Barry Robson is hoping to harness the energy of a sold-out away section tomorrow at Celtic Park as he returns to Paradise as interim Aberdeen manager.
Robson made 55 appearances for the Bhoys during his playing career so has experience being part of both the home and away teams in the east end of Glasgow. Tomorrow could be one of his most difficult tests yet.
Both Liam Scales and Ross McCrorie are unavailable for Saturday’s trip to the Bhoys, with the duo previously playing as consistent starters for Aberdeen this season. Scales, on loan from the Bhoys, is ineligible with McCrorie suspended.
Robson “know both sides” of Celtic Park experience
Regardless, Robson is hoping for a big display from his team, stating pre-match [Aberdeen FC]: “Yes, Celtic is a huge club, but so is Aberdeen. We want to go down there and show the fans that we’re fighting and we want to try and put in as good a performance as we possibly can.
“We are missing Ross and Liam who are our two centre-backs with speed, which is a miss but we’ve got some other good players who can come in and take their place. Apart from that we are sitting okay.
“We know how difficult it is going to be down there. We understand that and we know that they are a force and are a good side. If you ask any Aberdeen fan when they go down there, they just want to see the players work for the club, run for the club and try to put on a good performance and try to get a bit of threat in there as well.
“That’s what the fans expect. I think in the past couple of games the boys have done that. We need to try and put on a good performance and be organised and disciplined. We need to stop Celtic finding spaces, all of these sort of things you need to get right. We need to get a lot right on the day. Anything can happen.
“I’ve been down to play against great Celtic teams, I’ve been in a Celtic team to go and play against big teams in Europe. I know both sides and have been involved as a player in all sides of it. So the message is clear to the boys go and enjoy it and be positive. Also you need to be extremely disciplined when you go down there.”
Ange Postecoglou noted in his pre-match media conference today that it’s difficult to know what to expect from the Dons given their managerial change. There can be no complacency tomorrow, that’s for sure, especially against a manager who knows what this arena is all about.
I’m sure that’s a message Postecoglou will be driving into his squad ahead of tomorrow’s kick-off.
The atmosphere is set to be exciting, especially with an apparent sold-out Aberdeen section and our title rivals playing at the same time away from home. That always adds an extra layer to proceedings.
Hopefully it ends in joy for the Bhoys!
In other news, 8,000 leaflet drop at Celtic Park on Saturday; fan groups step up stadium campaign.
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