Stephen McManus: We're looking to build on the positives from our last performance | OneFootball

Celtic FC B coach Stephen McManus is looking forward to getting back to the action as the young Hoops take on Albion Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

After over 10 days since their last outing in the Lowland League, the Bhoys will return to the Excelsior Stadium for their first home game since August, 5.

Although the Celts lost out in their last fixture against East Kilbride, it proved to be an entertaining match-up, with a number of positives to take away for the B team.

Speaking ahead of the return to action, B team coach Stephen McManus is hoping to see his squad build on the positives from the last few games.

He said: “The last game that we played was obviously against East Kilbride, so it seems like it’s been a long time since then.

“It’s important that the boys get back into the rhythm of things and get ready for another game this weekend.

“Even from the Berwick Rangers game there were positives from that, we took that then into the last game.

“Hopefully we can do the same against tomorrow afternoon against Albion Rovers.

“From there, we’ve got a few boys away on international break, which is great for them, but this is when the busy part of the season then starts.”

Following on from a tough start to the new campaign, the Bhoys have had almost two weeks to work on the training ground after being without a fixture last weekend.

In the early parts of the season, there have been a number of changes to the young Hoops squad due to injuries and players working with the first-team.

However, as the team prepare to head into another busy period in the calendar following this month’s international break, McManus is expecting to have a more settled squad, which should help build consistency within the group.

“It’s a new group, we’ve spoken about it previously at the start of the season and it always takes a bit of time,” he said.

“Now we know the squad is going to be a bit more settled, knowing the group we are going to have.

“There is going to be lots of games for the boys to play in. We’ll look to utilise the squad the best way we can, and that will start tomorrow.”

On Saturday afternoon, the Celts will take on new Lowland League opposition as Albion Rovers travel to Airdrie.

After suffering relegation last campaign, the Cliftonhill side will be aiming to do what no club has done before them, and bounce straight back to Scottish League Two.

Rovers have made a strong start to the campaign, and McManus is expecting another tough test this weekend.

He said: “Like I’ve said previously, the level of opposition in the Lowland League has improved and we feel it’s higher than what it was the year before.

“It should be a good game and a good challenge for the players.”

Upcoming Fixtures

Celtic B Vs. Albion Rovers - Sat, Sep 9th 2023, 14:00 Buy Tickets