Celtic will face a very different kind of test when they face Auchinleck Talbot in the Scottish Cup.
The Hoops were runners-up in last year’s competition after losing to Aberdeen on penalties, but will most likely use this game as a chance to rotate before games against Bologna and Hearts.
Auchinleck have been forced to host the game at Rugby Park following advice from Police Scotland.
Playing on a plastic pitch will come with its challenges and in order to prepare for the biggest game in the club’s history, they have been practicing in a unique way.
Do you agree with Martin’s predicted XI for Auchinleck Talbot vs Celtic?
Auchinleck Talbot train on the beach to prepare for Celtic
The designated hosts have been looking at every way of ensuring they are as prepared as possible to face the Hoops.
Martin O’Neill won’t be taking this game lightly, but the Bhoys’ struggles have provided some optimism for the non-league club.
As a result, images shown live on BBC Sport have shown that Auchinleck have been training on Irvine Beach to prepare.
This may be to do with the similarity to the playing surface on a plastic pitch, or to practice running the hard yards they will have to endure against a team far more technically gifted than them.
Let’s hear your predictions!
Auchinleck Talbot’s major disruption before huge clash
Despite the work they have been putting in, one major issue they have had to deal with is their match fitness.
Tommy Sloan’s men haven’t played a competitive fixture since 19 December as they have had endless games postponed due to frozen pitches and other forms of adverse weather.
Celtic meanwhile have had plenty of preparation, but we would expect it to be comfortable regardless.
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