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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Paul Merson in Celtic nod as he praises Ange Postecoglou

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has praised Ange Postecoglou for the job is doing at Tottenham, highlighting his time at Celtic as a big reason for his good start to life in the Premier League.

The Australian enjoyed two successful seasons in Glasgow, winning five out of six trophies, and is currently top of the league down south.

Merson feels that the style of play the 58-year-old was able to implement at the Hoops was a good blueprint of what was to come in North London.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I like what he’s doing for Spurs on the pitch too. I like the way they are playing.

“I said when he got the job that it was an amazing appointment by Spurs. I saw Celtic play enough times under him to know he’d do well.

"To get Celtic playing like they did, and I know people will say it was against lesser teams, but he was getting lesser players to play in that way.

"Trust me, that is hard. Now, at Spurs, he has better players to work with so you know it is going to be a success."

Meanwhile, Andy Walker has admitted he "couldn't be less interested" in fellow supporter's politics at the football.

The pundit revealed he is not bothered by his fellow supporter's political leanings and instead only wants to watch the game.

However, he accepts there are fans who think differently, including the Green Brigade.

The fan group had their tickets suspended for all home matches with a ban on away tickets.

Celtic club chiefs cited safety issues and behavioural concerns for the reasons for the ban being implemented.

However, some have questioned whether the bans come off the back of numerous displays in support of Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.

For Walker, the Green Brigade section lying empty does leave a gap at home matches as he explained the extra yard the support can provide.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, he said: "I think they can be the heartbeat of the stadium, I know they do a lot of really good things. They donate to food banks, collect money for various charities.

"I've got to say I couldn't be less interested in anyone's politics going to a football match. Whatever it may be. I just want to go and watch the football. I'm sure there's a lot of people inside the stadium that feel the same way.

"Celtic are a club like many others with a lot of supporters, young and old, they all have different views but my experience of playing with Celtic, this is a group of supporters that can put a yard on your stride when they are all together and behind you.

"I really appreciated that, they can give you a hard time as well. You would only be getting a hard time if you deserved it, that's part of the ticket when you play there.

"I'm not interested in anyone's politics when I go to the football. But I do recognise they do a lot of good stuff and they care about various good causes."

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