It’s a great time to be a Celtic supporter, Paradise is best stadium in Glasgow

It’s a great time to be a Celtic supporter, Paradise is best stadium in Glasgow

Celtic supporters in festive spirits at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Disappointing today, but we still remain comfortable at the top. it’s a great time to be a Celtic supporter…

Celtic Huddle at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

To borrow a phrase from a well known player who plays for a rival Scottish Premiership side, ‘we were quite disappointing today’.

Draw was a fair result

We might not have been at full strength, but we created enough chances to win the game and we can only look on it as two points dropped. I was quite surprised that Dundee United looked reluctant to attack given our makeshift defence, but they did their job well and restricted us to few chances, so you’ve got to say that a draw was a fair result in the end.

Stephen Welsh at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

As disappointing as it was to drop points and listen to the usual doom and gloom after such a result, we have to take a look at the bigger picture, and appreciate where we are at this precise moment in time.

Nine points clear at the top of the table

We currently sit nine points clear at the top of the table, we have just won the Premier Spirts League cup, and we are on course for a play off place in the Champions League . We’ve also chalked up 119 major trophies wins which is more that any club or combination of clubs – dead and alive – can boast.

Kasper Schmeichel and Brendan Rodgers at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

It’s a pretty good time to be a Celtic supporter wouldn’t you agree? Imagine by some freak of nature you belonged to the other tribe at Hampden last weekend. A life of absolute misery would be your sad and miserable lot, making up new accolades such as yesterday’s. Yes,  ‘Ibrox is the greatest stadium in the world’* is the replacement for “the most successful club in the world’ after they lost that last week using their own calculations and warped understanding of the liquidation of Rangers FC in 2012.

The Premier Sports Cup. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

*It’s the third best stadium in Glasgow behind Paradise and Hampden Park.

The defense was fine, but the Celtic assault was misfiring.

Luis Palma at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Focus was all on the makeshift Celtic defence, but attack was our main problem at Tannadice…

Yang at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

When the team was announced for yesterday’s game at Tannadice we were all united in our fears due to being forced into fielding a makeshift backline, and one that didn’t exactly fill us with great confidence. With CCV and Auston Trusty missing through illness and Alistair Johnston carrying a knock, it meant that Tony Ralston, Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales took their collective places at the back.

Stephen Welsh at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Celtic defence played well at Tannadice 

In the end though Dundee United failed to trouble us at all, and to their credit the Celtic defence put in a decent shift getting well merited praise from Brendan Rodgers afterwards, especially Stephen Welsh who has played very little football this year but stood up to the challenge today and played very well indeed.

Our main problem was in an attacking sense. We were frankly toothless and despite missing the creative influence of Nicolas Kuhn we can’t have any excuses.

Luis Palma at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Daizen Maeda had one of those games that makes you want to tear your hair out, and Kyogo couldn’t hit the proverbial coos backside with a banjo. The chance that he missed near the end with only the keeper to beat was shocking, and very unlike him.

Yang failed to take his chance to impress

Yang failed to take advantage of injuries to Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest and was hugely disappointing. while Luis Palma and Adam Idah also failed to impress after coming off the bench.

Kyogo is disappointed after the 0-0 draw at at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

That is quite concerning with some big games ahead, and something I’m sure will be playing on the mind of Brendan Rodgers, with the January transfer window opening in just over a week’s time.

Sandman Definitive Ratings 

Today is the kind of days where an experienced manager takes notice casting a critical eye over his squad and today none of our front players covered themselves in glory.  It will be interesting to read Sandman’s Definitive Ratings when they’re posted on The Celtic Star.

Adam Idah and Brendan Rodgers at Tannadice, Dundee Utd v Celtic, Sunday 22 December 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

However it’s Brendan’s own ratings of his frontmen that count most. His mind might have been made up today on what he needs in January and wingers seem to be further up the list after that game at Tannadice.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Leanne Crighton gives a history lesson on who the true victors are as Rangers are crushed and five-star Celtic leap.

Rangers were thrashed 3-0 by Hibs and Celtic pounced with a rampant five goal win

Rangers Women boss Jo Potter (Image: SNS Group)

Glasgow City assistant Leanne Crichton admitted that psychologically the benefit of heading into the winter break at the top of the table could be huge for the Petershill side.

City’s thumping 7-0 win over Dundee United added to Hibs’ 3-0 win over Rangers means that City now have a five point cushion at the top. “It was a case of being professional for us at this stage of the season,” said City assistant Leanne Crichton. “The players have had to dig in the last few weeks but conditions have been tough.

“The players have dealt with that as well as they could. It was about getting the three points and reducing the goal difference. Being at Glasgow City historically, we would always rather be at the top of the table and dealing with that pressure is where you want to be. But there is nothing won on December. Psychologically for the players, though, it is a good place to be.”

Gers’ thumping makes it back-to-back defeats for Jo Potter’s side. Kathleen McGovern had opened the scoring for Grant Scott’s side. Rangers pushed to get themselves back into the game but McGovern netted her second of the afternoon in the latter stages when she capitalised on a mistake from Rangers to pick up a loose ball and smash the ball into the top corner. Substitute Rosie Livingstone made it three when she fired beyond Vic Esson into the inside netting.

The win moves Hibs to within two points of Edinburgh rivals Hearts, and three behind Rangers. How damaging these past two defeats will be to Rangers and their title ambitions remains to be seen.

Celtic hit Spartans for five with a brace from Emma Lawton and Saoirse Noonan while captain Kelly Clark also netted as Elena Sadiku’s side closed the year with a victory. They remain in fifth spot and nine points and nine points off of league leaders City but have two games in hand to play; win them both and they would go above Rangers.

“It wasn’t our best performance but we were dominant and in control,” said Sadiku. “We scored five goals so it is job done. We created some good chances so I am happy with the three points. We have different goalscorers and that is something to highlight because we can score different ways.

“I want us to be unpredictable. But we wanted to finish the year strongly and with a win and we have done that so it was a good day for us. We need to recharge now and get ready to do some really good things in the second half of the season.”

