Ex-Rangers player insists Dundee United aims to spoil Celtic’s title party

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The Celtic Star

·25 aprile 2025

Ex-Rangers player insists Dundee United aims to spoil Celtic’s title party

Glenn Middleton has warned Celtic that Dundee United have no intention of hosting a title party on Saturday, as they are focused on organising their own end-of-season celebrations…

Hyunjun Yang of Celtic challenged by Glenn Middleton & Emmanuel Adegboyega of Dundee United. Celtic v Dundee United, Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 15 February 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Nearly 4,000 Celtic supporters will make their way to Tannadice for the lunchtime kick-off, hoping to pop the champagne for a fourth consecutive Premiership title. However, Middleton is adamant that Jim Goodwin’s side is set on spoiling the title-celebration and staying focused on their own goal of securing European qualification.

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Celtic just need a single point to secure a 55th league championship, but the former Ibrox winger insists the Tangerines remain focused solely on themselves: “Yes. Definitely. It is shaping up to be a brilliant game in terms of what they are fighting for,” the former forward at theRangers said via Daily Record. “We are fighting for something as well – to finish in those European spots. We have everything to play for.”

Glenn Middleton of Dundee United battles for possession with Alistair Johnston of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“So, there will be no case of us not going for that on Saturday. A party atmosphere? Definitely. Our fans will be doing the exact same because they’ve got a team that have everything still to play for this season.”

“It will obviously be a great occasion in terms of Scottish football and what’s at stake. It’s one that we’re really looking forward to, and we’ve got full confidence going into.”

“Everyone knows the quality and the strength in depth Celtic have in their squad and how good they are when they are on their game.”

“I don’t think there has been a game this season where another team has dominated us completely. Everyone knows the quality and the strength in depth Celtic have in their squad and how good they are when they are on their game. But the manager has always had us in a mind frame and a game plan to go into games and give as good an account as possible and Saturday will be no different.”

Middleton is still closely associated with United’s 2022 European campaign, having scored the decisive goal against AZ Alkmaar on his debut start following his move from theRangers. Although that 1-0 first-leg win was brutally overshadowed by a 7-0 defeat in the return fixture, the 25 year-old is keen to taste more European action next season.

Glenn Middleton of Dundee United, formerly of theRangers, looks on during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 08, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

He said: “Yes, for sure. As a club and as a squad, at least those who are still here from that night, it was unbelievable. There was real joy there and realisation about what you play football for. If we as a squad can bring that back to the supporters on a more regular basis it will only do good things for this football club.”

Currently in fourth place between Hibs and Aberdeen, United are just three points shy of third – a position that could secure group stage football if Celtic seal the Treble. Middleton believes their under-the-radar status could actually play to their advantage.

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Celtic title party at Tannadice, May 2022. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

He outlined: “Definitely. We will keep it that way for as long as possible if that’s how it is going to be. I would be lying if I sat here and said the discussion in house as to how we want to approach the last few games as a squad wasn’t to push for that position.”

“We’ve always had a confidence and a togetherness about what we can achieve this season”

“There’s three points in it – why wouldn’t you? We’ve always had a confidence and a togetherness about what we can achieve this season. We’ve maybe used the outside expectation of just surviving and staying in the league to our own benefit.”

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