Dorus has no fear ahead of Zenit showdown

CELTIC goalkeeper Dorus de Vries reckons that Celtic have the strength in depth in the squad to cope with the challenges of playing Zenit St Petersburg in the Europa League knock-out round, despite the huge number of injuries that Celtic have suffered this season.

De Vries was in goals at the weekend at Kilmarnock as a result of regular first pick Craig Gordon’s knee injury sustained against Hibs. That has effectively ended the big Scotland goalie’s season. De Vries watched on as both Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer had to leave the artificial pitch due to injury. Celtic seemed to go into their shell after that and went on to lose the match 1-0.

But looking forward positively, the Dutchman reckons that Celtic have enough fit players within the squad to cope against the crack Russian outfit.

“There are players who have come in here and will contribute and get better and better. There is a real good group.

“Jack Hendry looks a real good player. He only trained the day before Kilmarnock, he is young and has so much to improve with his potential. He’s good on the ball, he’s strong and he is fast. It’s a good move for him to come here.

“He comes to a great environment in terms of professionalism, a winning mentality, so he can only contribute to that.

De Vries managed a few games early in his Celtic career before losing his place to Gordon who of course played a huge part in the Invincible treble winning season. That meant that De Vries watched most of the action from the bench.

“As a goalkeeper, you carry a great responsibility and you never want to be beaten.

“You don’t want to let in a goal at any time.

“You want to be there for your team and, at that time, we had a big run going on and you just want to make sure that you’ve done well enough to keep that run going.

“But it’s the same now – my job doesn’t change. I still hate conceding goals and I want to play well and show what I’m capable of. I don’t want to let anyone down.

“Of course, Craig has helped me. I think we’ve shown in the last year and a half that we’re supportive of each other – in the goalkeeping union, you have to be that way, especially when you have so many games.

“Our schedule since I’ve been here has been so busy – it’s madness. So we need to help each other because there’s a lot to play for.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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