Celtic are 'toughest challenge' says Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes ahead of daunting champions trip

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Derek McInnes insists Celtic are every Premiership manager’s toughest challenge.Kilmarnock travel to the east end of Glasgow this Saturday before facing the Hoops again on January 14 in the semi-finals of the League Cup at Hampden.The Rugby Park men were bulldozed 5-0 in August – but have lost just one of their last five games as they finally adapt to life back in the top flight.And boss McInnes recognises a near-perfect performance will be required at Celtic Park at the weekend if they are to add to their Premiership points haul.Speaking after Monday’s 0-0 draw with 10-man St Mirren, the manager said: “I think Celtic will provide the toughest challenges for all managers in the league.“You have got to have so many good things happen to your team.

You have got to have good physicality, good fitness and good speed to deal with them.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.“You’ve got to look after the ball.

Everybody’s challenge when they play Celtic will be do you get after them high or do you sit off? There’s loads of conundrums you have to try and overcome.“What we want to do, more than the last time we played them is, when the moment comes, we want to have good concentration, defend right.“Our goalkeeper and defenders need to play well.

We will look forward to the challenge. We’re on a decent little run at the minute. I think we’re probably a bit more settled than