Kris Commons is jealously eyeing up the sort of fortnight that every Celtic player dreams of.
At the business end of the season victories in their next two matches will deliver a Scottish Cup Final place against lower division opponents and a second successive SPFL title.
The packed schedule before the World Cup break put a lot of pressure on Ange Postecoglou’s squad but their domestic form never faltered as they build up a lead in the SPFL then lifted the Viaplay Cup in February.
Over the last couple of weeks Celtic have been short of their best but go to Hampden in far better shape than their city rivals although injury issues will dominate this week’s build up.
In the Daily Mail Commons explains:
A Scottish Cup semi-final with a Treble on the line. Then, the week after, a chance to wrap up the Premiership title in the first game after the split. What an incentive.
When you put pen to paper at Celtic, these are times you dream about. The opportunity, the excitement, everything you’ve seen on TV. It has to inspire you. It just has to.
One thing I’d hope for with Celtic is to see Jota return to fitness. He was certainly missed at the weekend and he gives you that something special. That spark.
I love Reo Hatate and there’s no doubt he’s been a loss in central midfield, too. If both of them make it for the semi-final, great. But Jota brings something extra to Celtic from wide areas that can’t quite be replicated.
If you’re in the Rangers camp, your heart sinks just a little bit if he’s on the team sheet. If he’s not, then it will be good news for Beale for sure.
All eyes now turn to Sunday. If Celtic start how they usually start — on the front foot — then I just think they’ll have too much for their rivals to handle.
There is unlikely to be any news coming out of Celtic relating to the injuries until the squad turns up at Hampden on Sunday.
Hatate and Liel Abada haven’t played since the 3-1 victory over Hibs on March 18 with Jota missing since the Glasgow Derby on April 8.
