‘I’M READY FOR MALMO TEST,’ JANKO

CQN Magazine

9 years ago

SAID JANKO has told Celtic boss Ronny Deila he is ready and willing to face Malmo in the crucial Champions League play-off tomorrow night..

Mikael Lustig, injured in the 3-2 first leg win at Parkhead, is not expected to win his fitness race and the Swiss Under-21 international took his right-back spot in the 3-1 victory over Dundee United on Saturday. Lustig has travelled to Sweden with the Celtic party this morning so may well be in contention to start.

If he’s called upon the 19-year-old defender, who arrived from Manchester United in the summer, has insisted he is rooting for his team-mate – but will happily deputise should the Swede fail to make it.Janko declared: “I am definitely ready. I have to be. If I am playing, it would be great and this is a big opportunity for me.

“It is a huge game and if I am asked to play a part, then I am confident that I can do that. I have not played a lot of games, but when you are training you also get to know the players and the way they play.

“I am ready and it is now up to the manager whether he thinks I need to play.”

Lustig’s absence is a blow for Deila given the composure he brings to the team, but Janko was assured during the comprehensive win at Tannadice which may give the Hoops boss a decision to make.

Efe Ambrose can also play in the No.2 berth and it could be that Deila opts to go for the experience of the Nigerian international.

However, Janko added: “I want to play in games like this, that is why I came to Celtic. We all know how important the game is and I feel confident that if I am asked to play then I can do a job for the team.

“I am a professional and I always try to come on and do my best. You need to be relaxed and ready to play.

“I think I am back to full fitness. It would be great to play, but I also hope that Mikael is back soon. He is important for the team and it is good that there is competition for places between us because it makes us better players.”