Celtic

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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• Celtic have won the past six League Cup meetings between the clubs since losing the final to Rangers in 2011.

• Celtic's last League Cup win at Ibrox was in the groups in 1973. They also beat Rangers in the semis that season - but have never won a League Cup knockout tie in Govan.

• Celtic have only won four of their previous 14 games against Rangersat Ibrox.

• Rangers have only failed to get to the semis once in the past decade.

• Celtic haven't lost at the quarter-final stage since 2009, when Hearts beat them 1-0 at Celtic Park thanks to a Michael Stewart penalty - current coach Stephen McManus was sent off late in the tie.

• Martin O'Neill's record at Ibrox: Played 11, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 4.

• Derek McInnes' record against Celtic: Played 61, Won 10, Drawn 4, Lost 47.

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The last three Old Firm cup ties have gone to extra-time, with two of those settled on penalties and Celtic prevailing each time.

So it's no surprise to hear the visitors have been practicising spot-kicks for Sunday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at Ibrox.

"We absolutely do (practice penalties), we'll take it that far," said manager Martin O'Neill. "We've always done this in cup competitions.

"It cannot replicate the stadium, the crowd, all of that type of stuff either home or away, it's not like that at all.

"But at least you if you've had a couple of penalty shots, even if you're, let's say, a centre half or something and you're asked to do it and if you've not practised it, well then it'll be a double whammy for you because you've not done it in front of a big stadium and you've not even practiced it.

"So you might as well have a few shots and that's what we do at the end of the training sessions.

"If you're looking at about, let's say five minutes to go in extra time, that is the first time that you probably really think about it.

"You might have had some of your best penalty takers start the game and come off through fatigue or whatever the case may be. And whatever you're left with that's it.

"But I defy any manager to say that they can think further ahead than that."

Asked what he expected from a Rangers side that have won four games in a row under Derek McInnnes after a difficult start to his tenure as Gers boss, O'Neill said: "I think they'll be strong. I think they'll be robust.

"They'll be ready to go and we need to be able to match that."

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Martin O'Neill has been speaking to media before Celtic visit Glasgow rivals Rangers on Sunday in the League Cup quarter-finals (12:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from the Celtic boss:

• O'Neill eased fears over the fitness of midfielder Mika Baur, who missed training on Friday. "He's fine. He is actually fine. He just picked up a bit of a knock but will be available to train tomorrow. He's okay," says the Celtic boss.

• It will be "strange" for Celtic to have no away fans, with O'Neill adding: "I always felt as if it would give you a crumb of comfort of some description."

• In light of the disorder that marred last season's Old Firm Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, O'Neill reveals the police visited Celtic on Friday for a meeting, "just to remind us of our behaviour, which I think is a timely reminder".

• He later adds: "I think it's the overall picture. Gosh, it would be nice to have something to celebrate. I think it's just general behaviour from us. They didn't mention this, but I would have assumed one of the things that would be considered is what happens in the field of play, because these things can be taken further. You don't want any sort of punch-ups, you don't want excessive celebrations, stuff like that. But I think it's just the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures."

• O'Neill is "not terribly sure" where he will deploy Camilo Duran on Sunday after the Colombian forward was rested in midweek.

• The Celtic boss says "I haven't made my mind up" on whether Sam Johnstone - who made his debut in the win at St Johnstone - or regular number one Viljami Sinisalo will start at Ibrox.

• O'Neill says Celtic taking the lead can make the home crowd "anxious", but knows his team are "up against a very fine side, we're up against a crowd that can make a difference".

• Celtic have practised penalties this week - "we've always done this in cup competitions" - but O'Neill accepts it "cannot replicate the stadium, the crowd, all that type of stuff".

• On what he expects from Rangers, O'Neill says: "I think they'll be strong, robust, they'll be ready to go and we need to be able to match that."

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Former Celtic captain Scott Brown expects Sam Johnstone to start Sunday's League Cup quarter-final against Rangers and top scorer Camilo Duran to be used on the left wing.

Former England goalkeeper Johnstone, 33, made his first start since arriving on loan from Wolves in Wednesday's 1-0 win at St Johnstone.

Duran was rested in Perth, coming on as a late substitute after a run of three goals and two assists in three games when used as central striker in the absence of Kasper Hogh.

