PEEBLES Rovers are hosting a young Celtic side at Whitestone Park tonight (Friday July 22 2022)  and new boss Ger Rossi is hoping for a large crowd to cheer on his young team.

The Hoops last visited five years ago, winning 2-1 in an exciting encounter which is still talked about in the town to this day.

Rossi who took over last month following the departure of Dave Kinross is looking forward to the game and believes that his players will benefit from testing themselves against the Glasgow giant’s emerging talent.

He said: “We played Celtic a few years ago and it was a massive success with around six hundred there. If we could get the same again that would be brilliant. People still talk about that game and a few of the Celtic players went on to have good careers including Steven Welsh who has just signed a new deal.

“I’m sure it will be a great night for the fans and there will be plenty excitement. It will also be good for our players to test themselves against that standard of opposition. And it’s not about the result, it’s about putting on a spectacular show for the Peeblesshire community.”

Celtic boss Stuart McLaren added: “The match against Peebles Rovers provides a different type of environment and experience for the players. We greatly appreciate the invitation from Peebles Rovers and we hope the match is a great spectacle for those who come along.”

Rossi started his professional career at Hibs before moving to Spartak Trnava in Slovakia where he spent four-years.

After returning to Scotland he enjoyed a successful career with Gala Fairydean Rovers, Vale of Leithen and Spartans as well as Peebles Rovers.

He returned to Whitestone Park a few months ago as player/assistant manager but he has now decide to concentrate full-time on coaching ahead of what will be a tough season in the East of Scotland Second Division.

He added: “You don’t see many player/managers and there is a reason for that. I’m building a squad of players that buys into my style so unless there is a huge injury crisis I won’t be playing this season.

“We had a difficult ending to last season and I’m not putting pressure on the boys by saying that we will finish in the top two and get promotion. It’s more about consolidating this season.

“I’ve been doing some research on our opponents and the likes of Whitburn and Syngenta who came from Conference X have much higher budgets that us. Heriot Watt will also be difficult as they are always very fit and disciplined.

“Our budget dictates that we can’t bring in players from a higher level and at the moment we have around 15 local players from the squad of 22.

“Obviously we want to finish as high up the league as we can but it’s about competing every week and to try and get the town behind us.”

Earlier this week Rovers announced their sponsors for this season, Brown Brothers, Forsyths and the Peeblesshire Foodbank.

The Celtic game kicks off at 7.15pm and fans can pay at the gate.