The players would have had a light training session at Lennoxtown today as muscles continue to refill after Wednesday night’s exertions. Expectations of Celtic in the Champions League are not high, and were exceptionally low when this group was drawn, but even so, these games have a huge financial, physical and even emotional impact on every area of the club.
One argument suggests the last thing we need is a cup semi-final four days after a Champions League outing. An alternative thought is that this is the perfect game for Celtic right now. Memories linger of sitting stressfully at Fir Park days after Celtic beat the reigning European Champions, Milan, as (subsequently liquidated) Grenta held onto a lead until the 87th minute.
While playing (subsequently liquidated) Rangers away 64 hours after winning a Uefa Cup semi-final 1200 miles from home in 2003 proved to be the perfect game to instil steel into the legs.
With what passes as a fully fit squad, Brendan has choices to make for Sunday. Did Patrick Roberts do enough off the bench against Borussia to justify a start? Perhaps. He’s a player who owes us one at Hamden too.
Callum McGregor will also fancy his chances ahead of Nir Bitton, who didn’t have a great Scottish Cup semi-final against the same opponents in April.
It would be a huge surprise if Moussa Dembele didn’t start as the lone forward, despite Leigh Griffiths itching to get on alongside him. Brendan will not change formation for this game, while Moussa will fancy his chances against a defence he punished to ruthlessly last month.
For me, our two most important players on Sunday will be Scott Sinclair and Tom Rogic. They are the epitome of the modern footballer, strong, skilful, intelligent and difficult to defend against. If we can get them on the ball often enough we’ll score a lot of goals.
Pretty much every Celtic fan I know expects Mark Warburton to have learned a lesson from his Celtic Park whipping and for him to deploy a more defensively-minded team this time. My Newco pals don’t expect this to happen. Warburton hasn’t varied his game-plan since arriving at the club and is apparently reluctant to start experimenting now.
He took his team to Hampden to face Celtic against similarly long odds last season. Within minutes we knew we were in a game, and despite the clear chasm between the teams, it was Newco who faced Hibs in the Scottish Cup final.
A repeat of the 5-1 win at Celtic Park is possible, but you’ve seen enough football to know that nothing can be taken for granted on Sunday. Remember that Newco came close to levelling that 5-1 game at 2-2 early in the second half, and the latter part of their collapse came after going down to 10 men.
I’m off later to meet those from the Tyneside No. 1 and friends, who have walked (yes, WALKED), from Merthyr Tydfil and will reach Doherty’s Bar in Hamilton this afternoon. They’ve pretty much walked a marathon a day for 13 days and will make the final journey to Celtic Park tomorrow.
This herculean effort has been made to mark the memory of Jonathan Thomas, who aged 30 lost his biggest fight one year ago tomorrow.
We’re lucky as Celtic fans that we get to meet and read about people who do these things in our name. It’ll take you 2 minutes to let them know how inspiring they are here.
It’s also worth marking the events in Aberfan, the village a few miles from Merthyr Tydfil which was visited by unimaginable tragedy 50 years ago today.
John Humphrys: What we owe the people of Aberfan 50 years after tragedy struck the village, and why it shows authority must be challenged. pic.twitter.com/OdjyaAGTsQ
— BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) October 21, 2016
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Emotional stuff at Thomond park as Munster take the lead.
Did we ever resolve the toasted/roasted cheese debate?
No way we can make progress on chapel/church, parkhead/ Celtic park until we do.
Toasted or roasted?
Or if you’re a tad pretentious gruyere lovingly melted on a garlic focaccia
Shortie “Sports” News Desk
“Amidst scenes many will find repulsive and indeed offensive………the scoddish authorities note that
…….every Celtic player stormed the pitch at Hampden causing havoc, all the while being egged on from the sidelines by Irishman St Brendan Rodgers………..
There were dangerous runs up the park with terrifying bursts of speed and arrogant displays of Celtic power…..and prowess from the visiting upstarts which flew in the face of the traditions of scoddish football…..
……the dignified Manager of our spiritual partners could only look on, in silent horror – literally dumb-founded.
……………..some of the Rangers players defended themselves the only way they know how…..it looks certain that the valiant Garner can look forward to an extended stay in Casualty thanks to his performances this afternoon. “
Surely it’s getting close to poppy debate time? And I haven’t read a good songs argument on here for years.
Sort it out CQN.
HAMILTONTIM on 22ND OCTOBER 2016 1:02 PM
FAC Post.
With only two days until the consultation paper to repeal the OBaF Act deadline, it’s imperative that anyone who is opposed to the legislation, but hasn’t yet completed the survey, does so.
We’re now asking, if you have limited time, to simply complete section 1 and then submit, it will take only a minute.
Please, this is important.
http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/S/FootballActRepealBill/
=========
Cornflake Tim
You forgot to mention that when answering Q1 that petitioners should read the question very carefully before they answer as the question is confusing and some are answering incorrectly before then providing a full answer in the box provided which contradicts their Yes\No answer to the origonal question.
MWD
G64- is VP bringing a cargo round tomorrow?
going to watch 2nd half of the sheep game.
Baaaa
Is the hampden pitch narrowed???
