Celts put their players through penalty paces
Brendan Rodgers has been putting his Celtic stars on the spot ahead of a possible penalty shootout at Hampden this afternoon.
The Hoops lost the 2016 Scottish Cup semifinal to Rangers 5-4 on penalties at the National Stadium after extra time failed to divide the teams. And with the clubs’ league meeting last month at Ibrox decided by the odd goal in five in the visitors’ favour, their manager is determined to take no risks. “Penalties are something you can’t discount. So it is an area we cover, and cover methodically,” he said.
“Even though it’s hard to recreate that situation, I think it can be done to an extent. “Walking up, putting the ball down and looking at the goal, you can still have the sensation of the penalty.
“True, your heart won’t be beating as fast as it would on the day, but it can help the players focus.
“It has been good this week.
“We have looked at the game and areas we can be better in. Areas they might look to exploit. “We have looked at the detail of that, and coached it through the week. “We’ve prepared the players mentally as much as we can do.
“It is a methodical process, and one which I enjoy.” Rodgers, meanwhile, was giving little away on the question of team selection.
Specifically, whether Leigh Griffiths, Moussa Dembele or Edouard Odsonne would start up front for the Hoops.
“All three players have hurt Rangers in the past,” said Rodgers.
“The most important thing was having them available.
“I do, and they will all contribute at some point, I am sure.
“I have decisions to make all over the team, and that approach to it will be the same as in every game.
“That is, figure out what we think is the best way to try and beat Rangers, and then fit the players in around that plan.
“It just depends on what the game needs, likewise with the goalkeepers.
“I am comfortable with whichever goalkeeper I play (Craig Gordon or Scott Bain), and the strikers I play.
“We will have a combination in midfield we think can hurt Rangers.”