CHRIS SUTTON reckons the decision to lift the ban on the Green Brigade emphasises Celtic’s determination to go all out for the fifth successive title.
The champions are three points behind leaders Hearts with six games to go and the countdown to the crown continues when St Mirren provide the opposition at Parkhead this afternoon.
While the Hoops lock horns with their Premier Sports League Cup conquerors in the east end of Glasgow, the Edinburgh club face Motherwell at Tynecastle.
Danny Rohl takes his second-placed Ibrox outfit, two points ahead of Martin O’Neill’s men, to Falkirk tomorrow for the noon kick-off against John McGlynn’s rejuvenated club.
WATCHING BRIEF…Martin O’Neill looks on from the touchline.
It’s shaping up for another pivotal weekend in the chase for the championship with the May 23 finishing tape looming into view.
Looking at today’s intriguing encounter at his old stomping ground with St Mirren the latest hurdle, Sutton said: “By allowing the group back in for the remaining games, it does send out a message that it’s now all hands on deck.
“Martin O’Neill and this patchwork team are going to need all the help they can get.
“That’s why the animosity has to be put to one side for now. No-one is suggesting there doesn’t need to be massive changes in the coming weeks, it’s not an endorsement of anyone or a complete change of heart.
“That’s not going to happen. But it should be an amnesty. There can’t be anti-board chants if things are not going the team’s way on the pitch.
“Don’t be fooled, though. If St Mirren get a result then all bets will be off again.
“There will need to be some patience.
MISS…towering frontman Tomas Cvancara beats Dundee keeper Jon McCracken, but his shot smacks off the post.
“Let’s face it, this is a flaky and shaky Celtic side and there could be moments when they are struggling or behind in games.
“For all their faults, they have shown resilience and a determination to fight and if there are rough times, that’s when the players will need supporters with them, not aiming their anger at the directors’ box.”
Sutton, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “It might be more of an amnesty than peace breaking out, but with four home games in the last six matches, it’s a chance to make Celtic Park a formidable fortress again.
“It’s still a long shot for me in terms of Celtic. Martin O’Neill has managed to keep them in the race, but it defies logic.
“Thomas Cvancara did well to get into scoring positions at Dundee last week, but he looks like a man short on confidence.
“At no stage did he ever seem convinced he’d stick the ball in the net.
“The one man you would fancy isn’t fit enough to play 90 minutes.
“That’s the dilemma with Kelechi Iheanacho.”
HIT…Kelechi Iheanacho wallops in the late winner at Dens Park.
The one-time England international forward added: “He’s arguably the most talented player Celtic have right now, but getting the best out of him is tricky.
“Does he start the game and you hope he can get the side in front?
“That was the plan at Tannadice, but it didn’t work as he failed to score then faded badly.
“He did make an impact from the bench at Dens Park, so maybe being an impact sub is the way to go.
“O’Neill will need to reach into his tombola again and hope he can come up with the winning numbers to keep the returning fans on board until the finishing line.”
One thing is certain in this title run-in – it ain’t going to be dull!
* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v St Mirren this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
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