Celtic
Aston Villa ‘officially bid’ for Celtic target in bargain transfer attempt
Aston Villa ‘officially bid’ for Celtic target in bargain transfer attempt
The latest transfer news as two bids are lodged amid interest from Aston Villa and Celtic in an international goalkeeper
IF Elfsborg goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson has emerged as the latest Celtic transfer target
Aston Villa have sent a formal bid to sign Iceland international goalkeeper Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson but face competition from Celtic, Copenhagen and several other clubs.
The Villans are attempting to bring in a new backup to Emiliano Martinez at a bargain rate with current understudy Robin Olsen lacking reliability. Valdimarsson, attainable for merely a few million, could be a great solution as he has been a standout shot-stopper in the Swedish Allsvenskan
Valdimarsson conceded just 22 goals in 29 league appearances throughout the 2022/23 season, keeping a remarkable 14 clean sheets.
The new campaign doesn’t start until the end of March as football is a summer sport in Sweden, so the 22-year-old, who let in a goal every 116 minutes on average, is currently enjoying a break.
Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Villa have lodged a formal offer of €2 million (£1.72 million) in an attempt to sign Valdimarsson.
Copenhagen, meanwhile, have sent a slightly lower bid of €1.7 million (£1.46 million). Celtic, on the other hand, are yet to follow up on their interest.
Valdimarsson faced Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the UEFA EURO qualifiers in November.
Valdimarsson faced Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal in the UEFA EURO qualifiers in November.
Romano claims “several clubs” in addition to Villa, Copenhagen and Celtic are keen, so “nothing is done yet”. With such a bargain deal available, Unai Emery’s side will have to be on the buzzer to ensure they secure their new backup goalkeeper.
AND ALSO
“Typical BBC spouting lies” – Chris McLaughlin called out by Celtic supporters
The Celtic Star yesterday provided an update on the away ticket controversy that surrounds the Glasgow Derby match and as usual Celtic supporters can rely on this site and others within the Celtic Fan Media to report accurately and explain the situation truthfully.
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READ THIS…Celtic hold talks with Rangers on away tickets, but Ibrox safety guaranteed needed
Fan media is supposed to be biased, sites like The Celtic Star will admit to wearing green tinted glasses when it comes to supporting our team but that doesn’t mean we’ll tell lies or knowingly seek to mislead supporters to satisfy our own particular agenda. And if we tried we’d be found out very quickly indeed by the Celtic support so what would be the point?
Yesterday Chris McLaughlin, Sports News Correspondent at BBC Scotland stated as ‘fact’ that the away allocation was reduced due to the increase in demand for season tickets at Ibrox caused by the appointment of Steven Gerrard as manager. Not only is this complete nonsense, McLaughlin knows it’s untrue but to suit an agenda goes along with the lie.
Suppose he reckons it’s just a little lie in comparison to the big one, that somehow Rangers survived liquidation and are in fact the same club as before, but without having to pay back the up to £100m that they owed to creditors.
Yes, journalistic lies are on the rise yet again, with the BBC reporting that: “Rangers cut Celtic’s allocation in 2018 because of greater demand for season tickets after Steven Gerrard’s arrival.”
You don’t need to be a Celtic fan to know that this is an excuse – you just need to have not lived under a rock for the past decade.
The truth is that theRangers have constantly been second-best since entering the top flight in Scottish football for the first time in 2016. They have won a singular title in their entire history. After losing numerous games to the Hoops in their own backyard, including one where Celtic had fought back from a 2-1 deficit and with ten men to win 3-2, the fans and their board had finally had enough.
Free Broomloan Celebrations were halted as theRangers announced that they would give Celtic a mere 700 tickets for the Glasgow Derby, essentially destroying the spectacle of one of the best derbies in the world with a single petty decision. That’s what happened, that’s what Chris knows happened and that’s what only The Celtic Star and our colleagues across the Celtic Fan Media can be relied on to report truthfully, accurately and honestly.
Here we are, in 2024, where for the past two derby games, no away fans have been allowed inside of Celtic Park or Ibrox. The reason? Celtic rejected the offer of 700 tickets that was given to them by theRangers due to safety concerns. A very valid reason, especially considering we’ve had far too many injuries to our fans and backroom staff in the last two years.
The Celtic Star also broke the news on this story earlier in the season (the next day Daily Record used the story as their exclusive) revealing that theRangers had accepted Celtic’s concerns over safety of Celtic supporters in that away corner at Ibrox and were planning on installing nets. We also confirmed Celtic’s number of seven supporters who had been seriously injured while at Ibrox by being hit by objects thrown by theRangers support.
Not that Chris would be brave enough to write about that.
If you’re putting something on the website belonging to the national publicly funded broadcaster, the least you could do is state the facts. And the truth is that theRangers threw their toys out of the pram and that’s all there is to it. It seems that Chris McLaughlin isn’t interested in the facts but would rather do his best to avoid being banned from Ibrox for a second time.
The moral of the story? Don’t believe you everything you read in the mainstream media, folks and when it comes to your football coverage, do all you can to support sites like The Celtic Star and the other Celtic Fan Media sites that tell it like it is…
Rangers cut Celtic’s allocation in 2018 because of greater demand for season tickets after Steven Gerrard’s arrival.
This is just demonstrable, biased and untrue nonsense.
— Bilbao Bhoys CSC (@BilbaoBhoysCSC) January 16, 2024
Why are you lying Chris? Are you being paid to lie? pic.twitter.com/uIREwUmCHl
— Cluster One (@ClusterOne2) January 16, 2024
C’mon Chris, this is where it started, let’s not let anyone believe otherwise. An online fan petition, kicked off by this post on a Rangers forum the day after Celtic had won 2-0 at Ibrox in 2017. pic.twitter.com/Qe9mEqsTpA
— Peter McGuigan (@PeterMcGuigan14) January 16, 2024
Did CELTIC start the TICKET ALLOCATION WAR OF 2023!?!
Eh, no.
Another reminder… here is Gary Ralston, on the official Daily Record Rangers Podcast, August 2017… 2 0 1 7… vocalising the Rangers fans desire to cut allocation cause we scudded them.pic.twitter.com/OzIUn4s68y
— 🍔 Gastro Celtic 🍀 (@Gastro_Celtic) August 17, 2023
Jessica Elliott
THE CELTIC STAR’S WINTER SALE IS NOW ON! GET A MASSIVE 50% OFF ALL BOOKS AT CELTICSTARBOOKS.COM/SHOP…
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“I am really motivated to do well for this great club,” Nicolas Kuhn
“I am really motivated to do well for this great club,” Nicolas Kuhn
Jan 17 2024, 9:17
Opinion – Any bids for CCV must be rebuffed
Opinion – Any bids for CCV must be rebuffed
Jan 17 2024, 8:56
Celtic On This Day – 17th January – David Potter’s Celtic Diary
Celtic On This Day – 17th January – David Potter’s Celtic Diary
Jan 17 2024, 6:55
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“I am really motivated to do well for this great club,” Nicolas Kuhn
JESSICA ELLIOTT
I’m a student journalist and Celtic supporter. I’m delighted to have been recently appointed women’s football writer for The Celtic Star, where the coverage of the Celtic FC Women’s team has been incredible and unrivalled over the past three seasons.
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“I am really motivated to do well for this great club,” Nicolas Kuhn
17 January, 2024
Opinion – Any bids for CCV must be rebuffed
17 January, 2024
Celtic On This Day – 17th January – David Potter’s Celtic Diary
17 January, 2024
BRIAN MCALLISTER on 17 January, 2024 10:48 am
I knew McLaughlin at Uni. It’s no surprise to me that he has become a toady spineless jobsworth lickspittle.
JOHN COPELAND on 17 January, 2024 11:40 am
Erm, what happened to the much vaunted BBC Verify …set up to extinguish fake news . Not too successfully.
The Celtic Star is the independent Celtic Supporters site. We’re ‘obsessed with Celtic’ – just like you! The Celtic Star is committed to bringing you the best coverage of Celtic, past, present and future.
Done deal: Celtic has beat both Bayern Munich and Ajax in the signing of a forward…
Celtic close in on first January signing – former Ajax and Bayern Munich attacker once labelled ‘next Messi’
Negotations ongoing for £3m transfer of former Germany youth international
celtic are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window as negotations continue with Rapid Vienna for winger Nicolas Kuhn.
The Parkhead side opened formal discussions with the Austrian club earlier this week over a move for the 24-year-old German having tracked his progress over a number of months.
Rapid are reported to be seeking a fee in the region of 3 million euros for a player who has scored three goals and contributed seven assists in 22 appearances this season.
Kuhn spent three years in the RB Leipzig youth ranks before earning a 2 million euros move to Ajax at the age of 18. He played for the Amsterdam side’s second team before being signed by Bayern Munich, initially on loan, in 2020.
The attacker, who has played for Germany at every youth level up to Under-20s, was a regular in Bayern’s second team until 2022 when he made the move to Austria.
His performances for Germany at the Under-17 World Cup held in India in 2017 led to him being labelled the “next Messi” by the German press.
Rapid sporting director Markus Katzer confirmed that his club have received offers for player, stating: “In principle, I don’t want to comment on any rumours.
But I can confirm that we actually have concrete offers on the table for Nicolas Kuhn, but I don’t want to name the interested clubs.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed a desire to add quallity to his ranks for the second half of the season with several players set to be missing when the squad returns from the winter break. Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Marco Tilio, Hyun-jun Yang and Hyeon-gyu Oh are all on international duty at the Asian Cup, while Nat Phillips has returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan deal.
Yosuke Ideguchi completed a move to Vissel Kobe earlier this week, having spent the last year on loan in Japan, while defender Gustaf Lagerbielke is the subject of a loan bid from Serie A side Lecce.
Further departures are possible this month as Rodgers looked to trim his squad to make way for potentially three arrivals – a left-back, striker, and a winger, who now looks likely to be Kuhn.
Club Concerned Rivals Set For Financial Boost Could Muscle Past For Celtic Player
Lecce are wary of competition for Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke from Genoa, especially as the Rossoblu are set to receive a financial boost.
Celtic signed Lagerbielke just last summer, but after only four months in Glasgow the Swede could be heading out of the exit door following a limited impact.
The defender has failed to make himself a regular part of the Bhoys’ backline and the club are expected to be open to offers.
Italian side Lecce are keen on snapping up Lagerbielke and are interested in taking him to Italy on loan.
However, they are wary of a interest from fellow Serie A outfit Genoa, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.com, especially as the Rossoblu are set to have their finances boosted.
