The Official Glasgow Celtic Thread

[salty]

In the end a comfortable win in Sarajeyo 3-1 but not without its anxious moments. Early on Bain had to dash from goal to get a block on a home forward through on goal. I thought he was slightly offside but not flagged. A needless corner conceded saw us fall behind. Poor defending form Brown and Eddy. 6 minutes later a superb equaliser from young Johnson. He got a fortunate rebound and availed of it to control and fire home from 20 yards. Celtic looked the better side and the home team had a couple of booking with some wild challenges.

 

Celtic took control with a 2nd early in the 2nd half. Good work by Brown and Christie set up Eddy and he finished calmly from close in. After that Celtic were well in control with the only danger coming from some  careless passing. Hayes replaced  Boli who went off injured and Mogan and Sinclair were late subs for Johnston and Forrest. Morgan in particular was impressive consistently taking on the full back and beating him leading to a few decent centres. He switched wings when Sinclair came on and provided the centre from which Sinclair scored with a smart back heel in the closing stages like the Aberdeen goal last season. It was the icing on the cake and should ensure progression to the next round.

 

All in all a fairly encouraging display. Boli was the only one of the new boys to start and he looked fairly comfortable slotting in.

[hackjam]

Watched the game last night against decent enough opposition, debut for 2 new signings. Guess its all about fitness at this stage of season. Never the less, good workout ahead of next competitive game on Tuesday night.

Was impressed with Henderson, especially in second half when he went out towards the left, looked good cutting in. I would like to see him, RC & CMcG start in Midfield Tuesday night.

Good to see Griff back, still a bit to go.

Sinclair missed a few sitters and, for me, I expect a lot more contribution from him.

One thing struck me was how uncomfortable we look at defending corner kicks, even though we have several big guys in there.

Still no progress on a new RB, looks like we have lost out on our identified candidates.

Will be interesting to see how the Nicham situation pans out, looks like he has been tapped up & had his head turned. If he was to return and apply himself, would be like a new 10M signing. I don't hold out much hope.  

[salty]

The KT situation continues to dominate the Celtic gossip. New offer of 25 million which includes all sorts of add ons  has been rejected if you believe all the various reports. Looks like he will be laid up for at least another month as he recovers from "close season" surgery. So who knows how things will pan out.

 

Agree re Sinclair. Compared to his first season he has been very disappointing. Capable of the odd inspired moment but overall leaving a lot to be desired. Very poor goal conceded in Sarajevo from corner and hopefully much better at both ends in the future.  

 

Have to say I would not miss Ntcham. Apart from the winner in the first Glasgow derby and allowing for injury he was very poor and now wants away. 

 

BTW 2nd leg is on Wednesday night. Barring a complete disaster should be a fairly relaxing evening.

[smokie36]

Knowing the goons salty they will have gone for a pay nothing upfront and 4 years of instalments.

 

If you do sell he can find a better club imho....he's a fantastic player.

[salty]

Considering TV money for English clubs not a great offer from Arsenal. There is no indication at present that KT wants to leave. Apart from the Gunners seems to be no interest from any of the more cash rich English clubs.                                                      

 

In any case will be out for a month and that seems fairly optimistic. 

Hopefully for the young man he doesn't resume until he is fully fit. If he stays with us hopefully he can be spared the non stop number of games he has been saddled with in previous seasons, as well as being the target of some agricultural challenges.

 

Celtic are not biting as things stand for what you rightfully consider an exceptional player.

[hackjam]

So into the next round, after a rough game, ref seemed to let a lot go, could easily have flashed red cards. Just thought this game was set up for us to put on a display, maybe go 2 up front.

They did have the ball in net after 1 min but offside.

Great goal from RC, as we totally dominated, but weak shooting let us down throughout the game. RC, CMcG and Brown starting to look sharp, Boli showing up well going forward, did get caught out for their goal. Forrest came into it when he moved to the left. Both wingers getting on the ball a lot but just not hitting the byline and getting crosses in enough. CMcG nets the winner-their keeper, who was decent, badly positioned for the shot. Our keeper did not have a save to make all night.

