Regarding the 'McGeady axed' debate, be careful of our time old enemy - the Scottish medja - they will ALWAYS focus on our negatives. That's them doing their bit.
Last season we were 'too reliant on McGeady'. Now we have two players who will push each other's performance levels up, we have diversity in how our team plays and are no longer predictable in our line up or our method of play. GENUINE COMPETITION.
EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE CRYING OUT FOR LAST SEASON!!!
Now we have it, the press are looking for the negative. Just now, that negative is McGeady not starting. Hey presto.
Next will be Samaras and McDonald and JVOH. GENUINE COMPETITION. Three into two won't go and I'll bet McDonald is the target. 31 goals and can't get a start - wee moany is a prime candidate for a wee quote somewhere along the line.
Next will be midfield. Robson, Hartley, Crosas, Brown and Donati. Any 2 from 5? GENUINE COMPETITION. OK, maybe not Donati, but someone will be picked on as the fall guy.
And of course there's Naka. He's for the offski. Every transfer window since he came here he's been for the offski. We've even had invented quotes and collective 'astounded of forehead' that he's STILL HERE!!
So predictable. Don't fall for it.
We should love the fact that Aiden can be dropped and replaced by Maloney. We should love the fact that Shaun can be dropped and replaced by Aiden. And, my own personal hope, that Shaun, Aaiden and Naka become the first three names on the teamsheet for home games at Paradise.
Ah! Remember that well. We used to belt it out at the end of a mission. Usually followed by "We Stand for God" - and we finished with "Faith of Our Fathers"!
Sprained my ankle on Friday night and have been immobilised since the. Just managed to hobble my way to the PC.
Great performance at the weekend.
Looking forward to hearing greater selection problems for WGS after tonights performance. I hope to see a few unexpected faces in the team tonight and I hope they stake a place for first team inclusion for Saturday. I wonder what our CB pairing will be for tonight.
Every time I hear WGS relate to the media I just want to slap him on the back - shout out loud "well done" , "more please"
o1Bhoy
was jack simpson on,wearing his hun tap and his 17 yr old pregnant girlfriend,no whit whit mean nat man,any chace ay a tap fur a bootel a buckie big man no ,hey trisha no bad lookin bit a gear by the way man no
Naw Jist The Same Wee Small Minded....Never Been Anywhere....Dole Bludger....Small Town....Coudnae Affored a Trip Tae Larggs....Small Minded....Hope They Hivnae Goat Kids....Never Worked in their Life....English Rangers Supporters....as Usual....
The vatican`s favourite player Damiano Tommasi,almost as famous for his philanthropy as his footballing skills, has signed for Rangers.Mr Tomassi , injured in a pre season friendly when playing for Roma, insisted on being paid 1200 per month at a time when team-mate Toti was on 800,000 per month.
I now understand the resentment of many posters on Bobo abiding by his contract.But how did God`s favourite team miss out on the Vatican`s favourite footballer? By the way the Rangers are of the QPR variety.
Perhaps a more believable story (again from the Catholic Herald)
Fr Antonio Rungi has had to cancel a beauty contest for nuns following objections from his bishop.Fr Rungi had been expecting more than 1000 nuns to enter the Sister Italia contest.
1 Boruc Artur
2 Hinkel Andreas
3 Naylor Lee
4 McManus Stephen
22 Loovens Glenn
52 Caddis Paul
11 Hartley Paul
18 Donati Massimo
7 McDonald Scott
9 Samaras Georgios
46 McGeady Aiden
1 Boruc Artur
2 Hinkel Andreas
3 Naylor Lee
4 McManus Stephen
22 Loovens Glenn
52 Caddis Paul
11 Hartley Paul
18 Donati Massimo
7 McDonald Scott
9 Samaras Georgios
46 McGeady Aiden
Lurgan53, optimistic little soldier amd lamartine,
I think it would make a splendid riposte to "that song", either that or Hail Glorious St Patrick!
50,000 lifting the roof off Parkhead, goosebumps indeed.
Jungle-ed
The game is being shown in the North American CSC, live-footy are trying to find a link and will put one up as soon as they get one. If it is shown on the web somewhere I will find it.
mark brown
caldwell
jvoh
scott brown
shaun maloney
terrible news about aiden if true. aiden is very tempermental though so i wouldnt be surprised to hear him hand in a transfer request one day and then regret it the next
Half time McGeady had a nice try from 20 yards out prior to that Aiden put a crossed a nice ball into Sammi who had a half-hearted stab at it. Caddis, Aiden and Loovens are shining
Tidy first half performance. Sloppiness in the final 3rd has kept the score respectable for Livingston. Aiden came more into the game and finished up our strongest player out there. Caddis also looking good. McDonald has wasted two excellent chances and will need to sharpen up or put his bench warming tracksuit back on for the next game.
The defense have had very little to do but we need to score a second to make the game safe.
Good goal by Loovens made possible by an excellent cross from Caddis. Keeper had no chance.
A very nice game to watch...what can you say about Sammi? First class.
McGeady, Loovens, and Donati all had good games. I wish Gordon had allowed Massimo a while longer.
A good win for the Bhoys, even if was only against Livingston.
I only had Radio Scotland's coverage, sounded very impressive! OK, it's only Livi but may the goals keep going in and let big Sam keep putting the ball in the net!
From start to finish Celtic domonated and played football the Glasgow Celtic way - it was a joy to watch.
The passes were zipping around and we had flair, pace and imagination (Quality Street Gang in the making)
Samaras looks like a 15m player - pace , control , interplay, goals and sheer hard work.
Caddis looks pacey , whips in a great cross and probably needs more 1st team games to tone his excitement
Loovans , though not Bobo dominant, looks athletic and composed.
Brown looked hungry when he came on and finished superbly (Dalglish like chip over advancing keeper) after some wonderful build up play.
McGeady was ....Mcgeady
Overall - Celtic are going in the right direction , We also trounced Ranger 3-1 in the reserves (Hutchinson scoring against them again - a man of habit)
Narrowbhoat, cheers for the shout earlier, went through my links again and managed a choppy first half, settled for audio second half, looks like I'll need to stumble accross the harp bar in paris "oh what a surprise" will need to be the line on saturday, I'm no missing the aberdeen game.
Folks,
Just back from the game, for the last three years I could have fallen asleep at Celtic Park, tonight I was interested, we might be going in the right direction, well done Celtic, well done WGS.
Just watched the Killie game from the weekend, was wondering what the `Sloop John B` song constantly being belted out was about. Was it directed at McCurry?
you probably know this but just in case you thought we were all watching Extreme Makeover on UKTVStyle - the blog was out-of-reach for most of the game. High traffic due to no telly or radio? Jack Simpson probably laughing diabolically that all us TRAITORS were denied access.
Anyway, every cloud etc. Stumbled upon Gavin Strachan blog on the BBC:
I thought Sami was fantastic tonight. Not so Mac, Hinkel or Donati.
Aiden ok 1st half, very good 2nd. His runs to the heart of their defence were unstoppable. Caddis done very well. So was Brown when he came on. His goal was worth turning up for. Don't miss it.
I have to say the singing tonight is the best I've ever heard from a crowd of 25,000. The lads in the Lower LL were absolutely fantastic. Take a bow, I hope someone can post on Youtube the dancing to the 'We Love You' song. You had us in hysterics!! Along with the guys in the Upper corner of the JS/NS, I take my hat off to you all.
Hail!Hail!
Great we are back to ... er hammering teams, long may it continue.
GG, I think you have found your home.
Derbyshire, if we are indulging in genuine squad rotation, no arguements from me. I already stated I think Aiden was suffering burn out and Neil Lennon has backed that up. Dont think anyone on here can categorically state he has lost a yard of pace, we are only half a dozen games into the season. Lets enjoy the buzz, as team 4 could be about to deliver the football we are all after.
hod a dod.
Everything crashed in here.
Pure Panic.
As I had an EEG today I have 20 odd wires
glued to my heid and tucked into a bick battery I'm
carrying round my neck
We began to worry.
Monitor seizures nearly had one !!
Consider it shook. Like you I like what I'm seeing and I'm looking forward to more. What really pleases me is the thought of the groans from opposition benches when one tormentor goes off only to be replaced by another.
Second half full of tricks and flicks once we got domination over a well organised defence,
MOTM was Giorgios again but Aiden was a close second, as he laid on 2 headers on a plate for Skippy and Skoosh, both missed. Loovens scored one and made one, and Scott Brown contributed entertainingly to the show off stuff at the end. Watch the 3rd goal on the highlights to see a wonderful Samaras flick to Skoosh.
If we can take this form into the next 2 home games, we will enjoy ourselves. A different style may be needed for Villareal.
just in from the game, thought 2nd half very good,some good movement up front,wee skippy couple of weeks behind, the green brigade were superb and the stewards will never want to work that area again
livvy fans doing the bouncy bouncy, scum bags...
all in all vgood evening...looking forward to saturday and the aberdeen game
I was Particularly Pleased as Punch, with the Performance turned in so Professionally, by Master Brown.
Excellent,kiddo.
Ya done good! And yer GOAL, had everything!
It wiz the culmination of a Build up, of Bobby-Dazzler Proportions..right oot of the Hotspur.
Or as my second best Friend Kelso .said tae me..as we watched it...
"Am I watchin' the same guys? Pinch me, somebody.!"
Yes, Kelso, ole chappie..
Ye hiv jist watched a game.. where every Celtic Player was determined tae show his Boss..
"Hey, Chief.. Look at Me! Looky Here! "
I am delighted for Gordon..
Whit a verification o' his brilliant Dod of Perspicacious Soccer Nous!
Our Manager, waanted Three Men , fur each and every position in the Team...Noo, that he's goat that...
Wella...
Look oot Everyboady, here Come THE Celtic!
And Today's Team Performance by Celtic...gave the Manager Full Vindication for his idea.
NOTA BENE!!!!!!
TEAM PERFORMANCE!!
Fur that wiz what it wiz..
From Back-Field tae Mid-Field .. tae Shawfield( Whit?.ed)( Hey, so it disnae make sense... STILL, it has a nice Ring tae it!)the Whole Celtic Team, did their Bit fur Victory!... Winston, wid hiv bin Proud!
Yep, you Hoid, me..
This was a Celtic TEAM, Victory..
No wan Passenger oan Board..
Sure, Macko missed a couple.. but, I felt sorry fur the Man... He did his part... and don't worry, his lean time wull pass.. Macko played his part..as well.
So...
I know I should single out,the man o' the match..
But, AH wullnae.
It wuz a game where... EVERYBOADY WAAANTED TAE GET INTAE DA ACT..
A thoroughly entertaining performance tonight. We're looking better and better. If the consistency comes then things will be looking extremely rosy in our garden.
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it tonight but as well as the players providing fantastic entertainment a word of praise should also be directed to the green brigade who were terrific all match.
Celtic need to try and get a singing section going
because when they start it the rest will want to join
and soon we will be back to old days of cheering our team
instead of what happened last weel against Aalborg.
I had my two bhoys with me tonight and my nine year
old wants to swap his seat.
Those fans in the lower NE corner were fantastic and hilarious . well done guys. It was also noticeable that more fhans joined that area in the 2nd half to join in the fun. Brilliant guys.
