Celtic wrapped up their Scottish League season in style with a four goal drubbing of Dundee United at Parkhead on Sunday, then turned their attentions to next weekend’s cup final date with Pat Fenlon’s Hibs at Hampden Park.
Georgios Samaras scored twice, with Kris Commons and Irish striker Anthony Stokes also hitting the net as the champions enjoyed an easy win seven days before their bid to complete the double.
Afterwards manager Neil Lennon said his side will prepare for the Hibs game just like they prepared for their big nights in Europe this season.
“I was delighted with the performance. I got everything I wanted on Sunday and we can look forward to the cup match now,” Lennon said.
“We will prepare like it was a Champions League game. We will train intensely. Even though it is the last game of the season there will be no switching off.”
Charlie Mulgrew (knee), James Forrest (stiffness) and Adam Matthews (knee) are all injury doubts for the big match.
Lennon added, “We will know by next Thursday if they are fit, and if they are they will come into the squad. Adam is the real problem because he hasn’t played since Juventus in February so he is a major concern.
“He has been training but he picked up a little injury again on Friday and we will have to wait and see.”
Two goal star Samaras isn’t convinced he has done enough to start against Hibs next Sunday.
The Greek striker said, “There are 22 players in the squad and we all have equal chances to start the game. It is up to the gaffer to see who is better suited to his strategy but it is not about the 11 players who start, it is about the 16.
“It is up to the gaffer if I start or not. If I play one minute or 90 minutes -- everybody wants to win it and win it as a team. It is not about big egos and who is going to play or not, it is about the team.”
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