Celtic Park moment, Balde tradition, super-fit Elfsborg

As the players prepared for kick off four-year-old Oscar Knox turned and raised his arms towards his father on the touchline. It was a great Celtic Park moment.

Amido Balde got 14 minutes at the end of the game last night. By then Cliftonville were well beaten, but Amido’s physical threat was undeniable. He’s a big, broad, lad. Very much in the ‘Balde’ tradition.

Neil Lennon correctly suggested that a week is a long time in preseason football. I remember the son of a former Celtic striker making the same observation after we transformed a 5-0 deficit into a 4-0 victory in August 2005. Watching last night, you get the feeling there is still a lot of work to do before we face super-fit Elfsborg next week. I know there has been a lot of stress about having to play three Champions League qualifying rounds but I’m pleased we have the Cliftonville games under out belt.

More on the Uefa monies later……..
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