BRENDAN RODGERS will not be surprised if Celtic are forced to stage an action replay of their dramatic late, late show in Dingwall at the weekend when they face Dundee at Dens Park this evening.
The champions’ resolve and will-to-win were put to the test against Ross County on a frostbound pitch in sub-zero temperatures in the Highlands before they eventually broke down the stubborn resistance of the home side.
It was stalemated at 1-1 by the time the 81st minute arrived, but the Hoops then crashed three goals behind defiant keeper Jordan Amissah as referee Matthew McDermid played 12 minutes of stoppage-time.
A BIG HAND…Kyogo Furuhashi strikes again – at the double.
Kyogo Furuhashi, with his second goal of a lively performance, nodded the visitors in front after an exquisite left-wing cross from Arne Engels and the £11million Belgian international playmaker claimed the third with a twice-taken penalty-kick.
And, as the clock down towards another league victory, Luke McCowan capitalised on mayhem in a crowded 18-yard box as Rodgers’ men continued the surge forward in pursuit of more goals.
The 4-1 scoreline eventually reflected Celtic’s superiority, but it was a case of true grit from the men in green and white to wear down the hosts who scrapped from start to finish.
Rodgers reckons it could be something similar against Tony Docherty’s well-drilled outfit on Tayside this time around and said: “It’s always going to be a difficult game when you go there, probably not too dissimilar to our game at the weekend.
“I think Tony’s team will be tight and compact and low on the pitch. You have to then get to work to break them down.
“If you can do that early, then great. If not, then you have to keep the patience and it may come like it did at the weekend late on.”
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM…Brendan Rodgers arrives in Dingwall for the early afternoon kick-off.
The Parkhead gaffer, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “I think Tony’s done an outstanding job since he’s been there, brought in some really good players, they all work and you can see they all play for him.
“They’re only a few points off the top six, the last time out against Rangers they produced a good result.
“We know, like in all of the games, we’ll really have to fight for the result.”
So, here we go again, folks, as Scotland’s title kings prepare for another tightrope tussle in enemy territory.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Dundee v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.