Genoa are close to earning a total of €30m from the sale of Radu Dragusin to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Rossoblu will want a replacement bringing in and are admirers of Celtic’s Lagerbielke.
Lecce will hope to be able to move quickly to land the Celtic man on loan before Genoa can make their presence felt in the chase.
Anthony Joseph’s Celtic Transfer Update
Anthony Joseph is reporting that Celtic and Lecce are unable to agree a loan fee for Gus Lagerbielke to join the Italian side.
The defender only joined Celtic in August from Elfsborg but it seems certain that he will be moving out this month after appearing to drop down to fifth choice central defender under Brendan Rodgers.
Lagerbielke came off the bench to secure Celtic’s first home win in the Champions League for a decade with a header against Feyenoord a month ago but since that match both Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki have started matches in the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers.
UPDATE: Celtic and Lecce are yet to find an agreement for the loan of centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke.
It’s understood there’s a gap in valuation over the loan fee.
The Serie A club remain interested in him, but would need the Hoops to lower their asking price. https://t.co/Gko9KrZSbl
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph)
With Liam Scales starring every match since the end of August the hoops have a surplus of central defenders when everyone is fit and available.
Lagerbielke did sign a five year contract when he moved from Elfsborg at the start of the season but with a loan deal being discussed his Celtic prospects appear bleak.
Celtic transfer reported to Fifa, Rangers offered £10m for striker, Hibs prepare for new signing…
The latest January transfer news involving Scottish Premiership clubs
Rangers have been linked with Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Rangers blow in winger pursuit
Rangers may have to wait until the summer to land Vitesse Arnhem winger Million Manhoef amid reports that the Eredivisie club are not prepared to let him leave before the end of the season. The highly-rated Dutch Under-21 international has been linked with a move to Ibrox this January in a £2.5million deal. However, according to reports in Der Gerlander, Vitesse are prepared to “veto” any move for their player as they feel it would consign them to relegation. The article also claims club bosses reckon the 22-year-old could earn them a larger transfer fee in the summer with his contract not expiring until 2025.
Celtic transfer reported to Fifa
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The deal that brought Luis Palma to Celtic from Greek side Aris Saloniki has been reported to Fifa by his previous club Vida over unpaid fees. The Honduran winger has been a big hit at the Scottish champions with seven goals and nine assists in 22 appearances since making the £3.5 move in the summer. Aris signed Palma in 2019 in a deal reported to be worth €200,000 with a 35 per cent sell-on clause. Vida insist they are still owed money from the original transfer, as well as the move to Celtic, and have taken the dispute to Fifa. Club president Luis Cruz said: “The first transfer for Luis Palma was for €200,000 and we built in a 35 per sell-on fee. But we did not receive any payment after his transfer to Celtic. Celtic bought Luis for €4.8 m £4.1m), we know that. I told Luis when he was leaving us not to go to the club in Greece and I had arranged a transfer to a club in Portugal instead, but his agent insisted he go to Aris. They haven’t paid us the full amount from the first transfer either and the sell-on fee which has hurt us financially a great deal. In total, they owe us around £50,000 from the original transfer and the sell-on. We have been left with no alternative but to take the matter to FIFA. We are happy that Luis has been a big success at Celtic, but for this club to survive, we need this money. To keep a club afloat, we have to do this. I had to delay payments and reduce salaries because of this.”
Josh Doig set for Torino move
Josh Doig’s touted move to Rangers appears dead in the water with reports in Italy claiming the left-back is close to joining Torino. The former Hibs defender looks set to depart Hellas Verona in the January window and, according to Calciomercato, he is poised to remain in Serie A after reaching a verbal agreement over a move to Turin. Doig played just over 70 minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan at the San Siro amid transfer speculation linking the Scotland Under-21 international with a £5.2m departure. Verona could move for Rangrs left-back Ridvan Yilmaz as a replacement for Doig with the Turkish international said to be a target for the Italians. Rangers remain in the market for a left-back and have been linked with Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Gijs Smal (FC Twente), and Fredrik Oppegard (PSV Eindhoven).
Rangers offered £10m striker
Rangers are weighing up a proposal to sign Nottingham Forest striker Emmanuel Dennis. The 26-year-old is currently on loan with Turkish Super Lig side Basaksehir FK but the move has not worked out with Dennis failing to find the net in eight appearances. Forest are prepared to recall the Nigerian international if they can negotiate a move elsewhere. According to transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, he has been offered to Rangers but, as things stand, no official approach has been made. Dennis, who cost Forest a reported £10m when he joined from Watford in 2022, is no stranger to current Rangers boss Philippe Clement. He scored 10 goals in 46 games playing under the Belgian during his time at Club Brugge prior to earning a move to the English Premier League. Dennis is said to be ‘interested’ in the potential Ibrox reunion.
Hibs ‘primed’ for new arrival
Hibs are said to be closing on first signing of the January transfer window in the shape of Leeds United defender Kris Moore. The 20-year old, who can play at both right-back and centre-back, has yet to make the senior breakthrough at Elland Road but has been impressing for the club’s Under-21 side. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Moore is ‘primed’ to complete his move to Easter Road on a loan deal until the end of the season. With Chris Cadden out injured and Lewis Miller away at the Asian Cup with Australia, Hibs manager Nick Montgomery is keen to bolster his options at right-back.
Rangers and Celtic linked with ‘next Paulo Maldini’ as £6m left-back available for cut-price transfer
Reports in Italy have linked with Old Firm with the impressive left-back
Gijs Smal has been linked with Celtic and Ranger
Rangers have been linked with a move for a Dutch left-back who has been compared to Paolo Maldini – weeks after he was first mooted with a switch to Celtic.
Once in every while, Celtic and Rangers manage to snag a cheap player who goes on to achieve huge things in football; Gennaro Gattuso, Henrik Larsson, Virgil van Dijk, the list goes on. And, whilst there haven’t been many of those in the past couple of years, the standing and reputation of the two Glaswegian giants always allows for top talents to be linked with a move to the second city as a result of their footballing exploits.
With defensive reinforcements needed for both clubs if they are to increase their standing in European football, the European market is something that both clubs generally tap into to find potential bargains and increase their value on the domestic scene.
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And according to reports in the Netherlands, Ibrox has emerged as a possible destination for FC Twente left-back Gijs Smal, with the defender being dubbed ‘the new Maldini’.
Smal is out of contract in the summer, though with Borna Barisic not getting any younger and the jury still out on Ridvan Yilmaz, there could well be a vacancy in the left-back rank which Smal has been tipped to take over, alongside Josh Doig of Verona who has been touted for a ‘swap deal’ for Yilmaz.
‘Smaldini’, which he has been coined with due to his similarities to AC Milan legend Paolo, signed for Twente aged 23, and racked up an outstanding 10 assists last season for the former Eredivisie champions.
He was valued at £6million last season but will leave in the summer on a free transfer, though if a club stumps up a fee this month they will be able to land him early to avoid competition for his signing – which Twente transfer chief Arnold Bruggink opened up over.
He said: “Of course we would very much like it if Gijs signed a new deal with us. But both parties have to want that. And we have to be realistic about that part of his future sadly.”
Celtic were linked with a move last month given Bernabei’s poor start to life in the green and white shirt, though he would have to contend for game time with Greg Taylor.
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Celtic Loan Bhoy Dumped Out of FA Cup
Celtic loanee Haksabanovic and his Stoke side faced a stern test against Premier League outfit Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, a challenge that ultimately saw them knocked out following a 4-2 defeat.
For the 24-year-old winger, the game was a chance to showcase his talents on a larger stage. Starting in the line-up, Haksabanovic was in the thick of the action for 58 minutes until he was pulled off with Stoke trailing 2-1.
Despite the loss, the outing was another opportunity for him to gain valuable match fitness and experience, adding to his 12 appearances this season. It’s worth noting, however, that his journey this term hasn’t been all smooth, with an earlier injury sidelining him and disrupting his rhythm.
Signed by Ange Postecoglou, Haksabanovic arrived at Celtic with a promising aura but never quite managed to cement his place in the team. Brendan Rodgers made the decision to send Sead out on loan, a move that spoke volumes about his immediate future with the Bhoys.
Now, half way through the season and next summer looming, his return to Celtic Park is on the horizon.
What lies ahead for Haksabanovic in the green and white?
His time away, marked by a mix of individual growth and collective disappointment, doesn’t paint the clearest picture. As things stand, Haksa’s Celtic career feels like it’s on its final leg. Rodgers has spoke about shaping the team in his image and Sead clearly isn’t in his plans.
Celtic transfer bulletin as Paulo Bernardo permanent deal ‘dangled’ and Tiago Araujo progress update
Bernardo has been one of Celtic’s key men recently but is he at Parkhead to stay?
Goal hero Paulo Bernardo
Paulo Bernardo has a permanent Celtic move dangling in front of him – and has been challenged to reach out and grab it.
The on-loan Benfica midfielder has grown into a prominent starting role under Brendan Rodgers after a peripheral start to life at Parkhead. Dubbed as the man to step into Jota’s shoes as the new superstar from Portugal in Glasgow’s east end, he started just two of the first 18 league games. But after forcing his way into the team against Livingston, he started the final four before the winter break, scoring twice and picking up a brace of assists against St Mirren for good measure.
He’ll be a key man in the second part of the season and there is already clamour from fans to see him signed up permanently with Celtic holding an option to purchase him as part of the loan agreement. And that’s something Paul Lambert would like to see them trigger…if he can keep his form up.
Lambert told The Celtic Way: “The carrot being dangled in front of Bernardo now is that the next five months will determine whether he wins a permanent contract at Celtic or not. If he does well and both parties agree then he will sign the deal. If he doesn’t then Brendan will need to decide on what he wants to do with him.
“In the last few games, Bernardo has started to get going a bit but he has to sustain those levels from now until May.
“Whether you are a young player at Celtic coming through the ranks, or just a young player or an experienced player, the one thing that this club teaches you is that you have to win. You have to win at every level. If you don’t have that feeling of winning, you crave it. It is like a drug. You always need it. It gives you a great grounding.
“If you do happen to move on from Celtic to pastures new then players quickly find out that there are not many clubs like it. The demands that are placed on Celtic players are incredible. That feeling of having to win games is ever-present at Celtic. The fan base demands that you win football matches. The lessons you learn at Celtic stand you in good stead whenever you do leave the club.
Michael Beale fires Rangers and Celtic potshot as Sunderland boss swipes at derbies that ‘don’t let the fans in’
Beale reckons derbies with both sets of fans are what ‘keeps football going’ as he aimed a veiled dig at Rangers and Celtic.
