WE WON’T PAY TRIBUTE
two seasons ago. Kennedy said: “There has been a lot of chat around it and a lot of people have spoken about it. I think it’s been made out to be a bigger issue than it is.
“As a club, we always act with dignity, respect and everything else. We will make a collective decision on that and we will probably not do it.
“The same groups, both here and at Rangers, were in the same situation in 2019. The guard of honour didn’t materialise so we will probably return that.
“I don’t think such a fuss was being made about it. I don’t see it as a big issue.
“We spoke collectively about it and we won’t do it. It is not about lacking class, nothing like that, because we are a club that always shows class and dignity and do what is right.
“But ultimately this same group of players went in as champions and didn’t get the respect that time, if you want to call it that.
“They are the same players who are being asked to stand there. We will just get on with the game, park that, so we’ll focus fully on the game and just put that to bed.”
Kennedy insisted the guard of honour talk was a side show as his side’s focus is on restoring some pride and form for the remainder of the season – and sending out a message for next term.
He said: “There’s been plenty of time since our last game to work in training so we’re well prepared.
“It doesn’t matter about where we are in the league, we’ll look at the derby game in isolation.
“We are up against our biggest rivals and want to do well and hopefully lay down a marker for moving forward.
“We’ve had great success over the years and this season has been a setback.
“It’s important we don’t let that linger and we get back to the levels we are capable of. These are the games you are judged on as individuals and as a team. We know we’ve underperformed too many times this season but we want to show our true levels.”
Kennedy admitted Celtic have deserved to be left in Rangers’ wake in the Premiership this season but he believes the Hoops are ready to prove they are no also-rans.
He said: “The table doesn’t lie when you look at the performances and what we’ve delivered.
“But we know we are better than that. We’ve underperformed and Rangers have maximised and that’s why they are champions.
“They’ve been at full tilt and performed well all season while we haven’t.
“We know the levels we can get to but we need to get there this weekend.”
Skipper Scott Brown is set to lead out the side at Parkhead tomorrow despite being linked with a player-coach role at Aberdeen if his former Hibs pal Stephen Glass gets the gig replacing Derek McInnes.
Brown is out of contract at the end of the season and has the option to play on at Celtic or to take a coaching role.
Kennedy said: “I spoke to Scott briefly and there’s been a bit of speculation around it. But Scott is very committed to what we are doing here as a player and a captain.
“Come the end of the season, he is getting to that age where he will evaluate things. But until that time comes, his focus is definitely on Celtic and helping the club be successful.”