Hearts were held to a goalless draw against Motherwell which keeps Paul Brownlie’s side in the top six while Partick Thistle’s game against Aberdeen was called off because of the weather. Elsewhere, Montrose beat Queen’s Park to move four points clear of the Spiders.

Declan Gallagher of Dundee United makes a statement regarding Celtic’s style of play in windy weather.

Brendan Rodgers watched his Celtic side produce a scratchy display against Dundee United on Sunday.

For the second time in the Premiership this season, the champions dropped points and it was the first time they failed to score.

Not many can argue, but it was the right result as Celtic recorded a goalless draw against Dundee United at Tannadice.

Like Aberdeen a few weeks ago, conditions weren’t great in the east of Scotland and it made life difficult for everyone.

Celtic didn’t help themselves by being lacklustre in the final third, but it was on the back of some very good defending from the opposition.

Declan Gallagher, who came through at Celtic as a youngster, is the captain and he shared his thoughts on the match after playing the entire game.

Declan Gallagher highlights difficult nature of Celtic’s pressing against the wind

In the first half, Dundee United were playing against the wind and it meant that they were struggling to keep Celtic away from their goal.

Gallagher noted ‘how high’ the Hoops press and how ‘you can’t even kick it long’ when conditions are so against you, as he told Sky Sports.

“It was very tough, especially the first half when we were against the wind,” said Gallagher. “You can see how high Celtic press, in the best of days with conditions like that and you can’t even kick it long against them.

“It was a tough ask, but the boys dug in well and I think the second half, we came into it a little bit more and we know fine well that Celtic will just dominate possession. But the boys dug in well.

“After games against Celtic, you are more mentally tired than you are physically tired because you are basically camped in your half for two halves of football.”

💪 “The boys dug in well”
🧠 “They’ve got so much movement, it’s more mental against Celtic”

Declan Gallagher and Ryan Strain react to Dundee Utd’s goalless draw with Celtic ⬇

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 22, 2024

View Tweet

What was the estimated wind speed for Celtic’s clash against Dundee United?

Across Scotland, for several weeks now, the weather hasn’t been great as Christmas edges closer.

It was no different for this weekend’s action across the Premiership because there was a high weather warning.

As posted by Pie & Bovril’s Twitter account, it was estimated that the high winds were reaching close to 50mph.

With an almost nationwide weather warning for high winds over Sat and Sun this weekend here’s the estimated wind speed at each host ground at kick off time;

Aberdeen 48mph
Rangers 44mph
Ross County 52mph

Dundee Utd 47mph
Hearts 44mph

Airdrie 47mph
Falkirk 46mph
Morton 47mph…

— Pie & Bovril 🏴󐁧󐁢󐁳󐁣󐁴󐁿 (@pieandbov) December 20, 2024

The Celtic target says he’s willing to go “as soon as possible,” so Brendan Rodgers’ team needs to prove it.

On Friday, Tipsbladet journalist Farzam Abolhosseini talked about Celtic’s keen interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden and urged Brendan Rodgers’ side to act fast to sign the Brøndby IF star.

Celtic’s interest in the striker isn’t new as he was linked to the Scottish champions in the summer window. The 22-year-old had earlier stated he was flattered by these links.

Camp.dk name Celtic, Schalke and Sporting as his interested parties and then provides the latest on his future plans.

The Dane was the guest on podcast Fjæstid where he discussed his plans and dream for the future. His current deal at Brøndby lasts until 2027.

Kvistgaarden insists he’s ready to make a move elsewhere and this should certainly please his interested parties, including Celtic. His comments are relayed by Camp.dk.

“100%, and as soon as possible. Now it’s about time,” he said.

“I’ve said for many years that I’m happy to be in Brøndby and that I don’t mind being in Brøndby, but now I’m starting to find myself in a situation where I want to go and try something else. My plan is for it to be this summer.”

Brendan Rodgers’ side would have to convince Kvistgaarden, if they wish to bring him to Celtic Park. That’s because the player claims he wants to leave Brøndby for a club in the top five European leagues.

“I’m not specifically aiming for anything, but the dream is of course a top 5 league. But it’s also about the style of play,” Kvistgaarden explained.

“So, do I really fit into the Spanish style of play? It’s very far from my playing style, so maybe more in Germany. Or the Championship, where it’s a little more about duels, and it’s a little more back and forth. My dream club to play for is Liverpool.”

The frontman scored 14 goals and registered five assists from 22 matches for the Danish club this season.

Celtic urged to bring in 14-goal forward after ‘huge honour’ claim as Rangers push to sign 15-time international

Celtic and Rangers are both hoping to bolster their attacking options in January

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is preparing for a new challenge as he makes his first trip to Tannadice Park to face Dundee United in a huge game at the top of the Premiership table.

The Hoops have been the standout team in the division with a near perfect 43 points from a possible 45. Meanwhile, Dundee United have been one of the surprise packages of the season with 24 points from 16 games, leaving them fifth in the table and in the hunt for European qualification in their first season back in the big time.

A win for Celtic could leave them 12 points of rivals Aberdeen depending on their scoreline against Hibs while third-placed Rangers, who are already 11 behind the league leaders, will look to respond to their Scottish League Cup final defeat with a strong performance at home to Dundee.

This Christmas period promises to play a key role in the landscape of the division as both sides look ahead to the January transfer window.

With that in mind, Glasgow World has rounded up the latest transfer stories from Celtic and Rangers.

Celtic urged to sign long-term striker target

Celtic have been interested in signing rising Danish striker Mathias Kvistgaarden in recent transfer windows.

The Hoops were credited with interest in the Brondby frontman throughout the summer window, and although a move ultimately didn’t take place, the 22-year-old admitted he was flattered to be linked with a club that is the size of Celtic.

Over the summer, Kvistgaarden told reporters: “It is a great and huge honour.”

Kvistgaarden fired in eight goals and five assists from 22 matches as his team narrowly missed out on the title last term. However, this year he has taken his game to new heights with an impressive 10 goals and four assists from 15 league matches along with a further four goals in cup competitions.

