Ian McCall reckons his Partick Thistle players should relish January’s Scottish Cup clash against Celtic as they have a chance to make themselves legends.
Firhill will play host to the Glasgow Derby in early 2020 as the Championship strugglers aim to end our run of three consecutive Scottish Cup triumphs. And their manager sees the potential for a major upset if his latest comments are anything to go by.
“Our players have got to think that after two years that have been so tough for our club, they have the chance to become absolute bloody legends over 90 minutes,” he told the Daily Record.
“Financially, it really helps for the business we hope to do in January.
“It’s a great game for the fans and the players and one to look forward to.”
Celtic must be wary of McCall and Thistle
It says a lot about how far Celtic have come in the last few years that they are now seen as such a big scalp. Under Ronny Deila’s tutelage we lost cup ties to Ross County, Inverness and lower league Rangers. Neil Lennon’s previous regime saw Aberdeen and Greenock Morton both win at Celtic Park.
But this current Hoops side have won 30 consecutive cup ties – including three against Thistle – and six cup trophies in a row. The team who eventually ends our run will bask in the glory of the win for months, and that says a lot about ourselves.
McCall’s words must act as motivation for Lennon and his players. We can’t afford to go into any match, especially in the cup, thinking it’s already won. Thistle look like they’ll have the words of their boss ringing in their ears and that could be a dangerous proposition for us.
It promises to be a wonderful cup tie. A local derby, in the cup, at a packed stadium. It should be pretty special.
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