Celtic centre-back Kristoffer Ajer isn’t ready to brag about the club’s recent record at Hampden ahead of this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
The Hoops have won on their last nine trips to the national stadium. Promisingly, three of those have come against Aberdeen too. The Dons have only beaten Celtic once over the last three years, so the stats all go with the Hoops on Sunday.
Ajer has played a massive part in Celtic’s success too. He’s made 41 appearances this season for club and country and has arguably become the club’s number one centre-back this season.
But the Norwegian stalwart isn’t prepared to bring any of that up ahead of this Sunday’s encounter. Speaking in the Record ahead of the contest, Ajer was fully focused on the task ahead.
“We’ve done well at Hampden recently, but that’s forgotten about now. There’s a new game coming up there next weekend and it’s one we have to win.
“We have our targets this season and we have a massive game coming up against Aberdeen.
“We know we are going to have to be 100 percent up for it if we are going to win the game. Hopefully, we can do that.”
The attitude that wins you trebles
Massive credit to Ajer here. How easy it would be for him or any of the Celtic players to come out and big up their Hampden record?
But, instead, there’s a clear focus from the Norwegian regarding Sunday. He isn’t prepared to let himself be relaxed by Celtic’s Hampden record, and it’s the kind of approach that blocks out complacency.
Neil Lennon has to make sure that kind of attitude is rippling through his entire squad. Aberdeen have proven they can cause Celtic trouble this season. Both of our wins against the Dons this campaign have been by just one goal, with Derek McInnes’ men earning a draw at Parkhead just last month.
Celtic look like having a good squad heading into the contest, however. The likes of Tom Rogic and Ryan Christie are back and closing in on full fitness. Therefore, should the Hoops turn up, it could be a long afternoon for the Dons.
But each and every one of our players simply must have the attitude that Ajer has for the occasion. If they don’t, expect a tough encounter.
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