I never could understand fhans who didnt want big George to stay - keep it up big man
Skippy needs to learn how to link with team mates
So glad wee Shaun came back, his link play & one touch stuff is superb
Not long through the door from the game and would like to second the compliments being dished out to the LL. I am a Jock Stein man but tonight the Green Brigade were phenomenal, some party going on!
Some great football played tonight in the second half particularly, McGeady, Sammi, and Brown when he entered the game, were excellent. Just wish Aiden's effort had hit the inside of that post!
McDonald is a big concern though, his body language is worrying, poor attitude tonight, come on Skippy put the work in and keep your head up son!
Bring on the Aberdeen :-)
P.S. A big thank you to all the guys who gave me advice on getting a laptop over a month or so ago, I finally got it yesterday and should hopefully be back on a bit more for the rest of the season.
Living in Sweden I only see proper football on Ch67+ or tv.
Watched G Samaras when he came to Man C and he really looked a player, after which he then fell away.
Then he came to us for, an alledged, significant drop in wages, and started out o.k.
Now he is on fire, exactly like he started at Man C.
The difference? - ambience. Yes, he wanted to play regular first-team football, but he also what he needs.
He is a confidence player - his skill is never in doubt, especially to him, but his confidence depends on outside factors.
Support from his manager, which he seems to feel from GS, support from his teammates, (who seem to be very supportive of each other) PLUS a Celtic support who see and appreciate what he is doing. Put it all together and you have ambience.
Without it G Samaras will become an under-achiever
When his form dips, as does everyones, Celtic supporters will make or break him. Turn on him and he is gone - keep supporting him and he will respond.
Maybe, in time, he can even teach Scott McD how to control a pass with his back to goal.
Hope you get my drift - Sami will go off the boil sometime. How we react decides whether he gets over it or disappears into obscurity.
Can anyone ever remember Celtic being awarded so many penalties in so few matches? I remember going an entire season and being awarded hee-haw-mcgraw penalties despite stone wallers littering the season.
Now we have 5 penalties awarded and it's only mid September.
Just a wee word on the We love you song. I originally heard sung by St Pauli fans on youtube, they're fantastic at it. A few supporters from my local team in belfast 'Cliftonville' then started it singing it over here mid way through last season, next thing you know it's at Parkhead.
Anybody got any links to goals, highlights? Also what is this St Pauli song? Again any youtube links etc would be appreciated.
Cracking result, only spoiled by blog having a huff and refusing to let me in to view updates, had to relay on bbc website for scores. Saw some drivel from guy called Sutherland praising Broadfoot and slagging of Artur Boruc god I hate the Scottish media so much.
There must be a fair few teams wishing they had come on for our Sami. He has been sensational over the last few games. He never stops running and links well with others. He set Scott Brown up beautifully for his goal.
Brown looked very lively when he came on, although to be fair the Livi defence was tiring by then. He should have scored a second, heading against the keeper from about three yards.
In from the game. I'll be truthful and say I was not looking forward to going but it ended up a good night at the game.
It was 4 going on 10. If Scott M had a better attitude he would have had a hat trick + tonight. The free kick at the end for Scott Bsheader summedup tonight plenty of chances made but not taken but overall a good night of football from 7 changes from the startng line up on Sunday.
I think we have started with 18 different players over the last 2 games and only 4 have not been full internationalists..could be wrong. I think we have possibly the strongest squad for many a year
Good composed performance by the tic. There's a long way left this season and I for one cannae wait till the next rankers game. Hopefully we'll be on the same run of good form. More headaches for GS after tonight. I`d love to see a way to have Aiden, Shaun and Naka all play together without having to put Shaun anywhere other than LW where he is his most effective. I`d love to see Aiden on the right where I think he is more natural and Naka pulling strings in the middle or even (dare I say) an early in the 2nd half sub.
Brown played well and should now be convincing all of his worth in the team. Hoping Crosas keeps his place v dons as he has all the potential to be our master conductor.
Just in from a rosary - one of my neighbours passed away yesterday - never heard or seen much of the game yet.
Looking through the posts though it seems as though it has been another good performance.
Paul67;
Do you get the feeling that WGS will make both domestic cups more of a priority this season.
He has a better squad and tonight's starting eleven suggests that unlike previous seasons he will go for having the game sewn up before introducing fringe players.
I know its a bit early but once we hit the consistency button with this squad then add a little in the January window we could be looking at a domestic treble.
Only saw the first half as site crashed at the same time as CQN did. Thought Caddis looked good it shows that we have depth on the team. Hopefully Skoosh gains confidence from his goal and starts to score more regular. Another solid performance by Lee if he keeps it up he will be a fan favourite and one of Kojos fairhair bhoys,
Another happy CQN tonight what are posters going to moan about now.
i agree but he maybee like bbj and needs a few wekks to get back up to speed, he was injured too,,,
i agree that he needs a boot in the erse but if we can forgive big sammy when it goes wrong why not wee scott who started last season the way sammy is doing now,
Good display. Shame both CQN and C67 went down at Half time. C67 came back up just in time for the second goal. Thought the bhoys looked very fit and sharp tonight. We shouldn't underestimate how hard it must be to play to this level against Livi in the CIS Cup. It's a long way from the CL, but the bhoys done good. Pass marks all round. Aiden played his way back into the managers thoughts for Saturday, McDonald will be back on the bench though. Good to know that we have a goal scorer of his class who hasn't even started his season yet.
Despite the unsurpassed incompetence of the ticket office i made the game tonight
i was really glad vi made the effort
the second half was a real treat ...tremedous passing and movement
Sammmy is unplayable by any defence at the moment
Aiden had an excellent second half
and
both were complimented by Brown who had a very encouraging cameo as did Maloney
Loovens had a very comfortable game , and although not playing against much was very composed and disciplined
my only worry was Hinkel ...even against Livi he was reluctant to get forward and his distribution was poor .....he is a better player than his current performances suggest ....
if Caddis was just half a foot taller then he would be the answer ...straight running and bundles of energy .....he had a good game on the right wing ..i just think that he is too short for FB
all in all a nice wee game and a very pleasing second half performance
terrific signal but got this mad glasgow guy commentating.
btw I just realised I'm walking about the city centre tmrw with a bag strapped over my shoulder and 30 wires coming out of it.
Any body says freeze I aint running.
Good day out for me - watched the reserves skill overcome the FOD thuggery with Charlie Adam looking like he is on Skippys diet - didnt stop him kicking teenagers though. Big Ben needs to become Smaller Ben as he is about 20lbs overweight and not mobile enough - but only a lad yet. Of the other contenders for a 1st team berth only O Dea could fill a slot right now - koki and paddy need time and games like today to toughen them up.
Tonight was good - has anyone noticed the improvement (vast) in Sammy since he shed the orange boots for green ones !!!! He now really looks to be a striker and reminds me a bit of PVH. Shaun will win us loads of pens if the refs are fair - like that will happen eh! Scott Brown was the Hibs version when he came on and very unlucky not to get a second goal. Even big Mo had a decent game - but Skippy needs a fitness program and a diet plan soon.
The Green Brigade were immense - from my view in the Celtic End it was hard at times not to watch them and as someone else mentioned the stewards were losing control big time. Oh for the whole stadium to behave like that one day !!!!!! Just like the jungle days of old.
Great display again tonight. Samaras fast becoming immovable from the team. Excellant performances all round. We are moving up the gears. Roll on aberdeen at the weekend. This can only be good for confidence. Onwards to 4IAR!!!!
C67 has the game replaying at the moment for any UK based C67 subscribers. You have to go to the previous matches section though. Once there click on Livingston and hey presto if you want to watch it. Away to watch a great performance again.
Not long back in and just wanted to second everything said above about the performance. Double figures would still have flattered Livingston, who weren't even that bad, we were just unbeatable that second half. Glad my STANDING UP for Scott Brown earlier seems to have worked, the boy looked outstanding, scored a cracker and was involved in the build-up as well - dummying a pass in then making the run for Samaras to flick the ball on to him.
Would also like to STAND UP for Lee Naylor who looked excellent today. We thought he must have had money on himself to score because he was bursting forward and into the box, full of confidence and running, looking much more like the player he was in his first season. Also great to see Aiden back and full of tricks and energy - like Samaras, he was leaving players in his wake. An absolute joy to watch, laying my League Cup watching demons to rest after the Falkirk and Hearts displays of the last two seasons.
Green Brigade lads were excellent as well, never let up for the whole 90 minutes and provided entertainment nearly as good as that on the pitch.
I understand what you are saying about the previous two years but I think we now have more quality in the squad.
I also belive that some (not all) of the football we have seen in the short time since the season began is more of the attacking, fast flowing type that is in our Celtic DNA.
One little concern I have just now though is the crabbit way that Skippy is reacting at times.
I know that it is not a bad thing to have this in the team at times but I would rather have it in the keeper, the defenders or the midfielders.
When it is in a striker the confidence of the other strikers tend to suffer.
I stated after the Falkirk game football was back at Celtic Park. Early days but we are looking great. If we can defend well in Villarreal we MUST have a chance.
And what about Samaras I thought for £1M he was worth the "gamble" considering he cost Man C six and is still a young lad of 23 but I did doubt if he would push Jan and Scott for a starting slot.
I doubt no more. If he continues like this cash rich Man City will be back in for him with a record bid :)
loved about half a dozen players congratulating each other
on the way back to the half way line after the Brown goal.
Nothing fancy just a wee nod and shake of hand.
In other news, it may be a storm in a tea-cup, but things are looking a bit iffy for Hearts. Embdy fancy opening a book on them - gone by Christmas? Maybe Hibs should look to take them over.
Got my History of Celtic DVD package delivered here in Australia on Monday morning. Well done to Celtic FC for such a prompt delivery by processing overseas orders prior to official release date last Friday. Watched first 2 DVDs Monday night and the remaining 2 on Tuesday night before going to bed and early rise for Livi game on Channel67.
It's an excellent production with lots of new footage and aome fascinating contributions plus a few insightful revelations, particularly from Bertie Auld and Big Yogi. Apparently Charlie Tully was a lazy so and so who used every trick in the book to shirk training.
I can thoroghly recommend it if you haven't already got a copy. Tremendous value and a must for every Celtic supporter.
Thoroughly enjoyed the game tonight but could do with a bit less of Jim Craig's bar-room negativity throughout every Channel67 broadcast. He's one of those supporters who think every minute of every game must see Celtic playing fast, open, attacking football with no margin for error. When we score, and go 10 or 15 minutes without a second, it's always the same, "We've gone a bit flat" from Jim, and he never lets up until we do score again, no matter how well we are playing. Give it a rest please Jim and let us just watch the game and listen to the commentary.
Finally, with the Celtic fans recently singing the "Mike McCurry - we know you're a Hun" ditty, surely this puts to bed the oft-claimed nonsense about the Hun word being sectarian, as in a derogatory term for Protestants. That McCurry is a Church of Scotland Minister is well-documented, so why would Celtic fans sing We know you're a Protestant? It ain't no secret. But it is obvious to a bairn with a biscuit erse that they are sayingWe know you're a Rangers man.
Celtic were simply fantastic tonight each and every one of them.
Regardless of the opposition, we can only beat those against us and that we certainly did.
My man of the match - THE GREEN BRIGADE
They danced, they moved, they sung their hearts out for 45 mins - that is what I call SUPPORT.
