Tonight Celtic will take on Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium in the freezing cold Highlands. A trip to Dingwall at this time of year has everyone thinking of their onesie and a hot cuppa in front of the telly. Ange and the Bhoys will have no such luck tonight if we’re all honest about it.
Celtic only need to do one thing tonight; win, just win. The conditions will be terrible and the game will be fraught at times against an opponent who will revel in putting us off our game. Like just about nearly every other away game in Scotland, the Hoops will be put through the wars tonight. We must take care of the ball as best we can, despite the obvious caveats that will engulf tonight’s milieu.
April 16th 2017, Dingwall, Highlands, Ross County versus Celtic – Callum McGregor on the ball.
Just like Motherwell on Sunday, we will head into this one with the bare bones of a depleted squad. If it wasn’t for bad luck we’d have none – that is becoming a truism and not a clichè of supporting Celtic Football Club these days. With an ex-player in the opposition dugout, Malky McKay will be looking to get one over us and build on County’s recent revival. We must prevent that outcome at all costs.
This run of games in the lead-up to the winter break is absolutely taxing on everyone involved with the Club. Added to this, is the Scottish footballing authorities downright refusal to protect our players on the field of play, with a pernicious media narrative being constructed around our star striker. It’s safe to say tonight could leave a fair few bumps and lumps on the players if we are to emerge with the full bhoona.
April 16th 2017, Dingwall, Highlands, Ross County v Celtic – Tom Rogic crossed the ball
Our rivals play at home to St Johnstone, so we cannot be expecting any favours there. Just like usual, we must make our own luck and concentrate fully on winning regardless of the performance. Style has its place, of that there is no denying. However, on nights like tonight, all that matters is getting over the line with another precious three points to keep this title race wide open ahead of the Glasgow Derby on 2 January.
Tonight may not be pretty and there may be certain tense moments just like Sunday. But, we must stay the course and ride it out. Ugly results are what is required between now and January. The support must accept this is the way it has to be for now, until Ange can get the vital adrenaline he needs for this football team.
Please Celtic, just win tonight.
Paul Gillespie
