The most interesting point to make about Adam Matthews is that, for another month anyway, he is still a teenager. You and I have seen enough of these games to know that the occasion has a habit of consuming inexperienced youth but Adam patrolled Celtic’s right with remarkable authority last night. All the more remarkable considering this was his first game back after injury.
Football business for 2011 is finished and new signing, Swedish international right back, Mikael Lustig (25), is now available for selection. At 6’3” Mikael has previously played in central defence but Neil Lennon insisted the player was primarily recruited as a right back but, despite the rate Celtic right backs pick up injuries, the need appears greater in central defence. It’s hard to see Adam Matthews losing the right back berth.
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Greenwells Glory says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:19
eh…… NAW!!! end of!
Starryhope
Green Oak Tree says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:18
No problem big pal :-)
Greenwells Glory says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:19
Mibbees a wee maraschino cherry in it too … on and wan aw they wee umbrellas!
Starryhope
hamiltontim is freezing his nachos off waiting for a taxi at Hamilton train station with a downanout and a hooker and will reply once he returns home and thaws oot :-)
Paddy Gallagher says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:21
Thanx…
A really poor excuse for football journalism below. Matthew is hurting.
His very last line on young Forrest is good but doesn’t mask his true allegiances
Evening Times, Matthew Lindsay
IT will be of no consolation for those Rangers fans still smarting at the perceived injustice of their Old Firm defeat to Celtic.
Yet the farcical scenes which resulted in a legitimate goal being ignored at Parkhead last night could, at long last, soon be consigned to the past.
There is a very real possibility that goal-line technology will be in use in the SPL in the near future.
Nine different systems are currently under review by an independent testing authority employed by football’s world governing body Fifa.
A decision is expected to be made on them by July 2012 and, all being well, the laws of the game could be changed in time for the next domestic campaign. It cannot come soon enough.
For the outcome of major games, like the one played out in the east end of Glasgow last night, to hinge solely on the referee’s judgment is unacceptable in this day and age.
Many other sports have benefited from advancements in technology and, as events last night once again highlighted, it is high time football followed their lead and was dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
Had Lee Wallace’s early headed goal counted then the final result could well have been, and most probably would have been, very different.
It would be harsh in the extreme to point a finger of blame at match official Willie Collum and his assistants Graham Chambers and George Drummond.
Television replays proved the ball had completely crossed the goal-line before keeper Fraser Forster scooped it clear off the inside of his post.
But it took freeze frame, an aerial view and a close-up in order to establish that. It is impossible for the human eye, in a split second, to accurately ascertain what has happened.
Linesman Drummond did not have a clear view of the incident either – his sight was blocked by Forster’s body – and he is blameless for the error.
To his great credit, Ally McCoist, who suffered his first Old Firm defeat as Rangers manager, refused to make much of the incident in the aftermath of his side’s narrow 1-0 defeat. Given that his team surrendered their lead in the SPL table to their age-old adversaries as a consequence of the reverse, he quite easily could have.
Having squandered a 15- point lead that had looked unassailable to many – not least their striker Nikica Jelavic – in less than two months, this loss hurt.
But they competed well for long periods and, despite their run of poor form, they will still be confident they can regroup and claw their way back into the title race.
The champions dominated the opening 45 minutes and created the best chances. As well as Wallace’s effort, Carlos Bocanegra and Jelavic went agonisingly close for the visitors.
Despite all that, Celtic deserved to win. They started the second half far more brightly than their opponents and did not let up until three hugely significant points had been secured.
A Joe Ledley goal from an inswinging Charlie Mulgrew corner ultimately proved the difference between the sides. But Allan McGregor did well to repel a goalbound James Forrest shot and the away team had to defend frantically to keep the scoreline down.
Celtic’s comeback has been nothing short of remarkable. The triumph was their ninth in a row in the SPL and nobody can quibble with their right to be on top of the league table heading into 2012.
What is more, there is every chance they will improve further when they start getting players back from injury. Their defence last night was makeshift. Thomas Rogne was brought in from the cold and performed superbly well at centre-half. Mulgrew, too, was dependable alongside him in the heart of the rearguard.
Goalscorer Ledley was also outstanding at left-back in direct opposition to first Sone Aluko and then Gregg Wylde even though the Welshman is far more comfortable in central midfield.
