Craig Gordon
I think we all have a desire to be generous to Craig for a couple of reasons: as Ronny said, without him, we would not have gotten through the group stage, and we are due him some support after he spoiled his copy in the first leg. He returned to form last night, made several fine saves, but we would expect him to make all of them.
He also contributed a truly exceptional save from an offside attempt.
Adam Matthews and Emilio Izaguirre
Neither full back was as productive in the final third as they were a week ago, but that would have been a consequence of a different game plan, and the numerical disadvantage. There is a tendency to criticise our full backs, especially Izzie, for bombing forward and leaving gaps at the back, but this is their role in the team. It’s up to someone else to provide cover. We’re as strong at full back as I’ve known us.
Virgil van Dijk, Jason Denayer and Efe Ambrose
For two want-away players, this tie was a big stage. Virgil didn’t give a good account of himself. The first booking last night was incorrect. He stopped the player but played the ball and his challenge was never dangerous. Scouts watching his second yellow will have recorded that he made a very bad decision which ultimately cost his team. The referee had a nightmare, but the second yellow was a correct decision.
Jason and Efe played well. There was one moment Efe failed to follow a player in the box but Craig Gordon saved. Jason was comfortable throughout. If he wants a morality tale on what could happen if he returns to Manchester City, he should look no further than his team-mate up front.
Nir Bitton
The scouts who were there to watch Virgil would have left with a notebook full of comments about Nir Bitton. At Murrayfield against Legia, Nir was part of a midfield which included Mulgrew, McGregor and Johansen. It was an abject team performance and the Israeli bore much of the brunt of criticism.
Here’s the thing: I’m beginning to think he’s our best player. He could have played in any of the Champions League games I’ve watched this week, Sign him up, Peter.
Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, Stefan Johansen
A major reason last season’s European campaign was such a write-off was the absence of Scott Brown following his rush-of-blood red card and three game suspension. We need players with the ability and engine of Scott and Stefan, both must be a nightmare to play against.
Stuart Armstrong looks like he has been playing in this Celtic team for years. He’s fitted in very well and already looks like an automatic choice. Wait to see what he’s like after 6 months.
Gary Mackay-Stevens
I couldn’t believe the innate criticism of Ronny after the game on BT Sport for subbing Gary, who was our best player until that point, after the red card. When you are early in the game, away from home in the San Siro, it is a perfectly acceptable tactic to sacrifice a wide player (Gary was our only out-and-out wide player) for a defender or covering midfielder.
We didn’t win the game, but anyone who asserts that we would have won the game by leaving a wide player on in place of a covering midfielder or defender, is stretching credulity. The tactics chosen kept the game alive until the 88th minute, albeit the break required didn’t materialise.
When he was on the field, Gary won the ball in a central position, ripped 60 yards through Inter, before finding a team-mate. He looked to be revelling in the space and opportunity given to him.
John Guidetti, James Forrest, Chris Commons
This was a hard shift for all three. John could have had a penalty but thereafter found himself on his bum too often. He is a player who has not progressed as hoped under Ronny, yet, and has a lot of work to do between now and the end of the season.
James has not returned to his blistering performances from a couple of years ago, when he was clearly our M.V.P. As his limbs mature his speed and injury record could go either way. He’ll be with us for another few years, so Celtic have time to build resilience into those leg muscles and nerves.
Kris came on with 13 minutes left and used his unerring goal-sonar to squeeze an attempt out of the meagre provisions he had. He also appears to have updated the referee on what an incompetent clown he is at the end of the game.
This was the first of seven European away games we failed to score in this season, but the reasons we’re out of Europe all lie in what happened last week. You cannot make goalkeeping and defensive mistakes like that and remain in Europe, nor can you pass up so many clear-cut chances.
Don’t know where to start on the flare last night. I fear the next decision from Uefa will be more than a fine.
Thanks to everyone who donated to our Mary’s Meals school kitchen appeal yesterday while entering the ticket competition. The winner was informed by email a few moments ago, so check your inbox.
