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Arsenal’s center back After careful consideration, Kieran Tierney has decided that he wants to rejoin Brendan Rodgers at Celtic

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4 months ago

October 16, 2024

Arsenal’s center back After careful consideration, Kieran Tierney has decided that he wants to rejoin Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

Arsenal rule out summer move for a striker.

Arsenal full-back Kieran Tierney has made a decision on his future, he wants to reunite with Brendan Rodgers at Celtic.

According to a report from TBR, Kieran Tierney has no intentions of continuing at Arsenal and he has decided to switch bases once he returns to full fitness. The Scottish international wants to return to his former club Celtic and he is keen on once again playing under Brendan Rodgers.

Tierney was already a big name in the world of football quite early in his career. He came up the ranks at Celtic and made a name for himself while playing for their first team. He then made the move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

The Scottish international had an impressive start to life at the North London club. He was considered a huge prospect. Many expected him to be their captain in the long run. But, things didn’t work out for him as a series of injuries during the 2020/21 season derailed his progress.

Before the 27-year-old could bounce back and make the left-back position his own, Mikel Arteta ended up signing Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City. Tierney became surplus to requirement and all of a sudden he was no longer a part of their long-term plans.

The Scottish international was keen on parting ways with the North London club during the summer. A move back to Celtic was on the cards but it didn’t go through because he picked up a serious hamstring injury during the Euros.

Tierney wants to return to Celtic Park

The 27-year-old is yet to make a return. While he has started training individually, Tierney is expected to be fully fit by January. He still has around 18 months left on his deal but doesn’t intend on staying at Arsenal. He is ready to move back to the Scottish giants and the Gunners won’t stand in his way.

They are open to a loan move which will make things easier for the Glasgow-based club and won’t mind having a buy option. The player has made a return to the Scottish club a priority because he wants to reunite with Brendan Rodgers. The former Liverpool boss is currently managing Celtic and he had played a big role in Tierney’s rise at the club back in the day.

Cristiano Ronaldo gets enraged at Hampden Park as Scotland steals the Portugal star, replacing Siu with jeers

How Ronaldo fared on his Hampden debut

At the age of 39 years and 253 days, Cristiano Ronaldo can now finally tick the box, claim one up on Lionel Messi, and place himself alongside Pele and Maradona.

No career of a footballing galactico can be truly complete without making an appearance at Hampden Park. Or so us proud Scots might like to claim.

In 1966 in a 1-1 friendly draw with Brazil. Maradona visited with Argentina in 1979 and scored his first international goal in the process. Messi may have three more Ballon d’Or trophies than the five claimed by the superstar from Portugal, but he has never made an appearance at the oldest international football stadium in the world.

Ronaldo’s trip to Scotland took him to St Mirren’s SMiSA Stadium, down the flumes at Cameron House Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond, and into the back pocket of Grant Hanley.

The Norwich City centre-half and defensive partner John Souttar managed to keep the Al-Nassr forward at bay during his 94 minutes on the park as Scotland claimed a credible goalless draw to avoid the unwanted history of a fifth successive defeat for the first time in their history.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon also played his part. The one player on the pitch older than Ronaldo – the Hearts stopper turns 42 in December – got down low to keep out a powerful diagonal drive after eight minutes.

The first sign of a legend in town came before entering the stadium. Only the true greats of the game can boast their own merchandise and the Cristiano Ronaldo scarves on sale in the stalls outside the ground were proving popular among the young fans who idolise him.

“Ronaldo”, “Ronaldo”, screamed the kids who made their way down to trackside for a closer look at their icon. Others among the Tartan Army were less welcoming as jeers greeted his every touch once the match got underway.

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo cuts a frustrated figure during the goalless draw against Scotland at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon scored his 901st career goal – and his first against Scottish opposition – in Lisbon last month to seal a 2-1 victory for Portugal. The wait goes on, however, for a first goal on Scottish soil after this latest blank followed similar outings at Celtic Park and Ibrox under Alex Ferguson.

There were chances for Ronaldo to break that duck. It looked like the stars were aligning for one of his highlight reel goals – of which there are many – when he lined up an overhead kick midway through the first half, but sent the effort wide under pressure from Billy Gilmour.

He then ballooned a presentable shooting chance over the bar five minutes before half-time – cue the ironic cheers – and then sent a diving header over the bar early in the second half.

It looked like his time would come in the 82nd minute, brilliantly controlling a cross at the back post, cutting inside three Scotland players before firing inches wide as Hampden held its breath.

Such is Ronaldo’s status that he can even award himself a free-kick. He stopped during what seemed a fair tussle with Ben Doak, and referee Lawrence Visser duly obliged with a shrill of the whistle. There was also the worrying sight of a pitch invader making a beeline for Ronaldo before being tackled by stewards.

He then played the panto villain on full-time. The greatness may not have been on display, but the petulance for which he is also known came to the fore. Storming down the tunnel in the huff without shaking the hands of Scottish players while gesticulating at all around him to earn more derision from the crowd.

Ronaldo’s Hampden debut was the night the Siu was replaced by the boo.

Preview: Real Madrid Femenino vs. Celtic Women – prediction, team news, lineups

Real Madrid Femenino will welcome Scottish champions Celtic Women to the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium for Thursday’s Women’s Champions League clash.

The Spanish side lost out to Chelsea on matchday one, while Celtic were unable to take anything from their home meeting with Twente.

Match preview

Real Madrid are competing in Europe for a fourth consecutive season after finishing in second place in Liga F last season.

Las Blancas sealed their place in the main draw with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon in the second round of qualifying.

Real Madrid were subsequently drawn in a group with Chelsea for the second year in a row, and unfortunately for Las Blancas, they were unable to take anything from last week’s trip to the English capital.

After losing their previous two away meetings with the Blues, Real Madrid experienced a similar fate on matchday one with goals from Alba Redondo and Linda Caicedo proving fruitless in a 3-2 defeat.

Alberto Toril‘s side experienced more frustration in Sunday’s derby clash against Atletico Madrid, as Caroline Weir saw her first-half opener cancelled out by Vilde Boe Risa‘s 78th-minute penalty.

Real Madrid will now turn their focus to Thursday’s European home match, where they will attempt to end their seven-game winless run in the Women’s Champions League main draw.

Celtic successfully negotiated their way through Women’s Champions League qualifying to become the first Scottish team to appear in the group phase.

They ousted KuPS and Gintra in the first stage, before they recorded a 3-0 aggregate win over Vorskla Poltava in the second-qualifying round to seal their spot in the main draw.

After beating Vorskla Poltava, Celtic went on to thrash Montrose 7-0 and fight back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against rivals Rangers, ensuring they took significant momentum into last week’s European clash with Twente.

Unfortunately for the Scottish champions, their first-ever Women’s Champions League group game ended in a 2-0 home defeat.

They then fell to another defeat at the weekend, falling to a surprise 1-0 defeat to Hearts to leave them in fifth place in the Scottish Women’s Premier League and six points adrift of top spot.

Having gone three games without a win, Celtic will turn their focus to a difficult away trip against one of the most iconic names in football, knowing that all the pressure and expectation will be on a Real Madrid side that have won four of their five home games this season (D1).

Real Madrid Femenino Women’s Champions League form:

Real Madrid Femenino form (all competitions):

Celtic Women Women’s Champions League form:

Celtic Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Real Madrid are unable to call upon midfielder Sandie Toletti, who sustained a knee injury in a league clash against Valencia earlier this month.

Maria Mendez is likely to return to the side to feature in a backline with Sheila Garcia, Maelle Lakrar and Olga Carmona.

Toril may also decide to recall Athenea del Castillo and Redondo after the pair dropped down to the bench for Sunday’s derby.

Meanwhile, Celtic are unable to call upon long-term absentees Chloe Craig and Clare Goldie, while Hana Kerner and Kit Lofterski are also set to miss out due to injury.

Sadiku is likely to recall Murphy Agnew and Saoirse Noonan after the pair featured as half-time substitutes at the weekend.

Lucy Ashworth-Clifford also came off the bench against Hearts, and the 25-year-old could be given the chance to operate on the left flank against Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Femenino possible starting lineup:

Misa; Garcia, Lakrar, Mendez, Carmona; Angeldahl, Abelleira; Del Castillo, Weir, Caicedo; Redondo

Celtic Women possible starting lineup:
Daugherty; Lourenco, Clark, Hayes; Cross, Ross, Ashworth-Clifford; McGregor, Agnew, Noonan

We say: Real Madrid Femenino 2-0 Celtic Women

Competing in their fourth consecutive European campaign, Real Madrid should have the experience and quality to see off Celtic on Thursday, and we ultimately believe they will live up to the favourites’ tag to claim maximum points and extend their unbeaten home run to six games.

Scotland player ratings vs Portugal: Scottish rock, the machine, 88% man and two 9s – gallery

Here’s how we rated the Scotland players out of 10 in the Nations League draw against Portugal at Hampden Park.

A spirited Scotland performance at Hampden Park saw Steve Clarke’s side pick up their first Nations League point of the campaign as they held Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal to a 0-0 draw at Hampden Park.

Despite Portugal enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it will perhaps the home side that will leave the Group A1 clash most disappointed after Scott McTominay uncharacteristically failed to convert two golden chances in either half that would have secured an unlikely three points.

Head coach Clarke opted to make just one change from the 2-1 defeat to Croatia, with Che Adams replacing Lyndon Dykes upfront. For Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo led the line, earning his 216th cap in the process.

The pre-match talk had been dominated by the Portuguese superstar’s arrival at Hampden Park, but the headlines were almost stolen by McTominay after just five minutes when his header from Andy Robertson’s sublime cross was palmed away at close range.

The visitors would soon assert their dominance though, with Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes both seeing shots well saved by Craig Gordon in the Scotland goal. The home side would then Ryan Christie pull a fine save out of Diogo Costa as the Bournemouth man worked a fine volley from a corner.

Ronaldo would go close again in the second-half, pinging a header over the crossbar, while Ben Doak’s slack pass allowed Francisco Conceição to fire just over from the edge of the area. Despite constant Portugal pressure, it was McTominay who would again be presented with a wonderful chance, but he couldn’t quite stretch to place home Anthony Ralston’s cross after some smart interplay between Ryan Gauld and Lewis Morgan.

In the end though, neither side were able to break the deadlock as Scotland took a deserved point against the Euro 2024 quarter-finalists.

1. GK: Craig Gordon – 7

Made a good save from Nuno Mendes’ first-half free-kick, but his kicking left a lot to be desired and invited pressure onto the Scotland back line too often during the first 45. However, his late save from Bruno Fernandes safeguarded a point for Scotland. | SNS Group

2. RB: Anthony Ralston – 7

Much improved from Ralston, who many have called to be replaced in recent games. Got forward well and linked with Ryan Christie when he could. Held his own against Nuno Mendes for the bulk of the game and made a excellent intercepting tackle in the area during the first 45. | SNS Group

3. CB: Grant Hanley – 9

Kept Ronaldo and Portugal quiet throughout, winning the bulk of his battles. Kept his passes simple from the back simple and was real rock for his team. A great response to his last performance at Hampden against Poland. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

4. CB: John Souttar – 9

Like his defensive team-mate, Souttar won the majority of his headers and kept Portugal at bay despite constant pressure from their star-studded frontline. Has performed well over the break against two extremely tough opponents following his return to the starting XI. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group

Celtic’s Silence Continues Over Midfielder Exit

As October rolls on, it appears James McCarthy has left Celtic over the summer, but what’s baffling is the complete silence from the club regarding his exit. While other players, even those with minimal contributions, often get a short goodbye message on social media, McCarthy seems to have quietly disappeared from the squad with no acknowledgement at all.

McCarthy, a boyhood Celtic fan, signed in 2021 during a period of squad rebuilding under Ange Postecoglou. His arrival, though welcomed at the time, never materialised into the success many had hoped for. Hampered by injuries, McCarthy made just 27 appearances in two seasons. By last season, it was clear he wasn’t in Brendan Rodgers’ plans either. He was often seen training in the gym alone, far removed from the first-team sessions.

Despite the difficulties, McCarthy’s exit feels odd without the usual social media send-off. Normally, Celtic gives departing players a brief farewell post, but in McCarthy’s case, there has been nothing. Whether this points to a quiet, mutual agreement to part ways or simply an oversight by the club, the lack of any public gratitude leaves a gap in how his departure has been handled.

Though McCarthy’s time at Celtic didn’t provide the on-pitch impact expected, his signing came from a genuine desire to contribute to the club he supported growing up. It’s a strange end for a Celtic fan whose dream move didn’t pan out and one that raises questions about why the club has chosen not to acknowledge his exit.

It was a strange signing from the perspective that Celtic brought in a manager who wanted to play high-octane, relentless football. James was never really that player, and given his injury history, it would never be a match. The player hasn’t popped up anywhere else to this point, no retirement and no new club, it’s a strange one.

I helped Celtic seal a £3m bargain – and trust me, it’s going to make them MILLIONS

Nicolas Kuhn looks already set to be Celtic’s next mega sale

Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 against Ross County (Image: SNS Group)

Rapid Vienna CEO Steffen Hofmann has told Celtic fans to enjoy Nicolas Kuhn while he lasts – because he’s destined for a big move sooner rather than later.

Winger Kuhn has been the standout player in the Premiership so far this season and has six goals and eight assists in just 11 games in all competitions. Having signed for £3million in January and taking six months to bed in, he’s in the form of his life, showing why Bayern Munich rated him so highly earlier in his career. The 24-year-old could well be the Hoops’ next major sale if he keeps his form up, in the same bracket as Matt O’Riley and Jota. He’s under contract until 2029 so the club will be in no rush to sell and Vienna chief Hofmann reckons he ‘couldn’t be happier.’

But he also believes it is just a matter of time before he lands a moneyspinning move – and originally told him NOT to join because he wanted to keep him at Rapid. He told the Celtic Way: “I helped broker the deal that took Nic to Celtic and when they made their first move I advised him not to go.

“I was dead against it and I fought tooth and nail to keep him at the club as I wanted him to stay with Rapid Vienna. In his first year with Rapid, he was injured a fair bit but now he is flying at Celtic and scoring all the time and that is the player I wanted Nic to be for Rapid. I was not happy with the transfer to Celtic if I am being honest because I felt he was a player who could take his career to a higher level.

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“I was not happy when Nic left Rapid Vienna but I was happy for him. I am so happy for Nic as I know now that he made the right career move by joining Celtic. I spoke to him a few weeks ago and he is delighted with how everything is going in Scotland. He has won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup and he is playing in the Champions League. He couldn’t be happier.

“The biggest question for me now is how long will Nic stay at Celtic? Celtic should enjoy him for as long as they have him. I am sure there will be potential suitors and clubs interested in his services from England and lining up soon enough. It won’t be long before Celtic will be having the same conversations that I had with them when they came in to sign Nic. I think that is normal. It is a natural progression.

“Rapid Vienna knows where they are in European football terms and so do Celtic. Nic made the right step by joining Rapid Vienna and now he has taken the next correct career step by moving to Celtic.

“All eyes are now focused on Nic and where and when his next big move will be. It will happen to him. He will leave Celtic, trust me on that.”

Paul Tisdale Celtic recruitment hire more than a year in the making as previous timeline surfaces

Celtic are to appoint Paul Tisdale to help oversee their future recruitment after finally making their move to replace Mark Lawell amid his departure earlier in the year.

Initially, news of the hire came in vague relation to strengthening their recruitment and football operations, but there has since been clarification on that matter.

Reports indicate Paul Tisdale will be a direct Celtic replacement for Mark Lawwell, which is a step up from his initial work on transfer targets with Brendan Rodgers and Joe Lefevre during the summer.

The former Exeter City manager has been seen at several matches and enjoys a fruitful pre-existing relationship with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Offering his verdict on developments, Celtic icon Chris Sutton has delivered a positive Tisdale appraisal after speaking to contacts in England about the man in question.

With plenty of intrigue surrounding the self-styled ‘Football Doctor’ owing to the recent news, the initial timeline of Tisdale’s journey to Glasgow has become a little clearer.

The Celtic Paul Tisdale timeline is over a year in the making

Rarely are behind-the-scenes appointments spontaneous; they usually take months or even years to formulate due to the importance of such roles.

Per The Athletic, Tisdale initially spoke to Celtic in the summer of 2023. His inclusion was part of wider coverage discussing how managers land positions in the modern day.

At the time, an excerpt from the outlet read, ‘Tisdale, who is looking to return to management and spoke to Celtic recently’, indicating defined contact between Celtic and Tisdale over a year ago, which isn’t majorly surprising seeing his work since in conjunction with the Bhoys.

Either way, his unique transition from the dugout to ventures out of management has created plenty of intrigue among supporters. Ultimately, they won’t care what his background is; they will only be concerned with the attributes he can display at Celtic Park.

Celtic need to stabilise in the recruitment department

Regardless of external opinions, the club need some stable hands in the recruitment department following Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon’s varied spells at the club before departing.

Back in February, Celtic fans unveiled a banner away at Aberdeen following a January transfer window many found underwhelming at the time.

Although the Bhoys went on to win the domestic double in the end, supporters will not shy away from pointing out confusion over strategy if they feel there isn’t a consistent pattern in terms of a model that maximises the club’s market pull.

There were also several deals in the summer that became protracted. Ultimately, the right characters are now in the building, but there is no harm in merely pointing out where frustration has previously occurred.

In many cases, Lee Congerton and Nick Hammond’s respective time in Glasgow raised as many questions as answers. For every star player who arrived during their tenures, there were also plenty who missed the mark. Consistency and balance are key for Celtic moving forward

Jeremie Frimpong and the healthy transfer figure Celtic could rake in as Euro heavyweights show interest

Jeremie Frimpong was an unheralded talent before Neil Lennon brought him to Celtic and gave him the game time he needed to make an impression on the football world.

Frimpong ended up making 51 appearances for the club before leaving to join Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga in 2021.

His Celtic stay was short and sweet, but it’s clear his decision to leave has paid off for him personally.

Now 23, Frimpong is a Netherlands international, was part of Leverkusen’s unbelievable invincible side last season and has even been recently named as one of the top 100 players in the entire world.

He’s a hyped talent and regularly attracts transfer headlines. A big move, perhaps the biggest possible, is in the offing.

Real Madrid ‘like’ Jeremie Frimpong

The Athletic reported over the weekend that Real Madrid are admirers of the former Celtic right-back. He’s been tipped as one of the five possible long-term replacements for Dani Carvajal.

With a €40million release clause in the contract he signed with Leverkusen last year, Frimpong is said to find the idea of playing in La Liga attractive.

A deal is possible. Not only would it bring Frimpong’s fame and profile to new levels, but a big money move would also pay off for Celtic.

MORE CELTIC STORIES

Why Petrov believes a Celtic draw at Atalanta would be ‘phenomenal’

There is no doubt that getting a result against the current Europa League holders will be tough but if Celtic can pull it off, Petrov thinks that it will leave his old club with a great chance of progressing out of the league phase.

Petrov continued, “If Celtic can leave Italy with a point that would be a phenomenal result. But it’s also about the five games after that and the chance to pick up points at home.

“The calculations are that nine points will probably get you into the top 24. If you get 10 points then you will be going on in the tournament. With three home games left, that’s the kind of number that Brendan’s team can achieve. They need to be looking at that.

“With three points just now, they can get six or seven more, for sure. Getting that wonderful win against Bratislava will give the team confidence for every home game in Europe.”

Looking at Celtic’s fixtures after the Atalanta match, Brendan Rodgers will face RB Leipzig on the 5th of November and then Club Brugge on the 27th at home.

If the Celtic boss can negotiate six points from those two games then the Bhoys will be nailed on to make it out of the league with three games left to play regardless of the Atalanta result.

But the Celtic fans and Rodgers will be desperate to get something positive from the Serie A side because after that humiliating defeat to Dortmund, this Celtic team will be desperate to prove that they have what it takes to compete with UEFA’s elite clubs.

As Ibrox collapses, Celtic needs Aberdeen’s current challenge to be the real deal. We’ll find out next Saturday what it really amounts to

Once upon a time, Stewart Regan claimed that Scottish football needed a strong R*****s, in fact, in his view, any kind of Ibrox entity at all would do.