Danish outlet Tipsbladet claims Celtic’s interest in the young forward has ‘hardly cooled’ but adds that now would be the perfect time to strike a deal before he grows into a striker that is out of their price range.

Sports reporter Farzam Abolhosseini explained: “ If he continues like this, with these stats, Celtic can’t keep up anymore. Now is the time for them to strike, and I could well imagine them coming back, just like those medium-sized Bundesliga clubs that were in play a few months ago are also coming back.”

Rangers eye 15-time international striker

Rangers are believed to be plotting a move for highly-rated South African forward Iqraam Rayners in the January transfer window.

The Scottish Sun report that Philippe Clement is still reeling from last weekend’s League Cup final defeat to Celtic and most significantly striker Cyriel Dessers’ refusal to take a penalty in the shoot-out at Hampden.

The outlet understands that Clement could look to replace Dessers next month, with Saint Etienne reportedly interested in the Nigerian international.

The report goes on to say that Mamelodi Sundowns’ striker Rayners is the team’s number one target in January after his excellent start to the season which has seen him score seven times in eight games for the South African champions.

The 29-year-old forward, who has scored five times in 15 appearances for South Africa, has been the subject of numerous scouting missions for Rangers throughout the season, according to SNL24.

Celtic could sign their next Jota in “two-footed” £5m sensation…

Celtic supporters everywhere continue to celebrate success over their fiercest rivals, defeating Rangers on penalties in last Sunday’s League Cup Final.

In one of the most eventful and chaotic Glasgow derbies of all-time, it finished 3-3 after 120 minutes, Greg Taylor, Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kühn all on target, meaning, for only the second time in Old Firm history, a penalty shootout was required.

Nine of the ten spot-kicks were converted, including all five of Celtic’s, meaning just a solitary save from Kasper Schmeichel was required to ensure it was Brendan Rodgers‘ side who hoisted the trophy aloft.

The Hoops have now captured 20 of the last 25 major pieces of silverware up for grabs in Scotland, but as they seek to tighten their stranglehold even further, could the Scottish Premiership champions dip into the transfer market?

Celtic’s January transfer news

As reported by Mail Sport – via Glasgow Times – earlier this week, Celtic have ‘renewed their interest” in Michel-Ange Balikwisha, describing a potential £5m deal as ‘back on the agenda’.

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Balikwisha is a 23-year-old Belgian U21 international, who plays for Royal Antwerp in the Jupiler Pro League.

Celtic had been interested in his services last summer, only for the winger to suffer a rather bad muscle tear, precluding any potential move, with Antwerp General Manager Sven Jacques stating: “Balikwisha was down with an injury…. two clubs kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in… we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway”.

The “two clubs” in question are reportedly Celtic and Stade Rennais, so could Balikwisha be making a January move to Glasgow?

Where Michel-Ange Balikwisha would fit in at Celtic

Celtic’s best winger of the last decade or so, most supporters would agree, is Jota, with the Portuguese wizard recording 54 goals and assists in just 83 appearances for the club, prior to departing in 2023.

So, up against that rather high standard-bearer, let’s see how Balikwisha compares.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha vs Jota comparison

Statistic

Jota (21/22-22/23)

Balikwisha (22/23-24/25)

Appearances

72

57

Minutes

5,163

4,150

Goals

25

12

Goals per 90

0.44

0.26

Assists

22

6

Assists per 90

0.38

0.13

Progressive carries

38

173

Shots

186

67

Shot on target %

41.4%

44.8%

Touches

467

2,290

Attempted take-ons

42

117

Successful take-ons

22

35

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

For those who remember Jota as someone who liked a dribble, Balikwisha would be on another level.

The Belgian ranks significantly higher for touches, progressive carries and attempted take-ons, underlining his dribbling capabilities.

Ben Mattinson on Twitter described Balikwisha as “capable of beating a defender”, adding that he is “two-footed”, which makes him extremely “unpredictable”.

During the 2022/23 season, Royal Antwerp won the double, capturing the league and Coupe de Belgique, ending the club’s 66-year wait to be Belgian champions, with Balikwisha a key figure in that side, scoring ten times.

The following campaign, Antwerp competed in the Champions League for the very first time, with Balikwisha scoring when Shakhtar Donetsk visited Bosuilstadion, albeit in vain as they were beaten 3-2.

This season to date, injury has limited him to just one, 26-minute cameo appearance off the bench since the opening day of the season, but this was against Royal Charleroi earlier this month, as Balikwisha seeks to rebuild his fitness.

So, could a January move to Celtic be on for Balikwisha?

Well, it’s being widely reported that Luis Palma will depart the club, with plenty of MLS interest in the Honduran, leaving a gap in the squad which Balikwisha could fill, competing for a place out-wide with Nicolas Kühn, Daizen Maeda, Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest.

Sky Sports: Celtic receive January offer for 24 y/o and could accept it…

Celtic are believed to have received an offer for an “excellent” player ahead of the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports‘ Anthony Joseph.

Celtic transfer news

With January approaching fast, the Hoops will have the opportunity to make new signings, bolstering Brendan Rodgers‘ squad for the second half of the season, hopefully boosting their chances of success in both the Scottish Premiership and Champions League.

A reunion with Kieran Tierney has been mooted in recent days, with the Scot struggling for playing time at Arsenal, being loaned out to Real Sociedad last season. In fact, it has even been claimed that the left-back would be willing to take a pay cut to return to Parkhead, with a free transfer at the end of the season possible when his contract expires.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Tahirovic has been earmarked as a potential long-term replacement for Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, with the 21-year-old midfielder currently plying his trade at Ajax.

Rodgers is also thought to be an admirer of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, too, personally wanting to bring him to Celtic. He is shining as a forward at Royal Antwerp, scoring 25 goals and registering 14 assists in 126 appearances for the Belgian side.

