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The German midfielder spoke ahead of the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Rangers as Martin O’Neill’s side prepare for the biggest domestic test of the campaign so far.
Mika Baur’s First Celtic Goal Fuels Confidence
Baur heads into the derby on a high after scoring his first Celtic goal in Wednesday night’s 1-0 victory over St Johnstone.
The midfielder was left with a simple finish from close range following Haissem Hassan’s clever cut-back.
That decisive strike helped Celtic maintain their perfect Premiership start and move five points clear of Rangers after six matches.
Celtic’s Perfect League Start Sets the Tone
The result kept Celtic top of the table with maximum points from their opening fixtures.
It also extended an impressive domestic run that has given the squad real belief ahead of the Old Firm clash.
No Away Fans at Ibrox – Baur Accepts the Challenge
Attention now turns fully to Ibrox, where Celtic will have no travelling support.
It was confirmed last week that SPFL meetings between the rivals this season will be played without away fans.
Baur has experienced derby football before during his time with Dynamo Dresden, but Sunday’s occasion will be something completely new.
Baur’s Honest Take on the Atmosphere
“We have to accept it. It’s not our decision,” Baur explained.
“It shouldn’t affect us on Sunday, but sure, if you have some fans with you to give you energy, it helps a lot, but it’s not our decision. We accept it and try to do our best.”
Energy From a Different Source
The midfielder believes the unique circumstances can still create motivation for Celtic.
“It’s just a way of perspective. They give you energy if they’re in the stadium, but a situation like that gives you a lot of energy. You know everyone watches it in front of the TV, so you want to do your best, you want to win.”
Celtic travel across Glasgow with renewed momentum after responding impressively to their Champions League collapse against LASK.
Four Straight Domestic Wins Build Belief
O’Neill’s side have won four consecutive domestic matches against Falkirk, Aberdeen, St Mirren and St Johnstone.
They have scored eight goals and conceded only twice during that strong sequence.
Baur is clear that this form should give Celtic confidence for their toughest test yet.
Momentum Is Key for Celtic vs Rangers
“I think now we have good momentum because of the last matches in the league,” Baur continued.
“We can be confident for sure. That’s why it’s important that we won today, to have that confidence and to look forward to the Rangers match.”
He stressed the importance of belief heading into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
Quality and Belief in the Celtic Camp
“And to go into the match really confident, that we know we have the quality and we are capable of scoring, capable of defending.”
Baur expects the occasion to feel special even without Celtic supporters inside Ibrox.
“I expect it will be special, but I think I’ve never experienced something like that. I’m just looking forward and being excited about what’s happening on Sunday.”
Respect for Rangers but Celtic Ready to Compete
The German midfielder is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits.
“They’re a good team, it will be a tough game, difficult, but we will try our best to get into the next round.”
It will also be the first time Baur has played in a match where the opposition support has the stadium entirely to themselves.
Handling a One-Sided Crowd
“I think I’m capable of that,” he added.
“I’ve never experienced something like that, especially if there are just fans that maybe hate you and don’t like you. But I think I can handle that.”
Celtic fans will be watching closely to see if Baur’s calm confidence translates onto the pitch at Ibrox.
Sam Johnstone Impresses on Celtic Debut
Baur also reserved strong praise for Celtic debutant Sam Johnstone after the goalkeeper was handed his first start.
The shot-stopper arrived on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers and made an immediate impact.
Johnstone produced a crucial first-half double save to deny Joel Cotterill and impressed with his command of the penalty area.
Clean Sheet on Debut Boosts Celtic
He marked his Hoops debut with a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over St Johnstone.
“He was incredible,” Baur said of the debutant.
“In the first half, the save he made was so important. It would be a different match if they scored in the first half and also in the second.”
Goalkeeper Strength Adds to Celtic’s Arsenal
Baur was clear that Johnstone’s performance was a major positive for the squad.
“He was incredible today. He did a great job, and we’re so happy to have him here.”
The solid defensive display against St Johnstone has given Celtic another boost heading into the Old Firm derby.
Tactical Shape and Defensive Solidity
Celtic have looked organised and difficult to break down in recent domestic outings.
With Johnstone now available and the back line keeping clean sheets, O’Neill’s side appear well prepared for the intensity of Ibrox.
Baur’s ability to score from midfield also adds another attacking threat for Rangers to worry about.
League Standing Gives Celtic the Edge
Sitting five points clear of Rangers after six Premiership matches underlines Celtic’s strong start to the season.
That cushion, combined with the current winning run, has created a sense of belief around the squad.
Fans on social media have reacted positively to Baur’s comments, with many highlighting his composure and readiness for the hostile atmosphere.
Fan Reaction to the Away Fans Ban
The decision to play SPFL meetings without away supporters has been a major talking point among both sets of fans.
Celtic supporters have largely accepted the situation while focusing on the team’s form.
Rangers fans, meanwhile, are expected to create a fierce home environment that will test Celtic’s concentration from the first whistle.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Clash
Baur’s message is clear: Celtic will not use the lack of travelling support as an excuse.
Instead, the squad intends to draw energy from the knowledge that the entire football world will be watching the Old Firm encounter.
With momentum on their side and key individuals in form, Celtic head to Ibrox believing they have the quality to progress.
Key Battles That Could Decide the Tie
Midfield control will be crucial, and Baur’s recent goal and confidence suggest he is ready to play a central role.
At the other end, Sam Johnstone’s debut performance has given Celtic another reliable option between the posts.
Rangers will look to use the full force of the Ibrox crowd to unsettle the visitors early.
Celtic’s Response to European Setback
The impressive domestic recovery after the Champions League defeat to LASK has been one of the most encouraging aspects of recent weeks.
Four straight wins and a strong defensive record have restored belief within the dressing room.
Baur believes that run has prepared the team perfectly for the intensity of a Rangers match.
Confidence Running High in the Celtic Camp
Every player knows the size of the occasion, yet the message from Baur is one of calm readiness.
Celtic will travel across Glasgow determined to show they can handle whatever Ibrox throws at them.
For Baur personally, this will be a landmark moment in his Celtic career so far.
Final Word From Mika Baur
The German midfielder has left little doubt about his mindset.
Celtic accept the absence of their own fans, remain confident in their quality, and are excited about the challenge of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.
All eyes now turn to Ibrox as the next chapter of this season’s Celtic vs Rangers rivalry unfolds.