SOCCER:ANTHONY STOKES has been key to Celtic's perfect start to the season but he believes fans should lace their confidence with some caution ahead of Thursday night's Europa League play-off first-leg clash against Sion at Parkhead.
The former Hibernian striker scored in his third successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League game yesterday as the Hoops swept Dundee United aside 5-1 at Parkhead to make it three wins out of three, then said: “It is not always going to be like that”.
Before he went off with an ankle injury which leaves him doubtful for the visit of the Swiss side, Gary Hooper had opened his account for the season and there were further goals from Ki Sung-yueng, Joe Ledley and sub James Forrest.
However, unlike most visiting teams to the east end of Glasgow, United had a go and they could have had one or two more goals to add to Johnny Russell’s first-half strike, with Celtic keeper Lukasz Zaluska named as the sponsors’ man of the match.
“It’s a good start to the season,” said Stokes. “The most important thing was that we have nine points and for me personally it has been going well. Scoring five goals and playing well gives confidence a boost, and we are optimistic about it (Sion game).
“We want to go on a good run in Europe and nine points from three games is the best way to be going in to the game. But it is not always going to be like that (yesterday).
Manager Neil Lennon confirmed that he will look at Borussia Moenchengladbach striker Mo Iddrissou in training at Lennoxtown this week and is hoping for good news on Hooper’s scan tomorrow.
Rangers enjoyed a a 2-0 win at Inverness on Saturday, Nikica Jelavic converting from the penalty spot before Maurice Edu – later sent off – netted the rebound after Jelavic had a second spot kick saved following a tumble in the box by Goian.
Yesterday, Paul Heffernan scored twice on his debut to help Kilmarnock to a 4-1 home defeat of Hibernian. The scoring was completed by James Dayton and a Paul Hanlon own goal
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