Captain of our Ship

Celtic v Dunfermline

2012-02-23T20:09:00.000Z

A breezy night in Glasgow’s East End saw Celtic turn in a fine display, albeit we were wasteful in front of goal. The passing was crisp, the movement was good and the tempo was what I like to see. There was no hint of sluggishness as Celtic moved TWENTY POINTS CLEAR! Whether you’re having a party, passing the parcel or just quietly having jelly and ice-cream enjoy it. We are living in unforgettable times!

Forster: 7 –Fraser can’t have had many quieter games in his career. Doesn’t deserve to be marked down for it as he did nothing wrong so a 7 it is!

Cha 8 – Some may think this is a bit high due to a few disappointing final balls but he also knocked in some good crosses that we didn’t take advantage of. He played this game as a right winger but also showed terrific pace and commitment to cover across the park to left back to prevent a counter attack.

Wilson : 7.5 – A very comfortable night for our back four saw Kelvin stroll through the game. He looked quick on the odd occasion he was called upon.

Mulgrew: 8 – As with Wilson an easy night for “The Prodigal Son”. Some good passing and absolute belter of a strike gave us the first goal. Like so many he is full of confidence at the minute.

Izzaguire: 7 – It was good to see Emilio get a run-out for 70 minutes or so as he makes his way back from his serious injury. A little hesitant at times but he showed enough in flashes to remind us the ability he has. Take it steady and come back as good as you were please wee man.

Brown: 8 – The Captain is playing very well at the moment and he is showing he is indeed a worthy Celtic Captain. That is a sentence I thought I would never type – even as little as three months ago. The energy and drive is now matched with maturity and even though it has taken a long time, I am delighted to have been proved wrong. Well done Scott!

Ledley: 8.5 – It doesn’t matter where he plays – and he played 3 different positions in this game, Joe gives such a consistently good performance. He started left midfield, then centre mid and then left back when Izzy went off. Tireless, selfless and a huge asset for our Club, Joe must be a joy to have as team-mate. I’ve said it before, he probably won’t get it but he’s my Player of The Year.

Commons: 7.5 – In the main he passed it well and I lost count of the number of shots he had, most of which were on target and well saved. Good to see him play the full 90 and it was interesting to note that most of the second half he played centrally. Still not quite where he was last season but this will have helped.

Ki: 9 – Right from the off Ki passed the ball beautifully. I’d go as far as to say it was as good a passing display as I’ve seen from a Celtic midfielder since Shunsuke departed. He sprayed the ball all over the park and, importantly, it was always just in front of the player for him to run onto, something that others in the squad could learn from! He worked hard and won the ball back for the team on the odd occasion we lost it. A goal was all that was needed to top it off. My fear sometimes is that this talent is lost to Celtic as a result of the hammer-thrower opposition we play most weeks. He was given time on the ball and that suited him on this occasion. Class throughout. Sheer class.

Hooper: 7.5 – Great movement, good strength and decent control. Yes his finishing was a little off but he did very well to get a cross in for young James to stab home the second goal. Another decent display.

Stokes: 7 – I thought Anthony worked hard and played some good stuff in the first half but his finishing was poor. He missed a sitter in the early stages of the second half which was swiftly followed by cries of “Sebo! Sebo!” from the fans! His performances since October have entitled him to have an off night.

Subs:

Forrest: 5 –Looked very bright and did well to stretch to turn in the second. A couple of awful crosses when in great positions but looked dangerous whenever he got the ball.

Samaras: 4.5 – Came on for Stokes and gave a typical Sammi performance! Moments of brilliance, frustration and comedy all rolled into one. I reckon he’ll score on Saturday! J

Brozak: 4.5 - Poor old Pawel must be wondering how he’s going to get a start as he tries to cement his place in Poland’s Euro 2012 squad. He looks sharp and intelligent though as seen with a couple of neat pieces of play last night. Had we taken half the chances we created he could have been given the whole of the second half to impress us. Here’s hoping that happens on Saturday!

So in one of the most incredible thaws of all time it’s gone from minus 15 to plus 20 in little more than 3 months. Celtic played some lovely football last night...The Celtic Way. Though Lenny, like the rest of us, was frustrated at some of the chances we missed I’m sure he will have watched with pride as his young Bhoys swarmed all over the Paradise turf. He reminded the interviewer afterwards that the squad “didn’t cost a lot of money” to put together which was a gentle but perfect dig at the mess across the City. The Green Brigade were in great form – “Tesco at Ibrox when the ran**ers die” being my particular favourite!

I’ll sign off with a reminder. We’re all enjoying this a lot, and rightly so! I’d urge all our supporters to be on guard. They are hurting and hurting bad. Stay safe.

In Autumn we urged “Hunt them down Celtic” – and what a hunt it was! We caught them. We’ve overtaken them. Then the events of the glorious past 10 days took place. Even though the gap is 20, I still don’t want us to relax. Is the League won? Of course but I repeat, metaphorically speaking we have them by the throat and we ought to continue to tighten the grip. The sooner we give them The Last Rites the better! J

Celtic 1 Rangers 0

2011-12-29T11:39:00.001Z

PROOF OF GLOBAL WARMING!

At a time of year when it is traditional for temperatures to plummet, there has been a phenomenon in Glasgow's East End.....it has gone from -15 to +2 in less than two months!! Whilst some of this can no doubt be attributed to the hot air of Craig Whyte ( or is it White?!), most of the rise in temperature has been down to the doggedness and consistency of Neil Lennon's Bhoys in Green. Celtic claimed their ninth consecutive SPL win with an organised and hard-working display on a night when it was too dangerous to fly a kite. The horrendously windy conditions suited a team of high-ball cloggers more than it did a football team but Celtic showed strength of mind and body to ensure that 2012 would begin with us in our rightful place - top of the SPL.

