PREVIEW | Saints v Celtic
First Team

PREVIEW | Saints v Celtic

1st February 2019

Saturday 2 February 2019

Saints take on familiar opposition tomorrow in the form of Celtic having played against Brendan Rodgers' three times already this season, including a 2-0 away defeat just three days ago.

The reigning Ladbrokes Premiership champions will be the visitors on Sunday and Saints know they have a tough match ahead having lost the three previous matches against Celtic this season - including a humbling 6-0 defeat the last time the two sides met in Perth.

Looking ahead to the game, the manager said he's looking to see an improvement from his players tomorrow after Wednesday's defeat at Celtic Park.

"The result was disappointing," Tommy said, "but what was the most disappointing was that we didn't really lay a glove on them the whole match. I don't think Bain has a save to make.

"We did some good things in terms of our shape and our discipline but ultimately when we play against better teams we must be better on the ball.

"Being better in possession means we can get up the pitch and ask some questions of Celtic - something we weren't able to do on Wednesday.

"We've got to get over the midweek performance now, look ahead to tomorrow's game and improve.

"It's always difficult against Celtic because they'll akways have more of the ball.

"I hear it said often - 'why don't you go out and have a go at them' - we did that before and we lost 6-0.

"We need to play to a shape that makes it difficult for them to break us down and when we do have the ball we need to better, move up the pitch and try to cause problems."

The manager was pleased to add to his squad in the final few days of the January Transfer Window and with no new injury concerns he says he has a strong pool to choose from tomorrow.

"We've got a lot of games in a short period of time," he said, "so there will be some rotation in the squad.

"I'll pick the side I think has the best chance of winning and likewise for Wednesday and for next Sunday in the cup as well.

"All the paperwork has been done for the new signings so they'll be available and we have no real injury concerns.

"Scott Tanser had a slight niggle in midweek but played through it and I thought he was excellent again. I don't think there will be any worries over his fitness.

"Obviously Drey remains out but Brian Easton is now back in full training and the rest of the squad are fit and available for selection."


Kick-off tomorrow is at 12:30PM. The game is live on Sky Sports and on Saints TV for overseas subscribers.

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