Every game’s important for a squad looking to repair reputation

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An away trip to St Johnstone on the back of an away trip to Fenerbahce was a challenging one on paper. Teams drop more points away from home after an away European game than under any other circumstances, but yesterday went as well as we could have hoped for.

Nadir Ciftci has failed to set imaginations alight since arriving in the summer but the support were delighted for the player and his prospects, after two excellently taken goals. The first, controlling a corner on his thigh before turning and thrashing the ball into the corner of the net, was top drawer. More please.

Our other summer signing who has recently pulled some form together is Dedryck Boyata. Dedryck was the proverbial bag of nerves earlier this season. He looked clumsy with the ball at his feet, was wasteful when passing and was part of a defence which could not defend corner kicks. The arrival of Jozo Simunovic in the team coincided with Dedryck looking more like a Celtic player.

Without European football the second half of the season has an anti-climactic feel to it but it’s important for both these players. They, like many others in the squad, have a lot to prove after some indifferent performances. Not all will make it. Several, who are teetering on the brink of the first team, will find their opportunities limited, so there is no such thing as an unimportant game. Every game is important when you are trying to improve your reputation, every corner is important as is every chance.

Winds_Bampots

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  1. A reminder that we are giving away a free copy of the wonderfully funny UNREPENTANT INTERNET BAMBOTS – THE NEW ENTITY book when you order The Winds of Change up until midnight tonight.

     

     

    You can order at http://www.cqnbookstore.com where there’s a few range of Celtic books, DVDs and Annuals.

     

     

    Today is the last call for pre-Christmas orders going to USA and Canada and tomorrow is the deadline for Western Europe.

     

     

    Friday is the last day for second hand post and after that we will post everything first class until Tuesday midday, then it will be after Christmas for deliveries.

     

     

    Two wee bits of good news for you….

     

     

    1. Tommy Gemmell is much better now and is in good spirits. The few weeks in Larbert hospital have clearly helped him. The Tommy Gemmell CSC bus at the weekend donated £100 to our wee initiative and thanks to the CQNers who have continued to contribute.

     

     

    2. Paul has sourced the problem of the slowness re loading the site and we are going to move to another system shortly, which will solve the problem once and for all. The site will be down for a few hours but notice will be given.

  2. Hunderbirds are Gone on

    Watching some of the pre-launch babble of the first jingoist UK space flight. Loving the shots from the Baikonur “Cosmodrome”. Looks like a load of garden sheds in the middle of nowhere (I know it virtually is in the middle of nowhere). I remember as a boy watching the Apollo missions with wide eyed amazement at the high tech nature of it all. Pah! American guff, Russians do it wi kit that looks like it was assembled on Scrapyard Challenge, launched from an allotment.

     

     

    Then again, did the Americans do it??? ;-)))

  3. See we’re being linked with Walsall

     

    striker Tom Bradshaw. Must be a mistake, he’s got a good goals to games scoring ratio.

  4. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    MURDOCHAULDANDHAY

     

     

    King disnae get the meaning of the term ‘charm offensive’

     

     

    Though he understands the second part fine.

  5. reports from Portugal, Scottish giants Celtic are in talks with unknown Benfica player who is thought to be a target for Ronny Deila as the Hoops representatives have been in the scout list for Setubal and Benfica.

     

     

    Celtic had watched Portuguese giants final Champions League group game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday and the match against Academica the weekend before.

     

     

    Celtic also watched Benfica’s Champions League match against Galatasaray last month, and have seen the club’s domestic games against Estoril and Belenenses.

     

     

    Ronny Deila is keen on to strength attacking options in January and some reports suggest that he will sign player from Benfica in January.

     

     

    Celtic set to sign highly-rated winger in January

     

     

    Celtic bosss keen on to strength attacking options in January and planing to make a move for the 24-year-old Hungary international winger Adam Gyursco.

     

     

    Gyursco has made over 100 appearances scored more than 20 times for Videoton.

