ANGE POSTECOGLOU is ignoring the furore caused by chairman Ian Bankier’s comments on referees, with the Celtic manager urging his players to focus on what they can control.
The Celtic chairman admitted that the refereeing displays of Bobby Madden and Nick Walsh in matches involving his club were a concern to him during Wednesday’s eventful AGM, and said that the club were making representations to the SFA over the standard of officiating.
But Postecoglou, speaking ahead of his side’s League Cup semi-final against St Johnstone at Hampden tomorrow, has told his men they have to overcome any decisions they feel have gone against them.
“My focus is on the way we play our football and making sure we encourage this group of players to build a team that’s resilient to withstand any challenges that are put before us,” Postecoglou said.
“My view on referees has been consistent since day one.
“No one has heard me mention a referee after a game. If I feel the need, or there’s something to be said, then I’ll always protect the interests of this football club.
“Right now our focus is on playing our football and overcoming the challenge before us in St Johnstone.”
Postecoglou is pessimistic about the chances of injured pair Carl Starfelt and Tom Rogic making tomorrow’s game, while striker Giorgos Giakoumakis will definitely be ruled out.
“Giakoumakis picked up a knock in the Dundee game,” he said. “He played on but he didn’t feel right after the game so we got it checked out. It’s nothing serious but it will keep him out for a couple of weeks.
“Everyone else is okay. The international boys all came through unscathed, so they’re all good.
“Carl and Tom are touch and go. They’ll train tomorrow but they are more unlikely than likely right now.”
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