Dundee star Paul McGowan has stated that Celtic will be “back where they belong” ahead of today’s trip to Parkhead.
McGowan will make another return to his former club after several visits in the past with the Dee and St Mirren. The midfielder played for Celtic in the senior ranks between 2006 and 2011 after spending his youth days with the Hoops.
The player remains a big Celtic supporter even if he only made eight appearances for the Hoops at first-team level [Transfermarkt]. Today, however, he’ll be rocking up at Parkhead looking to put a dampener in the club’s mood.
But regardless, McGowan has stated Celtic will reign supreme in Scotland again without committing to a timeframe. Ahead of this afternoon’s contest, the Dundee man backed the Hoops to settle as he called for more player arrivals this summer.
As quoted by the Daily Record, McGowan said: “Celtic have professionals, top players. But it happens in football – people go through sticky patches. The new manager is trying to implement his ideas while getting players in – and he still needs players in.
“I support Celtic but this is a transitional period for them and things are affected by Covid-19 as well. Celtic had a good result on Thursday (beating Jablonec 4-2). There might be things they’re still not happy about but, once they get players in, they’ll settle.
“They’ve had it so good but the way things panned out when going for 10 In A Row has upset a few people. But they are a massive club and will be back where they belong. As for how long it’s going to take, I don’t know.”
Dundee clash is absolutely massive for Celtic
It’s easy to look at this afternoon as just another routine Premiership game. A home match against Dundee is hardly reason to get overly excited, with all due respect to the Tayside club.
However, this afternoon couldn’t be any more different. And for more than one reason too.
Firstly, Parkhead is going to welcome back 24,500 supporters this afternoon. That’s with the promise of a full capacity being allowed in against Jablonec on Thursday. It’s a huge boost for the club, and given it’s the manager’s first home match in the league, that adds even more importance to the contest.
In addition to that, Rangers’ loss at Dundee United yesterday gives Celtic a golden opportunity. A win today and we’ll draw level with our rivals, effectively eliminating the ground lost to Hearts last week. Yes, the Jambos would still be clear at the top, but we all know who’s going to make up the title race this season.
Then you have the fact that Celtic are looking for their first convincing win under the new manager. A win where everything comes together and we don’t leave the game cursing worrying mistakes. Dundee at home gives the club a big opportunity to do just that and bring some morale back.
This afternoon could turn into an extremely fun contest for Celtic and the supporters. So long, of course, as the players turn up with the right mentality and aren’t suffering from tired legs after Thursday.
Let’s see if they can rise to the challenge and give us show.
In other news, James McCarthy addresses Republic of Ireland future after Celtic move
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
