CHARLIE NICHOLAS admits he has been impressed by Ange Postecoglou’s brand of attacking football at Celtic.
The one-time Hoops goal hero reckons the Hoops boss is dedicated to paying on the front foot and that will be on show again when they face AZ Alkmaar in the second leg of their Europa League play-off final in the Netherlands on Thursday night and the first Glasgow derby of the campaign at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Greek-Australian gaffer has seen his side click into gear with six successive victories in which they have scored 24 goals while lightning up the east end of Glasgow with some brilliant and dazzling form.
Nicholas, who has been highly critical of his old team in the past, said: “I don’t think Postecoglou has any philosophy other than to go all-out and win matches.
“The recent run of fixtures have been kind, but he has got the results and in a style that’s exciting for fans to watch.
“Celtic are playing with passion, penetration and pace right now. These three elements are what his team is all about.
“He is a risk-taker. His players have to take responsibility, but it is not set in stone.
“Postecoglou wants to play on the front foot and that is what is making it so exciting for Celtic fans just now.”
Nicholas, speaking to the Daily Express, added: “They are dominating the ball against the likes of St Mirren, but will they be given that time and space against Rangers?
“His defence hasn’t been tested that much in recent games. Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh have done well, while recent signing Carl Starfelt looks the most vulnerable.
“Postecoglou hasn’t got a lot of headaches and I don’t think he will change anything against Rangers.
“Gers boss Steven Gerrard has to address more questions than Celtic just now. Rangers’ success last season was built on their solid foundation, but at the moment they don’t look convincing defensively. And will Ryan Kent turn up for the derby?
“Meanwhile, Kyogo Furuhashi has brought something special to the Celtic attack, while Ryan Christie and Liel Abada are in good form.
“That’s why I can see Sunday’s clash at Ibrox being a classic.
“I can easily see it ending up a four or five-goal thriller. And if I was pushed to make a prediction I’d go with a 2-2 draw.”
