In days of yore Celtic would rattle nine goals past the Finnish champions on European Cup duty. That was never going to be on the cards last night but there remains a clear gap in quality between the teams. HJK Helsinki are no better than Hearts, but were clearly sharper.
The tie remains very much in the balance, a ‘Big Dan moment’, similar to what happened away to Sion last season, and the odds would stack heavily against Celtic progressing, and although HJK didn’t impress much, neither did Utrecht, who lost 2-0 at Celtic Park two years ago before wiping the floor with a disorganised Celtic a week later.
I have a few concerns.
Last season it worried me how dependent we had become on Charlie Mulgrew to create goals. His delivery from the left back position, not to mention his runs to the back post, were significant in Celtic overcoming the early season deficit.
Today we are a few central defenders lighter, if not any worse off in that department, but without Charlie galloping down the wing we are immeasurably less potent. Emilio is an able left back, but his performances are several degrees below his Player of the Year form and he is categorically not a goal creator. A double jeopardy is that when Emilio is behind Georgios Samaras on the left, instead of the more defensively minded Joe Ledley, we seem to have a real weak point.
If we are to start with a lone striker and five in the middle next week we’ll need Charlie on the left. This will stiffen up our weak spot and give HJK more to worry about.
The video moment for the players to study must surely be Georgios Samaras cross for the first Celtic goal. In case you missed it, the cross evaded the first defender. In this respect it was quite stunning and contrasted markedly to what was going on across on the right wing for most of the evening.
Early Player of the Year tip: Adam Matthews. Usain Bolt must be relieved our man is not a sprinter almost as much as Victor Wanyama is relieved he’s a footballer.
Our three raffles end at 19:10 TONIGHT! For the sum of only £1 you stand a chance of winning a painting of Henrik Larsson mid goal celebration, Scott Brown inventing the Broony or a print of our manager in his playing days.
It has never been easier or cheaper to contribute to the concept of what our club is all about, go buy a ticket.
Martin Chambers of the Ecuador Trust was in touch this morning. He said, “If you are able to help, the money will be used to fund the Soup Kitchen that we run each day feeding 150 of the poorest children in the shanty town – kids who would otherwise go hungry. Hope to hear from you soon” (he means you).
Feeding kids who would otherwise go hungry. Where have you heard that idea before?
The four beneficiaries are; The Haven, Cancer Respite Centre, Blantyre, Oscar Knox Neuroblastoma Appeal, Martin Chambers Ecuador Trust and Aberdour Primary School Parents Association.
For £1 you can win:
A celebrating Henrik Larsson painting.
A painting of Scott Brown in classic pose.
A Neil Lennon print.
What are you waiting on, do it now, there are only a few hours left! And after you have clicked on ‘buy a ticket’, DON’T FORGET TO PAY, as some people have. Just like social taxes, paying for your raffle ticket is NOT optional!
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Four Leaf Clover
One of my best ever Songs.
waterfall
Best EVER.
Closely followed by, but ready to Overtake in the next few years…….
The Celtic SONG
It is in the Lyrics.
IT SAYS IT ALL.
Lucy was walking gaily
What was that rite of shareholder?
Did it ever get explained.
Good luck Celtic.
Good morning CQN
Hope all you guys that are meeting up for the golf outing have a great day
Looks a nice morning in the home of golf in St Andrews
Posted twice yesterday but my posts must have gone into the old black hole
Looking forward to the game tomorrow can’t wait
Keep the Faith
Hail Hail
Sixteen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAe0HCHJTDA
Tiocfaidh ar la
petec –
I watched the game on Celtic TV online and enjoyed it, especially the second half. When we went behind I thought, I’ll take any sort of victory now, and perhaps even a draw, so I was happy at the end of the game.
I am confident we will go through and even expect us to win in Helsinki.
My wife has a property rental business and yesterday she introduced me to her latest tenant, who happens to be a guy from Helensburgh and a Celtic fanatic to boot. We shared a wee dram or 3 while enjoying a good old-fahioned gloat at the expense of the dead Huns. I invited him to ours on Saturday night to watch Celtic v Aberdeen on Setanta. The kick-off is 9:45pm which is great for us Aussie Tims, especially on a Saturday.
Really looking forward to it and hoping to see a few goals.
Hail Hail.
petec on 3 August, 2012 at 06:04 said:
Thank you brother.
Think we can safely claim that the Jews have indeed returned to Israel.
2012 may well be the year of reckoning,in both global terms,and also in terms of humanity itself.
It shall be forever remembered as The Year of the Tim.
GBTCFC.
Car loaded up.
Only 238 miles to Aberdour.
Any chance of a westher report Taggsy Bhoy?
Tom McLaughlin
Thats Good to hear.
My Job stuff has improved recently so I am able to take my Son’s wee brother and big brother and his Mum to the game on Saturday. It would usually just be me and Aidan.
It doesn’t often happen But I sincerely hope it happens often this season.
It is time to put money into Scottish Football where ever the Scum are not involved.
Scottish people are sick of these bad people and want to take football back so we can build it up again..
Sixteen roads to Golgotha on 3 August, 2012 at 06:20
unblemishedredheiferquicknews
is my kind of chat right noo. :))
Remember the Lord is in Control Always.
N-Joi
Tom McL
You enjoy yer wee dram on Saturday night watchin ra gem, no too many mind.
Hx2
Mountblow tim on 3 August, 2012 at 06:04
Apologies, for not responding earlier.
Good Morning m8, have a Great Day.
And I’m looking forward to the Best ever season in Scottish Football for 20 seasons at least.
Neil will bring on our next Gen team as much as possible this season in the SPL and it will make it close up until February. Perfect Scenario for our LONG GAME.
petec on 3 August, 2012 at 06:39 said:
Best wishes and the best of luck to you and your family mate,you deserve it.I hope yous have a brilliant day at the arena on Saturday.
Celtic for the victory.
Slan.
Slan.
Sixteen roads to Golgotha on 3 August, 2012 at 06:49
I keep singing this to my wee lad Aidan and it drives him mad but I am sure he probably sings it when I’m not around.
I get him at weekends….
This charming man
I would go out tonight…..
Boys Don’t…….
Arthur Lee ( 7 March 1945 – 3 August 2006)
RIP
Good morning CQNers,
The Garry McConnachie piece in this morning’s DR on the Dundee Utd game last night missed an interesting piece of information and all I can say is that I’m glad I’d previously read the BBC’s report on the game.
It appears the DR reporter totally missed the punch up between the Dundee Utd and Dynamo Moscow supporters, If it’d been Celtic supporters I’ve no doubt it’d have been front page news.
The standard of reportage either by design or ineptitude on the DR is pathetic and the reason so many of us are turning to the new media to access multiple sources to become more discerning news gatherers..
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/europa-league-dundee-utd-2-1208775
Belfast Child, great haunting tune! Never tire of this kind of music. Cheers Petec, now to work!
League Openers versus Aberdeen
13/08/1932 HOME W 3-0 McGrory (10), Cameron (82), Napier (89 pen) Att – 17,000
James Scott Cameron scored on his Celtic debut, the only time Celtic have opened a league campaign at home to Aberdeen
10/08/1935 AWAY L 1-3 McGrory (85) HT 0-2 Att – 25,000
Willie Lyon made his Celtic debut
12/08/1939 AWAY L 1-3 Crum Att – 30,000
10/08/1996 AWAY D 2-2 Van Hooijdonk (28) Thom (90) HT 1-0 Att – 18,500
Alan Stubbs was ordered off in the 73rd minute of his competitive debut and Tosh McKinlay was red-carded post-match
01/08/1999 AWAY W 5-0 Larsson 2 (4, 52 pen), Viduka 2 (35, 41), Burchill (90) Att – 16,080
Jonathan Gould saved a 47th minute penalty
15/08/2009 AWAY W 3-1 McGeady 2 (29, 42), McDonald (44) HT 3-0 Att – 16,803
P 6 W 3 D 1 L 2 F 15 A 9
midfield maestro –
No problem big man.
2 decent sized whiskies is my absolute limit these days, and that’s plenty.
Funnily enough when I was in the hospital after my heart attack, the consultant, an Indian, knowing I was Scottish, was telling me I can enjoy a dram of whisky every day as it is good for the old ticker, taken in such civilised moderation. He even recommended a good single malt and mentioned Glenmorangie. He knew his stuff this guy.
You know me and medical advice. I was never one to disobey doctor’s orders.
Hail Hail
Thanks guys for the eBay raffle prize purchases! Henrik sold out, about 380 broonies and about 200 lennys sold in 3 days. Lots more to come, we’re got some magnificent prizes for auction and raffle. P67, john hughes, couple of other legends, the best fans in the world are gathering. Sun is shining in the sky in aberdour, mr blue sky is living here today! Another cracker for the open.
winningemmell on 3 August, 2012 at 07:08
Aberdeen will play very well and get a credible 1-3 defeat. I’d like to see them go ahead actually.
I will be *u==ing raging if Celtic don’t win over there.
Their number 7 is a bag of tricks, whoever he is, but he is nothing to what we have. Their Black lad had those leg that the Rennes guy Petriopa has but had nowhere near the skill or the pace of that SPEED monster.
Good morning friends and a Big (extra big) Happy Friday from a sun kissed, cloudless, warm East Kilbride. My first CQN Open and I can’t wait…
Tom McLaughlin on 3 August, 2012 at 07:11 said:
2 decent sized whiskies is my absolute limit these days, and that’s plenty.
That is a quality statement.
Jobo Baldie
Good Morning Jobo….
Have a FANTASTIC DAY.
Celtic Song
What? The CQN Open is TODAY??
This man said its gruesome, the second contracts were there…
Morning,
Interesting day ahead regarding the Sevco license after the SPL announcement yesterday. We also get to find out exactly what ‘concessions’ we have given to SKY.
Morning Celts, 2hr cycle ride into work completed, trouble is I’ll need to do it back home again later :>(
Good luck to the golfers and Erm helpers today at Aberdour, have a good yin, look after Oldtim he’s a CQN legend.
HH
And can I just say how disenchanted I am with the disciplinary system. Have the Tax Collectors gone to Saltcoats for an extended break?
Vmhan on 3 August, 2012 at 07:46
At least you can gorge on carbohydrates.
God Bless All who go to Aberdour.
OLD TIM
I am meeting you in Waverley Station not Haymarket train due in at 1104
CQN Badge on shirt Check
train ticket in pocket Check
Match ticket for tomorrow in pocket Check
Meeting Old Tim for drink (Bank Loan)
Hail Hail to all the CQN’rs
Vmhan
Praise You