Players have justifiable confidence in each other

Celtic players appear to have a justifiable confidence in each other.  They have beaten their four nearest league challengers, scoring an incredible 15 goals in the process, qualified for the Champions League group stage and knocked Manchester City out of their stride in a manner which seemed improbable, considering their first competitive game of the season in Gibraltar.

Justifiable confidence extends to the support as well.  Celtic players and opponents alike know the levels of support and encouragement the home team can expect from Celtic Park.  “You’ll need to take on all of us”, appears to be the mantra.  And that really is improbable.

Don’t be fooled by talk of Borussia Monchengladbach being weaker than last season.  Last night I watched Bayer Leverkusen, who sit below Gladbach in the Bundesliga, give Tottenham a long and taxing evening.  They will be fit, skilful and accomplished across the field.

This will be a huge test, but it’s not the first we’ve faced in Europe.  You know the job required, let’s get on with it.

Take a look at the above Tweets from Mary’s Meals this morning.  You did that.  You put food on the table of some of the poorest, most malnourished, children on the planet.  Well done on another astonishing achievement.

Resting on laurels is for others.  Being a Celtic supporter doesn’t finish here.

Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, have given us two North Stand (Celtic supporters area) tickets for the Cup semi-final to raffle.  To win the pair, email the address below with the correct spelling of Monchengladbach (clue, this is not a trick question).

All entries will be considered, even if you are close, but not totally accurate.  This is more about having a chance to talk to you about about what comes next.  We’re getting to that time of year when the poorest in our own community are most in need of assistance, many of whom are now aided by the Celtic Foundation.  The work the Foundation does with Scotland’s poorest in winter is literally a lifesaver.

The last ticket competition winner made a donation to the Foundation. It was a coincidence. Honest…….  If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, you can do so here.  As you head off to Celtic Park, or settle down in front of the TV tonight, you’ll feel better knowing that you played your part in the biggest picture that’s carried Celtic all these years.  Be part of the story.

Entries to competition@celticquicknews.co.uk . There were few entries yesterday, so chances of success are relatively high.  Competition closes at 14:00 tomorrow, winner will be informed that day. Make sure I have contact details for you.

Good luck, and enormous thanks to Intelligent Car Leasing.

For a short period we are shipping a FREE copy of Paul John Dykes acclaimed book, The Quality Street Gang, with Andy Lynch’s autobiography, Hoops, Stars & Stripes, written with Paul. That’s two quality books for £14.99 + p&p – an absolute bargain.

Order now and the CQN Bookstore. We take delivery of Andy’s book later this week, they will be arriving with you soon thereafter.

Fill your boots before The Quality Street Gang offer ends.