The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Parkhead comeback bodes well
Stevie Crawford hopes pushing Celtic all the way can help strengthen the bond between the coaching staff and players at Dunfermline despite admitting to some heated exchanges over their plans for Parkhead.
The Pars threatened a Betfred Cup shock after Tom Beadling cancelled out Mikey Johnston’s opener and forced extra-time on Saturday.
James Forrest’s deflected winner ensured Celtic did not have to go through the lottery of a penalty shoot-out and the Fifers left with nothing to show other than pride for their efforts.
But after admitting to some lively debates with assistant Jason Dair and first-team coach Greg Shields in the build-up, Crawford reckons the experience can inspire belief in his managerial approach as they prepare to return to league duty at home to Championship favourites Dundee United this weekend.
He said: “It’s about taking the positives and, for the boys, the lift is knowing they’ve gone to Parkhead, with a youngish squad, and competed.
“They’ll take heart from that and that’s the experience we had hoped for, with that performance level and workrate and commitment. That will now bode well for the season.
“How Greg and Jason put up with me last week, I don’t know, because some of the conversations ahead of the game got really heated.
“But it’s because we’re passionate about our jobs and passionate about the club.”
After poor second-half performances in recent games, Crawford admits he was thrilled to see Dunfermline come back at Celtic at the weekend.
He added: “The pleasing thing is there’s been a wee hint of people questioning us in the second half of games, asking if we’re tiring.
“We’re trying to look at trends to make us better, but I think in the main it’s been the opposition changing their game-plan or changing formations and coming out thinking they’ve got to up their performance level because of where we’ve been in the first half.
“So, on Saturday, I think that will have given the players heart.”