It was all so promising. 35 minutes in, eight Celtic attempts on goal, zero for Valencia. Even when Jeremy Toljan left the field for a second yellow card, there were still positives. We both know that last night’s game was never really about qualification for the next round, so too did Valencia, but it was a useful yardstick for where we are now and where we can hope to be in the summer.
Scott Bain was already established as first choice ‘keeper, but, without seeing much of him before joining Celtic, I think we can say this was the best performance of his career to date. He can play at this level and has been an excellent acquisition to the team.
Brendan Rodgers felt sore about Jeremy Toljan’s second yellow. The full back was pushed before falling into Guedes. It was harsh and the referee probably failed to spot the push, but Toljan was caught in the wrong position and his fall was unnecessary. Jeremy is undoubtedly an upgrade on Mikael Lustig, but small lapses like this is why he’s not at Dortmund right now.
The three central defenders were stand-out successes. Kristoffer Ajer will replay in his head, the header from the free kick and volley from the corner. They were chances to open the scoring but his all round play came close to Man of the Match levels.
I had written off Jozo Simunovic’s usefulness, largely, but not exclusively, on the basis of his fitful availability. However, he showed again last night that he can contribute to the team and deserves a place in the squad. Like Scott Bain, Jonny Hayes had the game of his life. He looked intent to make his mark at the Mestalla and did so.
Callum McGregor was my pick of the midfield players. He was forever tidy under pressure, operating with calm in very tight spaces. Scott Brown was at his best, although a rash tackle brougth an early booking that looked ominous. We got little from the more creative mids, James Forrest and Ryan Christie.
The entire Oliver Burke story was there to see. Great pace and strength, clumsy touch. There is an inverse relationship between speed and control.
Odsonne Eduard made a quick impact when he came on but was eventually subdued. The occasion looked too high a step for Mikey Johnston.
In his post-match interview, Brendan addressed suggestions that he should change his style of play for these matches, citing Leipzig and this game as certification that it can work. Last night had the concession of a third central defender, at the cost of an attack-minded player. We should also caveat that Valencia were two goals up from the game in Glasgow, with little to prove.
The manager is not for changing his high press game, so devastatingly successful domestically, but so open to debate in Europe.
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Honest just heard JERMAINE DEFOE gets into his stride.Que J putting the brakes on and waiting for support.
DBHOY
In our area there is a family of roofers or brickies who always wear the hoops,
all brothers and every time i see them up aloft i give them the COYBIG and
get the usual response, haven’t seen them for a few weeks now but so much
construction of houses here now they could be anywhere in the state.
I think i mentioned them to PADDYMACOZ and he knew the family and said
one of the brothers played for Prahran Celtic back in the 80’s/90’s when they
had numerous teams ghirls and bhoys all decked out in the hoops.
The Celtic family eh?
H.H Mick
Right I’m aff oot tae Fontwell whoever gets live updates podium remember to come back on here and let the slowcoaches know ??
??? C.O.Y.B.I.G.
Hamilton capitulate
Huns 2 up after 15 minutes. I’ve seen lots of poor teams in the SPFL but rarely seen anything worse than the Accies these first 15 minutes,
If things keep going like they are the score could be anything.
The zombie team aren’t bad crossing the ball and hitting free kicks and corners.
Whats a 2 goal salvo when its at home??
Can anyone get them or is it a zombie thing.
Bollocks 3 noo…
Bain
Toljan
Ajar
Boyata
KT
Forrest
Bitton
Christie
Henderson
Sinclair
Edouard
Wonder if the plastic pitches will get a mention ra morra ?
Big George FC
You called?
3 up after 23. They could make a big dent in the goal difference today unless we cut loose against the Motthers.
On Iron Horse heading to Paradise.
Hail Hail.
@ BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 24TH FEBRUARY 2019 12:42 PM
Is that the confirmed line up?
Fred C. Dobbs – not a bit early for you?
FRED C DOBBS.
Would that be the Paisley to Glasgow central or the Carntyne line?
More info please for us overseas tims, just so we can dream about
days gone bye 8-))
H.H Mick
Mick
Had typed a post which I lost when the page reloaded :(
Went something like this…
Sounds like Victoria is going well.
Its been a lean few years here in WA for the building industry and the economy in general.
