McCann prepares Kilmarnock for Celtic clash on new hybrid pitch
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 9:38 AM
Last updated Aug 7, 2026
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann discusses preparations for the upcoming match against Celtic on Sunday, August 9. Following their defeat to St Johnstone, McCann acknowledges the team's mistakes and emphasizes squad unity. The match will be the first on their new grass-hybrid pitch, which McCann describes as 'sensational'. He expresses hope that Celtic's manager Martin O'Neill, who has been in hospital recently, will be present in the opposing dugout.
- •Kilmarnock lost to St Johnstone 4-3 in their season opener.
- •McCann believes the team can improve after learning from their mistakes.
- •Tyreece John-Jules is fit for the match; Robbie Deas is suspended.
- •Celtic's strong squad adds to the challenge for Kilmarnock.
- •McCann wishes a speedy recovery for Celtic's Martin O'Neill.
- 9:38 AMYahoo Sports — McCann hopes to see O'Neill in opposing dugout
- 9:34 AMYahoo Sports — McCann on 'sensational' new pitch, lessons learned from defeat & squad unity
"Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Scottish Premiership visit of champions Celtic. McCann says it was "pretty clear where they went wrong" in last weekend's defeat by St Johnstone and he will "learn an awful lot" from that loss. The manager admits there were many aspects of their Perth performance that "wasn't at top level" but he believes his squad "has got a lot to offer".
"Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann says his players have responded well to their opening weekend defeat against St Johnstone. McCann says it was "pretty clear where they went wrong", and the players themselves were "were angry with themselves, as they let themselves down". McCann says the surface harks back to the Rugby Park he remembers and hopes it will help the team to play how they want to play.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 7, 2026, 9:38 AMMcCann hopes to see O'Neill in opposing dugout
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann says his players have responded well to their opening weekend defeat against St Johnstone. McCann says it was "pretty clear where they went wrong", and the players themselves were "were angry with themselves, as they let themselves down". McCann says the surface harks back to the Rugby Park he remembers and hopes it will help the team to play how they want to play.
- Yahoo SportsAug 7, 2026, 9:34 AMMcCann on 'sensational' new pitch, lessons learned from defeat & squad unity
Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Scottish Premiership visit of champions Celtic. McCann says it was "pretty clear where they went wrong" in last weekend's defeat by St Johnstone and he will "learn an awful lot" from that loss. The manager admits there were many aspects of their Perth performance that "wasn't at top level" but he believes his squad "has got a lot to offer".
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