Our problem in defense is that our best CB is playing RB and we have a midfielder playing CB, and a new RB still finding his feet. Against better opposition, we will be ripped apart. We need to desperately get that RB over the line.

The KT saga continues, don't reckon Arsenal is a good fit for him, trying to low ball bids. Cant see any trophy days in North London. Reckon Spurs would be better suited for him, they play attractive football, could be in market for a LB, would like to shove it up the Arsenal with a proper bid-and chuck in Wanyama for a years loan as a sweetener. 

[salty]

Very impressed with RC. Easily best Celtic player. As well as his goal he was always available for other players. He bore the brunt of some wild "challenges" by the Bosnians who were not fussy about stopping danger. Referee should have been much stricter with some of the cynicism of the visitors. Disappointed we only scored 2. We still are not making full use of our dominance. 

 As last week we gave away a bad goal. Careless play by Boli who otherwise was quite decent. Good finish by the Bosnian but he was in acres of room after the downward header. Jozo posted missing again. He will miss the first two League games after being sent off pre season thanks to VAR. It was a ridiculous challenge. At times Jozo can be like a bull in a china shop.

 

Latest gossip has us signing an Israeli International who can double as a centre half or right back. Spurs have sold one full back and look as if they may sell another so a bid for KT might be a runner.

[CelticBhoy]

Every player called "Magners."

 

That's all I see on the backs of their shirts. Their names are really hard to see on the hoops.

 

Maybe I'm being petty but it does look pretty stupid.

[salty]

CB, hopefully it is not causing you to lose any beauty sleep.????????

[hackjam]

Elhamad signs for 1.6M plus. He becomes our 4th summer signing, taking our spending to 13M. Apparently he can play both center half and right back. Should be a good squad member, with his versatility, I do hope we still bring in a marquee Right back. His arrival may signal end for Hendry and if a decent bid comes in for Joso, he too may go.

More good news is Arsenals seem to have given up on KT. Pathetic effort by Gooners trying to low ball Celtic.

Looks like we have a few of our injured players back for tonight's game at home to Estonians. 

[RichardColeman]

Personally I think we should give up on signing anybody in recess before summer. We are constantly going into Europe with teams not gelled together , with players not 100% fitted in. It's only by the grace of God we make it through some of the early rounds. If we ever want Champions league, get the team settled in before the playoffs and ban all trading of players we need until winter !

[salty]

Unable to get a stream to watch tonight's game. Anxiety at scoreless first 35 minutes dissapated looking at HT score and more good news in second half. Christie seems to have been superb again . Goals on twitter. Great to see Griff on the mark with trademark free kick.

 

Good team performance it would seem. Encouraging signs for more difficult games ahead?

[hackjam]

Yes Christie outstanding again, as was CMcG, French Eddy put in a good shift, linked up well with Griff. Brown was his usual self. MJ was lively when introduced. was delighted to see Eddy and Griff start together.

Our backs, while not tested, did look uncomfortable as a unit. Bitton all over the shop, new LB a bit of a headless chicken at times, needs to find composure bombing forward.

With the second leg now a formality, would be hoping to see big Julian start, along with the impressive MJ.

We so need to get defense sorted out, as we will be totally taken apart by better opposition.

 

[hackjam]

Good to see NL taking care of our players wellbeing, leaving CMcG & Forrest at home. 

A comfortable 2-0 win in the end. Made many changes, Nitcham showed up well, body language looked good, as did MJ, easily our 2 best players on the night.

We had lots of shots but again, shooting poor, weak shots and if not ballooned over the bar, straight at keeper. SS did have a shot well saved in stoppage time and then MS scores with a delightful effort.

LM showed up well also, some nice touches. Big CJ looks the part. Ralston looks to be heading towards an exit. Griff lasted 90min, so he is almost there now, was unlucky not to get first goal when defender beat him to final touch.

The KT circus still rumbling on, we should tell Arsenal to GTF, reckon 25M is too little. More important, where is he fitness wise???