     

     

    In 2010-2011 season the 24-year old winger has played for the second team of Videoton FC where he has scored 6 goals and added 14 assists, next season he was loaned to Kecskemeti and after incredible stats with six months on loan, Videoton recalled him, where he ended with scoring 6 goals and added ten assists the top flight.

     

     

    Celtic want to win domestic treble once again after a big break and signing Gyursco could increase chances for Ronny Deila’s side.

     

     

    Source : Hitc.com

     

     

    Allan Preston hailed Celtic defender

     

     

    Scottish football hero and BBC pundit Allan Preston has hailed Celtics defender Mikael Lustig after his performance with St Johnstone where Hoops have won 0-3

     

     

    Nadir Ciftci, has netted in each half for the Scottish champions, and defender Dedryck Boyata’s has also scored a goal.

     

     

    The Hoops are on top of the Scottish Premiership table with 42 points and Lusting has played a big role for the teams success.

     

     

    Lusting has joined Ronny Deila’s side back in 2012 and since then he has been regular for Celts and Swedish national team.

     

     

    Allan Preston has been impressed with the performance of the Hoops right-back and added that he gave a good account of himself in the match.

     

     

    “He’s a seven out of 10 every week,” the 46-year-old told BBC Sport. “His levels of consistency are fantastic.”

  6. Joe Filippis Haircut on

    Good Morning Bhoys from a gloomy damp central Scotland I see that guy Vardy scored again last night was he the striker we were liked with a couple of seasons ago ? I think its great to see Leicster City at the top of the EPL it just shows you dont have to have a team of super stars a team of hard grafters can get results as well it is great to see the tinkerman beating his old club Chelsea. H.H.

  7. CultsBhoy can not relate to Celtic Board ambitions on or off the park on

    Every game is important for players but more so for Ronnie. Seems to be a lot of pressure for him to deliver a treble so the only further cock up he can afford is in the league.

     

    That’s a lot of pressure in a test that even if he passes will not give any reassurance that he can lead us in to Europe next year.

     

    I think he has a lot of attributes. He’s a decent fair minded guy. I suspect he can motivate and develop younger players. Not sure what influence he’d have on older guys who are more accomplished in the game than he is. Stokes and Commons probably don’t respond to his philosophical approach. He is however good with younger guys.

     

    I’m not sure what say he has in recruitment but if he has any then I’m not impressed on that front.

     

    However it’s his tactical frailties that concern me and I’m not sure if they are born out of naivety or arrogance. He is a sitting duck in Europe.

     

    So things he’s need to change would be – get rid of Any senior players who font toe the line, assert his opinion on recruitment, and develop a more flexible approach to tactics.

     

    He should also bring in his own coaching team.

     

    That all seems like a big ask to me. It would need to be done quick and I wonder if these are the kind of plans he needs to present in January to assure the Board and fans?

  8. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    JOEFILIPPISHAIRCUT

     

     

    Always a fan of the underdog,I’d love to see Leicester maintain this all season.

     

     

    I think the usual injuries and suspensions will take their toll on a small squad though.

     

     

    So…

     

     

    Put yer money on Leicester,cos my tipping is bliddy hopeless!

  9. I remember hearing “There’ll be a Tim in Space before Sevco get to the Premiership” a few years back.

     

     

    Amazing prophesy.

  10. Celtic Champs Elect on

    Winning Captains

     

     

    I need a favour I have just purchased The Winds Of Change 15 Dec 2015 09:48:58 GMT

     

    Receipt No: 2064-2330-3033-4227.

     

     

    Would you be so kind and post them to me asap as I fly out to Fort Lauderdale on Monday at 7am for 3 weeks to visit my brother and I want to give them as xmas presents to him. I would need them no later than this Saturday coming. many thanks

  11. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    CULTSBHOY

     

     

    Fair post,mate. Like you,I think Ronny has been hog-tied by events out with his control.

     

     

    Can’t appoint his own backroom. Inheriting players who don’t want him there/don’t rate him. Little input on transfers.

