Glasgow Celtic

[salty]

Another league win and 3 more points. We need to keep winning because they are not dropping points either even though they were 2-0 down today. Looks like the Old Firm games will be of cruical importance as ever.

[CelticBhoy]

I enjoyed the Sheep's performance, but I enjoyed this quote

from the Scottish Daily Record so much more . . . . . . . .

Walter Smith last night accused Aberdeen of only ever wanting to beat Rangers.

What a half-arsed, half-witted comment.

[Ahinkel1]

I enjoyed the Sheep's performance, but I enjoyed this quote

from the Scottish Daily Record so much more . . . . . . . .

Walter Smith last night accused Aberdeen of only ever wanting to beat Rangers.

What a half-arsed, half-witted comment.

Ahh,, that old chestnut. Here, i thought it was us Celtic fans that were the paranoid ones.

[CelticBhoy]

7 games and 21 points.

Top because of goal difference.

Let's hope we win next weekend and go

into the Old Firm match the following week

unbeaten. Lennon has had a good run of wins

in the SPL, let's hope it continues.

[salty]

7 games and 21 points.

Top because of goal difference.

Let's hope we win next weekend and go

into the Old Firm match the following week

unbeaten. Lennon has had a good run of wins

in the SPL, let's hope it continues.

CB, I recall your post about clean sheets. Since then we have conceded in each of the 3 league games. Do not even think about the number of league wins. Remember the old chesnut "Take one game at a time".

It was gratifying to register another win yesterday after the shock of losing an early goal. As I said before we should pray that Shaun Maloney stays injury free.

[CelticBhoy]

Nice one, Salty old son. You've pegged me

as a statistical jinx now have you?

You are right about Maloney. He's on fire.

He's scored 50 goals in a Hoops shirt.

(That's me done it again - he'll lose

his shooting boots now).

[Jockstar]

Let's hope so.

[salty]

CB

I saw a few minutes of highlights last night. The defence looked very uncertain at corners. As well as conceding an early goal Forster made a terrific save from another and also well full length to claw away a very dangerous cross shot. Vulnerability at corners will not have gone unnoticed on the other side of Glasgow.

I am assuming you are not watching games over there (if they are shown at all). If you are you are well aware of our frailities.

[CelticBhoy]

^ I haven't seen any 'live' games this season

so far, Salty old son, but will make the effort

for the Old Firm game in a couple of weeks.

Don't know where to go though! Will probably try

Bar 22 on Sukhumvit 22. Just hope it's a game

that's being televised here.

[salty]

If it is on anywhere it will be on there. The landlord is one of us I understand.

I have only seen them once this season since I came back. If they play on Saturday afternoon it is a case of checking score updates every 15 minutes or so and praying.

[CelticBhoy]

Spied this on the tinternet today:

Celtic are in talks with Bohemians to sign Ireland U21 striker Paddy Madden, according to the Dublin club's manager Pat Fenlon.

Madden was in the Bohemians side that lost 4-1 to the Scottish team in a friendly on Sunday after a spell on trial at Celtic Park last year.

"We're still talking to Celtic but nothing has been agreed," said Fenlon in an interview with the Evening Herald.

"Any deal has to suit the club and suit the player.

"If it doesn't suit Paddy or Bohemians it won't happen. I don't want to lose Paddy - I want to keep all of our players."

[CelticBhoy]

Spotted this bit of news today.

Don't need this the week before

the first Old Firm of the season:

Celtic captain Scott Brown does not need surgery on his broken foot but he still faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines.

Celtic announced on Friday that the Scotland midfielder would be out for at least six weeks, and possibly more, with a stress reaction in a metatarsal on his right foot.

A visit to a specialist has allayed fears he would need surgery, which would have kept him out for about three months.

[salty]

Yes playing well he would be missed. The immeadiate concern is the game on Sunday in Tannadice which is on TV here thankfully. Hopefully another win ensuring we will not go into next week in arrears. I anticipate a difficult game. After that to quote CB "anything can happen in an Old Firm match"

[CelticBhoy]

It's a bad day when you have to quote

me, Salty old son! Especially such an

original quote as that one . . . .

Watch the DU game and give us your

feedback as it ain't on over here.

[Ahinkel1]

Another 3 points . Sets us up well for the arrival of the scum next week . hail hail

[salty]

An eventful game to say the least and a well deserved victory. It was illuminating to see the reaction of the Celtic management at the final whistle rushing on to hug the team members. Coming so close to the end it was a huge relief. We would have been unlucky to have dropped points. Dundee U equaliser came after a foul on Ledley. Both Majstorovic who backed off and Loovens with a sideways challenge did not cover themselves in glory. Loovens deflected the shot and Forster was helpless. You have to ask yourself could Loovens have got a block on the shot. We had gone ahead when Hooper got in to finish a great ball in from Wilson. Disapointing to be i-i at HT.

