Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is delighted to see former Bhoys attacker Shaun Maloney enter management and thinks he’s already making a difference at Easter Road.
The two rival managers face off tonight at Celtic Park but that hasn’t stopped the Australian from being very complimentary about the former Belgium national team assistant.
Postecoglou told The Scottish Daily Mail [17/01 print edition, page 73]: “It’s great to see him get an opportunity. It’s good for the game when young managers come in.
“He has obviously done a good apprenticeship and worked his way up to get an opportunity. Hibs are a great club. We had a great game with them in the cup final. And I think, since he’s taken over, the couple of games he’s had you can see he has given them an energy which is great.
“It’s the restart of the season and that’s what we’re excited about. We haven’t been at a home for a while and it’s a full Celtic Park, which is the way we want it to be.
“It’s the start of the second half of the season and everyone is excited about it and so am I. I’m sure it will be a great game.”
Maloney is expected to bring a forward-thinking side to Celtic Park tonight in an effort to continue their journey towards creating an identifiable footballing style. Think of it as akin to what the Bhoys have done in the Europa League under Postecoglou.
I wouldn’t expect an especially defensive performance unless Celtic are playing so well that they are pinned back and under the cosh.
It’s all set up to be a very intriguing encounter. Let us just hope that the home side manage to pick up all three points.
In other news, Greg Taylor delivers update on new Celtic Bhoys ahead of potential debuts.
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