Janko Keen To Avoid Repeat Of Cup Upset With Celtic

Saidy Janko will be as wary of a cup shock as any Celtic player when Raith Rovers visit Parkhead on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old Swiss right-back endured a nightmare senior debut with Manchester United over a year ago. He was substituted at half-time for another debutant, Andreas Pereira, when Louis van Gaal's side were on their way to a humiliating 4-0 defeat by League One side MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.

Janko, signed by the Parkhead club in the summer after leaving Old Trafford, was speaking at the Hoops' training ground in Lennoxtown ahead of the Scottish League Cup third-round clash with Championship side Rovers, a club who provided Scottish football with one of its biggest shocks by beating Celtic in the 1994 League Cup final.

The Switzerland Under-19 player recalled his MK Dons experience, admitting it "definitely" makes him more aware that cup shocks can happen.

"Yeah, it was a bit unfortunate," he said. "He (Van Gaal) was not happy with the formation. I was the one who had to go off but at least I got a few minutes.

"It was a good experience for me because not many 18-year-olds get to play in the first team at Manchester United so I'm very honoured, but it definitely could have gone better.

"I was one of the younger guys and I was trying to give my best but perhaps it was difficult for the players to play with the younger players.

"He didn't speak to me. Giggsy (coach Ryan Giggs) said I did well and it was a bit unfortunate.

"I don't know much about them (Raith) to be honest.

"But you have to be 100 per cent aware and be ready for the game."

Janko was watched by his father on Sunday where the full-back was named man of the match in the 6-0 thrashing of Dundee.

The performance appeared to be confirmation of a return to form for Ronny Deila's side following an encouraging 2-2 draw with Ajax in their Europa League group opener in Amsterdam last Thursday.

"It was the first time my dad's side of the family had been up in Glasgow," said Janko.

"It was good for him to see me and it was definitely a motivation.

"It was a good game and a good team performance. There were other great players like Emilio Izaguirre and Tom Rogic, they played really well, but I was honoured.

"We did well against Ajax too. Now we're looking forward to the next games."

Boss Deila admits Carlton Cole needs more time to get up to speed as he considers offering the former West Ham striker a deal.

The 31-year-old, a free agent after being released by the London club, is training with the Hoops this week.

Deila, who revealed that discussions about a new contract for midfielder Nir Bitton are ongoing, said: "It is early. He needs more time than that (a week).

"We also have to have the eye to see if there is something there that we can develop over time and get him back to the best he can be."

Asked if he was prepared to give Cole more time, the Norwegian said: "We will see how it goes. It is not only my decision, it is his decision, but I am happy to have him here and we will see in the near future what is going to happen."