WELL GAFFER SEEKS A JINX IN ARMOUR
STEVIE HAMMELL could have only been half joking when he claimed he’s ready to start himself against Celtic this afternoon in a bid to end a seven-year jinx.
The Motherwell boss was a part of the Fir Park side’s only two triumphs over the Hoops since 1999 – and it has been 24 games and counting since experiencing that winning feeling.
That last success in 2015 also included Hammell as a player and the gaffer hopes he can be a lucky mascot at Parkhead today.
He said: “I played in the two games we have won so I might need to start myself at left-back. In fact, I don’t know if I could last long there, I might play in the middle. No, seriously, going to places like Celtic Park you need to be brave, play well and be at your maximum.
“I remember the two games well and individually and collectively you need to be strong. Even myself and the coaches will need to get the tactics spot on as well. You need to rely on everything going our way.”
Hammell has trawled through two years of Celtic footage in a bid to identify an Achilles heel within Ange Postecoglou’s side and he admits there’s a plan for Parkhead which he’s keeping to himself.
He said: “We have looked at them as much as we can. I have watched some part of every game they have played over the last two years. In terms of preparation of what we have done to make sure we are as ready as we can be, we have done it.
“You’ve got to see something from the videos and I think the fact I’ve gone back so far maybe highlights that.
“There are always things you can work on, as a staff we have a duty to figure these things out and work out the best possible game plan together.
“It’s like we do for every game, we’ve not treated this one any differently, we are quite high in our preparation for every game. The only difference is that there will be a bit more of a microscope on how we go.
“It’s a tough challenge and as tough as it gets right now. It’s one we are ready to step up and take on.”
A draw with Dundee United and defeat to Hearts ensured the international break was a long one for Hammell and he’s adamant Celtic’s defeat to St Mirren hasn’t upped the ante over the task in hand.
He said: “Celtic aren’t used to losing games and they will be looking for a reaction. I don’t think the defeat to St Mirren makes it any harder than it already was. You’ve got to believe.
“We have won some good games this season and this is going to be a higher challenge again.”