If you need tickets for the CQN St Patrick’s Dinner, with a Q&A with Packy Bonner, Joe Miller, Tommy Coyne and Tom Boyd, Archie Macpherson speaking about Jock Stein, and music from Patricia Ferns, let me know, celticquicknews@gmail.com
1,061 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- »
One of the residual thoughts that remain with me after Thursday’s game is the impact of Armstrong and GMS.
In the space of a month these two have not only outshone the many ‘projects’ of similar age( but greater cost) we bought in previous years but they have laid down the gauntlet to first team players.
I’d also say Griffiths has done similar.
These 3 are not likely to warm any bench going forward so a few guys who maybe thought they were first picks have a dilemma. They step up
Or step out. My guess is they step out.
Just goes to show we don’t need to go too far. There is serious talent on our doorstep and unlike previously we are not competing with anyone to buy them. It also regenerates the Scottish game. Furthermore we are fielding players the fans can relate to.
Ultimately we are making WGS job easier at national level too.
Makes watching other games more interesting for me as I play amateur scout.
Back home .Lovely sunny day in Montalbano land.
Best Milan banter.
2 gay chaps outside a bar as a wee crew of Celtic fans strolled past –
1 chap said – ” Who are tonight’ s drunken troglodytes ?”
Other chap said – ” Don’t know.Let’ s hope Inter lose and this will be the last of the season”
gearoid1998
09:37 on 28 February, 2015
Mick
Got your email after getting back last night. Will fire one off to you later although whether you will.be able to read it, bite your finger nails et al will be a matter of conjecture.
HH skin
₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩
I’ll have a large whisky prior to reading.
HH
ALFIE NOAKES
I don’t doubt your Celtic credentials,as I have said before. But others do.
Comments like ‘Fully- fledged Ronny hater on this morning – tell me ‘over the goal’, what if he is the ONLY Celtic manager to win the TREBLE in his FIRST season’ don’t help.
You seem to have overlooked Messrs Stein and O’Neill.
I think wee Jamesie suffers from the Tiger Woods syndrome. Since he got caught wi his boaby hingin oot, it’s been all downhill.
UPOVERGOAL
HS2 cuts the journey time from London to Glasgow or Edinburgh by as much as it is cut from London to Manchester or Leeds.
HT
Correct
We won the league 7th April mini BT first birthday , it was a pay per view game on Sky against St Mirren with Tommy Johnstone scoring
The links i posted to ‘The war on Drugs’ music are a sign of the awe I am in with that album, it’s very rare that you hear something and immediately like it. Notes of Dylan, the Waterboys, all that is good.. great stuff..
I quite like Ronnie. I just don’t think he’s as good as you’re all making out. Here’s my current status:
Fully fledged Ronnie Hater
up_over
A dip of the shoulder leaves a trailing wake of hapless defenders.
Twinbhoy
09:46 on
28 February, 2015
Apologies for drunken posts, hopefully I didnt offend anyone, if I did I apologise. HH
yellow card mate………………………….
Not for your drunken post………………………..
But for owning up to it man…………………
1/2 the folk who post are 1/2 cut anyway, especially after dark…
sotheyprobablydidentnotice
drambowiecelt your da sounds very like my own. What a great life he lived. You will miss him but not his wisdom. Take care. May he rest in peace.
Cheers Joe x
BMCUWP
I agree, but it’s often (always?) about image.
s dominated the domestic game.
It wasn’t until Martin O’Neill’s arrival as manager in 2000 that Celtic really stamped their authority on the Scottish game, winning their first Treble in the Irishman’s inaugural season – only the second manager of Celtic to ever achieve that feat.
If ye know their history…….
Ayrshire is Green and White
For all republican minded gamblers, there’s a horse running in the 1:45 at Newbury called PROVO, not without a chance, 13/2.
alfie noakes if Ronny wins the treble in any season it will be an amazing feat. If someone disagrees or thinks Ronny is not the mhan that’s ok. Different strokes mate. Personally hoping that Ronny gets over that treble line and finds a way into the top table. Hail hail
Morning Champions
Alfie 2001 how could one forget.