Brown believes Johnstone's experience and composure gives him an edge over Finland international Viljami Sinisalo, who kept a clean sheet in last season's Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox.

"Sinisalo's done really well, but Sam's come in and wants to play at his age," said Brown.

"It's a big shout for whoever plays, but my gut says Sam. He was exceptional when called upon. He made a fantastic save, he was out early, and a couple of clearances that he made with balls over the top, he read the situation really, really well."

Hogh returned from injury at McDiarmid Park but was largely starved of service as manager Martin O'Neill made five changes to his starting line-up.

With Yang Hyun-jun at the Asian Games with South Korea, Brown reckons Duran will move to the flank, allowing Hogh to continue through the middle.

"I really enjoyed watching Duran play through the middle," said Brown. "His pressing is a bit like Kyogo (Furuhashi), (Daizen) Maeda, the way he gets after teams, and that's what Celtic's are all about.

"Hogh is more of an old-fashioned number nine, he holds the ball up, he's strong, and he'll like the physical battle with the two Rangers centre-halves.

"Obviously, he's more aggressive in there than Duran, but Duran's willingness to run in behind and pull people out of pockets and go in those areas might help Celtic stretch the game, especially away from home when you've got no fans there."

The absence of away supporters saddens Brown, a veteran of many Old Firm derbies.

"I understand why, but it's disappointing not to see the 6,000 fans that we used to get because the atmosphere was brilliant," he said.

"It's not losing its appeal, it's just losing the passion, I feel.

"Rangers will be delighted with it because they'll have 50,000 fans and there's not a single Celtic fan in the ground.

"As a Celtic player, you want to silence that crowd early doors, you want to make sure that you keep the ball, you dictate, and if Celtic get an early goal it becomes a nervous Ibrox.

"The big one (derby) is always the first game. It's always a bit nervy because everyone's going in a little bit wary of how people are on the ball. You can watch them in games but you don't see the movement individually, the talking, the rotations as much as you do when you're on the field."

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How big a factor will the Ibrox crowd be in Sunday's Old Firm showdown?

With no away fans in attendance, Rangers will be backed by 50,000 supporters in the League Cup last-eight tie against Celtic.

But that could turn out to be a help or a hindrance.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish football podcast, Ewan Murray - The Guardian's Scottish football correspondent - explains: "The 50,000 Rangers fans element is interesting because Ibrox for a home player can be a difficult place to play when things are not going for you.

"And if Rangers don't start this game well with only their own fans there, it will become tricky. There's no doubt about that. If Celtic score the first goal, it becomes very, very difficult for the Rangers players.

"The the flip side of that, of course, is obvious. If Rangers start well and get the opening goal with all those fans behind them they will feel they're they're in a good place.

"I think this game will come down to the strikers. Celtic have more firepower, but going by Martin O'Neill's comments on Wednesday night, he's a bit exasperated with the way they're playing in front of goal."

Former Celtic midfielder Scott Allan, meanwhile, believes "anything can happen" in the sides' first meeting of the season.

"I think Rangers will look at Celtic the other night and see, as much as they did create chances, St Johnstone were able to play through them quite comfortably," said Allan.

"And Celtic will look at that the Rangers game and see St Mirren at times really caused them problems, were dragging Emmanuel Fernandez all over the place at times.

"It's a really hard one for me to pick a winner based on what I've seen over the last week. It could go either way, but ultimately it could come down to which player can produce a big moment."

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We asked you whether Sam Johnstone or Viljami Sinisalo should start in goals for Celtic against Rangers in the League Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Here are some of your comments:

Tom: Sinisalo should get the nod. He hasn't let the side down.

John: Definitely Johnstone. Had a good debut, one cracking save and that was about it (except for the cramp near the end). He should start at Ibrox on Sunday.

Eddie: Sinisalo has done well, but he looks a bit lightweight and not very commanding in the box. I'd prefer Johnstone, especially against Rangers.

Benny: Sinisalo has to start at Ibrox. He's been here longer, knows what to expect from a hostile crowd and knows the players better. Plus he deserves to keep the jersey as he's done nothing wrong so far.

