Here we go again!

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This afternoon’s game is not about playing well or looking the part for the new season.  It is only about getting a result that helps us into the second round.  All of the pretty football and developmental signs we hope to see can wait.

Last year we started the same competitive journey a little closer, in Ireland.  More memorably, a year earlier, things kicked off in Gibraltar.  Ronny’s two campaigns both began in Iceland.  Although the game in Gibraltar was an anxious occasion, early European qualification games have only helped prepare the squad in recent seasons.

If we are to see these four qualification rounds through, we will have eight games in eight weeks.  Each an opportunity to pick up injuries and suspensions.  Let’s hope we come through today unscathed in both respects.

Here we go again!

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  1. INIQUITOUSIV on 10TH JULY 2018 12:58 PM

     

     

    We have 4 out injured and 4 not back from WC duty. Unfortunately 2 of our normal back 4 are another 2-3 weeks away from returning. The main concern is Griffiths’s continuing injuries, I thought the operation at the end of last season would mean him available a lot more than last season.

     

    Still need another Central Midfielder (assume that’ll be McGinn) and a RIght Back/Wing Back minimum.

  2. GlassTwoThirdsFull on

    If it’s going to be hot, ball retention will be crucial. Brown, Ntcham and McGregor will be key players.

     

    We shouldn’t be fearful about these teams; they should be worried about us.

     

    Keep the ball, no risks at the back and get a goal or two.

  3. David 66 11.47 .

     

    I went to Salou back in 2002 & 2003 with my young bhoy when I was a single parent. Murphy’s bar ( as recommended by Pog later) was an excellent pub . Child friendly, full of Tims from every corner of Ireland. It was managed by a Celtic mad Welshman at the time. If he’s still in charge you have no worries. Top guy , top boozer. Enjoy HH

  4. ABS ad blocker works really well for me.

     

     

    Heading to Timmys in Torreblanca later for the Celtic match.

     

     

    CostaDelSolCSC

  5. Bhoyjoebelfast on

    Doing a bit of reading :

     

    Wee poser.What was significant about the Celtic line-up that played

     

    St.Johnstone in a 4 nil victory 14/01/1967.

  6. !!Bada Bing!! on

    Bain

     

    Henry Ajer Jozo KT

     

    Forrest Brown Ntcham Mcgregor

     

    Ed Dembele

     

    Rumoured team

  7. 50 shades of green on

    BhoyJoe……..

     

     

    Did the same 11 play together in lisboa a wee while later that year???

  8. !!Bada Bing!! on

    SP- if that is the team, Bain instead of CG due to plastic pitch, if that’s what they have

  9. bhoyjoebelfast

     

     

    First and one of only 10-11 times the Lisbon Lions played together!

  10. Bhoyjoebelfast on

    50 shades Celtic Mac :

     

    Yes,it was actually the first time the LL played together.

     

    Jinky with 2 Chalmers and Lennox completing the scoring.

     

    Charlie G on the bench.

  11. What is the Stars on

    Great news about the boys soccer team from Thailand

     

     

    You see its not always a bad idea to teach young players to dive !!!!

  12. leftclicktic on

    C’Mon the Hooooooooops

     

    Just do the job and return home still in the tie.

     

    ps as MWD said earlier

     

    “Happy new season to all “

  13. OGLACH on 10TH JULY 2018 2:25 PM

     

    Is the game being covered by radio shortbread?

     

     

     

    Radio Scotland medium wave from 1/2 four Celtic Park Time mate

  14. Mahe the Madman on

    Howdy Big Joe and if you’re still bobbin about on a boat get some pics in here for us.

     

    There’s a few boat people I believe,,more pics lads.

  15. MAHE THE MADMAN on 10TH JULY 2018 2:47 PM

     

    Howdy Big Joe and if you’re still bobbin about on a boat get some pics in here for us.

     

     

    There’s a few boat people I believe,,more pics lads.

     

     

    Still bobbin aboot Mahe, not sure if Big Paul allows pics as its a fitba blog

  16. Good to be back guys………………….

     

     

    Shortbread just love the ETB guys, helps support their agenda

     

     

    allinittogether

  17. Billy Bertie and Bobby on

    Here we go again and lets enjoy. 8 games to negotiate this time. Doesn’t get any easier does it. There was a time I used to expect us to see off the opposition comfortably but not anymore. Hope we negotiate our way through these games unscathed in terms of injuries etc. I don’t care about performances in these games, it’s all about the result for me. Get to the group stages and hope to do well there. Domestically we should expect more of challenge but if we avoid serious injury and go about our business in the correct way we can make it 8 in a row and maybe do a triple treble. Not much to ask for ??? COYBIG

  18. GreeninbingleyinOslo on

    The Alashkert Stadium is grass, but the game tonight is apparently being played at the wonderfully-named Republican Stadium, which might be plastic.

     

    It’s certainly bigger.

  19. blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on

    Big Joe

     

    Just followed you on Twitter, hope ou are well big chap

     

    Missed Aberdour last week but see you are living it up on the boat..

     

     

    A draw will do for me tonight

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