What a joy to watch and not one bit of malice, bigotry or sectarianism in the songs sung.
To me it proves my age old argument that it is the fans jobs to create the atmosphere that lifts the players, not vice versa. The improvement in football in the second half, was not a coincidence. Any player listening or seeing that is going to want to do well. The opposite is the fans sitting quiet, waiting for something to happen before they create. Someone has a bad first touch, or a stray pass and the 'oooo' and 'ahhs' go round. The players then get nervous and are wary of trying the flicks and the backheels that we witnessed tonight.
The most enjoyable game of football I have witnessed for years.
Aye, the "Hun-as-religious-term" thing has always been patent nonsense.
It's revealed as nonsense by the most obvious scientific experiment - examine the test cases that distinguish a football term from a religious one, and then pose the question to any Celtic fan you care to choose.
Would a Catholic person who supports Rangers be a "Hun"? Yes.
Would a Protestant person who supports Celtic be a "Hun"? No.
And I'd suggest you'd have to go a pretty long way to find any Celtic fan who would answer any different.
How about THIS for a negative journalistic spin on last night's performance?
The article comprises 21 paragraphs, the first 15 of which are both sneering and cynical. It sounds like the guy was spewing at having to report on a convincing Celtic victory.
Nice to see the BBC website has changed the description of Brown's goal from 'tap in' to 'cool lob'. Somehow 'tap in' didn't really do justice to a smart finish after an excellent period of passing involving half the team!
Good to hear the Green Brigade get a mention tonight, got relocated to that corner this season (previously in Area 137 in Jock Stein Lower), but due to overseas work commitments have only been to the game against the huns this season so far. Looking forward to joining in the mayhem!
Prince Myshkin - agree about the demonisation of the word 'hun', as far as I'm concerned it is an accurate description of the mob mentality of the rangers fans and i've never used it, or for that matter, heard it used to describe a member of the Protestant faith because of his religeon, unlike the term 'fenian' which is used indescriminately by 'huns' to refer to Catholics and Celtic fans, as they seem to believe that the two cannot be mutually exclusive. Or something like that....
On the game tonight - great showing. Delighted that the other week's performance against Motherwell was not a one-off.
Add to that the displays against Killie & Falkirk and... y'know, I'm starting to feel that my faith of three seasons - that Gordon would eventually get us winning AND playing fast, attractive football - is coming to pass.
To tell the truth, the thing that really struck me tonight was - wouldn't Tommy have loved this.
And indeed, if there is a line of communication from Here to There, I'll bet he did.
What a performance tonight by our bhoys. A few more games like that against better quality opposition and I might just believe the silky football promised by Gordon has been fulfilled.
We had not one under performing player, they all seemed to have one thing in mind...score, and score again. The movement and passing was a pleasure to watch.
Hopefully we can carry this great team performance into the upcoming Aberdeen game.
The only downside to the afternoons entertainment was Setanta. This joke of an organisation did not broadcast the game stating some crap excuse of not having cameras at the game. Obviously, this caused mayhem with the CSCs in the US (I'm not sure if the other organisations managed to get a feed). Nothing was mentioned on their website nor communicated to the various CSCs. People took time off work fully expecting to see the Hoops match at the clubs.
Does anyone know if Setanta were due to show the game? If not then I'm afraid the Federation really must hold their hands up for failing to inform their membership. From reading the posts on CQN I know the hun game will be shown on BBC so maybe Setanta did not have the rights to broadcast over here but from their sour response to inquiries I half suspect it was a deliberate snub to Celtic and their support.
I managed to watch most of it on C67. Whoever does the internet broadcasting for C67 really should sort themselves out. The feed gave up just at half time. Thankfully they got it sorted about 15 mins into the 2nd half.
To be fair, Livi didn't really challenge us tonight.
The gulf between the two divisions was obvious in every department.
Livi were unable to keep possession for any length of time and their defence looked slow in both thought and action.
In the early 50s, the great Hungarian Magyars, who were almost unbeatable, used to prepare for games by playing against much inferior opposition and running up high scores to increase confidence and improve understanding between the players.
Incidentally I remember them playing to a full house at Hampden in a mid week afternoon game. Late 1954 I think it was and the park had to be covered in straw to protect it from the frost. Score was either 4-1 or 4-2, probably the latter. They were the first team I remember who concentrated on passing and interchanging and retaining possession. They had previously humiliated England who thought themselves as Europes premiere side. Plus ca change.
Back to my point. Games like this will improve our understanding and has allowed Gordon to see what the likes of Loovens, Caddis and Donati will offer, and whether they can be trusted to be thrown in for emergency cover. It will also help build confidence in the players and in the support. It may also help dismiss the scuttlebuck against the manager from the media and sections of our support about dressing room rifts and managerial bias. (Well maybe not)
Scintillating performance from Samaras. The guy will have games when much of what he tries will not come off and we will just have to be patient with him.
He looks a good bet at this stage for 30 goals this season, if you can find a bookie to take your money.
We have a lot of natural skill and creativity on board now with Maloney, McGeady, Nakamura, Samaras and Crosas. I am sure our management team will know how to harness this talent and take us on a winning run which will put pressure on our cousins down river.
Personally, I think it's time that the US and Canadian CSCs, approached Celtic and made arrangements for the legitimate showing of games via CH67 and ditched Setanta. The quality on the HD stream is excellent.
At least we can then depend on it.
We have the technology, unless you use a Mac of course.
Strachan thrilled as axed McGeady dazzles on his return
Gordon Strachan lavished praise on Aiden McGeady as the axed winger returned to
the Celtic starting line-up with a five-star display.
A 4-0 thrashing of First Division leaders Livingston in the Co-operative Insurance Cup at Parkhead saw Georgios Samaras take his tally for the season to eight with two goals in a fine individual display.
New £2.5million defender Glenn Loovens claimed his first goal in a Celtic jersey, with Scott Brown also netting a rare strike.
McGeady hit woodwork twice as Celtic threatened to run riot - with Strachan
describing the Irish international’s performance as ‘fantastic’.
Reported to have had a major bust-up with last season’s Player of the Year after the recent Old Firm defeat, the Celtic manager went some way to building bridges when he said: ‘Aiden deserved a goal tonight. He did everything but score and that run he
went on was truly fantastic.
‘I was right behind him and, at the last moment, the ball just moved a bit. It would have been great for him to score a goal as well, but he must be really pleased with his performance.’
Strachan was equally enthusiastic about the performance of Samaras.
‘I don’t know if Sami is at the top of his game, I hope not.’ he said. ‘If it’s down to him, he will do even better because you are talking about a guy who cannot get enough information to make himself better. At the moment, he is playing some top football. It
helps if your team is playing well for an attacking player, but he is doing a lot.
‘When you talk to him, you can tell in his eyes that he wants to do better. He is a guy who is listening because we did set-plays this morning and usually they are forgotten. But he never forgets anything, he is listening to everything we say.
‘At the moment he looks good value. But we judge people at the end of their contract. He is big on the group thing and he has great humility about him.
'Last year Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored 50 between them and hopefully now we can get the midfield scoring.
‘But there was a great variation of play tonight, you could have picked three or four guys who could have been man of the match.’
Dutchman Loovens played beside skipper Stephen McManus in preparation for Gary Caldwell’s SPL suspension this weekend - and opened the scoring with a textbook header.
‘Glenn was terrific,’ added Strachan. ‘He got in good positions and made it difficult for strikers to play. He has good presence at both ends.’
Livingston coach Roberto Landi praised the contribution of his inexperienced line-up, saying: ‘I am not disappointed because we played this match with a big advantage.
‘We had no pressure - playing at Celtic Park is a dream and now it’s finished. But I’m satisfied because my team played good football.
‘We suffered at the hands of a big, physical team. We have only small players and we played good football, but we were playing a strong, strong team and we had a problem with that.
‘It’s a fantastic experience for 90 per cent of my players. They are young and tonight they understood what it’s like to play in the SPL.’
Celtic 4-0 Livingston: Samaras puts Celtic on easy street
Glenn Loovens heads home Celtic’s opener and sets the SPL champions on their way to a comfortable win over Livingston
CELTIC last night steered an untroubled course into the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup as another radical overhaul in personnel by manager Gordon Strachan paid dividends against a game but ultimately overpowered Livingston side. Georgios Samaras enhanced his status as the current idol of the Celtic support....and CQN's o1bhoy.... his two goals taking his tally for the campaign to an impressive nine, as the Scottish champions cruised into tomorrow's last eight draw.
While they will face far tougher challenges than the one posed by the First Division leaders, this was a result which lent credibility to Strachan's claim that his current squad is his strongest yet at the club.
The new revolving door selection policy introduced by Strachan meant only four of the starting line-up from Sunday's SPL win at Kilmarnock retained their places for the start of Celtic's attempt to win the League Cup for the first time in three years.
Artur Boruc, Stephen McManus, Lee Naylor and Samaras were the surviving quartet on a night when several of the incomers would feel they had a point to prove to the manager. None more so, perhaps, than Aiden McGeady who started for the first time since the 4-2 defeat at home to Rangers at the end of August. The Republic of Ireland international winger returned on the left of an unfamiliar midfield completed by Massimo Donati, Paul Hartley and Paul Caddis.
Livingston, who passed the ball crisply and showed no signs of apprehension, made a bright start and might have sown a seed of doubt in the minds of the reshuffled home side had on-loan Hearts striker Calum Elliot been able to take a decent chance after just six minutes.
Rocco Quinn, loaned to Livingston from Celtic for six months and whose appearance in this tie had been the subject of some pre-match negotiation between the clubs, picked out Elliot with a good cross from the right but the Scotland under-21 international slashed his first- time shot wildly off target.
Celtic responded through the in-form Samaras, the Greek striker's loping stride allowing him to burst clear down the right and feed Scott McDonald who steered a low shot narrowly wide of Livingston keeper Roddy McKenzie's right-hand post.
McGeady, understandably eager to get involved whenever possible, stretched the visitors' defence with a darting run into the penalty area where he combined with McDonald to set up a snapshot for Donati. The Italian, making his first appearance of the season, saw his powerful effort beaten away by McKenzie.
McKenzie rescued Livingston again with a brave save at the feet of Samaras after more incisive build-up work from McGeady, but the goalkeeper was left impotent when Celtic made their 24th minute breakthrough.
It was a sweet moment for Glenn Loovens, the Dutch central defender making only his second appearance for the club following his £2.5million move from Cardiff City last month. After a sustained spell of pressure, he got on the end of a fine Caddis cross to plant a firm header beyond McKenzie's right hand into the corner of the net.
Caddis almost doubled the lead when he beat the Livingston offside trap with a well timed run but saw his shot blocked for a corner by McKenzie. McDonald should have put Celtic firmly in command four minutes before half-time but wastefully headed McGeady's cross at McKenzie.
Samaras tested McKenzie again with a stinging 20 yard shot at the start of the second half as Celtic sought the comfort of a second goal. Their superiority was now patently obvious and the West Lothian side rode their luck when a sweetly struck free-kick from Hartley rebounded from the crossbar with McKenzie beaten but the second goal Celtic fully merited duly arrived in the 63rd minute.
