Celtic looking for 10 in a row

The biggest shock of Jock Stein’s era was Celtic’s 4-1 defeat to Partick Thistle in the 1971 League Cup Final.  Thistle were 4-0 up after 36 minutes while Kenny Dalglish managed Celtic’s only reply, 20 minutes from time.

Since then we have been drawn against Thistle seven times in this competition, wining each of the nine games (two early 80s ties were two legged).  A 2002-quarter final at Celtic Park went to penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Mo Sylla hitting the 18th and winning kick.

To great delight around Firhill, Gary Caldwell was relieved of his duties this week; with Ian McCall leaving Ayr United to return to the club he last managed eight years go.  The ‘new manager bounce’ is real, but even McCall will be glad to get tomorrow’s quarter final at Celtic Park over with.  Bottom of the table after six games, Saturday’s trip to Inverness is vastly more important.

A tenth successive win over Thistle in this tournament would send the holders to a Hampden semi-final in search of their 10th domestic successive trophy.