Attack to be best defence for Caley Jags
BARCELONA may have rubbed a little bit of extra salt in Celtic’s wounds with a few more goals in the Nou Camp last Tuesday night but it didn’t alter Richie Foran’s assessment one jot.
The Inverness Caley Thistle manager rates the current Celtic team as the best to have graced the East End of Glasgow in many years.
The record-worst Celtic beating in European football was no welcome outcome for the Irishman, who is fully aware of the likelihood of Brendan Rodgers’ team travelling north united in a steely desire to make amends.
But Foran, clearly relishing the challenge set before his team, exuded quiet confidence in the prelude to the league fixture. A victory over St Johnstone and a commendable draw at Pittodrie have sparked fresh confidence and belief in Inverness ranks.
The managerial novice, approaching his first Old Firm test in the job, said: “Make no mistake, the Barcelona game is one we can forget about. Celtic were facing exceptional talent.
“We’re probably up against the strongest Celtic team in years.
“Brendan has done a great job there – he has recruited really well. We know we’re in for a tough test, but you could say it’s a no-pressure game. Celtic are expected to beat every team in the league – that’s just the way it is.
“This will be no different but, as I’ve said to my players, they must get on the ball and pass it. We must keep doing what we’ve been doing and believe.
“I believe in them. I need my players to do that too – I’m sure they will.
“We’re two matches unbeaten, with a win against St Johnstone and a good point against a really strong Aberdeen side. We’re confident.
“We’re at home as well and we’ve nothing to lose against Celtic because nobody is expecting anything from us, except myself and the coaches.
“I expect us to go out and attack and show what we’re all about.”
The emphasis on attack belies a belief that Celtic’s weaknesses, no matter their strengths, can be exposed.
Foran added: “We’re definitely creating chances, so I’m looking for my strike force to take a few more. We need to be more of a goal threat.
“I really believe in my players. I think we’ve got huge quality all over the park.
“The problem is when we come up against strong teams like Celtic, maybe not all the players believe we can go and win that game.
“It’s about installing that belief into the players – I’ve been doing it all week.
“They’re a confident bunch of lads but they need to believe they can win this game of football.”