MCGLYNN WANTS HIS TEAM BACK AT CELTIC

John McGlynn is determined to ensure Raith Rovers return to Celtic Park as a Premiership club next season.

The Fifers turned in a gutsy showing in Glasgow last night but ultimately succumbed to the quality of Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops.

Nevertheless, McGlynn was far from downbeat and, as attention turns to Championship duty and the visit of Partick Thistle on Sunday, is eyeing a promotion push.

He said: “We want to come back to Celtic Park twice next season, just like we want to go to Ibrox, Aberdeen and all those other venues.

“We want to be in the Premiership.

“It was very close last year – getting into the playoffs and losing out to Dundee – but we feel like we are capable of going one step further.

“Over the years in cup competitions, we have lost to Hibs, have played Livingston three times and beaten Aberdeen.

“And we equipped ourselves well at times against Celtic.

“So, as the group gets more together, we are getting better and I feel like we are ready to give it another go if we can get into the playoffs.”

And McGlynn insists Rovers can hold their head high following a Premier Sport Cup adventure which saw them claim a triumph against Aberdeen.

He added: “Overall, this competition has been really good to us.

“We had a brilliant result against Aberdeen and, coming to Celtic, I’m very proud of the performance.”

Celtic boss Postecoglou told BBC Sportsound: “The important thing is we’re there. It should be a great occasion. It’s something this club wants to continue in.

“It’s a tough opponent, but as I said the most important thing is we’re there. St Johnstone had a tremendous run last year. They did well in Europe as well. Irrespective who you play it’s going to be a tough game.”