ALONSO HOPES FANS CAN POWER CELTIC TO TITLE

CELTIC boss Fran Alonso has applauded an early uptake of tickets as his team look to break the SWPL attendance record they set only a week ago. The Parkhead team are one of three sides — along with Glasgow City and Rangers — who can clinch the title on the last day of a thrilling campaign on Sunday. They take on Hearts at Parkhead, while leaders City — two points clear of the Old Firm pair — know a win at Ibrox will see them crowned champions. Victories for Celtic and Rangers will see the title settled on goal difference, with Rangers currently one goal better off. It’s a scenario which has seen crowds rocket, with 9,553 watching Alonso’s Hoops beat City — and the Spaniard feels the first five-figure attendance is imminent. ‘Before training yesterday, we were sitting at just around 7,000 and there was a waiting list, so I’m confident we will beat the record again,’ he said. ‘This is the best season of the professional game. Nobody can predict anything, anyone can win it. That is super exciting. ‘The fact that the league will be decided at the two biggest stadiums in the country is another plus. On top of that, I think we are likely to go and beat the record attendance which makes me extremely proud. ‘It is great for the league and fantastic for women’s football in Scotland. We are confident, we are playing well, and if we manage to get 10,000 fans in here on Sunday it will be massive. ‘It was the same when they really pushed us on to a big win over Glasgow City. We are on the verge of something historic and I hope they come back out for us again this weekend.’ Alonso says playing in front of a huge vocal support was crucial experience for his players, adding: ‘A few of them were overwhelmed at first. Once they relaxed and embraced it, they were able to take the atmosphere.’