Wanyama seeks family help on Juventus
Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama has revealed that he has sought advice from his brother McDonald Mariga ahead of next Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Juventus.
Wanyama, who was rested in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Scottish Premier League [SPL] rivals Inverness CT, has spoken to Mariga, who was recently loaned to Parma by Internazionale, about the prospect of facing the Italian giants.
According to The Independent, the former Beerschot AC man is looking forward to an explosive clash. “(Mariga) knows Juventus and that they are a good team but he says nothing is impossible, anybody can win,” Wanyama said.
“For me, beating Juve would be a bigger step than beating Barcelona, because at this stage it would be a massive bonus for us and give us the chance to go to another level of the Champions League.”
However, Hoops Manager Neil Lennon expects the combative midfielder to replicate his impressive performance against Barcelona on Tuesday.
“He brings strength, power and he reads the game very well,” said Lennon. “He is quick across the ground and is a very technical player. He has a goal in him too – he has eight or nine this season and is a real threat from set-pieces.
“As you could see from his performances against Barcelona, he rises to the occasion. He found an extra five yards of pace from somewhere when he was breaking away from Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. He will be very important [against Juventus].”
Wanyama, who helped Kenya beat Libya 3-0 in last Wednesday’s international friendly match, scored the opening goal for Hoops against the Catalans.
