Maloney leans on senior players during Celtic turmoil

Maloney, who stepped in to guide the team with Martin O’Neill after Brendan Rodgers’ shock exit, had joined Celtic earlier in the summer as the club’s Professional Player Pathway Manager.

He is set to oversee things from the touchline for now, and with O’Neill making his way up from England, Maloney led yesterday’s training session in preparation for tonight’s clash with Falkirk at Celtic Park.

Speaking during the media conference at Celtic Park yesterday afternoon which The Celtic Star attended, Maloney said: “We’ve got some experienced guys. Kasper is probably the most experienced. But in terms of the lads that probably come through the club, you’ve got Callum, James and Kieran. We relied heavily on them this morning.”

“Alistair Johnston is a really big part of the group. Unfortunately, Cameron had surgery yesterday, I think, or he would have been part of that.”

Maloney added: “So there’s enough experience, enough guys that have won, and enough guys probably that have experienced days like today. Yeah, we relied heavily on them this morning, and we’ll rely heavily on them tomorrow night.”

“These moments are really, really difficult. I think as well, when you ask the question about John, he is a big part of what goes on on a daily basis. He’s a really extremely talented coach, very popular, so he’ll be missed.”

“But it’s the senior players who will be relied upon and demanded more. I think it’s always the case, and it won’t be any different tomorrow night.”

It is a massive night for O’Neill and his players this evening after the events of the last few days. It is vital Celtic get back to winning ways ahead of Sunday’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden. There’s only so much that the two interim bosses can do in such a short period of time. The senior players will have to do a great deal to ensue that the players are focused and fully understand what is now required on a night when Celtic simply must pick up the three points.

Falkirk will certainly fancy their chances by benefitting from the turmoil inside and outside of Celtic Park this evening. Keep an eye on the Directors box to see who is and more importantly not there this evening.

Conor Spence

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