Talk of another mining boom on the horizon which would be very welcome for a lot of folk over here. I’ve been lucky enough to stay with the same company for the last eight years here but I know a lot of folk who’ve been out of work or lost their jobs due to cutbacks. Things should be on the up soon hopefully.
Anyway first things first, a hoops victory and the rest can wait till later ;))
HH
Jobo,
Disrupted train service. Buses from kilwinning to Paisley :-(
THE HANDS
Baba Bing’s
Bitton and Henderson canny see it
MELBOURNE MICK,
Train from Irvine to Kilwinning bus from kilwinninow to Paisley train from there to central then low level to Dalmarnock…simples :-) reverse on way home.
Ma phone Disney like posting :-(
Sunday morning, up with the lark
I think I’ll take a walk in the park
Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day
I’ve got someone waiting for me
And when I see her, I know that she’ll say
Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day
Hi, hi, hi, beautiful Sunday
This is my, my, my beautiful day
When you say, say, say, say that you love me
Oh my, my, my, it’s a beautiful day
Birds are singing, you by my side
Let’s take a car and go for a ride
Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day
We’ll drive on and follow the sun
Making Sunday go on and on
Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day
Hi, hi, hi, beautiful Sunday
This is my, my, my beautiful day
When you say, say, say, say that you love me
Oh my, my, my, it’s a beautiful day
Hi, hi, hi, beautiful Sunday
This is my, my, my beautiful day
When you say, say, say, say that you love me
Oh my, my, my, it’s a beautiful day
Hi, hi, hi, beautiful Sunday
This is my, my, my beautiful day
When you say, say, say, say that you love me
Oh my, my, my, it’s a beautiful day
Asked the question on Friday, no takers.
Again hearing from Sutton and Celtic fans that Europe hasn’t been good enough under Brendan( remember Ronnys record?).
Performance wise id generally agree but 2 CL group qualifications and 2 last 32 Europa seems fairly good to me.
So considering our budget and league what do fans expect or think we can achieve.
Sorry, really not liking today’s team for many reasons.
Personally, I don’t expect many changes to our team today. Do we really need to play Tierney given the recent performances of Hayes so maybe better on the bench and getting some game time in the 2nd half? Broonie out obviously so something needs to change there – back to the way we played the last time he was out with McGregor running the show? Edouard likely to start so Burke will eitehr drop to the bench or occupy one of the wide slots. And hopefully a sight of Bayo during the 2nd half.
So I’d go with –
Bain
Toljan, Ajer, Simunovic, Hayes
McGregor, Christie
Burke, Johnston, Sinclair
Edouard
DBHOY
Surprised to hear that, particularly with all the construction and tunnel
building, road widening, new train overhead bridges etc. going up here in
Victoria.
But like everything else we’re at the mercy of the money people as i’ve
found to my cost in past years.
And as you say when we’re cursing and swearing our way through a Celtic
game we can forget all that, for a wee while 8-))
H.H Mick
Sid
Don’t think fishul team has been released yet
HH
FRED C DOBBS
Love it, remember all these stops and the pubs round about.
Lived in Stewarton for a coupla years and the Irvine CSC was
a regular jaunt, great stuff and i know it’s difficult blogging
on the phone so no need to answer, just give the bhoys a big
COYBIG from this homesick tim in OZ.
H.H Mick
SID
Our European record under Brendan and Ronnie is poor.
Our standing amongst European teams is rapidly declining.
The financial disparity is factor.
But the biggest factor is neither of the two coaches have shown enough tactical ability at this level.
If our custodians have any knowledge of the future football landscape in football then this will be a concern.
Sid @ 1.06
Trolling?
Still the ref chpeats
Forecast.. 10 for huns
Accies not trying a leg
Did someone drive Brendan to the airport?
MARADOMINIC
Never heard of that ref Chpeats but i guess he’s another bar steward.
8-)))))))
H.H Mick
Red still cheating..won’t even let Accies attack
Offski to Parkers
FTSFA CSC
BADA BING
Brendan and Benkovic are sharing an uber down to Leicester;-)
Peter insisted due to environmental concerns and as a cost cutting measure .
WITS can now add environmental crusader to Peter’s long list of achievements.
Kicked in face..no penalty