hard work continues for crosas and co.

David Friel
THE usual buzz of activity had been replaced by an eerie calm. It’s fair to say Lennoxtown was like a ghost town on Wednesday morning, but Marc Crosas was making the most of the tranquillity.

With around a dozen first-team players on international duty, several more injured and the younger players given the day off after Tuesday’s friendly in Inverness, it was a skeleton Celtic squad that took to the training pitch.

Yet, while numbers were down, there was no chance of the remaining players putting the tools away and relaxing. Celtic might not have a game this weekend, but Crosas and Co. were still putting in a shift.

“A lot of players are away on international duty, but it’s a good chance for the rest of us to train and get some running done,” said Crosas as he helped promote Celtic’s half-season ticket offer.

“It’s about keeping fit and maybe this is a time to look back on the start of the season. You can speak to the other players, the manager and the staff, and have a chat about things.”

For Crosas, the international break is another good chance to impress Tony Mowbray. After flitting in and out of the side in the early months of the season, the Catalan midfielder has started three out of Celtic’s last four matches.

That recall to the first-team has pleased Crosas but he stressed that he didn’t get too downhearted when sitting on the sidelines. At 21, he wants regular football but is also wise enough to stay patient when he has to.

“As a player, everybody wants to be in the team,” he said. “When that doesn’t happen, of course it is frustrating but I understand that every manager has his ideas or likes different players.

“Maybe now it’s my time and that’s why I need to keep working and do my best. Whether the manager wants me to play or not, it’s important that I keep working hard and make sure I am ready.

“Every player is different and we all have something to give to the game. We all have our own qualities and I can’t try to change. I can’t go about smashing people! That’s not my game.”

Is the morale good? It was a straightforward question met with a straightforward answer by Crosas – “We’re top of the league”.

The midfielder wasn’t being flippant with his response but the message came across loud and clear. The Celtic players aren’t immune to criticism and know that they can play better than they did at Falkirk on Sunday.

Yet, while they will strive to improve, Crosas correctly stated that Celtic’s league position should be seen as a major positive, especially given the hectic start to the season that has seen the Hoops play 21 competitive games in 14 weeks.

“Of course, we can do better but we are top of the league and that’s the most important thing for us,” he said. “We all enjoy the training and even if someone is out of the team and isn’t feeling great, then you can still look at the table and see that we’re top.

“Come the end of the season, that’s all that matters, but I think we have done well so far because it wasn’t easy at the start.

“After about 25 days of training, we had our first Champions League qualifier and I thought we did well against Dinamo Moscow.

“It wasn’t easy for the players or the manager. In 25 days, it’s hard to change things and get players to do what you want. You need more time work on things and get an understanding.

“It takes time but I think we have also played some great games. At times, we have maybe needed more luck and have needed to finish more of our chances.

“There have been games when we could have scored a lot more goals than we did but I enjoy the way we play football.”

CELTIC supporters now have the chance to purchase half-season books and catch all the action in the second half of the season, with some magnificent prices on offer for both kids and adults.

Prices for half-season books, covering matches from January 16, 2010, onwards, start at just £27 for children and from just £177 for an adult and child.   

Supporters should call 0871 226 1888 or visit the Celtic Park Ticket Office for further information and to purchase half-season books.