Turmoil in Zenit squad

There’s turmoil in the Zenit St Petersburg squad. Two players, striker Artem Dzyuba and midfielder Oleg Shatov, are in conflict with the club and will not travel to their winter training camp in Dubai.

Both players are current Russia internationals; Dzyuba scored eight goals in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, making him the country’s top scorer in the tournament. Zenit face Copenhagen in Dubai on Monday, the first of six friendly games, before they face their first competitive game of 2018, in Glasgow, four weeks tomorrow. Their last game was on 11 December.

Some poor Celtic scout will be charged with taking in Zenit’s three games in Dubai next week. It is a thankless job.

SSE Live Awards 2017

I know you enjoyed that week in May as much as I did, when we won the treble then celebrated the Lion’s 50th anniversary.  The SSE currently has an online poll looking for their top event of 2017.  You can go here and vote for ‘Celebrate 67 Live’.

Get it done.

NEW CQN PODCAST OUT NOW FEATURING TOMMY SHERIDAN

A Celtic State of Mind presents its 30th instalment of insightful discussion around the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning treble-winning Scottish champions.

Kevin Graham is joined by Scotty Alcroft to interview Scottish pro-independence politician, Tommy Sheridan, at The Penalty Spot in Glasgow.

The interview took place as part of A Celtic State of Mind’s first live event – Five-a-sides at The Penalty Spot – and, as such, there is some background noise (including mobile interference – apologies) from the audience.

The other voice you may hear throughout this episode is that of former Celtic striker, Frank McGarvey, who is a friend of Tommy’s, and who was also interviewed separately that day for a future show.

You are sure to enjoy Tommy’s eclectic input, as he discusses everything from Catalan independence to Coolio, with a constant undercurrent of that thing called Celtic.

Order Jim Craig’s new Lisbon Lion Diary – Right Back to 67 from CQNBookstore.co.uk and you will receive a signed copy from the man himself plus a FREE copy of That Season in Paradise – Ten Months of Celtic Heaven signed by fellow Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld! Simply order Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and the second book will be sent automatically. Stocks are running very low so hurry!