Celtic have had a tough season – and David McCracken says Falkirk must use their Scottish Cup chance to show what they are made of.
Having played Rangers in the last 16 of the League Cup, League One leaders Falkirk now face Celtic live on the TV in Scottish Cup third round action. This is the Hoops’ last chance to win silverware this term, which given their struggles, would be a boost.
Falkirk are next to test Celtic at Parkhead. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
But Falkirk co-boss McCracken won’t let this tie go down quietly, despite the difference in quality: “The standard of player they have we are a fair distance from. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to go into the game and think like that. We will give them respect but there’s no reason being there unless you go and try to win the game.
“We tell the players to express themselves and see where it takes you. This is Celtic’s last opportunity to get some silverware this season. They won’t take us lightly but that adds to the experience for our players as well.
“It’s been a tough season for them, 100%. There’s a lot of issues behind the scenes, a change of management and where they’re at just now. You could say there’s an opportunity there because they’re not playing as well as they have done in recent years.
A shock on the cards? (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“But let’s be honest – they are still a quality team and a level above where we are and will probably be for another couple of years at least.”
Winning the League One title is Falkirk’s ultimate aim this season but co-managers Lee Miller and McCracken fancy a cup charge to go alongside it, the latter saying: “It’s brilliant. It’s another challenge. You could say we’re inexperienced but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.
“I relish this challenge as a manager. As I’m saying about the players who haven’t been there and experienced that, myself and Lee haven’t experienced that as managers. It’s an opportunity for a lot of the boys who haven’t played at Parkhead or been involved against a team of that stature to go and express themselves.
“Since we came back from the break the boys have been in a good place. We are looking forward to the game.”
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