Ross County pull no punches and openly admit ‘dark arts’ will be used vs ‘lightning’ Celtic stars

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Celtic travel to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, and they can expect a physical battle.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are licking their wounds a little after the demoralising 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

The Celtic manager has been defiant about his tactical approach but knows his task now is regrouping and refocusing the players for a tricky away trip in the Highlands.

The lunchtime kick-off on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, is a potential banana skin, and Celtic must be up for the fight against a side aiming to drag them into a brutish contest.

• READ MORE: Celtic’s eight domestic fixtures straight after Champions League clashes

Ross County defender into ‘battering’ opponents like Celtic

County centre-back Kacper Lopata, standing at 6ft 4in, said ahead of the game [Press & Journal]: “I like my UFC, I like my boxing and used to do it when I was younger. In terms of that aggression, like anyone, you like to do things you’re good at. If, for me, that’s battering a striker, giving him a bit, then I’m going to do that.

“It is a good challenge. Celtic are so good – fast as lightning strikers, who are intelligent. Those kind of strikers I enjoy playing against because it is a cat and mouse game.

“If I was in their position, I’d be looking to bounce back. They are top players, and that’s what top players do. They are resilient.

“They don’t dwell on things; they are good technically, sharp and quick, but the mental side of the game is very underrated. Without a doubt, they will be looking to bounce back and get a win.

“It’s up to us to try and stop that from happening. We have to be solid. Give them a yard and they punish us straight away.

“We are going to have to use the dark arts of the game and get our fans on board, manage the game. If we need a breather, we have to take a breather.”

This isn’t anything new in Scottish football, and nobody will begrudge County playing to their strengths to try and pick up a result at home, but it’s clear what Celtic are up against this weekend. The Bhoys will have to be wise to that.

Celtic may have to mix it up on Sunday

Celtic do have battlers in the team. Alistair Johnston is hardly shy, while Daizen Maeda is never afraid to get stuck in when regaining possession.

Those traits will be key to securing a result, as much as slick attacking play on the ball.

Adam Idah is also available as a central striking option if Kyogo Furuhashi is finding it tough up against someone like Lopata.

He could add a different dynamic off the bench, or even be considered from the start, to mix up Celtic’s attack.

Referees and officials confirmed for Celtic trip to Ross County

It could be a busy day for referee Kevin Clancy, who has been appointed as the man in charge for this one.

The SFA man has dished out an average of 3.6 yellow cards in his five matches so far this season, with no reds given to any side.

David McGeachie and Gordon McCabe will run the line as assistant referees. Nick Walsh, supported by Alan Mulvanny, is the VAR at Clydesdale House.