Celtic were not back to their brilliant best last night but two very fine goals and denying Partick Thistle any resemblance of a chance was more than satisfactory. Importantly, last night was the last onerous fixture Celtic players have the middle of February. There are no European or international fixtures until then, so our players will play the same amount of football as others in the league.
Partick were as poor at team as we have seen this season but it took an exceptional piece of play from Stuart Armstrong to open them up. Stuart and Tom Rogic both have the ability to win games from the edge of the area, an underappreciated resource.
The promise of Marvin Compper is that he is a fast central defender, good in the air and, more importantly, can receive and make a pass. The role of central defenders has changed beyond recognition since the days of Bobo Balde. They are now more playmaker than stopper. Celtic’s entire system of play depends on central defenders who can find space with passes out of defence.
There will be no resale value from Marvin, but at £1m he is an investment we can afford to write-off over the next two years.
Welcome to Celtic, Marvin.
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— CQN Magazine (@CQNMagazine) December 20, 2017
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MURDOCHAULDANDHAY
Thoughts and players for you tomorrow HH
In the spirit of the season & how fragile life really is, I copy an article I read today from an online source that I frequent.
I confess to minor change of names for greater relevance to this blog
“Most people (and I’m including us AND them in this statement) are less concerned with discovering the truth than they are in just “proving” that they are right.
I try to consider the arguments and opinions of the person with whom I’m arguing. I’m not saying that I always succeed, I like being “right” as much as anyone else.
As a younger man I was a bit insensitive racially. I got into an argument with a black woman about that, and though I gave it my best efforts she basically showed me that I was wrong. And I admitted it frankly and publicly on the forums on which we were conversing. (We ended up briefly dating, incidentally.)
She almost didn’t believe that I was admitting that I was wrong. Many people won’t do that. Many people hold to their opinions even in the face of overwhelming evidence that they might be mistaken.
I want to be right. I want what I believe, my opinions, my judgments, to be correct. I provisionally claim that all of my current opinions are true. I will defend them to the best of my ability. I will however consider opinions that differ from my own and if I find them correct then I will adopt them without hesitation.
Truth is more important to me than pride
I’ve been conversing with a lady recently who exemplifies the attitude to which I object. She holds a view where whatever you believe is true, IS true. That really doesn’t work for me.
There is the realm of imagination and there is the realm of reality. Comic books and novels are in the former. Physics textbooks are (mostly) in the latter.
Pride often prevents people from exploring new ideas, from admitting that there might be a different way of looking at things. I’m as much a victim of this as most people. I think that I am right. (Certainly, most of the time that is accurate.)
Some people are too proud to admit that they are wrong. They have invested years, even decades, perhaps lifetimes, into a belief. Perhaps it is what they were taught by their father and what he was taught by his father and so forth. Giving up your deeply held beliefs can be difficult, even traumatic.
In the age of the Internet, admitting that you were wrong is unheard of. You pick a position on an issue and you stick with it no matter what. Yet that’s not the way you find truth.
Truth is not found by quoting soundbites or talking points. Truth is not found by dogmatically adhering to whatever it is that you were taught. Truth is found by dialogue, by considering that maybe somebody else is right. For once.
There is a possibility (remote though it may be) that you are wrong in something which you believe. Do not be so proud as to deny this. It is possible. Maybe not probable, but still possible.
There is a possibility that Rush Limbaugh/Jim Traynor (insert your own figure of disdain here) is entirely correct in everything he says. Now, I disagree with much of … oh wait, who am I kidding, the possibility is zero, nil. zip, Roughly equivalent to the possibility that the sun moves around the earth.
So … how do you find out what’s true? You THINK. Quite a novel concept in the world where everything is provided to you on a computer screen. No thought required there, just pull it up and put it in your head, then regurgitate it on demand.
Don’t get me wrong. The Internet is a wonderful tool. If you think that you are smart because you read some things on the Internet, though, I’m going to have to beg to differ. And probably laugh at you. Not with you, not near you, but AT you.
I am proud of myself. I am proud that I want to find Truth. I pursue this goal regardless of where it might lead. I’m not afraid of the perils of the quest, I welcome them.
There was a point in recent history, I’m not sure when it was, where winning an argument became more important than being right. When it didn’t matter if you were right or wrong it just mattered if you could put this other person down. That’s not cool, by my evaluation.