Michael Beale was on the losing end of a derby defeat to Newcastle
Michael Beale took a veiled dig at Rangers and Celtic over the ongoing away allocation deadlock – with a pop at derbies that ‘don’t let the fans in.’
Beale bounced back from his sacking at Ibrox to swiftly land the Sunderland job and it’s been a rocky start for him at the Stadium of Light.
He was in the dugout for Saturday’s heavily anticipated Tyne-Wear derby with Newcastle in the FA Cup, with the Magpies running out comfortable 3-0 winners.
The atmosphere was electric as 6,000 Geordies sat in the away section and made their voices head in the 49,000 sellout crowd. And it was something Beale was keen to celebrate despite his side’s disappointing defeat. Beale was in the dugout for six Old Firm derbies during his time in Glasgow but only two of them, at Hampden, had a significant number of both sets of fans in attendance.
That’s because of the ongoing feud between Rangers and Celtic with neither club currently allowing away supporters in at Ibrox or Parkhead.
And that wasn’t lost on Beale as he told beIN Sports after the game: “The noise in the stadium today was absolutely fantastic. Some derbies, we don’t allow the fans in, and I’ve had that both in Brazil and Scotland. So to have the derby with some opponents’ fans in and the fans working off each other, that’s what keeps football going.”
Video: Celtic loanee scores cracker for Dunfermline at Hampden
Celtic winger Ben Summers scored a cracking goal for Dunfermline last night. The 19-year-old joined the Fife side on a season-long loan to get first team football under James McPake and if he keeps scoring goals like this, he’ll get on Brendan’s radar.
Queen’s Park 2-1 Dunfermline
🗣️ “It’s a cracker, an absolute beauty, from Ben Summers.”
⚽️ Out of nothing Dunfermline are back in the match.
📺 Watch on the BBC Scotlang channel pic.twitter.com/fpyg0LTKuD
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) January 5, 2024
Since moving to East End Park, Summers has made 11 appearances, scoring twice and assisting twice. The Championship is a better route for young players as opposed to the B Team in the Lowland League.
Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.
‘Fantastic’ Liverpool player has turned down the chance to join Celtic in January
Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic are interested in signing Owen Beck from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the January transfer window.
That is according to The Athletic, which has suggested Beck’s stance on a potential move to Celtic Park.
So, what has been reported about Celtic, Liverpool and Owen Beck? Let’s take a look.
Celtic linked with Liverpool left-back Owen Beck
Well, according to The Athletic, Celtic are among the clubs who are interested in signing Owen Beck from Liverpool in the January transfer window.
The report has claimed that Celtic, who won the Scottish Premiership title last season and are managed by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, have been keen on a permanent deal for Beck.
The 21-year-old left-back spent the first half of the season on loan at Dundee from Liverpool. He is now back at his parent club.
The Athletic has noted that Celtic want(ed) to sign the youngster to “upgrade their competition at left-back”, but Beck “would have faced a fight to play so they were ruled out”.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Liverpool FC recall Beck
Dundee Football Club can confirm that Liverpool have recalled Owen Beck and his loan with Dundee has ended.
Owen signed on loan for Dundee in the summer and quickly became an important player for The Dee putting in fantastic performances.
His great… pic.twitter.com/xU7pEYzchH— Dundee Football Club (@DundeeFC) January 1, 2024
View Tweet
Beck did well during his spell at Dundee, who have described his performances as “fantastic” and admitted that he “will be greatly missed”.
The Athletic has reported that Rangers manager Philippe Clement personally want(ed) to sign the left-back in the January transfer window.
Coventry City, Stoke City, Millwall and Hull City all have made enquires about a loan deal for Beck, but Liverpool have decided that he will be part of manager Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad due to injuries to Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson. He is rated highly by Klopp.
My View: Future bright for Owen Beck
In my opinion, the future of Owen Beck is bright. That he is going to play for the Liverpool first team in the second half of the season shows how good he is.
Beck did well during his loan spell at Dundee. The left-back made 17 appearances in the Scottish Premiership. He scored two goals and gave two assists in those games.
Celtic and Rangers are massive clubs and interest from them in Beck underlines how highly he is rated in the footballing community.
Sky Sport update; Celtic and Rangers transfer news as Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt wanted now
Celtic and Rangers transfer news as Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt now wanted
Leeds United ace Joe Gelhardt has been attracting interest from Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported via their website on 8 January that the Leeds man is wanted by both Old Firm clubs amid speculation that he could quit Elland Road this month.
Gelhardt has found game time difficult to come by so far this season, having made just six Championship appearances under Daniel Farke, but both Scottish clubs are in need of reinforcements up front in January.
Loan or permanent
It is not disclosed in the report whether the interest in Gelhardt would be on a loan or permanent move, but a report from The Athletic [21 December] shared that the striker would be open to a loan exit from Elland Road in January if the right deal presented itself.
Leeds, however, may be looking for a permanent solution to his playing issue, to offload the striker and bring in some money as well as get his wages off the books in a bid for greater financial security following last season’s relegation.
That same report from The Athletic shared the news that Gelhardt has been told by Leeds that he will remain at the club through the January transfer window, but the right offer from either Rangers or Celtic could prove tempting.
Gelhardt could be made the main man in Glasgow, with both sides in need of attacking reinforcements to strengthen their title bid, which could tempt him to push through the move to Scotland in the next month if Leeds prove unwilling to let him leave.
Ange Postecoglou flies into unusual rage at Tottenham as he is held in the dugout
Ange Postecoglou loses cool in uncharacteristic Tottenham fury as he’s held back in dugout
The Austalian was usually placid on the dugout at Celtic Park but showed his angry side
Ange Postecoglou was fuming with the Bournemouth bench
Ange Postecoglou cuts a routinely cool figure in the dugout as Tottenham just as he did at Celtic Park.
But earlier this afternoon, during his side’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League, the Australian lost that cool in a touchline bust-up with the Cherries staff. Postecoglou was livid at the visitors in London after Alejo Véliz picked up a knock during the game. The striker remained on the deck and Bournemouth’s players seemingly played on, perhaps by advice from their coaches, and that left the 58-year-old raging and he made his feelings known.
Ange had to be held back by players on his own side as well as his coaching staff as he made a beeline towards Andoni Iraola’s dugout.
The former Hoops boss was pointing fingers as he raged but was eventually urged to calm down.
Spurs secured the victory to stay fifth in the division thanks to goals from Pape Sarr, Son Hueng-Min and Richarlison. Alex Scott netted a consolation.
Todd Cantwell is Rangers pantomime villain and my painful Celtic reminder proves need for calm – Barry Ferguson
The former Ibrox captain and Record Sport columnist is licking his lips ahead of a mouthwatering showdown at Parkhead.
Rangers’ Todd Cantwell celebrates with James Tavernier (Image: SNS Group)
Todd Cantwell appears to have developed into the pantomime villain of Scottish football with fans of every team apart from Rangers lining up to give him abuse.
And there’s no doubt he’ll get it tight from 60,000 Celtic supporters at lunchtime on Saturday. It’s going to take real mental strength for the Rangers playmaker to block it out and concentrate on doing what he does best, which is bringing energy and creativity to a team that is thriving under Philippe Clement.
Look, I know it’s not easy and there have been times I’ve been unable to practice what I’m preaching. August 2000, Parkhead. 6-2 to Celtic and I’m up the tunnel early for two bookings, the second coming after a bit of daft handbags with Jonathan Gould. Let me tell you, that walk off the pitch and into the dressing room should take 10 seconds but it felt like 10 minutes. Then there’s the wait on your own inside for the final whistle. There’s no lonelier place in football.
And yet, I used that experience as fuel after I served my ban. The next time we played Celtic, we beat them 5-1 at our place. That’s the rollercoaster ride that comes with being at the Old Firm and Cantwell seems to thrive on the experience. Yes, he can get involved in the odd bit of silliness that makes him a target, but he can play and right now he is the creative spark that is vital to this run Rangers take into the Old Firm clash.
They’ll also go into it fresher than they would have been if the Ross County game had been played on Wednesday. But that’s a double-edged sword. Yes, the likes of Connor Goldson, who came off against Motherwell late on, will have had more recovery time, but from a player’s perspective, I always wanted to play when the team is going well. So, I’d rather have played the Ross County game and kept the momentum going, because that’s certainly what Rangers have got at the moment.
When you’re winning games, you want to play as many as you can. Right now, Rangers are flying and the manner in which they coped with the conditions at Fir Park on Christmas Eve told me everything about the mentality Clement has instilled in his men very quickly.
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Celtic land Lawrence Shankland transfer pitch as Rangers fan factor ‘weighed up’ amid Fabio Silva ripple effect
Fabio Silva in veiled Celtic swipe after Rangers transfer as Wolves loanee hypes up ‘best team in Scotland’ decision
Rangers’ Kieran Dowell celebrates (Image: SNS Group)
I’m only 10 miles from Motherwell, so I know what the weather was like. I was on a walk on Sunday morning and it was horrendous.
I was thinking: as a footballer, these are the worst conditions to play in. Rain isn’t a problem. The odd day when it’s a scorcher, you can deal with that – but wind is horrendous. I hated it and thought to myself, this is one of those days when you get in and out of Fir Park as quickly as possible with three points. The start of the game won the game for Rangers. They were positive and ruthless and had the points won before Motherwell could get a foothold in the game after half time when Stuart Kettlewell had obviously got into his players at the break.
But it was a professional performance from my old team. Job done. What has really impressed me is the way in which they’ve coped with so many injuries and continued to find a way to win. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would have predicted that Rangers would be going into such a crucial spell with Dujon Sterling and Kieren Dowell as the midfield partnership, but they were outstanding at the weekend.
Sterling has been a revelation in that role. He is like a stallion in the middle of the pitch. Big, strong, mobile and athletic but more than that, he can see and play a pass. With Ryan Jack, Nico Raskin, Jose Cifuentes and then John Lundstram all injured, you are thinking there’s a problem. But I always believe there’s a window of opportunity for somebody to come in and show that they can do a job and operate in different positions.
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The prime example is Dujon Sterling and when Clement has all his midfielders available, the big fella will be giving him a pleasant headache because he has made a really strong argument for staying in the team. He was outstanding in the cup final and really good in the second half against Real Betis in Seville when he came on at the break, so he’s shown he can handle big pressure situations.