Right now, Scottish football has a very weak Ibrox entity, and no matter what way you look at it, it seems to be coming apart at the seams.

As the club continues to haemorrhage people from it’s hierarchy, it is now led by a lone real Raynjurz man.

Seán Mac Giollagáin has been tasked with being the man who turns around their fortunes, and restores them to their rightful place at the top of Scottish football.

Indeed.

But here’s the reality, right now, nobody cares about the Ibrox side, other than their media lackies, of course.

Some of whom are even starting to question the club, and the current state it’s in.

While clinging dearly to past glories, Scott McDermott wrote both a damning, and revealing article in this morning’s Record.

In it, he revered probably one of the most odious and bigoted individuals in Scottish football, Jimmy Bell.

In a sycophantic love in, he had this to say:

The smell of history, prestige and success filled their nostrils as soon as they walked through the door. Whether they were from Aberdeen or Argentina, they were indoctrinated. This little area was a part of the Rangers fabric.

Now? Unless anything has been pinned up recently, it consists of four plain, white walls. It hasn’t just been rid of its artefacts. Its very essence has been emptied. That whiff of nostalgia has been replaced by a stench of neglect. This place is Jimmy Bell’s old kit-room at Auchenhowie. What used to be a Rangers treasure trove is now like any other kit-room.

To be honest, the article nauseated me, it was a sickly trip down memory lane.

It was aimed at those who cling desperately to the mirage of the past glories that club used to trample all over the rest of Scottish football.

It was a homage to Stewart Regan’s ill-fated belief that Scottish football needed a strong R*****s, and failing that, any kind of R*****s at all.

The Ibrox clubs, new and old, have never been strong.

Even when the old club it was at it’s most dominant, it was facilitated by other people’s money, and a limitless overdraft from Bank of Scotland.

As a club, Rangers 1872 portrayed the image of the ultimate coward, the schoolyard bully.

Hell bent on making everybody’s life a misery, a bully is the epitome of a weakling, thriving on the pain of others to satisfy their own inferiority complex.

Both clubs playing out of Ibrox have always suffered from an inferiority complex when it comes to Celtic.

That fateful day in Lisbon in 1967, when we lifted the European Cup, was the beginning of that.

It was followed by our total dominance, another European Cup final appearance, and 9 in a row.

They became all consumed with emulating both feats.

And it literally consumed them.

They were willing to go to any length to reach those goals.

If that meant cheating, spending other people’s money, and being a vile, bigoted, supremacist club, it didn’t matter.

And it killed them in the end.

What we see today is what, in essence, the Ibrox club really is.

Just a regular club, having to work within the same constraints all clubs have to work within, as laid out by UEFA.

I can’t even say they’re a pale shadow of their predecessor.

Because their predecessor was like one of those bodybuilders who cuts corners to reach their ultimate goal of the perfect physique.

They’re not willing to put in the hard graft to gain that physique, so they instead inject steroids into their body to fast-track them to the physique they so desperately want.

In the long run, it’s unsustainable, and the muscle that is enhanced by the steroids eventually dies.

Similar to what happened to the old club.

So, no, Scottish football has never needed a strong R*****s.

Because it was never strong to begin with.

But what I would welcome is a strong Aberdeen, everybody would welcome an Aberdeen like the club we saw in the 80’s under Alex Ferguson.

They were a breath of fresh air and they broke the Celtic/Ibrox hegemony.

It’s funny when I think about it…

Because I know if Aberdeen won a title, even at our expense, it would not make me feel bitter.

Don’t get me wrong, I always want Celtic to win, no matter what.

But if I was to concede a title, clearly, I would much prefer to concede it to a club like a Aberdeen.

Jimmy Thelin has played 13 competitive games since taking over at Aberdeen, and he has won all of those 13 games.

That is no mean feat.

Clearly he has instilled a winning mentality into his new side.

They will come to Celtic Park high in confidence next Saturday, and I have no doubt they will give us a much sterner test than the Ibrox side gave us in September.

I voiced this opinion in an article earlier this week.

I’m delighted I’m going to be in attendance for this game, as it’s the game of the season so far.

I firmly believe we’re going to see a quality game of football.

Scottish football needs a strong Aberdeen.

Celtic needs their current challenge to be the real deal.

Not only does it need a strong Aberdeen, it needs a strong Hearts, and a strong Hibs.

It has never needed a strong Ibrox side, and nobody cares whether it has one or not.

Next Saturday, we will get to see just what Jimmy Thelin has brought to the table at Aberdeen.

Will it be a turning point in Scottish football?

A new dawn, so to speak?

As the Ibrox side fades into insignificance, will Aberdeen grasp their chance to become a Scottish footballing powerhouse once again?

We’ve waited 40 years for it.

Maybe it’s about time?

The Forgotten Celtic Video Game

For Celtic fans, Club Football: Celtic felt like a dream come true when it launched in 2005. It was the first chance to virtually play at Celtic Park, a feature FIFA and PES didn’t include for years. You could create yourself, play alongside the Bhoys, and listen to Gary Lineker on commentary, adding to the novelty of the whole experience. Celtic were just one of a number of clubs who got their own version of the game.

But beyond the Celtic branding and the thrill of finally seeing Celtic Park in a video game, the truth was the game wasn’t very good. The controls were clunky, the animations stiff, and the gameplay was frustratingly slow. While FIFA and PES were delivering slick, polished simulations of the beautiful game for the time, Club Football felt like a step backwards. Reviews called out the unresponsive player movement and oddball physics, making it feel less like a football match and more like kicking a balloon about.

The game’s appeal lay entirely in its Celtic-specific elements, from the official kits and stadium to hearing familiar chants echo through the stands. But once the novelty wore off, it was hard to argue it held much value beyond that. Without the deep gameplay or lasting appeal of its competitors, Club Football: Celtic quickly faded into obscurity. Codemasters never released another iteration, realising they couldn’t compete in a genre dominated by the big boys.

For fans of a certain generation, though, there’s still a nostalgic fondness for it. Back in the early 2000s, before online multiplayer and digital downloads, you’d gather your mates around the telly, plug in your controllers, and play Club Football because it had your team’s badge on it. Today, when we can seamlessly play online with anyone across the globe, it’s easy to forget the days when playing as Celtic at Celtic Park—however clunky the game—felt special. Despite its flaws, Club Football: Celtic remains a quirky part of Celtic’s gaming history. It might not have been great, but for a brief moment, it was ours.

Scotland’s young guns can’t feel sorry for themselves – but grim reality of pecking order has been emphasised

The under-21s need snookers to reach Euros as Belgium emphasise gulf in technical ability

At under-21 level, Scotland’s place in the European pecking order was bluntly emphasised by Belgium on Friday night.

With anticipation building that the young Scots could end a 28-year exile from the European Championships – a win over the Belgians would have secured at least a play-off spot – those hopes are now dangling by a thread following the Red Devils’ 2-0 win in Gorgie.

With one round of fixtures remaining on Tuesday, Scotland must hope that Belgium lose at home to already eliminated Hungary and that they become the first team from these shores to win in Kazakhstan, 4656 miles away in Almaty.

It is a long way to go for probable disappointment. Scotland did defeat the Kazakhs 4-1 in Paisley but they are a different proposition in what is essentially Asia. The under-21s drew 2-2 against them in their last sojourn east. The travel and time difference must be factored in. So, too, must events closer to home in Heverlee. Belgium defeated the Hungarians away from home 1-0 last year when the group was completely live. Now the Magyars only have pride to play for.

Captain Josh Doig sinks to his knees after Scotland Under-21s’ 2-0 defeat by Belgium. | SNS Group

Manager Scot Gemmill is trying to remain optimistic. “We have to go and win,” Gemmill said. “I’m sure I’m right, no team has won there. It’s a nine-hour flight, five-hour time difference and they will make it difficult. We want to be the first Scottish team to win there.”

Can Hungary do him and his players a favour? “Yeah, they’re a good team,” reasoned Gemmill. “They’ll be well-organised and anything can happen. We have to believe that but we have to take care of our own performance and get our win then we’ll look elsewhere.”

While Scotland have been admirably competitive with their commitment and organisation in Group B, anyone who has watched the recent home defeats by Spain (2-1) and Belgium (2-0) will have noted the gulf in quality. The Spanish have been excellent in the qualifying campaign, while Belgium have recovered well since losing to Scotland last year in Roselaire.

The technical ability of the Belgians was the most glaring difference between the two teams. The way their midfielders took care of the ball and shuttled it from side to side, looking patiently for openings, was admirable. Connor Barron and Lennon Miller are regarded as Scotland’s brightest prospects, but they were made to look decidedly average in the midfield. That’s not to say they are not decent players – far from it – but as a unit, Scotland could not hold on to possession for any tangible period of time.

Scotland head coach Scot Gemmill will need to mastermind a win in Kazakhstan and hope for a favour from Hungary. | SNS Group

There can be little doubt Scotland missed injured striker Kieron Bowie, who would surely have offered a greater threat than Josh Mulligan, a midfielder asked to play up front. There was little ball retention in the final third. While the back five can be praised for shape and discipline, there is only so long that a team can hold out when ceding 70 per cent of the ball.

At a time when the main national team is struggling for wins, there has to be concern within Scottish football about the under-21s’ mediocrity at this level. Are the current crop ready to make the step up? In what will be their final campaigns at this level, captain Josh Doig and Barron have already tasted the senior set-up, while Miller – just 18, remember – will command interest from clubs abroad in January. But while a stand-out for Motherwell this season, the teenager paled in comparison to Belgium’s Arthur Vermeeren, a 19-year-old who is on the books of Atletico Madrid and was bought for a fee in excess of £20 million.

The sentiment of a missed opportunity comes from the fact that a draw would have left matters in Scotland’s hands, while a win would have secured at worst a play-off spot. “I didn’t sense nerves,” Gemmill said of the occasion. “All week the prep was good. I speak to the players about it being an opportunity and it’s best v best. It’s what they need for their development. No matter their stage with their clubs, they’re all on different pathways, these are the games people zoom in and gauge their potential. You could see in the preparation there was an edge, as there has to be at this level.”

Barring an unlikely turn of events, Scotland will not be in Slovakia for Euro 2025. You have to go back to 1996 for the last Scotland team to grace those championships. Of the squad that made it, eight went on to win senior caps: Jackie McNamara, Steven Pressley, Christian Dailly, Stephen Crawford, Charlie Miller, Simon Donnelly, Allan Johnston and Stephen Glass. Tommy Craig’s young guns finished fourth in an abridged event, defeating Hungary over two legs before losing 2-1 to Spain in Barcelona in the semis and 1-0 to France in the third-place play-off.

Belgium’s Mandela Keita holds off Scotland’s Lennon Miller at Tynecastle.

How many of the current group will go on to land full honours? On current evidence, not many are ready to make the leap. The once-in-a-generation talent in 18-year-old Ben Doak is already absorbed into Steve Clarke’s set-up. He would be the only player capable of holding a candle to Belgium’s technical ability.

Gemmill’s job now is to make sure Scotland at least take care of their side of the bargain on Tuesday in Almaty, and then hope Belgium slip up. “It’s good to see young players playing with commitment and concentration and we need to go to Kazakhstan and win,” he added. “There’s no point feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to keep going and win there. They’re all playing at a good level. We have a big squad, we have 25 players, so we’ll be good to go again.”

Paul Tisdale’s Celtic Role Clarified as Stephen McGowan Gives an Update

Paul Tisdale has reportedly taken on the role of Head of Recruitment at Celtic, according to Daily Mail journalist Stephen McGowan.

Soccer Football – League Two – Cambridge United v Milton Keynes Dons – Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, Britain – October 13, 2018 MK Dons manager Paul Tisdale Action Images/Adam Holt

Tisdale’s arrival comes months after Mark Lawwell’s departure, after overseeing four transfer windows at the club. During Lawwell’s tenure, the most notable success was the acquisition of Alistair Johnston, who quickly established himself in the first team, but apart from that, there isn’t much to write him about.

Judging by McGowan’s writing, it seems that Tisdale is already in his role at Celtic Park.

Though Celtic have yet to officially announce Tisdale’s appointment, his involvement is already sparking intrigue about the club’s future transfer strategy.

Tisdale could signal a potential shift or evolution in the club’s recruitment focus. His fresh insights may lead to an exploration of new markets or a refinement of the current approach to player signings.

With Tisdale’s reputation for nurturing talent and his wealth of experience, his appointment could have a significant impact on Celtic’s future transfer dealings, especially as the club continues to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

It’s quite an exciting appointment in all honesty. Hopefully he can deliver some top signings for the club, after a few let down windows.

Report: Rodgers has hit the jackpot on Celtic “powerhouse” who’s now worth £18m

That night in Dortmund stands as a blot on the copybook, yet Scottish champions Celtic have looked rather imperious otherwise in the early knockings of the new season, having made a faultless start to the defence of their league crown.

Seven wins from seven have been secured in the Scottish Premiership thus far, with new number one Kasper Schmeichel having conceded just once in the competition in that time, as Ronan Hale fired home from the penalty spot in Dingwall last time out. Even that required a second attempt from the Irishman.

Schmeichel, it must be said, is more than proving his worth following his free transfer arrival from Anderlecht over the summer, with the 37-year-old having comfortably taken over the mantle from fellow veteran, Joe Hart, in the sticks.

Kasper Schmeichel’s career record

Club

Games

Goals conceded

Clean sheets

Leicester City

479

586

147

Notts County

Nice

Leeds

Anderlecht

Bury

Cardiff City

Falkirk

Celtic

Man City

Coventry

Darlington

Total

734

852

237

Stats via Transfermarkt

That bargain capture of the experienced Dane came amid what was, in the end, an impressive window for the Old Firm side, with Brendan Rodgers and co already reaping the rewards of their summer business.

Celtic’s new stars are shining

Ahead of Schmeichel, it does appear too early to judge new man Auston Trusty, with the left-footer having been forced to slot into an unorthodox, right centre-back berth amid Cameron Carter-Vickers’ absence, although another new defender – Alex Valle – has already caught the eye following his notable, back-heeled assist against St Johnstone.

At the top end of the pitch, £9.5m man Adam Idah has made an encouraging start to life back at Parkhead with four goals in ten games thus far, taking his total tally for the club to 13 goals and two assists in just 28 games across all fronts.

The ex-Norwich City man was not the only former loanee to sign permanently, as Paulo Bernardo – who already has two goals this season – joined from Benfica, while the midfield ranks were strengthened even further with the £1m addition of Dundee’s Luke McCowan.

McCowan has slotted in smoothly having got off the mark in the 2-0 win over Hearts back in September, a game that also saw fellow new arrival – and club-record signing – Arne Engels get up and running in a Hoops shirt.

Arne Engels’ market value in 2024

It is, of course, still early days, yet Celtic’s £11m signing doesn’t appear to have been weighed down too heavily by that hefty price tag, nor by the pressure to try and fill Matt O’Riley’s shoes in Glasgow.

In just seven appearances in green and white, the promising Belgian has already chalked up three goals and two assists from his creative midfield berth, having previously contributed 12 goal involvements in 53 outings for former club Augsburg.

Not that it’s all been plain-sailing – with Engels hooked on the hour mark against Ross County last week – but it does look as if Rodgers is on to a winner with this marquee signing already.

That point is only heightened by the fact that, remarkably, the 21-year-old – whom teammate Callum McGregor dubbed a “powerhouse” – may already be worth more than what the club paid for him just a matter of months ago.

That’s according to CIES Football Observatory, who deem the playmaker to be worth as much as €20m (£18m), representing an increase of £7m in relation to his £11m transfer fee.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Not that Celtic will be looking to cash in any time soon, but it does bode well for the potential profit that could be made in the future, with the Old Firm outfit having raked in £25m apiece for Jota and O’Riley across the last two summer windows.

The question now is whether young Engels can mirror that pair and cement himself as something of a talisman at Celtic Park. Only time will tell.

Martín Zubimendi plays Rodri’s part in Spain’s homecoming against Denmark

sid lowe at estadio enrique roca de murciaSee more

Spain’s Martín Zubimendi was the match-winner in Murcia.Photograph: Jose Breton/AP

It was a little late and a little lucky too, but the European champions did eventually get the goal that completed their homecoming. Kasper Schmeichel had resisted for 79 minutes but then Martín Zubimendi, who Liverpool couldn’t convince and whose coach calls the second best midfielder in the world after the man he came in to replace, hit a volley that squirmed beyond the Denmark keeper and into the net. Just when it seemed that they wouldn’t get a goal to go with the Henri Delaunay trophy, 29,870 people erupted in Murcia, Spain’s party ending rather well after all.

Twenty-four shots it had taken, a deflection too. It also took a long VAR check to confirm it, with Denmark’s caretaker coach, Lars Knudsen, saying that the Joselu challenge which saw the ball fall to Zubimendi “didn’t look like shoulder to shoulder to me”. And yet the selección deserved the win that took them top of the group. Schmeichel had made five saves until then, two of them one-on-ones with Álvaro Morata, but ultimately carried some of the responsibility for defeat.

Marc Cucurella: ‘Before, people liked the superstars, now they empathise with me’

Spain had come for this on an evening that was a celebration of the champions, their first match on Spanish soil since winning Euro 2024, even if not all of them made it. Of the starting XI in Berlin, only Aymeric Laporte, Fabián Ruiz, Lamine Yamal and Morata began here. Unai Simón, Rodri, Robin Le Normand and Dani Olmo, plus Ferran Torres, had been left out of the squad because of injury; Dani Carvajal and Nico Williams then pulled out.

Rodri and Carvajal had suffered the worst fate, falling to torn knee ligaments. And amidst an ever-expanding fixture list, injury has become an obsession, almost a psychosis which dominated the buildup to this match. The concern is especially significant with the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, and he took a few hits here. “What do you expect them to do, kiss him?” the Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, said afterwards. “I’d love it to be all flower power but football is football.”

For some, all that mattered was players getting through this unscathed. Not though for Spain’s players, and not for those who lined the streets and the stands here. Certainly not for Zubimendi, who replaced Rodri. “Rodri is the best in the world, irreplaceable, but Martín is the second best,” De la Fuente had said. “He oozes assuredness from every pore; he doesn’t get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.” A superb display was rewarded with the winner.

Of the captains’ group only Morata remained. This week he revealed that he had suffered depression and anxiety attacks, needing medication and psychiatric treatment; three months before the Euros, he thought he would not be in Germany at all. Instead he lifted the trophy after years of feeling misunderstood and here he lifted it again, offering it to fans who greeted him with the kind of warmth he had missed previously. “We were looking for that for Álvaro, to give him the affection and love, and I am proud of them,” De la Fuente said. All he was missing, the coach added, was a goal and that was because he had been denied by Schmeichel.

Denmark hadn’t come to pay homage. Top of the group, they wanted to play their part and take their points. In front of 1,500 travelling fans, theirs was the first opportunity too, David Raya saving from Kasper Dolberg.

Spain were on the front foot early on but real chances were few – an Álex Grimaldo shot was saved easily, Zubimendi poked a volley wide and Morata squeezed beyond the far post before Lamine Yamal’s curler was stopped – and the intensity would drop. Denmark were starting to see a way through. “We did some good things in the first half,” Knudsen said. Raya had to be swift after a sharp combination between Christian Eriksen and Albert Grønbæk and another exchange involving Eriksen and Dolberg saw the latter’s cross almost fly in. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg’s shot then deflected off Laporte and nearly looped under the bar.

When Morata’s shot went well over just before half-time, it drew generous applause where once it might have had drawn groans, and it was the first time Spain had progressed for quarter of an hour. Next Lamine Yamal, clean through, hit over. The second period then opened with Ruiz striking the side netting. Spain dominated but it lacked a little edge, incision. Until, that was, Ruiz’s lovely pass put Morata in. Schmeichel stood in the way then and again when the captain was played in by Laporte.

Denmark seemed to have settled for this but Knudsen insisted: “That’s not voluntary, you have to respect that you’re up against a very good team.” Spain had not yet, the pace quickening again, particularly with the introduction of Álex Baena and Mikel Merino. Lamine’s fast feet worked an opening, the teenager flashing off a shot that Schmeichel saved just as the first Mexican wave began its journey around the ground. Time was slipping away but they were determined to enjoy this anyway. And when the ball dropped to Zubimendi, they could really let go. “I want to thank Murcia; it was wonderful,” De la Fuente said.

Schmeichel left red-faced as Zubimendi fires Spain to hard-earned win over Denmark

Spain’s Dani Vivian and Martin Zubimendi celebrate after theif Uefa Nations League, League A Group 4 match against Denmark in Murcia October 12, 2024. — Reuters pic

MURCIA, Oct 13 — Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was left red-faced as a second-half strike by midfielder Martin Zubimendi gave an injury-hit Spain a hard-fought and deserved 1-0 win in Nations League Group A4 yesterday.

Missing seven of the starters that beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final in July, Spain dominated proceedings from early on but it was not until the 79th minute that they managed to find the winner as Zubimendi netted his first goal for his country.

The Real Sociedad midfielder unleashed a first-time shot from the edge of the box that deflected off a defender before squirming under Schmeichel, who should have kept it out.

Spain lead the group at the halfway mark with seven points from their three games, followed by the Denmark on six and Serbia on four, with Switzerland bottom with no points.

“We are very happy, especially in such a tight game in which we had to dig deep to open the scoring,” Zubimendi told TVE.

“In the first half we didn’t play our best football, we left some spaces open in the back that they exploited and could have hurt us but we fixed it in the second half, locked them up and got the job done.”

Spain were missing Dani Carvajal and Rodri due to serious knee injuries while key players such as Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Robin Le Normand were also absent.

They controlled the game but were wasteful, missing several chances to open the scoring, and were exposed on the counter, with goalkeeper David Raya making two brilliant saves from efforts by Kasper Dolberg.

Zubimendi and Alex Grimaldo wasted promising half-chances early in the game while captain Alvaro Morata missed a couple of clear opportunities later on.

The hosts should have led at the break but Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal missed an easy chance in the last action of the first half when he took a pass from Pedro Porro in his stride but blasted the ball over the bar.

Spain came out livelier in the second half and took the lead with a little help from Schmeichel who had made two magnificent saves to deny close-range efforts by Morata.

Yet when the ball was flung into the box, Schmeichel appealed for what he thought was a foul by Mikel Merino on Victor Nelsson and was then caught off-guard as Zubimendi’s effort deflected off a defender’s heel and slipped through the distracted goalkeeper’s grasp. — Reuters

Aberdeen title believers urged to tune in to a truth about Celtic as icon warns of the mistake you cannot make

The Dons go into next weekend’s clash away to Celtic having won all 13 of their matches in all competitions so far this season

Aberdeen players celebrate a goal in the win against Dundee (Image: SNS Group)

Joe Lewis has urged Aberdeen to dream big and ride a Leicester City-style wave for as long as they can.

Jimmy Thelin’s red-hot Dons travel to Celtic Park on Saturday off the back of a thrilling 13-game winning streak. The Swedish gaffer’s stunning start has led to debate over whether Aberdeen could split the Old Firm this season.

But ex-Pittodrie captain Lewis is putting no limits on how high his old club can fly. They’re already a perfect seven victories from seven in the Premiership. And former keeper Lewis points to Claudio Ranieri’s fabulous Foxes for inspiration. They left Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Manchester United trailing in 2015/16 to land the English title.

Lewis, a hero in May 2018 when Aberdeen last won in Glasgow’s east end, said: “A draw would definitely make Celtic and Rangers think there’s another contender. Actually, it will ruin our perfect record! But a draw away at Celtic is a great result.

“I’m sure the manager and lads would take that now. People are saying: ‘Can we get second?’ But we’ve won every game so far so you don’t know where it can take you. Other teams can go through a dip and, if you can just keep on going, look at what Leicester City achieved. Everyone thought halfway through their season ‘They’re going to slip up.’

“But they kept on doing it and went through the whole season. You just have to ride this wave of confidence and positivity. The boys are flying. They can’t possibly go into the game with any more confidence.

“That’s crucial because we’ve not been to Celtic on this much of a high for a long time. Celtic will have a bit more respect for Aberdeen than previously. The manager and players absolutely deserve that. We want to carry on the momentum.

“A win would be incredible. Then people really will start, if they haven’t already, taking notice of what’s happening. There’s no reason why the Dons can’t keep this going because they’re proving that they’re a top team.”

Aberdeen have lost nine and drawn one of their last 10 Celtic Park visits. They’ve scored only twice but conceded 24 goals. However, from what Lewis has seen from this Aberdeen team, there is no cause for concern against the champs.

Joe Lewis made 271 appearances in his seven year spell in the Granite City

He has watched from home in Cheshire and can’t wait to work for TV at Pittodrie on this month’s midweek clash with Rangers. Lewis, who spent seven seasons between the sticks for the Dons, said: “I’ve lots of friends up there and the buzz around Aberdeen is amazing.

“I know the city’s galvanised and gets behind you when it’s cup final time or we’re doing well in the league. I’ve watched a fair bit. One of the great things is new lads making an impact as starters straight away. Losing Bojan Miovski, people thought we’d struggle for goals but they’ve come from everywhere.

“I’m delighted to see more of a back four, allowing wingers more freedom to attack. It’s nice to see the whole team thriving. To be biased, Dimitar Mitov has been brilliant! He’s showing what a top keeper he is.

“Having lads who have been selected for Scotland – Nicky (Devlin), Jack MacKenzie and Kevin Nisbet – shows people are sitting up and taking notice. Nisbet is one of those players who’s really important when going to Celtic. Get one chance and take it. He doesn’t need 10 chances to score.

“He’s got that killer instinct and is a player I always rated when we played against him. He’ll score lots of goals for us.

“You’d say Nicky and Jack are just solid players but they’re thriving and growing in confidence. There seems to be less weight on Graeme Shinnie’s shoulders now with (Sivert) Nilsen in there. And look at the bench – Duk coming back with something to prove is a big one for us. Ante Palaversa looks a top player and (Topi) Keskinen has added real flair at the top end. There’s threats all over.”

Lewis tackled a daunting Celtic side many times when Brendan Rodgers was first in charge. He lost by a three-goal margin twice at Parkhead and endured an agonising last-minute Scottish Cup Final defeat in 2017.

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But 12 months later, Derek McInnes’ men pipped Rangers to second place with a final-day win over the Bhoys thanks to an Andy Considine winner. Lewis hopes Thelin’s men can take a leaf out of that team’s book and frustrate another star-studded Celts side.

He said: “Celtic were an unbelievable team in that period. We took a few sore ones from them. Rodgers had them operating as a slick team. But we got the result that day. You must stand up to them and not be overawed. Celtic away is about having that fire in the belly but ice in the head. Getting about them but, as soon as you get possession, have composure – you can’t chase it for 90 minutes.

“You come off the field mentally drained because you’ve defended for long periods and concentrated so hard. We had that in our locker. Our team had the determination to finish second.”

Celtic’s Hidden Adidas Clauses

Celtic are on the verge of extending their partnership with Adidas, with former football executive Keith Wyness suggesting that the new deal could bring an additional £5m annually.

However, Wyness has also warned that the Hoops will need to step up their performances in Europe to fully capitalise on the lucrative bonuses reportedly tied to the agreement.

In an interview with Football Insider, Wyness speculated that while the exact terms of the deal remain unclear, success in competitions will see the Hoops unlock adidas clauses the rest of us are not privy too.

“That’s one that I have never had to negotiate, so I’m unclear as to how much that would be,” Wyness admitted. “But my guess would be something like probably a £5million difference, possibly a year. I could be wrong on that, but I think it’s going to certainly be based on results.”

“If Celtic do well in the Champions League, which they didn’t do in the last game, they could get those sorts of bonuses. I think it will be bonus-related, maybe with a very small uplift on the basic.”

Celtic’s Mixed Start in Europe

Celtic’s form in Europe has been inconsistent this season. A victory over Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park kicked off their Champions League campaign, giving fans plenty to cheer about. But reality hit hard in their next outing, suffering a heavy 7-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund—a reminder of the challenges the club faces in competing with Europe’s elite.

Wyness, who previously held executive roles at Everton and Aston Villa, noted that Celtic’s recent result was a missed opportunity to make an impact on the European stage. “7-1 was a bit of a hammering, so they’ve got to perform better than that.”

Celtic Joins Adidas’ Elite Ranks

This deal with Adidas places Celtic alongside footballing giants such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich in the sportswear giant’s ‘elite’ category. The financial rewards from such a prestigious partnership could be significant, but as Wyness points out, those bonuses will be tied to Celtic’s ability to deliver in Europe.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their fourth goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Adidas have been the club’s kit supplier since 2020, and the extended deal is expected to bring further commercial success, provided Celtic can close the gap with Europe’s top teams. With the Hoops’ domestic dominance established, their next challenge remains proving themselves on the grandest stage of all—something this new partnership might just hinge on.

Atalanta are up next for the Hoops and if Brendan Rodgers continues his hard headed approach to playing European teams with pedigree, we can’t bet against some very uncomfortable results. But we do still have hope this side can cause a shock in this year’s competition.

Kieran Tierney’s Social Media Post After Attending Celtic Event

After attending the Celtic Foundation event in London on Friday night, Kieran Tierney made a rare post on his social media the following Saturday, acknowledging the occasion. The former Celtic left-back wrote, “Great night for an amazing cause,” showing his continued support for the club’s charitable arm.

While there’s no suggestion he was there for anything other than to back the foundation, his post has set Celtic fans’ social media buzzing with excitement, sparking dreams of a possible return.

The gala event raised a staggering £420,000 for the Foundation, which continues its remarkable work supporting those in need. The night was star-studded, with Celtic legends like Martin O’Neill and former players Stan Petrov and Chris Sutton among those in attendance, adding to the buzz around the event.

While Tierney’s Arsenal future remains uncertain, seeing him associated with Celtic in any capacity—especially after being spotted in conversation with Brendan Rodgers—has got supporters talking.

Regardless of what the future holds, the event was a massive success for the Foundation, further strengthening its reach.

Chris Sutton weighs in on Celtic TV blackout debate with ’empty seats all over Ibrox’ observation

The upcoming meeting between Celtic and Aberdeen is inarguably one of the most intriguing and exciting matches of the Scottish Premiership season so far.

Both teams have won all of their domestic matches in the build-up, and they sit with 21 points each at the top of the table. Celtic are ahead in first thanks to their superior goal difference.

In many leagues around Europe, the game would be guaranteed to be shown live on television, but next Saturday’s 3pm kick-off will not be broadcast on Sky Sports, Premier Sports, or any other broadcaster in the UK and Ireland.

Sky have chosen not to show the match, in part because they are limited to the number of times they can visit a Premiership stadium each year, a rule written into the TV contract.

Celtic have decided not to participate in Premier’s pick-up package of games sold for extra cash, feeling that they’d rather preserve traditional kick-off times for supporters.

Chris Sutton, who works as a pundit and commentator for Sky Sports, can see both sides of the debate. He understands why Celtic wouldn’t want a repeat of what he saw at Ibrox last week after a match was moved to an unusual Sunday timeslot.

Chris Sutton on Celtic vs Aberdeen TV situation

The former Bhoys striker said [Daily Record]: “Do I think Celtic vs Aberdeen should be screened live? Absolutely. It’s a top-of-the-table clash and the game of the season so far. But the broadcasters have their hands tied.

“I understand Celtic wanting to defend their season ticket sales and not wanting to risk punters not turning up. We saw what happened with the Rangers game against St Johnstone on the Sunday night recently, where there were empty seats all over Ibrox.

“I’m sure Celtic fans would turn up regardless of the kick-off time whether it was on television or not, given the nature of this game but I can see the argument. The broadcasters get a bit of a criticism for this stuff but their hands are tied. The restriction on the amount of home games is a real conundrum.

“What happens if Sky do show this one – but then have bust their allowance for Celtic Park when the title race gets into the home straight? There would be an outcry from fans. You can’t win really. If the game was shifted to another time, there would be moaning about the scheduling,

“As far as I am concerned, I would love to see the biggest games in Scotland on the box, whether it’s Celtic against the Dons, Rangers facing Hearts, the Edinburgh or Dundee derbies, you name it.

“But the clubs are the ones who prevent this happening. They only allow a certain number of games and the financial incentives to take on a couple more is obviously not lucrative enough for Celtic to accept.”

Scottish Premiership TV deal still stuck in the past

All of this, to me, is a symptom of wider issues. The TV deal that the SPFL have with Sky is pretty archaic as we approach 2025 – and it still has four years left beyond that.

There’s an inability for clubs to share highlights immediately on social media other than through the TV channels themselves, this stadium visit restriction that is apparently in place so Sky don’t just select every Celtic and Rangers game, and the 3pm Saturday blackout timeslot that doesn’t really make sense in the age of global broadcasting and dodgy internet streaming services.

That’s before you even consider the financial value of the deal itself to clubs, which is falling behind other leagues all the time.

You have to respect Celtic for not wanting to sign up for further poor kick-off times but it is a shame that, in this specific case, the game against the Dons couldn’t be shown as a good advert for the Premiership.

If the SPFL had a more progressive and flexible TV deal, then it wouldn’t be much of an issue. But as Sutton notes, that’s the prerogative of risk-averse clubs, who weigh up potential impacts on home attendance and bank cash years in advance rather than explore other options.

A Kew Heavins exclusive: Brendan Rodgers ready to quit Celtic after 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Euro giants – Wyness

When Keith Wyness speaks, you listen.

It’s been a quiet international break thus far, and for an old codger like myself, filling my time becomes a bit tedious.

This morning, however, the news from one of our excellent sources, Football Insider, has blown away the cobwebs, and given this old codger a new lease of life!

I have the utmost respect for Aberdeen native Keith Wyness, I must state that much before I go any further.

A man who has held positions as CEO at Aberdeen, Everton and Aston Villa, when he speaks, you listen!

So imagine my surprise, when the brilliant, on the pulse, knowledgeable website that is Football Insider led with this headline:

Brendan Rodgers to quit Celtic? Keith Wyness reacts

Paul Devlin – SNS Group/SNS Group/Getty Images

During a slow news fortnight, when you see a headline like this, well, needless to say, it grabs your attention!

Being in this game for over eighty years myself, and knowing such a respectable individual as Keith Wyness, I sense it must be true.

So, after about a half hour, as I waited for the internet phone line on my 1992 Wang series computer to fire up, a video came up on my Windows 95 browser.

It was presented by one of Football Insider’s top American Sacker guy experts.

He was having a chat with Keith Wyness about Celtic’s recent 7-0 defeat to Dortmund, amongst other things.

Now, I thought it was a 7-1 defeat, but Keith Wyness says it was a 7-0 defeat, so who am I to question his infinite wisdom?

But firstly, Wyness spoke about Celtic’s huge new deal with Adidas.

Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC/Getty Images

Wyness, being an expert on these sort of deals, was the perfect individual to speak to about something such as this.

But what was even more interesting was all the £10 and £5 notes Celtic will make out of this deal.

Football Insider gave exclusive footage of these notes.

And what I can only guess is Peter Lawwell’s hand flicking through them with glee.

American Sacker guy asked Keith Wyness his opinion on the new Adidas deal, and Wyness imparted his wise and sage knowledge on such subjects.

Here’s what he had to say:

Well that’s one I’ve never had to negotiate, so I’m unclear as to how much that would be, but my guessing is that it would be something like, probably a £5 million difference a year.

I could be wrong on that, but I think it’s going to be a significant…certainly, it’ll be based on results, and based on as we just talked about, Man Utd potentially losing £10 million, I think Celtic if they do well in the Champions League, and those sort of areas, which they’ve not done in the last game.

Then they could get those sort of bonuses, I think it’ll be bonus related, with a very small uplift on the basic. But listen, it’s very good news for them.

But as I say, 7-0 was a bit of hammering the other day, and they’ve got to do much better than that. Everybody hoped they would do in the European games, but they’ve got to start producing.

I’ve never been one for all of that financial mumbo jumbo, I tend to leave that sort of thing to guys like Wyness.

He explains it pretty well there, I have to admit.

This is a man who knows his stuff.

And who am I to question his knowledge when it comes to that Dortmund result?

Jürgen Fromme – firo sportphoto/Getty Images Sport

7-0 it is then.

American Sacker guy then went on to comment on the Dortmund result.

He believed Brendan Rodgers showed a bit of naieeevetei in that game, and I would tend to agree with him.

It would appear this is the crux of this video, and possibly why Football Insider believes Rodgers is about to quit.

We got another shot of Peter Lawwell counting €50 notes, just for good measure, when American Sacker guy referenced investment.

I’m guessing that was a nod to Dermot Desmond, who of course only invests in euros in the club.

Because he’s Irish, and the euro is their currency.

David Cannon/David Cannon Collection/Getty Images

Keith Wyness then goes on to explain how defeating R*****s no longer counts for anything, it’s Europe the board are focusing on now.

Here’s what he had to say:

The board, I think will back any manager that’s in there, it’s whether Brendan gets to stay on and do it. He knows it was embarrassing, I mean I went down to Marid last year and saw them got beaten 6-0 at Atletico.

So there have been some bad results for them in Europe. 7-0 is particularly embarrassing. and that’s something that will rankle. I think he can turn it round though. I’ve looked at some of the fixtures in the Champions League coming up and they’ve got a chance to turn this round again and get back on track.

And if they can, y’know, get a reasonable group stage and qualify going forward, then that’ll be enough. I think that’ll satisfy the board for this particular European season and be an improvement over last year.

So that’s how they’ll be judged against last years European performance, and how well they do this year. But I think Celtic, they’ve got the chance to, they’ve got some players, some good players. It’s up to Brendan to produce it on the night.

And there you have it.

Expert opinion, well….at it’s most expert.

With an excellent piece of footage of Celtic’s board discussing all of this intensely in an attic.

But I can see where such a reputable site as Football Insider would get the “inside” information on Brendan Rodgers being ready to quit.

You have to read between the lines.

Two key take outs in Keith Wyness’ statement are the give aways:

It’s whether Brendan gets to stay on and do it

It’s up to Brendan to produce it on the night

The language there is very telling.

Basically, Mr. Wyness is saying that Brendan will get to stay on if Celtic qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.

If not, well, that’s open to interpretation, and my interpretation is that he’ll either quit, or he’ll be resigned.

Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile/Getty Images

As Wyness says, it’s up to Brendan on the night.

Meaning it’s up to him to salvage his faltering Celtic career in Europe.

All very intuitive, and I can see why Football Insider would lead with such a bold headline.

It’s why they’re such a respected website, and one of the main reasons my employers use them as a very reliable source.

It’s also why they attract EXPERTS of the calibre of Keith Wyness, Frank McAvennie, and Alan Hutton.

It appears Keith Wyness knows something we don’t.

And an old codger like myself picks up on such things.

Rodgers’ days are numbered unless he delivers in Europe.

Remember you heard it here first.

Well, on Football Insider’s Youtube account, and then here.

But you catch my drift.

Now where did I leave my reading glasses?

Ah, there they are on the end of my nose.

FIFA urged to act as Celtic and Rangers go from ‘hunters to hunted’

World football’s governing body FIFA has been urged to increase training compensation for Scottish clubs like Celtic and Rangers because of the brawn drain of talent to England as a result of Brexit (Image: PA)

FIFA have been urged to increase training compensation for young players and regulate agents more closely amid concerns about the impact of Brexit on the Scottish game and growing fears that Premiership clubs could be forced to shut down their youth academies.

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in 2020 has resulted in English clubs, who are now prohibited from signing promising footballers from the Schengen Area when they are 16, 17 and 18, increasingly targeting gifted youngsters north of the border.

This brawn drain of teenage talents who have often not featured in the first team has substantially reduced the chances of clubs in this country from making a multi-million pound profit on a player they have spent many years and considerable sums of money developing.

That has created what a senior executive at a Premiership club has described as “an existential threat” within Scottish football and put academies at risk of closure.

