Callum McGregor would have started the scoring on 65 seconds if he got his shot away a fraction earlier, but it was the intelligence of Patrick Roberts after 5 minutes that started the party. He laid the bait in front of Newco’s Beerman, showed him enough of the ball to convince the left back to attempt an interception.
At that moment, Patrick conjured up his version of the Missing Lady. Before Beerman could make contact, the ball was gone, replaced by Robert’s limbs. Referee John Beaton took his time before awarding the kick. Conditioned by an earlier refusal to give a stonewall penalty to Celtic, we thought the worst, but the award was made and Scott Sinclair rolled the ball into the corner of the net.
Leigh Griffiths unleashed a lethal shot for the second. Stuart Armstrong won possession off Hyndman, when he really shouldn’t have. Goalkeeper, Fotheringham, got a hand to the shot, but, in a moment symptomatic of Newco’s entire play, he didn’t have the steel to divert the shot from goal.
Scott Sinclair will be exhilarated today, but on the odd occasion he’ll ponder why he didn’t help himself to a hat-trick yesterday. He squandered two great chances, one after a Griffiths shot from 18 yards rebounded off the crossbar.
Measuring a manager is difficult as there are so many other variables go into a club’s season, but if you want to judge Brendan Rodgers, take a look at Callum McGregor. He opened Celtic’s account in the second half, six days after scoring the first against Newco at Hampden. This season, Callum has emerged as a tidy and skilful central midfielder. So much of our play is dependent on the speed of thought and movement he brings to the game.
Dedryck Boyata scored the fourth, a header from a whipped Griffiths free-kick. This act was superfluous to the big man’s imperious performance. He simply won everything that came within his considerable reach. More evidence of his manager’s ability to improve players, teams, leagues and the mood of a nation.
I doubt Dedryck’s partner, Jozo Simunovic, required a shower after the game. He strolled through the occasion. Really good defenders are not called to defend too often. They simply know where to go to inhibit or intercept. This was Jozo’s game, apart from a simply stunning tackle on Kenny Miller. He swooped like an eagle picking up a field mouse, making a surgical contact with the ball and clearing the danger.
This brought a period of utter nonsense on the Sky Sports commentary, where we were told Jozo’s “speed” should have been penalised with a foul. I can only assume parallel universes exist, in another, fast players are not allowed. We were also told that Jozo went in “with two feet”. He didn’t, one knee was bent, foot under his gluteus maximus.
We are at a stage where television is asking for fouls when Celtic bring genuine world-class football to Scotland. Make no mistake, this tackle was of Beckenbauer standard. Mr Walker, take a look at yourself.
We lost our shape around five minutes before Newco’s late consolation. The players are not robots, fatigue may well have crept in, and the occasion was getting to all of us, but fortunately Mikael Lustig had a plan.
You remember that moment in Escape to Victory, when Bobby Moore is talking tactics, and Pele picks up the chalk and says, “Give me the ball and I’ll go here, here, here and here, the score”, while meandering across the blackboard. Mikael must have watched that movie as a child, and some long dormant neurons, which were protecting the memory, sprung into life.
That’s pretty much what Mikael did.
They were absolutely brilliant, every single one of them. But let me assure you, this really is just the beginning. 12 of the 13 Celtic players who touched the ball yesterday were at the club last season. Wait until you see what Brendan does when he makes the squad his own.
Newco surrendered. They looked like they didn’t want to be there. By the end, not many of their fans were.
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Pedro Mendes was in the Directors boss on Saturday. He is Pedro’s agent. We can assume that was the initial link between Pedro and Sevco. Sevco may have been lured by a promise from Pedro Mendes to deliver them a conveyor belt of talent. I expect Sevco to make a few signings at least. All of them will comes from the Mendes stable. Most likely out of contract nomarks with exotic sounding names.
*Box not boss
MICKBHOY1888
I love a punt.
I’ve had a bet in most thing’s.
Never ever have I had a bet on snooker.
Before last year’s cup semi I warmed the wee mhan about Kenny Miller.
He was 11 at the time – my son, not the venerable The Rangers hit man – and only followed the big league so he’d never really seen or heard of him.
