LAMIE: WE’RE WELL UP FOR HOOPS TEST
RICKI LAMIE believes sinking Celtic on Saturday would be huge for Motherwell ’s season.
Graham Alexander’s men have enjoyed a fine start to the league campaign – including a draw away to Rangers last month – and sit fourth in the Premiership, two places above the Hoops.
It will be the first time Motherwell have played Celtic since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager at Parkhead and Lamie expects a tough test.
The Well defender said: “We’ve not faced them this season so we’ll be coming up against their new manager and new players.
“It’s always a good test and we will be able to see where we are at. We have been going reasonably well up until now.
“It’s always a big game and one you look forward to. Celtic will be expected to challenge at the right end of the league, so to go and get a result would be massive.”
The Fir Park clash kicks off at the traditional 3pm slot on Saturday, with the game not being shown live on TV and Celtic’s next Europa League match against Ferencvaros on Tuesday afternoon.
Lamie said: “It’s a little bit different as it’s coincided with things but it won’t be any different in terms of our preparation.
“We just do our usual preparation like we do for any other game, which I think makes things a bit easier. It’s a normal week instead of Sunday kick-offs or whatever.”
Motherwell responded well to a disappointing League Cup campaign that brought defeats by local rivals Airdrie and a round-of-16 elimination against Dundee.
After a large summer overhaul Lamie says it was always going to take time for the Fir Park squad to gel, alongside the return of players from injury.
Lamie is also pleased with his own form as he looks to retain consistency in his battle for a starting spot at centre-back.
Bevis Mugabi, Sondre Solholm Johansen, Darragh O’Connor and Juhani Ojala all provide stern competition.
And Lamie added: “It’s not an excuse but when the manager brings in new faces and when there are changes to the squad, everything takes a little bit of time.
“Any time I have played this season I think I have been consistent and I have been pleased with my performance levels.”