That said, the manager will be hoping Lundstram and Goldson are fit for Saturday. They are both big game players and they don’t come much bigger than one. Celtic might not have been hitting the heights recently, but back to back wins have steadied their ship and they carry a huge threat from middle to front with Matt O’Riley playing really well, Daizen Maeda back from injury and Luis Palma a threat out wide. Then there’s Kyogo, who has a good recent record against Rangers.
The Ibrox support, watching in the pubs or at home on their TVs, will be confident and with some justification because of how they’ve handled every challenge thrown at them. This might be the biggest one yet. Have they got the mentality to handle it? I think they do.
Transfer Latest – Jeong Ho-Yeon close to joining Celtic
Celtic are apparently close to expanding their Asian contingent in the January transfer window, with the speculation that they are chasing Jung Ho-Yeon…
The Gwangju FC star is edging closer to a move to European football and his manager, Lee Jung-Hyo, has recently stating that a move to the Scottish Premiership Champions was in the offing and advancing.
The midfielder won the K-League Young Player of the Year in his homeland after helping them to a third-place finish domestically. Highly-rated in South Korea, the engine room man is apparently a good tackler and could provide that something different in the middle of the park for the Hoops, which has been badly lacking for some time now.
The player himself has revealed that he is due to move this coming window to a European club and Celtic was named when asked directly about the speculation. As reported by Chosun, he said: “A move into into Europe is slowly getting closer. During the last season, scouts from some European clubs, including Celtic, came to see me play in person. If I could choose a league, I want to play in the Spanish Primera Liga. From an early age, I loved FC Barcelona’s style of football.”
If this one turns out to be true, it will have to be a success as the club can no longer afford to give players settling in time and grace periods. Yang Hyun-jun and Kwon Hyeok-kyu have both came to the Scottish club and neither have been at the level yet. Now, that’s not to say they cannot become good players in the future, but as it stands, Celtic have a backlog of players that we need to clear off the books permanently or develop elsewhere in the meantime.
Ian Wright’s Celtic story stuns Gary Neville as Roy Keane delivers wild retort
Ian Wright Celtic history leaves Gary Neville gob-smacked as Roy Keane delivers savage one-liner
Arsenal legend Wright spent four months at Parkhead after being signed as a short-term replacement for injured Henrik Larsson
STICK TO FOOTBALL QUIZ WITH PADDY MCGUINNESS
It goes without saying that Ian Wright’s best years were well behind him when the Arsenal legend pitched up at Celtic Park in 1999.
So much so that close pal and Manchester United legend Gary Neville didn’t even know he played for the Hoops! It’s a period in history that Celtic fans would rather erase from memory, and that’s why Wright’s short stint in Glasgow was a forgettable one.
Following Henrik Larsson’s horror leg break in Lyon, boss John Barnes turned to his ex-England teammate by signing the striker from West Ham on a short-term deal. A player in the twilight of his career and living on past glories, it’s fair to say Wright’s time at Parkhead didn’t go to plan as he scored just three times and came on as a second-half sub during that infamous Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.
AND ALSO
Barnes paid the price with his job that night and it wasn’t long before Wright followed him out the door, returning south with Burnley where he eventually pulled the curtain down on his impressive career.
Best known for his iconic years at Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Wright’s association with Celtic left Neville gob-smacked as the Stick to Football pundit and sidekick Jamie Carragher were asked by quiz host Paddy McGuinness to list the clubs the goalscoring frontman played for. After Liverpool hero Carragher answered Celtic, astonished Neville turned to Wright and exclaimed: “You went to Celtic?”
Before Wright could get a word in, devilish Roy Keane – who also spent a short spell at Parkhead – immediately dished out a savage one-liner and teased: “He was up there… he didn’t play, did he?”
Justifying his move to Celtic, Wright explained: “I had a period of my career where I was bouncing from one club to another trying to finish in 2000.”
The 60-year-old added: “I played for Nottingham Forest for a month’s loan before I went to Celtic. So it was Palace, Arsenal and West Ham. Then Forest on loan, Celtic and Burnley. I had four clubs in one season, you can’t do that anymore. Me and Harry Redknapp didn’t get on so he blew me out at West Ham. I went on loan to Forest, then Henrik Larsson got injured so I went to Celtic.
“It all went wrong, Barnesy was there, then I went to Burnley to finish it off and we got promoted. It’s a beautiful story.”
You can watch the full Stick to Football episode in the video player above.
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Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our Celtic WhatsApp community today.
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Celtic hero Chris Sutton blasts SFA over ’embarrassing’ mic ruling
Celtic hero Chris Sutton has blasted the SFA for their decision to block Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery from being mic’d up during the Edinburgh derby, calling it “embarrassing”.
The Easter Road manager had agreed to fans watching on Sky Sports at home to hear him throughout the fixture after Hibs agreed to a request from the broadcaster.
It would have been a first in Scottish football along with Montgomery’s assistant Sergio Raimundo wearing a body cam.
And Sutton, who provided live commentary for the game, did not hold back when giving his thoughts on the decision.
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Writing on X, he said: “Nick Montgomery was open and happy to be mic’d up for tonight’s Edinburgh derby.
“It would have been fascinating to hear how he worked and his mindset ingame. But for whatever reason the SFA blocked it.
“The SFA are an embarrassment and stuck in the past. Dear me…”
READ MORE: Why Celtic’s Luis Palma is the club’s most dangerous player
Meanwhile, Celtic coach Harry Kewell is poised “to leave the club in the coming days”.
This is according to the Scottish Sun who claim that the Australian “edging closer to being appointed as the new Yokohama F. Marinos boss.”
Kewell did not travel with Brendan Rodgers’ side on Boxing Day as the Hoops defeated Dundee 3-0.
Reports in Australia state that John Hutchinson, who worked with Ange Postecoglou at Marinos, is expected to be his No2.
Rodgers previously confirmed that he would not stand in the way of Kewell joining the former J1 League champions.
He said: “”Harry has already managed before, so it is not new to him. He has had a taste of it and I am always one that if staff members want to broaden their horizons then I am very encouraging of that.
“It is also a sign that you have talented people if other clubs want them.”
AND ALSO
Celtic ‘move forward’ in Prospect talks after summer scouting missions
Celtic “advance” in talks with “prospect” after summer scouting missions
Celtic are in the market for quality in the January window…
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to add quality to the ranks at Parkhead in January and his side are now reportedly advancing in negotiations for a known target.
Celtic gearing up for busy January window
Despite a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day, Celtic will be keen to strengthen in January and Rodgers has made his intent to bolster his squad known over the last few weeks.
Speaking earlier this month cited via Sky Sports, the Irishman signalled his intention to add a high calibre of player mid-season, as he stated: “There’s no doubt now that, one, the squad will come down in numbers and obviously we need to add quality. There is no dressing it up, the group lost real quality players in the summer. That’s something that over the coming windows we will look to improve on.”
Boost for Rodgers as Celtic make aggressive January call on Matt O’Riley
Bringing in a striker has become a priority for the Hoops and their need is exacerbated by the fact that Kyogo Furuhashi, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Daizen Maeda could all head off to represent their respective nations on Asian Cup duty. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fabio Silva is believed to have been offered on loan as a potential short-term solution to the Scottish Premiership champions’ conceivable shortage of frontmen and it remains to be seen whether the Portugal Under-21 international will move to Parkhead.
Hacken midfielder Romeo Amane, Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski and Brondby talent Mathias Kvistgaarden are all other names who have been mentioned in connection with Celtic in previous weeks. Now, comments from the manager of a known Hoops target have come to light suggesting that Celtic may be moving closer to completing a signing, as cited by a report.
Celtic “advance” in Jung negotiations
As per reports from South Korea, cited by The Daily Record, Celtic have managed to “advance” in negotiations with Gwangju midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon, who was scouted by Hoops’ chiefs in the summer transfer window.
The Hoops have previously dipped into the South Korean market to recruit Yang Hyun-jun and Oh and could now be set to return to familiar territory for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Jung key statistics – K League 1 2023 (Sofascore)
Balls recovered per game
5.4
Tackles per game
2.0
Accurate passes per game
41.3 (90%)
Team of the week inclusions
5
Average match rating
6.99/10
Speaking to local media, Gwangju manager Lee Jung-Hyo detailed the latest on the situation, stating: “Jung Ho-Yeon is currently in talks to advance to Europe from Gwangju, but still have a long way to go. If you go to Europe now, you are bound to end up in a clumsy situation. It is wise to prepare well like Cho Gue-sung (who signed for Midtjylland last summer) and choose the team and league well.”
Labelled a “prospect” by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, the South Korea Under-23 international has gone on to make 34 appearances in 2023, registering two goals and three assists (Jung statistics – Transfermarkt).
Celtic will need to attract quality reinforcements if they are to retain their Scottish Premiership title and Jung looks like a midfielder who could add a different dimension to Rodgers’ engine room.
The Celtic January transfer rumour mill has thrown the name of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, Fabio Silva into the hat.
The 21-year-old was once a £35.6 million club-record transfer for Wolves, but now he is struggling to come off the bench for the bottom-half English Premier League side.
With Brendan Rodgers wanting attacking reinforcements next month at Celtic, the name of Fabio Silva has been mentioned, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Andy Walker has shared that in Brendan Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic, the one-time wonderkid was linked with the club, as he told Go Radio.
But given his struggles at Wolves, it now seems like he will be heading for the exit door in January.
With Brendan Rodgers wanting attacking reinforcements next month at Celtic, the name of Fabio Silva has been mentioned, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Andy Walker has shared that in Brendan Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic, the one-time wonderkid was linked with the club, as he told Go Radio.
But given his struggles at Wolves, it now seems like he will be heading for the exit door in January.
Given the huge sum of money Wolves paid for Fabio Silva, and the fact that his contract runs until 2026, then there’s no chance of a permanent move to Celtic.
But never rule out a loan deal, with Andy Walker talking about how the versatile forward has ‘skill’ and ‘ability’ in his game.
Celtic’s transfer links with Wolves’ Fabio Silva
“He was on Celtic’s radar a number of years ago,” said Walker. “I remember doing a game down south and he was playing for Wolves. They were all talking about the interest from Celtic.
Approach made: Celtic ask about move to sign “highly talented” £15M striker, they’ ve had a reply
The Scottish Premiership side are looking to bolster their attacking ranks in January.
Celtic have made an approach to ask about a deal to bring one of their long-term targets to the Scottish Premiership, according to a fresh report that has emerged.
Hoops eyeing Kvistgaarden
Ahead of January, Brendan Rodgers will be assessing his options in the market to see if there are any players he could strengthen his squad with. One recently identified is Brondby forward Mathias Kvistgaarden if claims are to be believed.
