Make no mistake – Celtic have improved, says Caley Thistle boss Foran
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RICHIE Foran insists champions Celtic are still the real deal under Brendan Rodgers but he believes that Sunday’s Ladbrokes Premiership game is one Caley Thistle can win.
The Inverness manager watched on TV on Tuesday as Celtic were blown away 7-0 against brilliant Barcelona in the Champions League.
His own personal experience of heavy defeats means Foran knows the crushing loss for the Hoops will make Caley Thistle’s task tougher.
Four points from their last two games has raised spirits at the Caledonian Stadium after a stuttering start to the season. Last weekend’s point at Pittodrie has raised them off the foot of the table and skipper Gary Warren told the Courier earlier this week that there was optimism in the camp ahead of Celtic’s visit.
While Celtic being hit for seven could be perceived as beneficial for the Caley Jags, Foran does not see it that way.
"It was clearly not the result Celtic wanted but not the result I wanted either," he said. "They will be coming up here determined to prove a point and not to lose two on the bounce. I have been on the end of heavy results and you just want to go out there and put it behind you. Celtic will be like wounded animals and we are going to be in for a very tough day, but we will prepare and be ready."
However, it’s Celtic’s rampant form in Scotland that is making people notice. Top of the league, 15 goals in four fixtures, a game in hand over most and a 5-1 thrashing over returning rivals Rangers would make most bosses preparing to take them on shiver with fear.
However, Foran tingles with excitement at the thought of locking horns with Brendan Rodgers’ side after a 2-1 win over St Johnstone, which was backed by Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aberdeen.
"They even crushed Rangers without the country’s best scorer Leigh Griffiths, as Frenchman Moussa Dembele filled his boots with a hat-trick.
Although lethal in attack, the chink of hope for Foran this weekend is that the Hoops have failed to keep a clean sheet in four of their five domestic games. That came in their impressive 5-0 Betfred Cup rout of Motherwell last month.
Foran, who is set to face Rodgers for the first time, hints that he sees a way in which is players can find a way through.
"Just like Celtic will be looking at us and they will think they can find some vulnerable spots and I believe we can find vulnerable spots in their team," he said.
"There is confidence running through our team after taking a good four points against St Johnstone and Aberdeen and we want to continue that.
"People say this is a tough game for us but every game is tough. We are setting up in every game this season to try and get three points.
"Celtic have definitely improved under Brendan Rodgers. There seems to be more togetherness about them.
"He’s signed very well and added real talent to their squad. Just look at their bench. Celtic can field two strong teams. He really does have all the supporters behind him and the previous manager (Ronny Deila) probably didn’t have that. They are enjoying the style of play under Brendan Rodgers, so it’s good for them, but this is a game we are looking forward to and are excited about."
Foran should have a full squad to choose from on Sunday, except goalkeeper Ryan Esson, who is recovering from an elbow injury.
The club have since recalled keeper Cameron Mackay (19) from his loan stint at League Two side Elgin City and Foran feels he would have no qualms pitching him in should number one Owain Fon Williams be out for any reason.
Mackay played two Betfred Cup games this season, the 1-1 draw against Dundee United, which they lost on penalties, and the 5-1 cruise at Championship hosts Dunfermline.
He made his senior debut in the same competition when he replace injured Esson late on in the 2-1 win at League Two Cowdenbeath.
"We have called Cammy back. We had to wait 28 days (for clearance) but he was on the bench on Saturday," added Foran. "We could have gone and brought in another keeper, but I have a lot of confidence in Cammy. He has improved, helped by Ryan Esson, so I have no problem with calling on him should we need him."
