Charlie Nicholas has had another go at Celtic in his newspaper column this week, this time suggesting that even an appearance in the Scottish Cup Final, the chance to wrap up a fourth consecutive treble and the opportunity to win four domestic honours all in the one season can’t hide how the sacked Sky Sports pundit sees the outlook for the club this season – he reckons that it’s brutal.
Writing in the print edition of Daily Express, as reported by Scottish Sun Nicholas had his latest pop at the club he once claimed to have supported. “Celtic should be applauded for reaching the Scottish Cup final – but if Lennon and his players think that feat will ease the pressure on them then they are badly mistaken.
“Lenny sent Leigh Griffiths out in front of the media last week to declare there is no crisis and that they don’t listen to the critics. The fact he even mentioned the critics proves they listen to them,” he snided.
“There is no camouflaging things – this season is going to be brutal in terms of taking hard hits. Steven Gerrard hasn’t had his yet, but I would suggest there will be some coming along in time. There remains a constant wave of pressure on both halves of the Old Firm (sic).
“What Celtic have to remember is that the criticism only comes their way when their results are poor. When they are winning games and things are going well then there are no shortage of compliments,” Nicholas added.
He went on to admit that he is envious of this current Celtic side, which he perversely seems to slate on a weekly basis. “I have said many times how envious I am of this team. There is no jealousy but there is envy. Envy is something you would have loved to have done but never achieved it.
“What they have achieved is quite incredible. Their domestic record is remarkable,” Charlie Nicholas stated.
He added: “Celtic normally handle the pressure better than any other team in the country but up until last Sunday they hadn’t been doing that. Celtic will feel they are on the way back after comfortably defeating Aberdeen 2-0 at Hampden to move a step closer to a quadruple treble.
“It is one step forward but how many players can Lennon trust? Odsonne Edouard returned to the team and got 70 minutes, Ryan Christie banged another goal in and Tom Rogic is back in when he looked to be wanting out the door a few weeks ago.
“Shane Duffy will get through this difficult period for him. He might not get through it with flying colours, but he will get through it.
“My biggest concern about the Celtic team right now is Callum McGregor. He has played so many games for club and country and he looks tired. The problem for Lennon is that he can’t afford to rest him because he protects the ball better than any other player in that area.
“Nevertheless, the Hoops are just 90 minutes away from lifting their 12th consecutive domestic trophy, which would be a magnificent feat. And they will be overwhelming favourites to beat Hearts at Hampden on December 20.”
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