Alonso plays down title talk as Celtic face crunch derby

Head coach Fran Alonso played down Celtic Women’s chances of winning the Scottish Women’s Premier League title, admitting his side are still in ‘”transition” ahead of a season-defining Old Firm clash at Parkhead tonight.

However, with table-topping Glasgow City facing a tough trip to Edinburgh to face Hibs this evening, the game under the lights at Parkhead could be the catalyst for Celtic to mount a serious threat to City’s hope of winning a 14th title in a row, as they are just five points behind both Rangers and City.

Comprehensive back-toback wins over Spartans and Hearts ensured Celtic didn’t lose further ground on those sides above them, but if they were to inflict a second Old Firmdefeatontomalkythomson’s Rangers, they would really blow open the most exciting title race in the 19-year history of the SWPL.

However, head coach Alonso claimed this season would not bedefinedbywhethertheycan challenge for the title, insisting the campaign is one of transition and growth for his side, as he reiterated that success “can take time”.

“Every game is a must win when you put the Celtic shirt on but we must be humble and realistic, for us it is a transitional year.” Alonso said.

"We are the only team that has beaten Rangers this year, we don’t forget that, but they have invested massively and their goal is to win the league, they have an unbelievable team.

"We will try to win, but we know we are the underdogs. We don’t look at the five-point gap, we just think about the three points.”

The game, which is being shown live on BBC Alba (7:35 kick off ), will be the first women’s game this season to be played at Celtic’s 60,411 capacity stadium and the head coach admits it’s a special moment for him and his players.

"What an opportunity for us to play on a magnificent surface, in your home, in your fortress. It’s amazing and I’m excited,” Alonso said.

"We are going to go there and enjoy it.

"Some of the players haven’t played there before, so we’ve had a few meetings so the team can go to the stadium and see it, to be there.

“The psychological part of the game, in my opinion, is 80 per cent, the other 20 per cent is tactical, technical and physical but I think every single player we have here is 100 per cent ready to play in this game. This is what playing for Celtic means.”

The Celtic boss will have to do without key player Natalie Ross, however, with the former Scotland international still unable to play after receiving a knock.

The 31-year-old has been a stand-out for the Hoops this term, but the Spaniard confirmed she will definitely miss the Old Firm clash.

"She won’t be in the squad as she hasn’t been able to train,” added Alonso.

"Natalie is a very important player for us and there’s a lot of games to be played still, so we won’t take the risk.

"It’s just a sprain that is taking a little bit longer than expected – nothing major – but she will miss out.”