Glasgow Celtic

[CelticBhoy]

From the Daily Record:

STUART ARMSTRONG will spend tonight writing an Open University law degree essay after it was put on hold to complete his transfer to Celtic.

The 22-year-old midfielder made the move from Dundee United to Parkhead late last night, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal just before the transfer window closed.

He was joined by team-mate Gary Mackay-Steven, who, having already signed a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops, fast-forwarded his departure from Tannadice after the two clubs agreed a fee.

The 24-year-old winger signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Tayside club raking in a total of around £2million.

[Billy The Kid]

My best mate son flying over to Scotland today to join Celtic for two weeks trial. Shane Hulgraine is his name , also picked for under 18 Ireland team. I guess only 2% out of 100 will be a success in the trial .I Wish him good luck .

[salty]

Good luck to the young man. As you say he is going to need it.

[salty]

A comfortable 2-0 win away to Dundee to advance to the 1/4 Final of the Cup. Like last week an early goal by Griffiths getting ahead of the defenders to meet Lustig's cross with a glancing header across goal and into the far corner. Celtic were well in command but despite several chances were still only 1-0 ahead at the interval. With 2 league games to make up and 2 Europa League games coming up a replay would not have been ideal.

Thankfully Celtic scored again within 2 minutes of the restart. Bain the Dundee keeper who had made several good blocks in the 1st half,

pushed away a Griffiths header but not far enough and an alert Johansen was on hand to slot it home. As like last week the Bhoys saw out the remainder of the game comfortably.

Neither of our signings from last week featured and both watched the game from the stands. Both Commons and Lustig left the field with injuries which will leave them doubtful for the midweek League game against Partick.

[salty]

Wouldn't you know it? Celtic drawn away to Dundee Utd in the 1/4 final. I presume both of last weeks signings are cup tied .

[CelticBhoy]

^ We must beat them comfortably, Salty old son.

In both cups.

We have their best players sitting on our bench .

[salty]

More realism CB. They will be dangerous opponents. I will have to advise more cautious assessments next time we meet.?

[CelticBhoy]

The table is set for manana, Salty old son.

I will be all ears. Don't be late .

[Billy The Kid]

My best mate son flying over to Scotland today to join Celtic for two weeks trial. Shane Hulgraine is his name , also picked for under 18 Ireland team. I guess only 2% out of 100 will be a success in the trial .I Wish him good luck .

Shane Hulgraine from Galway will be playing for Celtic Academy against Rangers Academy tomorrow night , and he is selected for Rep of Ireland Under 18 for trip to Wales on 17th Feb to 24 th Feb . So proud of that boy , my mate ( his father) grew up with me in a Dublin School , same class all through from 4 - 17 . He will be delighted with his progress , he knew it will be hard for Shane to break through . I wish Shane a lot of luck ,

[CelticBhoy]

Better post this report from the Daily Record of last night's game

as Salty will still be snoring away in the land of nod:

GARY MACKAY-STEVEN and Stuart Armstrong both scored in dream debuts for Celtic, who coasted to a 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over Partick Thistle at Firhill.

There was less than a minute played when wide-man Mackay-Steven drove past Jags goalkeeper Scott Fox and midfielder Armstrong, who also checked in at Parkhead in transfer deadline day from Dundee United in a combined £2million deal, was not to be outdone.

The 22-year-old notched with a drive on the half-hour mark before midfielder Stefan Johansen fired in a third in the 66th minute to paint a true reflection of the Hoops' superiority.

With some conviction Ronny Deila's side extended their winning run to eight games in domestic competitions to go three points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the league with a game in hand over the Dons, and they have now gone nine matches without losing a goal.

[salty]

Saving myself for next weeks Europa League game. I won't mind being up for most of the night to provide a report for a fully refreshed CB consuming his porridge the following morning.?. Good to see the new Bhoys off the mark.

[salty]

St Johnstone 1 Celtic 2

The Bhoys moved 6 points clear of Aberdeen at least for 24 hours but they were hanging on desperately at the end. Another lightning start with

Griffiths timing his run superbly to finish past Mannus from a through ball from Bitton. The home team showed no signs of lying down and Gordon saved a close range header. From a corner Van Dijk's header fell to Griffiths but he was unable to beat the goalie from close range. The pitch was dreadful and Grittiths was unable to control the ball when through and Mannus had a comfortable save. It was not reassuring to see the Saints with a couple of free headers from corners. The Saints were hustling Celtic out of it in the mid portion of the half. Mannus who had made a good block from Griffiths for a corner made another excellent save over the top from a cracker from Mackay-Steven in a rare Celtic attack.

