‘I AGREE, MATE,’ ANGE ACCEPTS RIVAL’S ‘LUCKY’ TAG

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ANGE POSTECOGLOU is in total agreement with Michael Beale’s claim he is “a lucky man”.

The rookie Ibrox boss made the assertion when he was speaking about the spending power of the Celtic manager, as CQN reported last weekend.

Postecoglou took time off from preparing for this evening’s Viaplay League Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock at Hampden to speak about his good fortune.

The 57-year-old Greek-Australian said: “I agree, mate. I’m an extremely lucky man. I work for a fantastic football club with fantastic people.

“I’ve got a beautiful family. I’ve been doing this for 25 years now and long may it continue.”

HAIL, HAIL…Ange Postecoglou acknowledges the travelling Celtic support after his side’s record 9-0 triumph over Dundee United at Tannadice in August last year.

Postecoglou, of course, was pitched in at the deep end in June 2021 when he was named the long-term successor to Neil Lennon in the fall-out of the Hoops’ first trophyless season in 11 years.

Without a murmur of complaint, he oversaw the exodus of players such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Ryan Christie while loan stars Mohamed Elyounoussi, Jonjoe Kenny and Shane Duffy returned to their parent clubs.

The new team boss worked tirelessly in the transfer market to bring in a flood of new talent in the shape of Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, Carl Starfelt, Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis as well as temporary deals for Filipe Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The Premiership title and League Cup were reclaimed and Postecoglou, with the champions nine points clear at the top of the League, switches his attention back to the first piece of silverware he gained as Celtic gaffer.

He insisted he will not be sidetracked by transfer speculation concerning Juranovic and Giakoumakis who are likely to be among the stand-by squad at the national stadium tonight.

YOU’RE IN MY HEART…Ange Postecoglou sends message to the Celtic fans.

Postecoglou, speaking to the Daily Record, added: “When it comes to my desk, then I’ll know there’s something there that we need to discuss.

“But, at the moment, there has been nothing. I’m just dealing with what’s in front of me and I’ve had a clear training week in terms of dealing with those kinds of issues.

“My team selection every week is based on what I see. I have the evidence before me every day in how the guys are training.

“That’s what I focus on. You talk about speculation, but they are all human beings and players have to deal with things on a daily basis that aren’t in the public eye, so that’s taken into account when I select a team.

“But the evidence for me is what I see in training. We’ve had a really strong week and got just about everyone back in the group, which means it’s pretty competitive at the moment.

“That’s the key thing for me and they are all ready to go.”

* DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Celtic v Kilmarnock this evening – only in your champion CQN.

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