Celtic receive bid for “excellent” player

Taking to X on Thursday, Sky Sports reporter Joseph claimed that Celtic have received an offer for Stephen Welsh from KV Mechelen that may be accepted, ahead of a potential January exit for the remainder of the season:

It makes perfect sense for Celtic to allow Welsh to move somewhere else on a temporary basis next month, considering he isn’t seen as a key player currently.

The 24-year-old centre-back has made just one solitary appearance for the Hoops this season, coming in the Scottish League Cup, so letting him move to another club on loan would surely be beneficial for both the champions and the player himself.

It remains to be seen if Welsh will remain at Celtic for the long term, but he is still a relatively young player and has received praise from Paul John Dykes in the past, who said of him:

“My man of the match was young Welsh, this is my positive. Last night, we mentioned it on A Celtic State of Mind – lucky or a good source who knows but we knew he was playing last night. He came on, I thought he had a very good game. He was caught a bit flat-footed [for] the goal, I think. Can’t blame the young guy though. I thought he had an excellent game for his first game against Rangers.”

The Rangers star receives an exit update amid rumors that a Liverpool star could “push through” a Celtic deal.

A roundup of the latest Celtic and Rangers transfer news as we approach the January window.

Rangers and Celtic are back in action this weekend as the Scottish Premiership continues its final stretch of 2024.

There are just three game-weeks left until we bid farewell to 2024 and Celtic will feel confident knowing they will start the new year at the top of the table. With 11 points between them and Rangers, and nine clear of second-placed Aberdeen, the Hoops are already in strong stead to secure yet another title. But of course, the Premiership can produce twists and turns and with the January transfer window coming up, rivals will be looking to strengthen their sides.

Liverpool star could ‘push’ Celtic move

Over the summer, Caoimhin Kelleher was reportedly Celtic’s leading goalkeeper target before they were priced out of a move by Liverpool. The transfer fee quoted was too far out of the Hoops’ price range, which eventually led to them snapping up Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer.

While the signing of Schmeichel was a huge move for Celtic, the Denmark icon recently turned 38 and Brendan Rodgers’ side remain linked with Kelleher. The Liverpool shot-stopper is likely to leave Anfield in the summer, as he is itching to become a first choice goalkeeper.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has given an update on Kelleher’s situation. Several clubs are currently interested in signing him next summer and while Celtic have been deemed ‘out of the equation’ due to his price, Bailey believes he could push for the move to Glasgow.

“Kelleher is going to be very expensive. Last year he was linked with Celtic, but even Celtic are out of the equation,” Bailey told Leeds United News amid the 26-year-old’s link to Elland Road.

“He’s concentrating on Liverpool until the summer and then he will have his pick of clubs, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he tries to push through a move to Celtic. Does he choose Forest, Fulham, a mid-table Premier League team – or Champions League with Celtic?”

Rangers ace could leave for £3.5m

Cyriel Dessers has been linked with an Ibrox exit lately and a new update from Le Republic Sportif has claimed that he could swap out Scotland for France in 2025. Newly promoted Ligue 1 side St-Etienne are reportedly interested in signing the 30-year-old.

The report says Dessers is a ‘focus’ for the French side after losing his starting position at Rangers. It is estimated he will cost St-Etienne €4 million (£3.5m), with his current contract running until 2027.

The newly promoted side made nine signings over the summer — the majority of them under the age of 23. While they did also recruit experienced players, it is claimed St-Etienne would prefer to sign a younger striker, as opposed to a player approaching the latter stages of his career.

“Time is Now” – Celtic told to sign 19 G/A star before he becomes too good for them.

Celtic were credited with interest in Mathias Kvistgaarden in the summer, and although the deal didn’t take shape, the Brøndby IF star was flattered to be linked with Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Back in September, the striker stated it was a “great and huge honour” to be linked to Celtic.

The 22-year-old could have an opportunity to make a switch to Celtic Park in the winter market.

That’s according to Tipsbladet, who say Celtic’s interest in the player has ‘hardly cooled’.

Kvistgaarden has struggled with multiple injuries this season and still starred, managing 14 goals and five assists from 22 matches. The Danish club rejected a big offer from an unnamed Bundesliga side in the last window.

Tipsbladet journalist Farzam Abolhosseini says the ‘time has come’ for him to leave, and Celtic are still in the picture. He advises Brendan Rodgers’ side to make a quick approach to avoid potential battle with other clubs.

“No, because Celtic have almost become too small a club. If he continues like this, with these stats, Celtic can’t keep up anymore. Now is the time for them to strike, and I could well imagine them coming back, just like those medium-sized Bundesliga clubs that were in play a few months ago are also coming back,” he said.

Carsten V Jensen was the sporting director when the Danish club rejected offers in the last window. He’s no longer at Brøndby and that should make it relatively easier for Celtic or another club to sign Kvistgaarden in January.

“Yes, because ‘CV’ was notoriously difficult to negotiate with. He always said no to the first 10 offers. We’re also dealing with people, so I could easily imagine that Kvistgaarden could succeed in getting a yes, this time,” Abolhosseini explained.

Celtics player who Ange Postecoglou is familiar with is predicted to sign a contract with Tottenham in January.

Ange Postecoglou has a history of signing players he knows well.

The Australian signed a number of J-League players during his time at Celtic, and that helped the Bhoys to remarkable success during his time in Glasgow.

However, since joining Tottenham, Postecoglou hasn’t gone back to the Celtic well, at least not yet anyway.

Tottenham have been linked with a number of Celtic players in the past.

Indeed, Kyogo Furuhashi was linked to Spurs last summer, while Matt O’Riley was a Tottenham target this year before his move to Brighton.

Speaking on The Spurs Chat Podcast, Josh Hughes has been discussing some of Spurs’ potential January business, and the journalist claims that a move for Reo Hatate in January could be viable.

Tottenham could look at Reo Hatate

Hughes spoke about Hatate and a potential move to Spurs.

The journalist says that Hatate is a player that Postecoglou knows very well and trusts, and he could certainly see a January move happening here.

