John McGlynn: Absence of Green Brigade Significantly Beneficial
Falkirk manager John McGlynn is optimistic about his team’s chances against Celtic at Celtic Park. The match is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon, where McGlynn seeks to disrupt the usual home advantage enjoyed by the champions.
Falkirk’s Promising Season
After clinching the Scottish Championship title last season, Falkirk has made a strong return to the Premiership. Currently, they find themselves in sixth place on the league table after a series of commendable performances.
Recent Encounters with Celtic
Falkirk’s previous encounters with Celtic this season did not end favorably, but McGlynn believes that a recent competitive display against the defending champions at Falkirk Stadium gives his squad confidence.
McGlynn’s Insights
Expressing his thoughts about the match, McGlynn stated the importance of respecting Celtic while also pointing out they must view themselves as a serious competitor. He remarked, “We’re not playing against Martin O’Neill’s team of many years ago…we are playing a team who, for 20 minutes, destroyed Utrecht.”
Impact of the Green Brigade Absence
A significant factor in McGlynn’s strategy is the absence of the Green Brigade, a Celtic fan group. He believes this situation provides an opportunity for Falkirk to influence the match atmosphere. McGlynn said, “There is no Green Brigade, and that helps. That helps a lot, absolutely.”
Upcoming Challenges for Celtic
Celtic is experiencing challenges of its own, especially with defender Auston Trusty set to miss the upcoming game due to a suspension from last weekend’s match. The Hoops recently settled for a draw against Hearts, which raised concerns about their title defense.
Conclusion
As the match approaches, the dynamics between the clubs, particularly the absence of the Green Brigade, could play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Falkirk aims to capitalize on this unique opportunity to secure a commendable result against the reigning champions.