PREVIEW | Craig Levein previews Celtic

Manager Craig Levein spoke to the broadcast media today to preview tomorrow’s trip to Glasgow to face Celtic.

Saints are aiming to build on previous outings against Aberdeen and Livingston when they make the trip to Celtic Park, where we already picked up a crucial point this season back in August.

“It is going to be a tough match for sure,” said Levein. “Every match is tough at the moment and other teams are finding it the same.

“There is obviously interest in the title race, but our concerns are St Johnstone, and we are aiming to pick up some points in Glasgow.

“Most of our rivals will probably be thinking St Johnstone will struggle to get anything from the game. I would like very much to prove them wrong.

“We understand it is quite a task but we played well against them here. I am hopeful we can put on a good performance that can then lead to us having a chance of winning the game.

“Other than maybe one or two matches since I have come in as manager of St Johnstone I have been really happy with the efforts that the players have put in.

“I am sure we will get the same effort from the boys in this match as well.

"If we can maintain our discipline and are up for the fight with passion and aggression then I think we have a decent chance of getting something."

The manager also praised striker Nicky Clark who has netted two goals in his last two games.

Levein continued: “We are pleased that Nicky is back in the team. I don’t think any of the other players would mind me saying this but he is our best finisher at the club. There is no doubt about that.

“He has a calmness about him in front of goal that has led to him being a regular scorer in the Scottish Premiership.

“We now have more pace in the front line as well with Benji and Adama and that gives us other things that we can scare the opposition with.”

On Dan Phillips’ international call-up for Trinidad and Tobago, Levein added: “I love working with Dan. He is a special boy and a really good player.

“He is one that rolls the sleeves up and gives you everything he’s got every time he crosses the white line.

“That naturally makes me like him for his attitude more than anything else and I am delighted for him. He has got himself involved in international football and for any player that is really exciting.

“We wish him well and hopefully he comes back in sound order.”