CHAMPIONS NEED STANDARDS
AJER
Hamilton v Celtic Today, 12.30pm
KRIS AJER insists Celtic can’t afford any down days in the Scottish Premiership run in – because the stakes are high for every team, not just the Old Firm.
The 21-year-old knows the champs will be expected to see off the likes of Hamilton and Hearts in the coming weeks. But the Norwegian reckons the entire bottom six are fighting for their lives and the rest are either protecting their top-half status or chasing Europe. And that means Neil Lennon’s squad are taking nothing for granted. Ajer said: “We have to keep putting in performances that are needed to win the games. “Going to places like Hamilton is really tough. “Teams are either battling for the top six or
NEIL LENNON has warned Celtic fans with short memories to lay off big-game boss James Forrest.
The winger was back to the peak of his powers against St Johnstone in midweek, a goal and an assist in the Hoops’ 3-0 win that took his tally to an impressive 15 and 18 respectively.
But despite his starring role in their treble Treble years, the 28-year-old (above) came under fire from the stands after rare sub-par performances against Rangers in December.
And that has irked a manager who fighting relegation so every game means something to every team. No games are easy.”
Not every team has Celtic’s squad depth and Ajer admits Leigh Griffiths’ return to scoring form has been a boost.
He said: “It’s great to have him back. Leigh (inset) looked sharp in Dubai and you saw his quality against St Johnstone in midweek.
“It wasn’t just his goal but his build up play as well.”