One hoped for far more urgency from Celtic on the restart and they made it 2 in the 52th minute. Armstrong lobbed the ball into the area Griffiths nodded down and Johansen controlled it well under pressure to shoot past Mannus. Celtic looked far more comfortable after that. Griffiths and Arfmstrong were replaced and Celtic began to just contain the home side. They got a rude awakening after 72 mns when a deflected cross bounced off Gordon to O'Halloran who hammered it home from close range. Celtic at this stage had lost all shape and were just hanging on. In a rare attack Henderson almost made if safe but his close range effort was blocked. Denayer was booked for a foul that looked like the forward had fallen and should not have been awarded. Gordon redeemed himself with a great block from Graham's header and then got an arm in the way of the close range follow up volley to get the ball over the bar. In injury time Van Dijk conceded a mindless free kick in another dangerous position. McFadden's free kick was low but the goalie got down to save.

Another win in the end but hardly reassuring. Celtic seemed to think that the home team were going to collapse after the early goal but they were far too casual for long periods.

[balo]

How is the Norwegian midfielder Johansen playing for Celtic ? I think he could have a chance to get into our national team .

[salty]

I think he is a valuable member of the side. Always likely to pop up in and around the goal area. His ball control is not always the greatest and he is prone to some rash challenges. He has contributed his fair share of goals in all competitions. Needless to say I would have no idea if he would be worth his place in your National side .

[balo]

We need some creative midfielders, but haven't seen him playing much , just understand he likes to get in front of goal and create chances. Celtic is a good team , so happy to see he is doing well .

[salty]

Celtic 3 Inter Milan 3

An action packed Europa League first tie at Parkhead with Celtic needing to win in Milan barring a very high scoring draw. Inter will be warm favourites to go through but at least Celtic kept the tie alive after a disastrous start when it looked like we were in for a real shellacking. The movement and pace of the Inter front men was evident from the kick off and just like Juve two years ago appalling defending gave Inter the lead in 4 minutes. Van Dijk made a risky pass to Denayer which was intercepted and it led to a shot at goal which Gordon saved but did not hold and Shaqiri slotted the loose ball home. Celtic were putting themselves under pressure Van Dijk gave it away but Inter shot over. Celtic were in disarray and Inter were 2-0 ahead in 14 minutes after a corner. A hint of misfortune here as a kind rebound for Inter gave Palacio a chance and he hammered through Gordon's legs from close range. Inter were well in charge and their movement and speed had Celtic chasing shadows.

Matthews was getting a bit of joy down the right and in the 24th minute he cut in from the right and just when it looked he had overplayed it he cut it back for Armstrong who fired it home. It galvanised the tie and incredibly Celtic levelled within 90 seconds. A throw in by Matthews on the right was hooked goalwards by Johansen and Armstrong put severe pressure on Campagnaro who conceded an og. Celtic looked a different team now and Inter were under pressure. The goalie blocked under pressure and Biton headed wide from a corner. Griffiths put a free kick well over from a good position. Inter gradually began to steady the ship and with their undoubted class were always a danger. You prayed for 2-2 at HT but in the last minute another mistake by Gordon when he did not hold and Shaquiri again scored with almost a carbon copy of the 1st goal. Our keeper who had got us through the Group almost on his own was having a bad night.

Celtic were still full of fight on the resumption. The dangerous Italians were full of menace and Gordon had a good save from Shaquiri. Compared to the first half the goal action was far more limited. Celtic pressed hard for a period around the mid point but the Italian defence were coping fairly comfortably. Henderson and Guidetti repaced Griffiths and Matthews with 15 minutes to go. Almost immeadiately the youngster had a chance but shot straight at the keeper. Inter began to waste time in the closing going down with injuries. Celtic were not helping themselves giving away a number of mindless free kicks. Van Dijk had another careless pass and Gordon had to make a good save. The pace of the game had dropped but just as Inter looked home and dry Guidetti fasted on to a loose ball and hooked high into the net for the equaliser. In the dying seconds Celtic conceded a freekick just outside the box and you feared another goal but Gordon made an good save and punched the air at he end just after. He had a terrific 2nd half.

