“We have got to be up for it,” CCV eyes Hampden glory after Zagreb stalemate

Cameron Carter-Vickers gave his assessment of Celtic’s 0-0 draw in the Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb which leaves the Hoops on nine points with two games to play…

Cameron Carter-Vickers is chased by Sandro Kulenovic during the UEFA Champions League match between GNK Dinamo and Celtic FC at Stadion Maksimir on December 10, 2024. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Celtic’s Big Strong Man

Celtic’s Big Strong Man seemed reasonably satisfied with the away point. “We came here to try and win the game and I thought we played fairly well without maybe a cutting edge in the final third. But is definitely a positive point at the end.

“I think it is probably a decent points tally at this stage of the competition. It’s good to get the clean sheet. As a team, we have that collective belief at this level and determination to, even maybe when we are not creating chances and winning games, to stick in there and defend as a team. I felt we did that well.

Celtic fans react to 0-0 draw against GNK Dinamo following the UEFA Champions League match between GNK Dinamo and Celtic FC at Stadion Maksimir on December 10, 2024 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)

Grown as a team in confidence and belief

“Maybe we have the experience. It’s our third year as a group now in the Champions League and through that time have maybe grown as a team in confidence and belief and you are probably seeing the rewards of that now.”

The American was asked if Celtic can make it through to the knock-out stages with two matches remaining against Young Boys at Celtic Park and Aston Villa away both at the end of January. “I’m not sure what you’ll need to qualify points-wise, but we have two games left. A home game next which will try to go and out and win and, hopefully, see where that leaves us.”

Bring on theRangers!

Attention turns now to Hampden Park on Sunday for the Premier Sports League Cup Final against theRangers. CCV was asked if he’s immediately looking forward to that game. “That’s the way we operate. As soon as the game finishes, our mindset is the next one. They come thick and fast at this stage of the season, so we know every three or four days we have to perform.

Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic in action during the 2024 Scottish Cup Final win over theRangers at Hampden Park, photo by Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

‘We have got to be up for it’

“It’s always good to play at Hampden at the atmosphere is always good. As a team, we have quite a few positive memories there, so we are definitely looking forward to it. I think every game there is unique and you have to perform on the day to get the result you want and we know that.

“Whatever has happened in the past is nice, it definitely helps you go into it with a positive mindset, but when the whistle sounds, it’s a new game and a new challenge. We have got to be up for it.”