McGeady, growing in influence, looped over a cross from the left which picked out Loovens at the far post. The defender nodded it back across goal to provide Samaras with the simplest of close-range headers into an unguarded net to claim his eighth goal of the season.
Celtic, with Scott Brown on for the lacklustre Donati, continued to push for more goals and McGeady was desperately unfortunate to see a shot rebound off McKenzie's left-hand post after another forward surge.
With Livingston's spirit broken, Celtic emphasised the gulf in class between the sides with two more goals in the closing ten minutes. Brown exchanged passes with Samaras before delightfully chipping in number three, then the Greek made it 4-0 when he sent McKenzie the wrong way with a penalty kick awarded after substitute Shaun Maloney had been fouled by Dave Mackay.
Arsenal: The Model l Would Like to Celtic Follow on and off the Park (We Do) Won 6-0 Last Night with the Youngest Side in their History a Average age of 19yr....any of the Stat Men Know our Average age Last Night....????
Last Night was a Great Confidence booster after 'them' and Aallborg....
I Personally Would Hand the Reigns to Neil Lennon for the Remaining CIS Ties.... Basically with WGS Telling Him Which Players to Rest but Letting Him Pick the Team....The Fringe Players Would Love it and The Celtic Support Would Give Lennon the Backing all the Way....To The Final....
I wish you had spotted me at the game last night,But alas I was at home last night having to listen to banal commentary by so called BBC Sports Brodcasters,I cringed after every mouthful,that came out of their talentless bodies,and to think we have to pay for that drivel.
Yea Setanta OZ in their Infinite Wisdom Chose to Cover TFOD Game Down Here Tonight....Looks Like we Missed a Good Game with 7 changes from Sunday's Starting 11....
Don't Know if You Seen my ' Value Bet ' for last night Georgious to score 1st and 4-0 @ 30/1 ha ha I'll never learn.... ;o))))
Hope all is Well with You....l will be Back for that Beer at Some Point This Season....just Dinnae Ken When.... ;o((((
I Heard Rome in Spring Time is Fandabbi-Dossie....
I shouldn't have gone to the Aalborg game,Missed the two games since,and I seemed to have missed a couple of good games.
I watched the game on Channel67 at midnight and was impressed, although it was 1st division opposition we played well within ourselves.
The passing and movement for the Scott Brown goal was as good as it gets,especially the interplay between Aiden and Lee in the leadup to the well take goal.
I know you bet Sammy to be top scorer at the end of the season,and barring injury your on to a good thing,And I seriously hope you get your bet up.
Yes I did notice your "Value Bet"again very hard luck,but surely it would only be Value if it comes up.
Sorry I'm being a bit pedantic there.
I'll certainly have a glass or three with you on your sojourn back to the old country,looking forward to it,pity you couldn't make it at the same time as Kit.
!st? CMON THE HOOPPS!
In my fever to get in 1st I can't even spell correctly!
C'MON THE HOOPS!
Regarding the 'McGeady axed' debate, be careful of our time old enemy - the Scottish medja - they will ALWAYS focus on our negatives. That's them doing their bit.
Last season we were 'too reliant on McGeady'. Now we have two players who will push each other's performance levels up, we have diversity in how our team plays and are no longer predictable in our line up or our method of play. GENUINE COMPETITION.
EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE CRYING OUT FOR LAST SEASON!!!
Now we have it, the press are looking for the negative. Just now, that negative is McGeady not starting. Hey presto.
Next will be Samaras and McDonald and JVOH. GENUINE COMPETITION. Three into two won't go and I'll bet McDonald is the target. 31 goals and can't get a start - wee moany is a prime candidate for a wee quote somewhere along the line.
Next will be midfield. Robson, Hartley, Crosas, Brown and Donati. Any 2 from 5? GENUINE COMPETITION. OK, maybe not Donati, but someone will be picked on as the fall guy.
And of course there's Naka. He's for the offski. Every transfer window since he came here he's been for the offski. We've even had invented quotes and collective 'astounded of forehead' that he's STILL HERE!!
So predictable. Don't fall for it.
We should love the fact that Aiden can be dropped and replaced by Maloney. We should love the fact that Shaun can be dropped and replaced by Aiden. And, my own personal hope, that Shaun, Aaiden and Naka become the first three names on the teamsheet for home games at Paradise.
Are they worried? They should be.
.
Will Post after Trisha finishes....
o1bhoy
3-IN-A-ROW! But I prefer at least 4!
Anyone heading for BBs post game? - might head in.
My team for tonight -
Brown
Wilson
Loovens
McManus
Naylor
Caddis
Robson
?????? (probably Crosas)
Maloney
Samaras
McDonald
Just been watching the re-run of the Celtic Reserves v Dundee United on Chan 67.
Caddis..Caddis.. and Caddis.
What a prospect!
He is ready willing Most Able, to take his place in the Celtic Foist Eleven.
I must see him in the Game Tonight..at least for a run -out.
If I do not.. then ... I swear I will Tear up Paper!
Kojo.
Jungle-ed. From last thread.
Ah! Remember that well. We used to belt it out at the end of a mission. Usually followed by "We Stand for God" - and we finished with "Faith of Our Fathers"!
Goosebumps my friend!
Varga's Shampoo, Cardiff Bhoy, Dalgety Bhoy & Roccobhoy:
You all have mail re-Villareal requiries your URGENT attention!
Hail Hail!
Sprained my ankle on Friday night and have been immobilised since the. Just managed to hobble my way to the PC.
Great performance at the weekend.
Looking forward to hearing greater selection problems for WGS after tonights performance. I hope to see a few unexpected faces in the team tonight and I hope they stake a place for first team inclusion for Saturday. I wonder what our CB pairing will be for tonight.
Every time I hear WGS relate to the media I just want to slap him on the back - shout out loud "well done" , "more please"
Hail Hail
o1Bhoy
was jack simpson on,wearing his hun tap and his 17 yr old pregnant girlfriend,no whit whit mean nat man,any chace ay a tap fur a bootel a buckie big man no ,hey trisha no bad lookin bit a gear by the way man no
.
Kojo...
What did you think of Young Kevin Cawley....
o1bhoy
Jungle-ed,
My sister's father-in-law give's that song an airing every Saturday night. It's akin to standing up for the anthem...
I'd say the definite starters in the team at the moment, not necessarily for this game as we may want to experiment, are:
Boruc
Caldwell
Crosas
Samaras
And that's it, if McGeady can get back to last season's form he'd join that list.
.
loumacarisbettingslip....
Naw Jist The Same Wee Small Minded....Never Been Anywhere....Dole Bludger....Small Town....Coudnae Affored a Trip Tae Larggs....Small Minded....Hope They Hivnae Goat Kids....Never Worked in their Life....English Rangers Supporters....as Usual....
Trisha Wis Lookin Top' Dollar ' Tho....
o1bhoy
Jungle Ed
Vatican`s favourite player signs for Rangers
The vatican`s favourite player Damiano Tommasi,almost as famous for his philanthropy as his footballing skills, has signed for Rangers.Mr Tomassi , injured in a pre season friendly when playing for Roma, insisted on being paid 1200 per month at a time when team-mate Toti was on 800,000 per month.
I now understand the resentment of many posters on Bobo abiding by his contract.But how did God`s favourite team miss out on the Vatican`s favourite footballer? By the way the Rangers are of the QPR variety.
Perhaps a more believable story (again from the Catholic Herald)
Fr Antonio Rungi has had to cancel a beauty contest for nuns following objections from his bishop.Fr Rungi had been expecting more than 1000 nuns to enter the Sister Italia contest.
.
NAKA....Dropped....
o1bhoy
Lennybhoy - i'd be grateful if you can email me at:
stephen.connelly@hotmail.co.uk
thanks
.
TNT....
Any Links for TV or Radio coverage Mate....????
o1bhoy
Anyone?
Re: Villareal game, what channel is showing the game?
I have to be in Hull next week
Any ideas about seeing the game?
RRC
U2_1888 at 6.26 pm
I absolutely agree with that.
Case in point:
McGregor dropped for Alexander on Saturday.
What was the media reaction?
A/ "McGregor storms out of Ibrox to gorgeous burd's house for some gorgeous-burd-type quality time"
B/ "McGregor's agent demands showdown talks with Walter with Super Ally holding the cardigans"
C/ "Genius Walter has his two brilliant and handsome goalies at 120% to fight for the No. 1 jersey and for the title"
lamartine
Pity about the nuns beauty contest, I was looking forward to the calendar coming out.
Hail Hail
o1bhoy
Are you sure he hasn't been axed?
o1bhoy
BBC radio scotland are broadcasting live coverage, available on line
Sportsound
RRC
Vargas Shampoo:
Just redirected e-mail as requested.
Hail Hail!
Starting line-up for tonight:
1 Boruc Artur
2 Hinkel Andreas
3 Naylor Lee
4 McManus Stephen
22 Loovens Glenn
52 Caddis Paul
11 Hartley Paul
18 Donati Massimo
7 McDonald Scott
9 Samaras Georgios
46 McGeady Aiden
.
Bhoy Sean....
That Wee Ginger Heeded Charlatin Midget Poisioned Leprecaurn WGS....hAS sTABBED hIM IN tHE bACK yETT AGian....
I am Gerry McDodgyKnee & Shoooie Bonekers Keegans a Lump a Wid....
o1bhoy
Naka and Aiden for President....
1 Boruc Artur
2 Hinkel Andreas
3 Naylor Lee
4 McManus Stephen
22 Loovens Glenn
52 Caddis Paul
11 Hartley Paul
18 Donati Massimo
7 McDonald Scott
9 Samaras Georgios
46 McGeady Aiden
A father on real radio saying that his daughters not been paid at Tynecastle and that she might not have a job on Monday.
Paul67 - Celtic v Livingstone? Dr, I presume?
Lurgan53, optimistic little soldier amd lamartine,
I think it would make a splendid riposte to "that song", either that or Hail Glorious St Patrick!
50,000 lifting the roof off Parkhead, goosebumps indeed.
Jungle-ed
o1bhoy and canamalar
The game is being shown in the North American CSC, live-footy are trying to find a link and will put one up as soon as they get one. If it is shown on the web somewhere I will find it.
My dear,dear,dear,dear,dear,friend... 01Bhoy
Kevin Cawley.. great wee player.
He is a goal scorer,as well.
I like him.
When he puts on some muscle like Aiden did, he will be a woild class player... he is young yet... I guess he is Seventeen.
Kojo.
yer pal ...who likes ye.
game not on any channel tonight?
o1bhoy
mail me at whitedoghunch@hotmail.co.uk
got a nag for you
Real Radio now saying McGeady has requested a transfer!!
.
TNT....
Thanks....
Have You Put Jack to Bed.... ;o))))
o1bhoy
Celtic Team ..Official..
Boruc
Hinkel, Naylor, McManus and Loovens
Caddis Hartle, Donati,
McDonald, Samaras and McGeady.
Kojo.
I guess, I goat ma wish..
Caddis and Massimo... Yo !!
Is this game on Radio Scotland or somewhere else???
.
whitedoghunch....
Mail to Ya....
o1bhoy
Is it half 7 or 7:45 k.o.?
