JIM GOODWIN believes St Mirren can defy the odds when his side meet Celtic in a Boxing Day clash writes Kyle Gunn.
The Buddies are currently on a three game unbeaten run but face the hardest of tasks against Neil Lennon’s league leaders.
Goodwin, however, believes that the Paisley side are more than capable of playing their part in a Christmas cracker.
He said: “We needed that type of run, especially against those teams around us. We haven’t lost to the likes of Hamilton, Ross County, Livingston and St Johnstone, but Celtic are a different kettle of fish.
"They are on a brilliant run right now. We know how difficult this game will be.
"We have to take confidence from our own form and hope we can cause an upset.
READ MORE: Jim Goodwin urges St Mirren to maintain momentum against Celtic
“We have upset them with wins in the past and hopefully it can happen again on Thursday.
"Celtic are a brilliant team with plenty of international players in their squad. If Neil decides he can freshen things up, then he can bring in a similar level of player.
"In the games against the Old Firm so far we have done very well. We were unlucky not to take a point off Rangers and we did well in terms of our defensive structure at Celtic Park.
"We have to believe we are capable of winning the game, that’s the bottom line.
"People won’t give us a hope in hell, but I believe we have a chance if we get things right on the day.”
Goodwin is mindful that Saints will need to be switched on from the first minute until the last because Celtic have threats all over the pitch.
Scotland international midfielder Ryan Christie has hit 17 goals so far this campaign, while striker Odsonne Edouard has also reached double figures.
Goodwin, a former Celtic player, continued: "The impressive thing for me of late is that they probably haven’t been playing brilliantly.
"But they have still been able to grind out a win and find a way to win.
"It’s not always pretty. But you just grind out the result and I think Celtic have done that, the cup final being a huge example of that.
"Even the game at Tynecastle last week wasn’t a particularly brilliant performance, but they still managed to find a way to goal.
"The fact they score from everywhere helps. They have got an unbelievable group of players and we need to be at it."
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