Celtic’s headwinds

Let’s be honest, you and I were never completely comfortable facing Newco, or even old Rangers, with the wind at our backs and all indicators pointing green.  Celtic are at their best when they have the odds to fight against.  It has always been the case: Inter, not so much Feyenoord, Barca but not Molde.

When Neil Lennon eventually addresses his depleted squad after the Covid diagnoses of Odsonne Edouard, Nir Bitton and Hatem Elhamed, the enforced absence of Ryan Christie, the injury to James Forrest and who knows what after the remaining international fixtures and travel, he will not have a moment’s doubt.

Celtic are the champions because they flourish in headwinds.  Neil Lennon has now run out of fingers to count his league title wins, whereas others have no idea what it is like to win a league.  Despite being affected by Covid like no other club, there will not be a moment’ self-pity as the players prepare for Saturday.

There is frustration at the club that their safety protocols have not been matched by travel arrangements of various international teams, but that is a matter for official channels.  This is a confident squad of players who have what it takes to build league-winning campaigns.  I’m feeling OK about Saturday.