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Callum Carson

Livingston midfielder admits side can't afford lapse in concentration at Parkhead

Livingston midfielder Jason Holt admits the mental challenge of taking on Celtic at Parkhead is just as tough as the physical one.

The Lions head to Glasgow to take on the Premiership leaders tonight with the former Hearts man knowing they can't afford a lapse in concentration if they're to take anything from the game.

It's been done before and they recently ran the Hoops close in a 2-1 loss at Celtic Park but he's under no illusions as to how daunting a task it's going to be against Ange Postecoglou's side.

He commented: "We've taken a point at Parkhead before so we know we can do it but it will be difficult. We'll obviously have to defend our box and soak up pressure extremely well and if we get a chance then try and do the best we can.

"It's going to be hard but we've shown in the past going to Ibrox and Parkhead that we can take something from the game and hopefully we can do that again. It's difficult for a player because outside of those games you've got a bit more of the ball and can control the game more.

"Going to these places it's difficult because you don't have a lot of the ball. It's hard work but it's something that needs to be done. Staying switched on for the 90 minutes is the most important thing. Celtic have shown that if you switch off it's a goal. If you're not you'll get punished and we need to go with that mindset."

He added: "Any other game you'd hear the gaffer but you can't when you're at Ibrox or Parkhead so it's solely on the players to keep each other going and keep each other doing their job.

"I've been on the bench before and seen managers trying to get instructions on and they just can't do it so it's important in the days up to the game that you take it all on board when the manager is talking about game plans and tactics."

Holt had been a near permanent fixture in the side during his first two seasons in West Lothian but has been in and out this term. That's something - he says - that speak volumes about the strength in depth at the side as they look to maintain a push for European football.

He said: "From playing basically every game to dipping in and out a wee bit this season has been difficult. Obviously you want to be playing every game and being suspended didn't help. If you miss a couple of games and the team wins then the boys keep the jersey, it's as simple as that.

"When you come out of the side and the boys win games, you can't argue. Hopefully I can get in soon. It shows you because I'd probably put myself down as one of the main players in the squad but I can be replaced because of the strength.

"People can come in and play no problem. You just need to bide your time - I was playing every game last season and there were players waiting to get in. Hopefully I can get in and stay."

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