“The last midfielder I’m going to talk about is Reo Hatate. He scored one of the penalties in the shootout against Rangers. Ange knows and trusts the player, he does like a goal or two as well. He’s one I could certainly see happening. If Spurs go in with a reasonable transfer fee Celtic will find it hard to keep him,” Hughes said.

Reo Hatate record under Ange Postecoglou

As Hughes says, Hatate knows Postecoglou very well, and he’s such a good fit for the Australian’s system.

Indeed, Hatate was a very important player for Postecoglou at Celtic, and the stats show just how good he was.

Reo Hatate stats under Ange PostecoglouGames40Wins36Draws3Losses1Goals9Assists10

Hatate only ever lost one league game under Postecoglou at Celtic, that is a remarkable record.

Hatate may be a midfielder who does a lot of defensive work, but he was also good for the odd goal and assist for Celtic under Postecoglou too.

This would be a smart signing from Tottenham, and given that Yves Bissouma has been struggling, it would be a much-welcomed addition to the midfield at Spurs.

Tottenham certainly need more energy in the middle of the park, and Hatate would bring that.

This is certainly a situation to keep an eye on as we head into the January transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers was instructed to complete a double transfer agreement and replace the player who Celtic supporters don’t like.

The January transfer rumour mill is starting to pick up at Celtic.

You presume Brendan Rodgers has held all his relevant meetings and now the powers that be will dip into the winter market to further improve the squad.

It might seem like Celtic don’t need much change or added quality, but it’s always best to refresh when you are on top.

Celtic are dominating domestically and this is a chance to further stick their chest out because it’s much easier to do it now than when you are desperate to.

But what areas of the squad should Rodgers improve?

Celtic told to replace Greg Taylor and purchase a left-winger

Greg Taylor’s contract at Celtic runs out next summer and you question if he will sign on the dotted line because it has gone pretty quiet.

On top of that, Alex Valle is on-loan from Barcelona and Alexandro Bernabei is playing in Brazil, so that left-back spot isn’t exactly screaming long-term.

As a result, Tam McManus feels bringing in a left-back is a ‘priority’ for Celtic because fans have ‘never been convinced’ by Taylor, as he told PLZ Soccer.

He also called for another left-sided winger to help out Celtic’s penalty-winning hero Daizen Maeda.

“Maybe somebody on the left wing to compete with Maeda as well,” said McManus. “I don’t think Celtic need a lot.

“A left-back definitely. I thought Taylor was poor in the League Cup final. Celtic fans have never been convinced by him. Okay at the SPFL level. When you step up in the Champions League, I think he gets found out a little bit.

“There are also rumours that the boy Valle going back as well. So, left-back will be a priority for me.”

What are the chances of Kieran Tierney returning to Arsenal?

Kieran Tierney returned to action for Arsenal on Wednesday night during his side’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace in the League Cup.

They were his first senior minutes ever since he picked up a hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro 2024.

The 27-year-old’s contract runs out in the summer and it has been suggested that Arsenal have revoked the chance to extend Tierney’s deal.

On top of that, the Daily Mail have reported that Tierney is also ‘open’ to the idea of making a return to Celtic and is willing to take a pay cut.

All of this should be music to the ears of Celtic supporters.

Callum McGregor did something “you wouldn’t associate with him” against Rangers, according to Celtic.

Callum McGregor has never lost a major final in Celtic colours.

What a record that is for the 31-year-old, who has plenty more to offer Celtic, and is already regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.

That was further proven when Celtic beat Rangers on penalties in the League Cup final on Sunday at Hampden.

These Glasgow derbies are usually dominated by McGregor and he finds that Rangers do everything in their power to stop him from running the game.

For the majority of the time, it has worked, but even he will admit that, over the weekend, it was rather different and he was asked questions never put forward to him before.

Celtic went 1-0 down and the build-up play was passive, predictable and error-prone, that’s why Brendan Rodgers subbed off Auston Trusty for Liam Scales.

In the second half, it changed on its head, with three goals from the champions and the man with the armband was at the heart of it, but not like you have seen him before.

Callum McGregor praised for ‘hooking’ the ball away for Daizen Maeda’s goal

It was a frantic game and that was proven by how congested it was in the middle of the park. It looked and felt like you had no time to breathe on the ball.

So much so that Scott Allan feels that McGregor did something ‘you don’t associate with him’ and that’s hooking the ball away, as he told Sportscene.

It occurred when he missed a header, had his back to Rangers’ goal, chased back after the ball, hooked it over his head and then, in next to no time, Maeda was putting the ball in the back of the net.

“The interception as well, he is always onto it,” said Allan about Maeda. “His first touch. He actually takes it away from Propper and it allows him to hit it into the ground and into the corner.

“But for me, seeing Callum McGregor in the middle of the park just hooking one on isn’t something you would associate with him. In a game like that, when it’s frantic in the midfield, that was decisive for them.”

McGregor hails Celtic ‘personality’ against Rangers

Celtic have Rangers’ number because, regardless of how the game pans out, there is always only one winner and they hail in the green and white.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement hasn’t beaten Celtic and Rodgers has only lost once on 20 occasions to further prove the dominance.

As McGregor told Celtic TV, the team had to ‘dig in’ and they did that by showcasing their ‘personality’ and no one displayed it better than the skipper himself.

“It was a tough game, an old-fashioned cup final and the game becomes a bit chaotic and, to be honest, we gave ourselves a lot of work to do by the way we started the game,” said McGregor.

“So the big takeaway is how well the players dug in and fought for each other, and then in the moments when we had to show quality, we did that to make sure we bring the trophy home. “If you want to win things you need a big personality in difficult moments and pressure situations. That’s so many penalties in a row we’ve scored, so it bodes well, it shows the work the boys are doing leading into these games.

“You know that anything can happen but then it’s about keeping your nerve and trusting yourself, trusting your technique and trusting your team-mates, and Kasper came up with a big save as well.”

Marco Tilio, a Celtic loanee, had yet another injury setback while playing for Melbourne City.

Celtic have several loanees out looking to impress Brendan Rodgers and one man that falls into that category would be Marco Tilio.