 

Next up is Saints on Sat, big CJ and Joso both suspended, so a make shift backline. Not sure where Elhamad is fitness wise. So may see a back 4 of AR, Ajer, NB & Boli. Midfield BB, CMcG & RC. Up top Eddy, JF & MJ, with plenty attacking options from bench.

Edited July 31, 2019 by hackjam

[salty]

Never likely to be an anxious evening after the first leg. We seem to have plenty of options at present so hopefully game time will be spread around to save having exhausted players in the run in at the end of the season.  Did not see it but disappointing a few more goals were not scored. 

Good finish by the Ukranian at the death.

 

Cluj will be difficult and you would hope for a goal or two away to make things easier at home. They have been in a few CL group stages in recent years and been quite decent. 

 

KT gossip this morning has the Arse offering more up front. Who knows what will happen? It looks like he won't be in action for quite some time .

 

Flag day on saturday. Good call to have McNeill and Chalmers widows doing the honours.

[salty]

Celtic made a very satisfactory start to the League campaign with a 7-0 win over St Johnstone. It featured a hat trick from the hugely impressive Christie who is rapidly becoming the main man in the side.

 

Celtic were ahead in 9 minutes after dazzling footwork by Johnson who fired across goal and into the far corner. As so often Celtic had the vast majority of the play and Christie struck with an excellent shot after 26 minutes. His 2nd was a shot which Clark should have saved comfortably but allowed his shot to beat him.

 

Cruising  3-0 at HT Celtic were in no mood to let up. Christie completed his hat trick on 67 minutes with another stunning strike off the underside of the bar. Our new rb left early in the 2nd half with a dead leg and Ralston replaced him. Christie came off soon after his hat trick and Ntcham replaced him. His first touch was from an Edouard pass which he finished in style to make it 5-0. Griffiths replaced Johnson with 15 minutes to go. An excellent pass put Eddie through to round the keeper and score. Griff made it 7 with a typical strike in the last few minutes.

 

After so many games last season where we struggled to draws or narrow wins with the same amount of possession this was hugely encouraging. St Johnstone looked a very limited side and no doubt we will face far more stern opposition in games to come. Lenny described it as perfect and it is difficult to disagree. 

[hackjam]

Touch of class pre match having those 2 do the flag, legends live on at Celtic.

Absolute dynamic performance, Bitton and Ajer looked like they were playing in dinner suits. 

Well impressed with new RB, and Boli done well also.

RC deservedly got MOM and aside from hat trick, was so energetic, especially with his tracking back. In fact, all were so aggressive without the ball.

Behind RC, reckon French Eddy was our best performer.

Encouraging  to see Nicham and Griff score and continue with getting match sharpness.

 

Next up is the Romanians mid week, cant see too many changes, maybe big CJ in for Bitton??

[balo]

20 hours ago, hackjam said:

Bitton and Ajer looked like they were playing in dinner suits. 

That's  good to hear.  And Celtic will dominate the league again and maybe do better in Europe this season. 

There's been some rumors over here that Ajer is wanted by AC Milan?  That would be a surprise move. 

[hackjam]

Not really, guy is class-but still developing. So cool and composed, now showing leadership qualities also, doing lots of talking/organizing. Impressive for someone so young, think he is only 21.

For sur he will move for big money, would be great if we could get the next 2 years out of him.

[CelticBhoy]

Fantastic start to the season. That was a joy to watch.

Those early CL qualifiers have done us the world of good.

[hackjam]

Agree, 4 completive matches much better than friendlies.

[salty]

Let's hope we can be as successful in the next four.

[hackjam]

Got vital away goal to take back to Celtic Park next week but this tie is still very much alive. against a decent counter attacking side.

Morgan started instead of MJ, word is he was carrying a knock. Makes one wonder where exactly our highest earner, Sinclair, is in pecking order right now?

Game started at 90 miles an hour, then from our corner, they hit us on counter, Boli gets caught out and we are 1 down, he would go on to have a stinker. But shortly after, JF finds some space and pulls us level with a beautiful finish, he did have a good game. Our set piece deliveries were shocking last night.

