Wilson urges Celtic not to rest on laurels

28 April 2013 02:17

Kelvin Wilson has urged his Celtic team mates not to take it easy now that they've wrapped up the Scottish Premier League title.

The Hoops clinched their second successive championship last weekend following a 4-1 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle which left them 15 points clear with four matches remaining.

The English defender is one of four Celtic players who have been given a week's holiday by manager Neil Lennon, who is mindful that his players will only have a short break in the summer due to their participation in Champions League qualifiers.

Wilson, along with Kris Commons, Efe Ambrose and Joe Ledley, will miss the match against Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.

But he has warned those who will feature this weekend to guard against complacency as they bid to build up some momentum before next month's Scottish Cup final against Hibernian where they aim to clinch a domestic double.

"We really found our feet in the second half against Inverness and showed what we can do," Wilson said.

"That is the way we want to be playing for the duration of the campaign because we would love to be a Celtic side who wins a double.

"The last thing we want to do is take our foot off the gas and think that we have done our work because we still have a big game coming up and we want to prepare for that mentally and physically.

"It was a great feeling to have crossed that title line because we have been waiting for it these last few weeks. But we want to be celebrating again in May at Hampden.

"It's a great feeling to enjoy the fruits of your season like that with everyone having a good time together in the dressing room. But we want more of the same next month."

Motherwell, who sit in second spot, have enjoyed another memorable campaign following last season's third-placed finish.

And Celtic manager Lennon says his Motherwell counterpart Stuart McCall deserves huge praise for his achievements since taking charge at Fir Park.

"I wouldn't say they have over-achieved but what I think he has done is change the face of Motherwell," he said.

"They play great football, very good attacking football. There is a good squad there, a good work ethic among them, and they are very consistent.

"He has signed a new contract so he's obviously very happy and stable in that environment, and that will settle the players as well.

"He's been a little bit imaginative, bringing in James McFadden out of nowhere really, and giving him a lease of life.

"He's been rolling back the years at the minute, the style of football that he's playing. I think he's done a fantastic job there."

Celtic stars Scott Brown and Adam Matthews will miss the match through injury, though Welsh defender Matthews may resume training next week.

On Saturday, Dundee kept their slim hopes of avoiding relegation alive with a 1-0 win over Hearts at Dens Park in a match where both sides ended with 10 men.

Sunday

Motherwell v Celtic (1145GMT)

Source: AFP