David Cancola refutes Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou's Ross County claim

The midfielder was surprised by the comment after County fell to a 2-1 defeat at Parkhead – after the Austrian netter the opener from the spot.

Matt O’Riley had been penalised for a handball after Callum Johnson’s tackle sent the ball ricocheting off the Celtic man’s arm from very close range.

After a subsequent VAR check to confirm the decision, Cancola slotted duly slotted home from 12 yards – even if it wouldn’t be enough to take victory in Glasgow.

However, Postecoglou claimed Ross County could only score through a spot-kick in his analysis of the match.

He stated: “The only way they were going to score today was a penalty and they got it, so, from our perspective, we just have to make sure we score more goals than the opposition.”

But Cancola disagrees with the assessment as he cited previous close encounters with Celtic in recent seasons.

The midfielder reacted: “I am probably not in the position to comment on that but I would not phrase it that way – especially after a tight game like that. And if I remember correctly the last game was very tight as well.

“I think we held them to a draw until two minutes from the end (last time).

“I don’t quite agree with what he said there but it’s up to him.”

While County benefitted from a handball decision – with VAR seeing a huge spike in spot-kick awards – Cancola insists there’s no need to be hoping for penalties when it comes to facing either Glasgow side.

“As crazy as it sounds, we’re not looking for hope here against Rangers or Celtic,” said Cancola.

“We come every time and have in our heads that we want to win. The gaffer is very good at installing that belief in us that we come here and we can win.

“We’re not just coming here hoping for penalties. We want to come and compete and give them a good game.”

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