TRUTH. This is the ultimate value. Pride is kinda silly, though it does have some uses. Weighing one against the other, however, truth always wins.”
HH to all, regardless of belief or persuasion.
EKBHOY on 21ST DECEMBER 2017 1:13 PM
Annoyingly last night , we seemed unwilling to pass to Calum as he was being man marked by Thistles big no. 13 …. a lot more movement required in the team and the confidence to pass to a man who is marked rather than the easy ball to a free man
HH
——————————————-
Well observed. My son and I discussed that very point as the eejits behind berated CalMac for always passing the ball backwards. Rogic is one of the few who can receive the ball with a man marker and shake them off and go forward.
The trick for Calum is not to try and find space for himself but for others. This can be accomplished by simply running over to any other opposition player. Which immediately means there are two players now in close proximity to Calum. And there is space where Calum had previously been.
Murdochauld and Hay
You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
MAH.
In my thoughts at this worrying time for you and yer family.
Keep them close my celtic friend.
Hail Hail.
re last nights game the number of times when thistle keeper taking a kick out when all of the players standing within a few metres of each other , would it not have been an advantage for say JF to pull out wide and spread the play to receive a pass other than trying to win a header, confused.
MURDOCHAULDANDHAY
Best wishes in your travails.
Like most, I can cite examples of loved ones who have successfully come through the battle with cancer. Why only two days ago my cousin in Australia announce she had received the great news that she was now cancer free after a 2 year run-in with breast cancer.
I hope the modern treatments are equally kind to you.
MURDOCHAULDANDHAY
Thoughts and prayers for you, and your family during what will be a difficult time.
Prayers also for the best possible result, and seeing you post here for a long time to come.
Never give up.
All the best.
BB.
MAH – I wish you all the very best and hope for the most positive outcome possible. jb
MurdochAuldandHay. just reading back. keep your chin up mate all the best.
A funny thing popped up on Facebook today. It was short highlights from 3-1 victory over St Johnstone in 1974. I would certainly have been at that game but rembered nothing about the game other than the Celtic players who were in the team. Ally Hunter, Pat McCluskey, Stevie Murray (scored with a header in the dying minutes which failed to bounce in the mud in the goalmouth thus nutmeging the defender on the line), Danny McGrain (earned the penalty from which Fat Pat scored) and Kenny Dalglish (scored from a free kick into the top corner).
I mention only because the name George Connelly was mentioned recently one here and indeed gets an airing quite frequently.
In this particular game however, he attempted a 6 yard pass forward from the back line only to gift it to St Johnstone forward who ran on to score and make it 1-0.
Whilst GC is lauded on here, indeed revered, it is worth remembering the next time Boyata misplaces a pass, that even the greats do so. And also I would say that some of Boyata’s passes are very tasty indeed and very rarely does his mistake result in conceding a goal.
MurdochAuld and Hay.
Very sorry to hear your sad/difficult news.
All the best to you in your fight.
As CRC said,kick ass.
Hail Hail
John 51.
I enjoyed your post. Thank You.
Early in our relationship my wife said to me, during a debate,did I want to be happy or be right.
It make me stop and think.
Hail Hail
RON67 on 21ST DECEMBER 2017 3:49 PM
re last nights game the number of times when thistle keeper taking a kick out when all of the players standing within a few metres of each other , would it not have been an advantage for say JF to pull out wide and spread the play to receive a pass other than trying to win a header, confused.
——–
Totally agree. Makes complete sense to me.
It provides a simple option when we gain possession and surely doesn’t have any concomitant risks.
Liked the play of MJ when he came on last night in place of SS, could be worth a run in the team looks lively with lots of confidence.
CELTIC CHAMPS ELECT @2-28
Got to disagree on Tavernier.
He may be a decent athlete but is a defensive liability.
Keeping SS in check on the one occasion is hardly a measure of his ability.
In the 2-1 game when SS scored the winner he is completely at fault.
He is a poor tackler and defensively deficient as he lacks game awareness.
Whenever i have seen him his direct opponent usually gets chances due to his inability to stay goalside.
Even the huns know he is a bombscare of a defender.
MURDOCHAULDANDHAY
Your name suggests you are a battler.
Got my support in your latest battle.
Best wishes to you.
