The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
‘We want some payback after cup loss’ – Hay
Ash Hay admits there is a bit of payback on Dundee minds as they welcome champions Celtic to Dens Park tomorrow.
It is the first meeting between the sides since a dramatic Scottish Cup clash in February.
The Dark Blues were seconds away from a major shock at Parkhead thanks to Ethan Hamilton’s stunning opening goal.
However, Hoops frontman Junior Adamu scored with 97 minutes on the clock before the home side won it in extra-time.
The nature of that defeat still rankles at Dens Park says Hay.
The Dark Blues are fully aware of the quality they will face tomorrow from Martin O’neill’s side.
But there’s an added edge to this one.
“The cup game was a sore one so the boys want a bit of payback for that,” Hay said.
“It was tough to take, we put so much into the game so losing it was harsh.
“Now time has passed, knowing we should have won a game at Celtic Park means there’s positives to take.
“People wrote us off but we should have won it.
“The way their crowd reacted when they got the goal to take it to extra-time told you everything, you could feel the relief.
“It’s at our place this time, the crowd at Dens has been fantastic all season.
“When we beat them earlier in the season that was the first day you probably said things really clicked for us.
“After that, people started to think we could maybe do something and win a few games.”
Celtic, meanwhile, have a point to prove to themselves after losing across the road at Dundee United last time out.
In fact, they’ve now lost every match in the City of Discovery so far this season.
Doing so again this weekend would break a 77-year-old record.
“It’s a big time of the season, both teams have different things to play for and every point counts,” Hay added.
“Every game in this league is very difficult, each team produces something different.
“It’s easy to get caught up in big names but we shouldn’t do that, we should treat it the same and focus on the things we’re good at.
“We are expecting a reaction from Celtic after their last game. They have a lot to play for but so do we.”
Hay is hoping to keep his starting spot after returning to the XI at Hearts last time out.
If he does, he could be directly up against a familiar face.
Brentford defender Benjamin Arthur is on loan at Celtic and has started their last three matches.
Hay and Arthur were close during their time with the Bees and are looking forward to a possible firstever competitive clash.
“I was with Benjy at Brentford and we were flatmates down there, too,” Hay said.
“There were three of us in the flat, we’re good mates and Tony Yogane is close with him as well.
“He was pretty chilled as a flatmate, a good lad who is obsessed with the gym – you can see that from the shape he’s in.
“He was messy, though, very messy! He’d always be leaving wrappers and stuff lying around, so I felt like a dad sometimes tidying them away.
“It was three boys living together, we’d always argue about who was taking the bins out and stuff like that.
“All the normal things. It was enjoyable.
“I did all the cooking too, I wouldn’t trust him on a stove. I’m sure he’s improved since then.
“But it was no surprise he got a move like Celtic in January because he’s a very good player.
“He spoke to me before he came up, it was the last day of the window. It was a nobrainer for him to go to a club like that, somewhere he can learn a lot.
“The only time we’ve played against each other is in training and maybe in bounce games between the lads.
“That was a while ago so Sunday will be the first time in a long time, so we’ll be looking forward to it. We haven’t spoken this week, he’s focused on his business and I’m focused on mine.
“I hope he does well at Celtic but from a selfish perspective I want to beat them – that’s the game even though you are mates.”