He duly scored by doing what he’s done all through his career – being in the right place at the right time. He scored earlier this season in the first ever glasgow derby we’d played at mordor. And he waltzed through our defence on Saturday.
As long as he’s on the pitch, the rangers have a chance of a goal. That makes him something of a standout in that squad.
I can’t attest to his off field persona. But if my team was getting horsed by thems I’d expect and demand my players to be as grumpy of face as he was.
Making him sevco player manager would be a smart move for the bears. For that reason I hope that Pedro remains in place to see us win 10 in a row. I fear though that he’ll not see the new school year, certainly not the tattie howking holidays.
HH jamesgang
https://twitter.com/celtictv/status/859067823179657216
Worth a watch if you’ve got a spare 25 minutes
HH
THETIMREAPER on 1ST MAY 2017 5:33 PM
Pedro Mendes was in the Directors boss on Saturday. He is Pedro’s agent. We can assume that was the initial link between Pedro and Sevco. Sevco may have been lured by a promise from Pedro Mendes to deliver them a conveyor belt of talent. I expect Sevco to make a few signings at least. All of them will comes from the Mendes stable. Most likely out of contract nomarks with exotic sounding names.
————
Not unusual for a club to lean on an agent but I wonder if they are going to exclusively use Mendes. He is their de facto scouting department. One thing is for sure, he’ll be on a cut of everything. Expect stories of Portugueses cliques when the media turn on Brother Pedro.
Timreaper
I’ve met you met. You have no chance of getting into court. You’re even handsome by timmish standards, even by cqn corner’s unfeasibly high standards!
You’d never pass as an orc!
HH jamesgang
I wonder are those suffering gers still guarding the goalposts at Ibrox?
#emilypankhurstcsc
Eejit. Should have said Chained to the goalposts.
Disclaimer.
Haven’t had my dinner yet,
JAMESGANG on 1ST MAY 2017 6:15 PM
You should’ve gone to Specsavers….
buick makane on 1st May 2017 5:59 pm
https://twitter.com/celtictv/status/859067823179657216
Worth a watch if you’ve got a spare 25 minutes
HH
——–
a braw vid
Young hoops 1 down to killie 30mins gone
JAMESGANG on 1ST MAY 2017 6:15 PM
Timreaper
I’ve met you met. You have no chance of getting into court. You’re even handsome by timmish standards, even by cqn corner’s unfeasibly high standards!
You’d never pass as an orc!
AHEM JAMESGANG,
I’m the Bhoy who first thought about going to the Trial on here as I live quite close, what are you trying to say mate….that I AM ugly enough to get in ?
Do I look like a mankie Hun ?
Am I not TOO handsome to get refused entry /
Do I amuse you ?
I’m rather feckin upset now…….As you obviously must think I am ugly enough to get in…I just might sing a wee song to ensure I get flung oot pronto…….” For we only know, that there’s gonny be a show, and the Glasgow C..”……….wait a minute…pit me doon, pit me doon ya hun” !….. ” FIVE feckin one ya clowns !
HH
HH
RS in “let’s focus on the relegation battle” mode.
Come on Kenny – we know how you love to mention “old firm” about 100 times!
Oh, now it’s the snooker!
SHEER SPECULATION ON MY PART….but here goes….
if anyone is allergic to ” BIG IF’s”…look away now,
IF no further loan agreement is reached between Celtic and Citeh then maybe then ?
IF Citeh are happy to SELL him ?
IF Paddy wants to sign a permanent deal at Celtic and Celtic want him ?
IF Citeh want around £8 MILLION ?
IF Brendans Budget was around £10 – £15 million, he may not be keen on shelling out £8 million for ANY one player ?
IF Brendan spoke nicely to PEP, MAYBE Celtic could offer maybe £4 million up front, and the rest due next year, especially IF we have obtained another £20 million from the upcoming Champions League ?
IF Celtic keep Moussa, then obviously we won’t have the £25 million for him at this moment ?
As I say, sheer speculation on my part, but Brendan and Peter Lawwell MIGHT try and take that ” installment route” IF any of the above is nearly accurate ?