     

     

    Tbh,it’s just as well that he appears to be successful with younger players-as those are the only people in the club who listen to him!

     

     

    That they also seem to learn from him suggests to me that the rest of them should maybe try listening too.

  12. 67Heaven .. CHALLENGING THE LIE ..I am wee Oscar...... Ipox belongs to the creditors on

    SILENCE on whether or not the £5m has been paid, or will be …??

     

    SILENCE on ipox safety checks by Glasgow Council…………………..??

     

     

    to mention but 2…

     

     

    SILENCE OF THE (succulent) LAMBS, right enough, eh ….!!!!

  13. The £5m will be paid after the Hibs game provided an injury free Tavernier can make his way south. £750k.

  14. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    BLANTYREKEV

     

     

    Are there any hunny managers left in Emgland? Wi an MD daft enough to sanction that?

  15. Stats fans – we’re currently on our 3rd highest average goals per game since the turn of the millenium.

     

     

    It’s 2.58 bettered only in 03/04 when we got 105 and 13/14 which was 102. Current projection puts us at 98, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see us top the ton.

     

     

    That’s entertainment.

  16. minx1888 praying to Wee Oscar on

    Happy birthday to our very own Kano now there was a mhan he could put his point across without petty insults! He called it as he seen it he agreed and disagreed with many….but not many of us will leave this dear place with a legacy quite like his!

     

     

    From the bringing Martin home campaign to the 4000th child getting to watch Celtic for free in his name!

     

     

    Enjoy your birthday up there Martin Gone but never forgotten.

     

    RIP x

  17. Celtic Champs Elect on

    winning captains on 15th December 2015 10:13 am

     

     

     

    Celtic Champs Elect

     

     

     

     

     

    Will post first class today…

     

     

     

     

    Thanks again for ordering the book.

     

     

    Your some man thanks again I am sure my brother will enjoy it.

     

     

    A quick note to South Of Tunis you made me laugh so much with your raki and PKK hash comment at the jazz club FFS I have been off it now over 10 years but I am sure that I would have had a blast had I been with you in that jazz club :-)))))

  18. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    MINX1888

     

     

    Nice to see you posting again,ya charmer!

     

     

    And a lovely occasion to do so too.

     

     

    HAPPY HOOOOPY BIRTHDAY,KANO!!!!

     

     

    Tell God it’s a lock-in!

  19. FOLLOWING Sunday’s 3-0 victory at McDiarmid Park, it’s a return to Paradise for the final time in 2015 this weekend as the Bhoys face Motherwell at Celtic Park on Saturday, December 19 (KO: 3pm).

     

    The Hoops are now unbeaten in their last 10 Premiership matches and they’ll be hoping to continue that run into the new year with a win at home against the Steelmen this weekend.

     

    It’s a 3pm kick-off on Saturday but supporters are advised to arrive early as the statue of Billy McNeill, Celtic’s greatest ever captain, will be unveiled on The Celtic Way at 1pm.

     

    Join us for a day of celebration as we recognise a legendary Celtic figure who served the club with great distinction as both player and manager.

     

    During his playing days he won nine league championship titles – all in a row, seven Scottish Cups, six League Cups and he was, of course, the first British team captain to lift the European Cup in 1967.

     

    As manager, Billy McNeill delivered four league championship titles, the Scottish Cups and he lifted the League Cup once.

     

    Tickets for Saturday’s match v Motherwell are on sale now, priced from £26 for adults, from £17 for concessions and from £10 for under 13s.

     

    BUY ONLINE and you can take advantage of our print-at-home ticket facility, Ticketfast.

     

    Simply visit http://www.eticketing.co.uk/celtic Select your seats, add your tickets to the shopping basket, and then select the Ticketfast option at the Checkout. (Booking fees apply).

     

    You’ll be sent a confirmation email which has your tickets attached as a PDF file for you to print out. Simply scan it at the turnstiles for entry to the stadium.