Fan a tic at 4.16
Yes I agree he struggles defensively and if you read my original post I say tgat with proper defensive coaching he will improve that part of his game
I think he would be a stand out in our team especially going forward with all his attributes just my opinion like and he would be affordable at a cheap price
Get hit with the baw then offered a ticket for Firhill as an apology. Not sure which is worse.
CELTIC CHAMPS ELECT
I’m not convinced he has the brain to learn and first and foremost he is a defender who can’t defend.
To continually repeat the same failings suggest he is uncoachable as i am sure even coaches as poor as Pedro and Warbs could see his shortcomings over 3 seasons.
A decent athlete who can run up and down a pitch but not much else.
A decent athlete who can run up and down a pitch but not much else.
His delivery from wide right is superb dude his
TIMREAPER@4-38
Sad but true.
Made me chuckle.
Tavernier for Celtic? Got to be taking the piss? Been on the vino?
Davie Provan once famously said to Alex McDonald he could keep a beach ball off him in a telephone box
He still could keep a beach ball off Tavernier
CHAMPS ELECT on 21ST DECEMBER 2017 4:47 PM
A decent athlete who can run up and down a pitch but not much else.
His delivery from wide right is superb dude his
His stats do not reinforce your view with the exception of his stint in the Scottish 2nd division/championship which seems his level.
In 2015/2016 he scored 15 and assisted on18 in 45 games
In 2016/2017 he scored 2 and assisted on 5 in 43 games
In 2017 to date he has scored 4 and assisted on 5 in 24 games
Either his team have missed often from his deliveries or he is not as superb as you suggest.
Thank you to the guys on Page 1 who offered advice on me taking my son to his first game on Saturday.
MurdochauldandHay – I wish you luck, courage and fighting spirit in equal measures. I am sure your friends and family will be there to support you every step of the way.
SUPERSUTTON,
While I agree that occasionally, Boyata makes a very tasty pass (indeed he did so last night), every game, imo, he makes a poor poor pass under no pressure, which puts us in trouble.
The only defender we have who can pass the ball like George Connolly consistently is Nir Bitton.
I would like to see Ajer given a run in the team, primarily because, imo, he is the only one (apart from Nir Bitton) who is prepared to move forward with the ball. After his run in the first half, I turned to my neighbour and said he went past the 2 Thistle players like Jimmy Johnstone. He had the beating of at least another but the ball went out of play. Great to watch, especially when the others are passing it back and to and fro, letting the opposition get their whole team back before we cross the halfway line.
tavernier m (plural taverniers, feminine tavernière)
taverner; owner of a tavern
Thats his level to think different says more about ones own judgement
Murdochauldandhay
All the best in your future battle .. stay positive.
Supersutton @ 4.03
I remember that game from 74 well as it was one of great personal significance for me [see a post I made near the end of two threads ago for why] . George Connelly was clearly never the same player after breaking his leg versus Basle in March 74 and was probably in decline after the summer of 73 when a personal problem became evident. The George of Dec 74 was a shadow of the great player he had been.
As for Dedryk I thought he had his best game in weeks last night but that like Callum Mac his form has shaded since being capped. He has improved from where he was two years ago but there seems a fair bit to go before he can be considered in the same breath as Mjallby , Elliot or Aitken far less a Connelly, Clark, McNeill or Brogan.
But he is better than he was a year ago so who knows?
Jimbo67
I agree that Kristopher Ajer played well last night, and I have admired his play since he played at centre back with Kilmarnock last year. It’s no secret that he was greatly valued by that club & their supporters during his time with them.
For me he is a natural for the re-defined position of centre back. We can all see his ability on the ball, and his judgement, timing and positioning have improved immeasurably since he started playing in defence.
I can recall though, the response to the Astana away leg wher both Ajer & Bitton were castigated for the loss of the four goals. My own thoughts at the time were less critical of Bitton & Ajer and more focused on the team as a defensive unit.
Our midfield is usually good going forward but, apart from Scott Brown, they’ve all had to learn the less glamourous midfield duty of defending & tracking their opponent when they drift into scoring positions.
Similarly, our fullbacks are expected to push on and act as wing backs when we are in possession. But when we lose the ball, they are expected to track back or tuck in when we’re defending.
The Astana away game for me showed up some deficiencies in all three areas: central defence, midfield tracking & fullback defensive coverage.