The Bhoys are reportedly preparing an improved offer for the striker having seen their opening bid turned down over the summer, but should a deal for him fail to come to fruition for whatever reason, the hierarchy appear to have alternative centre-forward targets.
Sturm Graz’s Szymon Wlodarczyk only put pen to paper at his club during the previous window from Gornik Zabrze where he’s so far made 28 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Wlodarczyk statistics), but he was on the board’s radar long before his most recent move.
Back in January, Mark Hendry first claimed that Poland’s youth international was of interest to the green and white stripes, though a switch hasn’t yet taken place, hence why he moved elsewhere, and it still sounds like the 20-year-old won’t be making the trip to Glasgow anytime soon despite new efforts.
Celtic submit enquiry for Wlodarczyk
According to Football Scotland, Celtic have asked about signing Wlodarczyk again next month, but after learning his price tag in a response from Sturm Graz, have decided that they couldn’t afford to complete a deal in January.
“Football Scotland can also reveal Celtic reached out to Sturm Graz in an effort to revisit another former transfer target, Szymon Wlodarczyk, but were told his valuation has sky-rocketed to around £15m which would financially be out of their reach in January.”
Wlodarczyk is a “highly talented” striker
Since joining Sturm Graz, Wlodarczyk has racked up 11 contributions (nine goals and two assists) from 28 appearances, displaying how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s able to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Sponsored by Adidas, Walbrzych’s native has recorded 32 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates, highlighting what a standout performer he is in front of the net compared to his peers (FBRef – Sturm Graz statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 2, Rodgers’ target is also able to provide a real physical presence up top with his height, with his ability to win aerial duels making him a real handful for any backline to deal with, alongside how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.
Described by football scout Jacek Kulig, Wlodarczyk is a “highly talented” player with an extremely bright future ahead of him, but with Celtic not set to splash the cash to get their long-term target in the coming weeks, it could prove to be a blow considering the positive impact that he may have been able to make.
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Chloe is an experienced football journalist and podcaster having worked in the sports media industry for the past three years.
Combining her love of the beautiful game with a passion for writing, Chloe started out creating and editing articles for Our MFC before going on to cover the Euro 2020 tournament with Overtime Sports Online.
In March 2022, Chloe was selected to join the academy team at Snack Media and later secured the role of freelance writer for The Transfer Tavern before moving over to the company’s flagship site, Football FanCast.
Chloe is also a huge Stoke City supporter having been a season ticket holder at the Bet365 Stadium for over a decade.
The Austalian was usually placid on the dugout at Celtic Park but showed his angry side
Ange Postecoglou was fuming with the Bournemouth bench
Ange Postecoglou cuts a routinely cool figure in the dugout as Tottenham just as he did at Celtic Park.
But earlier this afternoon, during his side’s 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League, the Australian lost that cool in a touchline bust-up with the Cherries staff. Postecoglou was livid at the visitors in London after Alejo Véliz picked up a knock during the game. The striker remained on the deck and Bournemouth’s players seemingly played on, perhaps by advice from their coaches, and that left the 58-year-old raging and he made his feelings known.
Ange had to be held back by players on his own side as well as his coaching staff as he made a beeline towards Andoni Iraola’s dugout.
The former Hoops boss was pointing fingers as he raged but was eventually urged to calm down.
Spurs secured the victory to stay fifth in the division thanks to goals from Pape Sarr, Son Hueng-Min and Richarlison. Alex Scott netted a consolation.
Todd Cantwell is Rangers pantomime villain and my painful Celtic reminder proves need for calm – Barry Ferguson
The former Ibrox captain and Record Sport columnist is licking his lips ahead of a mouthwatering showdown at Parkhead.
Rangers’ Todd Cantwell celebrates with James Tavernier (Image: SNS Group)
Todd Cantwell appears to have developed into the pantomime villain of Scottish football with fans of every team apart from Rangers lining up to give him abuse.
And there’s no doubt he’ll get it tight from 60,000 Celtic supporters at lunchtime on Saturday. It’s going to take real mental strength for the Rangers playmaker to block it out and concentrate on doing what he does best, which is bringing energy and creativity to a team that is thriving under Philippe Clement.
Look, I know it’s not easy and there have been times I’ve been unable to practice what I’m preaching. August 2000, Parkhead. 6-2 to Celtic and I’m up the tunnel early for two bookings, the second coming after a bit of daft handbags with Jonathan Gould. Let me tell you, that walk off the pitch and into the dressing room should take 10 seconds but it felt like 10 minutes. Then there’s the wait on your own inside for the final whistle. There’s no lonelier place in football.
And yet, I used that experience as fuel after I served my ban. The next time we played Celtic, we beat them 5-1 at our place. That’s the rollercoaster ride that comes with being at the Old Firm and Cantwell seems to thrive on the experience. Yes, he can get involved in the odd bit of silliness that makes him a target, but he can play and right now he is the creative spark that is vital to this run Rangers take into the Old Firm clash.
They’ll also go into it fresher than they would have been if the Ross County game had been played on Wednesday. But that’s a double-edged sword. Yes, the likes of Connor Goldson, who came off against Motherwell late on, will have had more recovery time, but from a player’s perspective, I always wanted to play when the team is going well. So, I’d rather have played the Ross County game and kept the momentum going, because that’s certainly what Rangers have got at the moment.
When you’re winning games, you want to play as many as you can. Right now, Rangers are flying and the manner in which they coped with the conditions at Fir Park on Christmas Eve told me everything about the mentality Clement has instilled in his men very quickly.
MOST READ
Rangers next transfer move after Fabio Silva revealed as 2 targets emerge in key defensive hunt
Celtic land Lawrence Shankland transfer pitch as Rangers fan factor ‘weighed up’ amid Fabio Silva ripple effect
Fabio Silva in veiled Celtic swipe after Rangers transfer as Wolves loanee hypes up ‘best team in Scotland’ decision
Rangers’ Kieran Dowell celebrates (Image: SNS Group)
I’m only 10 miles from Motherwell, so I know what the weather was like. I was on a walk on Sunday morning and it was horrendous.
I was thinking: as a footballer, these are the worst conditions to play in. Rain isn’t a problem. The odd day when it’s a scorcher, you can deal with that – but wind is horrendous. I hated it and thought to myself, this is one of those days when you get in and out of Fir Park as quickly as possible with three points. The start of the game won the game for Rangers. They were positive and ruthless and had the points won before Motherwell could get a foothold in the game after half time when Stuart Kettlewell had obviously got into his players at the break.
But it was a professional performance from my old team. Job done. What has really impressed me is the way in which they’ve coped with so many injuries and continued to find a way to win. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would have predicted that Rangers would be going into such a crucial spell with Dujon Sterling and Kieren Dowell as the midfield partnership, but they were outstanding at the weekend.
Sterling has been a revelation in that role. He is like a stallion in the middle of the pitch. Big, strong, mobile and athletic but more than that, he can see and play a pass. With Ryan Jack, Nico Raskin, Jose Cifuentes and then John Lundstram all injured, you are thinking there’s a problem. But I always believe there’s a window of opportunity for somebody to come in and show that they can do a job and operate in different positions.
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The prime example is Dujon Sterling and when Clement has all his midfielders available, the big fella will be giving him a pleasant headache because he has made a really strong argument for staying in the team. He was outstanding in the cup final and really good in the second half against Real Betis in Seville when he came on at the break, so he’s shown he can handle big pressure situations.
That said, the manager will be hoping Lundstram and Goldson are fit for Saturday. They are both big game players and they don’t come much bigger than one. Celtic might not have been hitting the heights recently, but back to back wins have steadied their ship and they carry a huge threat from middle to front with Matt O’Riley playing really well, Daizen Maeda back from injury and Luis Palma a threat out wide. Then there’s Kyogo, who has a good recent record against Rangers.
The Ibrox support, watching in the pubs or at home on their TVs, will be confident and with some justification because of how they’ve handled every challenge thrown at them. This might be the biggest one yet. Have they got the mentality to handle it? I think they do.
Transfer Latest – Jeong Ho-Yeon close to joining Celtic
Celtic are apparently close to expanding their Asian contingent in the January transfer window, with the speculation that they are chasing Jung Ho-Yeon…
The Gwangju FC star is edging closer to a move to European football and his manager, Lee Jung-Hyo, has recently stating that a move to the Scottish Premiership Champions was in the offing and advancing.
The midfielder won the K-League Young Player of the Year in his homeland after helping them to a third-place finish domestically.
Highly-rated in South Korea, the engine room man is apparently a good tackler and could provide that something different in the middle of the park for the Hoops, which has been badly lacking for some time now.
The player himself has revealed that he is due to move this coming window to a European club and Celtic was named when asked directly about the speculation. As reported by Chosun, he said: “A move into into Europe is slowly getting closer.
During the last season, scouts from some European clubs, including Celtic, came to see me play in person. If I could choose a league, I want to play in the Spanish Primera Liga. From an early age, I loved FC Barcelona’s style of football.”
If this one turns out to be true, it will have to be a success as the club can no longer afford to give players settling in time and grace periods. Yang Hyun-jun and Kwon Hyeok-kyu have both came to the Scottish club and neither have been at the level yet. Now, that’s not to say they cannot become good players in the future, but as it stands, Celtic have a backlog of players that we need to clear off the books permanently or develop elsewhere in the meantime.
Ian Wright’s Celtic story stuns Gary Neville as Roy Keane delivers wild retort
Ian Wright Celtic history leaves Gary Neville gob-smacked as Roy Keane delivers savage one-liner
Arsenal legend Wright spent four months at Parkhead after being signed as a short-term replacement for injured Henrik Larsson
STICK TO FOOTBALL QUIZ WITH PADDY MCGUINNESS
It goes without saying that Ian Wright’s best years were well behind him when the Arsenal legend pitched up at Celtic Park in 1999.
So much so that close pal and Manchester United legend Gary Neville didn’t even know he played for the Hoops! It’s a period in history that Celtic fans would rather erase from memory, and that’s why Wright’s short stint in Glasgow was a forgettable one.
Following Henrik Larsson’s horror leg break in Lyon, boss John Barnes turned to his ex-England teammate by signing the striker from West Ham on a short-term deal. A player in the twilight of his career and living on past glories, it’s fair to say Wright’s time at Parkhead didn’t go to plan as he scored just three times and came on as a second-half sub during that infamous Scottish Cup defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.