FIFA introduced training compensation regulations back in 2001 in a direct response to the Bosman ruling to ensure that clubs are rewarded for investing in developing young players. However, world football’s governing body stressed they had taken efforts to ensure the amounts paid did “not become disproportionate and unduly hinder movement”.

(Colin Mearns)The executive believes the sums Scottish clubs now receive fail to reimburse them adequately for their outlay or make it worth their while to subsidise youth development. He admitted he would like to see the much-maligned organisation update their figures to protect the long-term viability of academies in this country.

“The FIFA training compensation metrics were devised a long time ago and they haven’t changed a euro since then,” he said. “The numbers they run to are drastically out of date. The cost of running an academy 20 or so years ago is a fraction of what it is now.

“Training compensation is not supposed to be a transfer fee, it is supposed to be an acknowledgement of the costs incurred to get the player to the level he is at when he leaves the club. If that hasn’t moved a euro in the last 20 years that assumes that costs have gone up in that time. But they have quadrupled, easily.

“The training compensation metric says that the money you pay cross-border is negligible. It is €10,000 per year for ages 12, 13, 14 and 15. Then it ratchets up to as much as €100,000 a year between the ages of 16 and 21. But the reality is that English clubs get in at the earliest age they can so they only have to pay the bare minimum.

“They want to get in early because they know if these boys sign professional contracts it is then up to their club to set their value. It doesn’t make economic sense for them to let these guys stay at a Scottish club and see how they do because a £150,000 development fee might turn into £3m.

“They are effectively shooting fish in a barrel. If they bring in four or five players it might cost them £500,000, but that is far less than they would have to pay if they tried to bring in a player at the same age from another English club. They have to pay more because of the EPPP (Elite Player Performance Pathway) rules down there.

(Jane Barlow/PA Wire)“If a Scottish club are offering a young player £12,000 to £15,000 a year, what is effectively an apprenticeship minimum wage, and a club in England is offering them £100,000 a year on a three year contract and possibly a £50,000 signing on fee, you can see why players leave.

“There will be under-23 teams in England with bigger wage bills than Premiership teams in Scotland. The numbers involved here are ludicrous. Celtic and Rangers used to have the pick of the best young players. But even they have gone from being the hunters to the hunted because of Brexit.”

Youth coaches at Scottish clubs are also worried that a player who goes to a major English club at an early age – who could, despite the fee he costs and the higher wages he receives, simply be getting signed to make up numbers in an age group squad – may find it impossible to break into the first team and might ultimately be lost to the game as a result.

The executive is concerned that teenage players are being badly advised by intermediaries who stand to make significant bonuses from their transfers. He revealed he had been unsettled after learning about the inducements which had been given to footballers who were younger than 16.

The FIFA Football Agent Regulations were subject to a number of legal challenges after they were introduced in January last year. They were suspended globally in December until the European Court of Justice delivers a final verdict on their legitimacy.

But the executive would like to see FIFA do far more in future than they have been when the dispute is settled so that clubs are protected financially and youngsters are safeguarded.

“There is a mini-business for agents to flip young Scottish players to England now because there is a gap in the market for them there which has been created by Brexit,” he said.

“They are filling that gap in the market with 16-year-old Scottish players and are sometimes getting paid six figure fees for doing so. We have seen situations where the agent actually gets paid more than the club when a player moves. They are in the player’s ear telling them it is the best move for them.

“Sometimes the player has been at the club since they have been eight, for eight years. But the club is only getting £100,000 in training compensation and the agent is getting the same or more to take them out. It is ridiculous.

“There will be big agencies who will take on agents on a low basic salary and incentivise them with a significant share of agent fees. They might get paid £25,000 a year – but 25 per cent of the agent fees when a player moves. So it is in the interest of agents to flip players. But it is not about the best interest of the player.

“We don’t have enough scrutiny when it comes to this. It is not regulated enough. As yet, we have not made any significant progress to curb what has become a much bigger issue than it was in the past. FIFA have put their best foot forward when it comes to agent regulations, but they are subject to significant legal challenges at the moment.”

He continued: “There are some fairly unscrupulous behaviours when it comes to how agents are trying to attract minors. I have heard of kids who are younger than 16 being offered all sorts of things. It might not be illegal, but it is certainly scratching the surface of immorality.

“Even if regulations do come in, it is almost impossible to manage. That is what caused FIFA to abandon the licensing system nine years ago. It is such a big beast that policing it is so, so difficult. What there was in place before was by no means bullet proof, but when it was deregulated it became the Wild West. Now they are trying to pull that back.

“I think that might prove to be impossible. But they could try to control some of the controllables and that should start with minors. They do have the ability through law to address how an individual conducts himself or herself with minors. That should, at the very least, be stronger because there are child welfare issues. It should be as robust as possible.”

The SFA published the “transition phase” paper which was co-written by Andy Gould, their chief football officer, and Chris Docherty, their head of elite men’s strategy, back in May. They are hopeful the recommendations contained within it will increase the number of youngsters who make the step from age-group football into the senior game in future if they are accepted and implemented.

However, the executive predicted that even fewer Scottish kids will realise their ambitions of becoming a professional footballer and playing for their country because of the Brexit brawn drain of talent to England.

“We have an issue with even the best young talent getting game time in Scotland at the moment,” he said. “If the top youngsters leave to go to Leeds United, Brighton, Cardiff, wherever, it is going to be even harder for the players behind them to get game time because they are not the best in their age group.

“It will only exacerbate the transition problem if the best young players are wrestled off the club at 16 and it is only the tier two players who are left. It is so hard to give young players game time as it is. That is not the only factor to young players not getting first team game time, but it will become an increasing one as the years go on.”

He added: “You could be on the verge or training with the first team at 16 in Scotland, go down to England and go into the under-18 team and find yourself three teams away, the under-18, under-21 and under-23 teams, from the first team.

“It is completely stunting their development. The opposite is true of players who stay here, learn their trade, get 100 or 150 games in the first team, go down south to the right club at the right level at the right time, kick on from there and have a great career.

“Of course, not every player who decides to stay in Scotland and accepts getting paid £250 a week instead of £2,000 a week in England does that. But the success rate is far higher.

“You can count on the fingers of one hand how many players have gone down to England as a teenager, developed in the academy, made their first team debuts and really kicked on. It is almost zero. Billy Gilmour is maybe the only one. And he took a long time to do.

“This is a huge threat to the development of young Scottish players and it is a threat that we cannot afford to ignore. The danger here is, unless there is a change to the FIFA training compensation metric or tougher new regulations for agents, that these players get lost to football far more than they are now.”

Overlooked Brilliance: The Celtic Achievement Flying Under Everyone’s Radar

Celtic’s blistering form in the SPFL this season has been all about goals, goals, and more goals. While the headlines have often focused on the attacking players running riot up front, there’s another aspect of the team’s performances that’s gone somewhat under the radar – the resilience at the back, particularly Kasper Schmeichel’s amazing contribution in goal.

As we head into the eighth game of the league season, Schmeichel has yet to concede a single goal from open play in the SPFL. The only blemish on his otherwise spotless record came in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Ross County when Ronan Hale slotted home a penalty in Dingwall.

Although Schmeichel has been beaten in cup and European action, his ability to shut out SPFL opposition from open play has been nothing short of brilliant. Celtic have only conceded one goal in the league, a testament not only to the goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability but also to the team’s defensive organisation under Brendan Rodgers even with high profile injuries.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 1, 2024 Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel celebrates after Daizen Maeda scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

With Aberdeen next up in what will be a top-of-the-table clash, fans are eager to see if Schmeichel can keep his domestic clean-sheet record from open play going. The Dons will be desperate to test the veteran, but with the way Celtic have been setting up at the back, they’ll have their work cut out for them.

While we can never predict what will happen on the day, Schmeichel’s record speaks for itself. Whether he maintains this extraordinary run or not, the 37-year-old has already made his mark on Celtic’s season. His presence adds a sense of calm and experience that the defence thrives on, and it’s no wonder Celtic are topping the table.

McGowan’s update on Paul Tisdale’s Celtic role

Paul Tisdale is already in place as Celtic’s Head of Recruitment according to Stephen McGowan.

On Wednesday evening the Daily Mail reporter broke the news about the former Exeter City boss, now dubbed a ‘Football Doctor’ was in the frame for a role at Celtic.

There has been nothing officially from Celtic or Tisdale but in today’s Daily Mail McGowan confirms the role of the 51-year-old with an eye-catching dress sense:

McGowan’s update on Paul Tisdale’s Celtic role

Paul Tisdale is already in place as Celtic’s Head of Recruitment according to Stephen McGowan.

On Wednesday evening the Daily Mail reporter broke the news about the former Exeter City boss, now dubbed a ‘Football Doctor’ was in the frame for a role at Celtic.

There has been nothing officially from Celtic or Tisdale but in today’s Daily Mail McGowan confirms the role of the 51-year-old with an eye-catching dress sense:

Celtic tease with Kieran Tierney pictures

According to his old mucker Steve Perryman, Celtic’s new head of recruitment is a man who wears many hats.

If Paul Tisdale has his wits about him, he’ll leave them at home when he goes out in Glasgow city centre.

Once dubbed ‘the most stylish man in football’, the 51-year-old cut a dash on the Exeter City touchline by wearing 1950s-style pork pie hats, deerstalkers, tweed waistcoats and cravats.

Until March Mark Lawwell was in place as Celtic’s Head of Recruitment, a role that he held through four transfer windows in which only Alistair Johnston has been found to be first team ready.

Back in the summer of 2022 Lawwell brought in Sead Haksabanovic, Alexandro Bernabei, Ben Siegrist, Moritz Jenz and Oliver Abildgaard. Only Bernabei is still with Celtic but is in the middle of a loan spell with Brazilian side Internacional.

A similar fate awaited the signings of last summer with only Luis Palma, Yang Hyun-Jun and Maik Nawrocki still in the first team squad with none of those players starting a single match in the SPFL or Champions League this season.

This summer it seems that the manager has taken control of recruitment with a notable improvement in quality while still delivering a significant profit on trading.

Celtic Fan Favourite Spotted at Friday Night Derry City Match

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan was in attendance at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday night as Derry City played out a 1-1 draw with Bohemians in the League of Ireland.

6th October 2024; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Luke McCowan of Celtic

The former Ayr United man, who joined the Hoops from Dundee at the end of the summer transfer window, has quickly become a fan favourite at Parkhead despite still waiting for his first competitive start under Brendan Rodgers.

McCowan had featured in Wednesday’s friendly against Sligo Rovers, where he played the full 90 minutes as Celtic secured a late win. His appearance back in Ireland just two days later has sparked interest among fans, with a picture surfacing of the 26-year-old in the stands at Derry’s home ground:

Since he arrived in Glasgow, McCowan has been working hard to break into the Celtic team.

His performances and limited cameos have impressed supporters, and there’s growing anticipation that he could get more consistent game time in the near future.

With Celtic entering a gruelling run of seven matches in just 21 days, McCowan will be hoping to catch Rodgers’ eye and secure a spot in the starting 11.

While some might wonder why McCowan was at the Brandywell, it’s not unusual for players to take in games on their time off, especially given the proximity to Celtic’s midweek match.

For now, McCowan remains focused on pushing for his first competitive start as Celtic’s fixture list intensifies in both domestic and European competitions.

Forgotten Birmingham City whizzkid has caught Brendan Rodgers’ eye with goal glut

Ronan Hale joined Birmingham City in 2016 but left three years later without making a first team appearance

Ronan Hale celebrates his goal for Ross County against Celtic

A good number of Birmingham City supporters will remember the name Ronan Hale.

The Irish striker plundered goals in the club’s youth teams but never got the first team call. A succession of managers from Gary Rowett to Garry Monk ignored the clamour for Hale.

In 2019, after an initial loan spell with Derry City in which Hale scored seven goals, he made a permanent return to his homeland. The Belfast-born striker signed for Crusaders where he would play alongside his brother Rory – who also spent time in these parts with Aston Villa.

During spells with Crusaders, St Patrick’s and Larne, Hale found the net on a regular basis but not with the consistency he discovered at Cliftonville. Again reunited with his brother in 2022, Hale embarked upon two seasons of goal-scoring bliss.

Eighteen goals in his first season with Cliftonville was followed by 14 in just 25 matches in his second. Now 26, Hale – who has admitted to suffering from homesickness whilst at Blues – was ready to leave Ireland again.

Scottish Premiership side Ross County eventually won the race for Hale’s signature and he has enjoyed a goal-laden beginning. Seven goals in 11 matches, including a penalty against Celtic last time out, has got people talking.

“He’s made a great start to his life in Scotland,” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said. “He’s been a really good reference for the team.

“He’s obviously done great back home at Cliftonville, he’s come over at a good age with good experience. And he’s shown here, like we’ve seen his goal against Hearts, which is a brilliant finish, it shows he can score goals.”

Rodgers, a proud Northern Irishman, has a vested interest in Hale now that the striker is switching his international allegiances. Having represented the Republic of Ireland in his youth, Hale hopes to soon play for Northern Ireland.

Hale still hasn’t had the green light from FIFA, but it is only a matter of time before the striker pulls on a Northern Ireland jersey.

“What I’ve heard is that it’s still with FIFA at the moment,” Hale said. “I don’t know how long the process takes but, listen, it’s kind of good in a way that I’ve got to focus on my Ross County career. I’m playing with a smile on my face and enjoying scoring goals, so long may it continue.

“It’s been out there that I’ve switched. Obviously it’s more about getting the ball rolling and seeing where it goes. But at the moment I’m just really focused on Ross County and the international is a bonus.”

Watch Video: Bernardo continues fine form with brilliant goal for Portugal U21s

March 26, 2024, Faro, Portugal. 2025 U21, U 21 EURO Qualifying, ,Portugal v Croatia – Group G. Paulo Bernardo POR and Veldin Hodza CRO.Photo Nuno Pires Veloso

Paulo Bernardo scored for Portugal’s U21s this evening as the Celtic midfielder continues his impressive start to the season. The 22-year-old scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Faroe Islands as Bernardo impressed.

In the dying stages, Portugal’s U21 skipper struck an excellent strike into the top corner to complete the scoring and put the game beyond doubt.

Paulo Bernardo goal for Portugal U21s 🇵🇹🍀

— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) October 11, 2024

Celtic v Benfica, November ’69, my first night in Paradise – Paddy Mcmenamin

Jock Stein congratulates his Celtic players after the 3-0 win over Benfica. Photo: The Celtic Star

I was up in Sligo on Wednesday night and reading about Brendan Rodgers’ first game on The Celtic Star, I’ve scribbled up my first experience!…

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers 9/10/2024. Photo: INPHO/Tom Maher

Brendan Rodgers reminiscing about his first Celtic game after the visit to Sligo set me thinking back to my own first experience.

Harry Hood in action, Shamrock Rovers 1-3 Celtic, Friendly, photo The Celtic Wiki

I actually went down to Dublin to see the Hoops v Shamrock Rovers in April ‘69 along with 10 mates. Six of the Lions were on show in a 3-1 victory in front of 10,000 at Tolka Park! But while that was technically the first time to see the famed green & white hoops it was November ‘69 v Benfica in the European Cup that I recognise as the first game in front of 75,000 as my baptism at Paradise!

Celtic v Benfica match ticket. Image, The Celtic Wiki

I had left school prematurely at 15 and working in a bar in Belfast city centre as the place simmered and eventually exploded. Between April in Dublin and Glasgow in November we had the Battle of the Bogside and the Falls burning, the football was a relief!

Celtic goalkeeper John Fallon saves from Benfica star Eusebio. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Earning £5 a week, the flight £5 and match ticket 50/- there wasn’t much to spend, in fact 50/- in debt already! I arrived at Aldergrove for an 11am flight but there was fog in Belfast so all flights delayed, as each hour passed hundreds of Celtic fans arrived and the bar trade was roaring as were the bhoys in sing song!

At 4am an announcement said we were to board but as fog had shifted to Glasgow we were going to Edinburgh! We got a coach to Glasgow amid rush hour traffic and arrived at six. I met a few older guys from Ballymena including a priest, I told him J was to go to an Aunt’s in Clydebank but he said I’d never make it and just stay with them and we’d get something to eat and a taxi to Paradise.

Willie Wallace scores against Benfica, 1969. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Arriving at the stadium I lost them amidst the 75,000 but will always remember their generosity as they are probably all passed on. Inside I walked from the old Rangers end to the Celtic end past a bouncing ‘Jungle’, two minutes into the game and big Gemmell burst the net from 30 yards, what an introduction to Paradise.

Further goals from Willie Wallace and Harry Hood and the place was bouncing, a wee old Scots guy handed me a naggin of whisky, ‘get that intae ye son’ as my heart pounded and I knew as being Irish this was home from home!

But the night wasn’t finished, I still didn’t know where Clydebank was? I jumped on first bus into town and then another bus to my Auntie’s place. The conductor said, ‘where you going don’ I replied ‘Glasgow Road’, he said ‘Glasgow Road is 10 miles long’! But thankfully he recognised the address and they dropped me off near Kilbowie Road.

Harry Hood scores Celtic’s third goal against Benfica (1969). Photo The Celtic Wiki

I found the number, 247, but no answer to the knock as I waited at 11pm, 13 hrs after I left home! Then the door blew open, it was the ‘close’ and inside was 247! The Uncle opened the door, Both Donegal people and their boys Celtic to the core.

They were Intrigued what happened me but a cup of tea and a scotch roll in front of a hot fire was very welcoming and then bed where they had a big teddy bear with a Celtic scarf and a hot water bottle, a nice ending to a great day, 55 yrs ago next month!

The Celtic View’s coverage of Celtic 3 Benfica 0, 1969.

Last night in Sligo I saw young boys probably at their first match with their scarfs and hats, they were as excited as I was back then. Also coincidentally I was at the game in 1983 v Finn Harps that was BR’s first game. I remember it was Charlie Nicholas last game also Cesar, and 10,000 in attendance all Celtic people such is the attraction in Ireland as it was in the home place of Walfrid last night in Sligo!

Paddy Mcmenamin

Matt Corr, author of Celtic in the Thirties, at Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Former Premier League striker reveals missed Celtic opportunity

Former Premier League striker Carlton Cole has revealed that he turned down an opportunity to go to Celtic in 2005. The West Ham icon would eventually sign for the Paradise club but has said that there was an opportunity when he was at the peak of his powers.

Speaking to Frank McAvennie’s Let Me Be Frank podcast, Cole stated that there had been an opportunity to sign for the club under Gordon Strachan.

“I was offered to go there before I went to West Ham. I had a meeting with Bolton and Sam Allardyce before I was going to leave, I think in 2005/06. I did a medical with Spurs and that didn’t go through and Celtic were one of the other teams.

Carlton Cole scores for Celtic. Credit: Reuters

“I wanted to stay in the Premier League, that was my main goal and that is what I needed to do. When I was eventually offered to go to Celtic, I said yes, that’s what I wanted for my life and my career.

It was just the wrong timing, it just didn’t match up.”

Ten years later, Cole would make the move to Celtic in a transfer that left many scratching their head. The veteran attacker struggled with a calf injury and looked rusty in his five appearances for the club. One goal and another contribution (that one vs Inverness) was all that the Englishman had to show for his time at the club.

Cole has taken aim at Ronny Deila for his role in the poor performances at the club but he has spoken about his pride at pulling on the Hoops.

Video: Celtic Midfielder Paolo Bernardo Scores Stunning Late Goal for Portugal U21

Celtic midfielder Paolo Bernardo played a pivotal role in Portugal U21’s 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands on Friday evening, netting a superb goal in the 89th minute to seal the win in their Euro qualifiers.

The 21-year-old’s strike was the highlight of the match, adding to his growing reputation on the international stage. The late goal capped off a strong performance for Bernardo, who continues to be a key player for his national side in the U21 European Championship qualifiers.

Bernardo joined Celtic on a permanent deal this summer, after a successful loan spell last season. Signed from Benfica for a modest fee, the young midfielder has made it clear with his performances that he is pushing to become part of Brendan Rodgers first midfield three. His impressive form has seen him remain a prominent figure for Portugal’s U21s, demonstrating the level of talent that convinced Celtic to secure his services.