Yet another new back four coped comfortably with almost every snow-capped, windswept ball that was punted 50 yards up the park. The midfield were industrious and strong and our front two, whilst not setting the heather alight, did enough to ensure a tough night for our rivals' defenders. Fraser had one save of note to make all night. If that statistic is repeated over the next 3 or 4 months then we shall have plenty to celebrate. Here’s how I thought our Bhoys performed

Forster: 7.5 – Fraser made an outstanding early save from the un-marked Lee Wallace as he clawed the ball from what may have been behind the line (let's hope it was a mile over eh?!). Thereafter he had little to do but he did it well and I was pleased to see him distribute the ball early where possible. If it's possible for the big fella he is growing in front of our eyes.

Matthews: 8.5 – Young Adam came back into the team and looked as though he'd never been away. Apart from the early scare mentioned above when it appeared as though he had two to defend against, this was an excellent display as he offered all you'd want from a full-back. He was quick, strong, got forward when possible and made sure that very little threat came down his side of the pitch. On a difficult night for control, his crossing may not have been his best but he can be a very proud Bhoy this morning.

Rogne: 8.5 – As with Matthews, Thomas was given a starting position after little recent first-team action and he turned in a fine display. He won almost everything in the air despite being fouled on a number of occasions and did more than enough to repay the faith shown in him by his Manager. Another who I'm sure will be happy with his efforts this morning.

Mulgrew: 8.5 – The comments for Rogne apply to Charlie also. He looked strong and assured in possession and of course, he delivered a great corner for the goal. A good night's work as the "nine million pound man" didn't get a sniff!

Ledley: 8.5 - Joe's winning header typified his display of determination and controlled aggression. After a tricky early spell when he struggled a little, Mr Versatile gave his usual tireless and quietly effective display. A little careless with a couple of short passes in the first half but they can be forgiven for the header in the 52nd Minute.

Forrest: 7.5 - Playing on the left-hand side, James made life more than tricky for Poundland and his best effort resulted in the corner which won the game. That was a fierce drive which was tipped over and his running meant their back lot were regularly on the back foot.

Brown: 8 - Skoosh turned in a decent performance and I was pleased he and Kayal kept their discipline despite some provocation. He was his usual energetic self but less rash than on some previous occasions. Strong when required on a night which suited his game.

Wanyama: 8 – Played in midfield as opposed to centre-half Victor was calm and composed throughout and just gives us that bit extra assurance. He has great upper body strength and is never likely to be shrugged off the ball and that is some asset to have. His signing has been a fine bit of scouting Celtic!

Kayal: 8.5 – From the very early stages Beram seemed to be loving being on the park and chased, pressed and harried his opposite numbers. A concern I had pre-match was that he and Brown may slide into challenges but their discipline was excellent. May well have been our best performer before being taken off with a sore one in a challenge with "Elbows". A good display Beram and I hope the injury isn't a serious one.

Samaras: 7.5 – Whilst never quite as threatening as he has been recently, this display showed that Samaras gives us something no other forward we have can. He won a fair few high balls and he was able to provide control at times when we needed it. One excellent run and cut back should have led to a goal and overall our Greek enigma turned in a decent performance.

Hooper: 7 - Not Gary's greatest display and I would have liked if he'd closed the centre-halves down a bit more instead of allowing them time to pick out a punt. However, a couple of decent efforts in the first half meant he did enough overall.

SUBS:

KI: 5 – Did fine when he came on for the injured Kayal with around 20ish minutes to go.

Stokes: 3 – Little time to make an impact when coming on for Hooper.

Conditions dictated that this was never going to be a night for pretty football but the end result was a very pretty one for Celtic....a glance at the League Table will tell you that! The message two months ago was this, "Follow the lead of the Taxman, some of their former directors and several of their creditors and to a lesser extent, the BBC.....Hunt them down Celtic!" The hunt is complete but the race is far from won so the message is a new one.

Now that we're top it's time to kick on Celtic. Do not give them a hint of encouragement. This league is ours and that mob know it. Metaphorically speaking we have them by the throat. Time to squeeze Celtic, time to squeeze.

Happy New Year everyone! Hail! Hail!

Udinese 1 Celtic 1

2011-12-16T18:53:00.002Z

I was sitting down to type this earlier this morning when I stumbled across a review on the internet which was pretty close to my own so I’ve lifeted it and changed it here and there. Needless to say, it wasn’t a fitba journalist that wrote it!

This was a good display from Celtic.....no, a very good display from Celtic. We were up against the best/second best team in Italy in their own albeit empty backyard and we matched them and in truth, outplayed them in the first 45. Our Europa League performances – even in defeat – have been decent and seems to have helped confidence among the players and management alike. If those performances are mirrored in the SPL as they have been in recent weeks, we will be celebrating come May, or maybe even April J

Here’s how I thought the Bhoys performed

Forster – 9 – This was Fraser at his shot-stopping best. Made some fine saves in the second half when Udinese came more into it. Blameless for the goal but the confidence he’s gained from some solid performances can only be good for him and for Celtic. Well played big fella!

Cha – 5 – All effort and action, but a loose cannon with positional indiscipline, final ball, and poor defensive decisions costing us dear. In fairness to him, he was left exposed time and time again on the right hand side and was not given the protection that Ki – in the first half at least – gave Mulgrew. Laughably booked when Brown fouled (more on that below) and we thought he was being sent off when booked again later. Thankfully the team of referees must have sorted out the first booking in between the two incidents.

