A repeat of defeat will be no mean feat
GRAHAM CUMMINS put a shadow Celtic side to the sword in Perth 12 months ago.
While the Hoops have the title wrapped up again the Irish striker reckons St Johnstone are braced for their toughest challenge of the season at Celtic Park.
Cummins hit the late goal in a 2-1 win last season but admits the Hoops are a different animal under Brendan Rodgers.
The striker said: “Celtic are a totally different side from the team we beat when they came here last year after the split.
“They weren’t in top gear and this side won’t go into this match with the same mentality. It is going to be a much tougher game.
“A few weeks ago when they drew at home to Rangers I thought they might be slacking off.
“But watching them beat Rangers 5-1 was probably their best performance of the season, even better than the same scoreline at Celtic Park. You just wonder can they keep improving?”
Tommy Wright’s Saints are still harbouring hopes of pipping Rangers to third place so Cummins admits it would be the perfect time to end Celtic’s 42-game unbeaten domestic record.
He said: “The run will end eventually, it has to at some stage. It would be brilliant if it was against us.
“Someone will make a name for themselves when the run does end. But they will want to get through the league season unbeaten and go into the cup final full of confidence. Not that they are lacking that just now.
“We know it is going to be the toughest game we are going to play after the split. But if we can go there and put in a performance we might just get something out of it.
“And if we can beat them this season it would be a much better achievement that last year.”