Thom: Absolutely Johnstone all day long. Sinisalo is a decent keeper but is prone to errors, like last season at Motherwell. Some of the goals he lost against LASK were saveable. His starting position and anticipation leaves a lot to be desired. Always under pressure with cross balls. However, now he's got first-team experience he is a decent back-up to have in reserve.

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Mika Baur can't wait for his first taste of the "special" Old Firm derby on Sunday after maintaining Celtic's winning momentum with his maiden strike for the club.

The German midfielder's second-half strike proved against St Johnstone on Wednesday night as Martin O'Neill's leaders made it six Premiership wins from six.

Now comes a trip to face Rangers with a place in the League Cup semi-finals at stake.

"It will be a special match," said the 22-year-old, who joined from Bundesliga side Paderborn last month.

"Everyone knows it's a special match against Rangers. They're a good team, it will be a tough game, difficult, but we will try our best to get into the next round.

"I think now we have good momentum because of the last matches in the league, we can be confident for sure.

"That's why it's important we won against St Johnstone, to have that confidence and to look forward to the Rangers match and to go into the match really confident.

"We know we have the quality and we are capable of scoring, capable of defending.

"It was not a special goal, it was a tap-in, but I'm really happy that I scored it and that we won because it was a tough match, especially in the first half."

Baur admitted the intensity of Sunday's occasion will be unlike anything he has experienced before in his career in the German lower leagues.

"I really don't know what to expect," he said. "For sure I expect it will be special, but I think I've never experienced something like this.

"I'm just looking forward and being excited about what's happening on Sunday.

"I played two derbies, but it was during my time in Dresden. They were also special, there are some really tough derbies, but I think you cannot compare it to something like Sunday."

No Celtic supporters will be in attendance at Ibrox on Sunday, but Baur said: "We have to accept it, it's not our decision.

"I've never experienced something like that before, especially if there are just fans there that maybe hate you and don't like you, but I think I can handle that."

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

"Amazing. What a feeling."

Sam Johnstone's smile beamed like the McDiarmid Park floodlights after the goalkeeper's accomplished Celtic debut.

Making his first league appearance in 21 months, the Wolves loanee impressed as Celtic preserved their 100% start with a hard-fought 1-0 win at St Johnstone.

Johnstone was something of a surprise inclusion in place of Viljami Sinisalo - but has he played his way into the team for Sunday's League Cup quarter-final with Rangers at Ibrox?

The 33-year-old clearly has pedigree, as his four England caps attest. The new signing completed his "rollercoaster week" by making three saves - all from shots inside the box - in Perth. The pick of them was a tremendous instinctive tip-over from Joel Cotterill's first-time strike to prevent Celtic falling behind.

The keeper also won his one aerial duel, had one punched clearance, and was successful with 31 of 38 passes, five of which were launched into the final third. A bout of cramp crept in towards the end of his solid shift.

"It's been a rollercoaster week, coming in and getting to know the lads and staff, training and watching a couple of games," Johnstone said.

"So to finally get on the pitch and get a win, clean sheet, play in front of the fans, it was an unbelievable feeling. I'm really happy."

Manager Martin O'Neill admitted Johnstone's debut showing has given him food for thought before Sunday's derby trip to Ibrox.

"The save was fantastic, a really, really brilliant reaction save," said O'Neill.

"He's a fine goalkeeper and it's just a matter of him getting up to speed with things. Sinisalo's done very, very well indeed, and while I [ideally] do not want to use games like this, I have to find out about a number of players.

"We'll see what happens on Sunday but we've got loads and loads of games and it is really nice to know that I have actually two really decent goalkeepers."

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner says O'Neill now has a big decision to make.

"Johnstone looked commanding and had that terrific reflex save. He did good, he'll be under more pressure in other games," Bonner told BBC Sportsound.

"It will be interesting to see what the manager does now - does he keep him in or go with Sinisalo? Celtic have two good goalkeepers at the moment."

Celtic fans, who should start at Ibrox - Johnstone or Sinisalo? Let us know your thoughts here.

We asked for your views after league leaders Celtic dug out a 1-0 victory away to St Johnstone.

Here are some of your comments:

Clement: Workmanlike is the best way I can sum up that performance. So slow in the build-up play, but we are very easy to get at. We have a striker who thrives on crosses, yet the quality from the wide areas leaves a lot to be desired. For once, much improved after the substitutions. Auston Trusty is just far too weak and that worries me against the teams coming up.