Celtic fans will be delighted to see Bernardo continue his development on the international stage, and his contribution to Portugal’s latest victory will only add to the excitement surrounding his potential.

Paulo Bernardo goal for Portugal U21s 🇵🇹🍀

— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) October 11, 2024

With performances like this, Bernardo is showing he can deliver at both club and international level, a promising sign for Celtic as they look to build on a strong start to the season.

Greg Taylor in Celtic ‘bust-up’ with Brendan Rodgers

Celtic left-back Greg Taylor will have to put any issues with manager Brendan Rodgers behind him if he wants to earn his place back from in-form Alex Valle.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie believes the 26-year-old may have had a bust-up with Rodgers, 51, and admits his competition with Alex Valle, 20, is ‘good for the team’.

Taylor reportedly picked up a calf injury in Celtic’s heavy 7-1 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund and was forced to sit out their 2-1 win over Ross County on Sunday (October 6).

Barcelona loanee Valle has since stepped into the first team seamlessly, making six recoveries and winning three duels in his first full 90 minutes of the season against the Scottish Premier League strugglers.

Celtic doing fine without Greg Taylor

Valle was brought in to prove cover for Taylor after the Scotland international played 46 games across all competitions last season.

The Glasgow giants look well on their way to a fourth consecutive Scottish Premier League title after winning all seven of their opening league games.

“I like him (Valle), he’s got some great touches”, McAvennie told Football Insider.

“He likes to defend, I’m all for my left-back wanting to defend, I think he’s going to be good, I think he’s going to give Greg Taylor a run for his money that’s for sure.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

“You hear Greg Taylor is injured or you hear he’s fallen out with the manager, there is all sorts of rumours going about a bust-up.

“But at the moment, the boy has come in and he’s not done anything wrong, and Greg will know whether he’s injured or whether he’s fallen out with the manager, he will have to fight to get back in.

“And that’s competition, it’s good for the team.”

Celtic now eyeing 20 y/o Di Maria-like player with “a lot of personality”

Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are eyeing a new 20-year-old gem who has been compared to former Argentina great Angel Di Maria, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Celtic strong in Scottish Premiership but suffer Dortmund defeat

The Hoops still look nailed-on favourites to win yet another Scottish Premiership title this season, having won all seven games in the competition, sitting top of the league in the process. While Aberdeen are level on points with them at the moment, it would be a surprise if they remained in the hunt all the way through the campaign, with Rangers the biggest threat five points behind.

Celtic‘s limitations have been exposed in the Champions League, however, with a 7-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund one of the most dispiriting results they have suffered in a long time.

Granted, they won their opening match in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, seeing off Slovan Bratislava in a 5-2 victory, but more quality could be needed for Rodgers’ side to be a genuine force in Europe.

The January transfer window will offer Celtic the chance to make new signings, at which point they will hopefully still be in the Champions League, and they have been linked with a move for a hugely exciting talent.

Celtic eyeing gem with “a lot of personality”

According to a new report from The Boot Room, Celtic are now eyeing Midtjylland forward Dario Osorio, as they battle rivals Rangers for a fresh transfer target.

The two Scottish giants “admire” the 20-year-old, but there is also believed to be plenty of interest from Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Newcastle United all mentioned as potential suitors.

Osorio is a young player with such a high ceiling, so the idea of Celtic beating many top clubs to his signature is a mouthwatering prospect. The fact that the young attacker has been likened to Di Maria immediately bodes well, with the Argentina one of the best and most successful wingers of his generation, winning the 2022 World Cup and many other trophies in his career.

Meanwhile, Chile legend Alexis Sanchez has heaped praise on his compatriot, saying: “Dario has a lot of personality and that is important. You need that to play for the national team and at the highest level. Gary Medel and Arturo Vidal once had it and he has it, too.”

Osorio has scored 11 goals in 40 appearances for Midtjylland and has also netted once in 13 caps for Chile, and the fact that he still has so many years ahead of him means he should only mature into a more complete player over time.

His legs are gone’: Lennon’s pre match Pirlo analysis was caught cold

Andrea Pirlo, who retired in 2017, in action for Juventus at Celtic Park (Image: SNS Group)

Charlie Mulgrew has told the story of how Neil Lennon’s Celtic tactics once backfired just minutes into a UEFA Champions League clash.

The Hoops were playing Juventus in a last-16 first leg at Parkhead during the 2012/13 season when Lennon was manager at the club.

The former Celtic gaffer had put a lot of his pre-game emphasis on stopping Italy veteran Andrea Pirlo dictate the play in midfield, and even suggested to his players that the two-time Champions League winner’s legs had gone.

Mulgrew featured from the off against the Serie A giants as Celtic lost 3-0.

Alessandro Matri scored the game’s opener within three minutes following excellent play by Pirlo before Claudio Marchisio and Mirko Vucinic rounded off the scoring in the second half.

Speaking on the latest Open Goal Podcast, the ex-Hoops defender shared an extract of how Lennon, who’s had two spells in the Celtic dugout, tried to play down the level of opposition.

“He done it with Juventus, right,” Mulgrew said. “He circled Pirlo and went ‘his legs have gone’. That’s what he said.

“And I’m like that (pulls exasperated face).

“Get after him, he’s saying. Then the first two minutes the ball comes into him, somebody goes after him, and off he goes around the corner, the boys in and scores.

“He flipped it around the corner, he had wing mirrors on, he didn’t need his legs.

“It gave you belief though, like he’s saying to you ‘Pirlo’s legs have gone’ so if you actually hear that, you hear I’ve got good legs because he’s said I can get after him.

“You know what I mean, you think ‘I’ve got a chance here’.”

Rangers ‘biggest problem’ leaves Kris Boyd with stick in his throat as reluctant pundit names Celtic star his POTY

The Gers have made a stuttering start to the season and club legend Boyd believes it is down to a recruitment policy employed in recent years

Kris Boyd believes that the biggest problem facing Philippe Clement and Rangers is that the Belgian boss simply does not know his best team.

Clement bolstered his squad with nine new signings over the summer, but has been unable to name consistent starting XI each week due to a combination of injuries, suspensions and poor performances amid the Gers challenging start to the season. After the first seven matches, they trail city rivals Celtic by five points at the top of the Premiership while their hopes of progression in the Europa League have been dealt a blow after being hammered 4-1 by Lyon at Ibrox despite claiming a 2-0 away win at Lyon on matchday one.

And former Light Blues favourite Boyd reckons that the club’s recruitment policy of quantity over quality in recent seasons is coming back to haunt them once again. Speaking on The Warm-Up, the William Hill SPFL’s weekly preview show, he said: “Listen it’s hard for me to sit here (and say), in terms of it’s a project, I don’t think Rangers Football Club should ever be a project.

“There were a lot of changes over the summer. This has been one of Rangers’ problems for a number of years now. I don’t think that the recruitment policy, the players that have been brought in have improved the eleven as such.

“We’re now in October, I couldn’t name Rangers’ best eleven right now, and I don’t think Philippe Clement can either, hence the reason he’s changing players every week.”

The ex striker has also begrudgingly picked Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn as his player of the season so far. The German initially struggled to settle at Parkhead following his £3million arrival from Rapid Vienna last January but has started the current campaign like a house on fire with six goals and eight assists from his first 11 outings in all competitions.

Boyd added: “He might have started a bit slowly (last season) but there was still glimpses there where you thought yourself, there might be something there. It was just putting it all together, but I mean this season I think he’s been outstanding.”

Peter Grant shares what he thought was ‘terrific’ about Celtic’s friendly win over Sligo Rovers

Celtic were able to give supporters some light relief from the international break during their midweek trip to take on Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Emerging as 3-2, Luis Palma’s hat-trick on Irish shores for Celtic has won the Honduran favour as he bids to work his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

Luke McCowan and Hyunjun Yang were also on song for the Bhoys on a night of celebration for their support across the water. Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki added to their minutes for the season.

All in all, Rodgers was pleased with Celtic’s outing in Sligo, as he told fringe players to look upon the clash as an opportunity to seize their chance, which some of them delivered on.

He wasn’t the only one happy with the night’s work. Peter Grant has now chimed in to offer some other reasons to be positive after the Hoops defeated the League of Ireland opposition.

Peter Grant on Celtic’s win over Sligo Rovers

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant lauded the ‘terrific attitude’ shown collectively by the Celtic’s senior players and young stars against Sligo Rovers.

He explained: “I thought all the senior players showed a terrific attitude. I think that’s the biggest thing when you go to these games because everybody is getting a break, everybody is going away and having a bit of time off; all the other teams and these boys went out there.

“I’m sure, in the back of their mind, they would like to spend this little bit of time (off) because even though they’re not playing, they’re travelling everywhere, they’re on the bench week in, week out, but all the senior players’ attitude was excellent. You expect that from the younger ones, but they have to show it first and foremost.

🤝 Thanks for having us,

Slán go fóill! 💚🤍🧡

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 9, 2024

“They went about their business proper; Palma got in at the back post a few times, and Yang was chasing back after if he lost possession, just small things. I know people say you expect that, but it’s easy enough to throw the towel in and think ‘well I shouldn’t be playing this’, but every one of their attitudes were excellent.

“The young boys stood up to it, they showed they could play and handle the ball in the middle of the pitch, there was a few of the young boys in there. Turley, I like him; I’ve liked him all through pre-season. He has a good understanding of the game and can play with good players.”

Celtic turn their focus to upcoming Aberdeen clash

Now that the dust has settled on the Sligo exercise, Celtic boss Rodgers has laid out his plan for facing Aberdeen next Saturday in a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash.

The Irishman said: “A little bit of rest, but then, obviously planning ahead for that really exciting game. The first game back, so I’m looking forward to that and we will have a couple of days to recover now. It’s been a long period of games, seven games in 23 days.

“A little bit of recovery time and then we’ll look forward to get everyone back in preparing for the Aberdeen game.”

While 12 Celtic players are on international duty, the collective focus at Celtic will now be on claiming three points to kickstart their momentum ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

“Not thinking too far ahead” – Player has Celtic renewal talks on agenda, but not distracted by them

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has told the Danish media his future will be sorted out in the new year.

With Ian Hart retiring at the end of last season Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers brought in the Denmark international during the summer window.

Ekstra Bladet have reported on comments Schmeichel made to their sport magazine Bold when asked about whether he will extend his stay with Celtic beyond this season. The veteran keeper said it wasn’t something he was thinking about at this stage, but in the near future it will be discussed.

“It’s something we’ll sit down and talk about at some point in the new year. For the time being, I am not thinking that far ahead. My focus is on the things that happen here and now,” said the Dane.

The 37-year-old joined Celtic on a one-year contract during the summer despite attention from Premier League sides like Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

Schmeichel has conceded just one goal in Celtic’s opening seven league games this season as Rodgers’ side top the Scottish Premiership table.

However, it’s unlikely the Glasgow club will want a situation like last season after Hart announced he would be retiring from football, and they may move early to secure the services of Schmeichel for another campaign.

Scales keen to ensure Ireland develop a ‘winning mentality’ after Finland win

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ireland’s Liam Scales admits that he doesn’t want Ireland’s win in Helsinki to become a one-off result and wants a winning mentality to come from it.

The Ireland team ended their losing streak away from home by coming from behind to beat Finland 2-1 in Helsinki on Thursday. Goals from Scales and Robbie Brady ensured that Ireland, under Heimir Hallgrimsson, recorded their first win at the third attempt.

A lot has been said about the Ireland team because of the previous losses, and who knows—it may just have been a good day for the Boys in Green. However, Scales is keen to emulate their wins more often by creating a stronger mentality.

“We knew we had to show character. We knew the game was there to win, or at least to get a point, but we obviously wanted to win,” Scales said on Thursday night to the Independent.

“We want to make that a common occurrence—winning big games, winning games away from home, and winning at home as well. Hopefully, we can take that mentality into the next few games.”

Ireland’s next game will be against rivals Greece on Sunday, which will be a much tougher test for Hallgrimsson’s side. The Greeks beat England 2-1 at Wembley and will be very confident of defeating Ireland for the second time this Nations League campaign. They beat Ireland 2-0 in Dublin last September.

This guy 💚 pic.twitter.com/Y0axtegbnl

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 10, 2024

Scales is aware of the task at hand but admits that the high from the Finnish win will give the Ireland team more confidence when the sides meet. The Celtic star adds that beating teams like Greece will be key for qualification for major tournaments to come.

“Obviously, it’s a tough fixture; we have struggled against them in the past,” said Scales.

“But we are going in on a high now, and we need to make this a mentality—a winning mentality—that we can go away to tough places and take wins. That’s how you are going to qualify for tournaments, so that’s the way we need to look at this game.

“We have played them enough to know what they are like, and it’s just about going out there, being solid, and hopefully winning the game.”

Ireland’s game kicks off at 7:45 PM on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland Squad: Finland & Greece

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City)

Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).

UEFA Nations League: Fixtures

13/10 – Greece vs. Ireland, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens, 7.45pm (9.45pm local time)

Celtic kid scores first international goal with delicious dink to notch late winner

Celtic may be out of action with the international break in full flow, but there are several Bhoys featuring for their countries to tune into over the coming days.

Yesterday, Liam Scales scored the Republic of Ireland’s equaliser against Finland alongside Daizen Maeda making a cameo in Japan’s 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Out of the 12 Celtic players on international duty, the two men in question have got the Bhoys contingent representing their nations off to a flying start. Adam Idah also came on to help the Boys in Green over the line, so there is plenty to be positive about despite club football remaining on the back burner for now.

Scotland and Denmark are in action over the weekend, which may see Celtic pair Anthony Ralston and Kasper Schmeichel in action. Further afield, Auston Trusty may also feature for the United States against either Panama or Mexico.

In among the seniors thriving at international level, you may have missed one of the Bhoys’ Academy prospects getting himself on the scoresheet.

Celtic prospect Mitchel Frame scores for Scotland Under-19’s

After making his senior debut against Feyenoord last campaign, Mitchel Frame hasn’t been seen at senior level since despite remaining an exciting prospect.

Nevertheless, the 18-year-old has now scored his first goal for Scotland at Under-19 level, latching onto a ball from Kyle Ure before slotting home to help the Tartan Army claim a late victory over Hungary, as provided by Scotland platform The Young Team on X.

An excellent second for Scotland u19, again assisted by Kyle Ure and this time scored by Mitchel Frame.

2-1 after 86 mins but there will be lengthy added time due to injuries.

— The Young Team 🏴󐁧󐁢󐁳󐁣󐁴󐁿 (@The_Young_Team) October 10, 2024

Scotland will face off against Hungary Under-19 again on Sunday, providing the second leg of a friendly double-header.

Josh Dede and Colby Donovan were also involved after being called up to feature. Meanwhile, Daniel Cummings made a late appearance from the bench.

Mitchel Frame’s Celtic first-team chances

Following his brief cameo against Feyenoord last year, Trevor Sinclair commended Frame for handling the occasion ‘superbly’ on the night. However, his appearance was fleeting, as he is now back involved with Celtic B under Stephen McManus.

Making 13 appearances across all competitions this term, the Drongan-born youngster has scored once against Tranent in a 6-0 victory, but Greg Taylor and Alex Valle may prove to be difficult competition regarding his first-team chances.

For now, showing what he can do in the B Team will have to suffice. Come January, the chance to gain some senior experience on loan would also help his case.

Developing by testing yourself against senior professionals of a decent calibre can work wonders for young stars; that may be the next step for him.

Forrest misses Scotland training prior to Croatia clash

Ryan Christie (L) and James Forrest (R) during a Scotland training session at Lesser Hampden earlier this week (Image: SNS Group)

Celtic winger James Forrest was a notable absentee during Scotland’s final training session before jetting off to Croatia.

It’s not known yet whether it was just a precautionary measure by the Scotland medical staff as they prepare to visit the Croats in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening and then host Portugal at Hampden Park a few days later.

Forrest, 33, has only recently got himself back involved with the national team following a strong end to the 2023/24 season at Celtic.

He was included among Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer, yet failed to make an appearance at the tournament.

He was also called up for the September internationals but withdrew along side Celtic teammate Greg Taylor.

With Callum McGregor now focusing on club football, Forrest and Anthony Ralston are the only Hoops representatives in the Scotland camp this time around.

Ralston may end up being the lone soldier over in Zagreb though if Forrest isn’t deemed fit enough to feature and add to his 39 Scotland caps.

(Image: SNS Group/SFA)Manager Clarke is already left with a selection dilemma after the likes of Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Angus Gunn, Lewis Ferguson, and Lawrence Shankland were all forced to remain at home due to injury.

That means there’s six uncapped players in the squad ready to grasp their chance.

Ange let “gifted” Celtic star leave for £0, now he’s outscoring Engels

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As Matt O’Riley packed his bags for Brighton at the climax of the window, those of a Celtic persuasion may well have been fearing the worst for the season ahead, with the Old Firm giants having lost such an influential figure in the heart of the midfield.

The former MK Dons playmaker had been simply masterful in 2023/24 after registering 19 goals and 18 assists in just 49 games in all competitions, taking his total tally for the club to 62 goals and assists in 124 outings.

A £25m talent such as that is hard to replace, not least for a fraction of the cost, but to the Hoops’ credit, they do look to have recruited effectively in order to fill that creative void.

To steal a phrase from Moneyball, Brendan Rodgers and co appear to have replaced the Denmark international ‘in the aggregate’, rather than with one sole purchase, bringing in three permanent additions in those attacking midfield berths in the form of Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels.

Despite a shaky showing away at Ross County last time out – in which the Belgian was hooked on the hour mark as the visitors trailed – it has been a particularly solid start to life in Glasgow for that man, Engels.

Arne Engels’ start at Celtic

As stated, the former Augsburg starlet – who signed on a club-record £11m deal in the wake of O’Riley’s exit – was far from at his best last time out, having notably squandered possession on 15 occasions in what was a rather anonymous showing.

That said, from just seven appearances for the club thus far, the 21-year-old boasts a promising return of two goals and three assists in all competitions – a fine way to begin repaying that sizeable transfer fee.

That haul of five goal involvements places Engels alongside the likes of Alistair Johnston and Callum McGregor among the Celtic ranks, with the club captain notably also starring in the midfield, with four goals and one assist thus far.

Only Kyogo Furuhashu (six goal involvements), Daizen Maeda (eight goal involvements) and Nicolas Kuhn (14 goal involvements) have contributed to more goals to the side so far, indicating just how effective both Engels and McGregor have been in the centre of the park.

Their record is, however, being matched or bettered by a former Parkhead star who is currently shining away from the club, having been allowed to leave under Ange Postecoglou on a free.

Olivier Ntcham’s season so far

Described as “highly gifted” and a player who “has everything” by Rodgers upon his arrival at Celtic Park from Manchester City back in 2017, Olivier Ntcham went on to enjoy a successful four-year stint at the club, winning nine domestic trophies in all in that time.

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

After chalking up 37 goals and assists in 124 games for the club across all fronts, the Cameroon international eventually opted to move in the summer of 2021, having previously spent a half-season on loan at Ligue 1 side, Marseille.

Despite Postecoglou’s suggestion that Ntcham wanted to stay put in Glasgow, the midfielder eventually departed following the expiry of his contract, moving on to Swansea City in England’s second tier.

That stint yielded 18 goal involvements in 82 games, although it is at current side Samsunspor where the 28-year-old has truly found his feet, after arriving in Turkey back in 2023.

Since then, the French-born maestro has registered ten goals and one assist in just 35 games, having particularly impressed in the early knockings of this season.

Much like McGregor, Ntcham has scored four times – and contributed one assist – in eight Super Lig outings, ensuring he has surpassed Engels’ return in front of goal.

As club legend Chris Sutton stated, the one-time Genoa man’s career was “on the drift” during his final days at Celtic, with it pleasing to see that he has now found his feet elsewhere.

