Celtic are back at Parkhead on Saturday with the run-in now fully in view. Six league games remain, and there is no space left for slip-ups if they are to stay in the title fight going into the split.
The win at Dens Park last time out kept the Hoops right in it, but it also showed how hard these games have become. Nothing is coming easy. Every goal has to be worked for, and every mistake brings pressure straight back.
Simon Donnelly knows what this stage of the season feels like. He’s been in dressing rooms where titles were on the line, and his focus is firmly on what’s directly ahead rather than looking too far down the road. That mindset shapes how he sees this one.
There is also a shift expected in the stands. The Green Brigade return for the first time since October, and that changes the feel of the place. Celtic Park hasn’t always had that edge this season, but on a tight run-in, the crowd can drive the pace when the game needs it.
Donnelly said: (Celtic TV), “There are six massive ones, but you can only take care of one at a time.
“We’re still sitting on the coattails, but we’ve got to go and win these games.
“I think they’ll come and try to frustrate, keep themselves in the game.
“The onus is always on Celtic at Celtic Park.
“With six games to go and everything to play for, I think it will be a big boost.
“It looks as if it could go right down to the death, it’s going to be exciting.”
Donnelly’s point about pressure at Celtic Park rings true. Teams arrive with a plan to sit in and slow things down. If Celtic don’t move it quickly, the game can drift and frustration builds.
St Mirren will still look to keep it tight. They’ve had spells this season where they’ve made it difficult for Celtic, and they won’t come to open up.
But this is a different stage now. With the title still there to chase and a Scottish Cup semi-final on the horizon, the demands don’t drop. Celtic need to handle both sides of it, starting with getting the job done here.
