Batesall settoget stuckinto Dembele
DAVID BATES is ready to leave his mark on Moussa Dembele as he prepares for an Old Firm battle with the Celtic striker.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers reckons his French frontman is back to his best after failing to reach the heights of last season.
Dembele scored five goals in his first three derbies but has now failed to net in his last five games against Rangers.
Bates, who got on early in the last Old Firm game in December said: “Dembele is strong with good ability but you have to try and put your print on him and do what you’re good at week in week out. I’m capable of doing it as is any centre-half at the club.
“I felt confident I could go into the team and do a job before the last game against Celtic.
“I was then called upon in the 17th minute, earlier than I thought it might happen. But luckily enough I did well. It was like any game. I was just looking to make a good first pass and make a good first tackle or header. That usually sets you up for a decent game.
“The gaffer hadn’t been long in the door and he helped bring some confidence into the team.”
A sign of that confidence came when Murty revealed his players roared with delight after being paired with Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final draw.
Bates added: “We were buzzing having got to a semi-final and any team we’d have got in the draw we’d have cheered.
“Celtic is a big game and we all want to play in big games. Maybe it was perceived we wanted to take them on but the boys weren’t being over confident because we’re not like that.
“The way we’re playing and the fact we’re scoring makes everyone confident and I can see why the fans are feeling that way too.”