Majstorovic – 8. Dan continued his recent fine form and was only really exposed once when he faced some pace. He made many blocks, tackles and headers and showed some genuine leadership at times.

Wanyama – 6.5 – Looked a tad uncomfortable first half with his decision making but turned in a solid if unspectacular performance. A couple of slack passes but a couple of excellent bits of work too.

Mulgrew – 6 – Good defensively but his free-kick attempts and delivery fell short at crucial times for us.

Kayal – 4 – stop bloody moaning, focus on the task at hand and show us what we think you’re worth. Could have dominated, seemed a bit intimidated.

Brown – 4 – Some may say he was rusty but this was a standard performance from “Captain Marvel” Sadly, showed what many of us have been saying for a long time – cannot consistently pick a straightforward pass of 10-20yards. At European level his wayward play is a handicap. At SPL level his wayward play is a handicap. Lacks the basics of tackling, control and passing. Now then, “Cha’s booking”. Brown fouled a guy around the halfway line and there was no real argument about it being a yellow card. The ref proceeded to book Cha and as far as I could see from TV pictures, our CAPTAIN showed his leadership by doing nothing to stand up for and exonerate his team-mate. If he did, and that’s why it was changed, then I apologise. If he didn’t then I find it disgraceful. For me not a Celtic player but surely, for us all, never a Celtic Captain in a million years

Ki – 6 – His second half was disappointing after I thought he did well in the first half. After Udinese doubled up on Sammi in the second half, he didn’t really exploit some of the space available. That said, his two mates alongside him may have been part of the reason for that.

Forrest – 6.5 – Young but keen and lively and displayed good confidence to take them on all first half and at times in the second. Bad decisions at crucial times – mainly the chance to free Sammi in on goal with a simple slide pass left at 1-0, chose to dribble, stood on ball. Didn’t follow-up attack late-on first-half, they countered and equalised. Second-half they shepherded him away from danger areas at every opportunity like class Italian side are wont to do. However, much more effective than guys twice his experience and he will only get better.

Samaras – 8.5 – What I always thought he was; a player who thrives on a challenge and a higher level of football. Absolutely 10/10 superb in first half – Udinese are joint top of Serie A and they did NOT know what to do with him that first 45 minutes. The piece of play when he controlled the high kick from Fraser on his chest under pressure, beat three men and laid it on a plate for Hooper (who missed the target) was sensational. Absolutely sensational. Udinese made a point of doubling up on him second half and stifling him; he created enough in that first 45 for us to have the game tied up.

Hooper – 6 – I’m a fan of Gary’s but that early miss was an absolute killer. Snatched his goal but taking too long to warm up for the task does not work against the quality of opposition we faced. I’m convinced if he’d been on his toes from the start we could have caught them cold and buried them before half-time.

Subs:

Stokes 5/10 – Worked hard when he came on and forced 2 or 3 corners.

Bangura – 3 – Little chance to make an impact

Overall – we took it to the last second of the last group game against some very good opposition. Well done the Hoops, thanks for the ride; but please use the experience to raise yourselves above the bovine herds we play week in week out in the SPL and win this title at a canter. You’re better than the rest; believe it and bury them.

Celtic 5 St Mirren 0

2011-11-28T18:35:00.001Z

Celtic gave us a great start to a weekend that would end so dreadfully with the sad passing of Gary Speed. We all get so worked up about our football, our team and our results and it is only when something such as a young man with so much to live for taking his own life, that we regain the perspective that can be all too easily lost.

I wasn’t lucky enough to know Gary Speed but I was lucky enough to meet him once. It was way back in 1998 when I was out at a work’s Christmas Party and we ended up on Newcastle Quayside on a Monday night. A few of the Newcastle and Sunderland players were in whichever nightclub it was – Shearer had been and gone but others such as Stuart Pearce, John Barnes and Kevin Phillips were out – as was Gary Speed. While Phillips, like many footballers, came across as a wee bit arrogant, that is a word that I would never have used in connection with Gary Speed. He seemed to have time for everybody and as I recall spent the whole night smiling.

We chatted briefly about football before the call of the bar was too much for me. When I left he was outside with a mate and checked which way I was heading in case they could drop me off en route. We were heading in opposite directions but how many footballers would be as down to earth as that?

The stories and tributes I’ve heard and read over the last 24 hours have all echoed the experience I had in those brief moments. Gary Speed appeared an absolute gentleman and those that knew him best say exactly that. May he rest in Peace.

Moving back to Saturday, Celtic brightened up a very wet and windy day with a fine performance and 5 goals including a hat-trick for Hoops and a goal for Sammi – yes..... a goal for Sammi! Strangely enough, I don’t think we played as well as we did against Dunfermline on Wednesday but taking chances makes all the difference. The Rugby Park result was an unexpected bonus! Here’s how I thought the Bhoys performed from the shelter of the South Stand.

Forster: 7 Big Fraser did fine on a horrible day for goalkeepers. A few corners were curled into his six yard box in the first half but he caught them all bar a wee fumble that given the conditions can be forgiven. His distribution was again better and quicker.

Matthews: 8 Another fine performance from Adam who combined good attacking play with strong tackling and good positioning. Has made himself a certainty to be picked after an impressive first few months in The Hoops.

Loovens: 7 Docked a point for a daft booking for throwing the ball away at a free-kick but Glenn had a decent game as he won most headers and tackles comfortably. A fine performance given it was his first back from injury.

