Celtic F.C.
·25 September 2024
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Yahoo sportsCeltic F.C.
·25 September 2024
As a Celtic player, Natalie Ross is one of the members of the squad who has achieved almost all there is to achieve.
Winning numerous trophies in green and white, the midfielder has been a key player over the years.
Alongside her team-mates, Ross has the chance to play a part in the latest piece of history for the Ghirls, with a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages up for grabs.
Speaking to the media ahead of Thursday’s second leg tie against Vorskla Poltava, Ross insisted that the squad are all hugely excited about the challenge ahead.
She said: “It’s a massive game, and there is a lot of excitement. We can take a lot of confidence from Sunday’s game as well.
“I’d say it’s probably one of our best performances of the season so far.
“We know what is at stake. We know what we can achieve and that we can make even more history by winning tomorrow.
‘Our concentration is on training going into the game. It’s a big game tomorrow (Thursday), and there is a lot of excitement.’
“We learned from the first leg that they are a good side. We know that we can’t underestimate them in any way.
“They are direct and experienced. But we know our quality, and we are confident going into the game.
“On Sunday, we were together, and we fought. We created a lot of chances, and it was fun to play in.
“So, we are very, very excited and looking forward to tomorrow.”
The mere mention of reaching the group stages for the first time is enough to set off the excitement and goosebumps for Ross.
However, with a big 90 minutes of action ahead before the squad can even start thinking about that, the midfielder insists the focus is strictly on this game.
Although Ross knows there is likely to be some pressure and nerves, that is an aspect that she believes the squad should enjoy with the opportunity to create more history.
“Even just listening to you talk about making the Champions League group stages, it gives me goosebumps,” she said.
“It’s hard not to get too ahead of yourself because we haven’t achieved that yet. But if we do that, it will be an unbelievable achievement.
“We all want that too. We are desperate to get there, but we need to stay focused.
“So, it’s about focusing on training today, game tomorrow and let’s just see what happens. But I am confident we can do that.”
“It is a massive game. We’ve got experienced players though in the squad who are ready and are up for this.
“On the same foot, the younger players are bringing plenty of excitement and that is unbelievable. We’ve got a good mixture in the squad.
“I think pressure is a good thing. Playing for Celtic, there is always pressure. So regardless of what game it is, for me it doesn’t change.
“We want to win, and we go out there to win every game.”
With the chance to make more history on the horizon for Celtic FC Women, the Ghirls need your support on Thursday evening (7:15pm KO)
Get your tickets online now, and back the Hoops as they look to book their place in the group stages.
Celtic FC Women Vs. FC Vorskla Poltava - Thu, Sep 26th 2024, 19:15