Celtic Don’t Need A “Statement” Win At The Weekend. Three Points Will Do

There is an idea gaining currency in some places that what we need to do at the weekend is batter St Johnstone and thus restore morale. I see the sense in it, but in the place where we are right now I would settle for just getting a victory so we can move on.

As great it would be to see us playing our fast flowing aggressive football once again, this is that time in the season when you sometimes need to show steel rather than silk. It may well be that without Callum in the team and with us still having issues elsewhere in the side that Saturday will be one of those games where the important thing is the points.

For once we have the first game.

A victory puts the pressure on the Ibrox club to match us.

If they drop anything they are back to being in their own crisis. That’s an advantage we’ve only had on one other week this season, and we need to make the best of it.

I am sure that we will.

Indeed, I think that a “statement” win is certainly within our capabilities and it is something that I wouldn’t entirely rule out. But we don’t require it and the earth will not stop rolling on its axis if we secure the points by a narrow margin.

What matters at all times is points on the board.

Above all else.

It is a thrill to see us win with sexy football, but it always comes second to the winning itself. That’s where the leagues and the cups come from, the ability not just to blaze past opponents but to grind it out.

The way a lot of us feel right now, the way the team is playing, winning will be enough for a while.

When we’ve got the ground back under our feet, I have no doubt the good times and the great performances will soon follow them again.