     

    Tickets are also available to purchase by calling 0871 226 1888*, by visiting the Ticket Office at Celtic Park or from selected Celtic stores: Argyle Street, Clydebank, Coatbridge, East Kilbride, Greenock.

  20. Minx

     

     

    The Kano Foundation

     

    2 hrs ·

     

    A message from Martin Kane’s wife Carolyn on the occassion of his first birthday since his passing

     

     

    On Martin’s birthday, Tuesday 15th December, our children Sean and Alanna, and I will have a meal together and toast Martin. He will be remembered not only as a great Dad and wonderful husband, but as a very brave and strong man who despite suffering with a very disabling and tragic disorder was able to find the funny side in many frustrating situations.

     

     

    His love of Celtic and football led a way to inspire many good people to send their love and support to give us the best xmas present of 2009 and allow Martin to come home to his family. This Christmas we will miss him terribly but comfort in the fact that The Kano Foundation lives on stronger than ever, achieving fantastic goals in helping children all over Britain enjoy their team as much as Martin did.

     

     

    Thank you and we wish you all the very best over Christmas and the new year.

     

     

    Love Carolyn Kane

  21. Just as grey and gloomy as my taxi approaches Lincoln. 2 days of (ahem ) interesting speakers awaits. Should have packed a nice pillow.

     

     

    Hope you are all getting your emails in for Last Man Standing which kicks off in just 4 days time. cqnpredictor@gmail.com

  22. BMCUWP ignores the bores,scrolls the trolls on

    JOBO

     

     

    A taxi?

     

     

    In Lincoln?

     

     

    It’s like a billiard table,green and flat. Bliddy walk!

  23. DEILA SET TO OFFER TWO STARS LONG-TERM DEALS

     

    By Ruairi Daly 2 hours ago 4 min read time 349 reads No comments yet

     

    Ronny Deila is keen to secure the services of Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest and get them to secure long-term deals at the club.

     

     

    The two players have become an important part of the Norwegian’s squad this season – especially Griffiths – who has scored 19 goals already this season.

     

     

    Forrest has been in and out of the squad and shown glimpses of brilliance but niggling injuries have held him back from being a mainstay player on the wing.

     

     

    Steve Welsh/Getty Images SportSteve Welsh/Getty Images Sport

     

     

    Deila spoke of his delight at the news that his top goalscorer is ready to commit his future to the league champions as quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times.

     

     

    We are delighted that it looks as though he is ready to sign a longer deal here with us because he has been so important.

     

     

    He has shown that he is strong enough to play at this club and it is great news that he is ready to commit his future here.

     

     

    Despite his impressive goal tally so far, Deila believes that there is more room for improvement with the 25-year-old striker.

     

     

    He has been unbelievable for us and he is a guy who scores every week – but he still has the potential to get even better.

     

    Griffiths has vastly improved since joining Celtic in January of last year, and one area of his game he could still improve is his link-up play as well as his goalscoring record in Europe.

     

     

    Deila also revealed that talks have taken place between Forrest’s representatives and the club, and the new deal for the 24-year-old is expected to be imminent.

     

     

    James is definitely the next that we would like to get in and sign a new contract and get it out of the way. James and I speak all the time and we would be hopeful that he will agree new terms to stay because he is another important player for us.

  24. Bsr,

     

     

    We always win the one after the one after when we score more than the other team.

     

     

    HH

  25. Bsr,

     

     

    Weirdly enough I just had a quick look there and we done pretty rubbidge in the second league game after a euro night.

     

     

    It’s pretty much where we’ve dropped nearly all our points.

     

     

    Spooky csc

  26. Geordie

     

     

    I think the one after the one we win after we’ve played in Europe, is a banana skin, waiting to happen.

     

     

    You don’t see many stats for this game.

     

     

    It’s an discrase- so it is :-)

  27. “You don’t see many stats for this game”

     

     

    Bsr, I know. Ye wonder why:)

     

     

     

    Seriously though, the dons defeat, the two killie draws and the hertz blank were all the second league game after a euro game

     

     

    HH