Despite Neil Lennon's comments that some of his first choice players would be enjoying a week off Celtic's depth of squad guarantees that the term 'weakened' will not apply to the eleven who cross the line for the lunchtime kick off. Any young prospects who are selected will be keen to impress and, in any event, Celtic will be keen to reverse the 2-1 loss they suffered at the end of February.
Both Humphrey and Higdon scored in that game and it proved to be the start of a seven game unbeaten run. The team have averaged more than two goals a game in that spell and it now enjoys a six point cushion over Inverness. Our squad can be rightly proud of the late season surge and, with the tantalising prospect of second place almost secured there should be no reason to suspect an end of season dip.
Motherwell v Celtic February 2013
The midweek interviews have Kenny Black saying , "Our aim is to get second and if we get there remaining unbeaten then great, but just getting there is the most important thing and if we do have a wee blip then so be it." Captain Lasley is quoted, "So that victory [against Celtic] was one that really showed us, that if we produce our best we can match them. It will be up to us to hit these levels again on Sunday."
Meanwhile the inevitable speculation about our out of contract players continues. Birmingham are said to be keen on Randolph, Leeds are chasing Humphrey, Law is being stalked and uncertainty about the future for Higdon has increased following his nomination for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award. Just to highlight the imminent departures Ojamaa chipped in with this tear jerker, “It will be sad. We are a very close group of players but players move on. It is part of football and you have got to accept that. Some of the guys have been here three or four years and they are ready for the next step. I wish everybody who moves on all the best and it has been a pleasure to be their teammates."
What better way for this group to end the season with a win over the champions. The gap between 1st and 2nd is currently 15 points. A repeat of February's 2-1 victory would reduce it to a dozen!
Remember the last time Celtic visited?