‘Hampden hoodoo’ is no excuse

BRENDAN RODGERS has vowed not to use Celtic’s Hampden hoodoo as an excuse should his side crash again at the national stadium this afternoon.

The Hoops have lost on each of their last three trips to the famous old Glasgow ground, going down to today’s opponents Rangers, Ross County and Inverness Caley Thistle.

It’s a run which has seen them miss out on two Scottish Cup and one League Cup Final appearances.

And with other Hampden losses to Kilmarnock in the 2012 League Cup showpiece and St Mirren in the semi-finals of the same competition the following year still fresh in the memory, it has been a talking point with supporters in the build up to the Old Firm derby.

“For us there are no excuses,” said the Celtic manager.

“You can make an excuse if you want. It’s not for me. People can speak about bad records but football matches are what you make of them.

“This one is a neutral ground for both sides, with a pitch that suits the way we play. I say that because it is a good surface and is also a good big size which will suit the speed and pace in our team.

“It is a new ground for myself and I am sure the two sets of supporters will be passionate so it is an occasion to really look forward to.”

Rodgers dropped a strong hint that Moussa Dembele, scorer of a hat-trick in Celtic’s 5-1 win in the clubs’ only meeting in the league this season, will retain his starting place ahead of Leigh Griffiths.

“It is unfortunate for Leigh that there are times he hasn’t played, because he has been top class since I have been here.

“But you get injured and your place is taken by one of the top young strikers in Europe. Not easy for him but he has really matured well and he will be ready to play well if required.”

Meanwhile, he doesn’t expect his opposite number, Mark Warburton, to spring any big surprises.

“I don’t think so,” said the Hoops boss. “If you look at Mark’s history at Rangers that will dictate that he has played a way and has belief in that system.”