KILMARNOCK defender Stephen O’Donnell believes Killie or more specifically the media talking about a Rugby Park title challenge ‘poked the bear’ on Saturday when they were spanked by Celtic.
O’Donnell also believes the way Celtic setup this time against them was a huge compliment to the Ayrshire club.
The player claims Celtic have not shown Kilmarnock enough respect in the past and have intentionally not played their best team against them to keep them fresh for more important games.
Rodgers going full strength against Steve Clarke’s side at home is being taken as a barometer of how far Kilmarnock have actually come by the defender. Certainly a glass half full way of looking at it.
Speaking about the game O’Donnell knew his side were up against it.
“Sometimes maybe you poke the bear.” he told Sunsport.
“The media were all telling us how we were top of the league, how Celtic and Rangers aren’t good enough.
“Well, I’m playing against them and thinking, ‘They’re not that bad’.
“I don’t want to say it but maybe in the past Celtic have been a wee bit disrespectful to Kilmarnock.
“I know they had changed their team when facing us in the past.
“Last season they changed it a few times and they did so again for the first game of this season.
“So Saturday was a massive statement, in terms of where we have come from.
“They are not only not changing their team, but they are also at home, where they are traditionally a lot stronger.
“It was a compliment to us but, sadly, it paid off for them and they had a comfortable victory.”
Celtic absolutely hammered Kilmarnock from the off on Saturday. A double from James Forrest along with Edouard, Christie and Lustig all getting on the scoresheet.
Celtic have gone back to the top of the table two points clear of The Rangers with a game in hand.
Take a bow son,that’s the most common sense I have heard from a footballer in many a year. HH