Ntcham’s Super Lig stats

8 games (8 starts)

4 goals

1 assist

1 ‘big chance’ created

0.9 key passes*

85% pass accuracy*

0.3 interceptions*

1.3 tackles*

6.1 balls recovered*

1.5 successful dribbles*

52% total duels won*

11.8x possession lost*

Stats via Sofascore (*per game)

A player who could produce moments of magic in his pomp – including that winner against Lazio – Ntcham certainly had enjoyed a level of success in a Celtic shirt, albeit while enduring something of a turbulent end to his time in Scottish football.

Alas, he is now thriving in pastures new, while Celtic, meanwhile, look set to maintain their domestic dominance backed by a new crop of exciting midfield assets.

Player turned down 3 Premier League clubs for Celtic – Doesn’t care about the money

Turning down a move to the Premier League and everything on offer there isn’t something most players would do, so turning down three clubs from England’s top flight is even more unusual.

Friday’s edition of Ekstra Bladet reports that’s exactly what Kasper Schmeichel did in the summer. The Danish newspaper states the goalkeeper was wanted by Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, but rejected all three to move to Celtic instead.

That’s partly because Brendan Rodgers’ side were able to offer Champions League football, and that aspect was a huge advantage for Celtic when it came to securing the Denmark international.

Ekstra Bladet quote the 37-year-old as saying: “Playing for the championship, as I am now doing at Celtic, and at the same time being at the highest level in the Champions League, motivates me.

“When I look back on my career, the moments I have enjoyed the most have been the few matches I have had in the Champions League.

“Of course the Premier League has a very special place in my heart, but for me it was an easy choice to go to Celtic, where I have come to a club that plays in the Champions League, must win every game and has 60,000 for everyone the home games. Those is exactly the challenges that really motivate me.”

Schmeichel won the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester City, so he’s got England’s top honours boxed off already.

He could have gone further afield than Celtic, chasing money and a last bumper contract, but that was also far from his mind when choosing a new club in the summer.

On that aspect, the goalkeeper simply said: “When it comes to football, money has never been a motivation for me.”

Now his attention will be on adding to his trophy cabinet and perhaps securing a longer term stay at Celtic.

Preston North End star scores late winner for Republic of Ireland as Celtic man on score sheet in Finland

Robert Brady in action | Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images

Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Finland

Preston North End man Robbie Brady scored the 89th minute winner, as Ireland sealed a 2-1 comeback win over Finland.

It’s the first win of the Heimir Hallgrímsson-era for the Republic – as well as the first victory of their UEFA Nations League campaign. They had to do it the hard way in Helsinki, as Finland striker Joel Pohjanpalo capitalised on a Nathan Collins error and fired the hosts ahead – after just 17 minutes.

But, Ireland were level on 57 minutes as Brady provided a delightful set-piece assist. His free-kick delivery was met in the air by Celtic defender Liam Scales, who headed home his first Ireland goal. The game then looked to be heading for a draw.

However, with one minute of normal time to play, Watford man Festy Ebosele crossed to the back post for Brady – who brought the ball down and blasted it into the roof of the net, from close range, past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. It proved the winner, as Ireland won their first Nations League away game.

Post-match, Brady said: “You can see the hard work the lads are putting in every camp and the results weren’t going our way. You can sense something was coming. There is millions of pounds worth of talent in that dressing room.

“I’m just delighted to get the win tonight. Liam Scales has done unbelievable to get himself a goal and a bit of magic when Festy came on and I thought he was excellent when he came on. Pace and power and a great delivery for the second.”

Speaking post-match, Hallgrimsson said: “I think we can be happy with a lot of things today in the performance. I thought in the first half one mistake and we were punished and I thought we played pretty good, especially at the end of the first half.

“We built on that in the second one. It was not a perfect match, they got at least two chances in the second half and we could have been punished again. It’s always good to get a win, we talked about confidence and I think this game will help them in that area.”

Ireland come from behind to beat Finland and record their first away win in the Nations League

The Republic of Ireland boosted by this win now travel to face the Greeks who beat England 2-1 on Sunday night

Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo scores a goal past Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher

Dylan O’ Connell

Finland 1

Republic of Ireland 2

A late-late goal from Robbie Brady was the difference as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Finland 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.

The full-back hit the roof of the net in the 88th minute, and decided a game that saw Joel Pohjanpalo scoring after a mistake by Nathan Collins and Liam Scales equalising with a header at the start of the second half.

They now travel to Greece to take on the Greeks on Sunday night, who will be boosted by their incredible 2-1 away win over England.

It was all about a performance after back-to-back defeats to England and Greece in September, and it looked like it was going to be more of the same after the Finland striker picked the pocket of the Ireland captain and slotted in passed Kelleher in the 17th minute.

Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic of Ireland in action against Topi Keskinen of Finland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Finland and Republic of Ireland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Up until that point, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team looked solid during this at both ends of the pitch, with some good work in the final third by Chiedozie Ogbene and Finn Azaz complimented by Collins and Scales controlling the penalty area and making sure shots from Topi Keskinen and Tomas Galvez caused no fuss.

Then Pohjanpalo scored and Ireland poured forward in search of an equaliser.

The chance to tie the game was chalked off after Collins broke down a Brady free-kick to Evan Ferguson.

The striker scored, but the offside flag went up as he ran away in celebration and it remained 1-0 to Finland in the 20th minute.

Ireland renewed their quest in the dying seconds of the first half, and the best they could do during a flurry of activity around the penalty box was a tame Finn Azaz shot which went straight into the hands of Lukas Hradecky.

The goalkeeper also came out to deal with a set-piece routine by Ireland after the restart that involved Scales breaking down a Brady corner to Sammie Szmodics at the back post.

It was a positive moment, and it was followed by a free-kick on the right wing after Ogbene was pulled back. Brady sent this to Scales and the defender headed in the equaliser in the 56th minute.

It was almost followed by a second as Ferguson tried his luck from distance and hit the ball straight to Hradecky.

The travelling supporters were suddenly delirious, and they were brought back down to earth with a shot from Glen Kamara that went just over in the 63rd minute.

This was the start of a prolonged spell in possession for the home side, and the best they could do was an attempt from Tomas Galvez that flashed wide.

Ireland kept their shape and took the three points when Festy Ebosele dribbled through and crossed to Brady for a stunning strike at the back post that hit the roof of the net.

Robbie Brady of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Finland and Republic of Ireland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Finland: Lukas Hradecky; Tomas Galvez, Robert Ivanov, Arttu Hoskonen, Glen Kamara, Robin Lod, Rasmus Schüller, Adam Ståhl, Joel Pohjanpalo, Topi Keskinen, Leo Walta.

Subs: Matti Peltola for Schüller (65); Oliver Antman for Keskinen (65), Benjamin Kallman for Pohjanpalo (78), Teemu Pukki for Leo (78), Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher; Liam Scales, Dara O’Shea, Josh Cullen, Sammie Szmodics, Evan Ferguson, Robbie Brady, Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Chiedozie Ogbene, Nathan Collins.

Subs: Jamie McGrath for Azaz (70); Troy Parrott for Ferguson (70), Festy Ebosele for Ogbene (80), Adam Idah for Szmodics (80).

‘Big-time leadership’, ‘Standout’ – Preston star earns rave reviews after ‘dramatic’ Republic of Ireland win

Robbie Brady scored the last minute winning goal | Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images

A first win of the Heimir Hallgrimsson-era for Ireland

Preston North End star Robbie Brady was the hero for the Republic of Ireland, as they beat Finland 2-1 in the Nations League.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side trailed one-nil at half-time, in Helsinki, but Brady played a key hand in both of Ireland’s second half goals. His free-kick delivery was headed home by Celtic’s Liam Scales, on 57 minutes.

And, with one minute of normal time to play, Brady was picked out at the back post by Watford’s Festy Ebosele. The PNE man, making his 67th cap for his country, brought the ball down and rifled it into the roof of the net – to spark wild scenes. Brady was Man of the Match and earned three 8/10 ratings in the Irish national media.

The Irish Times wrote: ‘Seemed like a dead end in possession for much of the first half, but roared into it after the break. Brilliant ball in for the Scales goal and then popped up at the back post to lash home the winner. Big-time leadership from the veteran.’

The Irish Independent agreed with their rating and weighed in with: ‘Standout shift from left-back. Set piece deliveries were good, most notably to assist Scales’ equaliser. Performed his defensive duties well too but stole the headlines with a fantastic strike for the winner.’

Balls.ie, meanwhile, commented: ‘Brighter than he was against Greece or England, and also better acquitted himself physically. His final ball in attack did leave much to be desired, though his set-piece delivery was solid as expected. Pushed the Irish play forward down the left consistently, and his impact spread across the field early in the second half.

‘His superb whipped free-kick delivery led to Ireland’s equaliser. Even better was his wonderful finish from Festy Ebosele’s cross to secure a dramatic late win for Ireland and inject life into the Hallgrímsson era. After two shocking displays last time out, this was a night to remember for Brady.’

And former Ireland international, Stephen Kelly, post-match said: “Robbie Brady in the second half has shown exactly what we needed. The passion, determination, making tackles and doing something special in the game. He puts the cross in for the goal before coming up with the sensational winner.”

Revived Scotland ace opens up on learning thirst, those Rangers links and club’s right path

Midfielder says coaching badge courses and new manager are helping him at 32

Kenny McLean is a strong example of how footballers are increasingly defying the notion that a career declines the ‘wrong’ side of 30.

The 32-year-old is enjoying something of a renaissance at club level with Norwich City, who are motoring along nicely under new Danish coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. And with Scotland, McLean has started the past two matches in central midfield and looking to cement his place in the team now that Callum McGregor has retired from the international scene.

McLean is set to win his 45th Scotland cap on Saturday in the Nations League A1 clash with Croatia in Zagreb. He looks forward to such a scenario with relish. Eager to keep learning, he believes players become more attentive to new styles and outlooks the older they become.

“It’s been pretty good to be fair,” is McLean’s assessment of the 2024/25 campaign so far. “We had a slow start with the new manager. We were still adapting to a lot of stuff that he wanted us to do. The last few games have been really good actually. We’re in a good place and I think it’s set up for a good, exciting season for us.”

Kenny McLean is enjoying life under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich. | Getty Images

Is McLean enjoying his football as much as he has ever done? “Aye, even at the young age of 32 I’m feeling good,” he replies. “We’re playing really good stuff. the way the manager wants to play. That’s what everybody wants to be involved in. So if there’s a chance of success there then we’re going to do everything to do that. As I say, we’re improving all the time and long may that continue.”

Norwich needed to reset after the agony of losing to Leeds heavily in the Championship play-offs last term. A large number of the team has moved on, with Thorup looking to lower the average age of the squad. Such a summer overhaul led to suggestions McLean may move back north, with Rangers a potential destination. The 32-year-old is coy on those Ibrox links.

“Not too much that needed spoken about, to be honest,” he smiles when quizzed on Rangers. “The manager was in the door for a couple of weeks and had a conversation with him. He’d made it quite clear publicly that he wanted young players and I didn’t quite fit that bracket!

“But when I spoke to him he knew he needed some experience about the place and I’ve been there a long time. He told me I was still a big part of the plan. So for me that was me secure and getting my head down at Norwich and not really focusing on elsewhere. It was something that was resolved pretty quickly.”

McLean sees his medium-term future in Norfolk. “I’ve got a few years left down there, so unless they boot me out the door or something else happens,” he says. “You never know what happens, but right now as I say we’re on the right path to hopefully success. Because the club’s going in the right direction. We’ve got good people in charge of the club. We’ve got new owners and stuff like that coming in. And a new manager who’s been a breath of fresh air.

McLean has started Scotland’s past two matches. | Getty Images

“It’s a really exciting time for the next few years. Obviously you won’t see it too much but the fans are really getting onside with it. They can see the way the club’s going. Obviously we’ve not been in the Prem for the last couple of years but that’s always been the ambition at the club. And that’s definitely what we’re after.”

Like all model pros though, McLean does have one eye on the day when playing comes to an end. He is taking his coaching badges alongside some other Scotland players, but reveals that it can still be of benefit in the shorter term.

“I think you actually learn more when you’re older to be honest,” McLean says, “because you take more in and you want to understand. You do understand the game more and you realise why things are being done a certain way. I’m doing my coaching badges now so I’m kind of taking information on, probably more than others.

“Obviously being one of the older players the manager relies on me to get the message across with him. So I need to buy into it really quickly and take it on board really quickly to then relate to the other boys as well as him doing what he’s doing in the meeting rooms, on the training pitch and stuff like that. I think the older I’ve got I’m taking more in and I’m learning the game more. I think it’s getting better. I’m not saying I’m getting any younger – but I think I’m definitely improving in terms of that side of the game and understanding it.”

The next couple of days allow McLean to focus on Scotland and put club football on the backburner. With so many injuries and withdrawals, McLean is one of the senior citizens in the squad for this double-header against Croatia and Portugal. He still believes the group has more than enough to succeed despite stellar names such as John McGinn being absent.

Scotland will be without John McGinn in Zagreb. | Getty Images

“I think we’ve got enough personality, enough quality, enough character here,” remarks McLean. “When the new boys come in, yeah obviously the first day is going to be a bit different in lads settling in but it’s an easy squad to come and settle into and these lads, they’re here on merit, they’ve worked hard to get here so they’re going to come away and they’re going to enjoy themselves and try and impress.

“So again it’s not going to be a case of missing a couple of players and thinking ‘I wish he was here’, it’s not like that at all. It’s about helping the lads that are coming in and encouraging them to do what they’re doing back at their club and what got them here.”

“You Could Sense Something Was Coming” – Robbie Brady Ireland’s Hero Again In Helsinki

Ireland have come back from a 1-0 deficit to record their first win of the Hallgímsson beating Finland in Helsinki. Second-half goals from Liam Scales and Robbie Brady proved the difference in The Boys in Green’s 2-1 win over the hosts.

It was Finland who struck first, with a sloppy Nathan Collins mistake gifting the Fins an early 1-0 lead against the run of the play. However, it wasn’t long before Ireland and Robbie Brady were back on top of the hosts with goals looking inevitable.

From the moment he re-emerged from the tunnel, Robbie Brady was a man with a mission. As well as driving Ireland’s attack throughout the half, Brady delivered a sensational freekick to set Liam Scales up for his first international goal and draw the score level.

With the game in deadlock, Fest Ebosele’s introduction made all the difference, with the substitute delivering a fantastic cross to set Brady up for an 87th-minute winner and leave Irish fans reminiscing about Lille.

🇫🇮 1-2 🇮🇪

Ireland lead! Festy Ebosele does so well to fashion the chance and it’s lashed home magnificently by Robbie Brady. ☘️

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Robbie Brady triumphant after heroic performance

Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance in Helsinki, a proud Robbie Brady struggled to contain his praise for his teammates telling Tony O’Donoghue of RTÉ that he could sense the result coming.

It was up there (with that goal in Lille). You see the hard work the lads are putting in every camp and the results are not going our way.

You could sense something was coming, there’s millions of pounds worth of young talent in that dressing room and just delighted to get the win tonight.

Modest as ever, Brady waved compliments away from his own incredible free kick to the goal scorer Scales, hailing his ability to get a goal out of it.

Scalesy done unbelievable to get himself a goal there and Festy with a bit of magic when he came on, I thought he was excellent.

Pace and power and a great delivery for the second. I think I heard some of them ‘try a cross’ but as soon as it sat up I thought I’d hit it, lucky enough it went in.

Heimir Hallgrimsson and player of the match Robbie Brady reflect on a sweet win for the Republic of Ireland in Helsinki

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport)

The sensational effort from Brady spanned much of the ninety minutes, with the Irish veteran leading the country’s attack for much of the second half and doing more than his fair share of work to earn the man of the match award.

Match Report | Finland 1-2 Republic of Ireland – Brady late winner

The Republic of Ireland secured their first away win in the UEFA Nations League campaign with a late strike from Robbie Brady, who fired home late for a 2-1 win against Finland in Helsinki.

Ireland went behind with Pohjanpalo scoring for the home side in the first-half but second-half goals from Liam Scales and Sky Player of the Match Brady secured the win for the Boys in Green.

Ireland created the first chance of the contest with Azaz’s dangerous ball to Szmodics at the back post that was cleared in the area by Ståhl. Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action to make his first save in the 14th minute when a long-range effort from Walta saw the Irish keeper getting down at his near post to stop the effort.

Finland was to score in the 17th minute when a short pass from Collins was intercepted by Pohjanpalo who stuck a low hard effort past Kelleher to the bottom right-hand corner.

Ireland was to have a goal ruled out as a Robbie Brady free-kick saw Collins knock the ball back to Ferguson who did score from close range but it was ruled that the ball went out of play so it was disallowed. Robbie Brady had a shot blocked en route to goal by Hoskonen following a clever corner routine that saw the midfielders’ effort on the edge of the box cleared. This was followed by another opportunity for Pohjanpalo for the home side whose low effort was saved comfortably.

Azaz had an attempt on goal in the 41st minute following a good through-ball from Ferguson but the effort was saved by Hradecky. Ireland had their best chance to equalise with two chances in quick succession just before half-time when Szmodics’s cross to Ferguson was met nearly met on the second ball by Collins, following that Ferguson forced a great save from Hradecky with his low strike put behind for a corner.

Jason Knight forced Hradecky into a stop in the opening stages of the second half as Ireland upped the attacking tempo. The away side continued to press high and created their best chance of the night following a Brady corner; a Liam Scales header was latched on by Szmodics with his effort saved by Hradecky at close range.

Ireland was to pull level in the 57th minute when an inch-perfect cross from Brady was met by the on-rushing Liam Scales who beat Hradecky by placing the ball to the far corner, the first international goal for the Celtic defender.

Finland nearly put themselves back in front in the 62nd minute as Kamara latched onto a short Pohjanpalo pass but his curling effort just went wide. Kelleher was called into action once again as Ståhl sent in a dangerous cross into the Irish area with Kelleher having to get down low to save at his near post despite the best and close attention of Pohjanpalo.

Källman went close for the home side late in the second half as the Finnish striker rose highest at the back post to meet a free kick that saw his effort flashing across the face of the goal.

Almost immediately from that opportunity, Ireland was to take the lead in the 88th minute when a terrific cross from Ebosele was met by Robbie Brady at the back-post, who composed himself to take the ball down in the area and smash the ball to the top of the net to seal the win for Ireland.

This was the first time since 2011 that Ireland has come from behind to win away from home and now they will travel to Athens for the second match in this international window where they face Greece.

Finland: Hradecky (GK), Galvez, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Kamara, Lod, Schüller (Peltola 64), Ståhl, Pohjanpalo (Pukki 77), Keskinen (Antman 64), Walta (Källman 77).

Subs not used: Joronen (GK), Sinisalo (GK), Jensen, Suhonen, Tenho, Nissilä, Alho, Uronen, Källman.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher (GK), Scales, O’Shea, Cullen, Szmodics (Idah 80), Ferguson (Parrott 70), Brady, Azaz (McGrath 70), Knight, Ogbene (Ebosele 80), Collins.

Subs not used: O’Leary (GK), Travers (GK), McGuinness, Omobamidele, Molumby, McAteer, Taylor, Johnston.

Booked: None

Sent Off: None

Player of the Match: Robbie Brady

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (MKD)

Luis Palma thrown Celtic lifeline as Brendan Rodgers serves up major praise for new signing

The Irishman says the Honduran has an ‘energy’ that can help the champions’ fight on all fronts

Celtic’s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Brendan Rodgers insists the door is still open for Luis Palma to make an impact at Parkhead.

The wide man notched a hat trick for Celtic in their friendly win against Sligo Rovers on Wednesday to serve a reminder to his manager after struggling for game time in recent weeks. Palma has only made one start this season in the League Cup against Falkirk and been restricted to a handful of sub experiences.

The £3m Honduran international has been tipped to make an exit in January with several MLS clubs keeping close tabs. Rodgers remained tight-lipped on transfer talks but the Hoops boss insisted Palma is still part of his immediate plans.

He said: “It’s one of those ones where I think for all players, all players want to play. But I’m only really concentrating on this next period. We’ve got a really busy period until January. I know I’ll need all the players.

