Over the summer I could frequently be heard muttering, “We need a left back”. Despite returning from injury at the turn of the year, Emilio Izaguirre was unable to command a regular starting place in the team. His occasions starts provided evidence why. With Charlie Mulgrew the most authoritative central defender in the squad the left back slot looked like our most vulnerable position.
Emilio’s early form this season was no better, especially in the Champions League qualifiers, but recent weeks has seen the player return to his very best. His confidence seems to have returned as he is taking opponents on with purpose which had been missing for over a year.
On this form, we can look forward to seeing him test himself at the Camp Nou.
[calameo code=0003901711e92eb7539d6 lang=en page=36 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]
693 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- ...
- 19
- »
Barcelona may well be weak at the back. But to test that out we first need to get the ball and attack – and that ain’t easy against those guys.
Parkheadcumsalford.
I probably share your opinion re Charlie compared to the other incumbents. Charlie, though, is second best in every one of those positions and that makes him a very valuable player. I must add, before Wilson`s dramatic improvement, Charlie was a better CH and likewise with Izaguirre at LB. Also, although those others might be better than CM, it is not by much at all. Excellent player to have in the team is Mr Charles Mulgrew.
JJ
I think wee Forrest needs a break from the pressure on him and also to be given time to try and learn that whenever somebody brushes him he has to get on with the game instead of stopping and crying to the ref
Gene’s a Bhoys name
12:28
If there are two or men on him. someone else has to be free
BlantyreKev 12:28
This is the week that we won away, We will rejoice and be glad in it, This is the week, This is the week, that we won away…
BobbyRussell 12:15 on 8 October, 2012
Jungle Jim 12:22 on 8 October, 2012
Parkheadcumsalford 12:24 on 8 October, 2012
It’s a difficult situation for the Green Huns. Lustig and Wilson have also come on to a game lately, but I suppose one slip from either of them will be enough to get the abuse going.
Outside bet is Forrest – he’s young and talented, but as the likes of McGeady, Maloney and Donnelly all know those qualities don’t save you from abuse from those with a certain mind-set.
Gene’s a Bhoys name.
This is a problem James will inevitably encounter as his reputation grows. There were times yesterday when Forrest and Lustig had four players in the vicinity. We need to be able to quickly switch wings when this happens as there are gaps to be exploited on the left.
However, it does need to be done quickly. This is a tactic which could work well for us provided the players are aware of the situation and how to take advantage of it. I would like to think they are but there is not always a lot of evidence of this on the pitch.
thomthethim
12:27 on
8 October, 2012
Jim Mc. Guinness on Highland Radio now.
I wonder if he will comment on the Celtic speculation?
………….
?????
Emilio is almost back to his best – and will continue to improve over the coming weeks.
Re: Andre Blackman – all hearsay but heard, among other things, that he threatened to break Paul Slane’s leg at training and had a generally bad attitude.
It would appear that Celtic was his last chance.
HH!!
Son of Gabriel
Exactly – we need to make sure our spare man is available and that James uses him.
When it’s a confidence problem, dropping a player can sometimes worsen the problem. Lenny has shown great man management in persisting with Izzy and it is now paying off.
Glenda
The difference is that wee Forrest is still a young bhoy and doesn’t yet have the tools to cope with criticism. that will come, but in a couple of years time
ASonOfDan 12:34 on 8 October, 2012
“I don’t think Izzy was becoming a scapegoat. He was just terribly poor in most games this season.”
The guy had a really bad injury last season and his confidence has been pretty low. It usually takes a player about a dozen games to get back into his stride after being out for several months.
At the games I’ve been at this season there was a growing unease every time Emilio was on the ball and some people were getting on his back.
I suppose that’s just the way it is, but I’ve never understood the point of ‘fans’ putting their own players under pressure.
Nothing about Blckman on the official site (and his picture is still there). Where are the rumours coming from?
JJ
The herald has an article
‘Rangers chairman on horns of a dilemma after latest setback’
I was in it earlier and there was one comment and at the end of it the poster stated that Green was not the chairman and neither was he the owner.
Article now showing 0 comments.
One Nation…
Mc.Guinness didn’t say no.
Very impressed with the people and setup at Celtic.
Paul67
I think we all underestimate the impact his fractured ankle probably had on him.
We were well aware of his talent, so we needed to cut him some slack , and await his return to form.
Emilio is now 26 and reaching the peak of his footballing career, I’m sure we have still
to see more from him.