AND ALSO
Barnes paid the price with his job that night and it wasn’t long before Wright followed him out the door, returning south with Burnley where he eventually pulled the curtain down on his impressive career.
Best known for his iconic years at Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Wright’s association with Celtic left Neville gob-smacked as the Stick to Football pundit and sidekick Jamie Carragher were asked by quiz host Paddy McGuinness to list the clubs the goalscoring frontman played for. After Liverpool hero Carragher answered Celtic, astonished Neville turned to Wright and exclaimed: “You went to Celtic?”
Before Wright could get a word in, devilish Roy Keane – who also spent a short spell at Parkhead – immediately dished out a savage one-liner and teased: “He was up there… he didn’t play, did he?”
Justifying his move to Celtic, Wright explained: “I had a period of my career where I was bouncing from one club to another trying to finish in 2000.”
The 60-year-old added: “I played for Nottingham Forest for a month’s loan before I went to Celtic. So it was Palace, Arsenal and West Ham. Then Forest on loan, Celtic and Burnley. I had four clubs in one season, you can’t do that anymore. Me and Harry Redknapp didn’t get on so he blew me out at West Ham. I went on loan to Forest, then Henrik Larsson got injured so I went to Celtic.
“It all went wrong, Barnesy was there, then I went to Burnley to finish it off and we got promoted. It’s a beautiful story.”
You can watch the full Stick to Football episode in the video player above.
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Join Football Scotland’s Celtic WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our Celtic WhatsApp community today.
You’ll receive daily updates on breaking Hoops news as well as the top headlines from Parkhead.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Football Scotland team.
All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!
If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.
Celtic hero Chris Sutton blasts SFA over ’embarrassing’ mic ruling
Celtic hero Chris Sutton has blasted the SFA for their decision to block Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery from being mic’d up during the Edinburgh derby, calling it “embarrassing”.
The Easter Road manager had agreed to fans watching on Sky Sports at home to hear him throughout the fixture after Hibs agreed to a request from the broadcaster.
It would have been a first in Scottish football along with Montgomery’s assistant Sergio Raimundo wearing a body cam.
And Sutton, who provided live commentary for the game, did not hold back when giving his thoughts on the decision.
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Writing on X, he said: “Nick Montgomery was open and happy to be mic’d up for tonight’s Edinburgh derby.
“It would have been fascinating to hear how he worked and his mindset ingame. But for whatever reason the SFA blocked it.
“The SFA are an embarrassment and stuck in the past. Dear me…”
READ MORE: Why Celtic’s Luis Palma is the club’s most dangerous player
Meanwhile, Celtic coach Harry Kewell is poised “to leave the club in the coming days”.
This is according to the Scottish Sun who claim that the Australian “edging closer to being appointed as the new Yokohama F. Marinos boss.”
Kewell did not travel with Brendan Rodgers’ side on Boxing Day as the Hoops defeated Dundee 3-0.
Reports in Australia state that John Hutchinson, who worked with Ange Postecoglou at Marinos, is expected to be his No2.
Rodgers previously confirmed that he would not stand in the way of Kewell joining the former J1 League champions.
He said: “”Harry has already managed before, so it is not new to him. He has had a taste of it and I am always one that if staff members want to broaden their horizons then I am very encouraging of that.
“It is also a sign that you have talented people if other clubs want them.”
AND ALSO
Celtic ‘move forward’ in Prospect talks after summer scouting missions
Celtic “advance” in talks with “prospect” after summer scouting missions
Celtic are in the market for quality in the January window…
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has made no secret of his desire to add quality to the ranks at Parkhead in January and his side are now reportedly advancing in negotiations for a known target.
Celtic gearing up for busy January window
Despite a comfortable 3-0 victory over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day, Celtic will be keen to strengthen in January and Rodgers has made his intent to bolster his squad known over the last few weeks.
Speaking earlier this month cited via Sky Sports, the Irishman signalled his intention to add a high calibre of player mid-season, as he stated: “There’s no doubt now that, one, the squad will come down in numbers and obviously we need to add quality. There is no dressing it up, the group lost real quality players in the summer. That’s something that over the coming windows we will look to improve on.”
Boost for Rodgers as Celtic make aggressive January call on Matt O’Riley
Bringing in a striker has become a priority for the Hoops and their need is exacerbated by the fact that Kyogo Furuhashi, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Daizen Maeda could all head off to represent their respective nations on Asian Cup duty. Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Fabio Silva is believed to have been offered on loan as a potential short-term solution to the Scottish Premiership champions’ conceivable shortage of frontmen and it remains to be seen whether the Portugal Under-21 international will move to Parkhead.
Hacken midfielder Romeo Amane, Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski and Brondby talent Mathias Kvistgaarden are all other names who have been mentioned in connection with Celtic in previous weeks. Now, comments from the manager of a known Hoops target have come to light suggesting that Celtic may be moving closer to completing a signing, as cited by a report.
Celtic “advance” in Jung negotiations
As per reports from South Korea, cited by The Daily Record, Celtic have managed to “advance” in negotiations with Gwangju midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon, who was scouted by Hoops’ chiefs in the summer transfer window.
The Hoops have previously dipped into the South Korean market to recruit Yang Hyun-jun and Oh and could now be set to return to familiar territory for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Jung key statistics – K League 1 2023 (Sofascore)
Balls recovered per game
5.4
Tackles per game
2.0
Accurate passes per game
41.3 (90%)
Team of the week inclusions
5
Average match rating
6.99/10
Speaking to local media, Gwangju manager Lee Jung-Hyo detailed the latest on the situation, stating: “Jung Ho-Yeon is currently in talks to advance to Europe from Gwangju, but still have a long way to go. If you go to Europe now, you are bound to end up in a clumsy situation. It is wise to prepare well like Cho Gue-sung (who signed for Midtjylland last summer) and choose the team and league well.”
Labelled a “prospect” by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, the South Korea Under-23 international has gone on to make 34 appearances in 2023, registering two goals and three assists (Jung statistics – Transfermarkt).
Celtic will need to attract quality reinforcements if they are to retain their Scottish Premiership title and Jung looks like a midfielder who could add a different dimension to Rodgers’ engine room.
The Celtic January transfer rumour mill has thrown the name of Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, Fabio Silva into the hat.
The 21-year-old was once a £35.6 million club-record transfer for Wolves, but now he is struggling to come off the bench for the bottom-half English Premier League side.
With Brendan Rodgers wanting attacking reinforcements next month at Celtic, the name of Fabio Silva has been mentioned, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Andy Walker has shared that in Brendan Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic, the one-time wonderkid was linked with the club, as he told Go Radio.
But given his struggles at Wolves, it now seems like he will be heading for the exit door in January.
With Brendan Rodgers wanting attacking reinforcements next month at Celtic, the name of Fabio Silva has been mentioned, as reported by TEAMtalk.
Andy Walker has shared that in Brendan Rodgers’ first spell at Celtic, the one-time wonderkid was linked with the club, as he told Go Radio.
But given his struggles at Wolves, it now seems like he will be heading for the exit door in January.
Given the huge sum of money Wolves paid for Fabio Silva, and the fact that his contract runs until 2026, then there’s no chance of a permanent move to Celtic.
But never rule out a loan deal, with Andy Walker talking about how the versatile forward has ‘skill’ and ‘ability’ in his game.
Celtic’s transfer links with Wolves’ Fabio Silva
“He was on Celtic’s radar a number of years ago,” said Walker. “I remember doing a game down south and he was playing for Wolves. They were all talking about the interest from Celtic.
Approach made: Celtic ask about move to sign “highly talented” £15M striker, they’ ve had a reply
The Scottish Premiership side are looking to bolster their attacking ranks in January.
Celtic have made an approach to ask about a deal to bring one of their long-term targets to the Scottish Premiership, according to a fresh report that has emerged.
Hoops eyeing Kvistgaarden
Ahead of January, Brendan Rodgers will be assessing his options in the market to see if there are any players he could strengthen his squad with. One recently identified is Brondby forward Mathias Kvistgaarden if claims are to be believed.
The Bhoys are reportedly preparing an improved offer for the striker having seen their opening bid turned down over the summer, but should a deal for him fail to come to fruition for whatever reason, the hierarchy appear to have alternative centre-forward targets.
Sturm Graz’s Szymon Wlodarczyk only put pen to paper at his club during the previous window from Gornik Zabrze where he’s so far made 28 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Wlodarczyk statistics), but he was on the board’s radar long before his most recent move.
Back in January, Mark Hendry first claimed that Poland’s youth international was of interest to the green and white stripes, though a switch hasn’t yet taken place, hence why he moved elsewhere, and it still sounds like the 20-year-old won’t be making the trip to Glasgow anytime soon despite new efforts.
Celtic submit enquiry for Wlodarczyk
According to Football Scotland, Celtic have asked about signing Wlodarczyk again next month, but after learning his price tag in a response from Sturm Graz, have decided that they couldn’t afford to complete a deal in January.
“Football Scotland can also reveal Celtic reached out to Sturm Graz in an effort to revisit another former transfer target, Szymon Wlodarczyk, but were told his valuation has sky-rocketed to around £15m which would financially be out of their reach in January.”
Wlodarczyk is a “highly talented” striker
Since joining Sturm Graz, Wlodarczyk has racked up 11 contributions (nine goals and two assists) from 28 appearances, displaying how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s able to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence in the attacking areas of the pitch.
Sponsored by Adidas, Walbrzych’s native has recorded 32 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates, highlighting what a standout performer he is in front of the net compared to his peers (FBRef – Sturm Graz statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 2, Rodgers’ target is also able to provide a real physical presence up top with his height, with his ability to win aerial duels making him a real handful for any backline to deal with, alongside how dangerous he can be with the ball at his feet.
Described by football scout Jacek Kulig, Wlodarczyk is a “highly talented” player with an extremely bright future ahead of him, but with Celtic not set to splash the cash to get their long-term target in the coming weeks, it could prove to be a blow considering the positive impact that he may have been able to make.
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Chloe is an experienced football journalist and podcaster having worked in the sports media industry for the past three years.
Combining her love of the beautiful game with a passion for writing, Chloe started out creating and editing articles for Our MFC before going on to cover the Euro 2020 tournament with Overtime Sports Online.
In March 2022, Chloe was selected to join the academy team at Snack Media and later secured the role of freelance writer for The Transfer Tavern before moving over to the company’s flagship site, Football FanCast.
Chloe is also a huge Stoke City supporter having been a season ticket holder at the Bet365 Stadium for over a decade.