“We’ve just come off a game of a run there of seven games in 23 days and there’s going to be times where we’re playing every two or three days and we need that energy. Sometimes that won’t be there like we had against Ross County in the first half but that will be the case in some other games. We need players to come off the bench, bring that energy and Luis is definitely one of those players that can do that for us.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Palma looked sharp over in Ireland and Rodgers admitted the winger has been unfortunate to miss out due to the form of wide men Nicholas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda. The manager said: “I was really pleased for him the other night. He took his goals really well, especially the last two, where he really got into the areas at the second point where we want him to get into.

“He worked hard, but that’s not an area that there’s any doubt with. You have to do the work, but that was a nice exercise for him. He wanted to stay in the international break to get the work in and obviously playing this game and it’s been a nice reward for him.

“He’s a very good technician and when he plays for the team and works hard and presses well then he can be a really good player.”

Rodgers will give some of his squad not on international duty a few days rest before getting back to work ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen after the break.

Full back Greg Taylor will miss the Dons clash through injury but Rodgers reckons borrowed Barcelona ace Alex Valle is starting to find his feet in Scotland. He said: “He’s a good player, now he’s settling in, he’s seeing how it works, strong, quick, serves it well. and the big thing with him is, which I really like – especially when he came on against Dortmund – was belief. He believes he’s a player and I’ve always said playing for Celtic you have to believe in yourself.

“It’s just going to be the case that there’s not going to be 11 players who will stake the claim to play in every single game, because games will be different and we’ll need different things. But as long as we’re getting performances from players that are coming in then that’s what’s important.”

Celtic had O’Riley’s replacement “in the door”, now he can’t get a game

Putting aside the last outing in Europe – best not to mention that – Scottish champions Celtic continue to fly high this season under Brendan Rodgers, having romped to seven straight victories in the Premiership, while conceding just once.

Despite having found themselves trailing to a Ronan Hale penalty away to Ross County at the weekend, there was a sense of inevitability that the Old Firm giants would come out on top in Dingwall. Cue Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn.

There were bumps in the road under Rodgers last season – namely the early exit to Kilmarnock in the League Cup – but it has proved a relatively smooth transition from life under Ange Postecoglou, with the Hoops’ domestic dominance over rivals Rangers only looking set to continue.

To Rodgers’ credit, he has maintained superiority over the Ibrox side despite having lost fleet-footed winger, Jota, back in the summer of 2023, followed by arguably an even more pivotal departure in the form of Matt O’Riley this time around…

Matt O’Riley’s record at Celtic

Few better deals spring to mind in recent memory than the signing of the Denmark international.

Plucked from MK Dons for a measly £1.5m in January 2022, the lesser-known “magician” – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – went on to cement cult hero status at Parkhead over the next two and a half years.

An effective creator under Postecoglou, it was the arrival of Rodgers, however, that truly brought the silky central midfielder into the limelight, going on to chalk up 38 goals and assists in just 52 games under the Northern Irishman’s watch.

Matt O’Riley’s Celtic record by coach

Postecoglou

Rodgers

Total

Games

124

Goals

Assists

Minutes played

4535

4561

9096

The undoubted talisman in 2023/24, like all good things it sadly had to come to an end, with a protracted summer saga seeing the 23-year-old belatedly join Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £25m fee at the tail end of the window.

Unfortunately for the London-born star, life on the South coast hasn’t got off to the best of starts due to injury, while back in Glasgow, Rodgers and co have set about filling the void with the additions of Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and former loanee, Paulo Bernardo.

The acquisition of that creative trio should be more than enough to ease O’Riley’s exit, with the club successfully dipping into the market to solve that problem, rather than turning to an in-house solution…

The man who was meant to replace O’Riley

In truth, O’Riley’s exit had long been in the works, with Celtic reportedly fielding interest from elite clubs across during the 2023 summer window, with Leeds United among those to have reportedly made a bid.

That speculation – which never seemingly burdened the one-time Fulham product – allowed the club the time to plot potential replacements, hence having moved efficiently to bolster their ranks with McCowan, Engels and Bernardo.

For some, the belief was that Rodgers actually already had O’Riley’s heir ready and waiting at Celtic Park, with writer Ryan McGinley insisting in November 2023 that they will “have his replacement already in the door to step up in Odin Thiago Holm”.

McGinley went on to claim that Holm – who is still just 21 – would be a “mainstay” in the midfield by the age of 22, although on current evidence, he will be lucky to still be a part of Rodgers’ ranks by then.

Having been signed from Valerenga on a £2m deal last summer, the promising Norwegian was tipped for big things, amid perhaps somewhat lazy comparisons to his compatriot Martin Odegaard, having also been nominated for the prestigious “Golden Boy” award in 2023.

Over a year on from arriving in Scotland, however, and Holm now appears at the bottom of the pile with regard to Rodgers’ midfield options, having made just 16 first-team appearances for the club, scoring only once and providing just a solitary assist.

Excluded from the Champions League roster last month, the youngster has also failed to even make the matchday squad for the last four league games, having made just three late substitute cameos in the top flight prior to that in 2024/25.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

That lack of game time has come amid criticism from Rodgers during pre-season, with the former Leicester City boss stating that both Holm and now ex-teammate Bosun Lawal “need to be a much higher level“:

“I think the two boys (Holm and Lawal) that you mentioned have talent. But I want more. A lot more. Talent not just enough. You can play in teams, but not in our team.”

Holm’s 2023/24 Premiership stats

9 games (2 starts)

0 goals

1 assist

2 ‘big chances’ created

0.4 key passes*

83% pass accuracy*

0.2 interceptions*

0.7 tackles*

0.2 successful dribbles*

46% total duels won*

Stats via Sofascore (*per game)

Having also referred to teenager Francis Turley as a glowing example of what Rodgers is looking for, it could be the case that Holm has been bumped down the pecking order even further, with work to be done to even get back on the bench moving forward.

Of course, there is still time for the £4.8k-per-week starlet to turn things around, but a goliath of a club like Celtic waits for no one. If you don’t take your chance, be warned that someone else – be it a McCowan or an Engels – certainly will.

Former Premier League star labels stint at Celtic ‘Mickey Mouse’ amid civil war inside Lennoxtown

Carlton Cole playing for Celtic. | SNS Group

An ex-Celtic player has had some harsh words for his former club.

Former Celtic forward Carlton Cole has lambasted his former club in a recent interview, branding them as ‘Mickey Mouse’ and blaming their medical staff for his below-par performances for the Hoops.

He claimed that Celtic’s duo of separate medical teams during his time at the club, who he said ‘couldn’t really agree’, left him being forced to ‘pick a side’. additionally, he also said he was not ‘mentally prepared for these things’.

Speaking on the Let Me Be Frank podcast on YouTube, Cole said: “From the outside at the time, Celtic looked like a massive club but when you go in and you see it, it was a little bit Mickey Mouse. It wasn’t great.

“For me, the medical team was essential to keep me going and keep me fit. But there were two – it was divided. There was the old faithful, the Scottish medical team and there was the Norwegian medical team as well. They couldn’t really agree, the two medical teams.

“So when you went in, you had to pick a side as a player. It was just really weird for me. That was just one of the things. But I’m not saying it was just that. But I’m just saying I was mentally prepared for these things. And it culminated into me not performing.”

During his brief stint at Celtic, Cole made four Scottish Premiership appearances, failing to score a single goal along the way. He did, however, score a goal against Stranraer in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Outside of Celtic Park, Cole played for clubs such as Chelsea, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa. He is perhaps best known for his time at West Ham United, for whom he made 256 appearances and scored scored 55 league goals across the Championship and the Premier League.

Watch Report: Duo of Calamitous Scott Bain Errors Against Sligo

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain was suspect for two goals this evening as the Hoops beat Sligo Rovers 3-2.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group E – Atletico Madrid v Celtic – Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – November 7, 2023 Celtic’s Scott Bain reacts before the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

The Bhoys headed across the Irish Sea to take on the Rovers in a mid-season friendly at the Showgrounds tonight.

Manager Brendan Rodgers fielded a team mixed with senior fringe players and exciting academy prospects.

Although Luis Palma put the visitors ahead early doors with a back-post-tap-in, strikes from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power turned the game on its head. Palma, though, scored twice late on to give the Celts a dramatic win.

The Honduran winger will undoubtedly take acclaim for tonight, but focus will surround stopper Bain, who was at fault for two goals.

Barlow’s shot from inside the box, which looked like a simple effort for Bain to deal with, ended up in the back of the net to draw Sligo level in the first half.

The third-choice Celtic ‘keeper fumbled the ball in, much to the delight of the home fans:

Secret How Luis Palma saves Celtic from Sligo embarrassment as Brendan Rodgers left with creeping fringe men issue – 5 talking points

The winger netted a hat-trick as the Hoops ran out 3-2 winners in Ireland

Brendan Rodgers admitted beforehand it felt like a crime he couldn’t give some of his fringe men more first team game time.

The Celtic boss needed Luis Palma to get his side out of jail as the Hoops nicked a 3-2 win against Sligo Rovers when it looked like the Irish outfit were going to them red-faced. Rodgers’ men got a result in the end but he might not feel quite so guilty as several his back up brigade don’t look like threatening to break into the first team any time. Palma gave it a go and has a better chance than most as Celts got off to a flier.

But a couple of shockers from Scott Bain turned the friendly clash on its head and it could have been worse for slack Celts in an alarming opening period. Rodgers gave run outs to the likes of Maik Nawrocki and some of the club’s kids, while Alex Valle got another 45 minutes under his belt and Luke McCowan put in a shift trying to help out the youngsters alongside him. The Showgrounds was bursting at the scenes for the friendly clash between two clubs with historic links.

But the future still remains uncertain to some of the players at Celtic Park. Rodgers’s men probably expected a stroll when Palma pounced to drive it from Yang’s deep cross after just eight minutes against a full strength Rovers side. But a couple of howlers from Bain put Celtic on the back foot for the rest of the first half.

Some slack play in the middle allowed Kailin Barlow to curl an effort from the edge of the box. Bain seemed to be caught between catching it or pawing it over the bar – but did neither as the ball squirmed through his hands and into the net.

Sligo Rovers’ Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Worse was to follow when he was slow down at his near post to allow Simon Power’s 20 yard trundler in for number two. In fairness, Bain redeemed himself a tad with some smart stops as Rovers threatened to leave Celts red faced.

There was improvement in the second period and by the end Rovers were hanging on for grim life as the Parkhead men piled on the pressure. It looked like they were going to do it before Palma popped up twice at the in stoppage time to tuck in from close range and spare some blushes.

Aye or Naw

He’s become one of Celtic’s great enigma’s. Unfortunately, the £4m puzzle that is Maik Nawrocki was no clearer to being solved last night.

In fairness to the Polish defender, he was probably rustier than an old gate given his lack of game time. There were some nice passes out from the back but he was caught out too many times for comfort against the side sitting sixth in the League of Ireland. It’s a hard one to work out as it wasn’t so long ago, the former Legia Warsaw man was part of the Poland squad and almost went to the World Cup in 2022. Nawrocki has fallen well down the centre back pecking order at Parkhead and don’t bet on a recall any time soon.

Palm door

Luis Palma has landed in a similar boat to Nawrocki – and the wide man also faces an uncertain future. Palma’s old man insisted this week his boy is going to knuckle down to get back into Brendan Rodgers’s good books.

He did look determined to do the business in Ireland. He took his early goal well and was in the right place at the right time to secure the win. He got his reward at the end but whether he is any closer to getting back into the first team – or hanging around behind January, is still a major doubt.

Happy Valle

The borrowed Barcelona youngster got another run out after impressing against Ross County at the weekend. Valle looked a class act against the Irish outfit, comfortable on the ball and with a burst of pace going forward. He’ll be tested more defensively in the weeks to come but he’s got a big opportunity to stake his claim to be the main left back with Greg Taylor likely to at least miss the Aberdeen game after the break. Taylor has been superb in recent seasons and will be a big miss – but Valle now provides solid competition.

Production line

Rodgers wanted to test some of his youngsters and while there are a few prospects in the ranks, it looks like there’s still a bit to go for some of them to trouble the first team.

The manager has high hopes for Francis Turley and the kid showed some neat touches. Lenny Agbaire has the power and physique at the back, but is still pretty raw, while the likes of Jude Bonnar and Lewis Dobbie will have learned a lot from their run out alongside more experienced players like Luke McCowan.

The Hoops have produced players such as Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Kieran Tierney, but the next batch have a lot of work ahead to follow in their footsteps.

Emotional journey

This was more than a kick-about for Celtic and for Sligo Rovers. It was a chance to reforge a link between the clubs and the area that goes back to the very origins of the club.

Founder Brother Walfrid hailed from these parts as did club legend Sean Fallon, whose dad helped secure the land for the famous Showgrounds almost a century ago. Son Sean junior was a guest at the game, along with Willie McStay, who was a player and treble winning manager at Rovers in the 1990s. Rodgers also got a huge roar when he addressed the crowd before kick-off. To say Celtic got a warm welcome would be a serious understatement – with 5,000 fans packing out the place – around double what they’d usually get for a League of Ireland clash.

See Report: Palma the hat-trick Bhoy in Sligo

Wednesday, October 9 2024

The Showgrounds, Sligo

SLIGO ROVERS…2

(Barlow 13, Power 17)

CELTIC…3

(Palma 9, 89 & 90)

It was an entertaining win for the Celts as Luis Palma grabbed at hat-trick at The Showgrounds in Sligo as Celtic reconnected with their Irish roots in a wonderful friendly against Sligo Rovers.

Brendan Rodgers’ team made the trip over to Sligo with a changed side hoping to get some minutes in the legs of youth players and those on the fringes of the first-team.

Celtic started brightly at The Showgrounds, with Palma making an early impression by capitalising on a defensive lapse from Sligo. Driving forward, the Honduran’s clever effort just missed the mark.

Palma’s persistence paid off in the ninth minute when he opened the scoring for the Hoops. Luke McCowan and Yang combined superbly on the right, and Yang’s low delivery evaded the defence, allowing Palma to slot home at the back post.

However, Sligo responded quickly and decisively. Kailin Barlow levelled the score in the 13th minute after latching on to a deflected pass. His curling effort was parried by Scott Bain but ultimately found its way into the net.

Just four minutes later, Sligo took the lead through Simon Power, who cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful strike low to Bain’s right, sending the home support into raptures.

Celtic looked to regain control, but Sligo continued to pose problems. Bain was called into action several times, denying Power and Fitzgerald to keep the Hoops in the contest. Celtic’s best chance to equalise came in the 41st minute when Francis Turley’s deflected effort looped harmlessly into McGinty’s hands.

The Hoops came out firing in the second half and nearly equalised in the 49th minute. Good interplay between McCowan and Irishman Turley ended with a blocked shot, denying the Hoops an early breakthrough.

Palma, who had been dangerous all evening, almost found the top corner with a free-kick from 18 yards in the 52nd minute, but the ball crept just wide. Moments later, Lewis Dobbie had a golden opportunity to equalise from close range, but his header missed the target.

Wave after wave of Celtic attacks kept Sligo pinned back, with McCowan’s effort in the 75th minute cleared off the line by Charlie Wigan’s brilliant header. The chances kept coming, and the Hoops looked certain to equalise when Samuel Isiguzo nodded wide and Yang missed another clear opportunity soon after.

Celtic’s perseverance finally paid off in the 89th minute. Sean McArdle’s cross found Palma at the back post, and the Honduran calmly slotted it in for his second goal of the night.

Just two minutes later, Celtic completed the comeback. Isiguzo, who had been involved in much of Celtic’s attacking play, delivered a fantastic ball in and Palma finished at the back post to secure a dramatic 3-2 win for the Bhoys.

It was a spirited display from both sides, but Celtic’s late show ensured they left Sligo with a hard-earned victory.

Sligo Rovers: McGinty, Morahan, Denham, Wiggett, Hutchinson, Henry-Francis, Malley, Barlow, Fitzgerald, Pearce, Power.

Subs: Brush, Mooney, McElroy, Mahon, Radosaljevic, Malone, Muldoon, McDonagh, Reynolds.

Celtic: Bain, Agbaire (Bonetig 61), Welsh, Nawrocki, Valle (Robertson 45), McCowan, Turley, Bonnar (McArdle 61), Yang, Palma, Dobbie (Isiguzo 61).

Subs: Morrison, Rice, Robertson, Bonetig, McArdle, Dargie, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow, Isiguzo.

Celtic Fringe Players Evaluated in Sligo Rovers Friendly Win

It was a break from the competitive action as Celtic took a much-changed side to face Irish opponents Sligo Rovers. After ninety minutes of quality football in front of a packed-out Showgrounds, Celtic won by three goals to two. While there were many valuable minutes for youngsters on display, Brendan Rodgers used this to give an opportunity to those in the first team who have seen their chances limited. Here on Last Word on Football, with this in mind, we provide our Celtic fringe players analysis and the future implications.

Celtic Fringe Players Analysed

Scott Bain

Despite joining the club in January 2018, Bain has rarely nailed down a place as a number-one goalkeeper. He has played second, and sometimes third fiddle to Craig Gordon, Fraser Forster, Joe Hart and now Kasper Schmeichel.

Ultimately tonight showed why.

With the ball at his feet, he was comfortable, and at times he made some decent saves. Yet as always, there were some moments of madness.

Read More: Celtic recruitment Analysed

Perhaps for the second goal you could cut him some slack, with an awkward bounce catching him off guard. For the first goal though, there can be no reasonable explanation of how a shot straight down the thirty-two year old’s throat ended up with him throwing the ball into his own net.

Ultimately though, it changes little. He wasn’t in Rodgers’ plans and functions as an admin tool for home-grown players.

Stephen Welsh

It will have been a special night for the Scotsman, captaining his boyhood club for the first time.

Individually he won his duels and showed great composure, although he was part of a dysfunctional structure in all honesty.

You would expect Welsh to be a bit-part player this season. He has been around the squad long enough to step in aptly and is on a long-term contract. Plus, he fills the homegrown quota. It’s unlikely he will ever be a nailed-down starter but he only needs to look to Liam Scales as inspiration on how quickly the picture can change.

Maik Nawrocki

There were rumours of him heading out the exit door this Summer – although the Polish international has stayed fighting for his place. Although, it seems he is fifth in the pecking order with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh and Auston Trusty all getting more minutes.

Like Welsh, he barely put a foot wrong. The scoreline looks harsh thanks to two goalkeeping howlers.

There is talent and quality there, it is clear to see, but a lack of pace is evident. Particularly, on the continental stage, that won’t cut it. He’s a Rodgers signing from last season, yet he seems completely out of his plans.

Alex Valle

On loan from Barcelona, a trip to the Showgrounds may have been a culture shock.

He had a wonderful piece of defending to save Celtic from what looked like a certain goal with a one-on-one situation looming. In possession, he did well with the limited options he was given.

With Greg Taylor set to return after the international break the Spaniard will likely be relegated to the bench, however, in his few opportunities, he has shown promise, and should the Champions look to sign him permanently next season, there is the making of a future starter there.

Luke McCowan

He has made brief spells – since signing from Dundee, and the majority have been bright. Tonight, besides two inexperienced youngsters he had a responsibility to be a leader in the central areas. He was bright on the ball at times although lacked the quality connections beside him to get in a real rhythm. Late on he played a wonderful pass through to Yang, which was blazed over the bar.

The diehard hoops fan will be a squad player for the three-in-a-row champions. Should he take his opportunities well, there is potential for more. Only time will tell.

Luis Palma

Since an outstanding start to last season, the Honduran has seen game time hard to come by.

Although tonight, he will have done no harm, with a man-of-the-match hat-trick performance.

In the opening stages, his decision-making was questionable, however, the twenty-four-year-old stepped up in the second half and was Celtic’s main attacking outlet.

Considering the fee he was bought for, he has aspirations of fulfilling more than a squad role, yet it’s hard to see any other outcome at this moment in time solely down to Daizen Maeda’s influence.

Yang

Last season there were brief moments when Yang provided a spark, but with the improved form of Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest, the South Korean has found it tough to consistently make the bench.

He started on the right wing and had an impressive evening. For a brief spell, he swapped wings with Palma and got heavily involved although missed a guilt-edged opportunity.