Hail Hail!
strong bench aswell if needs be
mark brown
caldwell
jvoh
scott brown
shaun maloney
terrible news about aiden if true. aiden is very tempermental though so i wouldnt be surprised to hear him hand in a transfer request one day and then regret it the next
timbhoy05:
Don't believe the media, Aiden wont have asked for a transfer!
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Gents, is there anywhere streaming the game tonight?
.
Trisha Live-Updates....
Are GREEN Teeth Trendy in the UK At the Mo.....????
o1bhoy
lads, sure this has been asked but is this game being shown on any tv channel?
real radio talking p..h
as usual.
i would be surprised if he did aswell.
he didnt appear to be a very unhappy player when samaras was celebrating his goal.
anyway lhads, i'm off to footie training so will miss the match.
cmon the hoops
hail hail
Lennybhoy - i got your email, but theres no text on it. Can you drop me a quick line & i'll give you my mobile number
.
TNT....
Pleeeese Hurry Up.... Pleeeeese....
o1bhoy
o1bhoy
GreenTeeth
Love
Vargas Shampoo:
resent the attachment.
Hail Hail
http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/tue23.9/Celtic_Livingston.html
enjoy
o1 bhoy
You don't want green teeth, says Lucy Siegle, but it's worth considering the environmental cost of keeping them white
ShaneMcGowanCsc
I'm confused is the game on the radio or not ?
OK got it, it is on Radio Scotland.
Lots of empty seats at parkhead
OK it's not actually full match commentary.
SouthLondonTim,
Match commentary on Radio Scotland ?
If so can you be so kind and post the link?
Ta
Hail Hail
Southlondontim.
Its on Radio Scotland but I can only get it through satellite. Not a commentary. Continuous updates on all matches
awe_naw
It's 'open mikes' as they call it :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6400000/newsid_6407100/6407137.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&news=1&null=1&bbcws=1
can anyone provide an occasional text update here?
(I'm not connecting up with any of those audio links ...)
.
SOAL....
Dreamtime Trisha Live-Update....
Re; Coach & Player Split-Up
Trisha: So Aiden why do you HATE WGS....
A McG: Kis HE Disnae Like Me AM RA Best....
TrISHA: bUT how Do you know that Aiden....
A McG: Kis a Jist Dae....Trisha....
A Mcg: Huh Huh Hu huh (Greetin Greeetin).....
Sami: But Aiden Mibeees Yir NO pLAYIN IS gOOD AS iTHER pEOPLE.... ;O))))
Maloney: Aiden Why Don't wi Jist Lit The Wee Barra (WGS) Pick the Team....????
Penders: His Embdy Seen Ma Sat-Nav Tactics-Positional Who's a Diddy-Computer Clipboard-Etshasketch-Pad....????
Trisha: The Lie Detector after the Break....
o1drphilopratrishaCSC
SouthLondonTim
I had to give up on the 'open mike' programme.
There was no football! It was just a bunch of chumps cracking lame in-jokes. What a waste of licence fee.
1-0 Celtic =loovens
Loovens 1-0
1-0 Celtic, Loovens.
GOAL!! Loovens
Loovens!!
Drop Sammaras now!!
We've got that Looven feeling
Excellent cross by Caddis and a fine header from Loovens.
Good work by McDonald in the build up too.
Goal... Celtic..
Cross from Caddis...
Loovens... heads home
Celtic 1 Livi0
"Lurgan53: Drop Sammaras now!!"
*laugh*
Quizzler
Apparently it's on sopcast from Celtic TV's feed. I can't be bothered downloading the software but if you can do it then it's there - apparently.
KingSnake
TextAlert
1 nil Celtic
SouthLondonTim,
Ta ... I´ve got it now on SAT
Wish Chic Young would just shut up .. the mans a haverer
Nice we pick me up for Glen Loovens
Northampton 1 up against Sunderland
The Bhoys are taking the game very seriously. The ball is being moved around very quickly. Donati looking off the pace so far.
Mick gives away a stupid FK in front of our box but comes to nothing.
Whats with the refs wearing those bright red satin strips these day
.
WDH....Cheers....Honky Dory.....
o1bhoy
Caddis one on one with the goalie but fluffs it for a corner
Caddis clean through but fluffed it
What time was k.o.?
Hail Hail!
o1bhoy
don't be put off by tonights performance it is usually superb and well policed.
McD just wide after an excellent ball from Aiden
Naylor shows why he is never allowed to take a free kick when Naka, Shaun or Robson are playing.
Skippy has half a chance but rolls it past the left-hand post from 18 yards out.
Caddis knows how to deliver a cross into the box. Left or right peg too.
I got the scores from the Beeb, was hoping for a narrative. Bring out your inner TV presenter ...
Aiden puts it on a plate again for McD but headed srtaight at the keeper
.
BHOYS....
MY BHOY SAMI-CAM....PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE....
o1bhoy
Does Caddis usually play wing in the reserve matches? or are we playing five at the back?
Shot from Aiden just wide following a 40 yd run from his own half
Half time McGeady had a nice try from 20 yards out prior to that Aiden put a crossed a nice ball into Sammi who had a half-hearted stab at it. Caddis, Aiden and Loovens are shining
HT Celtic 1-0 Livingston
Tidy first half performance. Sloppiness in the final 3rd has kept the score respectable for Livingston. Aiden came more into the game and finished up our strongest player out there. Caddis also looking good. McDonald has wasted two excellent chances and will need to sharpen up or put his bench warming tracksuit back on for the next game.
The defense have had very little to do but we need to score a second to make the game safe.
Good goal by Loovens made possible by an excellent cross from Caddis. Keeper had no chance.
. dREAMtime Cometh....
o1bhoy
WTF happened there ? Even the crappy streaming video I was watching crashed !!!
Just found out the final score was 4 - 0 !
pablophaque
Is the blog playing up again?
Paul, can you get your money back on the new server !!!???
palophanque
Got home to catch the last 14 minutes on CH67....
Deelightful quarter of an hours viewing.
Bhoys look to be a happy bunch.
BobbyRussell
Ir was with me during the game.
are we back again?
A very nice game to watch...what can you say about Sammi? First class.
McGeady, Loovens, and Donati all had good games. I wish Gordon had allowed Massimo a while longer.
A good win for the Bhoys, even if was only against Livingston.
Hail Hail
Can anyone update us on team performances tonight?
/Bishop B
3-1 & 4-0 in two games in three days.
This squad has possibilities.
LucozadeCSC
I only had Radio Scotland's coverage, sounded very impressive! OK, it's only Livi but may the goals keep going in and let big Sam keep putting the ball in the net!
update on tonights performance
From start to finish Celtic domonated and played football the Glasgow Celtic way - it was a joy to watch.
The passes were zipping around and we had flair, pace and imagination (Quality Street Gang in the making)
Samaras looks like a 15m player - pace , control , interplay, goals and sheer hard work.
Caddis looks pacey , whips in a great cross and probably needs more 1st team games to tone his excitement
Loovans , though not Bobo dominant, looks athletic and composed.
Brown looked hungry when he came on and finished superbly (Dalglish like chip over advancing keeper) after some wonderful build up play.
McGeady was ....Mcgeady
Overall - Celtic are going in the right direction , We also trounced Ranger 3-1 in the reserves (Hutchinson scoring against them again - a man of habit)
I'm happy - bring on Aberdeen
Who are we playing tomorrow?
Good stuff tonight. Should have been double figures. Aiden and Sami superb. Scott Brown very good too.
BBs CSC
Thanks for the update stebhoy.
Sounds like the team are really starting to motor.
Hail, hail!
/Bishop B
Narrowbhoat, cheers for the shout earlier, went through my links again and managed a choppy first half, settled for audio second half, looks like I'll need to stumble accross the harp bar in paris "oh what a surprise" will need to be the line on saturday, I'm no missing the aberdeen game.
Folks,
Just back from the game, for the last three years I could have fallen asleep at Celtic Park, tonight I was interested, we might be going in the right direction, well done Celtic, well done WGS.
Sounds exciting stuff no matter the opposition.
Hail Hail indeed.
Just watched the Killie game from the weekend, was wondering what the `Sloop John B` song constantly being belted out was about. Was it directed at McCurry?
Hello Paul67 et al,
you probably know this but just in case you thought we were all watching Extreme Makeover on UKTVStyle - the blog was out-of-reach for most of the game. High traffic due to no telly or radio? Jack Simpson probably laughing diabolically that all us TRAITORS were denied access.
Anyway, every cloud etc. Stumbled upon Gavin Strachan blog on the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/gavinstrachan/2008/09/welcome_to_the_gavin_strachan.html
Purported Carl Muggleton comment the 'highlight' so far.
Hail hail
Where are the Doom Merchants now ? Rangers had their day.
This squad is just getting into gear. Bring it on.
just back in from the match
good game..
and the green brigade were immense tonight
they are a credit to the club
BobbyRussell on September 23, 2008 10:10 PM
yes.. sung again tonight also
I thought Sami was fantastic tonight. Not so Mac, Hinkel or Donati.
Aiden ok 1st half, very good 2nd. His runs to the heart of their defence were unstoppable. Caddis done very well. So was Brown when he came on. His goal was worth turning up for. Don't miss it.
I have to say the singing tonight is the best I've ever heard from a crowd of 25,000. The lads in the Lower LL were absolutely fantastic. Take a bow, I hope someone can post on Youtube the dancing to the 'We Love You' song. You had us in hysterics!! Along with the guys in the Upper corner of the JS/NS, I take my hat off to you all.
Hail!Hail!
Great we are back to ... er hammering teams, long may it continue.
GG, I think you have found your home.
Derbyshire, if we are indulging in genuine squad rotation, no arguements from me. I already stated I think Aiden was suffering burn out and Neil Lennon has backed that up. Dont think anyone on here can categorically state he has lost a yard of pace, we are only half a dozen games into the season. Lets enjoy the buzz, as team 4 could be about to deliver the football we are all after.
Let's shake on it.
Bobby Russell
The song from sunday was
"We know you're a Hun, We know you're a hu u un
Mike McCurry- We know you're a hun"
Thanks, Smashy
hod a dod.
Everything crashed in here.
Pure Panic.
As I had an EEG today I have 20 odd wires
glued to my heid and tucked into a bick battery I'm
carrying round my neck
We began to worry.
Monitor seizures nearly had one !!
Bobby Russell
No probs. I had to tell Jug as well....
should get the refs to wear this contraption I have on to monitor
thier brain activity ... apart from Brines ___________________-.
mb1964
btw..
the original is actually a 50's american r&b song sung by a 16 yo lass
Little Peggy March Lyrics
"Little Peggy March I Will Follow Him lyrics"
http://www.lyricstime.com/little-peggy-march-i-will-follow-him-lyrics.html
slow ... but speeded up by the writers of a movie called sister act and turned into a hymn and being more up tempo
blagged by st pauli and now adopted by us; an aussie team and a few others
Leabrannagh
Consider it shook. Like you I like what I'm seeing and I'm looking forward to more. What really pleases me is the thought of the groans from opposition benches when one tormentor goes off only to be replaced by another.
Just in from the game.
Second half full of tricks and flicks once we got domination over a well organised defence,
MOTM was Giorgios again but Aiden was a close second, as he laid on 2 headers on a plate for Skippy and Skoosh, both missed. Loovens scored one and made one, and Scott Brown contributed entertainingly to the show off stuff at the end. Watch the 3rd goal on the highlights to see a wonderful Samaras flick to Skoosh.