Israeli winger Liel Abada is stuck in an impossible situation amid his country’s war with Hamas… and leaving Celtic may be the only solution
Israeli winger Liel Abada is stuck in an impossible situation amid his country’s war with Hamas… and leaving Celtic may be the only solution
Fall-out from Hamas attacks has raised questions over the future of Liel Abada
Celtic supporters have defied a club ban to show their support for Palestinians
‘It’s totally indefensible’: Why Joey Barton is way out of line – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off
Former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was once asked to identify the greatest challenge for any statesman. ‘Events, dear boy, events,’ he replied.
The ink was barely dry on Liel Abada’s new contract at Celtic when events in Israel changed everything.
Five weeks after the winger signed a new four-year deal, his homeland came under attack from Hamas, the violent fall-out raising questions over his ability to remain a player at the Parkhead club.
On October 7, Hamas and other militant groups based in Gaza launched a cross border attack on Israel which killed some 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.
Israel responded by launching a military campaign to eradicate Hamas, with the BBC reporting more than 20,000 deaths in Gaza, many of them women and children. Israel’s own military estimates suggest several thousand Hamas fighters have been killed.
Fall-out from Hamas attacks has raised questions over the future of Celtic winger Liel Abada
Before a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, Celtic’s Green Brigade ultras group held aloft a banner calling for ‘victory to the resistance’ in Palestine.
On a day when Hamas had just staged a massacre of innocents at a music festival and taken hostages, the banner provoked anger in Israel and among the Jewish community at large.
In a country which neither knows nor cares about perceived parallels between the history of Celtic and the displacement of Palestinians, it was viewed as a group of football supporters celebrating the slaughter of Jews and an act of anti-Semitism.
Weeks after penning a new contract with the Scottish champions, Abada was placed in an unenviable position. The pressure from home became as strong as the currents of the Red Sea.
Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton branded the Green Brigade ‘brainwashed and biased’ and accused them of supporting a terrorist organisation.
Israel international Dolev Haziza, a player with Maccabi Haifa, urged his compatriot to leave Celtic with immediate effect, saying: ‘Liel Abada…you should have moved on from Celtic a long time ago. Go to another club immediately. God will bless you even more if you leave.’
Israel manager Alon Hazan described Celtic supporters as ‘anti-Semitic’, forcing the club to respond on behalf of the vast majority of fans who simply want to watch their team win games of football.
Idan Vered, a winger with the national team, played overseas for Red Star Belgrade before returning to Israel where he now plays with Hapoel Petah Tikva.
‘When you’re an Israeli abroad, you connect even more to your roots and Judaism, even more so now during the war,’ said Vered.
View gallery
Celtic fans defied a ban from their club to display Palestine flags at Champions League tie
‘Everyone does amazing advocacy, whether it’s Manor Solomon, Liel Abada or Daniel Peretz.
‘In Liel’s case, it’s something even bigger because a lot of the Celtic fans came out against it and it’s a stupid crowd that behaves ignorantly. He’s a big boy and he’s doing amazingly there.’
After October 7, Abada met with Parkhead directors, who promised to take the matter seriously.
Brendan Rodgers took him out for dinner and offered assurances that he was an important and valued player at the club. Celtic also issued a statement distancing themselves from the banner and warning that political messages were unwelcome inside the stadium.
To the near 300 members of the Green Brigade, the club’s stance triggered accusations of double standards.
Celtic players had taken the knee to support Black Lives Matter and expressed gestures of support for the people of Ukraine when Vladimir Putin’s tanks crossed the border from Russia.
While backing for the Green Brigade from the broader body of the Celtic support was by no means universal – the ultras group remain deeply divisive – the Champions League match with Atletico Madrid on October 25 was preceded by a display of Palestinian flags by fans at Parkhead.
When UEFA reacted – as they so often do – by opening another disciplinary case against the Scottish champions, Celtic excluded the fan group from home and away games citing ‘repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct’. The ban, they insisted, was not connected to the flying of Palestinian flags and banners.
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As well as a choreographed display, fans raised individual flags against the wishes of their club
Instead, they pointed to a series of ‘safety-related’ incidents involving the Green Brigade September and October while referring ‘to evidence of the group using banners and flags relating to or connected with terrorist organisations involved in the conflict in the Middle East’.
The suspension of the ultras drew praise for Abada from Israel legend and former international team-mate Eran Zahavi.
‘I think the national team players abroad are doing an excellent job,’ said the former PSV goalscorer.
‘In the case of Liel Abada, you see that his club revoked season tickets to people who supported Hamas.’
By the time the winger made his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute in the recent 2-1 win over Rangers, the Green Brigade were off the naughty step and had been allowed to attend games again. Trepidation was natural.
Fears of a mixed reaction from fans on Abada’s comeback proved unfounded. His arrival as a replacement for Luis Palma in the 83rd minute provoked one of the loudest ovations of the match.
However, the response from back in his homeland continues to be robust.
Since October, the 22-year-old has come under sustained pressure to think carefully about his future from both football figures and those on social media.
On Instagram, Abada was tagged in a post depicting an Israeli supporter burning a Celtic shirt. Under a Hebrew caption, one line in English read: ‘For all you Celtic fans.’ Another branded him a ‘traitor to (his) country’ while a separate message read: ‘Shame on you for still being there.’
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Abada has found the situation difficult and testing. A substitute in the 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley, the player left the field as team-mates soaked up the acclaim of the away supporters. Every move now has to be carefully calibrated.
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers assured Abada that he was an important and valued player
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.
Speaking last week, Brendan Rodgers claimed the wide man – who wore a black armband against Rangers and St Mirren – was in a ‘good place’. Back fit, Celtic see him as a key player in the defence of their league title. A valuable asset they would rather hang on to, pressure from within Israel is putting that stance to the test.
When Abada signed a new contract on September 1, the Parkhead manager spoke of ‘significant interest’ in his services and Mail Sport now understands there were five clubs potentially keen on signing the Israel international.
Rodgers has gone the extra mile to extend help and support to a young man conflicted by devastating events affecting the lives of close friends and family 3,500 miles away. The one thing he can’t do is ease the psychological pressure being applied by those who want him to leave Celtic and play his football elsewhere.
Despite a four month lay-off, the final weeks of the January window may yet test the strength of interest in Abada as the scrutiny from his homeland begins to take its toll.
Celtic’s Rapid Return for Winger After Initial Bid Rejected
Celtic linked with German winger…
According to Mark Hendry at Football Scotland Celtic have tabled their first bid for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn. He also reported that the offer is “just short” of what Vienna are looking for player, with Celtic preparing to return with a second bid for the 24-year-old.
Kuhn is enjoying a productive second season at Rapid, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in 22 games across all competition this season. The German mainly operates as a right winger but can cover at striker and left wing also.
Kuhn was product of the RB Leipzig Academy, before joining Ajax in 2018 and Bayern’s second team in 2020, failing to make a senior appearance for either club.
SOCCER – BL, Wattens vs Rapid INNSBRUCK,AUSTRIA,05.DEC.23 – SOCCER – ADMIRAL Bundesliga, WSG Tirol vs SK Rapid Wien. Image shows Nicolas Kuehn Rapid. Photo GEPA pictures/ Daniel Schoenherr
The winger who stands at 5’7”, has played for Germany across all youth age groups, from u15 right up to u20 level. Kuhn who last represented his country in 2019, is enduring a breakout season in the Austrian Bundesliga.
While Rapid have fallen off slightly this season, sitting sixth in the league after a fourth place finish last year, Kuhn is enjoying his most productive season yet in his career. The former German u20 international has three more goal contributions in 215 less minutes this season compared to last.
With Celtic set to table a follow up bid for the former Ajax and Bayern Munich player, there should be further developments in terms of a deal in the coming days as the first signing of the January transfer window looks like it’s possibly close to happening.
James French
NICOLAS KUHN…
Looks like a mix between Henrik and Paddy Roberts…
Apparently we’ve gone from enquiry to bid!
Plays anywhere across the front but mainly right side 👍⚽🍀 pic.twitter.com/uIe1bsR1lk
— CELTIC NATION🍀⚽️⭐ (@CelticNation67) January 10, 2024
🚨 Excl: Nicolas Kuhn Celtic transfer bid tabled as Rapid Vienna hunt for replacement
Full story @Football_Scot https://t.co/G0F9VKTsYc
— Mark Hendry (@mhendry92) January 10, 2024
THE CELTIC STAR’S WINTER SALE IS NOW ON! ALL BOOKS HALF PRICE FOR A LIMITED PERIOD INCLUDING OUR 2023 BEST SELLER MAJIC, STAN AND THE KING OF JAPAN.
Bradley Walsh unhappy with Celtic player’s mistake in The Chase as amnesiac Aberdeen eliminate a rival
Bradley Walsh is not amused by the Celtic player’s error on The Chase, as Aberdeen amnesia knocks out a competitor
Marcus from Neath in Wales used to be rolling before giving away a penalty in the eyes of the host.
Puzzled The Chase host Bradley Walsh couldn’t conceal his shock over a contestant’s incapability to name Aberdeen as victors in the 1983 Super Cup Final.
Marcus from Neath in Wales used to be rolling before giving away a penalty in the eyes of the host after being unable to healthy the right side Sir Alex Ferguson led to glory against Hamburg. That triumph – months after a lovely Cup Winners’ Cup win over Real Madrid – is etched in the reminiscence of football supporters throughout Britain as the man now viewed as the greatest supervisor in history rocked the continent.
Honest Marcus confessed he used to be no football fan and Walsh, in a mischievous mood, admitted he ought to inform after getting the question wrong on the smash-hit ITV quiz show. He picked Celtic over Rangers and the correct answer of Aberdeen which led to raised eyebrows. Marcus then acquired a history lesson from chaser Shaun Wallace who reeled off a host of Aberdeen heroes of that era. The Dark Destroyer namechecked the likes of Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish, Willie Miller and Mark McGhee.
Host Walsh then requested Wallace if Gordon Strachan was a superstar of the Granite City in that technology which used to be tested before each praised a facet which remain the final to defeat the Madrid in a European Final. And their high-quality run was made all the extra incredible when they followed up against European Cup winners Hamburg over two legs in November and December of 1983.
Followers of Aberdeen posted their understanding to The Chase duo for giving their club most important kudos on countrywide television.
The most recent Celtic transfer rumors involving Joe Hart, Sydney van Hooijdonk, and Nicolas Kuhn
The Hoops are yet to get their January window up and running
We’re already a week into the transfer window and no matter a busy January expected at Celtic, it’s still to get going.
