CELTS v SFA ON FIXTURE LIST
Hoops against games KO before Scots crunch
Celtic are against the proposal to postpone games before Scotland’s bid to make Euro 2020.
National coach Steve Clarke is keen for the Premiership to
have a breather and that no matches be played on the Sunday before the Thursday, March 26 play-off clash against Israel.
The Scotland gaffer believes additional rest and preparation time would benefit his squad and SFA chiefs have been in dialogue with the SPFL over a freeze.
However, MailSport understands the Parkhead outfit are not in favour of the idea due to the risk of a horrendous fixture log-jam.
Celtic, who could have James Forrest, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie and Greg Taylor all involved against the Israelis, are believed to harbour concerns over more games piling up in an already congested programme.
Neil Lennon’s side are currently due to play every single midweek after the season resumes next weekend until the start of March.
If they defeat FC Copenhagen in the last 32 of the Europa League, that will extend for two further midweeks to take them right up until the play-offs – and also push back thei r game against St Johnstone to Sunday, March 22.
More progress on the European front would take them deep into April beyond the top-flight split dates in the competition.
In addition, Scottish Cup replays could possibly add to the burden and result in the postponement of midweek f i xtures al ready pencilled into the schedule, requiring more slots to be identified later on. Initially, when the subject was first mooted two months ago, boss Lennon stated a view that Clarke should get what he wants and the national team were a priority.
However, due to the high volume of matches and scheduling issues, his club’s position seems clear cut.
Asked for his views at Celtic’s training base in Dubai, Lennon said: “Our opinion is it wouldn’t suit us. It wouldn’t be ideal for us, put it that way.”
Celtic are unhappy with the SFA disciplinary process after Ryan Christie was found guilty of violent conduct six days ago.
But MailSport understands this is a separate issue and the champions’ views over the proposed postponements for Scotland’s play-offs were clarified long before that situation arose.
Last week, we revealed that SFA chiefs wanted all Premiership games to be cancelled before Scotland’s crucial Euro play-off.
Israel have agreed to cancel their entire domestic fixture list ahead of the play-offs to let boss Andreas Herzog take his squad on a four-day training camp.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard refused to comment ahead of their Europa League last-32 tie with Braga. He said: “My position is beat Braga then worry about it.
“I don’t have to answer the question until then. If we don’t beat Braga, it’s not my problem.”