If we can take this form into the next 2 home games, we will enjoy ourselves. A different style may be needed for Villareal.
whitedoghunch
are you Iron Man?
walking around with the duracell
:-)
"should get the refs to wear this contraption I have on to monitor
thier brain activity ... apart from Brines ___________________"
-----------
Brain monitor on Mr Brines = heart monitor on Mrs Thatcher
Waste of a contrapshun, innit?
just in from the game, thought 2nd half very good,some good movement up front,wee skippy couple of weeks behind, the green brigade were superb and the stewards will never want to work that area again
livvy fans doing the bouncy bouncy, scum bags...
all in all vgood evening...looking forward to saturday and the aberdeen game
northside_dweller
this battery is the size of a box of chocolates.
Half my skull is titanium does that make me irom man/Bhoy
What a lovely game!
I was Particularly Pleased as Punch, with the Performance turned in so Professionally, by Master Brown.
Excellent,kiddo.
Ya done good! And yer GOAL, had everything!
It wiz the culmination of a Build up, of Bobby-Dazzler Proportions..right oot of the Hotspur.
Or as my second best Friend Kelso .said tae me..as we watched it...
"Am I watchin' the same guys? Pinch me, somebody.!"
Yes, Kelso, ole chappie..
Ye hiv jist watched a game.. where every Celtic Player was determined tae show his Boss..
"Hey, Chief.. Look at Me! Looky Here! "
I am delighted for Gordon..
Whit a verification o' his brilliant Dod of Perspicacious Soccer Nous!
Our Manager, waanted Three Men , fur each and every position in the Team...Noo, that he's goat that...
Wella...
Look oot Everyboady, here Come THE Celtic!
And Today's Team Performance by Celtic...gave the Manager Full Vindication for his idea.
NOTA BENE!!!!!!
TEAM PERFORMANCE!!
Fur that wiz what it wiz..
From Back-Field tae Mid-Field .. tae Shawfield( Whit?.ed)( Hey, so it disnae make sense... STILL, it has a nice Ring tae it!)the Whole Celtic Team, did their Bit fur Victory!... Winston, wid hiv bin Proud!
Yep, you Hoid, me..
This was a Celtic TEAM, Victory..
No wan Passenger oan Board..
Sure, Macko missed a couple.. but, I felt sorry fur the Man... He did his part... and don't worry, his lean time wull pass.. Macko played his part..as well.
So...
I know I should single out,the man o' the match..
But, AH wullnae.
It wuz a game where... EVERYBOADY WAAANTED TAE GET INTAE DA ACT..
And..Ye kNow Sumtin.folks..
Dat Wuz Jake Wit' Me!
Kojo.
Excellent evening's entertainment, just what I was hoping for.
Giorgios is looking better each time I see him.
whitedoghunch
box of choc's size battery..
gordon bennet.. modern technology eh..
i assume its alba made and not japanese then
The GB song that used to annoy me....
o1bhoys song for Sammi
a wee thought on scott mcdonald..when he gets fit he will bang them in again imo
hail hail
A thoroughly entertaining performance tonight. We're looking better and better. If the consistency comes then things will be looking extremely rosy in our garden.
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned it tonight but as well as the players providing fantastic entertainment a word of praise should also be directed to the green brigade who were terrific all match.
Smashy, what about Weedo and Loom?
thx estadio
northside_dweller
dinnae ken its in a german camera bag and I'm not opening it whilst typing !
I thought best part of the game was the Choir
Celtic need to try and get a singing section going
because when they start it the rest will want to join
and soon we will be back to old days of cheering our team
instead of what happened last weel against Aalborg.
I had my two bhoys with me tonight and my nine year
old wants to swap his seat.
Excellent Celts, excellent.
Those fans in the lower NE corner were fantastic and hilarious . well done guys. It was also noticeable that more fhans joined that area in the 2nd half to join in the fun. Brilliant guys.
I never could understand fhans who didnt want big George to stay - keep it up big man
Skippy needs to learn how to link with team mates
So glad wee Shaun came back, his link play & one touch stuff is superb
Not long through the door from the game and would like to second the compliments being dished out to the LL. I am a Jock Stein man but tonight the Green Brigade were phenomenal, some party going on!
Some great football played tonight in the second half particularly, McGeady, Sammi, and Brown when he entered the game, were excellent. Just wish Aiden's effort had hit the inside of that post!
McDonald is a big concern though, his body language is worrying, poor attitude tonight, come on Skippy put the work in and keep your head up son!
Bring on the Aberdeen :-)
P.S. A big thank you to all the guys who gave me advice on getting a laptop over a month or so ago, I finally got it yesterday and should hopefully be back on a bit more for the rest of the season.
Hail Hail
Anybody think naylors form is linked to maloney, two years away and naylor looks lost, six weeks back and naylor has new lease of life.
Remember the word - ambience.
Living in Sweden I only see proper football on Ch67+ or tv.
Watched G Samaras when he came to Man C and he really looked a player, after which he then fell away.
Then he came to us for, an alledged, significant drop in wages, and started out o.k.
Now he is on fire, exactly like he started at Man C.
The difference? - ambience. Yes, he wanted to play regular first-team football, but he also what he needs.
He is a confidence player - his skill is never in doubt, especially to him, but his confidence depends on outside factors.
Support from his manager, which he seems to feel from GS, support from his teammates, (who seem to be very supportive of each other) PLUS a Celtic support who see and appreciate what he is doing. Put it all together and you have ambience.
Without it G Samaras will become an under-achiever
When his form dips, as does everyones, Celtic supporters will make or break him. Turn on him and he is gone - keep supporting him and he will respond.
Maybe, in time, he can even teach Scott McD how to control a pass with his back to goal.
Hope you get my drift - Sami will go off the boil sometime. How we react decides whether he gets over it or disappears into obscurity.
Cheers
Alex
Can anyone ever remember Celtic being awarded so many penalties in so few matches? I remember going an entire season and being awarded hee-haw-mcgraw penalties despite stone wallers littering the season.
Now we have 5 penalties awarded and it's only mid September.
Wake me up, someone.
Just a wee word on the We love you song. I originally heard sung by St Pauli fans on youtube, they're fantastic at it. A few supporters from my local team in belfast 'Cliftonville' then started it singing it over here mid way through last season, next thing you know it's at Parkhead.
Anybody got any links to goals, highlights? Also what is this St Pauli song? Again any youtube links etc would be appreciated.
Cracking result, only spoiled by blog having a huff and refusing to let me in to view updates, had to relay on bbc website for scores. Saw some drivel from guy called Sutherland praising Broadfoot and slagging of Artur Boruc god I hate the Scottish media so much.
st pauli handball game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHLWclMs_Pw
why
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-kl93Husv0
blantyretim
Re. Scott McD
"When he gets fit"
Why isn't he fit now, the last week in September?
Wasn't he the guy who came back earlier than required to pre-season just to avoid falling behind his teammates?
He appears to me like someone who has started to believe his own publicity and is a long way from living up to itCheers
Alex
There must be a fair few teams wishing they had come on for our Sami. He has been sensational over the last few games. He never stops running and links well with others. He set Scott Brown up beautifully for his goal.
Brown looked very lively when he came on, although to be fair the Livi defence was tiring by then. He should have scored a second, heading against the keeper from about three yards.
Overall, a very good performance!
In from the game. I'll be truthful and say I was not looking forward to going but it ended up a good night at the game.
It was 4 going on 10. If Scott M had a better attitude he would have had a hat trick + tonight. The free kick at the end for Scott Bsheader summedup tonight plenty of chances made but not taken but overall a good night of football from 7 changes from the startng line up on Sunday.
I think we have started with 18 different players over the last 2 games and only 4 have not been full internationalists..could be wrong. I think we have possibly the strongest squad for many a year
Good composed performance by the tic. There's a long way left this season and I for one cannae wait till the next rankers game. Hopefully we'll be on the same run of good form. More headaches for GS after tonight. I`d love to see a way to have Aiden, Shaun and Naka all play together without having to put Shaun anywhere other than LW where he is his most effective. I`d love to see Aiden on the right where I think he is more natural and Naka pulling strings in the middle or even (dare I say) an early in the 2nd half sub.
Brown played well and should now be convincing all of his worth in the team. Hoping Crosas keeps his place v dons as he has all the potential to be our master conductor.
Hail Hail
Jamiebhoy
Just in from a rosary - one of my neighbours passed away yesterday - never heard or seen much of the game yet.
Looking through the posts though it seems as though it has been another good performance.
Paul67;
Do you get the feeling that WGS will make both domestic cups more of a priority this season.
He has a better squad and tonight's starting eleven suggests that unlike previous seasons he will go for having the game sewn up before introducing fringe players.
I know its a bit early but once we hit the consistency button with this squad then add a little in the January window we could be looking at a domestic treble.
Hail Hail.
At the time (honest) I thought Skippy was wrong to come back early - he needed a long rest & GS should have told him so..
Now he's playing like someone who.... needs a long rest (in September?)
PS if sami had scored the move down the right it would have been better than Sunday
Whitedoghunch
Can you pick up setanta with your titanium skull.
Only saw the first half as site crashed at the same time as CQN did. Thought Caddis looked good it shows that we have depth on the team. Hopefully Skoosh gains confidence from his goal and starts to score more regular. Another solid performance by Lee if he keeps it up he will be a fan favourite and one of Kojos fairhair bhoys,
Another happy CQN tonight what are posters going to moan about now.
anotheralexfaegoven
i agree but he maybee like bbj and needs a few wekks to get back up to speed, he was injured too,,,
i agree that he needs a boot in the erse but if we can forgive big sammy when it goes wrong why not wee scott who started last season the way sammy is doing now,
Good display. Shame both CQN and C67 went down at Half time. C67 came back up just in time for the second goal. Thought the bhoys looked very fit and sharp tonight. We shouldn't underestimate how hard it must be to play to this level against Livi in the CIS Cup. It's a long way from the CL, but the bhoys done good. Pass marks all round. Aiden played his way back into the managers thoughts for Saturday, McDonald will be back on the bench though. Good to know that we have a goal scorer of his class who hasn't even started his season yet.
Despite the unsurpassed incompetence of the ticket office i made the game tonight
i was really glad vi made the effort
the second half was a real treat ...tremedous passing and movement
Sammmy is unplayable by any defence at the moment
Aiden had an excellent second half
and
both were complimented by Brown who had a very encouraging cameo as did Maloney
Loovens had a very comfortable game , and although not playing against much was very composed and disciplined
my only worry was Hinkel ...even against Livi he was reluctant to get forward and his distribution was poor .....he is a better player than his current performances suggest ....
if Caddis was just half a foot taller then he would be the answer ...straight running and bundles of energy .....he had a good game on the right wing ..i just think that he is too short for FB
all in all a nice wee game and a very pleasing second half performance
night bhoys and ghirls..
will sleep well tonight after a good team performance..
Hail Hail and keep the faith....
BT
Will baba and King Fume stop using names, its childish!!
Regards
Fruit of the.......
The Narrowbhoat Tim
terrific signal but got this mad glasgow guy commentating.
btw I just realised I'm walking about the city centre tmrw with a bag strapped over my shoulder and 30 wires coming out of it.