My only wish is that everyone who calls themself a Celtic fan , can chill and see the big picture.
We are developing a good team, one that can compete at the highest level , and along the way there will be some bumps.
Let’s not personalise it if someone is having a poor run, get behind them and support the team no matter what.
In this respect I think the GB have shown the way.
Going to Celtic Park should be a joy, that too many people forget.
‘Paradise’ here on Earth, what’s not to like ?
Glasgow’s Green & White !
Steinreignedsupreme
‘Human Nature’ can be a bitch.
steinreignedsupreme said:
” I suppose that’s just the way it is, but I’ve never understood the point of ‘fans’ putting their own players under pressure.”
Neither have I, SRS. Well, I understand that it is their frustration but why they cannot see that their behaviour only worsens the situation is beyond me.
JJ
Rogue Leader
They will buy reinforcements in January to see them through.
Oh no wait a minute…
One more injury crisis and a few home slip ups are on the cards:)
HH
Bit of topic but does anyone know why Gregor Kylie is leaving Celtic TV?
Really like the wee guy and thought he was doing a grand job.
Jungle Jim
12:45 on
8 October, 2012
Nothing about Blckman on the official site (and his picture is still there).
======
====
Right next to the pic of Zheng Zhi, the old image rights still coming in handy;)
HH
thomthethim
12:27 on
8 October, 2012
Jim Mc. Guinness on Highland Radio now.
I wonder if he will comment on the Celtic speculation?
——————
whats the context bud ?
greenjedi,
Speculation that Celtic were keen on bringing him in.
He is a sports psychologist and sports science graduate.
Possibly to fill the AT position.
He said that no approach had been made, but, if any offer came, from anywhere, he would sit down and talk.
Very positive about the club and the whole set up, from top to bottom.
A Celtic supporter……and Arsenal.
If a complemetary position,possibly as a consultant, was taken up, I would be delighted.
The lad has special talents and would be an asset to any sport.
KJam
12:52 on
8 October, 2012
Bit of topic but does anyone know why Gregor Kylie is leaving Celtic TV?
========================
He was singing too much during transmission and he wasn’t biased enough;)
HH
Thom
Cheers
PS.
He was a guest of the club at a CL game and visited Lennoxtown the previous day.
That is wherevhe formed his opinions of the setup.
Also had long talks with NL, who was his guest at the Al Ireland Final.
Off oot to cut the grass.
traditionalist88
He said he was going to a new job but I don’t know what that job is.
Just in case anyone missed it lol
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19871714
thomthethim
Just beat you, though had to wait till it defrosted.
Nonsense alert :
Izzy certainly has regained his form. I was concerned that the injury he sustained may have robbed him of his confidence, but as the weeks have passed his ability has returned and will be back to its best, so long as he remains injury free.
He’ll give the Catalonians something to worry about as he bombs down the left wing at The Camp Nou, a wonderful arena in which to display his undoubted skills.
Snake Plissken
a job sorting out the Scottish MSM – we should be so lucky;)
HH
sftb
I am not under any illusions about our games, away and home, against Barcelona.
Agree that these are two tough matches coming up…..but……we must approach them as a club capable of getting some kind of good result.
If we turn up at the Camp Nou keeking our pants, what is the point?
We are Lennon’s Lions!
Young, growing in confidence, growing in stature, up for a battle on any football ground.
Bring it on I say!
C’MON THE CELTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
traditionalist88 & Snake Plissken
All the best to Gregor! I loved his enthusiasm! By all accounts a good good guy.
He was getting right stuck into Thompson yesterday and rightfully so.
MSM ESP Radios Snyde n Shortie not so ebullient and puffed of chest today. In fact they ve forgotten to mention Sevco in any depth..
Suddenly Scotland and the dunhill cup are news worthy..
I just can’t get enough..
HH
Nothing les than to 3-0 victories for Celtic against Barca will be good enough for this Bhoy!!!
Anything less will be unacceptable.
MWD
I think Commons got some of the same treatment last year as Izzy got, some of it on here. It’s quite funny really and shows a real lack of understanding amongst some supporters about what it takes to compete at the top level.
Anyone returning from a serious injury that has kept them out for months will need games to get back to match fitness form. That can easily be 10 or 12 games. Both Commons and Izzy are now showing what happens after getting the games back under the belt.
We should be more worried about Scott Brown who appears to be playing through serious injury with regular injections. I just hope the club have his best interests at heart and don’t damage him long term for short term gain.
HH