Franny: I said it when he signed and I'll say it again, Haissem Hassan is going to be massive for us. Viljami Sinisalo could have a fight on his hands to remain No.1 as Sam Johnstone looks confident.

Liam: Another Celtic game and another goal that should have stood. Celtic fans can see the direction of travel. Aside from that it is a win but there's no point playing Kasper Hogh if he doesn't get crosses and chances. We were much better when the subs were made. Oliver Sorensen looks a good bit away at the moment. I'd rather see The Ox. Mika Baur looking good though. We are far from a settled side.

Gordy: Professional job, new players still need time to get up to speed. Hassan looks good and Sebastian Tounekti was more decisive in the second half when he took players on. Very good result considering the wholesale changes, roll on Sunday.

John: A good win with a lot of changes in the team. The game didn't suit Hogh. It was very tight with not a lot of space to run into. Three points and on to the next game. At least Rangers will try to have a go and maybe leave some room to exploit.

Alec: Another tough watch but a win. To many players just haven't clicked yet and on this showing they are a long way off. With the exception of Baur, midfield was really poor until Benjamin Nygren came on.

Mika Baur's first Celtic goal earns a 1-0 victory at St Johnstone to continue the defending champions' winning Premiership start. (Available to UK users only)

Mika Baur's first Celtic goal was enough for the champions to maintain their perfect start in the Scottish Premiership - but they made hard work of inflicting a first home defeat of the season on impressive St Johnstone.

MATCH REPORT

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Celtic manager Martin O'Neill: "A win is a win. I'm not sure what to make of it, really. We could've scored a number of goals, particularly after we scored.

"It's difficult to score goals, there's no question about it. We made it look impossible. Delighted to have won the game. Lots to still improve on.

"We've got to get players into the penalty box to score goals. If you're sitting outside, you'll not get it.

"Once we got the goal, which obviously gave us momentum, I felt we were kind of strong there for a good period of the game but never able to put the game beyond St Johnstone.

"We really had to up the tempo [in the second half]. Sometimes, our play was a wee bit laborious. St Johnstone had a major chance in the game [with Joel Cotterill], Sam Johnstone makes a fantastic save. Otherwise, we're a goal behind. He did very well. He looked commanding, which is nice to see."

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Shim Mheuka has shrugged off his European omission to focus on becoming a domestic star for Celtic.

The 18-year-old striker has been left out of Celtic's Europa League squad along with fellow Chelsea loanee Landon Emenalo and newly-signed Dutch midfielder Joel van den Berg.

"No, it's football for me. My my focus is on the domestic games and doing what I can for the team," said Mheuka.

"Wherever I'm asked to play or wherever I'm asked to be, that's what I'll do. I just give my 100% into that.

"So, no, never really any disappointment, just doing my best wherever wherever I am."

England youth international Mheuka has made two Celtic appearances off the bench and was denied a first goal for the club when his strike against St Mirren last weekend was disallowed for offside.

The striker - who "looks a player" according to manager Martin O'Neill - is determined to stake a claim for regular action.

Before Celtic's Premiership match at St Johnstone on Wednesday night, Mheuka said: "I'm just focused on playing and training, trying to get into that team and come on and make an impact whenever I can.

"When you come on, in your mind, you want to try and take that one opportunity that might come to you.

"It's just about staying positive whenever you can, always believe in putting yourself in the right positions and, ultimately, I'll get chances.

"You can't get anywhere without self-belief. We're all in positions where you want to be because of how confident we are in our abilities and how much we believe in ourselves."

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St Johnstone could hand a debut to on-loan Hibernian midfielder Josh Campbell but attacker Jamie Gullan is out with a minor groin issue.

Celtic will assess Kasper Hogh and Kieran Tierney after their return to training. Yang Hyun-jun has left for the Asian Games, while Callum Osmand (ankle) remains out and Jota is building up his fitness after a long-term knee injury.

The injured Landon Emenalo is still to arrive from Chelsea.

Tomas Cvancara says he will "never forget" last season's loan spell at Celtic and has "beautiful memories". (Glasgow Times), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip.