You can only beat the team in front of you, and in that respect, Celtic were scintillating against Nomme Kalju last night. The precision and speed with which they moved the ball was a significant improvement on most of last season, the impact Ryan Christie had on this fact should not be underestimated.
Kalju defended solidly until the opening goal went in. At this, their resistance crumbled. Simultaneously, Boli Bolingoli went off injured, his second injury retirement in three games for Celtic. On this basis, I am not convinced the player is injury-free, which may be inhibiting his performance.
When Mikey Johnston replaced Boli, Kalju were reduced to chasing shadows. When Johnston, Christie, McGregor and Forrest are allowed the dictate tempo to the extent they were last night, they are remarkably effective.
Leigh Griffiths’ goal was cathartic for the player. It was an exceptional free kick, reminiscent of his strike against Hapoel Be’er Shiva three years ago. Last season we succeeded in winning a treble, despite being reduced to one striker for most of the campaign – and to none for some of it. With Leigh back in the squad, Neil Lennon will have options that were not available earlier this year. Including playing two strikers, as he did last night.
With defensive numbers still low. yesterday we signed 28-year-old Israeli Hatem Abd Elhamed. It remains to be seen how Neil Lennon views the player, who made his international debut replacing Nir Bitton last month, and may well replace him as central defensive cover.
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GFTB – 7.46am
That is one of the issues never mentioned, but which needs careful considered by our board in their dealing with SFA/UEFA (such as res 12).
We benefited in europe through old huns EBT schemes. By playing players in europe they could not afford, the scottish coefficient was illegally inflated. We benefited in getting CL places which otherwise would have gone to other countries.
QF
As long as Aberdeen fans (or any other) direct their filth towards us I will never hope they win.
I do get the coefficient thing…but still a no from this Bhoy. Some will be wanting the Cream Buns to win next.
Hail Hail.
England all out 1st ball of the day,Ireland 182 to win
Last season we constantly moaned about not having defensive cover. We always seemed to have one or two players injured at any given time. We also knew by the end of the season that:
1. Boyata was for the off
2. Gamboa was for the off
3. Emilio was for the off
4. Compper was for the off
5. Benkovic was for the off
6. Lustig was for the off
7. Toljian was for the off
8. Dorus de Vries was for the off
9. Craig Gordon might not want another season on the bench
10. Simunovic can’t be counted on for long periods due to being injury prone
11. KT would be subject to big bids
So that would be 8+ defence players from the first team squad gone/going and question marks over another 1-2. The upside was that we freed up a substantial amount of wages that can and should be used to improve the contracts for our key assets.
The downside is that unless some of the youth players are in line for fast-track promotion, then even with the signings of Julien, Boli and Hatem we are still well down on numbers and cover for injury and suspension.
We definitely still need another right back and if KT goes we will need another left back.
The fact that Lenny was reported to be looking at another CH last night should not be a surprise.
If we qualify for the Champions League group stages, I want the Stickies to qualify for the Europa League group stages.
Why? Three reasons.
*For improved National Co-efficient, and a later start for our competitive season (or indeed straight entry into CL groups for the winners of the Ess Pee Eff Hell.)
*Our league challenge for the 9 may be hampered if we have six extra midweek games, with travel issues etc, than Sevco.
* There will be something funny on the telly on Thursday nights.
🍀⚽️
Hunderbirds – I agree. November & December will stress our squad to its limit. We were on our knees by the end of December. We need their squad to be similarly tested with 2-3 games a week or they will have a big fitness advantage in the league. Hopefully this year, if they get into the group stages, they will have to face a much better standard of team than they did last season.
Meanwhile in the ‘tabloids’, it’s trumpeted that Capn Tav has won a POTY award – from his team’s Ultras. Next to a story our KT is subject of a new 25mill bid. Kwalitee reporting: As sad as it’s risible.
new article posted.
Rodgers persuades Celtic backroom analyst Jack Lyons to join him at Leicester.
If Scottish football is such a joke why are our staff being recruited by EPL sides?