CELTIC’S 24-hour stint at the top of the Premiership table may have been a little too brief for Jeremie Frimpong’s liking but the Dutch wing-back is confident that his side can go on to make that position their own in the coming weeks.
The Parkhead club’s 3-2 win over Livingston on Saturday elevated them to the top of the league standings until Rangers’ 2-2 draw at Easter Road ensured Steven Gerrard’s men finished the weekend ahead of their rivals by a single point, albeit having played an extra game.
Frimpong understands that the events that took place in Leith yesterday afternoon were out of his hands, and said he and his team-mates were purely focused on what they can do themselves in the build-up to Saturday’s match.
And with another three points secured, the former Manchester City defender is looking forward to regaining his side’s place at the top of the pile.
“Our main goal as a team was to beat Livingston and get back top of the league,” Frimpong explained. “We were delighted to do that on Saturday.
“It was hard for us as the start with the games being postponed and it meant we had to play catch up but we have won five league games in a row now and are up there.
“We couldn't think about possibly being points behind when the games were called off. It was a matter of taking it one game at a time. We knew we had the quality to get wins. Now we want to stay up there at the top, although we know it won't be easy.
“Every team is giving their all against us but we have to compete with them.
“It was a good win against Livingston and getting the three points was all that mattered at the end. We were disappointed to concede two goals but we got the result we wanted.”
Summer arrival Albian Ajeti scored what proved to be the decisive goal against Livingston early in the second half with a cleverly-timed run beyond the opposition backline that was only bettered by the delicate finish to send the ball whizzing into the top corner.
It was the former West Ham striker’s fourth goal in his fifth league outing for his new club, and Frimpong is convinced that the 23-year-old Swiss is just getting started to life in Scotland.
Frimpong continued: “Albian is a natural finisher and I am really happy for him. He has worked hard in training since he came to the club.
“Albian came here to help us and to score goals. That is what he is doing.
"He is so cool in front of goal. He shows total composure but that's a top striker for you. He never panics when he gets a chance.
“You also see his strength in holding the ball up and that is so important for the team.
“There are times when we play it up to him and we need Albian to take it in and let us get up the pitch. He is really good at that. He has made a great start and he will only get stronger.
“We have a great mix of strikers now. They all have their own qualities and that is so important.
“Every game is different and they will all have a big role to play for the team.”
A trip to Latvia to take on Riga in the third qualifying round of the Europa League is next on the agenda for Celtic, with Frimpong expecting a challenging game from this Thursday’s hosts.
“We are all looking forward to the Europa League. It's a big thing for the club,” he added. “We all want to play European football and show our ability on that stage to the rest of the world.
“It will be tough in Latvia but every game in the qualifiers is like that.
“Teams all want to beat us. They want to show their own quality and they will treat it like a final.
“We just have to be at our best and look to get the job done over there.”
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