mcstay hails attitude of reserves

David Friel
WILLIE McSTAY paid tribute to the professionalism of his players after they edged closer to the reserve league title with a 6-0 demolition of Dundee United on Thursday.

Koki Mizuno, Darren O’Dea (2), Chris Killen (2) and Diarmuid O’Carroll were all on target in the match against a young United side at the Excelsior Stadium.

And McStay was delighted with the attitude and application of his side, who will win the league if they beat Hibernian on Monday afternoon in their final match of the season.

“When we arrived at the stadium and saw the strength of our team compared to Dundee United, the main aim was to produce a professional performance,” he told www.celticfc.net.

“The attitude was spot on and we emphasised that we had to set the standards in the early part of the match. After 26 minutes, we were 3-0 up, so the job was done. All credit to them for doing that.

“I was pleased with how they went about their business. We went up to Dundee United with kids earlier this season and beat a strong side.

“On Thursday, the roles were reversed and our top players gave everything. The attitude was great and they moved the ball quickly. Their professionalism shone through.

“We now look as if we will win the league title if we beat Hibs on Monday and it’s been a remarkable effort from the boys.

“Since the turn of the year, we have won 10 games out of 11 and we’ve managed to take it to the last game of the season. Now, we have to win and try to finish on a high.”

Scott Brown, who missed the bulk of April through suspension, was also given a 70-minute run-out in the United match and McStay revealed the midfielder had asked to play in order to sharpen his fitness.

“The gaffer came to me said that Scott had asked to play in the game,” he said. “For myself and Danny McGrain, it’s great that guys like Scott want to get involved and be a part of things.

“Scott showed his class, but I also thought the young players made a massive contribution. Mark Millar, Scott Cuthbert and Paul McGowan were all excellent.”

Another highlight of the match was the dead-ball delivery of Mizuno. The Japanese midfielder scored a free-kick and also set up three goals from his pin-point crosses.

“It was strange that for all our good play, five of the six goals we scored came from set-pieces,” said McStay. “The quality was excellent from Koki and that makes a difference in games.”