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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

The Celtic secret weapon no one pays attention to but Ange Postecoglou promises set piece issue WILL be fixed

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has pointed to his side's attacking prowess from set pieces - but vowed they will work on their issues at the other end.

The Premiership leaders were largely comfortable in a 3-1 win away to Livingston, but were given a few scares on set pieces.

The goal Celtic conceded came on a throw-in which wasn't defended properly, and Ayo Obileye went close on a corner in the first half.

But while the Parkhead boss knows that's an area to improve, he feels his side aren't getting enough credit when it comes to set plays up the other end.

Postecoglou said on BBC Scotland: "You know, it's stuff to work on. We score a few from short corners too which people don't seem to pay attention to - which is fine.

"We are never going to be a massive team size wise. For us it's about being creative in our set pieces and as you said Carl (Starfelt) has got on the end of a few of them.

"It's great for him to get a little flick on and Daizen (Maeda) is in the right spot."

"I am very pleased. Obviously great to win because we know it's a difficult place to come and get three points.

"I think our performance was excellent. We started the game really well, played at a high tempo, really put them under a lot of pressure when they had the ball and created good chances with goals.

(PA)

"They were always a threat from set pieces, they are a big side so you kinda know that they can launch it from throw-ins or free-kicks, corners.

"But even then we still competed really strongly so yeah, really pleased with the way we played.

"While we know the opposition players, we obviously want to be really damaging when we have the ball. If we can limit the opportunities of the opposition then that helps us.

"I think our defensive work over the last sorta couple of months to be honest has been outstanding and today again I thought it was key."

(SNS Group)

January signing Daizen Maeda has come in for some criticism in recent weeks, having gone four games without scoring.

The Japanese international was on the scoresheet at the Tony Macaroni Arena but Postecoglou says he never had any doubts about the former Yokohama F Marinos man.

He explained: "Within the dressing room, the players appreciate the efforts.

"It's not easy. You constantly have to be aggressive with your running and he is.

"I know he's capable of it, that's why I brought him here and of course with all strikers they get measured by goals.

"His goal return isn't that bad and for us he provides both a threat going forward and also more importantly it helps us put pressure on the opposition."

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