BIRTHDAY BHOY Nicolas Kuhn celebrates turning 25 today – and the Celtic winger is a man who likes to do things in style.
That is bound to be bad news for Philippe Clement and his struggling side as they prepare for the derby encounter at Ibrox tomorrow.
The hosts are already a massive FOURTEEN points adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ runaway champions and the Hoops have every intention of prolonging the misery of their opponents as they continue their rempant progress towards their fourth successive title, their 13th championship in 14 years and their 55th crown in history.
And Kuhn is ready to step up and show his qualities at a venue where there will not be a solitary Hoops fan in sight to add his encouragement.
TAKE-OFF…Nicolas Kuhn is airborne as the flying Celtic winger celebrates his Hampden strike.
The German had a false start to his career at Parkhead after arriving from Rapid Vienna in a £3million deal a year ago.
But he has certainly hit the ground running this time around and he goes into match in enemy territory determined to add to his already-impressive goal haul.
The tricky winner thumped in No.14 of this crusade on Sunday when he raced onto an astute Reo Hatate pass, sidestepped an opponent and lashed the opening goal behind helpless St Johnstone keeper Josh Rae to trigger Rodgers’ team’s second 4-0 victory in four days following an identical emphatic scoreline against Motherwell.
Kuhn has already lifted every domestic honour Scotland has to offer after a league and Cup double last season and he lashed in Celtic’s third goal in the 3-3 stalemate with Rangers on their way to a penalty-kick victory in the Premier Sports League Cup Final earlier this month.
The former Ajax and Bayern Munich prospect’s skills from the spot were not required as team-mates Adam Idah, Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, Hatate and Daizen Maeda made no mistake with their efforts from 12 yards.
Kasper Schmeichel repelled a low drive to his left from Ridvan Yilmaz and after that it was only a matter of time before the silverware was bedecked in green and white ribbons.
Kuhn enjoyed the moment – and is eager to make sure Glasgow is smiles better tomorrow as he celebrates his birthday 24 hours late!
* CQN wishes all our readers a Happy New Year and we hope 2025 brings you all you could hope for – on and off the field. Please take care, remain safe, stay healthy and be good to each other.
