Hoops Strike Force A Worry For Calderwood

24 July 2011 09:57
Colin Calderwood can see Celtic still having a potent threat up front Colin Calderwood believes that Celtic's strike force is their major strength ahead of the new SPL season. The Hibs manager was in the stand to see Anthony Stokes score to give Celtic a 1-0 pre-season victory over Cardiff earlier this week. Speaking ahead of today's opening encounter of the league season, Calderwood admitted last year's Scottish Cup winners were looking dangerous. He said: "They pose a real goal threat and have good strength in depth. On Wednesday I thought they worked well as a unit and deserved their win. They've had a change of goalkeeper having lost Fraser Forster and brought in Kelvin Wilson into their defence. That will have to bed in a little but it's dealing with their attacking potency that will be the major issue for any team." Calderwood also praised his Celtic counterpart, Neil Lennon, ahead of the televised ga,e - insisting he recognised his credentials during their time together at Nottingham Forest. Calderwood admitted: "After managing Neil I never doubted for a second that he would be able to cope with managing at the highest level. He has a great knowledge of football and understands the mentality required to take part in extremely high pressure and high profile games. He also has done the rounds and built his career up from the lower leagues." Over the summer Calderwood has lost more than a dozen players from his squad and only signed Garry O'Connor, Ivan Sproule and Sean O'Hanlon. Despite the lack of new faces Calderwood believes the Easter Road crowd should relish the visit of last season's SPL runners-up. He insisted: "It's a good opening fixture, the fans look forward to the big games at any stage. This is one of the best home fixtures we will get this season. I hope the fans can come and see their club, see what they've got and also see where the team can improve. We're still working away on strengthening the squad and will do so right up until the window closes."

Source: FOOTYMAD