Wright not expecting sleepy Celts
St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright reckons Celtic won’t be affected by their long-haul Champions League trip to Kazakhstan.
The Scottish champions headed east at the weekend for this evening’s second-leg clash with Astana, having hammered them 5-0 at home last week.
Saints travel to take on Celtic this weekend in what is a top-of-the-table clash and Wright said:“Will the travelling make any difference this weekend? I hope so but I don’t think it will.
“There is a fair bit of travelling involved and we know they did used to struggle a bit in the past.
“But they have got over that and the strength in depth Brendan has means he has plenty of options.
“So I don’t think the fact they are in Kazakhstan on Tuesday will have any bearing on this weekend’s game.”
Wright, who hopes Celtic will advance to the group stage, says other Scottish clubs — including Saints — need to raise their game.
He said:“You want Celtic to go through because it’s good for the profile of the league. The SPFL needs as many teams as possible doing well in Europe.
“Unfortunately, in the last few years we have been relying on Celtic to go the furthest but
the aim for the rest of the clubs is to raise our game.
“I understand the argument about how the financial aspect of it means the gap remains there, but that isn’t Celtic or Brendan’s problem.
“It’s up to the rest of us to do better, generate more finance and improve.
“As manager of St Johnstone, all my focus is on our club — and he is exactly the same with his club.
“Obviously, you look on envious at the resources other clubs have but that’s the way it is.
“There has always been inequality in football, there has always been clubs who are bigger and stronger than others. It’s the same all across Europe.”
The Perth boss (left) is hoping that Celtic will face a tougher Scottish Premiership test this term.
He added: “Obviously it would be good for someone to put in a challenge to Celtic.
“I still believe they will win the league but I hope it’s not by as wide a margin as before because it would be good to see a true title race.
“From second place down, the Premiership is as competitive as any league out there because everyone is capable of beating each other.
“But Celtic are out there on their own and everyone expects them to win the league before a ball is kicked. But Brendan is right, that’s not their fault.”
Wright confirmed that Saints will be missing midfielder Blair Alston until after the international break.
“He got a dead leg and it has flared up again,”said Wright.“Hopefully he will be back for the Hibs game after the break.”