Majstorovic: 8 He’s had some nightmares and he’s not the quickest but Big Dan has stepped up his performances in the last 3 or 4 weeks. He’s had more partners than Russel Brand but he has come through a difficult spell and shown great leadership in the back four when Celtic needed that most, Fair play to ye Danny Bhoy.

Ledley: 9 May seem strange to rate him as 9 in a 5-0 win but Joe was excellent playing out of position at left-back. He tackled, he passed, he over-lapped and he worked so very hard for the team. The only downside is that if he continues like this he may end up playing at left-back every week! Our thoughts are with him as he clearly knew Gary Speed well.

Forrest: 7 James looked lively in the first half but I was pleased to see him taken off around the hour mark for two reasons. Firstly to protect him from injury and fatigue but also to see him get the ovation his performances of recent months have deserved. I expect he’ll come in for some rough treatment from Atletico on Wednesday night.

Kayal: 8 Bar a below par display in Wednesday’s second half we seem to have last season’s Beram back. He also seemed to get forward more in this game than usual, probably down to the fact he had the excellent Wanyama alongside him.

Wanyama: 8 Be it at centre-back or in midfield, this has been some month for Victor. He has a composure that others in the team lack at times and effortlessly broke up play and passed well throughout. He played a fine ball to Stokes which led to the third goal. A young ‘un but a right good ‘un too!

Samaras: 8 No-one was more delighted than me to see the big fella get his goal – a goal that many of his displays have deserved but rarely threatened. His control of high balls on his chest was excellent and the pace and drive lacking in some games was there for all to see – particularly in the first half when St Mirren simply couldn’t cope with him. Taken off with 20 to go and got a deserved standing ovation.

Stokes: 9 Though he didn’t score I thought Stokes was fantastic on Saturday. As most will know I’m not his biggest fan, not because of his ability but for the attitude he’s displayed at times. However, I have never seen him work harder than on Saturday and his closing down when we didn’t have the ball was excellent. He even tracked back while Sammi was down injured to break up an attack! He was involved in 3 of the goals too. Keep it up Anthony and you’ll have a fine Celtic career ahead of you.

Hooper: 9 A slightly fortunate first ( the cross was deflected into his path) , a great turn and finish for the second and a delicate lift over the goalie for the third. An excellent hat-trick capped an excellent display by a player whose wee spell on the bench seems to have worked wonders. Back to being the sharp, clever footballer we saw last season.

Subs:

McCourt: 6 Paddy was better than on Wednesday as he came on for the Hat-Trick man after 74 minutes. It’s hard not to get excited when the ball arrives at his feet 40 yards from goal!

McGeouch: 8 On for Forrest after 64 mintutes , what a home debut for the Bhoy who scored a quite wonderful goal, running from inside his own half and beating 3 or 4 players before firing it into the bottom corner.

Bangura: 4 Came on for Samaras fairly late in proceedings and did ok. Another player returning from injury as the squad continues to strengthen.

It’s been a very productive week for Celtic. 12 points behind on Saturday 19^th to only 4 points behind on Sunday 27^th. While I’d rather be 4 ahead than 4 behind I’d also rather have a talented squad where players are returning from injury and competition for places is getting stronger all the time. We now have another challenging week ahead of us with a home game on Wednesday v Atletico Madrid followed by a tricky trip to Tannadice on Sunday. IF we win both we will have a fine chance of going through in the Europa League as well keeping the pressure on our non-tax-paying neighbours. No PAYE or NI paid since May is the latest we hear....

12 became 10 became 7 became 4. I repeat, follow the lead of the Taxman, some of their former directors and several of their creditors.....Hunt them down Celtic!

Celtic 2 Dunfermline 1

2011-11-24T19:28:00.002Z

The Chase continues as Celtic narrowed the gap to 7 with a performance of two halves. The first half saw a display of pace and good passing with the ball and excellent pressing when we didn’t have it meaning we won it back quickly. The first 45 is probably as good as we’ve been this season (along with the Motherwell home game) but the second half saw us lose a lot of the urgency and most of the composure that we displayed in the first half. The disappointment was the fact we passed up at least 6 great opportunities to score a third. That’s not to mention 3 great chances and a penalty in the second half! Still, it’s another win and though the crowd got nervy, Dunfermline may have scored 1 but in the remaining 8 or 9 minutes they didn’t come close to scoring a second.

Here are the scores for our Bhoys though had it been at half-time most would have been 1 or 2 higher.

Forster: 6 A couple of fine saves in the second half when it was 2-0. His kicking in the second half was poor though and remains a worry – to me at least!

Matthews: 7.5 Fairly quiet defensively but excellent going forward linking with others and over-lapping regularly. He’s been a fine signing on what we’ve seen so far.

Wanyama: 9 As accomplished a display from a Celtic centre-half that I can recall since Chris Sutton played there at ipox in 2003 wearing his pyjamas! Yes Dunfermline offered little but Victor’s positional play, strength on the ground and in the air and his use of the ball was excellent. One fresh-air kick in the second half (when he seemed to hurt himself a wee bit) blotted an otherwise flawless display. If we can get him half a yard quicker, what a player we will have on our hands.

Majstorovic: 7 A decent performance from Dan who won most things in the air though seemed a little awry positionally at times in the first half. He seems to have benefitted from having young Victor alongside him – just as he did when young Marcus Fraser came on against Rennes. Maybe looking after a young ‘un suits him!