In the end you had to be happy with a draw when it looked early on as if we had not a hope in hell.

[CelticBhoy]

Great report, Salty old son. And another great night for Celtic

in Europe. 3-3. Doesn't get much more exciting than that.

Looking forward to Italy now!

[rijit]

turned celtic on first and have to

say an absolutly stunning wall of

sound hit me, incredible.. oh,and

good luck for the return leg.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[onionluke]

turned celtic on first and have to

say an absolutly stunning wall of

sound hit me, incredible.. oh,and

good luck for the return leg.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

http://youtu.be/eBmFuySb_Qw

[salty]

Celtic 4 Hamilton Accies 0

Another 3 important points for the Bhoys. Aberdeen are showing no signs of going away and with the return in Milan on Thursday it will be no easy task against the Dons next Sunday. It was very comfortable at the end but for 56 minutes it was with increasing irritation watching a slow deliberate Celtic making heavy weather of converting almost ceaseless possession into goals. McGovern the Accies goalie made 2 early good saves from Bitton and Forest but apart from that Celtic seemed to be tip tapping in front of the defence who coped easily with the pressure. Guidetti on from the start has very poor ball control and by HT the prospect of dropping important points did not look remote.

The early stages of the 2nd half was a continuation of the same turgid attacking. Then Van Dijk surged up the field and fed Commons who fired home past McGovern who could not get a strong enough hand to it. Within a few minutes Johansen hit the upright. Another surge forward from Van Dijk saw him fire in a terrific effort which the goalie could only block and Johansen very much alive crashed home the loose ball. I trust balo will have been pleased by that. Izaguirre then centred for Guidetti to head in the 3rd and after another surge forward form the big Dutchman he passed to Matthews who set up Commons to scramble in the 4th.

[CelticBhoy]

From the Record today:

JOHN COLLINS has called on Celtic fans to be on their best behaviour during tonight’s Europa League clash with Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Parkhead club have been fined £7,000 by UEFA following crowd disturbances at their Europa League match with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia last year.

Speaking at Glasgow airport before the trip to Milan for the second leg of the last-32 tie, with the teams tied at 3-3 from the first leg at Celtic Park last Thursday, the Hoops assistant manager said: "We are obviously disappointed. We had 60,000 last week (first leg) and it was unbelievable behaviour from every one of them and that is what Celtic is all about.

"One or two causing problems and hopefully that is the last we hear of it.

"They are representing a wonderful football club and throughout the years the vast majority of them have been impeccably behaved and we have a great reputation throughout Europe.

"One or two we have to try to weed out."

Police in riot gear were seen wading into the visitors' enclosure in Zagreb after a Celtic fan lit a flare, which is forbidden under rules drawn up by European football chiefs.

A liquid was sprayed on fans, who later claim it may have been pepper spray.

Nine Hoops fans were held by cops and were detained in the Croatian capital.

[salty]

Inter Milan 1 Celtic 0

Celtic's saga in Europe is over for this season after a narrow defeat. The difficult nature of the task was made almost impossible when Van Dijk was sent off in the closing stages of the 1st for a second yellow.

After an early scare when Matthews went down injured Celtic almost conceded another early goal but Gordon who had a terrific game was able to save a fairly tame effort. Armstrong shot against the goalie when he had a reasonable chance. Celtic had a couple of claims for a penalty but on replay neither looked terribly convincing. Despite the Italians speedier reactions and movement Celtic were coping reasonably comfortably apart from a dangerous cross ball which just eluded a forward. Van Dijk was booked in the 26th minute for a stupid foul clattering into one of the Inter players. . 10 minutes later he was turned by a Inter forward and instead of letting him go he tried to tackle him but fouled him. The forward went down and a 2nd yellow ensued. Criminal stupidty from the Dutchman. Before half time Gordon had 2 excellent saves the 2nd after Denayer had a good block.

Celtic started the 2nd half in defiant mood and despite a lot of Inter pressure were not giving up the ghost. Guidetti who was shattered from chasing around on his own was replaced by Forrest in the 58th minute. Gordon was keeping us in it with good saves.Celtic made some good breaks upfield but always foundered against the Italian defence Commons came on with 10 minutes to go and within a minute unleased a long range effort but the well positioned goalie had a comfortable save. Incredibly Celtic were still in the tie but needing a goal. They had to take risks with men pushing forward and almost inevitably Inter scored in the 87th minute. It was a rocket from Guarin a yard or two outside the area into the roof of the net leaving Gordon with no chance. Thankfully there were no further concessions as a two goal defeat would have been harsh on a gutsy display by Celtic.