Any body says freeze I aint running.
Good day out for me - watched the reserves skill overcome the FOD thuggery with Charlie Adam looking like he is on Skippys diet - didnt stop him kicking teenagers though. Big Ben needs to become Smaller Ben as he is about 20lbs overweight and not mobile enough - but only a lad yet. Of the other contenders for a 1st team berth only O Dea could fill a slot right now - koki and paddy need time and games like today to toughen them up.
Tonight was good - has anyone noticed the improvement (vast) in Sammy since he shed the orange boots for green ones !!!! He now really looks to be a striker and reminds me a bit of PVH. Shaun will win us loads of pens if the refs are fair - like that will happen eh! Scott Brown was the Hibs version when he came on and very unlucky not to get a second goal. Even big Mo had a decent game - but Skippy needs a fitness program and a diet plan soon.
The Green Brigade were immense - from my view in the Celtic End it was hard at times not to watch them and as someone else mentioned the stewards were losing control big time. Oh for the whole stadium to behave like that one day !!!!!! Just like the jungle days of old.
evening bhoys,
Great display again tonight. Samaras fast becoming immovable from the team. Excellant performances all round. We are moving up the gears. Roll on aberdeen at the weekend. This can only be good for confidence. Onwards to 4IAR!!!!
C67 has the game replaying at the moment for any UK based C67 subscribers. You have to go to the previous matches section though. Once there click on Livingston and hey presto if you want to watch it. Away to watch a great performance again.
Nite bhoys
Hail Hail
Not long back in and just wanted to second everything said above about the performance. Double figures would still have flattered Livingston, who weren't even that bad, we were just unbeatable that second half. Glad my STANDING UP for Scott Brown earlier seems to have worked, the boy looked outstanding, scored a cracker and was involved in the build-up as well - dummying a pass in then making the run for Samaras to flick the ball on to him.
Would also like to STAND UP for Lee Naylor who looked excellent today. We thought he must have had money on himself to score because he was bursting forward and into the box, full of confidence and running, looking much more like the player he was in his first season. Also great to see Aiden back and full of tricks and energy - like Samaras, he was leaving players in his wake. An absolute joy to watch, laying my League Cup watching demons to rest after the Falkirk and Hearts displays of the last two seasons.
Green Brigade lads were excellent as well, never let up for the whole 90 minutes and provided entertainment nearly as good as that on the pitch.
tim in the chamber, I am sure Gordon will want to win both cups, but I thought that the last two years also.
Nakagod,
Great shout.
Got it on now.
The goals courtsey of randalstown
http://www.zshare.net/video/19292698f4c60128/
http://www.zshare.net/video/19293676486c74c0/
http://www.zshare.net/video/192938169ade41cc/
http://www.zshare.net/video/1929398379bc1b11/
MOTM - The Green Brigade
they supported so well for so long
overall the performance by the team was good and i would mark them as follows:
Boruc 7
Hinkel 6
Naylor 6
Loovens 7
McManus 7
Caddis 7
McGeady 8
Hartley 7
Donatti 5
McDonald 5
Sammy 8
Brown 7
Maloney 7
great response overall to that defeat by them a few weeks ago
i am glad WGS is utilising the squad with the volume of games ahead of us.
Hail Hail
Paul67:
I understand what you are saying about the previous two years but I think we now have more quality in the squad.
I also belive that some (not all) of the football we have seen in the short time since the season began is more of the attacking, fast flowing type that is in our Celtic DNA.
One little concern I have just now though is the crabbit way that Skippy is reacting at times.
I know that it is not a bad thing to have this in the team at times but I would rather have it in the keeper, the defenders or the midfielders.
When it is in a striker the confidence of the other strikers tend to suffer.
I am sure WGS will be working on this.
Slightly dissappointed Crosas did not play, guess he was/is tired.
The build up play for the 3rd goal was great to see.
Agreed another fine display.
I stated after the Falkirk game football was back at Celtic Park. Early days but we are looking great. If we can defend well in Villarreal we MUST have a chance.
And what about Samaras I thought for £1M he was worth the "gamble" considering he cost Man C six and is still a young lad of 23 but I did doubt if he would push Jan and Scott for a starting slot.
I doubt no more. If he continues like this cash rich Man City will be back in for him with a record bid :)
That S.Brown finish was Larsson-esque wasn't it.
Another fine performance, and the blog has a warm cuddly feel to it tonight. Much like the old days P67, eh?
Just for fun Paddypower has 9-1 the Jags the moarn's night.
Hail, hail...
loved about half a dozen players congratulating each other
on the way back to the half way line after the Brown goal.
Nothing fancy just a wee nod and shake of hand.
Chrissutton were you in the crown tonight?
In other news, it may be a storm in a tea-cup, but things are looking a bit iffy for Hearts. Embdy fancy opening a book on them - gone by Christmas? Maybe Hibs should look to take them over.
Got my History of Celtic DVD package delivered here in Australia on Monday morning. Well done to Celtic FC for such a prompt delivery by processing overseas orders prior to official release date last Friday. Watched first 2 DVDs Monday night and the remaining 2 on Tuesday night before going to bed and early rise for Livi game on Channel67.
It's an excellent production with lots of new footage and aome fascinating contributions plus a few insightful revelations, particularly from Bertie Auld and Big Yogi. Apparently Charlie Tully was a lazy so and so who used every trick in the book to shirk training.
I can thoroghly recommend it if you haven't already got a copy. Tremendous value and a must for every Celtic supporter.
Thoroughly enjoyed the game tonight but could do with a bit less of Jim Craig's bar-room negativity throughout every Channel67 broadcast. He's one of those supporters who think every minute of every game must see Celtic playing fast, open, attacking football with no margin for error. When we score, and go 10 or 15 minutes without a second, it's always the same, "We've gone a bit flat" from Jim, and he never lets up until we do score again, no matter how well we are playing. Give it a rest please Jim and let us just watch the game and listen to the commentary.
Finally, with the Celtic fans recently singing the "Mike McCurry - we know you're a Hun" ditty, surely this puts to bed the oft-claimed nonsense about the Hun word being sectarian, as in a derogatory term for Protestants. That McCurry is a Church of Scotland Minister is well-documented, so why would Celtic fans sing We know you're a Protestant? It ain't no secret. But it is obvious to a bairn with a biscuit erse that they are sayingWe know you're a Rangers man.
Roll on Saturday and another 3 points.
Hail Hail.
Celtic were simply fantastic tonight each and every one of them.
Regardless of the opposition, we can only beat those against us and that we certainly did.
My man of the match - THE GREEN BRIGADE
They danced, they moved, they sung their hearts out for 45 mins - that is what I call SUPPORT.
What a joy to watch and not one bit of malice, bigotry or sectarianism in the songs sung.
To me it proves my age old argument that it is the fans jobs to create the atmosphere that lifts the players, not vice versa. The improvement in football in the second half, was not a coincidence. Any player listening or seeing that is going to want to do well. The opposite is the fans sitting quiet, waiting for something to happen before they create. Someone has a bad first touch, or a stray pass and the 'oooo' and 'ahhs' go round. The players then get nervous and are wary of trying the flicks and the backheels that we witnessed tonight.
The most enjoyable game of football I have witnessed for years.
Let the people sing indeed!
HAIL HAIL
Prince Myshkin -
Aye, the "Hun-as-religious-term" thing has always been patent nonsense.
It's revealed as nonsense by the most obvious scientific experiment - examine the test cases that distinguish a football term from a religious one, and then pose the question to any Celtic fan you care to choose.
Would a Catholic person who supports Rangers be a "Hun"? Yes.
Would a Protestant person who supports Celtic be a "Hun"? No.
And I'd suggest you'd have to go a pretty long way to find any Celtic fan who would answer any different.
Credit to the all singing all dancing Green Brigade - Let the Good Times Roll
Larsson Se7en,
Well said that mhan.!
Support is what the word means.
Ironbhoy.
How about THIS for a negative journalistic spin on last night's performance?
The article comprises 21 paragraphs, the first 15 of which are both sneering and cynical. It sounds like the guy was spewing at having to report on a convincing Celtic victory.
Nice to see the BBC website has changed the description of Brown's goal from 'tap in' to 'cool lob'. Somehow 'tap in' didn't really do justice to a smart finish after an excellent period of passing involving half the team!
Good to hear the Green Brigade get a mention tonight, got relocated to that corner this season (previously in Area 137 in Jock Stein Lower), but due to overseas work commitments have only been to the game against the huns this season so far. Looking forward to joining in the mayhem!
Prince Myshkin - agree about the demonisation of the word 'hun', as far as I'm concerned it is an accurate description of the mob mentality of the rangers fans and i've never used it, or for that matter, heard it used to describe a member of the Protestant faith because of his religeon, unlike the term 'fenian' which is used indescriminately by 'huns' to refer to Catholics and Celtic fans, as they seem to believe that the two cannot be mutually exclusive. Or something like that....
On the game tonight - great showing. Delighted that the other week's performance against Motherwell was not a one-off.
Add to that the displays against Killie & Falkirk and... y'know, I'm starting to feel that my faith of three seasons - that Gordon would eventually get us winning AND playing fast, attractive football - is coming to pass.
To tell the truth, the thing that really struck me tonight was - wouldn't Tommy have loved this.
And indeed, if there is a line of communication from Here to There, I'll bet he did.
Evening all
What a performance tonight by our bhoys. A few more games like that against better quality opposition and I might just believe the silky football promised by Gordon has been fulfilled.
We had not one under performing player, they all seemed to have one thing in mind...score, and score again. The movement and passing was a pleasure to watch.
Hopefully we can carry this great team performance into the upcoming Aberdeen game.
The only downside to the afternoons entertainment was Setanta. This joke of an organisation did not broadcast the game stating some crap excuse of not having cameras at the game. Obviously, this caused mayhem with the CSCs in the US (I'm not sure if the other organisations managed to get a feed). Nothing was mentioned on their website nor communicated to the various CSCs. People took time off work fully expecting to see the Hoops match at the clubs.
Does anyone know if Setanta were due to show the game? If not then I'm afraid the Federation really must hold their hands up for failing to inform their membership. From reading the posts on CQN I know the hun game will be shown on BBC so maybe Setanta did not have the rights to broadcast over here but from their sour response to inquiries I half suspect it was a deliberate snub to Celtic and their support.
I managed to watch most of it on C67. Whoever does the internet broadcasting for C67 really should sort themselves out. The feed gave up just at half time. Thankfully they got it sorted about 15 mins into the 2nd half.
Anyway enough negativity....well done the bhoys.
Hail Hail
To be fair, Livi didn't really challenge us tonight.
The gulf between the two divisions was obvious in every department.
Livi were unable to keep possession for any length of time and their defence looked slow in both thought and action.
In the early 50s, the great Hungarian Magyars, who were almost unbeatable, used to prepare for games by playing against much inferior opposition and running up high scores to increase confidence and improve understanding between the players.
Incidentally I remember them playing to a full house at Hampden in a mid week afternoon game. Late 1954 I think it was and the park had to be covered in straw to protect it from the frost. Score was either 4-1 or 4-2, probably the latter. They were the first team I remember who concentrated on passing and interchanging and retaining possession. They had previously humiliated England who thought themselves as Europes premiere side. Plus ca change.
