Four games stand between Celtic and more history

‘The magic of the Cup’ was perhaps missing as Celtic eased Brechin City out of the competition on Saturday but the occasion provided Brendan Rodgers with the perfect opportunity to exercise limbs in competitive action for the first time in three weeks.

Four games now stand between Celtic and a second consecutive treble, at least one of which will be at home (to Partick Thistle), with two at neutral Hampden, should we get there. Celtic have won six on the bounce at Hampden since Tom Rogic’s penalty missed the target in the Scottish Cup semi-final of 2016. Whatever mental block we had at the place before Brendan arrived, it is well and truly sorted now.

More about Thistle tomorrow. They may be second bottom of the league but there are reasons to believe tomorrow’s game at Firhill will not be straightforward.

It occurs to me that you and I have talked about making history so often in recently.  These truly are incredible times.

I see Chris McCart has been busy with plans for a ‘colts’ team to enter the bottom tier of Scottish football.  Not sure how this would workout but I just hope the hoards of conservatives (small c) in our game don’t block an innovative change without just cause.

NEW CQN PODCAST OUT TONIGHT WITH THE ORIGINAL HOLY GOALIE, JOHN FALLON

A Celtic State of Mind presents its 31st instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.

Paul John Dykes and Kevin Graham are joined by Lisbon Lion, John Fallon, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.

The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.

John – The Original Holy Goalie – discusses pay disputes, bonus rows, cigarettes & alcohol at Seamill, breaking up The Lisbon Lions and The Quality Street Gang, the battle of Montevideo, his volatile relationship with Jock Stein, and he finally tells the full story behind his European Cup winners’ medal.

The CQN Podcast has gone from strength-to-strength over the last few months, and there are many more guests lined up in the months ahead from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature and politics.

Our first two editions of 2018 have attracted huge audiences for the interviews with former Celtic Director Tom Grant them politician and life long Celtic supporter Tommy Sheridan, who likes a rant!

Talking about rants, we hand over to the Original Holy Goalie, when it comes to matters concerning Celtic, he has an opinion on everything. Legend!

Connect with A Celtic State of Mind @PaulDykes, @anorthernprose and @CQNMagazine and subscribe to the podcast via iTunes or through your podcast player.

Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!