[CelticBhoy]

Fine report there, Salty old son.

So much for Van Dijk proving himself!

A delicious domestic treble is on the menu now.

Let's all sit down and enjoy that being served up.

[salty]

Celtic 4 Aberdeen 0.

3 important points for the Bhoys that looked very unlikely for most of the first half. The Dons were well on top and Celtic were playing 2nd fiddle. Gordon had to tip one over off the bar and all the action was around the Celtic goal. A poor clearance by Brown in the 37th minute saw him recover to push the ball away for a corner from which Denayer rose to head Celtic into the lead. There was a case to be made that Griffiths had fouled the keeper as the ball came across. Completley against the run of play Celtic led 1-0 at the interval.

Celtic seemed to realise there was a game on and began in far better form in the 2nd half. Early on a good break saw Johansen cross a dreadful ball when Griffiths was in an excellent position. Griffiths had the ball in the net shortly after but was offside. Celtic went 2-0 when Reynolds made a silly challenge on Johansen in the area to concede a penalty which Griffiths scored with a good finish in the corner. 6 minutes later Mackay-Steven made it 3 with a shot in off the inside of the post. You had to pinch yourself to believe this was the same side that had laboured ineffectively in the 1st half. Johansen completed the scoring in the 80th minute from a cut back by Matthews.

[CelticBhoy]

Glasgow is green and white.

Ain't no catching us now.

[CelticBhoy]

Daily Record today, with Deila doing a Salty:

The corks are still firmly on the celebratory champagne bottles in the East End of Glasgow despite today's 4-0 win over Aberdeen extending Celtic's lead over the Dons to six points with a game still in hand.

Aberdeen started the game the brighter and looking the more likely to score, creating a number of chances before Jason Denayer headed the home side into the lead from a corner in the 37th minute.

The visitors were then brutally exposed after the break as Ronny Deila's men found their second wind after playing most of Thursday's Europa League defeat to Internazionale with only ten men on the park.

Striker Leigh Griffiths made it 2-0 with a penalty in the 63rd minute and midfielders Gary Mackay-Steven and Stefan Johansen added further goals for Celtic's third win of the season over the second-placed Pittodrie men.

Celtic, who have won all 10 domestic matches this year, now have the opportunity stretch their lead at the top of the table to nine points against St Johnstone on Wednesday night.

However, former boss Deila refused to write off Derek McInnes's men, who lost their first league game in 14 today.

"I don't take anything for granted," he said. "I have been in football for many years.

"At my former club we were three times leading in the summer by seven points and it took three years to win the league.

"So I know how quick it can turn around if you start to lose focus on the right things.

"If we do everything we have done so far the rest of the season it is going to be very hard for them.

"We have the possibility to get nine (points ahead) and there is goal difference as well, that is getting better.

"So we really have a good position in the league."

Deila admitted his side were "all over the place" before a calming half-time pep talk and he put first-half lethargy down to the late return to Glasgow from Thursday night's Europa League exit to Inter Milan in the San Siro.

[CelticBhoy]

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell moved to distance the club from Irish republicanism today, sparking a huge Twitter debate.

During a new kit deal launch, Lawwell was asked by a broadcast journalist about supporters who fear identifying with Irish republicanism could become a criminal offence.

He replied: “I do not accept that Irish republicanism is anywhere in Celtic history.

“I do not recognise Celtic being associated with sectarianism.

“I do not recognise Celtic being associated with Irish republicanism.

“This is a club since 1888 has welcomed everyone and has been diverse and open to all.”

Songs which glorify the IRA have been largely stamped out in recent years but a minority still sing offensive songs at away matches.

Lawwell said: “We have a small minority of people who have chants we’d rather not be here.

“But whether they wish to have an Irish republican identity is another matter.

“It is a complicated issue.

“People who promote prescribed terrorist organisations will not be welcome at Celtic Park.

“That has been the case forever and will always be the case.

“But you need to put this into a context – this is a very, very small minority.”

Lawwell was speaking as the Scottish champions announced a five-year kit deal with sportswear firm New Balance thought to be worth £30million.

