Kirk: Loss in Cup may have killed our spirit

BY FRASER WILSON

KIRK BROADFOOT admits he fears mental fatigue won’t be exclusive to Celtic tomorrow after the Hoops’ Euro exertions in Copenhagen.

Not after Killie suffered the kind of soul-destroying Cup exit which could crush even the strongest personalities on Wednesday.

Experienced defender Broadfoot revealed he only managed a few hours’ sleep after the 4-3 replay defeat to Aberdeen ended their Hampden hopes.

Killie led 1-0 with two minutes of regulation time to go and were 3-2 up with three minutes of extra time left – only to blow it both times and crash out in painful circumstances.

Now they are looking to bounce back in the best way possible – with a result against the champions at Parkhead.

The former Rangers defender knows all about the mental tiredness which follows European away ties.

Asked if it would hinder Celtic tomorrow, he said: “These are such big games and you’re on such a high playing in front of a capacity crowd in a different stadium.

“It’s probably more of a mental thing in terms of just trying to get your body going again because it is harder after a Euro game.

“I’m hoping that they’ll suffer from that but I don’t really see it.

“On top of that, while I’m hoping they’ll be tired mentally we could be the same after the way we went out of the Scottish Cup against Aberdeen after extra time.

“I only got about two hours’ sleep after it.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that, maybe a late goal but not that. I’d like to think we won’t still be feeling sorry for ourselves. That’s where the older boys come into it.”