Return of Hooper-Stokes man-love required

Since a couple of flat performances against Sion in the qualifying round, Celtic have reserved some of their most organised performances of the season for the Europa League, despite the lack of a victory.  Honourable defeat in Madrid followed by more-than-credible draws against Udinese and Rennes suggest there is more to this Celtic team that we see in the SPL.

It’s hard to look forward to the second half of the season and the potential for knock out football in the Europa League but if Celtic get their act together, a win tonight could go a long way towards restoring the reputation of the club, and a few players.

How Neil Lennon responds to yet more injury absentees is difficult to imagine.  I’m not expecting fluency from a makeshift defence and midfield, although Celtic Flourished in the Glasgow derby in similar circumstances on 2 January this year, but I’m hoping to see Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes look more like a partnership.  We need both players on form and enjoying their work if any progress is to be made.

Busy day ahead but the Hearts situation is possibly worth a discussion this afternoon.  The scenario changes by the day at Ibrox but that conversation will need to wait.