DU started the 2nd half well and had Celtic pinned back for several minutes early on. I find it worrying that we are so poor to clear our lines after corners leading to several more. This also happened in the 1st half. Celtic really began to pile on the pressure in the last half hour. Ref awarded a penalty and then changed his mind after consulting the linesman. Lenny nearly blew a fuse on the touchline. I think it was but it was very tight. We should have got one after a run by Samaras. He went to play it across to Hooper but blocked by the arm of a defender. Ledley hit the post. We still kept pressing but it looked as if we were not going to be to rewarded. Paddy McCourt came on in the 88th miute and it was a run ofhis which led to the winner. (Has CB got Lenny's mobile number?) Stokes had a shot blocked and when it was returned into the area Hooper availed of a break to poke the winner home. Massive celebrations from Celtic but with 5 minutes injury time to be played I was urging them <deleted> to concentrate.

Still time for Samaras to arse about outside our area when he should have released it and he made a balls of a breakaway in the final minute with a tame finish. PHEW.

[salty]

Just being reported that Gordon Strachan has left Middlesboro. They were expected to be one of the main contenders for promotion to the Premier Division but have had a series of bad results .

Guess who is installed as favourite to take over: Tony Mobray.

[smokie36]

Best of luck today lads. I hope there's a few nasty tackles ....maybe a sending off or two and a hatful of goals.

A proper old firm battle.

[Jockstar]

Come on the Gers!!!! :jap:

[salty]

Celic 1 Rangers 3.

A disappointing display by Celtic and we can have no complaints about the result even though Rangers got a present of a penalty from the official when it was doubtful if he even saw it. At that stage Rangers had come back from a goal down to lead 2-1 and were by a distance the better side. Celtic looked short on spirit in the 2nd half when they went behind and it was hard to see how they would have come back.

We had the benefit of a lead goal right on half time. Great control by Hooper and an emphatic finish after a corner reached him at the far post. Celtic made a lethargic start to the 2nd half. No one expected Rangers to lie down but we gave away the equaliser within 3 minutes. A dangerous free kick which was deflected into his own net by Loovens. I felt Ledley could have cleared it only Loovens got in his way. I always feel Loovens is a disaster waiting to happen and I would be far happier with either Rogne or the other Dutch guy assuming they are fit. Within another 6 minutes Rangers were ahead after a poor kick from Forster. Naismith returned it smartly and Miller availed of a break to finish emphatically. From then on Rangers loked well in control and the "penalty" gave them extra insurance.

As in all Old Firm games there were plenty of meaty challenges but

Stokes made a dreadful tackle on Papac early on and late on Samaras had a swipe at Naismith. In both cases I hope Celtic make the point forcibly to both this is not the behaviour expected when you wear the Hoops.

If someone had said at the start of the season we would have only dropped 3 points in the 1st nine games we would be very happy. But the problem is Rangers have not dropped anything and right now look more solid than Celtic. It is essential that we return to constant winning ways to stay in touch and give ourselves a chace of reining them in at a later date.

[Ahinkel1]

Celic 1 Rangers 3.

A disappointing display by Celtic and we can have no complaints about the result even though Rangers got a present of a penalty from the official when it was doubtful if he even saw it. At that stage Rangers had come back from a goal down to lead 2-1 and were by a distance the better side. Celtic looked short on spirit in the 2nd half when they went behind and it was hard to see how they would have come back.

We had the benefit of a lead goal right on half time. Great control by Hooper and an emphatic finish after a corner reached him at the far post. Celtic made a lethargic start to the 2nd half. No one expected Rangers to lie down but we gave away the equaliser within 3 minutes. A dangerous free kick which was deflected into his own net by Loovens. I felt Ledley could have cleared it only Loovens got in his way. I always feel Loovens is a disaster waiting to happen and I would be far happier with either Rogne or the other Dutch guy assuming they are fit. Within another 6 minutes Rangers were ahead after a poor kick from Forster. Naismith returned it smartly and Miller availed of a break to finish emphatically. From then on Rangers loked well in control and the "penalty" gave them extra insurance.

As in all Old Firm games there were plenty of meaty challenges but

Stokes made a dreadful tackle on Papac early on and late on Samaras had a swipe at Naismith. In both cases I hope Celtic make the point forcibly to both this is not the behaviour expected when you wear the Hoops.

If someone had said at the start of the season we would have only dropped 3 points in the 1st nine games we would be very happy. But the problem is Rangers have not dropped anything and right now look more solid than Celtic. It is essential that we return to constant winning ways to stay in touch and give ourselves a chace of reining them in at a later date.

Heading to work on a site full of huns. Got my vatican flag tied to the truck, get it round them. Defiance defiance defiance salty son. Never let that mob get you down.

[salty]

Andy,

Not too many of the other persuasion here in rural Ireland. Not too many of us either in fact all bloody Man Utd.