Elhamed continues to impress at RB, as did both Joso & Ajer, so cool playing out from the back. 

Looks like KT is away down south, only hope is he fails medical. Would like to see an experienced pro come in maybe on a loan to cover, cant figure what the deal is with Gutman, seemed to impress pre season but some drama with a work permit. Would be happy to see both O'Donnell and the Killie left back come in, as we just cannot seem to get a right back signed. 

 

[CelticBhoy]

Agree with you about Boli. He was all over the place.

First time for me to feel a bit of doubt over Bain.

He certainly didn't have his best game.

I reckon we'll be okay at home. The away goal was crucial.

[salty]

Mixed feeling about last night. On the face of it a good result but I anticipate a nervy night next week. I shudder to think of a 0-0 scoreline in the closing stages and Maribor comes to mind. Hopefully Celtic will have scored a few by then.

 

Terrible goal to concede. Boli 's defending was dreadful. Neither Morgan or Bain covered themselves in glory either. As in Sarajevo a quick reply to calm the nerves . A 1/2 between Elmahed and Forrest and a smart finish. Impressed by the israeli.

 

We were poor in the 2nd half and looked like a side who was happy with a 1-1. I found it very irritating the way Celtic wasted several promising situations by bad decisions and lack of bodies in a forward area when we had opportunities. Also delay in shooting a few times.

 

Its a sad day for the faithful to see Kieran Tierney leaving for Arsenal. But money talks and Celtic have held out for what they valued him at. Hopefully they will invest some of the proceeds wisely. 

It would be churlish not to wish the young man well in his career. He was a star in a Celtic jersey.

[smokie36]

£25m in the bank....time for a Scott Brown mark 2?

[salty]

In the end a very comfortable win at Fir Park after an anxious opening 15 minutes. Celtic looked asleep at the start. Motherwell were dominating the play and we looked very ropey at the back. Boli again not inspiring confidence in defensive duties. Unease increased when the Well went ahead. As in midweek Bain was poor and really should have saved. Fortunately Celtic struck back almost immediately. Ajer making a great run from midfield and was put through by a superb pass from Forrest. His finish was emphatic. Celtic still had rocky moments. A mindless back pass from Boli put Bain under pressure but he dealt with the situation. Ajer made a clumsy challenge in the box and was fortunate not to concede a penalty. Ntcham was beginning to make his presence felt in midfield. When Griffith was wrestled off the ball he drilled a terrific free kick into the far corner. Good to see him back among the goals.  

 

Celtic looked more comfortable in the 2nd half but a one goal lead is never decisive. A 3rd goal arrived midway through the half .This time Boli in attack cut it back for Forrest who with deft footwork made room for a shot across goal and just inside the post. He was replaced by Christie and Celtic were now well on top. Ntcham was finding plenty of space and kept driving forward. Eddie on for Griffiths wasted two good chances with poor control and an overhit pass but soon after he controlled a pass and finished superbly into the corner. He was then taken down in the area and Christie another sub buried the spot kick. In the last minute Jullien went to sleep from a corner and Donnelly netted his 2nd.

 

Very pleasing to see the goals flowing but concerns at the back. I thought Ajer and Ntcham were our best performers. Hopefully we can add a few more goals on Tuesday to make it a fairly relaxed evening.

[hackjam]

At the end of the day, its 3 pts from a ground that we have not won at for a few years. Poor from Bain for first goal, am sure CG would have kept that one out. And now his kicking is wayward, has started to give me the fear.

Boli & Morgan poor in first half but improved in second half when we upped our game.

Ajer was outstanding, had his man in his sights every time he got the ball, loved those controlled aggressive tackles, get the impression he could play anywhere. Took his goal well.

Ntcham did have a fine game too.

Their second goal was from a corner, poor defending. Need to splash the cash and get a quality right back in. 

[balo]

3 hours ago, hackjam said:

Ajer was outstanding

Yes and a goal as well, will be interesting to see him play for my country during the international break. 

[RichardColeman]

First 20 minutes was back to last years worst !