Neil Lennon says he will assess the fitness of his Celtic side on Saturday ahead of the trip to Livingston a day later.
The Hoops will hope to end a good period of form with a win as they prepare for the second international break of the season. Lennon’s men are into the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup and top of their Europa League group, and they can also stay top of the Premiership with victory of the West Lothian side.
But Lennon knows it will be a tough match, especially after gruelling victory over Cluj in midweek.
“Tomorrow we will have to assess how they are feeling, their body language, the fatigue element from their exertions last night,” he told press on Friday. (Sky Sports)
“The game is dangerous. It is a difficult tie, Livingston away.
“I think we played them once there last year and drew 0-0. We know that goalscoring opportunities are at a premium.
“We played on the plastic at Hamilton, played well but only got the one goal.”
Lennon will have to make sure the team are up for Livingston clash
Lennon’s point on the lack of scoring opportunities is a pertinent one. Livingston may have lost the majority of their much heralded defence from last season but they have continued the same level of tactical discipline this year.
We may only create three or four really good opportunities throughout Sunday’s game so it is crucial that we take them when they arrive. The longer Livingston remain in the game the more confidence they will gain and the more restless the big Celtic support may become.
Thankfully we have so many attackers capable of scoring at present, so we just need to hope at least one of them is on their game.
If we treat Livingston with the respect they deserve, and approach the game properly, we should win the match.
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