Last summer, the Australia international joined Celtic for £1.5 million, but a mix of injury problems and struggles adjusting to Parkhead life led him back to his homeland on loan at the start of the year.

Unfortunately, Tilio has endured further fitness issues at Melbourne City and is scheduled to be out for at least another few weeks due to a partial tear to his hamstring tendon.

After a long period on the sidelines, Tilio showed signs of promise by scoring against Newcastle Jets, but a familiar tale has put yet another spanner in the works in his bid to claim regular minutes on a weekly basis.

With his Celtic prospects seeming unlikely, Aurelio Vidmar has shed some insight on how the winger is faring on the comeback trail.

Marco Tilio suffers minor Melbourne City injury setback

Aurelio Vidmar recently spoke about his squad availability at Melbourne City and noted that Tilio has encountered some issues after returning to training alongside Kai Trewin.

He stated before his side’s 2-2 draw against Auckland: “Tilio started also this week and having some issues again.

“He’s had a little setback this week. Nothing major but might push him back four or five days.”

Later, he added on his potential return timeline: “Tilio is more likely against Central Coast I would say, and hopefully Leckie too.”

Melbourne City are set to take on Central Coast Mariners on Hogmanay, so it may not be too long before the Celtic man is back out on the pitch.

What Marco Tilio has said about his Celtic future

It has to be said, there feels like there isn’t much of a chance supporters will see Tilio add two his two Celtic substitute appearances.

Ultimately, he was never able to break into the first-team picture despite his talent and there are now several positional competitors further up the pecking order.

Addressing his future earlier this year, Tilio admitted a Celtic exit could be on the cards as he seeks to kickstart his career, stating: “I just want to play consistent games, do really well and put myself in a really good position to either return to Scotland or go on loan elsewhere in Europe.”

Hopefully, he can get back on his feet in Melbourne before the Bhoys come to a decision on his long-term future

Dundee United star Louis Moult is sent to a specialist due to an injury before their match against Celtic.

The Tangerines’ No.9 suffered a heavy knock to his shoulder.

Louis Moult is a Dundee United injury worry ahead of facing Celtic. Image: SNS

Dundee United face a nervous wait to learn the extent of a shoulder injury sustained by key striker Louis Moult against Motherwell.

Moult, 32, left Fir Park with his arm in a sling – a “precaution”, according to boss Jim Goodwin – following a heavy fall during Saturday’s 4-3 thriller in North Lanarkshire.

He has been referred to a specialist to assess the damage, with the results expected later this week.

Goodwin, whose side host Celtic at Tannadice on Sunday, is reluctant to speculate on the time-frame of any potential absence until he receives the prognosis on Moult’s setback.

Louis Moult, left, clutches his shoulder, and strike-partner Sam Dalby. Image: SNS

Goodwin said: “Moulty hurt his shoulder in the game on Saturday, unfortunately, so he is a concern.

“It (the sling) was more of a precautionary measure after the game, but his shoulder has definitely given him a bit of bother.

“So, he’ll get a scan on that this week, and we’ll see how that transpires. We won’t know the extent of things until we get those results.”

Goodwin: Another spell out is last thing Moult needs

Any sustained spell on the sidelines would be a hammer-blow for Moult, who only recently returned from a two-month absence due to a knee injury.

He has looked bright in his last two outings – finding the net against the Steelmen – and shows signs of cultivating a fine partnership with Sam Dalby in attack.

Goodwin has his fingers crossed that the striker’s momentum will not be too badly interrupted.

Louis Moult celebrates the opening goal against Kilmarnock prior to his previous injury. Image: SNS

“Moulty is a great finisher and both himself and Sam (Dalby) have played really well together in the last couple of games,” said the United boss.

“He’s already had a lengthy spell out with the fracture in his leg, so the last thing Moulty needs now is another stint on the sidelines.

“Hopefully, we can get him back and nothing too serious comes from it.”

 

Jim Goodwin provides an update ahead of the Celtic match, while Louis Moult struggles with Dundee United’s injuries.

The striker netted in the weekend defeat to Motherwell but left Fir Park with his arm in a sling

Louis Moult is a major doubt for Celtic with Dundee United sweating on his shoulder injury

Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Dundee United are sweating on the scan results of Louis Moult’s shoulder injury.

The experienced striker netted in the weekend defeat to Motherwell but left Fir Park with his arm in a sling. The Englishman now looks to be a major doubt for the visit of champions Celtic to Tannadice on Sunday. United boss Goodwin said: “He’s hurt his shoulder in the game unfortunately on Saturday, so he is a concern.

“It’s obviously a bit more of a precautionary measure after the game (with the sling) but his shoulder has definitely given him a bit of bother. So he’ll get a scan on that in the early part of the week and we’ll see how that transpires. We won’t know the extent of things until we get those results.”

The 32-year-old has netted four league goals already this term and it would be a blow if he was sidelined again. Moult has recently just come back from a leg fracture. Goodwin added: “Obviously, Moulty is a great finisher and both himself and Sam have played really well together in the last couple of games.

“He’s already had a lengthy spell out with the fracture in his leg so the last thing Moulty needs now is another stint on the sidelines. “Hopefully we can get him back and nothing too serious comes about.”

Defender Will Ferry will also come back into the United fold for the Celtic game after missing the Motherwell match because of suspension. United’s 4-3 defeat in Lanarkshire saw them slip down to fifth in the table.

Goodwin was disappointed with the uncharacteristic manner that his team conceded their goals but also believed his team showed a lot of good signs going the other way. He said: “I am disappointed with the result but the actual performance, taking out some of the goals that we conceded. The actual overall performance on the day was quite good.

“I am just disappointed because we scored three goals and if you do that in a game then you should be taking at least a point. We just shot ourselves in the foot, unfortunately, in one or two situations.

“I think sometimes you’ve just got to deal with a bad day at the office and I think that’s what it is. As I said after the game, I wasn’t going to over-criticise the defenders.