Ledley: 8 Though he was beaten a few times in the air in the first half in his left back role, Joe turned in another solid performance as he covered excellently a couple of times when Dunfermline attacked. He also used the ball well, particularly in the first half when he set up a number of attacks. The last report I called him Celtic’s Mr Versatile, he’s our Mr Dependable too. Always a steady performer.

Forrest: 7 James had a wonderful first 45 before fading like many others. His movement on the right, in the middle and on the left caused Dunfermline all sorts of problems and he linked very well with the front two and his midfield colleagues.

Kayal: 6.5 At one stage was probably 2 points higher than this but as the game wore on his “dark side” came out as he waved his arms about and slid into challenges he was never going to win. I maybe being harsh but if he’d stayed on his feet in the move that led to their goal I wonder if Dunfermline would have scored.

Ki: 7 Some of his passing in both halves was delightful as he set up a number of opportunities but alas his penalty miss was a shocker as he pulled it wide of the target. He is a classy footballer but keeping possession seems not to impress a large number of the Faithful. Until that mindset changes (will it ever in Scottish/british fitba?!) he will never be fully appreciated.

Commons: 7.5 Kris only played 45 minutes before going off with what we hear is a groin “tweak” but showed enough to suggest he is very much back on track...his jersey even seemed to fit him! Some excellent passing led to a number of opportunities which we sadly passed up. His shooting was a wee bit off but it’s nice to have him back near his best form, here’s hoping the injury is a minor one.

Stokes: 7 He and Hooper worked very hard in the first 45 including without the ball when their movement and pressing was very impressive. His finishing was a wee bit off as he passed up a couple of very good opportunities but his work-rate and attitude seems to have improved no end in the past 2 or 3 weeks. The ability has always been there but the attitude used to really p me off. If those days are behind him then Anthony may yet fulfil his talent. Keep up the good work.

Hooper: 7.5 Read the first sentence above for Gary and throw in a well taken goal. He looked very sharp as he dropped into space to receive the ball and allow space for others in behind him. His performance, like most, dipped in the second half although he nearly scored late on after a lovely link-up with Sammi. Another one getting back to near his best.

Subs:

McCourt: 5 Paddy came on for Commons at half-time and provided little to be honest. Dunfermline sat deep and in numbers and gave him little space. The reason he gets maybe a point higher than some may think is that he barely gave the ball away and nearly always found a team-mate...unlike a number of others.

Samaras: 4 Came on for Stokes with around 10-15 minutes to go. Won a couple of headers, got fouled a couple of times and played a lovely ball through to Hooper. Thank The Lord Dunfermline didn’t equalise as the big Greek would probably have got the blame.

So 12 became 10 became 7 and all within 4 days! Here’s hoping in 4 days’ time that 7 becomes 4 but it’s vital that we go into the December clash no worse off than we are. We have some tricky games to come, starting on Saturday with the visit of a St. Mirren side going well in the league. Let’s get it to 4 and see what happens on Sunday. This league is in our hands despite all the doom and gloom. If we play CONSISTENTLY close to the level we are capable of then we will have plenty reasons to be cheerful. Consistency is vital to our cause, as is less panic and impatience when we are committing the “cardinal sin” of keeping possession. The team needs all our support.

I repeat, follow the lead of the Taxman, some of their former directors and several of their creditors.....Hunt them down Celtic!

Inverness 0 Celtic 2

2011-11-24T19:27:00.001Z

At a time when it's all about us winning games this was another successful day's work for Celtic with the added bonus of St Johnstone ensuring the gap reduced to ten points with a game in hand. On a sun-kissed day in Inverness The Bhoys laboured until the thing of beauty that was our first goal and then saw the game out comfortably against a team who may have been somewhat harshly reduced to ten men in the latter stages of the first half. I'm sure we all felt Butcher's pain.....and then laughed!
Later in the day the magnificent Kauto Star turned in a great performance at Haydock Park - the grass at Haydock was almost certainly shorter than at Caley's ground where I assume Highland cattle are used to "cut the grass" rather than any lawnmowers! The pitch was dreadful but once we scored we went on to win comfortably and winning will hopefully continue to increase the confidence levels.
Here’s how I thought The Bhoys performed from my TV view.
Forster: 6 One good save early in the game was important and I was delighted to see him catch a couple of high balls rather than punch them. His kicking was better in the main and he was largely untroubled but looked comfortable when called upon.
Matthews: 5 Young Adam was moved over to his preferred position of right back and was rarely tested defensively. He got forward a fair bit but in the first half in particular he'd have struggled to cross the street let alone a decent ball into the box. He'll have better games but we must remember he is only 19 and he certainly hasn't let us down. He'll be better on Wednesday night when he's not ploughing through grass that's 6 inches long!
Wanyama: 8 He may not have had a great deal to do but Victor turned in a fine display at centre-half. He read the game well, looked strong and brought a sense of calm whenever he was involved. Barring one misplaced pass he used the ball pretty well too. Still only 20, this Bhoy looks to have been a fine piece of scouting and if he continues to develop we will have a very fine player on our hands.
Majstorovic: 6 Dan did ok alongside his young partner and did little wrong. He will certainly be more tested than he was against Caley but he was steady enough.
El Khadouri: 4 For all I've been keen to see us playing a left-back in that position I have to say that Badr was poor yesterday. That said, Lenny came out after the game and was full of praise for him as he had played "with a virus". He is definitely capable of better than this, hopefully starting on Wednesday night.
Forrest: 8 James was involved in most of Celtic's good play throughout and provided the urgency which had been lacking from our play in the first hour of the game. He was heavily involved in both goals and would have had a great chance to score himself early in the game if Stokes had picked his head up and played him in. He has swiftly become a vital player for Celtic.
Kayal: 5 After a couple of fine games - particularly against Rennes - this was a disappointing display from Beram who picked up a booking for a daft challenge in the first half. he needs to pick it up again for our very important midweek fixture.
Ledley: 6 Celtic's Mr Versatile actually started this game in his favoured position of centre midfield and did his usual share of tracking back, winning balls and helping out team-mates. One burst forward in the second half was excellent but he didn't do enough of it for my liking....maybe because his centre-mid partner was a bit off colour. He moved to left-back for El Khadouri midway through the second half.
Samaras: 5 Sami was played wide left again and won more than his fair share of flick-ons as he was the target for high balls. He did ok but no better than that before being replaced by Ki not long before we scored the opener.
Hooper: 7 This was a mixed display from Gary but when he was good he was very good, as highlighted by his pivotal role in the opening goal. His movement at times was excellent and he linked up well with Forrest and Stokes - especially in the second half.
Stokes: 7 He frustrated at times when he failed to get his head up in the first half but he is in fine goal-scoring form and his finish for the second goal was excellent. His goals have been crucial in recent weeks and long may his good form continue.
Subs: Ki 6 He played a fine pass into Forrest for the opening goal and did more good work in 30 minutes than some did in 90. Here's hoping he gets fully over his virus soon as we have a busy and important spell coming up.
McCourt: 5 A couple of usual Paddy runs as he showed a wee bit of style in the 20 minutes he was on. He's a very handy sub to bring on that's for sure!
Commons: 3 Only came on with 8 minutes to go as he continues his return to full fitness but nearly scored.
All in all a good day for Celtic. No matter how many times ESPN referred to our last vist to Caley (even in the closing credits!) it made no difference in a comfortable win.We will play much better but winning is al that matters. I expect us to play better in our next two games on a pitch that is conducive to playing football raher than one fit for steeplechasers. IF we go about our business properly we may only be 4 points behind before our financially and morally impoverished neighbours visit Rugby Park. Kauto Star was written off before yesterday and look what happened there. The Chase is on. Folow the lead of the Taxman, some of their former directors and several of their credtors.....Hunt them down Celtic!

