at the top of the league for a reason and we are where we are for a reason but we’ll go there and attempt to win.”
Celtic drew against Rangers at Ibrox and will be looking to warm up for the League Cup Semi Final at Hampden against the Ayrshire club with a win.