He rounded off the night with a wonderful assist for Palma’s winner.

A loan move may be the best option for him, as minutes could be hard to come by. An injury or two though, and he will become necessary. Gametime elsewhere is what he needs, but the Champions cannot afford to let him leave, otherwise they would be incredibly short in depth.

Liam McBride

Liam writes for Last Word on Tennis and Last Word on Football as well as Sportingwrap.wordpress and Celticwrap.wordpress. He is soon to join Strathclyde University where he will study Journalism, Media and Communication

Exclusive News: Luis Palma takes Celtic chance with hat trick in Sligo friendly

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match 9/10/2024 Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Luis Palma was impressive as Celtic beat Sligo Rovers in a friendly match in Ireland. The Scottish Champions travelled to the West Coast for the game at The Showgrounds…

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma shoots to score his side s first goal of the match.Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Brendan Rodgers picked a team that was blended between experience and youth with first team players being supplemented by B Team players. Clearly the manager wanted to use the fixture to give his the players that have struggled for game time in the last few weeks the opportunity to have minutes on the pitch.

Bain’s Blunders

Despite scoring early through Luis Palma, Celtic found themselves down 2-1 after two efforts evaded Scott Bain. The third pick Celtic goalkeeper will have been disappointed to have been beaten by both of the shots.

Celtic controlled the game for large periods and had a number of chances. However, there was no breakthrough. Brendan will have been pleased with first team players like Luke McCowan, Palma, Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Yang getting valuable minutes but he’ll have been equally delighted as his side pressed on and got the winner.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match with Luke McCowan 9/10/2024 Photo: INPHO/TomxMaher

Palma’s Treble

In the last five minutes, Celtic finally managed to convert their chances with Palma the beneficiary as he completed a hat-trick.

McArdle did extremely well to work to to pen up a crossing position, which allowed the younger the chance to float the ball to the back post and let Palma pounce. Then, with two minutes of stoppage time almost up, Isiguzo slid a tantalising ball to the back post and the 24-year-old arrived to make it 3-2 to Celtic.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick 9/10/2024 Photo :INPHO/Tom Maher

Brendan started the evening by talking about a game in 1983 that he attended as a youngster where Celtic played Finn Harps. The manager said that he could remember that and he wanted his team to inspire the supporters. The fans will certainly remember this late show from Celtic, especially those that were able to take selfies on the pitch with the Celtic team.

Scotland starlet Ben Doak opens up on Euros blow, how he watched Hungary tie and social media relationship

Teenager reflects on past year – and what awaits him for exciting season

We’ve heard plenty about Ben Doak in Scotland since he burst on to the scene as one of the country’s most talented youngsters, but very little from the teenager himself.

Therefore there was an air of anticipation when the 18-year-old winger sat down to do one of his first major interviews with the Scottish press. “It’s just something you get used to,” Doak says of his media duties. “You’re nervous before it, but then as soon as I start talking, I’m alright.”

Doak is more than alright in a very candid and honest 15 minutes holding court. There is much to like about the dribbler from Dalry.

He’s experienced quite a 2024, returning to fitness just in time to be provisionally called up for last summer’s European Championships, before injury ultimately stopped him jetting off to Germany. With new manager Arne Slot in the door at his parent club Liverpool, Doak was farmed out to Middlesbrough on deadline day and has since won his first two caps for the national team. Included in the squad for the latest tranche of Nations League ties against Croatia and Portugal, he is set to add to that haul.

Ben Doak made his Scotland debut last month. | SNS Group

Doak could be forgiven for being in a hurry now. His past year has been punctuated by injuries and some 18-year-olds with less of a reputation have more senior appearances than him under their belts. “Some lads have been playing for two years already,” he says sagely. “Some lads might start playing next year, like other lads my age. But everyone’s got their own journey, and mine’s just starting now.”

Scotland should be the beneficiaries. Doak is establishing himself in the Middlesbrough first team. The English Championship is a gruelling league, but the former Celtic kid is already relishing the challenge. “It’s good to be starting games,” he smiles.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke had hoped to be giving Doak minutes at the Euros in Germany. Viewed as the team’s wildcard with the ability to unlock defences, his trickery and guile may have changed the direction of an ultimately depressing tournament for the national team. Doak mirrored the feeling back home, being cruelly denied the opportunity to star at a major finals.

Recalling his Scotland summer rollercoaster, Doak explains: “It was weird actually because I hadn’t played from December until May and I’d only just started training that week. I got the call up and I’m buzzing, I’m going to go away, I’m going to be training, I might make my debut at the Euros.

“I came back maybe a tad too early, but I was training shortly after so I was able to just put it out of my mind and get on to the next thing because all I could think about was getting picked again, even for anything.

“It was tough to watch just because I was like, even seeing the lads coming off the bench, I was like, that could be me coming on. It was obviously tough to watch, but I was desperate for the lads to do well.”

How did Doak end up watching the games he should have been involved in? “I was watching it with my mum and my family in the house,” he says. “I went out to watch the Hungary game with my mates and that ended up being a bit of a tough night. I think we all went home early, to be honest.

“But back to being a supporter rather than thinking you could have been out there helping, that’s quite difficult. To be honest, when I was watching it with all my mates and that, I just forgot that I was even picked for it in the first place. I just turned into that wee guy again that was watching Scotland when I was younger.”

Showing his maturity, Doak adds: “I can’t just go, I’ll get picked again, it’s fine. I can’t take that for granted. All I could think about was, I can set goals for myself. I knew there was another one last month, another international break. So I just thought, well, if I can get training and get playing again, I’m in with a good chance.”

And that hard work paid off. Doak was called back into the Scotland squad for last month’s internationals against Poland and Portugal, making his debut against the Poles in a 3-2 defeat at Hampden. He showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table.

“I didn’t really feel like anything, to be honest,” Doak says of his debut. “I came on at 2-1 down. All I was thinking about was trying to help us win the game.

“Obviously that didn’t happen. We got it back to two each, and then there was the penalty in the last minute. It was unfortunate, but after the game, because we lost, it wasn’t that same great feeling that you get.

“So all I was really thinking was, right, next one, next one. And that’s the way I’ve been with everything.”

Doak’s grounded nature comes from leaving his comfort zone so early. He was just 16-years-old when he was spirited off to Liverpool from Celtic. “To be honest, I settled in really quickly,” he says of life England. “I went down when I was 16. I went into digs with a host family. I stayed in one or two of them, and then moved into my own house. It feels normal now. I’m there to play football. As long as I’m looking after myself and living right, then I’ll be fine.”

His attitude towards social media also belies the normal mentality of a teenager. “I think when I first started playing games for Liverpool, coming off the bench and when I made my first start, it’s easy to fall into that and looking at social media and getting a bit too carried away,” he muses.

“The first time I realised it anyway was one game I wasn’t great, I wasn’t good, I wasn’t bad. The first thing you do, you go straight onto social media and you see everyone caning you. I think that was when I realised that these people aren’t your mates. They’ll big you up and then they’ll hit you down just as hard. I just don’t look.

“It’s the easiest thing to do, really, because it keeps you level-headed and you really know where you’re at when you don’t look at that. It gets exhausting reading all the good and the bad.

“What’s the point? What’s the point? The people that know what they’re talking about are in the building with me. If I want to hear any feedback, I’ll go to them, I won’t go to social media.”

The interview finishes with a question on what is his ultimate dream in a Scotland shirt. ‘The next one, anyway, is just to score and win that game,” he replies “I think just small targets for ourselves is the best way to do it.”

Doak may well get the chance to hit them over the next few days.

Brendan Rodgers insists that Premier Sports deal snub by Celtic is ‘reward’ for fans despite Aberdeen TV blackout

The Scottish champions ran out 3-2 winners in the friendly clash with Sligo Rovers

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic have put fans before finances as he backed Parkhead chiefs TV blackout.

The Hoops boss is fully behind the decision to knock back extra dosh from Premier Sports that will mean the top of the table clash with Aberdeen after the international break cannot be screened live. Celtic – who last night saw off Sligo Rovers in a friendly clash in Ireland thanks to a Luis Palma hat trick – will stick to their guns and hold on to the 3pm Saturday kick-off rather than pocket a potential £75,000 a game extra.

Rodgers said: “I think the club has shown they have really thought about the supporters. They could have easily taken the money. But they have kept it there for supporters who come and see the games. It’s a shame, it would have been a great game for television, but it’ s not to be. It allows us to get a good run into next week and a bit of recovery time before we play again on the Wednesday (against Atalanta in the Champions League).

“We will be ready to go. You can’t win really when it comes to this kind of thing. But the club have put the fans first – and that is important.

“Celtic get a lot of fixtures moved. That is why I was so happy for the supporters at Ross County. Thousands of the travelled every which way to get to Dortmund and obviously the result didn’t go our way.

“The come back and they have to get up for a noon kick off at Ross County, three or four hours away. People come in from all over the country, come in from Ireland, they get late flights, early mornings, you name it.

“So for us to have that support is so important of us, so it was nice to reward them with a win. We know Celtic supporters will go anywhere at any time, but it’s about offering that bit of respect to them when we can, when it’s something we can control like the kick-off times. So I think the club has made a very good decision.”

Sligo Rovers’ Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Rodgers took a fringe side to Ireland to face Sligo Rovers – and they were given a minor scare. Luis Palma struck twice in stoppage time to secure the win to add to his earlier opener, with the League of Ireland outfit ahead until late after a couple of gaffes from Scott Bain.

The Hoops boss was pleased with the work-out, with Palma making an impact along with some of the Parkhead young players. Rodgers said: “The objective for us was to bring Celtic bring to Ireland which is always important. It was about getting some minutes into the legs of some senior players who haven’t played a great deal so that was a good exercise.

“There was also the opportunity for the young players to come in and see how they played with a bit of a crowd against a good team. Obviously the chance to inspire young people here. I really enjoyed the game and you could see Sligo played some really good football.”

PALMA’S 3-GOAL REMINDER IN LATE, LATE SHOW

LUIS PALMA sent a timely three-goal reminder to Brendan Rodgers in new-look Celtic’s last-gasp 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers in an entertaining friendly at the Showgrounds this evening.

The Honduran winger, who has rarely figured this season, claimed an eye-catching hat-trick with two of his strikes coming in the fading moments to stave off a surprise defeat.

Rodgers took the opportunity to bring in a host of fringe youngsters while giving the likes of Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Yang Hyun-jun some welcome game time.

Luke McCowan also made a start after looking lively in his substitute appearances since his deadline-day arrival from Dundee.

But it was international winger Palma who stole the show with a splendid trio with the first coming in the ninth minute.

McCowan and Yang combined on the right and the South Korean wide Bhoy’s low cross was superbly met by Palma at the back post and he tucked it away with ease.

However, the hosts stunned the Parkhead men with a swift one-two when Kailin Barlow levelled in the 13th minute and Simon Power netted No.2 just four minutes later.

Shortly after the turnaround, Palma came close to the equaliser with a cunning free-kick that just cleared the bar and then McCowan had an effort headed off the line by Charlie Wigan.

Yang was also just out of luck with a drive that flew off target and it looked only a matter of time before the visitors’ pressure would pay off.

Celtic left it late, though, before Palma whipped in a cross from substitute Sean McArdle in the 89th minute and, as the exciting friendly neared a conclusion, the touchline ace struck the winner after excellent service from Samuel Isiguzo.

TEAM: Bain; Agbaire (sub: Bonetig 61), Welsh, Nawrocki, Valle (sub: Robertson 45); McCowan, Turley, Bonnar (sub: McArdle 61), Yang, Dobbie (sub: Islguzo 61), Palma. Subs not used: Morrison, Rice, Dargie, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow.

Sligo Rovers 2 Celtic 3 – Luis Palma’s hat-trick, Scott Bain’s comedy of errors

Good run out for the Celtic squad players at Sligo…

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma shoots to score his side s first goal of the match.Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

With the international break upon us we had the chance to give a run out to some fringe players in a friendly in Sligo tonight. The big guns were either on international duty or back home putting their feet up for a well deserved rest, so it was the perfect opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to run the rule over his fringe players.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Sligo Rovers Kailin Barlow celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal of the match. 9/10/2024. Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Squad players and young hopefuls

Only Scott Bain, Alex Valle, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, Luke McCowan, Yang, and Luis Palma, players you would consider first team squad members started the game. With youngsters Lenny Agbaire, Francis Turley, Lewis Dobbie, and Jude Bonnar completing the starting XI.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Sligo Rovers Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow. Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Hoops salvaged a 3-2 win

Without being spectacular, the Hoops salvaged a 3-2 win after coming back from 2-1 down thanks to a Luis Palma hat trick, something that will do wonders for his confidence. The young players would have also gained some great confidence playing in the first team while the likes of Maik Nawrocki would have benefitted from getting minutes on the park.

Scott Bain blundered badly

As for Scott Bain though it’s a different story. He once again blundered badly for the two goals and showed why he is well behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo in the pecking order. It was like that dead rubber disaster at Easter Road in the dying days of the Ange Postecoglou era. Tonight’s disasters were just as bad, maybe even worse.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side s first goal of the match. 9/10/2024 INPHO/Tom Maher

All in all thought, it was a decent run out for our fringe players and a hard found win in the end. The Sligo Rovers boys gave it everything and were just a few minutes away from an historic victory over Celtic.

That embarrassment was saved by Palma’s second and honours even at 2-2 would have been a fair result. But Celtic play to the final whistle and Palma got his hat-trick right at the end to give Celtic the win.

In the end Celtic’s trip to Sligo will be remembered as Scott Bain 2 Luis Palma 3.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9.10 2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Hynun-Yang shake hands after the game Photo INPHO Tom Maher

Paul Tisdale ‘targeted’ for senior Celtic role as self proclaimed ‘football doctor’ in line to fill Mark Lawwell void

The former exeter and Stevenage boss is working as a consultant and has previously advised Crystal Palace and Fulham

Paul Tisdale

Paul Tisdale is reportedly being targeted by Celtic as the man to revamp their football operations, according to a report.

The 51-year-old, who branded himself a “football doctor”, has been working as a self-employed consultant since leaving Stevenage Town in 2022. Now the Daily Mail claim that he is in contention for a senior role with the Premiership champions. There’s a void to fill after the departures of head of recruitment Mark Lawwell – son of chairman and former CEO Peter – as chief scout Joe Dudgeon last March.

Tisdale, once dubbed “the most stylish man in football” due to his touchline attire while in charge of Exeter, sporting a variety of blazers, scarves and trilby hats, has previously acted as an advisor to both Fulham and Crystal Palace. He gave Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins his first team chance at St James’ Park. However, he missed Watkins’ Euro 2024 semi-final winner for his country, instead watching Celtic take on Queen’s Park in a friendly.

“I work as what I call a football doctor,’ he recently told a scouting podcast. “I go into football clubs and I try to find performance-improvement solutions using data and also my experience as a coach.

“I can translate very well from the boardroom to the pitch, and from the pitch to the boardroom, and also deliver CPD (continuous professional development) or coach mentoring. I’m currently into a period where I am doing a bit of a lot of things, waiting for one thing really to take off. (It’s) keeping me busy and I am self employed with my own business and really enjoying it.”

Aberdeen’s Celtic Park Allocation

Aberdeen fans are set to descend on Celtic Park for the crucial top-of-the-table clash on October 19. It’s now been confirmed that 1,150 Dons supporters will be in attendance, with Aberdeen selling out their full away allocation for what promises to be one of the most significant encounters between the two clubs in recent years.

The travelling fans will add extra spice to an already electric atmosphere, with Celtic also selling out their home tickets for this high-stakes fixture.

While Celtic sit at the top of the table on goal difference, Aberdeen’s resurgence has caught the eye, and their fans will no doubt believe their side can pull off an upset.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024
General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The packed Celtic Park crowd of nearly 60,000, including the loud Aberdeen contingent, will create an unforgettable setting for what’s shaping up to be the game of the season so far.

Given the form of both teams and their position in the league, this encounter feels bigger than your average fixture. With a healthy rivalry between the clubs, the presence of over a thousand Dons fans in the corner of Celtic Park will only add to the tension.

There could have been an argument for giving Aberdeen more briefs, but Celtic put out the last of their tickets late last week, so there’s no room to accommodate them now. Celtic will go into the game as favourites, but Aberdeen have shown so far that they never quite go away. Even when they looked like they might drop points they find the win.

Watch: Duo of Calamitous Scott Bain Errors Against Sligo

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain was suspect for two goals this evening as the Hoops beat Sligo Rovers 3-2.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group E – Atletico Madrid v Celtic – Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – November 7, 2023 Celtic’s Scott Bain reacts before the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

The Bhoys headed across the Irish Sea to take on the Rovers in a mid-season friendly at the Showgrounds tonight.

Manager Brendan Rodgers fielded a team mixed with senior fringe players and exciting academy prospects.

The Honduran winger will undoubtedly take acclaim for tonight, but focus will surround stopper Bain, who was at fault for two goals.

Barlow’s shot from inside the box, which looked like a simple effort for Bain to deal with, ended up in the back of the net to draw Sligo level in the first half.

The third-choice Celtic ‘keeper fumbled the ball in, much to the delight of the home fans:

Scott Bain hahahahahaha

— Barry McCann (@Bazzinho9) October 9, 2024

Soon after they drew themselves level, Sligo took the lead. Power’s strike from a distance beat Bain at his near post:

Is Scott Bain actually serious

— Barry McCann (@Bazzinho9) October 9, 2024

If the 32-year-old’s position as a fringe player wasn’t already coherent, his performance this evening only reinstated it.

Granted, Bain hasn’t played much football recently, but he should have been doing much better with the two goals he conceded tonight.

Rodgers forced to dig very deep for Sligo squad

Brendan Rodgers will need to dig very deep into the payroll for tonight’s match against Sligo Rovers.

Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and Luke McCowan are available for the friendly match but beyond that there won’t be many familiar faces.

Goalkeepers Kasper Schemeichel and Viljami Sinisalo are both away with their countries, Tony Ralston and James Forrest are with Scotland, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda with Japan with Liam Scales and Adam Idah in the Irish squad.

Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Odin Thiago Holm can step up with the B team the next port of call even if they are smarting from losing three goals in the last 10 minutes of Saturday’s match at Bo’ness United.

Three players from the B squad- Mitchell Frame, Josh Dede and Colby Donovan are in the Scotland u-19 squad for friendlies away to Hungary today and on Sunday.

Rodgers will lead the Celtic squad which flies out this morning to face Sligo who are sitting in sixth place in the LOI table, seven points behind leaders Shelbourne but with a game in hand, Sligo drew 0-0 away to Shelbourne in their last match, on September 27.

? Team news! ??

Here is how the young Hoops line-up to face Bo’ness United this afternoon ???#BONCEL | #CelticFC? pic.twitter.com/TarzoikrYU

— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) October 5, 2024

Celtic could blow Rangers out of the water after ‘huge’ reveal – Stefan Borson

Celtic could start to outspend Rangers by a “huge” amount if they can consistently secure their place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider a place in the knockout rounds could be worth up to £100million to the Scottish champions.

Celtic lost 7-1 against Borussia Dortmund in their second group stage game on the back of their 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their opening fixture.

The Glasgow giants still have to make the trips to Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Aston Villa in the competition, while they will face RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Young Boys at home.

But they are already likely to make significantly more than Rangers from their European exploits due to the difference in prize money on offer in the Champions League compared to the Europa League.

Celtic will increase financial gap to Rangers with European success

Borson insisted Celtic will continue to increase the financial gap between the two Old Firm sides if they can qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.

He told Football Insider: “Their focus will be ‘Can we win our home games, become a regular in the second phase of the Champions League, start to get £100million per annum and, if we can, then we can start to spend more money on the wage bill’.

“Their key focus then can continually be Champions League, and Rangers will find it very hard to keep up if they manage to do that.

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“That’s the other side to the equation of course.

“If they are outspending Rangers by a huge amount because they have got Champions League, that clearly will give Rangers a problem.

“That won’t be Celtic’s concern, but it will be Scottish football’s concern.”