Celtic 0 Hibs 0

2011-10-31T18:59:00.001Z

Well this won’t take long.....

On the day that Jimmy Savile passed away Celtic turned in a turgid performance that not even a letter to Jim in his heyday could have sorted. This was as poor a Celtic display as I recall seeing. As I said to many on the bus on the way back, even when we lost 4-0 to St Mirren on Tony Mowbray’s last night in charge we created chances, many chances and none were taken. On Saturday we created one clear-cut chance in the whole game which wasn’t taken by Hooper. I can understand him having a go for goal but a simple 5 yard square pass would have taken the goalie out the game and left Ki with a tap-in. Other than that, James Forrest created 2 shooting opportunities from distance. One forced a half-decent save and the other hit the top of the bar. That was it. No other attempts on target. No corners. Just a feeling of emptiness and deflation rather than anger.

We all know something is wrong but what exactly? We have largely the same squad as last season. Yes we have injuries and we are constantly changing the back four as a result but big performers last season such as Hooper and Kayal look a shadow of themselves. There also seem to be some strange tactical decisions being made. A 19 year old Bhoy in his first season playing at left-back when he’s a right back. A central midfielder in Ki being deployed on the left hand side too. Both naturally want to turn in onto their stronger foot giving us no width on the left. Oh and who’s getting the Captaincy this week? The Paradise Windfall Winner?

I read someone post this on another website and it says something I believe has been the case for a good while now. Several of our players prefer telling us how good they are rather than showing us. “Hooper repeatedly touting himself for an England/GB Olympic spot tells the whole story…our players think they are better than they actually are. Does my nut in. Win 3 leagues on the trot, not 3 games…then let others talk about how good u are instead of doing it yourself.” You can add to that Stokes touting himself for an Ireland recall and countless players saying how we’re going to cut the deficit and put pressure on ra**ers. As my Dad would have said if he was with us many of them “have a big ticket for themselves”. If they can start playing like they’re talking we’d be playing in the Champions League. Just do it!

No ratings this week just pass marks for three youngsters Matthews, Rogne and Forrest.

I don’t know a single Celtic fan that doesn’t want Lenny to be a huge success at Celtic. The disappointment of not winning the League last year was tempered slightly by the feeling we had a young, hungry squad that would only get better. Two games in the next seven days may determine the fate of our Manager – I believe that’s how stark things are, though I stress this is pure speculation on my part. Ask yourself though, if anyone other than Neil Lennon was in charge at the minute, would they be under considerably more pressure? Would they even have been given this long into their second season? The goodwill built last season could be restored with upbeat performances and results versus Rennes and Motherwell. If we play as poorly as we did on Saturday I fear for our season and our Manager’s future. Don’t let this happen Celtic. The players can save our season and our beloved Lenny .The old cliché about letting their feet do the talking has never been more appropriate.

Jim’s not around anymore. Let’s hope Neil can Fix It.

Celtic v Aberdeen

2011-10-24T18:44:00.001+01:00

A Win’s a Win For Aw That

The chat on the Tyneside No1 Bus yesterday morning on our way to the game was all about just making sure we won. “Any kind of win to hopefully steady the ship and boost confidence a little” was the general sentiment. Well that’s exactly what Celtic gave us.....”any kind of win”. We were a long way from our best, though bar the goal we weren’t really threatened either. We played reasonably well up until we scored and then seemed to take the foot off the gas until Aberdeen equalised. Only then, and for the next 10-15 minutes did we play at the tempo that always sees us play better.

