Newly appointed St Johnstone manager Craig Levein reckon ‘for sure; that his side can beat Celtic at McDiarmid Park on Sunday lunchtime while admitting that Brendan Rodgers’ side will be the ‘hardest test’ so far in his return to football management after a number of years working in the media.
“We have been in all of the games and for spells during those games we have played really well.
In general we have defended really well apart from the first game where we got a little bit spooked.
Celtic v St. Johnstone – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Celtics Callum McGregor during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
“I have been pleased overall with the effort in particular and performances in spells and quite long spells at times, but this is the hardest test we will have faced to date,” Levein admitted, as reported by BBC Scotland.
“I am expecting them to be really difficult opponents. No matter what team Celtic put out, they are going to stretch you for sure. We are at home so I hope we settle into the game quicker than we did last week and we continue to try to do the things that Andy (Kirk, assistant) and I believe will help us win games but the proof is in the pudding.
Celtic v St. Johnstone – cinch Premiership – Kyogo Furuhashi shoots during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
“We have improved every week and apart from the first 15 minutes at Tynecastle I thought we were excellent and I expect us to improve again on Sunday. We are not in any way, shape or form worried about playing a club who are recognised as being a much bigger club than us.
“The intention is to try to win the game and for me, we are very capable of that.”
