Very pleased we appear to be on the verge of signing a central defender, especially one who at 24 (Erik Sviatchenko), should be very much in his prime. The previous two seasons each brought excellent defensive performance records but things fell apart from the very start of this season – way before Virgil van Dijk left.
The reasons for the are varied. Jason Denayer left to be replaced by Dedryck Boyata. Dedryck is more settled now but he was well short of Jason’s standards early on. Still is. We have also regressed in the full back positions. Emilio Izaguirre’s decline has been gradual but clear. 18-year-old Kieran Tierney makes fewer mistakes and (I think) poses a greater physical challenge.
Then we have Mikael Lustig. Mikael has always been a favourite of mine; as recently as September I regarded him as our best defender, but I think he’s been well off his best for most of the season. He has been regularly caught in the wrong position and his distribution is often a possession-losing lump upfield.
Craig Gordon would be first to admit his form is nowhere near where it was last season, when he almost single-handedly was responsible for us reaching the Europa League knockout stage. The questions for Craig are what’s going wrong and can it be fixed?
Think back to the latter days of Artur Boruc’s time at Celtic. Artur has gone from having Bayern Munich scouts at Celtic Park to watch him to a guy we sold without fuss as a backup for Fiorentina for £1.2m. Whatever it was he had, had gone. I thought he was finished. Six years later he’s at something approaching his best at Bournemouth.
Craig Gordon has the best part of 4 years on Artur. He has time to get back on form.
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TBJ says Wee Oscar Knox is in heaven with the angels on 18th January 2016 10:55 am
Tony
Quits a few commented on the new centre half yesterday but I think most are wary as he’s unknown and don’t wish to comment until they see him perform
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I’m delighted we’ve signed a new defender. Can;t say I know anything about him though – so agree with you. I don’t feel qualified to comment. Happy to leave it to Celtic to sign whoever they think is appropriate and then give the player the chance to become a legend.
BTW – loved wee Leigh on Scotsport last night. Seems focussed purely on improving himself and scoring goals for Celtic. Magic!
Fantastic bit of business by PL.Not something I would say very often,but all credit for this signing.Going by people who know,he is the best CH in his league.An international player as well.
As for other possible signings,who knows.It all depends on how much.
I would be delighted if RD would play a “Playmaker”.I am at a loss as to why Scott Allan has not started more games.We have seen him split defences wide open for our forwards,and nearly always uses the ball intelligently.I am all for a strong holding midfielder,but an intelligent one is every bit as important.
One of my minus points for RD.
The Green Man
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I hope yer wrong but……
Kevjungle
You got the wrong guy, if they wear the hoops they’r Celtic players, if and when they leave I’ll give my opinion on them, so cast yer rod again, I’m not biting :)
Turkeybhoy
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Henrik told us that, Bangura was some bit of business as well.
I hope the bhoy does well.
HH
The thing is, normally January isn’t the best time to bring in permanent players.
However, since the Scandanavians play summer fitba, it’s the best time of year to sort it out. I see we are linked with the Molde striker who got a double against us.
Tonydonnelly67
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I’ll huff and, I’ll puff and….aye, ye’ll bite:)
Keep yer bushy tail swinging – CSC
KevJ
Old Firm resurrection….Like the Dawn of the Dead.
Violence and Bigotry….£50 quid a whip.
Sickens me.
Saw it my whole life.
I wish they would just go away….and never return.
But…unfortunately, i dont make the rules….If i did, they would have been banned from Paradise forever.
I hope they burn in Hell.
Thats only fair:)
HH
Turkeybhoy
Only what I heard, Scott Allan is a diabetic, and he picked up an injury a week after we signed him, because of his condition Celtic took the softly softly approach in getting him back to fitness, the lad has a future, but there’s no rush, all in good time, and my source is usually not bad.
Thet eam I would like to see tomorrow:
Gordon
Lustig Ambrose Simunovic Izziguirre
Forrest Allan Armstrong Bitton
…………………..Rogic
………………..Griffiths.
