Celtic’s summer spend continued yesterday with the arrival of 23-year-old Swedish central defender Gustaf Lagerbielke from Elfsborg for a reported £3m fee. At 1.93m, Gustav is tall, 8cm taller than Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki, only Christopher Jullien (1.96m) was taller in recent times.
Across the squad Celtic are a small team. Purists who still marvel at that Barcelona side will tell you they were the best team ever and the shortest European champions of the 21st century, so height does not make a difference if you are good enough. You will, though, remember that Celtic scored three goals against Barcelona in our 2012 Champions League games, two were from high crosses. At the very least, we need tall central defenders, if not full backs and strikers.
When all are fit and games really matter, Maik and Gustaf will compete for a spot beside Cameron. Normally, I would be reluctant to push a new arrival straight into a big game, but Sunday is worthy of consideration. Cameron retired at halftime after straining a hamstring at Pittodrie, he is not out of contention for the trip to Kilmarnock. He is, however, so critical to Celtic, if he misses the important games next month, it would be a huge blow to the club.
If this was a league game, I would have no hesitation in playing both new central defenders, it is early enough in the season to be able to take a risk. Our League Cup is, however, on the line. I dont’s subscribe to the ‘It’s only the League Cup’ view so cherished by losers. If Celtic were knocked out of a cup tournament in August, it would give an unwelcome boost to everyone else in Scottish football. Fragile managers would see their chance of survival by winning a few more games and collecting some silverware. Brendan has a big decision to make.
Welcome to Celtic, Gustaf. Your arrival is not a minute too soon.
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Naismith has Hearts players well trained on diving
Yip diving in your own penalty box is a new one to me 🤦♂️
SFTB – Amstel Standing- Elton John.
Winner.
For what it’s worth I hope that Hearts get through to their next round. And Hibs.
My Corona – the knack
Just set up my IPTV on Firestick, all the UK sport channels on it. Cancelled Sky recently. That’s me set up for Killie game on Sunday, the huns game , Scotland games and CL away games. No need to go out to the pub now.
Aaaah feckin hell!!!!!
It’s only bock ‘n’ skol.
Becks in the USSSR
You take my s away.
On the subject, case of this year’s OKTOBERFEST beers at reduced price now available to reserve from Virgin Wines.
Got a couple of cases last year, nectar of the gods.
Anyone who had a harp …cilla
A whiter shade of pale ale …procul
Procol …🙈🙈
Stein Alive.
Move over Carling, Doris Day.
Hibs now 2-2 in Swiss.
Hearts 2-1 up needing a third.
Game on.
What’s another beer…Johnnie Logan
Every Picture Stella Story.
Wee sevco have got the game back level.
You think the crowd would be roaring them on for a winner.
You can hear the sweetie papers .
So much for an electric atmosphere.
Cmon the Rosenborg
XXXXa Grand Old Team To Play For.
Would never support Hearts,unless they were playing the huns
The lesser of 2 evils
Hibs 2-2 away and probably through.
Hearts 3-1 in front and 4-3 on age.
Well done the Edinburgh teams.
Naibalance trying to look like he’s in charge,too thick to pass his badges
Great atmosphere at Tynecastle, was their coverage on mute!
FESS19 on 17TH AUGUST 2023 5:55 PM
MELVIN UDALL/ BIG JIMMY
Sorry the series is called “THE OFFER”
Nearly midnight and end of Indonesia Independence day.
Hail Hail
—————
Cheers. Will give that a look up.
Edinburgh bouncing tonight.Great results.Pity Hibs drew Villa.
Looking at the CL play offs,scum got the hardest tie of the lot.
Which was nice.
That lassie presenting the BBC show is lovely. YEAH I said it.
come on free derry
Big Ilona,on Sport scene,R,rrrrrrrrrrrr.A pyoor stoatir.
I lost my Harp in San Francisco
Don’t let the Sol go down on me
Bitter sweet symphony.
Mild colonial Bhoy.
Brahma Brahma Ding Dong
Grolsch By Myself – Eric Carmen.
Shandy by John Travolta
GENE
If you’re still lurking, apologies but I had to go out and couldn’t continue with the crack.
Only jesting, obviously, about the stitches, and glad your grandson if fine.
Apologies about the moniker, also.
HH.
Is anybody going to San Miguel?
You’re the Duvel in Disguise -Elvis.
Derry city lose 5-6 on pens