manager: we're ready for saints test

Mark Henderson
CELTIC have enjoyed a good record against St Johnstone this season, but Tony Mowbray still knows his charges must be at their very best to extend that run of results on Saturday.

In their previous two encounters this season, the Hoops have taken full points, racking up nine goals in the process. But on both occasions, the Saints made life difficult for Celtic and showed why they are mounting a challenge for a top-six finish in the SPL.

“St Johnstone have been very competitive and have had some great results over the last few weeks,” said the Celtic manager. “So they will come to Celtic Park in confident mood and be looking to try and climb into the top six.

“Whether they can do that, we will wait and see. But that’s a great credit to them that they are in that position, as some people might have thought they would be clambering for points to stay out of the relegation zone.

“We have done okay against them. But obviously they have been a very competitive team in the league, as we have found out.

“While it was 5-2 and 4-1 in the games, they were very tough matches up to the point we scored the goals to win and I am sure it will be a stern test again at the weekend. Ultimately, we have got take our opportunities when they come along to win the game.”

Several players, who have spent the last few weeks on the treatment table, could come into contention for a place in the match-day squad.

Jos Hooiveld, Glenn Loovens, Shaun Maloney and Pat McCourt have all returned to training. However, Scott Brown remains suspended.

Meanwhile, Artur Boruc, who missed last week’s win over Kilmarnock due to family reasons, has also joined up with the squad again.

“There is a few back on the training ground, but whether they are ready or not we will wait and see, as they have been out for four or five weeks,” said Mowbray. “They will train today. We will assess them and decide if they will be ready for the weekend.”