Here’s how I thought The Bhoys performed yesterday

Forster: 6 Big Fraser had little to do and looked blameless for the goal from my side-on view. Caused a wee palpitation late on when he seemed a bit hesitant but his kicking from back-passes was an improvement on usual.

Matthews: 7 Young Adam provided Celtic’s only genuine width throughout the first 45 minutes with some fine over-lapping and a couple of excellent crosses. He was quieter in the second half but was eager and worked hard throughout. Not really tested defensively but a decent display for such a young Bhoy.

Loovens: 3 – Started ok but signalled he was injured before we scored. Another one on the injury list which is disappointing as I thought he played pretty well in Rennes. He was replaced by......

Majstorovic: 6 Big Dan did fine when he came on as the defence remained largely untroubled. Won quite a few headers which was quite refreshing! He will have tougher tests than this ahead but hopefully a little confidence was restored.

Mulgrew: 7 Charlie had a fairly comfortable game as the Dons were weak in attack. He used the ball pretty well and scored the all important winner which I’m sure went down really well with the visiting supporters!

Ledley: 6 Asked to play out of position again at left back which seems strange as we had El Khadouri on the bench (again). Joe did ok but I’d liked him to have been a bit more vocal towards Ki who (also played out of position) continually went inside and left Ledley with no cover. A clear example of this was the Aberdeen goal where the full-back runs 40 yards unchallenged. Not his best game but then again, he’s not a left-back.

Forrest: 6 James started quite brightly but faded as the first half went on as he played in a more central role. He was more prominent in the second half and fired in a couple of good crosses that our leaden-footed forwards failed to take advantage of.

Kayal: 5 Another lacklustre display from a player I like but who is a shadow of last season at the moment. Too often sliding into tackles when there was no need and constantly chirping at the ref. A couple of nice touches and passes but improvement is still required. The sooner he’s back to his best the better.

Wanyama: 6 Big Victor has slotted in well to the Celtic midfield and seems more composed on the ball than many of his more illustrious team-mates. He probably played better in his previous appearances but I hope for a big future for this Bhoy.

Ki: 6 One of my favourite current Celts and he did finish one of our best moves for the first goal but Ki frustrated me yesterday. As mentioned above he was asked to play on the left of midfield but too often – particularly in the second half - he was very central defensively and left Ledley exposed. Some of that may have been trying to help out the ineffective Kayal but his poor positioning led to the equaliser.

Hooper: 4 Like Kayal Gary is sadly below par. Admittedly he was returning from injury but there just seems to be a spark missing. He lasted the full 90 minutes which will help although had the bench been stronger there’s a fair chance he would have been subbed.

Stokes: 5 Better than his strike partner but short of his best and neither of the front two posed a real goal threat. He was better in the second half when he used possession more intelligently in the last 20 minutes or so.

Subs: McCourt: 6 Paddy returned for a 20 minute cameo and almost produced a wonder goal with a fabulous run. I noticed Lenny appearing to give him pelters for shooting instead of pulling it back for others but it was one of the few moments of genuine entertainment though had Aberdeen equalised I may have felt differently.

So we got the much needed win and that can surely only help confidence levels. We were quite a way short of our best but the constant changes – some enforced – cannot help and the opportunity for Lenny to pick a settled side cannot come soon enough. What may also help, to this observer at least, would be playing people in their best positions....left backs at left back for instance.

All that said, at half-time at Rugby Park if someone had said that Poundland FC would win at Tynecastle and that we’d still ONLY(!) be 10 points behind we would have bitten their arm off. In that context, this was a big win for Celtic and one that we MUST use as a catalyst for the challenges to come.

Atletico Madrid v Celtic

2011-09-22T21:05:00.002+01:00

Another European away game ended in disappointment last night as Celtic went down 2-0 to Athletico Madrid. Yet again we conceded early and the manner in which it was conceded was hugely frustrating. One of these days I might have had more than 2 sips of my pint before we’re behind! After that it was a reasonable performance against a team who are far removed from the Kilmarnocks and Motherwells of this world.

Yes we lost, yes we shot ourselves in the foot but this was a significant improvement from the Sion debacle. If everyone comes out of last night’s game fit there will be a couple of obvious changes for Sunday but I wouldn’t be making too many.

Here’s how I thought the Bhoys performed from my vantage point in the Tyneside Irish Centre.

Forster:7 On a night when I expected him to be busier than he was, Fraser did well overall. Like the rest of the team he seemed rooted to the spot for the opening goal but after that he made a couple of fine saves.

Wilson (M) : 7 Mark came back from injury and put in a decent performance at right back. Hopelessly exposed for the second goal by no midfield cover, he gave everything for the cause before being subbed with 10 minutes to go.

Loovens: 6.5 The much maligned Glenn came in and gave a decent performance overall. Yes he was one of several at fault for the opening goal but thereafter he put in a solid performance that may earn him a start on Sunday. Booked for a daft challenge late on which sees him docked half a point.

Wilson (K): 7 Big Kelvin did well throughout the game as he and Loovens had the back four looking fairly well organised.

Mulgrew: 6.5 Played in his less-favoured left back role Charlie did well enough defensively but sadly for Celtic he is no Izzy or Badr going forward - but he can’t really be blamed for that. If he plays Sunday it won’t be at left back.

Ledley: 6.5 This was another game where Joe didn’t look a world-beater but didn’t do a lot wrong. That said it looked like he had concrete boots on when the corner came in for the opener but after that he gave his usual steady, and steadying, midfield performance.