The team I thibk I will see:
Gordon
Lustig Ambrose Simunovic Tierney
Commons McGregor Bitton Johansen Rogic
JJ
Griffiths.
BMCUW
Sorry for the late reply Boaby, was getting showered, shaved and generally beautifying masell. Didna take long. Lol.. Good weekend buddy? HH
` thibk“ That us the Danish/Ukranian spelling.
A goal every other game isn’t a bad ratio, I hope we don’t call him Mo, if we do sign him :(
http://readceltic.com/2016/01/18/celtic-set-move-molde-winger-elyounoussi/
Also, I have not really selected myself to play behind Griff. 0:-)
JJ
A think Izzy may get a start, Tierney been rubbing that shoulder the last two games?
The Green Man on 18th January 2016 11:16 am
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The custodians of Celtic FC will always ensure that….a wee back door should be left slightly ajar….within the structures of Scottish Football for, Rangers FC.
Celtic’s official website referred to them as, Rangers FC on the two occasions that we’ve played them since they died(LOL)….3 years ago in the Glasgow Cup Final at Firhill and, in last seasons LCSF.
So, when folk on here and elsewhere refer to them as, Sevco etc….yer wasting yer time…yer on the outside of the stadium that ‘you’ built when ye gave Fergus your share-issue money…shares in what ?….Yer nobody…as far as the conceited-deceitful board are concerned….they have to be ‘made’ concerned….starve them out….starting next SB-renewal day….even then, it’ll be too late as the huns will be sharpening their hooves, ready to show Timmy why, Timmy will remain at the back of the bus….sadly.
HH
Cmon Celtic sign loads of those Danes and Norwegians.
The more the merrier.
And ship out the dead wood.
New Look Squad.
Champions League:)
HH
KEVJ
When the vile bigots go to Celtic Park.
I will not be there.
I cant go the bigots, and would not be responsible for my actions.
So.. I will stay away…..and put the £50 quid on Celtic to win 3-0:)
HH
The Green Man on 18th January 2016 11:31 am
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Craig Thompson(bassa) will do what he did at the LCSF last season….strike a deal with Ronny at ht and, tell him that if….Celtic dont take their feet off the gas….civil unrest will ensue….so, the mib made it look like he ‘had’ to stop the game for a fk….every 10 yds…..aye, and I came up the Clyde last night oan a biskit.
tonydonnelly67 on 18th January 2016 11:22 am
A goal every other game isn’t a bad ratio, I hope we don’t call him Mo, if we do sign him :(
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Would be intersting if Elyounoussi signs. Along with Svitchenko, that would be 2 x players who have the option of European football with their current teams who would have walked and gone to Celtic.
Which makes me wonder how much of a draw is European football for players versus cash in their pockets?
JFs career ended after his weekend in Prestwick. Its been downhill ever since.
So, who did the Molde winger play aginst in the Celtic team that makes him so coveted ?
Lustig ?
Izzy ?
Muldini ?
Who….?
Tony D
I think we have to nurture young Tierney. Injuries are much more likely when a person tires. I am happy with the way Ronny looks after players, though, so if he selects KT, then I will be confident that the bhoy is up to it..
Cheerio for now,
JJ
I see two of the SMSM favourite Hun loving sons,have turned their back on their beloved team.Remember Vuckic,”I would love to play here permanently”,and the oft mentioned Don Cowie,uber Hun.Seems they both prefer Wigan.How many times did they tell us Vuckic was just desperate to play for the Huns?.
Then again,maybe they are just not good enough for the “Over investment”that is going on at the moment at the Huns.
KEVJ
Spot on….The Huns send the polis in to point fingers and growl.
Cant have thems being Humiliated by the Bhoys in Green:)
Wait till next season.
It will be the end of football in Scotland.
The forces of darkness will be unleashed on the poor wee Celtic supporter.
Im getting my sling oiled up.
Because you can be certain, that they will all come out of the woodwork then.
‘Back where they belong’
Maryhill wont be pleased:(
HH
KEVJUNGLE on 18th January 2016 11:39 am So, who did the Molde winger play aginst in the Celtic team that makes him so coveted ?
