The Celtic squad know the pressure is ramping up, but one defender has pointed to a big advantage.
Every point matters now, and the gap at the top leaves no margin for slip-ups. Liam Scales knows it.
The Irish defender has been one of the constants in a season that has often lacked rhythm, and he insists the focus is clear heading into the run-in. He said (via Celtic FC):
“It’s massively important. We need to win pretty much every game between now and the end of the season. That’s our goal.”
Saturday’s 1-0 win over St Mirren kept Celtic within touching distance at the top, but it was not without its moments.
The second half felt uneasy at times, even if Celtic never completely lost control of the game. Scales saw it differently from the pitch.
“At 1-0, it seemed tight, but it felt like we were in control of the game. To get a clean sheet is a bonus for us defenders, especially.”
It was not vintage Celtic, but it was the type of result that keeps a title challenge alive.
There was also a noticeable shift in the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
The return of the Green Brigade lifted the noise levels again, something the players did not miss.
Scales continued: “They’re massively important, great to have all the fans back in. It made a difference for us; we felt the difference on the weekend. They’re going to be huge.”
With the split approaching, the fixture list offers a small advantage on paper.
Three post-split home games could yet swing things, but only if Celtic put themselves in a position to take advantage.
“We have three big games at home after the split. It’s in our favour, I suppose, instead of having the two at home and three away. We’re looking forward to these massive games coming up.”
There is no hiding from the equation now. Win every game, and Celtic give themselves the best possible chance.
“We know that if we win all of our games, it puts us in the best position possible”, Scales added. “We believe we can do that as well.”
That belief has been questioned at times this season.
Performances have been inconsistent, and momentum has been hard to build. Scales accepts that, but insists the squad still has it within them to deliver when it matters most.
“It’s been a stop-start season, but if we can kick into form now, it will be an amazing one to win. The belief is definitely there; we just need to show it on the pitch.”
That last line is the key. Belief has been spoken about often. It now needs to show itself in performances.
Others will drop points between now and the end; that much is certain in this league. But Celtic cannot afford to rely on it.
It may simply come down to who blinks first. Before the league resumes, there is the small matter of a Scottish Cup semi-final.
Martin O’Neill’s side face St Mirren again on Sunday, with a place in the final at stake. Handle that properly, and the mood shifts quickly.
Momentum has been hard to find this season. Win this weekend, and Celtic might finally have something to build on when it matters most.