But some Hoops fans took to Twitter to take issue with his comments.

Some pointed out that the first sod of turf at Celtic Park was laid by Michael Davitt, a cerebrated Irish republican, in 1892.

@TomSelleckCSC posted: “Peter Lawwell has just airbrushed Celtic’s history.”

Patrick_Toner posted: “@Irish republicanism is intertwined with Celtic’s history. No matter how much Peter Lawwell or any other suit tries to deny it, it’s fact.”

And @CelticGossip tweeted: “No idea why lawwell came out with such a stupid statement but he obviously does not know the history of Celtics founding fathers.”

@celticbhoy32 attempted to defuse the row by tweeting: “I’ve been very critical of Lawwell in the past but people would need to seriously relax over a question, we have a treble to win.”

A Celtic spokesman said tonight: “Peter Lawwell is well aware & proud of Celtic’s history and the club’s Irish roots. To clarify any misunderstanding, Peter’s comments related to the longstanding position of the Club.

“People who promote proscribed terrorist organisations are not welcome at Celtic.”

[salty]

Dundee Utd 1 Celtic 1

The 2 sides will meet for a fourth time in a few weeks as the Cup match finished all square at Tannadice. They will replay on Wednesday week at Parkhead. After 9 minutes a reckless tackle by Brown sparked off a melee. After a long chat with the linesman both Van Dijk and Paton were sent off. It seemed to be a case of mistaken identity in the case of the home player. The initial quilty players Brown and Ciftci who lashed out in retaliation escaped scot free. The pitch was in poor condition and Celtic gave Griffiths little help by a succession of aimless balls forward.Izaguirre had a terrible cutback in a good position early on. DU had a very dangerous free kick in front of goal but Ciftci shot wide. Stokes ruined a dangerous breakaway with a terrible pass.Celtic began to press coming towards the interval and Johansen had a good shot saved. In the 43 minute Dow diverted a poor shot against the post with Gordon beaten. With a minute Stokes wasted a great chance with only the keeper to beat by hitting the post. In added time Izaguirre mindlessly hooked the ball back from the touch line to set up Connolly who moved into the box and seemed to dive under minimal if any contact from Stokes. It looked a very soft penalty and Ciftci hammered it into the corner giving Gordon no chance.

Celtic seemed to realise that they had to up their game and within 2 minutes were awarded a penalty when Griffiths shot was blocked by Dixon with his arm. He was sent off and DU were down to 9 men. Cierzniak who went on to give a man of the match display made a terrific save. With an extra man Celtic swarmed all over DU but it was maddening watching them lacking any creativity. While the home side defended resolutely the lack of imagination from Celtic was making their task much easier. The keeper made another good block from Forrest. Guidetti came on for Stokes after 63 minute and Celtic pressed non stop. But far too ofter mindless crosses were creating very little difficulty for the home side. Gordon made a decent save in a rare DU attack then the home keeper made a terrific block with his feet from Guidetti who had been set up by Johansen. At this stage the Norwegian looked the only Celt with any degree of subtlety and 3 minutes later it was his perfect pass which Griffiths headed across goal and in for the equalizer. A minute later the Norwegian made a mindless cynical challenge was rightly booked and will miss the replay. DU messed up a free kick in the Celtic half leading to a breakaway with men to spare but it was cocked up by the Hoops. At this stage I could have boiled a kettle on my head due to the infuriating play of Celtic. Guidetti had 2 late chances both wasted due to his appalling ball control.

Van Dijk and Johansen will both miss the replay. If we manage to get through we will face either ICT or Raith Rovers in the semi final. l

[CelticBhoy]

So for the rest of March it's the Celtic vs Dundee Utd show.

4 times in a row. That's got to be a first .

[CelticBhoy]

Celtic are heading into a nightmare fixture pile-up ahead of the Premiership split.

The Parkhead club have had to shunt their league clash at Dundee to make way for the Scottish Cup replay against Dundee United a week on Wednesday.

The return tie will clash with Champions League matches which means the Celtic Park game will not be televised.

The Hoops will play two games a week right up until the end of April - with the only midweek slot available days before the split on April 25.

Celtic will take on United three times in seven days following the QTS Scottish League Cup Final this Sunday.

They also have a Friday night fixture against St Mirren - which could free up a potential Monday night encounter - but have midweek clashes with Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock as well.