Twin boy I am always half cut when I post. If I have ever offended anyone , harden up. It’s not so serious. Hail hail
I love the way that we are a threat all over the pitch now, goals can some from anywhere. This is magic football. I knew that RD was the right man for this stage at our club. Next season, once we have bought a few more players we really will be a great team. Here’e hoping.
The club has to deal with the ‘hand it’s been dealt’, just like all of us. Things will change. We will enter a more lucrative environment soon. HH
Big Joe – Paddy’s Point is a proper Irish pub, one of the few where Celtic games take precedent, along with Gaelic games obviously.
Was sitting outside it one morning having breakfast with the girl – then two Chinese women appeared, selling fake dvds and cds. I took a pile of about thirty dvds and cds, and was skimming through them, next thing the Chinese girls just vanished, then the wee barmaid wired me just in the nick of time that the local police were on the scene.
Natural reaction – I stuck the pile of cds and dvds up my t-shirt. The cops combed the area for at least five minutes, seemed like an hour, searching for the discs. I was trying to hold my stomach in the entire time,it was difficult to breathe, and trying to act normal.
All the people outside were looking on,knowing that I had put the dvds and cds up my t-shirt.
The cops eventually gave up looking, and left empty handed. Everybody started to laugh, then a squad from county Tyrone came over to our table and ordered us drinks, asked where I was from, I told them and they said that the people of Belfast would be proud of me.
Anyway I said to the girl, f this, I’m taking some of these for all the trouble those Chinese people have put me through here. I selected five cds for myself. The Chinese reappeared and were very grateful. One said you take free cds for yourself, not knowing that I already had.So I took another four.
Felt a wee bit guilty , because I had helped myself. They seemed happy enough though.
It was the first day of the holiday. I said to my girl – that stress is the last thing that I need,ya can’t even have a quiet peaceful breakfast on holiday fs.
HH.
Any news on griffiths injury ?
If he plays we have fresh legs in GMS. Griff and KC.
The worry for me is dear old broony and Joe Hanson must be shattered.
Gary Mackay-Steven v Inter Milan – 3 shots, 2 on target. 4 dribbles, 1 cross, fouled 3 times. 29 passes, 82.8% complete, 49 touches.
@optaceltic
bit off topic…………………………
but………………………………………………..
Hamilton goes faster
Posted at 09:49
Lewis Hamilton sets a new fastest lap of the day for Mercedes. On the medium tyre he posts a 1:25.471.
LoveF1
Eoin Morgan Irish but
English cricket captain
Refuses to sing God Save the Queen.
Even to appease the masses when he is in middle of form slump
Man of the week for me !
Celtic will play a minimum of 59 games in the 2014/15 season.
Drambowiecelt – Sorry to hear the sad news about your Da.
God rest his soul.
KTF.
drambowie celt, going to remove Sutton from my name and midfield maestro
Sorry for the loss of your loved ones. I will keep them in my prayers at Mass this evening. RIP. .
WC
Just read back, I think you warned me before about slagging off St Patricks High School in the Brig so can I get my apology in to big Yogi before the 13th March
CQN coupon looks no bad the day, I will give it a chance and won’t put a shilling on it
@Drambowie celt
Sorry for your loss. All the best and stay strong.
HH
16 roads – Celtic über alles…
10:03 on
28 February, 2015
Big Joe – Paddy’s Point is a proper Irish pub, one of the few where Celtic games take precedent, along with Gaelic games obviously.
Was sitting outside it one morning having breakfast with the girl – then two Chinese women appeared, selling fake dvds and cds. I took a pile of about thirty dvds and cds, and was skimming through them, next thing the Chinese girls just vanished, then the wee barmaid wired me just in the nick of time that the local police were on the scene.
Natural reaction – I stuck the pile of cds and dvds up my t-shirt. The cops combed the area for at least five minutes, seemed like an hour, searching for the discs. I was trying to hold my stomach in the entire time,it was difficult to breathe, and trying to act normal.
All the people outside were looking on,knowing that I had put the dvds and cds up my t-shirt.