That well worn cliche “a good engine” seems apt for me, in that all our midfielders & fullbacks trull need to have that asset. Indeed, my memory is of Gordon Strachan’s tactics wearing out fullbacks half way through the season because our placed such a burden on them.
Since then, Bitton & Ajer have as good a case as any other player for centre back, perhaps even a stronger case. However, none of our centre back candidates have a physical side to their game, enough to cope with that walking 8 armed windmill call Laugherty. The unwillingness of Scottish referees to penalize the illegitimate challenges that favour our opponents was seen again last night, as Storey bludgeoned his way around our defenders almost at will.
We want ball playing, smart & athletic defenders when we play “footballing” sides, and, more robust defenders in those “other” games. Hoping that Scottish officials will apply the rules as they are applied in the rest of the civilized world seems unrealistic to me.
Jozo is either still carrying an injury or there is some other issue behind the scenes. The team pic of the League Cup winning Celts on the field at Hampden is notable for a sea of happy, smiling faces – except Jozo.
He has looked quite unlike the players we saw last season.
Dedrick playes well enough, but then, as he did in the 2nd half last night, he’ll give the ball away so that our whole team is caught flatfooted. This infects both him and the crowd with the jitters & his pursuit of consistent solid performances is an ongoing drama for all fans.
Perhaps Brendan has to allow our defenders some leeway in our own third, so that they can batter the ball upfield when their own instant risk assessment persuades them that there’s no viable & safe pass on.
As for Marvin, Paul (I think) tells us that he is here to add defensive stability, since he’s ineligible for the Europa League.
Meanwhile the mystery over Erik continues, but the signs look increasingly like he is expendable in the January window.
We’re left with Boyata, Simunovic, Bitton, Ajer & Compper and the coaching of Kennedy & Toure.
Between them. I expect to see a more stable & sure footed defence in the 2nd half of the season.
(On that issue, I can’t remember seeing so many Celtic players losing their footing during games as I have this season. More research in warm ups about boot choice please Celtic.)
JimmyNotPaul
Your missus sounds like a keeper.
How does she look in a yellow jersey?
:o))
HH
Astana v Celtic this season complete with Russian ( I think) commentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zz3Pnj0pJBQ
Our three goals that night were things of beauty.
just watched our highlights on the beeb – how did Kristoffer miss that header?
CORKCELT on 21ST DECEMBER 2017 1:23 PM
MurdochAuldandHay,
My heartfelt sympathies to you on such dreadful news. Regarding decisions, you have to go along with Medical advice.
Treatment for Cancer has come on in leaps & bounds and the survivor rate is increasing every year.
Eurochamps is well on the mend after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer a couple of months back.
You need to stay positive and to absolutely believe you will conquer this.
You have my prayers & every good wish in the fight you are facing.
*very well put, when i read about Eurochamps I thought back to my da who lost his battle with the same disease, but that was 24 year ago and we only found out he had it when he was already buried. Not long after I returned a colleague of mine told me about his father-in-law with the same diagnosis, i told him 6 weeks is all he have and it was that. But as I said that was almost a quarter of a century ago.
Medical science has come on leaps and bounds now so good luck to Eurochamps and MA&H.
On the Big C issue…
My son had thyroid cancer diagnosed early enough & had his thyroid & lymph nodes removed.
He is on constant medication & annual check-ups but he has adjusted & has gotten on with his life.
Ran a marathon last year & has never looked fitter or better.
On the other hand my father’s cancer was not caught early enough with the expected result.
Just a plea to all of us to not ignore aches & pains & to trust your doctors to have an annual physical/medical.
Early diagnosis is crucial to tackling this illness.
HH
Teo’s Music 8.00 Dundalk
Told its expected to win
Murdochauldandhay
So sorry to read your news bud.
From your post I think your a battler.Never give up, stay positive.
Will say a wee prayer for you in St Philomena’s in Winchburgh
God Bless
JIMBO67 on 21ST DECEMBER 2017 5:13 PM
Supersutton @ 4.03
I remember that game from 74 well as it was one of great personal significance for me [see a post I made near the end of two threads ago for why] . George Connelly was clearly never the same player after breaking his leg versus Basle in March 74
*From a poor Jinky pass if my memory serves me well.