Your scenario puts me in mind of 1970. During a bank strike in Ireland a mate and I worked in pubs in Glasgow. On July 12th this innocent paddy got on the bus to go to work. Going upstairs as usual I was taken aback to see it was crowded with guys all wearing sashes. I sat down quietly and read the paper. The customers of the pub I was working in were of the other persuasion but in fairness to them there was no hassle only good natured slagging. Football wise we were very much in the ascendancy at the time thanks to the great Jock.

I hope you will be fit for the next one.

[salty]

St Johnstone 2 Celtic 3.

Celtic advanced to the last 4 of the League Cup with a narrow win tonight. A whirlwind start by the Celts saw them 3-0 ahead after 13 minutes through Stokes 2 and McGinn and we were cruising. On 30 minutes Ledley put through comfortably onside but given offside by the assistant would have seen then 4-0 ahead. Instead long clearence by St Johnstone headed on and Loovens made another howler completley missing an easy overhead attempted clearance and it was finished with a well placed lob.

From then on Celtic were rubbish. Forster saved just on half time with a great block. Celtic defence failed to clear after a corner cental defenders ball watching and it would have been 3-2 only for Forster. In the 2nd half St Johnstone pressed hard against an uninspired Celtic. They pulled it back to 2-3 after 54 minutes when a corner was superbly headed in as Majstorovic was outjumped by about a foot. But who was covering the run in. You guessed it No one. Hooper had a couple of good chances in breakaways but failed to finish and in the last minute Forster had to make another good block to ensure we won.

It is now clear to me that central defence Loovens in particular are very iffy. What about Rogne or Hooiveld? Are they both injured.Lenny has to do something there.

We are in Perth again in the Spl on Sunday but which Celtic will turn up and for how long.

[salty]

League Cup semifinal Draw;

Aberdeen v Celtic

Rangers v Motherwell

To be played 29/30 January

[smokie36]

A happy day for the sponsors.

[Jockstar]

Will be good to beat Aberdeen in the final! Lol

[salty]

St Johnstone 0 Celtic 3

Much more comfortable this time. Very early goal McGinn again after a good save from the goalie.Izaguirre well taken goal before half time after a bad blunder by defence and a late goal from McGinn not likely to be a candidate for goal of the season.

Loovens was dropped and Rogne replaced him. Defence ok but have to remember never put under any great pressure.

[salty]

Celtic 9 Aberdeen 0

Another 3 points by an astonishing scoreline puts us on top of the SPL for 24 hours at least. Paul Hartley sent off for handball and the floodgates opened. Rogne sent off for Celtic when they were 3-0 up. He needs games to get him match fit. Seems to have been a last man foul.

4-0 up at half time Celtic ran riot in the 2nd half. Good for GD but just 3 points for it. 3 for Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes 2 of them penalties. Paddy McCourt also scored from a penalty late on. 3 penalties in one game what the hel_l was going on? Looking forward to seeing a few minutes highlights in next few days.

[salty]

Hearts 2 Celtic 0

Celtic got what they deserved at Tynecastle which was nothing. Hearts were by far the better side. They got stuck into Celtic right from the off and scrapped for everything. In contrast Celtic had 5 or 6 who ponced around the pitch probably thinking they could turn it on when they felt like it.

In spite of the 9-0 win over a very poor Aberdeen this was always going to be a difficult match for Celtic. It was obvious they had to be up for it for the word go. It was infuriating to see them losing nearly every 50/50 ball in midfield. Hearts first goal was an deflection off Majstovic. By then Hearts had rattled the cross bar and Celtic had survived a goalmouth scramble. Early in the 2nd half Joe Ledley was sent off for a wild studs up challenge. Although he appeared to get the ball he should know that these types of challenges are now a no no. Before Celtic could reorganise Hearts availed of a wide open Celtic after Maloney lost the ball to go 2-0 ahead. There was no way back for Celtic although they should have got a penalty. Lenny was banished from the dugout after this.

We stay a point behind after Rangers lost 0-3 to Hibs at Ibrox. The odds on that result by such a margin would surely have attracted very generous odds earlier today.

[salty]

St Mirren 0 Celtic 1.

Celtic snatched it in the 2nd minute of injury time. Hooper stabbed home from close range after a great run by Paddy McCourt. Very similar to his late winner at Tannadice a few weeks ago. There is no doubt Celtic got lucky. They had exerted a lot of pressure in the closing stages and created a few chances but by and large they were uninspired too slow in the buildup and rarely threatened a resolute St Mirren.

Once again Mc Court came to the rescue by creating the only real opening in the closing stages. Our defence continues to worry me with the Saints hitting the crossbar early in the 2nd half. Although only 1 point behind this is due more to Rangers having a few surprise results at home than any brilliance on our part.

The main feeling now is one of huge relief.