WE CAN SLOW CELTS’CHARGE Clay says Hoops will ‘walk’ league but wants shock
Motherwell midfielder Craig Clay believes Celtic will run away with the league title this year – but wants to blot their copybook this weekend.
The Glasgow giants have had a tremendous start to the season as they look to make it six league titles in a row.
Under new manager Brendan Rodgers, Celtic are unbeaten, having only drawn once in their opening seven games.
But now Clay hopes to go to Celtic Park on Saturday and shock the Hoops despite a 5-0 defeat there in the League Cup two months ago.
The Steelmen midfielder hopes the international break can help Motherwell recover from a tough run of form as they look to welcome back players from injury.
He said: “We’re going to Celtic Park to try and nick something from them if possible.
“We know they’re the best team in the league and it’s going to be a tough test but we’ll come out and play well.
“From what I’ve seen so far, it looks like Celtic might walk the league. But you never know because teams are going to run them down to the wire.
“Cadds went down in the Hearts game and that’s a big loss because he’s a class player, as everybody knows, but we’ve had the international break so hopefully he’s back for us.
“There are still people like Carl McHugh ready to come back and the break is good because it gives them that extra week and a half.”
Motherwell have had a tough start this season, having only won twice with one of those victories coming on the opening day of the season against Kilmarnock.
But Clay believes the mixture of young and old at Fir Park can help make the difference – and he praised assistant manager James McFadden.
The 33-year-old has taken training while Mark McGhee is on Scotland duty and Clay said: “As an assistant and as a player, you know the career Faddy has had, he’s a class footballer.
“You see it day in and day out at training and he’s horrible to play against because he’s still got the class. You can learn a lot from him.
“I think the majority of teams need the mix of experience and youth.
“You need the younger, eager ones and the old, experienced heads around the place to put them in line. “I always think it’s a good mix to have. “It’s been tough so far but I’m enjoying every moment of it and hopefully I can keep my place, keep impressing the gaffer and keep learning.”
Follow @PressSport for an on-thewhistle match report on Saturday.