“Of course, we’ll watch the goals back and identify the bits that we could have done better but, in the main, the defenders, the backline, have been outstanding I’m not going to make too big a deal about it but we certainly felt that it was a game that we should have taken something from and I think all the games that we’ve played now against Motherwell.

“There’s only been one goal in it and they’ve been really tight games and you can’t afford to make the kind of mistakes that we made at this level because you will get punished. One thing the boys did was keep going and kept fighting and kept believing they could take something. We scored some good goals but ultimately we’re coming away with nothing to show for it.”

Stewart reveals that SFA has discussed Rangers’ penalty while he waits for clarification.

Patrick Stewart spoke with Rangers TV in his first interview as chief executive (Image: PA)

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart has revealed he is waiting on an explanation from the Scottish FA over the major penalty flashpoint in the Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.

The new CEO has been in contact with the Scottish FA to demand answers over the decision-making process after Rangers were not awarded a spot-kick at Hampden.

Referee John Beaton had awarded a free-kick when Vaclav Cerny was hauled down by Liam Scales. However, replays showed the Rangers winger with his foot on the line of the box at the time of the incident.

🎙️ New Chief Executive Officer Patrick Stewart sat down with RangersTV to discuss his role with the club.

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 17, 2024

IFAB laws state:  “If a defender starts holding an attacker outside the penalty area and continues holding inside the penalty area, the referee must award a penalty kick.”

VAR official Alan Muir did not intervene with the free-kick being taken instead of any review of the incident or VAR involvement in upgrading the award to a penalty. As the call was a “factual” decision Beaton would not have been called to the pitchside monitor, rather a decision on whether it was inside or outside the box would be made by the VAR officials and then communicated to the referee.

Philippe Clement was left furious over the “weird situation” as he urged journalists to “dig in” to the decision in his post-match press conference.

Stewart only began as Rangers CEO on Monday but one of his first actions was to contact the Scottish FA and referee chief Willie Collum to seek answers over the incident.

“The performances in the SPFL have been really positive, we are scoring, not conceding, of course the Cup Final – I don’t want to dwell on it again, but it could have been such a memorable day,” said Stewart on Rangers TV.

“We have a lot to be positive about. The manner which we lost was hard to take, and as I think people will know, I have spoken with the SFA to ask for an explanation about the non-awarding of a penalty in extra-time, so I will wait to hear what the SFA have to say about that.

“Obviously it is somewhat bittersweet. Yesterday was my first day and we were licking our wounds from Sunday.

“It was disappointing in the manner of the defeat, but we can take a huge amount from it. There is a lot to be optimistic about, but yesterday was bittersweet.

“I was really excited to start the role, but I was disappointed it wasn’t with a trophy in the cabinet.”

The UWCL campaign of Celtic FC Women concludes with a 3-0 loss.

Women’s Football

By Lewis Laird in Enschede

UEFA Women’s Champions League
Tuesday, December 16, 2024
De Grolsch Veste

FC TWENTE…3
(van Dooren 20, Rodgers O.G 34, Ross O.G 40)

CELTIC…0

Celtic FC Women brought their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign to a close, slipping to defeat on matchday six against FC Twente.

Three first half goals inflicted defeat upon the Ghirls, who rounded off what has been a historic European campaign.

Despite not picking up any points, it has been a promising first ever European group stage campaign for the Ghirls, who have grown with confidence throughout the competition.

Elena Sadiku’s side headed into the game aiming to round things off with another strong showing and hoping to pick up a positive result.

The Celtic boss made four changes to her side, introducing both Lisa Rodgers and Mathilde Carstens for their first Champions League starts in the Hoops.

The match started off in a decent manner for the Celts, looking to cause some early trouble for the Twente goalkeeper.

Some nice invention from Carstens gave the Hoops the chance to throw an early free kick into the box, but it was ultimately cleared.

Both sides had chances to grab the first goal in the opening stages, with FC Twente striking the crossbar via a deflected effort, before Caitlin Hayes saw a shot well saved from close range.

However, it was the home side who would strike first in the match, opening the scoring 20 minutes into the game.

After being given a warning sign as the ball hit the back of the net, before the offside flag was raised, the Dutch side made the Celts pay, scoring from close range to make it 1-0.

Looking to play their way back into proceedings, the Ghirls were playing some decent football from the back as they tried to get forward.

However, as the game approached half time, it was the tale of two set plays that seen the Hoops slip three goals behind.

Conceding twice before the break, with two corners landing in the net via the aid of Celtic deflections, the Ghirls found themselves 3-0 down going into the break.

With her side three goals behind, the Celtic head coach introduced two changes at the break, bringing Hana Kerner and Jenny Smith into the action.

The American looked to use her pace to get the Hoops up the pitch, making a positive run in the Twente half just moments after being introduced.

As the game went on, the Celts continued to grow into proceedings, with Elena Sadiku’s side aimimg to drag themselves back in to the game.

Emma Lawton almost created a brilliant opening for one of her team-mates with a cutback on the right-hand side, but no one was there to meet the ball.

A corner into the box also almost created an opening at the back post for Caitlin Hayes. But it was cleared just in time before the Irish defender met the cross.

Ultimately, it would end in defeat for the Ghirls, with the three first half goals doing the damage.

Although they couldn’t take anything from the group, there will be plenty of learnings from what was another historic experience.

CELTIC: Rodgers, Lawton, Clark, Hayes, Barclais, Ross (McAneny 72), McGregor, M. Carstens (Smith 46), Ashworth-Clifford (Kerner 46), Gallacher (Luana 76), Noonan (Cross 64)

Subs: Logan, Daugherty, Richardson, Cavanagh, Bruna

Celtic star dismisses Cup final penalty protest as Paulo Bernardo slaps Rangers

The Hoops playmaker is ignoring the controversy surrounding Sunday’s showpiece as Celts celebrate another trophy success

Paulo Bernardo with Greg Taylor and Daizen Maeda (Image: SNS Group)

Paulo Bernardo has told Rangers to pipe down with their Premier Sports Cup protests because Celtic deserved to lift the trophy.

