THE LOST BHOYS
Frimpong offers no excuses as Celtic suffer again
JEREMIE FRIMPONG insists the loss of 13 players wasn’t a valid excuse as Celtic’s season flat-lined against Livingston.
Forced to field a weakened side for the second successive game as a consequence of Christopher Jullien’s post-Dubai positive Covid-19 test, Neil Lennon watched from afar as a dire goalless draw ended any lingering hope of a title challenge.
Although Rangers failed to press home the advantage at Motherwell yesterday, the champions remain 21 points adrift with the season just past the halfway point.
And Frimpong, who registered his side’s only shot on goal against the West Lothian men, says those players who are
selected to wear the jersey have to do better. The Dutchman said: ‘It just wasn’t good enough from us. ‘We didn’t get the result we were looking for. We had to win. All we can do is keep going now. ‘Of course we should have had enough out there to produce a better performance. Although there were a lot of players missing, there were enough regulars out there. ‘The team that’s picked has to go out and perform. But we just didn’t do that today.’ Lennon and John Kennedy were also forced to self-isolate after Frenchman Jullien tested positive, with coach Gavin Strachan holding the fort for the past two matches. Asked about the impact of the manager’s absence, Frimpong replied: ‘It’s been strange without the manager and John Kennedy being around as you work so closely with them. ‘They’ve obviously got their messages through to us but it’s just not the same as seeing them in person. ‘As a footballer, you’ve got to deal with every situation. It is what it is. There is no point in complaining. It’s happened. We’ve just got to deal with it.’ Celtic are now looking over their shoulders at Hibs, who have five points to make up in the race for a second place that would bring with it the prize of a place in the Champions League qualifiers. Having taken just two points from their last three matches, Celtic can ill-afford to give Jack Ross’s side any encouragement when they travel to face Livingston again on Wednesday. ‘We have to go there and win. It’s that simple,’ said Frimpong. ‘We should be helped by a number of players coming back, which is a positive. Hopefully we can win. ‘All we can do is try to keep winning.’