The cops eventually gave up looking, and left empty handed. Everybody started to laugh, then a squad from county Tyrone came over to our table and ordered us drinks, asked where I was from, I told them and they said that the people of Belfast would be proud of me.
Anyway I said to the girl, f this, I’m taking some of these for all the trouble those Chinese people have put me through here. I selected five cds for myself. The Chinese reappeared and were very grateful. One said you take free cds for yourself, not knowing that I already had.So I took another four.
Felt a wee bit guilty , because I had helped myself. They seemed happy enough though.
It was the first day of the holiday. I said to my girl – that stress is the last thing that I need,ya can’t even have a quiet peaceful breakfast on holiday fs.
HH.
Great wee yarn mate………………………
The Chinese girl would have been Suzie, or Mama, to those who know her well, shes a local legend.
We’ve been going to Paddys for year’s, its matured a bit since Rory took it over, live music every night but most importantly, EVERY hoops game with about 20 hardcore suporters.
Give me a shout when your next over mate………………..
Morning all
First of all RIP to Wee Terry. A very touching, heartfelt tribute.
Taking a wee break from the blog for the next few weeks. I’ve been pestered – no more- by the Black Dog over the last few months but think I am shaking it off but not quite there yet.
I have not enjoyed this site so much over the last few weeks. Healthy debate and arguments are fine but so much of it just seems to degenerate into name calling these days- and I have been as guilty of that I know so apologies from me. The political debates and the endless winding up of various posters about political matters – and the relentless rising to the bait of several of those being wound up irritates the hell out of me. There seems to be no subtlety or nuance in the political views expressed and with an election coming up that side of things is going to get worse.
Similarly I get fed up with the endless carping about tossers in the media. I know they are stupid and that is why I stopped listening to their stupid shows or even glancing at their sub-literate papers- do people read or listen because they want to be offended or wound up? It sure seems like it to me.
And sorry but I get fed up with people slagging off those who dare to criticise any current Celtic player or Ronny Deila as though we shouldn’t be discussing that kind of thing because we aren’t professionals. This is a Celtic supporters website and at times it seems like a glorified pub discussion. Well I like the pub discussions more than the beer these days because I think I am free to express an opinion but on here there are too many who basically think this is a site for slavering nothing more than adulation. Or on the other side of the coin to blame anything from the poor fitness record of James Forrest to my tv not working on the Board/Peter Lawwell. If Celtic had won 5-0 on Thursday and no flares had been lit ( sorry for the passive weasel words)there would have been relentless criticism on here by some contributors of something that the Board had done that would have led to it being a rancorous Friday afternoon on CQN.
There are great people who contribute to this blog and the personal stories and basic humanity of those who contribute are admirable and I shall miss them but at the moment I need less stress in my life and at times this blog is adding to my stress not decreasing it.
These are interesting times for Celtic and the next month presents a series of tests that I hope our team and Ronny pass. Good luck to the Bhoys and as the fellow said ‘I shall return’
Jimbo67
lymmbhoy
03:05 on 28 February, 2015
Cheers for the heads up
Will do big Joe.
Jimbo67 – KTF legend.
Laters.
HH.
Papers this morning talking up Aberdeen to a ridiculous level. Seems like we have no chance tomorrow! They must have missed our winning run and our performances against Inter.
@jimbo67
nice post. good luck.
HH
Bhoys and ghals…
I am heading to Costa Del Sol on Friday..great I know…
I am missing CQN11 and the Cup Final…
So I have 1 cqn11 ticket @£50 and two cup final tickets @£35 each.
I am selling them all as a package £120 face value.
I have the cup final tickets and Lennybhoy the CQN 11 tickets.
The cup final tickets need to be picked up from me before Friday.
First come first served, get my mobile or email from Paul67.
Kikinthenakas
Jimbo 67
I agree with your point about the posters whose first reaction to someone having a different opinion is to call them an idiot. It’s only a small minority but it does seem to stand out. Unfortunately a lot of them are around the political posts which I scroll by.