Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LUST GET IT PLAYED
Celtic to fit in Dundee before Gers & free up Mik
CELTIC are trying to reschedule their clash with Dundee for next midweek – as they stare at the prospect of facing Rangers with just a six-point lead.
The champions could also take on their rivals without first-choice right-back Mikael Lustig if the game against Neil Mccann’s side is not rearranged before the
Ibrox showdown.
It was called off yesterday morning as the Beast from the East wiped out the Scottish Premiership card.
Lustig was banned for that match but with it failing to beat the weather, the Swede would now be out of the derby on March 11.
However, Parkhead chiefs are attempting to play the Dundee clash next Wednesday. Cristian Gamboa and fit-again Anthony Ralston are in the frame should Lustig be banned while Dedryck Boyata and Marvin Compper could also be available. Manager Brendan Rodgers would prefer to have Lustig (right) on board despite the Swede taking flak from supporters following some recent performances. The 31-year-old struggled in the Europa League defeat to Zenit in Russia and got himself in a tangle at Pittodrie to earn a second yellow and subsequent red card.
The Hoops boss (inset) backed his man and hailed the defender for digging deep to play through the pain barrier at times.
Rodgers said: “It was just unfortunate for him that he got sent off. Mika is a great servant for me. He has put himself out there. He has struggled for injuries earlier but since I’ve come in, the game time he has played has been fantastic.”
Meanwhile, Chris Davies insists Celtic’s full focus is now on Saturday’s Scottish
Cup last eight clash with Morton.
The Hoops No2 insisted they won’t take the Ton for granted and will treat the Championship men like PSG.
Davies said: “It is a trophy that we want to win. We have a chance to get into the semi-final and we take absolutely nothing for granted.
“We’ll do our analysis and prepare for them as though they are a Champions League team. There is absolutely no difference. We respect them the same because we need to be ready to win the game.”