Elvis braced for ‘wounded animal’ reaction from title chasing Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·2 April 2026

Elvis braced for ‘wounded animal’ reaction from title chasing Celtic

Steven Pressley has urged his Dundee players to brace themselves for a strong response from Celtic ahead of this weekend’s clash…

The Dens Park boss is targeting another memorable result against the Hoops, having already secured a 2-0 victory earlier in the campaign and will be hoping to mirror Dundee United’s shock 2-0 win 10 days ago.

While Pressley believes his team is capable of compounding Celtic’s title ambitions, he remains cautious, expecting O’Neill’s side to be motivated as they look to bounce back quickly with seven games remaining.

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Pressley said via Daily Record: “Of course you expect a reaction from Celtic because they’re a wounded animal after defeat in their last game. Our games against them this season have been very competitive so we have to make sure this one on Sunday is too.”

“We expect a reaction from Celtic so will have to be ready for that. Obviously they have the pressure of the title race but we also have plenty to play for because we’re trying to make sure we retain our Premiership status for next season.”

“We still have work to do on that front so it’s an important game for both teams. Can we exploit any pressure Celtic are under? I hope so but the focus is on ourselves and the objectives we have.”

Dundee manager Steven Pressley. Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers once likened his team to a “Honda Civic” following the 2-0 defeat at Dens in September, and although Dundee were beaten 1-0 at Celtic Park in December, they came within seconds of eliminating the Hoops from the Scottish Cup before conceding a dramatic late equaliser.

Pressley added: “I think we have played well in a lot of these games but haven’t had as much reward as we should have in terms of points and wins. We were very good against Celtic in the Scottish Cup game and had the disappointment of losing the tie in extra time.”

“The players can take a lot of encouragement from the way they performed at Celtic Park because I felt we did enough to merit a win that day.”

Dundee v Celtic. 19 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“We didn’t get it and that’s what I mean about not getting the rewards for the way we have played in some of these big games. I want us to change that habit. I want us to really ensure that we come away from these games with what we deserve.”

07.02.2026 Celtic v Dundee, Scottish Cup 5th round. Junior Adamu goal 1-1. Photo Kenny Ramsay IMAGO

“We don’t want to be a team who gets a lot of plaudits for playing well but taking nothing or a team who looks back on a lot of hard luck stories. Sunday is a chance to perform the way we know we’re capable of and get the appropriate outcome from it.”

Conor Spence

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