HCelts FORCELTSBUT WECANSTRIKE
DAVID MARTINDALE insists he has every sympathy for Celtic following the latest twist in their Covid-19 crisis.
But the Livingston boss is adamant his side will ignore the Hoops’ plight and prepare for tomorrow night’s clash in West Lothian like they would for any other meeting with the reigning champions.
The Lions were left gutted by their failure to take all three points at Parkhead three days ago.
Against a home side seriously weakened by the absence of 13 players ordered to self-isolate in the wake of their Dubai training camp, Martindale felt they could have had more than a goalless draw.
Neil Lennon will be back in the dugout with a near full-strength squad for the rematch after coming out of quarantine.
But Celtic have been rocked again by news that one of their self-isolating players has now tested positive for the virus.
With Lennon rounding on critics, Martindale feels for tomorrow’s opponents.
He said: “It’s horrific for Celtic, to be honest. I have a lot of sympathy for them. This is really difficult to control. They’ve gone to Dubai and everything is off the back of that.
“But that player could have picked it up outwith the trip.
“Now Celtic are back and there is another case. I wouldn’t wish this on any club. We all have to stick together, help each other.
“I have sympathy for what Celtic are going through as I wouldn’t want to be going through it. It’s not great and it could happen to anyone of us.
“But we will not focus on who is playing for Celtic and who isn’t.
“I couldn’t care about what the team might be.
“We are at home and there is no reason why we can’t pick up three points.”
Martindale faces a further wait over his SFA clearance to remain boss.
A “fit and proper person” Hampden hearing cancelled last week had been set for tomorrow only to be delayed again. He was sentenced to six-and-ahalf years in prison in 2006 for organised crime offences after pleading guilty.