McManus - Bring on the Competitive Games

Last updated : 02 August 2008 By Clydebuilt
Celtic Captain Stephen McManus has today stated that Celtic are more than ready to start the new season and that he cant wait to get the SPL defence underway. As Celtic approach the last two dress rehersal games ahead of next Sunday's opening SPl fixture v St Mirren the Captain told the official site that the squad will be more than ready to defend their title.

It has been a preseason of mixed fortunes for Celtic, a raw yet impressive start against Sunderland gave way to a tedium filled score draw with 'Boro the decline continued with defeats to Fulham, Cardiff City and Spurs. It has to be underlined though that these games are only intended to get the players match sharp and for the manager to assess his system and fringe players, there is no need to push the panic button after a few lacklustre performances in July and August.

Ask any player, including managers remembering when they were players and they just want to get pre-season out of the way and can't wait for the real stuff to start," said the Celtic captain.

"These games are always tough and we aren't reading too much into them. We are just working on our fitness.

"We've got two friendlies to go because we have Manchester City on Wednesday and with our pre-season you always get enough games to get yourself prepared.

"It's been a good pre-season campaign," added McManus. "We've played a lot of good sides and done a lot of travelling this year, which has been great. I'm sure the lads will be ready for the start of the campaign."

Celtic will face Feyenoord next on Sunday night and then they will conclude this years preseason games at Celtic Park when Man City come calling on Wednesday night.

Yours in Celtic

Clydebuilt