Celtic V Partick at Celtic Park : Match Preview

28 October 2014 18:01
Celtic V Partick - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Goals boost for Scepovic

Stefan Scepovic has revealed two goals in two games has at last made him feel an integral part of the Celtic set-up.

The 24-year-old Serbia international struck for the first time since his B#2.3million summer move from Sporting Gijon against Astra Giurgiu in last Thursday's 2-1 Europa League win over the Romanian outfit.

It was a huge relief for the player after six previous goalless appearance which had failed to impress the fans and he followed it up with a goal in the 2-0 home Premiership win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Ahead of Wednesday's League Cup quarter-final clash with Partick Thistle at Parkhead, Scepovic spoke about the difference a couple of goals had made to him.

"I feel very good," he said. "It is important as a striker to score goals but the most important thing is that we won the games and we need to continue like this.

"I said when I came that it would take time to adapt to the football here and the manager and everyone at the club has helped me.

"You just need to believe in yourself, train hard every session and be ready when you get the chance.

"I always believed in myself and of course when you score goals it is more easier to get confidence and be in the group.

"Not just because of the goals but you get more confidence."

For the first time this season manager Ronny Deila paired Scepovic with Swedish striker John Guidetti in a two-man attack in an orthodox 4-4-2 system against Kilmarnock, and was rewarded with both players scoring as the Hoops moved up to fourth place in the table with a game in hand.

Scepovic, speaking at the club's Lennoxtown training complex where he was helping to publicise Celtic FC Foundation's B#10,000 donation to its Christmas Appeal, insists he will play in whatever role is required.

He said: "John is a good player and we did well in the game but it is the manager's decision if we play with one striker or two.

"It is also good to have good competition.

"We are here to help each other, to work for the team and do what the manager asks from us."

Kris Commons could return to the Celtic squad.

The Hoops forward has been out with a buttock injury but manager Ronny Deila is hoping he is available for the first meeting with their Glasgow rivals this season.

Winger James Forrest is still not ready for first-team action following a hamstring injury but could return in two weeks.

Kallum Higginbotham could return for Partick having shaken off a knee injury, while Danny Seaborne returns after serving a one-match ban.

Kris Doolan admits Partick will still have their work cut-out to make themselves heard at Parkhead - even if the ground is half empty.

The Jags head across Glasgow looking to record their first win in the east end of the city since 1992.

Just 15,000 fans turned out to see Deila's Hoops beat Hearts in the previous round and another meagre crowd is expected to turn out for Alan Archibald's men.

But Doolan admits his side will have to make all the right noises if they are to follow Hamilton Accies' lead and shock the Scottish champions on their own turf.

He said: "I don't believe it's an easier place to go there this season. When you go to Celtic Park there is going to be atmosphere. You can guarantee there will be an atmosphere one way or another

"But how many people turn up for them has nothing to do with us, we just need to concentrate on us.

"I'm sure Celtic will have a point to prove following their disappointments in the cups over the past few seasons.

"But so do we. We're not just going there to soak up the pressure from Celtic for 90 minutes. We will go there and have a go.

"I've got no idea how strong a side they will put out. That's up to Ronny Deila. But we can't go there worrying about what Celtic are going to do. We have to be positive.

"Cup games are notorious for showing that anything can happen and hopefully we can go there to Parkhead and give our fans something to chant about."


Source: PA