Celtic v Partick Thistle preview: Kris Doolan in bullish mood over Scottish Cup upset
Friday 9 February 2018 23:01, UK
Partick Thistle striker Kris Doolan has called on his team-mates to spring a surprise by beating Celtic in the Scottish Cup fifth round.
The Jags travel to Parkhead on Saturday (kick-off 12.15pm) following a midweek home defeat by Rangers with the odds stacked heavily against them.
Thistle have not beaten Celtic in 26 meetings dating back to 1995 and the side are currently 10th in the Scottish Premiership, one point above Hamilton, who currently occupy the relegation play-off place.
Doolan said: "It's down to mentality. People will turn around and maybe laugh because the gulf is so big, but Kilmarnock showed that on your day anything can happen.
"I personally think we can go and win every game, and we have to think that. I'm sure Celtic think that way and it's important to have that mentality that you are good enough to win.
"We are under no illusions how difficult it is going to be but on the day, Kilmarnock showed last week that anything can happen and it just takes one goal to win the game."
Celtic will put their hopes of a domestic Treble on the line hoping to return to winning ways after the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock, just the second domestic loss of Brendan Rodgers' reign.
Charly Musonda is set for his first home start after playing the full 90 minutes in the setback against Steve Clarke's side, and Rodgers is expected to make changes to his line-up.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: "Whatever team we put out, we always look to win the game and that's the plan for Saturday.
"We'll be looking to get through to the quarter-finals, but Partick always give us a tough game. It's a cup we want to win. It's a really prestigious competition that we enjoyed winning last year.
"Alan (Archibald)'s an excellent coach who manages his squad really well, and they're always difficult to beat.
"We played them a few weeks ago so we know their threat and the qualities that they have. We're never complacent against any team we play and they'll be looking to bounce back from the result in midweek.
"They've got good energy in their team so we'll have to protect ourselves against that while showing our qualities."
Team news
Dedryck Boyata is out while and Kristoffer Ajer is doubtful for Celtic having hobbled off during the defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
Jozo Simunovic will return after missing the 1-0 loss as a precaution and the defender could partner Nir Bitton at the back with Marvin Compper still absent and Jack Hendry ineligible.
Patrick Rodgers is back in training but the game comes too soon for his return.
Partick pair Steven Lawless and Callum Booth will feature while Niall Keown's chances of being involved were rated at 50-50 by manager Archibald.