Back to my point. Games like this will improve our understanding and has allowed Gordon to see what the likes of Loovens, Caddis and Donati will offer, and whether they can be trusted to be thrown in for emergency cover. It will also help build confidence in the players and in the support. It may also help dismiss the scuttlebuck against the manager from the media and sections of our support about dressing room rifts and managerial bias. (Well maybe not)
Scintillating performance from Samaras. The guy will have games when much of what he tries will not come off and we will just have to be patient with him.
He looks a good bet at this stage for 30 goals this season, if you can find a bookie to take your money.
We have a lot of natural skill and creativity on board now with Maloney, McGeady, Nakamura, Samaras and Crosas. I am sure our management team will know how to harness this talent and take us on a winning run which will put pressure on our cousins down river.
'GG running out of steam, a bit like Livi.
Dublinbhoy
Setanta had the game on their schedule yesterday.
Personally, I think it's time that the US and Canadian CSCs, approached Celtic and made arrangements for the legitimate showing of games via CH67 and ditched Setanta. The quality on the HD stream is excellent.
At least we can then depend on it.
We have the technology, unless you use a Mac of course.
'GG CH67 advocate.
. dREAMtime Cometh....
o1bhoy
.
PS.... The Above Should Read Dreamtime Endeth....
Why Did Loovens No Leave the 1st Goal to Georgious l Had Sami & 4-0 @ 30/1 for 30 Score....:O((((
Hail Hail we Won That's all That Matters....
o1bhoy
Now Going Back to Read The Posts....
.
Strachan thrilled as axed McGeady dazzles on his return
Gordon Strachan lavished praise on Aiden McGeady as the axed winger returned to
the Celtic starting line-up with a five-star display.
A 4-0 thrashing of First Division leaders Livingston in the Co-operative Insurance Cup at Parkhead saw Georgios Samaras take his tally for the season to eight with two goals in a fine individual display.
New £2.5million defender Glenn Loovens claimed his first goal in a Celtic jersey, with Scott Brown also netting a rare strike.
McGeady hit woodwork twice as Celtic threatened to run riot - with Strachan
describing the Irish international’s performance as ‘fantastic’.
Reported to have had a major bust-up with last season’s Player of the Year after the recent Old Firm defeat, the Celtic manager went some way to building bridges when he said: ‘Aiden deserved a goal tonight. He did everything but score and that run he
went on was truly fantastic.
‘I was right behind him and, at the last moment, the ball just moved a bit. It would have been great for him to score a goal as well, but he must be really pleased with his performance.’
Strachan was equally enthusiastic about the performance of Samaras.
‘I don’t know if Sami is at the top of his game, I hope not.’ he said. ‘If it’s down to him, he will do even better because you are talking about a guy who cannot get enough information to make himself better. At the moment, he is playing some top football. It
helps if your team is playing well for an attacking player, but he is doing a lot.
‘When you talk to him, you can tell in his eyes that he wants to do better. He is a guy who is listening because we did set-plays this morning and usually they are forgotten. But he never forgets anything, he is listening to everything we say.
‘At the moment he looks good value. But we judge people at the end of their contract. He is big on the group thing and he has great humility about him.
'Last year Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored 50 between them and hopefully now we can get the midfield scoring.
‘But there was a great variation of play tonight, you could have picked three or four guys who could have been man of the match.’
Dutchman Loovens played beside skipper Stephen McManus in preparation for Gary Caldwell’s SPL suspension this weekend - and opened the scoring with a textbook header.
‘Glenn was terrific,’ added Strachan. ‘He got in good positions and made it difficult for strikers to play. He has good presence at both ends.’
Livingston coach Roberto Landi praised the contribution of his inexperienced line-up, saying: ‘I am not disappointed because we played this match with a big advantage.
‘We had no pressure - playing at Celtic Park is a dream and now it’s finished. But I’m satisfied because my team played good football.
‘We suffered at the hands of a big, physical team. We have only small players and we played good football, but we were playing a strong, strong team and we had a problem with that.
‘It’s a fantastic experience for 90 per cent of my players. They are young and tonight they understood what it’s like to play in the SPL.’
(The Daily Mail)
o1bhoy
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Celtic 4-0 Livingston: Samaras puts Celtic on easy street
Glenn Loovens heads home Celtic’s opener and sets the SPL champions on their way to a comfortable win over Livingston
CELTIC last night steered an untroubled course into the quarter-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup as another radical overhaul in personnel by manager Gordon Strachan paid dividends against a game but ultimately overpowered Livingston side.
Georgios Samaras enhanced his status as the current idol of the Celtic support....and CQN's o1bhoy.... his two goals taking his tally for the campaign to an impressive nine, as the Scottish champions cruised into tomorrow's last eight draw.
While they will face far tougher challenges than the one posed by the First Division leaders, this was a result which lent credibility to Strachan's claim that his current squad is his strongest yet at the club.
The new revolving door selection policy introduced by Strachan meant only four of the starting line-up from Sunday's SPL win at Kilmarnock retained their places for the start of Celtic's attempt to win the League Cup for the first time in three years.
Artur Boruc, Stephen McManus, Lee Naylor and Samaras were the surviving quartet on a night when several of the incomers would feel they had a point to prove to the manager. None more so, perhaps, than Aiden McGeady who started for the first time since the 4-2 defeat at home to Rangers at the end of August. The Republic of Ireland international winger returned on the left of an unfamiliar midfield completed by Massimo Donati, Paul Hartley and Paul Caddis.
Livingston, who passed the ball crisply and showed no signs of apprehension, made a bright start and might have sown a seed of doubt in the minds of the reshuffled home side had on-loan Hearts striker Calum Elliot been able to take a decent chance after just six minutes.
Rocco Quinn, loaned to Livingston from Celtic for six months and whose appearance in this tie had been the subject of some pre-match negotiation between the clubs, picked out Elliot with a good cross from the right but the Scotland under-21 international slashed his first- time shot wildly off target.
Celtic responded through the in-form Samaras, the Greek striker's loping stride allowing him to burst clear down the right and feed Scott McDonald who steered a low shot narrowly wide of Livingston keeper Roddy McKenzie's right-hand post.
McGeady, understandably eager to get involved whenever possible, stretched the visitors' defence with a darting run into the penalty area where he combined with McDonald to set up a snapshot for Donati. The Italian, making his first appearance of the season, saw his powerful effort beaten away by McKenzie.
McKenzie rescued Livingston again with a brave save at the feet of Samaras after more incisive build-up work from McGeady, but the goalkeeper was left impotent when Celtic made their 24th minute breakthrough.
It was a sweet moment for Glenn Loovens, the Dutch central defender making only his second appearance for the club following his £2.5million move from Cardiff City last month. After a sustained spell of pressure, he got on the end of a fine Caddis cross to plant a firm header beyond McKenzie's right hand into the corner of the net.
Caddis almost doubled the lead when he beat the Livingston offside trap with a well timed run but saw his shot blocked for a corner by McKenzie. McDonald should have put Celtic firmly in command four minutes before half-time but wastefully headed McGeady's cross at McKenzie.
Samaras tested McKenzie again with a stinging 20 yard shot at the start of the second half as Celtic sought the comfort of a second goal. Their superiority was now patently obvious and the West Lothian side rode their luck when a sweetly struck free-kick from Hartley rebounded from the crossbar with McKenzie beaten but the second goal Celtic fully merited duly arrived in the 63rd minute.
McGeady, growing in influence, looped over a cross from the left which picked out Loovens at the far post. The defender nodded it back across goal to provide Samaras with the simplest of close-range headers into an unguarded net to claim his eighth goal of the season.
Celtic, with Scott Brown on for the lacklustre Donati, continued to push for more goals and McGeady was desperately unfortunate to see a shot rebound off McKenzie's left-hand post after another forward surge.
With Livingston's spirit broken, Celtic emphasised the gulf in class between the sides with two more goals in the closing ten minutes. Brown exchanged passes with Samaras before delightfully chipping in number three, then the Greek made it 4-0 when he sent McKenzie the wrong way with a penalty kick awarded after substitute Shaun Maloney had been fouled by Dave Mackay.
(The Scotsman) just for ' Jack '....
o1bhoy
Brilliant for a CIS game
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KmIdu77MhNU
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Morning Estadio....
Your Up Early.... ;o))))
Just Going to Watch Your Link....
o1bhoy
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Estadio....
Brilliant....
Is That Where All the Mineshafters ' SIT '....????
or
Is That All The BB Clique....???? I'm Sure l Spotted OldTim67 Right in the Middle of It.... ;o))))
o1bhoy
Bring on the Aberdeen!!
Back to the days of Celtic 5 Aberdeen 0,.. i wonder ;o)
Enjoying the football we are playing again and i hope Sammy continues to improve as GS reckons he will.
Looking forward to the weekend game.
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Arsenal: The Model l Would Like to Celtic Follow on and off the Park (We Do) Won 6-0 Last Night with the Youngest Side in their History a Average age of 19yr....any of the Stat Men Know our Average age Last Night....????
Last Night was a Great Confidence booster after 'them' and Aallborg....
I Personally Would Hand the Reigns to Neil Lennon for the Remaining CIS Ties.... Basically with WGS Telling Him Which Players to Rest but Letting Him Pick the Team....The Fringe Players Would Love it and The Celtic Support Would Give Lennon the Backing all the Way....To The Final....
o1bhoy
o1bhoy
I 2nd your model for Celtic, Attractive free flowing football with goals.
I followed Liverpool since King Kenny went there, but i've always enjoyed watching Arsenal.
01bhoy.
I wish you had spotted me at the game last night,But alas I was at home last night having to listen to banal commentary by so called BBC Sports Brodcasters,I cringed after every mouthful,that came out of their talentless bodies,and to think we have to pay for that drivel.
oldtim67.
went over to your barrier at 6.30pm last night and noticed that you weren't there..hope that nasty cold hasn't got the better of you...
Blantyre
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Morning OldTim67....
Yea Setanta OZ in their Infinite Wisdom Chose to Cover TFOD Game Down Here Tonight....Looks Like we Missed a Good Game with 7 changes from Sunday's Starting 11....
Don't Know if You Seen my ' Value Bet ' for last night Georgious to score 1st and 4-0 @ 30/1 ha ha I'll never learn.... ;o))))
Hope all is Well with You....l will be Back for that Beer at Some Point This Season....just Dinnae Ken When.... ;o((((
I Heard Rome in Spring Time is Fandabbi-Dossie....
o1bhoy
Blantyretim.
I shouldn't have gone to the Aalborg game,Missed the two games since,and I seemed to have missed a couple of good games.
I watched the game on Channel67 at midnight and was impressed, although it was 1st division opposition we played well within ourselves.
The passing and movement for the Scott Brown goal was as good as it gets,especially the interplay between Aiden and Lee in the leadup to the well take goal.
I'm just sorry that I missed all the fun.
new article posted.
01bhoy.
I know you bet Sammy to be top scorer at the end of the season,and barring injury your on to a good thing,And I seriously hope you get your bet up.
Yes I did notice your "Value Bet"again very hard luck,but surely it would only be Value if it comes up.
Sorry I'm being a bit pedantic there.
I'll certainly have a glass or three with you on your sojourn back to the old country,looking forward to it,pity you couldn't make it at the same time as Kit.