Alistair Johnston has dismissed any chance of Celtic easing up ahead of Thursday’s Glasgow Derby clash against Rangers at Ibrox.
The Canadian international, who has yet to taste defeat in the fixture since joining the Hoops, emphasised that Brendan Rodgers’ side are fully focused on maintaining their almost perfect domestic run that has seen them drop points just twice this season, but without a loss.
Despite the fallout from the last Glasgow Derby, where Rangers were left fuming over a contentious VAR call in the Premier Sports Cup final, Johnston insists Celtic aren’t paying attention to the noise coming from Ibrox, who themselves benefitted from a wrong VAR call this week.
Speaking ahead of the eagerly anticipated clash, he said: [RecordSport]
“We are not too focused on past results. As soon as you step out there, you feel the energy, the passion, even in the days leading up to it.
“It doesn’t raise it any more – it’s always at the maximum level of motivation. Whatever happened in previous matches doesn’t weigh too heavily on our minds. I think this team does one of the best jobs I’ve ever seen of putting a previous result behind them, whether it’s positive or negative, and focusing on the next one.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. It would be really easy to get complacent after winning X amount of games on the trot. But every single day the guys show up hungry as ever. That comes down to how the gaffer runs this team.
“We have a squad of close to 30, who are all top players. If you take your foot off the gas, even a little bit, you will have someone nipping at your heels looking to take your spot.
“There’s always that competition and that takes away any complacency, which is important. Everyone is constantly chomping at the bit to get out there. Regardless of previous results, we will be ready for it.”
With a 14-point lead in the Premiership and a chance to extend their dominance further, Celtic are determined to ensure they end the festive period on a high.
There’s no winter break this season, so after the trip to Ibrox, Celtic will be straight back in league action, with St Mirren travelling to Celtic Park on Sunday.
It’s a busy run of games for Celtic in January, playing midweek matches as well as weekends.
Brendan Rodgers will look to maintain the lead his side already have over Rangers.
