wilson's fit and ready for action

Mark Henderson
MARK WILSON is ready to his play his part for the Hoops in the remainder of the season should he be called into action.

The defender recently enjoyed a full 90 minutes of action when a Celtic XI drew 1-1 with Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.

It was a measure of Wilson’s resolve that he requested to go on the trip with a mostly youthful side in order to get some competitive action under his belt - so he will be ready for the first-team if called upon.

A bumper crowd came out for the ‘Battle of the Hoops’, and Wilson thoroughly enjoyed the occasion.

“It was good game and a good one to be involved in,” he told the Celtic View. “I asked to go over just to get 90 minutes as I have been trying to take as many opportunities to get games as I can.

“There was a good crowd and Rovers are a good team just coming into their season and were really fired up for it, especially as it was against Celtic. But I thought the boys did well, particularly the young guys playing against experienced pros.

“My aims for the rest of the season are just to get my fitness up, keep fit and just keep enjoying football.

“I don’t know if I will get many opportunities to play in the first team, but I am fit and ready to play."

Wilson played a part in the Hoops’ second-half equaliser, sending an accurate pass across the box for Paul Caddis, playing as an auxiliary forward, who drove the ball into the net.

It was just one of many positions the goalscorer has been asked to fill this season and Wilson was full of praise for Caddis’ versatility.

“He did well up front,” he said. “It just shows you his versatility, he can play right-back, on the wing, central midfield and now up-front. But he caused them a problem with his pace. A few of the big guys at the back probably thought they were in for an easy night when they saw him up front.  He definitely caused them problems.”

In the aftermath of the comings and goings during the January transfer window, the Hoops squad now has a distinctly international feel to it.

Wilson is now one of the few home-grown players left in the first-team squad. But he believes the new Bhoys have settled in well to their new surroundings.

“It’s difficult when so many players come in, but they seemed to have gelled quite well,” he said.

“They had a full day out at the go-karts and a night out and that helped things along. Sometimes you get one or two boys that are quite shy, but those that have come in are quite open and confident.”

Read the full and exclusive interview with Mark Wilson ONLY in this week's Celtic View. On sale now.