Speaking today, John Kennedy said: “For us, and for everyone, it’s about staying at home, being safe and sticking to the rules and legislation that’s in place.

“It’s difficult for everyone, it’s a difficult period for society as a whole, but especially surrounding the game, and the attention it brings, we want to make sure everyone does the right thing and stays at home and keeps everybody safe.”

In the course of the past year, there have been a number of occasions where Celtic fans have had cause to celebrate – the nine-in-a-row success and the Quadruple Treble – and they have done so at home.

It’s something that John Kennedy and his squad know has been one of the many difficulties for people over this past year, and the Interim Manager praised the Celtic support for the way they’ve marked these momentous triumphs in their homes.

“It’s been difficult and, even in-house and feeling it for the players not being able to celebrate with the fans,” he said. “In the previous seasons we’ve celebrated league titles, celebrating Trebles, especially coming back from Hampden with the crowds around the stadium. That’s what football’s about, that’s what Celtic is about, celebrating together and enjoying the good times.

“In terms of this last year, we’ve had nine-in-a-row and the Quadruple Treble, and it’s been difficult not being able to celebrate that success together.

'But credit to our fans, they’ve stuck by the rules, they’ll celebrated in the safest way possible, and that’s been difficult. We understand that, but it’s the situation we find ourselves in and we’ve just got to live with that.

“So credit to them. It’s been a massive loss to us this season not having them. They give us so much support, both around the games and in the stadiums, but that’s something we’ve just had to face up to and hopefully, in the near future, we’ll get everyone back where they belong, and that’s inside the stadium and celebrating and working together again.”

And while the focus for the Celtic squad over the next week will be on preparing for the 90 minutes of the Glasgow derby, John Kennedy emphasised the importance of the Celtic fans giving the team their support and backing from home.

He said: “That’s the message from us – stay safe, stay at home, be with your families and enjoy the game on TV.”

John Kennedy: Our message to fans is to stay at home, stay safe and watch the derby on TV