On the plus side it looks like it has grass on it. Quite an improvement
Watching that first half and Morton had the best chance with a 1 on 1 but Sheep hit the bar twice.
Other thing I have noticed is players slipping on the turf.
Get the right boots on tomorrow Bhoys as this pitch will only be worse then.
MWD
Thanks my little coco pop!
PhilBhoy
Thanks for the advice earlier;Amarone is the same place as the Glasgow restaurant of the same name, never been too impressed in there perhaps I have been unlucky.
I will be driving so no need for good beer and wine for me.
I will be hoping to drive home with a smile on my face if we can sort that lot out at Hampden.
Anyway, time to get the paella ingredients looked out.
ROBERTTRESSELL on 22ND OCTOBER 2016 1:16 PM
we have not sorted the MANUKA HONEY debate from earlier and you want to start on poppies.
oh sorry do bees feed off poppies??????
Craigan gets paid actual money by BT? Seriously? Unbelievable
Favourite uncle – Manuka honey eh? You trying to stir up a hornets nest?
Agricultural football from the sheep.
Baaaa
..
‘Only I can see You Jim.. Only I’
Summa of Randall&HopkirkDeceasedCSC
Robert T
…….If I’m no’ mistaken I think the first salvo might have been fired across the bows yesterday in respect of THAT controversial seasonal flower………………
“ten-hut” CSC
JJ up again
https://johnjamessite.com/
This one is a bit of a who am I! Can anyone work it out? He now seems happy to give massive clues about who he is or is he planting stocks for the nutters?
MWD
Only today and tomorrow left if you haven’t completed the consultation survey on the repeal of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act please click this link and complete it now.
If long forms daunt you, just give your contact details and then complete the 5 questions on Sections 1-5 showing you are in favour of repeal- that is just 5 ticks- then just scroll through to the end and press SUBMIT. It can be done in less than a minute.
If you are unsure about what to write, this crib sheet will help. Remember you are agreeing that the act should be repealed. Also remember to click Complete Survey at the end or your views won’t be included!
More arrests this week so we need more submissions.
FAC the Act!
KTF
Bankie – I now regret having mentioned it. But for the record I think that………….
I canny be bothered.
Dons are rank by the way.
..
HamiltonTim.. Moonbeams..
I was reading a CSA yearbook from the 30’s or 40’s today and it had a Pictures of a ‘Old Firm’ Associations Dance in Kirkintilloch if I’m correct..
Is there Any Plans afoot of this Social Event making a Comeback..?
Summa of DancingWithTheDevilCSC
Sevco need all this water to complete their LIQUIDATION.
Robert T……….
Yep -me too……..
Fore-warned is fore-armed tho’…………….
HH
“Get-Some-In” CSC
St Stive, Delaneys Dunkey, Moravcik
I am a Celtic supporter first and last; always have been and always will be. I go at every opportunity to watch my team and no one will stop me from doing that. Not Sevco, not the SFA, not the SPFL, not a Five Way Agreement.
The best way to stick it to all of the above, IMHO, is to go and support our team; out-sing them, out-play them and grind their face in it at every opportunity.
I’ll be there!
FAC the Act
KTF
Summa
Never heard of such a thing.
ThankGodCSC
1-0 sheep
..
MOONBEAMSWD ‘STAND UP ON 15 FOR THE GB’ on 22ND OCTOBER 2016 1:27 PM
JJ up again
https://johnjamessite.com/
This one is a bit of a who am I! Can anyone work it out? He now seems happy to give massive clues about who he is or is he planting stocks for the nutters?
MWD
..
Hmmm..
Does He mention a Tsunami coming or Rangers going bust before Chrimbo.. or He know a Roof Plumber who knows who the Leak inside Ibrox is.. or that they Cannae pay for the White Paint to paint the Centre Circle ..
Or My Favourite.. More news on this in the Coning Days..
Summa of WhitNumptiesReadThisPashCSC
Goal was offside by sheep but ah well.
..
HAMILTONTIM on 22ND OCTOBER 2016 1:42 PM
Summa
Never heard of such a thing.
ThankGodCSC
..
It has the Pics to Prove it..
Howevvva..
The Pic must have been taken at the Teddy Bears end of the Dance hall.. as they were some absolute Munters in shot.. lol
Summa
Seeing as Shinnie and Mcinnes are always moaning about decisions they feel aggrieved about, especially when they play us, I wonder if either one will be gracious enough to say their goal was offside.
Aiden Nesbitt now on for Morton.
Two current Celtic players on now and two ex Celtic players in Morton’s squad
Morton putting on a good show against the ovine botherers,goal was offside,too.
The Den of Hamp is rubbish.
Watching the Spurs game just now and seeing how comfortable VW is in this company . The physique of the average EPL footballer shows why only Victor and his other giant ex Celt, Virgil, will flourish down there.
The Spurs side in particular are all built like light heavyweight boxers.
All over 2-0 sheep
Oh the irony
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_cups/7181119.stm
HH
Baaaad luck Morton.Gave a decent account of themselves.
Paul67 et al
Dons through! When did we last play Aberdeen in a final?
Celtic Mac
1990 – lost on pens – big Roy sent off