Whether it has been historical chat of moral victories or the furore over the failure to award Rangers a penalty in the last meeting between the sides, Celtic’s players aren’t putting too much stock in the reaction to their matches against their rivals.
Instead, as Alistair Johnston has outlined, their focus is fixed firmly ahead on the next task, as that is what gives them the best chance of retaining their impressive record against Rangers over recent years.
Before the recent struggles of Rangers against St Mirren and Motherwell, there was talk of a rekindling of a title race after Philippe Clement’s men had performed well against Celtic at Hampden, despite Celtic eventually lifting the League Cup after a penalty shootout.
But Johnston says the Celtic players weren’t bothered by any narrative that they were fortunate to win that match in the end, and that they don’t need any added motivation ahead of a trip to Ibrox in any case.
“We are not too focused on past results,” Johnston said.
“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.
Read more:
- Celtic mentality monsters look to kick off another glory year by beating Rangers
- Brendan Rodgers amused by talk of Celtic 'panic' as he reflects on glory year
“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.”
Johnston did allow himself to briefly look back on one game against Rangers though, his debut for the club against Rangers at Ibrox exactly two years ago to the day of this next encounter, and reflect on how far both he and Celtic have come since that 2-2 draw.
“Two years ago – it’s gone by in a flash a little bit, when you look back at what has changed personally and as a team,” he said.
“What an amazing two years it has been. What a great challenge is always is going there to get a result. It’s never an easy place to go.
“We know if we go and play our football, enjoy having the ball like we do, then we can go there and get a result.
“That is exciting as well. It’s one of the biggest matches in world football. It’s one of the reasons you sign here, you want to be playing in these matches.
“It feels more than just 90 minutes chasing a ball – a lot, lot more. It’s bigger than that.
“I was lucky enough to get dropped into one two years ago and every time I get the chance to get out there and represent this club, you feel how important it is to the supporters and how lucky you are to get the chance to do that.”