However, when Daniel Majstorovic, Kelvin Wilson, Mark Wilson and Emilio Izaguirre return they should all get the nod ahead of their team-mates at the back.
Scotland midfielder Kris Commons will give Celtic manager Neil Lennon – who got his team selection and formation spot on – another headache when he becomes available once again.
Beram Kayal looked like he was set to become another long-term absentee when he was stretchered off after a collision with Lee McCulloch in the second half. However, the Israeli is expected to return soon.
Forrest and Adam Matthews were both highly fortunate not to join Kayal on the treatment table after being scythed down by David Healy and Kyle Lafferty – who were lucky to receive only bookings – respectively late on.
Forrest once again showed last night what an exceptional talent he is with an individual display that belied his tender years. It is to be hoped that the tough treatment meted out to him is not a taste of things to come.
The latest Old Firm match was low on quality football. That was, in part, down to the appalling weather conditions. However, Forrest provided many sublime moments. He must be protected for the sake of our national game.
pauloantony says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:17
Not saying we should or shouldn’t go for Cuellar, however your reasoning sounds like my wife coming back from the shopping saying look what I got, I normally reply but you don’t need that you’ve got blah blah the same, she responds, but it was reduced/had 50% off……not a reason to buy ;-)
hh
bjmac
Wallaces goal that never was … Was NOT a goal!
The ball was NOT completely over the line !
If it was you would see a black line from frasers top between the ball and the post!
There is none!
However the White of the gloves causes the illusion that it was further past the post!
pauloantony,
Agreed. They maybe cant see the glove, but they sure can smell the glove.
Lubo:-)
Ok bjmac
How about a £8m player fOr Nowt
Bargain?
Hamilton Tim God Bless and it was my pleasure to meet you tonight
Thinking of you and your family , we are one , we are Celtic
MWD
I’m well, mate. Hope you’re well too, I trust you enjoyed the great company you had tonight.
Not in town as often since job moved to Paisley, when my own thing kicks off in March April, I’ll be in CQN Towers, Hamilton – will explain that one when we next meet.
hh
bjmac
Cuellar was never worth £8m in the first place, he was sold at the time when prices were greatly inflated.
I would not have him, personally, never thought much of him and he has not exactly set the heather on fire at Villa, only occasionally playing at right back! por cierto
pauloantony says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:30
Still wouldn’t look at it that way. I would look at our current squad and how I see it developing and decide whether or not Cuellar would be a worthwhile addition. The fact he is available under freedom of contract or for a nominal fee in January would only be a factor in me looking at him, not a factor in the decision to buy/employ.
I don’t have a strong opinion on him either way right now. I was simply having a light hearted dig at your reason for buying. :-)
hh
bjmac
hamiltontim says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:22
hamiltontim is freezing his nachos off waiting for a taxi at Hamilton train station with a downanout and a hooker and will reply to the one with the most Russian fags :-)
DasvidaniyaCSC
Bjmac
“when my own thing kicks off in March April, I’ll be in CQN Towers”
Good Luck with that por cierto
BJMac
It’s a NO from me to Carlos…
Only players who will improve the team please..
On that point..
I’d like to see same 11 for next however – until injuries or drop in form give someone else a chance.
Calton Tongues
A threesome eh! por cierto
By Daily Express Reporter
GARY HOOPER will begin contract talks with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell next week as English predators prepare to launch a January swoop for the striker.
Great company tonight , don’t really appreciate the Celtic Community until you meet them
Come on you Bhoys in Green
Just had a great night with fellow CQN bhoys, HAMILTON TIN, LENNY BHOY, MWD, TOP CORNER, SANNA BHOY, FOUR GREEN FIELDS n the rest oh n KIGNOH :p for popping in
HH
Por Cierto says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:37
Calton Tongues
A threesome eh! por cierto
———————
No, that would be hamiltontim and a packet with two in it:-)
por cierto
Hey Por Cierto, thanks mate – it will be great ;-)
Cultsbhoy – WOuld only consider it if Big Dan was definitley leaving and one of the young bhoys was wanting to leave.
CaltonTongue – are you the hooker or the down and out ? ;-)
hh
bjmac
Hamilton Tim pleasure to meet u tonight buddy, god bless n pass my wishes on to your mother
HH
Bjmac
When he says wife he means waitress. You know! Her that serves free alcohol at the Pitt rather than pay and enjoy being a Bhoy.
