Motherwell defender Ricki Lamie believes sinking Celtic on Saturday would be huge for the Fir Park side’s season.
Graham Alexander’s men have enjoyed a fine start to the league campaign – including a fantastic draw away to champions Rangers last month – and sit fourth in the Premiership, two places above the Hoops.
It will be the first time Motherwell have played Celtic since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager at Parkhead and Lamie expects a tough test.
“We’ve not faced them this season so we’ll be coming up against their new manager and new players,” said Lamie.
“It’s always a good test and we will be able to see where we are at. We have been going reasonably well up until now so it will be another good test. It’s always a big game and one you look forward to.
“It’s another game and we have to approach it like that. Celtic will be expected to challenge at the right end of the league, so to go and get a result would be massive.”
In welcome news to fans, the game at Fir Park kicks off at the traditional 3pm slot on Saturday, with the game not being shown live on TV and Celtic’s next Europa League match against Ferencváros being played on Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s a little bit different as it’s coincided with different things but it won’t be any different in terms of our preparation work,” explained the centre-back.
“We just do our usual preparation like we do for any other game, which I think makes things a bit easier. It’s a normal week instead of Sunday kick-offs or whatever.”
Motherwell have responded well to a disappointing League Cup campaign which brought about defeats to local rivals Airdrie and a round of 16 elimination against Dundee.
With a large summer overhaul conducted at Fir Park, Lamie says it was always going to take time for the Fir Park squad to gel, alongside the return of players from injury.
Lamie is also pleased with his own form as he looks to retain consistency in his battle for a starting spot at centre-back.
Bevis Mugabi, Sondre Solholm Johansen, Darragh O’Connor and Juhani Ojala all provide stern competition.
“It’s not an excuse, but when the manager brings in new faces and when there are changes to the squad, everything takes a little bit of time,” added Lamie, whose side fell to a 2-0 defeat to Hearts in their last Premiership outing.
“Players are joining up and we also had quite a few injuries from last season, plus a couple more in pre-season to key players.
“They have come back in for the start of the league season and we have kicked on. There have been a couple of games where we think we could have done better but overall I think it has been really good.
“You just need to look after yourself. Any time I have played this season I think I have been consistent and I have been pleased with my performance levels.
“That’s all you can do. You can only do your bit when you are in the team on a personal level.”
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