St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright isn’t banking on a Champions League hangover for Celtic.
The Perth side are the first opponents for the Scottish title holders after their Malmo heartbreak.
And Wright doesn’t buy into the theory that Saints will be facing Ronny Deila’s men at the best possible time.
He said: “No one likes criticism. They will be disappointed as a club and I know the players want to compete and challenge at the highest level which for Celtic is the Champions League.
“A positive result in Malmo would have given them that opportunity. But that is gone now and they will move on quickly.
“There will be people saying this might be a good time to play them. But they are professionals and will move on very quickly.
“Their results were better last season after coming back off European games and I am expecting a tough game.
“They are the best team in the league with the best squad. They made nine changes last weekend and still did very well against Dundee United. That shows how good a squad they have and what the rest of us are competing against.
“But my job is to make sure we are right on the day. We had positive results and performances last season against them and we kept the ball well which is important.
That is what you have to do. And at places like Celtic Park you have to have everyone on their game. You can’t afford just to have six or seven at it. We know that.”
Darnell Fisher arrived from Celtic on a season-long loan this week but Wright hasn’t ruled out another signing before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
“We have a really strong squad with competition for places all over the pitch. For a couple of seasons we have gone with six defenders which always felt was one light. With Frazer going and with Darnell coming in for the season we have strength in depth.
“But I am always looking to strengthen, just ask the chairman.
“I haven’t said this is the last of the signings. I have consistently said that if we find someone who can improve the squad we will try to get a deal done.
“But if we go with this squad I am more than happy.
“We have young Connor McLaren and Craig Thomson who haven’t gone out on loans. Add them into the mix and we have options all over.
“But things can change quickly at this stage of the season because you can get a phone call and act on it.”