Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is looking forward to a week of strong training ahead of the upcoming derby against Rangers.
No outfield player at the Bhoys has started more games than the USA international this season with the win over Ross County coming as his 36th. And he’s as motivated as ever to get back to work and prepare for the visit of the Ibrox side.
Speaking after the 2-0 win in Dingwall, Carter-Vickers admitted that Celtic weren’t quite at their best across the 90 minutes, but credited his teammates for finding a way to win regardless.
The defender said [Daily Record, 03/04 print edition page 41]: “They [Ross County] made the game difficult for us and I don’t think we were at our best and had great control of the game. But one thing about this group is that even when we’re not at our best we still find ways to score goals and win games.
“I’m not too sure why we were not at our best, but you have to give credit to them because they were well-organised and worked hard.
“We know next week is a big game. We will have a week’s training now, be right at it throughout the week and bring on the weekend.”
Carter-Vickers relishes derby matches
Carter-Vickers has a very strong record against Rangers. In fact, he’s only been beaten once in seven matches against them – which came in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final after extra time. If he can keep that trend up this weekend then the Bhoys will be looking absolutely golden for the title.
Nothing can be taken for granted, of course. The Ibrox side will be dangerous opponents, especially because this is really their last big hurrah in terms of the Premiership this season. They don’t have much to lose being nine points behind at the moment.
However, there’s no shame in having a belief that Carter-Vickers and his team can go out and get the job done – especially backed by 60,000 supporters. Confidence is natural this week, despite the usual run of pre-derby nerves that will kick in for many.
In other news, Paul Lambert nails Michael Beale’s reality ahead of Celtic vs Rangers.
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