Celtic’s early kick-off trip to Rugby Park on Sunday promises to be a cracker.
With Rangers and Hearts facing each other this weekend, the Bhoys have a genuine opportunity to shift the landscape of the title race. Just one point behind Rangers and six off Hearts, with a game in hand over both, Martin O’Neill’s side know victory in Ayrshire could prove pivotal.
Standing in their way is new Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann.
The former Ibrox winger, who spent time there last season in an interim coaching role under Barry Ferguson, has made no secret of the scale of the task. He also understands what a win over Celtic would mean for his former clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Speaking ahead of the clash, McCann was candid in his assessment of the Hoops.
“It’s going to be an enormous challenge that doesn’t come any bigger when Celtic are coming to play. So we need to be mindful of the challenge ahead. I think Martin’s got them winning games of football, whether or not they have been in sparkling form.” he told Sky Sports.
“I know there’s been a lot said about the performances. They haven’t been top class, but they know how to win games. And this is a huge game for us.”
It is a fair observation.
Celtic haven’t been at their best most of the season. The fluency supporters crave has flickered rather than burned brightly. Yet the results keep coming. O’Neill has steadied the ship, grinding out victories when rhythm and sparkle have been missing.
That resilience is what keeps them firmly in the hunt.
Sunday offers a classic pressure scenario. Celtic kick off knowing that by full-time at Ibrox later in the day, either Rangers or Hearts, or perhaps both, will have dropped points. The chance to apply that pressure is there.
But Rugby Park is rarely straightforward.
Killie will be organised. McCann will have them fired up. For a manager with Rangers ties, there is added narrative in trying to derail Celtic’s momentum.
For the travelling support, it is simple. Three points. No excuses.
The title picture can tighten dramatically within hours. Celtic must ensure they are the ones applying the squeeze.
