Albion Rovers will be dining out on this Scottish Cup tie against Celtic for years to come.
Moving the game to Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium allows them to increase ticket sales five-fold. With the game already sold out that is a nice little earner for the Coatbridge side.
While it would have been nice and romantic to see the tie played in the ramshackle surroundings of Cliftonhill financial incentive has won the day. And arguing against that position is difficult.
When it comes to the game The Wee Rovers can look to recent giant killing acts for inspiration. They were less than fifteen minutes from knocking Rangers out at Ibrox a few years ago. That came one year after beating Motherwell in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup.
Already this season they have reached this stage with a surprising win over Queen Of The South. But, frankly, this is a step too far for most sides in Scotland never mind from League One.
Even if Celtic play a number of fringe players which looks likely. The likes of Leigh Griffiths and the returning Kieran Tierney who should get some game time. Patrick Roberts, Ryan Christie and Liam Henderson could also get a run out. Even then, they are miles in front.
It’s not as if Celtic have been resting on their laurels. The signing of Kouassi Eboue shows they are planning ahead and mean business. Although he won’t feature in this game the signing is sure to get other players on their toes.
The battle for a midfield place with The Hoops has hotted up. There are a number of players vying for that position and Sunday is a chance for them to step up to the mark. That in itself should guarantee endeavour at least.
Although from a betting point of view you should just enjoy the spectacle.
