ANGE POSTECOGLOU insists Celtic must beware a “false trap” before the High Noon derby encounter at Ibrox tomorrow.
Steven Gerrard and six of his players missed the drab Europa League goalless draw against 10-man Alashkert in Armenia on Thursday following a Covid outbreak at the club.
Goalkeepers Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin were missing for the trip along with captain James Tavernier, Scott Wright, Calvin Bassey and Ryan Kent while the manager was also ordered to self-isolate. The Govan outfit are keeping tightlipped as ever about who will or will not be available for the visit of the Hoops and that includes Gerrard.
However, it is highly likely most of the players will be available for selection after a government rule change earlier this month, as CQN reported during the week.
Postecoglou, though, is totally unconcerned about the situation across the city and admitted it doesn’t matter what formation the opposition takes because it will ne interfere with his plans with his players.
The Greek-Australian said: “That stuff is out of our control.
“What we do know is that whatever the line-up is on Sunday, they’re going to be a formidable opponent.
“If you start thinking it’s going to be somewhat of an easy game because of any disruptions they had, or disruptions we might have had, you fall into a false trap.”
Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “The one thing we’ll never do is underestimate an opponent or not respect an opponent, irrespective of the build-up.
You know all 11 players on both sides will be up for a big game and our focus has got to be on ourselves.”
Neil Lennon’s successor makes his debut in this fixture and the team go into the confrontation on the back of qualification for the Europa group stages and on the back of two successive 6-0 Premiership wins over Dundee and St Mirren.