Ki: 7.5 Celtic’s best player on the night for me despite being fouled consistently throughout the match. Ki used the ball well and had a fine effort well saved by Athletico’s goalie. The player for me that Celtic should build the midfield around.

Kayal: 7 Though a little wasteful at times in possession, Beram put in his trademark industrious performance. Linked well with Hooper for what should have been an equaliser and fired a drive narrowly over late on.

Forrest: 5.5 James didn’t get an awful lot of opportunity to use his pace going forward though on a couple of occasions he left the full back trailing. In terms of providing cover for Mark Wilson behind him, James was found wanting I’m afraid.

Samaras: 7 Playing on the left of a midfield five Sammi put in a performance that even his biggest detractors must have thought was ok at least. He held the ball up well and, but for a couple of stray passes, used it well too. Two or three fine runs, the first of which should have led to a goal for Hooper. He didn't look a goal threat but he wasn't played as one.

Hooper: 5.5 Not sure Gary is really cut out for the lone striker role but I can’t help but feel that he and young Mr Commons have enjoyed their summer a wee bit too much. Clearly a few days golfing and on the bevvie in Marbella will have worked wonders for their fitness. Hoops didn’t look sharp and passed up a great opportunity to get a quick equaliser.

Subs: Bangura, Matthews and Commons all came on in the last 10-15 minutes but had little opportunity to impress.

There have been a lot worse performances from Celtic both domestically and in Europe over the years. The Bhoys recovered well after losing another dreadful early goal and were having their best spell when the killer second goal came. There were positives to come out of the game. The back four did ok after the early setback and the midfield performance, whilst not great, was acceptable. We looked lacking up front however. As we discussed post match last night, and as we’ve known for a long time, playing toothless opposition in the SPL is no preparation for playing a team such as Athletico. They are no world beaters but they’re not panel beaters either! We must win our home games and if we play like this and somehow avoid shooting ourselves in the foot early in the game we might well get a result on our travels.

Sion v Celtic

2011-08-28T10:48:00.002+01:00

There is not an awful lot that needs to be said regarding last night's debacle that I can bring myself to say at this moment. Celtic blew a great opportunity to ensure at least an Autumn of European Competition. The fact that we blew it within the first minute makes it worse. The fact that we got back into it and then blew it again makes it almost unbearable.

I sat down to watch this game with my usual optomism but barely had the first sip passed my mouth when we had conceded a stonewall penalty and rightly been reduced to 10 men. The night didn't get much better as The Hoops tried hard but too often made life even more difficult for themselves by being wasteful with crosses and final passes. On a very disappointing night, here’s how I thought the Bhoys performed.

Forster:6 Had no chance with the goals and even managed to catch a cross ball so that's an improvement at least!

Cha: 3 Worked hard up and down the right flank but his passing and crossing was deplorable. The fact that he and Matthews seem to be playing alternate games can’t help either of them but for an International player to be so poor with his passing is not good enough.

Majstorovic: -6...yes that's minus 6! Caught dreadfully out of position for the high punt downfield that led to his VERY slow chase after the Sion player and subsequent daft challenge. So it's -2 for his positioning, -2 for being slower than a pantomime horse and -2 for a stupid challenge and red card. To get -6 within a minute is some effort!

Wilson (K): 6.5 Did fairly well considering the nightmare start the team had and having a new centre-half alongside him within 2 minutes. Unless we sign another one it may well be Kelvin and Charlie for the foreseeable future.

Mulgrew: 7 Slotted straight into centre-half - after the red card - which is surely his best position. Took the free-kick for the goal which appeared to get a wee nick off Ledley on the way in. One of our best performers.

Ledley: 6 Only played 45 seconds in his left midfield position before moving to left back. Didn't do a lot wrong.

Brown: 5 Glowered, ran about, complained and gave the ball away a lot bar one good pass which Cha wasted. The all too frequent Scott Brown display I'm afraid. And if he’s Celtic Captain material then I’d best dig out my boots!

Ki - 4 Some occasional good stuff, such as the cross for Hooper’s disallowed goal, from a player I like but what on earth was he doing for the third goal?! He'll have better games that's for sure.

Kayal - 6 Did well to last as long as he did in his first game back but cut out the almost constant whingeing to the ref please Beram.

Samaras - 6.5 Moved to the left of midfield after 1 minute, doubtless the whipping Bhoy will be blamed by many - I even heard him get blamed on Sunday v St. Johnstone when he wasn't even playing! - but Sammi worked hard and showed better control twice in two minutes than other forwards have shown in 2 games recently. Held the ball up well at times but no goal threat I’m afraid.

Hooper: 5 Like Kayal did well to last as long as he did and had a goal (correctly) disallowed for offside. Gary was caught offside quite a lot and his touch wasn't great though he did work tirelessly when on his own up front. I still reckon a half fit Hooper on his own up front did better than a fully fit Stokes would have done.

Subs: Forrest and Commons came on but the subs were left way too late in my opinion. Some players looked out on their feet early in the second half and I feel changes ought to have been made sooner.

All in all a hugely frustrating and disappointing night for Celtic as we limped out of the competition before it's even begun. The biggest disappointment isn't losing but the manner of the defeat. This was a team we could and should have beaten comfortably but we self-destructed as we've done many times before. The key word that I used before kick-off last night was the need for concentration. Within 45 seconds we lost our concentration and we lost the tie. We give ourselves a life-line and lose concentration again. Two experienced International players who ought to know better. A bad, bad night for Celtic.