Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox reckons the Staggies must deal with a Celtic backlash when they make the trip to Parkhead tomorrow.
The Hoops were beaten by Rangers in last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final which prompted manager Ronny Deila to announce he will leave at the end of the season.
Fox, who began his career at Celtic but left without making a first-team appearance, believes news of the Norwegian’s imminent departure will trigger a response from his players, who will be eager to finish the campaign on a high by delivering a fifth straight league title.
Fox said: “Ronny would probably say he has taken a wee bit of pressure off himself.
“If you have less pressure on you, it makes playing football easier, so we know they’re going to be coming out at us, with a point to prove for their manager as well.
“So, we know it is going to be a difficult game. It is about riding out the storm and keeping a clean sheet for the first 20 minutes. We don’t want to go a goal behind early with the crowd behind them. We’ll try to do that and then see where it takes us.
“I’d say, 100%, they will feel they owe Ronny. After what happened last Sunday against Rangers, I think the supporters will be due a performance from them.
“You don’t play for Celtic if you’re not full of confidence. The players will produce for Ronny, I’m sure, and it is up to us to stop that.”
County have been defeated in all three league encounters against Celtic this season but enjoyed a memorable 3-1 triumph against the Glasgow outfit in the League Cup semi-final in January.
That victory gives Fox belief his side can upset the Hoops again and the 28-year-old added: “I think it is the benchmark. We have to remember Celtic had 10 men that day but we need to go there, set out our stall, put some pressure on them. When they come out and attack us, we know we can defend and, hopefully, create good chances ourselves.
“We have played at Parkhead twice already this season and enjoyed those occasions. Obviously, results haven’t gone our way but it is one of those ones – a big stadium, big team, big atmosphere. Hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves.
“We believe in ourselves. Whenever we go there it has to be with a belief we can get a result. We’ve been unlucky. Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has made some quality saves at important times and they’ve scored good goals.”
