SILENT RUNNING

Peter Latchford believes the Celtic squad have the character and quality to deal with the unique challenges of this season

- TONY CONNELLY

FOCUSING on one game at a time can sound like a cliché but that approach has been integral to Celtic’s continuing success in recent years. Former Hoops goalkeeper, Peter Latchford, believes it will be crucial in this momentous season.

Maintaining consistency throughout a fixture-packed season is one of the most impressive feats Celtic have achieved during their nine-in-a-row run.

They may have made it look easy at times, but ask any one of the players in the squad and they would be quick to tell you every result was hard-fought and hard-won.

The work the players, management, and staff put in on and off the field in the days and hours before a game lays the foundation for the team to build on during the 90 minutes.

When the whistle signals the start of the game, the fans then play a big role in helping the team overcome their opponents. However, that factor has been taken away, with games currently being played behind closed doors.

One man who can vouch for how big a role the fans play is former goalkeeper, Peter Latchford, who spent 13 years playing in front of Celtic supporters at Paradise from 1975-87.

“When things are going well the crowd can really lift you,” the English goalkeeper told the Celtic View. “It’s like riding a wave but now the water will be flat with no fans inside the stadium. The players will have to do everything themselves because the fans won’t be there to give them that extra lift.