MY GRANNY WAS AN Aberdonian. Never in a million years would she have chosen a freebie at the Pit over a Bhoys good time in Para-Para-Paradise.
MWD
CultsBhoy loves being 1st at 13:40
“Celtic Players likely to be subject to offers in January…
Commons
Hooper
Sammi
Mathews
Ki
Forest
All capable playing for lower level EPL teams and potentially making a difference?”
What??? Not capable of mid-level EPL??
How come our reserve players (Hooveild and O’Dea) could be playing lower level EPL next year as previous rejects, Crainey & Beattie did, yet our best can only play at the bottom end of that league?
How did Charlie Adam get to play for Liverpool and Cuellar for Villa?
You were bigging up your approval of Charlie Mulgrew earlier. Is Charlie good enough for Stoke or Everton or Newcastle or is he only good enough for Blackburn, Bolton & Wolves too?
Bundoran Bhoy – KANO 1000 says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:41
Just had a great night with fellow CQN bhoys, HAMILTON TIN ????
See, he even had an empty tobacco tin!
GodlovehimCSC
MWD
Our time will come…hope you had a good one tonight : )
Time to retire bhoys – thanks for the company..
I personally wouldn’t want Cuellar. He would cost too much in wages and there are probably better value players out there. I honestly think that we have enough at centre half with Big Dan (who was looking more like the Swedish International we bought prior to his injury), Charlie (who is composure personified), Rogne (who won every high ball last night and kept Laugherty and Jellyfish at bay all night), Kelvin Wilson (Jury still out but Lenny waited long enough for him) and the New CH / RB.
I think our money would be better spent on a bulldozer of a centre forward. I don’t know much about Diawarra but Lenny has flown to Portugal to watch him.
IF Lenny wants Diawarra and Cuellar then I hope he gets them. He hasn’t done too badly so far spending our season ticket money (Ledley, Wanyama, Matthews, Izzaguiré, Kayal, Hooper).
Hail Hail!!!
Starryhope
Ceck out the 6th para from the bottom.
——————————
A meeting was held on Thursday 29th December between Affiliation and Strathclyde Police as a follow up to recent discussions on policing issues at Celtic Park.
The minutes of this meeting are below.
Strathclyde Police praise Celtic support
Update meeting with Campbell Corrigan (Assistant Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police)
Thursday 29th December 2011
Present Strathclyde Police – Campbell Corrigan and Simon Wright
Affiliation of Registered C.S.C.’s – Mark Cameron and Alan Horne
Campbell Corrigan (CC) opened meeting by praising Celtic support for exemplary behaviour at last night’s game. In comparison to “shame game” it was a much quieter event for police, it was later confirmed that only 12 arrests were made (compared with 34 at March 2011 game) and none were for sectarian offences.
Mark Cameron (MC) asked why all coaches were stopped en-route to match and searched for alcohol when it had previously been stated that match would be policed as per any other Celtic v Rangers match. Alan Horne (AH) stated that most coaches were delayed for up to 30 minutes by being escorted from motorway and then taken to Broadwood Stadium for coach search and then back to motorway. CC replied that the police were concerned that many supporters groups were having events in the afternoon of the match and were concerned that there was a ”higher than normal risk” of alcohol making its way onto coaches. CC stated that a similar exercise had happened recently on the day of a Scotland international fixture and it would be something that we may see more off in the future. Simon Wright (SW) agreed to look at options to reduce inconvenience to travelling public when similar exercises were to be held in future. This would also be reviewed at forces out with Strathclyde. CC stated that police would be very careful about repeating this exercise at any midweek fixtures in future. CC confirmed that future searches for alcohol on coaches would be based around “high risk fixtures” as well as manning issues for police. MC asked if supporters groups could be advised in advance of future searches in order that supporters clubs could plan travel with expected delay in mind. CC and SW agreed to look into this and report back.
MC asked for comments from CC regarding the perception that it was police who decided on date of last night’s fixture. CC totally refuted the notion that it was police who decided on this date. He suggested that question should be re-directed to SPL. CC stated that police presented data to Joint Action Group (JAG – Government, SPL, Police, Celtic, Rangers etc.) which showed impact (arrests etc.) and cost of police resources when Celtic v Rangers games are played. CC stated that Sunday lunchtime and midweek fixtures were most suitable. Saturdays were less suitable and the Police wanted to avoid 1st and 2nd January as this they believed was worst possible date for the fixture. CC asked Neil Doncaster if there could be a mixture of Sunday and midweek dates for these fixtures. It was agreed with JAG that police would be consulted over fixture dates.