The Hoops ace shrugged off the controversy that’s raged on in the wake of Sunday’s epic encounter at Hampden. Brendan Rodgers’s men secured the cup after a dramatic penalty shoot out on the back of six-goal thriller over 90 minutes and extra-time.

But Ibrox chiefs have raged at the flashpoint at Hampden when Vaclav Cerny was tugged back by Liam Scales right on the edge of the box – with several ex-officials claiming the Light Blues should have been awarded a penalty – and new Gers CEO Patrick Stewart has already written to the SFA demanding an explanation.

Bernardo insisted Rangers were not robbed – because he’s convinced Celts were worthy winners. He said: “We don’t focus on that decision. We just move forward now.

“We won the trophy after a very good game and that’s all we think about. It was a difficult game on Sunday.

“Both teams played well and it was a good game for supporters to watch. But we had almost 70 per cent of the ball and I think we deserved to win the cup.

“In the final moments, we had the quality to win the game and the players did so well in the shootout. When it came to the big pressure moments, we delivered. Our objective was to win the trophy and we managed to do that.”

Paulo Bernardo with the Premier Sports Cup Trophy during a Celtic FC Foundation Schools Party at Celtic Park

Bernardo savoured the cup success but he insisted the huge character shown at Hampden to secure the trophy with drive on the Hoops in their quest for a clean sweep this season. The Parkhead men are in a commanding position in the Premiership as they get back to business against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday.

Bernardo insisted no one at the club will take their foot off the gas. The Portugal Under-21 skipper – speaking at Celtic FC Foundation’s Christmas party – said: “Our mentality is to win every game and we did it again.

“All we wanted was to lift that trophy and it felt so good for us as a team and a club. The mentality is so strong within the squad.

“No matter what, we know that we have to find a way to win. We won the League Cup and now we move on to the next one.

“It was important to win on Sunday and we celebrated – but now we move on. We want to win all the trophies, of course, but we need to take it step by step and not look too far ahead.”

Billy Dodds expresses his opinions about Cameron Carter-Vickers’ behavior during Celtic’s victory over Rangers.

When Cameron Carter-Vickers isn’t playing for Celtic, you notice the difference.

The man brought in by Ange Postecoglou has been an incredible signing for the club and that was further showcased at Hampden on Sunday.

Celtic beating Rangers on penalties in the League Cup final came with its difficulties and Brendan Rodgers had to make some huge calls.

That included hooking off Auston Trusty at half-time for Liam Scales, with Celtic 1-0 down and simply not performing to their high standards.

That surely would have put Carter-Vickers under more pressure, but he stood up to it all.

Just before the Bhoys equalised, the USMNT international prevented Rangers from doubling their lead when he was four on one inside the penalty area.

Billy Dodds lauds Cameron Carter-Vickers’ interception against Rangers

After Daizen Maeda scored the trophy-winning penalty, the Japan star was rightfully lauded for remaining calm under pressure, including Kasper Schmeichel’s penalty save.

But Carter-Vickers’ interception was perhaps the pivotal moment because it prevented Rangers from giving themselves a cushion.

Billy Dodds reacted to the Celtic defender’s actions and how it ‘swung’ the course of the game, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.

“It probably was the wrong pass, right,” said Dodds. “He could have probably gone on the two on the left.

“But see once he goes to the right of Bajrami. He has got to flash it back with pace. He just kind of faded it into an area.

“Great defending. He has to put himself in that position. You are right, it swung on that because, although Rangers picked the wrong pass and it was a four-on-one. They had to flash it across and Carter-Vickers doesn’t get a chance of it.

What Carter-Vickers did at the Darts after Celtic’s win over Rangers in League Cup final

With that League Cup final win, it now means that Celtic have won 119 trophies in their rich and illustrious history.

No other team in Scotland has more trophies as the Bhoys rightfully sit on top of the tree.

Carter-Vickers was celebrating Celtic’s win in London by watching the PDC World Darts Championships with a few of the players, and as you can see below, he was rubbing salt into the wounds.

🎯 Some of the Celtic team celebrating their League Cup final win at the darts in London tonight.

#119

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) December 16, 2024

SFA give in to Ibrox Club pressure

The fallout from Celtic’s Premier Sports Cup Final victory over Rangers is continuing, with the SFA axing VAR duo Alan Muir and Frank O’Connor for this weekend’s fixtures.

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Rangers manager Philippe Clement REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

This decision appears to be a direct response to pressure from Rangers and their manager, Philippe Clement, following Sunday’s derby at Hampden Park.

In a move that smacks of poor handling, news of the officials’ sidelining was seemingly leaked to the media, which is really poor, especially given that no official word has come out.

Rangers’ reaction to the Cup Final defeat has been nothing short of petulant. The level of outrage and the lack of dignity shown in defeat have been astounding to witness. Instead of accepting that Celtic were simply better on the day, Rangers have resorted to throwing toys out of the pram, focusing on a single VAR incident involving Liam Scales and Vaclav Cerny.

On-field referee John Beaton awarded a free-kick for the foul, judging it to have occurred outside the box. VAR did not intervene to review the call — a decision that left Clement and Rangers incensed.

Celtic’s victory in the Cup Final not only secured silverware but also moved them ahead of Rangers in the all-time trophy count. This milestone appears to have been a bitter pill for those at Ibrox, who seem unable to accept defeat with grace. Instead of acknowledging Celtic’s superior performance, Rangers have deflected attention with complaints and accusations.

The SFA’s decision to cave under pressure from Rangers sets a troubling precedent. Instead of supporting their officials and maintaining consistency, they’ve opted for knee-jerk reactions that undermine the authority and credibility of referees. This approach does little to address the real issues facing Scottish football and only serves to encourage more whining and finger-pointing when results don’t go a club’s way.

Ultimately, this episode reflects poorly on both Rangers and the SFA. While Celtic continue to focus on success and silverware, their rivals seem content to engage in blame games and deflection tactics.

Perhaps the time has come for some at Ibrox to realise that the solution lies on the pitch — not in the VAR room.