HUGHES: CELTIC SCHEDULE GIVES CALEY ADVANTAGE
INVERNESS manager John Hughes insists the timing of Celtic’s SPFL Premiership match tonight is a massive advantage to his Scottish Cup semi-final underdogs. The champions-elect face Kilmarnock this evening, just four days before facing Hughes’ side at Hampden on Sunday in the latest instalment of their bid for a Treble under Ronny Deila. Hughes, who guided his team to last season’s League Cup Final, experienced the pitfalls of a similar scenario before their narrow defeat by Aberdeen on penalty kicks at Celtic Park. Just four days earlier, Caley Thistle had to battle through a bruising league clash with Hibernian, leaving bodies battered and little time for any Cup Final preparation. While Hughes realises Celtic are a ‘different beast’ in terms of resources and personnel, he views tonight’s scheduling as a welcome boost to his team’s chances of reaching their first Scottish Cup Final in their 21-year history. ‘I’m a little bit surprised they’re playing a league game on the Wednesday. That’s advantage Inverness, no doubt about it,’ Hughes insisted. ‘It happened to us in the League Cup Final last year where we had to play Hibs a few days before. ‘It was very hard for us to prepare for the final in those circumstances and I felt that, during the league game, the players were scared of getting injured. ‘They were also holding back, knowing there was the risk of a red card, and it is understandable as players probably see the chance of a lifetime to play in a national cup final. ‘Celtic are a different animal from us, but there’s every chance you might get an injury or a red card. Football can be like that. ‘I wouldn’t wish that on Celtic. I want them to be at their strongest — and may the best team win.’ Hughes discounted the notion that agreeing to play tonight was a sign of over-confidence on Celtic’s part, given the demands to fulfil the fixture ahead of the league split. But Hughes has confidence of his own ahead of Sunday’s semi-final. ‘I assume Celtic were forced to play the league game, but it gives me an opportunity to get down there and look at them,’ he added. ‘We will be meticulous in our preparation and I might see something of note on Wednesday night. ‘Celtic don’t change their system for anybody. You worry about Glasgow Celtic. That’s the formidable task in front of us, but yes, we can beat them. ‘There’s something in the water. I might be wrong, but I think there might be a shock in store on Sunday.’