Power warns Nicke can put frighteners on shaky Celts again
Alan Power says Kilmarnock striker Nicke Kabamba
SPOOKED Celtic’s ropey defence once before – and can haunt them again today.
In their 1-1 draw at Rugby Park four months ago, the former English non-league frontman gave the Hoops backline a torrid time.
He got the better of Christopher Jullien to win his side a penalty that was converted by Chris
Burke to earn a point.
With Neil Lennon’s side suffering from a crisis of confidence right now, Killie are looking to take advantage again at Parkhead.
Irish midfielder Power believes Kabamba has the tools to give Jullien & Co. nightmares again this afternoon.
He said: “Nicke’s capable of doing it again at Parkhead. I don’t think a lot of people knew him and what he was capable of back in August.
“He came in from the National League, just like me. He was probably unheard of but put in a very good performance then.
“He spooked Celtic that day. He can do that against any centre-half. We just want him to be doing it every week for us.
“And Nicke can change up his game – he has tricks up his sleeve as well. He isn’t just a ball winner, an in-the-air type of striker. He is good with his feet as well.
“He is getting a few more goals now so we will see where it takes us this time against Celts.”
Power will go into battle with Scott Brown with the Hoops skipper under pressure to haul his team out of their current slump.
The 35-year-old has been criticised by some Celtic fans but the Kilmarnock man reckons the captain is exactly the type of guy they need to turn their season around.
Power said: “I treat
Scott the same way as I do everyone else. I am not going to shy away from tackling anyone.
I know a lot is made of it when two midfielders clash but I get a lot of stick no matter who I tackle.
“Brown controls games well and gets about the pitch. He looks after himself, he’s a good pro. I still think he’s someone Celtic need, especially at this time.
“That’s a big credit to him, he obviously goes about his business in the right way.
“Listen, you have ups and downs in football. He’s not going to play well in every game – but that’s when you need other people to step up. That’s what makes a good team.
“At Killie, there are no standout individuals, but if we all put a shift in we can be a good team.”
Power could also face fellow Irishman Shane Duffy who has had to endure a poor start at Celtic since arriving on loan from Brighton.
The Killie player says it’s possible the intensity of the Premiership has surprised the Premier League star. He said: “He is a big boy and I am sure that he can handle criticism. “But I think maybe the league is underestimated a little bit, how fast it can be and how intense it can get.
“It catches a few people out. You need to get used to it.
“You have people running into you when you think they shouldn’t be or tackling you when you think they shouldn’t but Shane has played in a lot of high-pressure games for Ireland and Brighton.
“He has big enough shoulders to cope with it.
“I came to Scotland from the National League so knew it was going to be a step up.
“It took me a couple of months to get going up here. A derby against Ayr United caught me out. That stayed with me for a couple of months.
“It did take me time to get up to speed and feel comfortable with what I needed to do for the team.
“Hopefully I have taken that on board now.”
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