It is perhaps indicative of how far Hamilton have progressed that full-back Ziggy Gordon insists they have nothing to fear in tomorrow’s clash with Celtic, and are treating the visit of Ronny Deila’s side like any other game.
The match falls just a day before the first anniversary of Hamilton’s famous win at Celtic Park, but Gordon insists that the only thing that is occupying the minds of their players is getting three points on the board for themselves, rather than worrying about the glory of again claiming the scalp of the champions.
That’s not to say that Martin Canning’s men aren’t relishing the challenge, with Gordon insisting that they would never contemplate changing their attacking mind-set for any opposition.
“We didn’t go to Celtic Park last year and think ‘right lads, it’s been 76 years since we last won here,’” he said.
“We just went out and tried to win the game and Sunday will be no different, we won’t try to draw the game or try to make it difficult for them, we’ll be going out to win the game.
“We’ve got nothing to fear. The gaffer said to us during the week that we’ve done the hard bit in beating Kilmarnock away and now Celtic at home is a game you look forward to.
“The stadium’s packed, it’s live on TV; you don’t need any more motivation to do well here.
“We’re just going to go and play and that’s it. Everyone is looking forward to it.
“We were really disappointed with the St Johnstone game a few weeks back, as you would be when you lose any game in that manner.
“Then we went to Aberdeen and played really well, although somebody gave away a penalty, I don’t know who! But we played well there so confidence has always been high, and then we go and get two really good wins against Motherwell and Kilmarnock, so we’re totally relaxed and confident going into Sunday’s game.”
One thing Gordon is certainly not taking for granted is that Celtic’s players may be physically and mentally drained after the exertions of Thursday night’s clash with Fenerbahce.
He said: “People think that if you play during the week that you’re automatically tired or not as fit or not as switched on, but that’s a load of rubbish I think.
“When the whistle goes, you’re ready to go regardless. The adrenaline kicks in and you forget about during the week.”
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