Preview: ICT -v- Celtic (Cup)

Inverness Caledonian Thistle
-v- Celtic
William Hill Scottish Cup

It’s maybe apt that the Scottish Cup is sponsored by William Hill, given the fortunes that have been won and lost on this tie in the past. It must rank as the tie that Celtic would have most wished to avoid, given that it is no longer viewed as a potential upset; it’s genuine competition. As Charlie Christie said in last week’s Scotland on Sunday, respect is due and Neil Lennon must have been praying for a home win when he was spotted in the stands at East End Park for the last tie.

A much changed Inverness will line up for this one with some advantage in surprise. Steve Winnall and Claude Gnapka will be an unknown threat, whilst Steve Williams (if he’s fit again) will be an almost unheard of stumbling block to the forces in green. Following his promising introduction against St. Mirren, the prospect of Gnapka and Tade bearing down on a defence must be terrifying. A week’s acclimatisation and training after an SPL introduction will do them no harm at all, and the change in line up should cause ICT no concern given its continuous recycling all season.

At least the madness that is the transfer window has now closed, and only Lee Cox has left (to join Paulo de Canio at Swindon) The combative midfielder will be missed for his contribution to the cause and for the opportunity he afforded supporters for ribald singing. Good luck Lee.

Aaron Doran and Owain Tudur Jones both came through a bounce game at Aberdeen this week, but this game might be too soon for either of them.

	Pre Match Interview
Jonny Hayes
David Proctor

Celtic have, of course added to their already formidable line up during the transfer window. Pawel Brozek has joined on loan from Trabzonspor, and may find Inverness a tad chillier than Turkey. There will be no such problems for Michael Lustig from Rosenborg and Rabia Ibrahim from PSV Eindhoven. Both will find it tropical here compared to either Trondheim or Northern Holland, although Neil Lennon might not want to baptise all of them in a typical “blood and snotters” (my favourite Paul Sturrock quote) cup tie. At least they won’t have Jonny Hayes lining up for them, contrary to widespread internet rumours all of last week. There is no new injury news emanating from paradise, so expect Daniel Majstorovic to be the only long term absentee.

No doubt the pitch at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium has been snugly wrapped up in its blanket all week, awaiting this cup tie with the same mix of anticipation and trepidation as the rest of us. There is little to be read into the recent excellent results of both sides in the League, and equally little to be had from going over past cup glories for either side. A full house should grace the stadium, despite the early kick off time and television coverage and it may just turn out to be one of those occasions where you really are glad you went. You never know, opportunities to go ballistic don’t come around every day.

Preview by: Davie Balfour