MC asked if it was protocol for match commander to brief SPL / UEFA delegate without a representative from home club present. CC stated that these discussions are usually informal and that they take place in Police Control Room. CC agreed that moving forward and it had already been communicated to match commanders to ensure that club representatives were present during these discussions. MC stated that he found it unusual that Match Commander would be working in close proximity to clubs operations team for up to 6 hours on match day and that Eddie Smith had not raised any issues with club at Hibs or Rennes games. CC confirmed that de-brief had taken place last night with representatives of both clubs present.
MC then asked why the police had changed recently from arresting supporters post match to going into crowd and making arrests there during the game. CC stated that it was the Match Commander’s decision and that the preference would be to ask those involved to come to the end of the row or to make the arrest in the concourse post match. When asked why the match commander would use either option CC stated that the primary concern would be the immediate safety of spectators and the Match Commander would look at likelihood to destabilise spectators as well as the continual conduct of the individual.
CC stated that it would normally be the case that people would be warned first before an officer would make an arrest for breach of the peace but it doesn’t happen on all occasions. He further pointed out that anyone singing Celtic Symphony with add on’s would be arrested for breach of peace.
The issue of the 17 year old who was arrested on a Friday morning and then held in custody for several days was discussed. CC stated that the police did not break down doors as had been reported and that now that he had taken the opportunity to review the details confirmed that police made the arrest on the first available day and not on a Friday “as punishment.”
On the subject of relations between large elements of Celtic support and the police CC accepted that there had been a breakdown in trust following a series of anti-Celtic briefings given by the Communications Officer at Strathclyde Police. It was pointed out and accepted that the journalist and the tabloid concerned were known to have an anti-Celtic agenda. CC confirmed that future briefings from police would need a different approach and that Communications Officer would no longer be doing that function and that Celtic PR Dept. would be involved. CC accepted that these events had been damaging to police.
MC than asked CC about the source of a recent Sunday newspaper report that had claimed that the police “wanted to smash the Green Brigade”. CC stated the police had no interest in doing this and his opinion was that 99% of what they (GB) do is great for the atmosphere. MC stated that on top of previous anti Celtic media stories that this was more damaging. CC agreed and he stated that he did not believe the story had any credibility as to the attitude of police and that journalist must having been talking with someone who was not representing the police.
CC stated that police officers had already commenced training on the new legislation relating to Offensive Behaviour and he confirmed that training would be based around those officers who were at grass roots level (Police who would be at football grounds). CC suggested that it may be beneficial to have fans present or take part in future training sessions.
AH asked about the proposed introduction of safe standing areas. CC stated that the Taylor report had indicated safest method was all seater stadium but he had no indication prior to Neil Doncaster’s announcement that the stance of the SPL had changed. CC stated that police would need to review before agreeing to any change.
CC stated the Strathclyde Police have been working with Celtic to overcome recent issues and hoped that recent improvement in relationships would continue and that he would be available to discuss issues with fan groups.
All agreed that meeting was worthwhile exercise and CC thanked AH and MC for taking the time to attend.
—————————-
Lubo.
ßjmac ♥ Kano 1000 °¿° says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:41,
Hey, I’ve just slottered one END of Jedward.
Do you really want me to start on the other?
:-))))
THE EXILED TIM says:
29 December, 2011 at 22:07
For Ocealaigh
share
thanks for that, Ocealaigh would have been right back at you with something else just as good.
It’s good night from me and it’s good night from him. Four candles / fork handles.
Oíche mhaith mo chairde.
Starryhope
SFTB
I referred to lower end EPL teams because that’s the teams that are desperate in January and likely to make daft offers in the hope a player can save their EPL status…
Cultsbhoy
Never had a bad time in the company of Bhoys.
Tiocfaidh ár lá
MWD
CaltonTongues says:
30 December, 2011 at 00:50
I thought of you at the game last night, when the hun players went over and clapped the huns before the game, I thought wee CT is right, we should get rid of the huddle…. :-)
I welcome the chase wee man ;-)))))))
hh
bjmac
SFTB
ENJOYED YOUR COMPANY TONIGHT. Although the spycho analysis was a bit much.
MWD :-)))