HH
Big Jimmy
Sorry Hunny!
HH jamesgang
Glasstwothird
Lmao
Now yogi lamenting how mirrors dont tell lies.
Radio Scotland is radio hurting
Lovin it
As you say roddy fartin out ‘of’ continuity/association.maybe noo it means of f.. dae we need to mention it.lol
HH
Be afraid Timmy, be very afraid, Brother Pedro will be bringing in players who will blow away everybody, his amigo Pedro Mendez has hunners of talent on tap, were are doomed so we are
http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/mnm-sports-management/beraterfirma/berater/3470
In Under 20’s Ross County level with Hamilton, Celtic trailing Killie one nil.
If Ross County fail to win & Celtic do win. Celtic can win Title with a victory over Hamilton in final game.
If Celtic fail to win tonight then it’s curtains for the Bhoys.
An Tearmann
POTY now. They’ll be onto tiddlywinks next!
Maybe if they don’t mention it then it didn’t really happen!
Just what did Jim say in that memo!???
Celtic “dropped” or “rested” their top 6 players for this ” must win” game.
Hazard, Ralston, Nesbitt,Thomson, Johnston & Aitchison all missing, with only Hazard in the subs.
Me thinks a clear signal that these lhads are being lined up for first team action in remaining League games.
Radio Scot
Relegation discussion.
Brill
Killie now 2 up so I think we can wave goodbye to under 20 Title.
However with the Club refraining throughout the season to bolster team with overage players and tonight’s “resting” of the top 6 of the Under 20 panel, it appears that winning the Title was a pretty low priority.
Just as I post that Celtic pull one back, now trailing 1-2.
Ross County trailing 1-2.
If Celtic can pull the Killie game out of the bag, they could still be Champions.
Corkcelt,
It would seem that the emphasis was on developing the boys, rather than winning trophies.
At this time of year, some of those lads will be moving on, so some will be in the shop window, hoping that other clubs will pick them up.
An apprenticeship at Lennoxtown pretty much assures a player of an offer.
‘HOME TRUTHS! CELTIC FANS ARE MILES AHEAD OF US,’ ADMIT BEARS…
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/?p=35115
I understand that Thom but with 2 games left, it seems strange to ” rest” your top 6 players, when 2 wins could give you the title.
Yea, it seems strange but I suppose they have to try and spread the games out amongst the squad at that level.
I think that there must be other priorities at that level, compared to the first team.
Of course, maybe the cup winners were at the awards last night! : > )
Corkcelt
H1-5:-) hi5
Cheers for the updates
Your bang on bout the use of players.
Focus is on way we play and personal development.
Hope your good and glad you got your phone/pc back as their was someone claiming to be you suggesting a handsome hun was found.I didnt believe it for a second :-):-)
HH
Poor ole Teddy Berz. As if it’s not bad enough being humped at Castle Greyskull, now they turn to a Portugese for help. Would somebody tell them, the Portugese are Kaffliks. Aw’ naw, whit tae dae.
KINGLuBO
Only about 15 minutes left in both games, if scores stay as they are Hamilton could win if they beat Celtic in their final game. If they lose or draw Ross County would win.
Don’t think Ross County would be best pleased if Celtic play a weakened team again.
Believe it or not Celtic have equalised. Another goal and they could win this League despite everything.
can you imagine how many sponsored hunathons thems would have to do to be able to buy paddy – love the ifs big jimmy – gotta try anything; he’ll be frighteningly good under br
Young Celts dominating last 5 minutes but time running out still 2-2.
Thomthethim
I think there are many reasons
Our club make footballers if you deconstruct the process.
We needed to get better.
I think loaning players gives experience outside the development bubble.
It also means they play against higher standard opposition than in development league.
All as part of the focus on the individuals devt within our club (so if they dont make it with us they have a grounding that should enable a career in football.
All in the Brendan effect in managerial terms is perculating down our club.
What is expected of players is clearly defined, there is a clear line to the first team if you put the work in.
I think they are responding :-)
Hope alls good round your end of the county.
HH
Full time 2-2,
Ross County win the Development League