Lustig ?
Izzy ?
Muldini ?
Who….?
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He’s being signed on the basis of 2 x games against Celtic?
Doubt it.
….Off oot wi Ken Dodd to spread nothing but….
….Happyness…..
Take Care Tims….
KevJungle
He scored 7 goals in 11 in Europe this year.
He also scored against Dynamo Zagreb, Standard Liege & Fenerbache
TONYDONNELLY67 on 18TH JANUARY 2016 11:16 AM
Turkeybhoy
Only what I heard, Scott Allan is a diabetic, and he picked up an injury a week after we signed him, because of his condition Celtic took the softly softly approach in getting him back to fitness, the lad has a future, but there’s no rush, all in good time, and my source is usually not bad.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/steps-to-repair-the-defence/comment-page-12/#comment-2756345
OK,cheers.I will go with that,because I can see no other reason the boy has not played.
Not even worth opening yer wallet.
http://www.scottishfootballtips.com/celtic-v-hamilton-betting-preview-2/
Got a free ticket for tomorrow night in the Lisbon lions lower . Will post to anyone that wants it.
My friends in Celtic,
If we were to buy a pacy winger how much would it cost us?
James Forrest at 24 has potentially his best years ahead. Yes, he has problems with consistency and injuries, but he can give us something that other players cannot. In Europe for example.
Funny how players always get better when they are no longer with us. But Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeady, Davie Proven, Johnny Doyle RIP all got stick at times with the general remarks about no consistency, no end product etc, etc.
I would wager that even the great Jimmy Johnstone got it at times.
The only winger who doesn’t seem to get any stick regarding his play is Dirk Boerrigter. Singed July 2013 for £3.5 m.
Possibly when we actually see him play that may change.
Hail, Hail.
GREENPINATA. Boerichter must go down as one of the many poor buys we have made all transfers are a gamble thats why I would like to see us produce our own players.H.H.
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/nil-by-mic/
new article posted.
Greenpinata
Maloney probably played his best football at Celtic. He then chose to leave under freedom of contract. We had the faith to re-sign him only for him to be injured all the time. We had plenty of patience with him.
We sold McGeady for 10 million. He SHOULD be doing better elsewhere. Yet he is regarded on Merseyside in way we regard Bangura.
James Forrest hasn’t done it in Europe that often.
Greenpinata on 18th January 2016 12:02 pm
My friends in Celtic,
If we were to buy a pacy winger how much would it cost us?
James Forrest at 24 has potentially his best years ahead. Yes, he has problems with consistency and injuries, but he can give us something that other players cannot. In Europe for example.
Funny how players always get better when they are no longer with us. But Shaun Maloney, Aiden McGeady, Davie Proven, Johnny Doyle RIP all got stick at times with the general remarks about no consistency, no end product etc, etc.
I would wager that even the great Jimmy Johnstone got it at times.
The only winger who doesn’t seem to get any stick regarding his play is Dirk Boerrigter. Singed July 2013 for £3.5 m.
Possibly when we actually see him play that may change.
Hail, Hail.
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The part of your argument I would agree with is that wingers can be inconsistent – and yes the fans do give them stick. The point you make about some players improving once they leave is also easy to agree with. In fact it can be argued that the improvements are due to them leaving. Playing against better opposition, fitter players etc. must have an effect – so it could be argued that, if those players had stayed at Celtic they would not have improved. Some would say that The Maestro would have benefited from moving to another league. Personally, having seen him in the flesh I’m not sure how he could have got much better.
Anyways – the point about JF is not just that he is inconsistent. It is that he seems to be rarely available for selection. Is that a fair criticism? I don’t have the stats to hand, but that’s what’s being argued. Someone clever clogs will no doubt be able to demonstrate or refute this.
Also when players leave Celtic , they usually don’t get booted all over the place .
Also get a chance to play against better players not hammer throwers who have an adversity to the green jersey.
That’s also if they go to another league like England .