WE covered the previous Scottish Cup match against Clyde in some detail when the draw was made so no need to go over all that again ahead of tomorrow’s ‘revenge mission’ in Cumbernauld.
David Potter has also looked at the entire history of Celtic and Clyde in the Scottish Cup and as always it’s well worth a READ.
While Liam Kelly, a new member of the team at The Celtic Star posted a brilliant article relating to the two clubs the other night.
Neil Lennon of course played in the 2-1 defeat on 8 January 2006 and as he’s been speaking about it, we’ll cover what the now Celtic manager has being saying about that awful afternoon just over 14 years ago in Cumbernauld.
“I’ve not got happy memories of Clyde. That was a sore one,” Lenny told the Media, as reported by Scottish Sun.
“We just didn’t turn up and Clyde deserved to win the game. We were all in a bit of shock in the dressing room after. There had been a lot of hype about the game, with Roy (Keane) making his debut along with Du Wei.
“But we didn’t play well at all. It was one of those days when things didn’t work out.
“When you lose games like that, your sub-conscious tries to block it out. You try not to remember too much about it.
“But the aftermath was just horrible, horrible. We even had a meeting at the stadium afterwards and a few things were said. It wasn’t nice.”
That was then of course and Celtic at the moment is a very different animal, having won an incredible 32 cup matches in a row – that must be one of those World Record’s we used to read so much about a few years ago.
Lennon is mindful of that record, anxious to avoid another shock but also looking to give one or two some much needed game-time, so there will be changes.
“We don’t want to take any chances, but there are a couple of players itching to play, so we will think about it over the next few days.
“I’ve not mentioned that 2006 game to the players. It was years and years ago. I might bring it up, but I don’t think it’s necessary because of the confident way we’re playing.”
However he is taking nothing for granted, and pointed to his defeat at Celtic manager the first time around to Morton in the League Cup as proof that shocks can and will continue to happen in the Scottish game.
“It’s realistic that it can happen now and again. Sometimes it happens. But I certainly don’t want it to happen to me as a manager.
“I lost to Morton in the League Cup and that was a sore one. But as regards Sunday, we will focus on that and be professional and respectful of the opposition.
“It’s not a foregone conclusion, but we are playing well and want to keep that momentum going.”
He knows that Danny Lennon’s side will be up for what will be the biggest game of many of their careers, just like it was for the Clyde boys back in 200
“There was a huge motivation for them that day and I’m sure it will be the same this weekend. We’ll have to be careful. We just have to pick a decent team and go there and win.
“We need to make sure we get things right for the game. We’ll try and rotate the team, but not too much. Patryk Klimala has a chance, as does Ismaila Soro, who has been training well.
“We have a depth of squad now which is good because we’ve suffered from a long injury list. We were without Ryan Christie for a month, but he’s back and itching to play.
“Mohammed Elyounoussi was in great form before he got injured, but he’s coming back, too. Jeremie Frimpong won’t be far away and neither will Nir Bitton.
“Tom Rogic has a bit of a knee problem which can flare up, but we have strength in depth.”
With 60 miles per hour winds forecast that will be a great leveller if the game goes ahead. If it is postponed then we’ll be heading back to Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld on Wednesday night with the Premiership match against Hearts having to be re-arranged.
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