Brendan Rodgers has admitted he needs brought high-quality and with Daizen Maeda, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Reo Hatate, Yang and Marco Tilio heading to the Asian Cup they need reinforcements to fill out the squad. The forward areas may additionally be a priority for that purpose and one title who has been stated is German winger Nicolas Kuhn.
The Hoops are thinking to be monitoring the Rapid Vienna winger and it was stated they may want to get him for around £2million. However, their sports activities director Markus Katzer has now said that he doesn’t expect any of his gamers to go away for the duration of the January window.
He told Kronen Zeitung, he said: “I assume that every person will be with us in the 2d half of the season, I haven’t heard some thing to the contrary.”
Left-back is an vicinity Rodgers is searching at as he seeks serious competition for Greg Taylor. Gijs Smal linked a few weeks ago and Rangers are now additionally pronounced to be involved in the FC Twente superstar who is out of contract in the summer season and has been dubbed ‘the new Maldini’.
Sydney van Hooijdonk has long been linked as a striker option and TuttoMercato file that he remains on the radar after being instructed by way of Bologna boss Thiago Motta that he can go away the club this month.
Meanwhile, Rodgers has been speaking about Joe Hart’s future and says he will take a seat down with the veteran goalkeeper soon to talk about possibly extending his remain previous this summer.
“It’s not something that we’re searching at just now. There are other areas we have to seem at first,” he explained.
“There will be positions in the summer we’ll be in a position to improve on and it’s the identical in January. But I love working with Joe, he’s a remarkable guy. Hopefully he continues. We haven’t spoken about it. At that age, I think he’s simply completely satisfied to be playing. Joe’s family is down south so he has shown amazing dedication to be up here.
“Are you going to stay up here besides your family if you’re now not taking part in as a No.1? Joe’s had a lengthy profession and I love being with him each day. He has a actual fantastic energy and has been a brilliant chief for this team. So we’ll have a chat – him and I – toward the give up of the season.”
Luis Palma is at the centre of a transfer storm as his former membership Vida declare that they are owed cash from Aris after a having a sell-on proportion included when they sold him to the Greek side.
He insists they will be taking the be counted to FIFA if not paid the £500,000 they sense they are owed.
While Nat Phillips has despatched a message to Celtic and their followers after heading lower back to Liverpool following his brief mortgage spell.
He wrote: “It was once a pleasure and a privilege to represent @celticfc and their supporters. I wish everybody at the club all the best for the relaxation of the season and the future.”
Rangers supporters will find Graeme Souness’s assessment of Celtic Park on derby day offensive
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Celtic Park on Glasgow derby day or on Champions League nights creates the most excessive atmosphere in European football.
If not the most intense, then absolutely in the pinnacle five. In truth no, if Lionel Messi believes it’s the best atmosphere in Europe for a football match then it has to be true.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi are in full agreement. And now, even Rangers favourite Graeme Souness has tipped his hat to Parkhead’s incredible environment thanks to our club’s incredible fans.
In fact, Souness has went as a ways as saying that Celtic Park – except any Rangers fans on derby day ultimate weekend – truly cannot be matched somewhere in the world.
Graeme Souness loves Celtic Park on derby day
And we have to admit, he’s spot on. Parkhead used to be truely raucous for the New Year grudge match as Celtic ran out deserved 2-1 winners.
Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo scored amazing strikes to burst Philippe Clement’s Rangers bubble and open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Souness was present at the stadium to immerse himself in Celtic’s victory and not even a Gers defeat in opposition to their biggest competitors can forestall the 70-year-old from admitting how brilliant the atmosphere used to be at Celtic Park.
He wrote in his most recent Daily Mail column: “What an environment it was at Celtic Park ultimate Saturday. I was once there for the Old Firm derby and I swear there is none to in shape it somewhere in the world.”
That’s sure to upset Rangers fans, some of whom claim Ibrox boasts the satisfactory atmosphere in European football.
Souness certainly doesn’t suppose so. His feedback concerning Celtic Park on derby day are bang on and as mentioned, that’s even besides any Rangers followers in the stands.
It just goes to show that the Rangers legend can’t deny the superiority of Celtic Park’s environment over any other area in world soccer and we’re glad, he of all people, can admit it.
Nat Phillips sends an incredible message to Celtic support
On Friday evening, Nat Phillips took to his Instagram to lengthen a heartfelt thanks to the Celtic support, efficaciously confirming his departure from the club.
His message, imbued with gratitude, stated the fans and his time spent in Glasgow, supplying a private touch to his exit that the club’s reliable channels had especially omitted.
Earlier on Friday, Phillips used to be spotted returned in acquainted territory, training with Liverpool, an image that verified the finality involving his Celtic exit.
Phillips’s personal acknowledgment and return to Liverpool education supply a truly closure for fans who had been left in the dark by using Celtic’s uncommon silence.
10th December 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Nathaniel Phillips of Celtic on the ball
Unfortunately his time at the membership was not successful. His closing recreation was a 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Celtic Park the place the defender scored an very own aim and had a generally terrible game.
It was once a short term loan deal that ought to have been prolonged if Celtic wanted to however in the stop it’s exceptional for all events to go their separate ways.
Rodgers adores him: Celtic is now prioritizing the signing of a “fantastic” player over four Premier League teams
He’s been on a extraordinary run of form this campaign…
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is eager to bolster his ranks for the duration of the January window and is now believed to be thinking about a pass for a pinnacle marksman, according to a report.
Celtic look for edge in Premiership title race…
Despite enduring a wobble formerly in December with back-to-back defeats, Celtic rallied to report four straight victories over Livingston, Dundee, Rangers and St Mirren to enter the Scottish Premiership title race riding seat heading into the wintry weather break.
The Hoops keep an eight-point advantage over their opponents throughout the metropolis at this stage; nevertheless, Philippe Clement’s guys have two games in hand to potentially slim the gap, signifying that there is lots of work to be finished at Parkhead for the duration of the window in order to maintain their lead at the summit.
Of course, Rodgers will have to work towards bringing in new arrivals with the brought caveat of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Yang Hyun-jun and Marco Tilio being away on Asian Cup duty, which can also pave the way for a new striker to cross to Parkhead this month.
Reports in Germany, by means of The Daily Record, declare that Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden is on the Hoops’ radar and they may additionally have obtained a enhance in their pursuit of the Denmark Under-21 international, due to the reality his different suitors, Schalke 04, are not going to be able to find the money for him this window.
Nevertheless, Football Scotland have considering claimed that Celtic are yet to return with an multiplied provide for the attacker after seeing a bid of £4 million grew to become down in the summer. Now, data has emerged claiming that the Scottish giants are now in the market for a specific marksman who has been in awesome shape this campaign.
Celtic keen on Lawrence Shankland…
According to HITC, Celtic are believed to be thinking about a go for Heart of Midlothian captain Lawrence Shankland this month; however, Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace are additionally eager on the Scotland international, providing opposition from the Premier League for his signature.
Hull City and Middlesbrough are stated as having an activity in the former Dundee United man in addition to unnamed golf equipment from abroad. Last week, Hoops boss Rodgers labelled Shankland a “fantastic finisher” in the build-up to his side’s 2-1 victory over Rangers at Parkhead last weekend.
Leading some thing of a nomadic existence earlier than settling at Hearts in 2022, Shankland has simply located his capturing boots this campaign, registering 18 times and recording three assists in 28 appearances this campaign (Shankland statistics – Transfermarkt).
It stays to be ascertained whether the 28-year-old’s traits off the ball would fit into Rodgers’ fashion of play; nevertheless, Shankland knows where the back of the net is and is not going to be short of suitors as the window progresses.
Todd Cantwell’s Rangers in-joke is revealed by Philippe Clement, and the midfielder brushes off teasing by Celtic fans
Twice now Cantwell has spoke back to low moments by way of producing for Rangers in their subsequent game.
At least Todd Cantwell can see the funny aspect now.
And Philippe Clement reckons his Rangers playmaker can have the remaining snicker if he continues to respond to adversity like he did on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Ibrox ace wasn’t smiling as he trudged glumly off the Parkhead pitch three days formerly to the sound of sarcastic cheers from the Celtic support. The East End trustworthy like to call the former Norwich man TikTok and they ramped up their trolling as they celebrated their side’s 2-1 triumph in their second Old Firm win of the campaign.
But Clement was delighted to see Cantwell stick a thumb in the eye of the keyboard warriors and critics as he replied with a purpose and a stand-out display in the Light Blues’ New Year stroll against Kilmarnock. It used to be reminiscent of the way the Englishman bounced back from being unceremoniously hooked just 37 minutes into the club’s November draw at home to Europa League minnows Aris Limassol – responding three days later with two assists in a win over Hearts.
Clement used to be rapid to remind the attacker of that as he afforded him a standing ovation from the appreciative Ibrox trustworthy as he used to be changed late on against Killie. Asked if he was once pleased with Cantwell’s reaction to his Old Firm criticism, the massive Belgian said: “It’s hard to take out one player.
“It’s a whole story and every player has his personal working points. It’s my job and the job of the team of workers to factor them out and work on that with them.
“So I am comfortable with the evolution Todd is making and I opt for to take him out in the 87th minute rather of the thirty seventh minute. I told him that when he came off. He discovered it funny.”
Clement has advised his gamers to relaxation up and come back refreshed subsequent week, geared up to put in some serious graft when they jet out for a warm-weather training camp in the Spanish hotel of La Manga. But the Ibrox gaffer admits he’ll going flat out over the next few days as he looks to make in addition additions after signing Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves.
“Will I get a rest earlier than Spain?” asked the former Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco boss. “No, because I have different matters to do – it’s no longer solely training.
“We have a January switch window to come. So I need to watch gamers also, however I would do things with my family.
“But I don’t like to switch off. For me, it is no longer important.
“My physique don’t need to do something any more. And my Genius doesn’t explode by doing that all the time. I love it, and I will do it.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement
“How energetic will we be in the transfer window? Very lively each and every day, through searching at a lot of gamers together with human beings in the club.
“And then we will see what we can make happen. The matters we want. But we are not going to sign 10 players.”
Clement doesn’t idea placing in the hours if the work can pay off – and so far it has. The derby defeat to Celtic is the solely blot on the 49-year-old’s Ibrox end result sheet so a ways and whilst his side sit eight adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ Premiership pace-setters proper now, that deficit will cut back to two if they win each their games in hand on the champions.
It’s a scenario that has the Ibrox devoted eagerly awaiting the 2nd half of a season that has already delivered Viaplay Cup silver and a vicinity in the Europa League’s final 16.
And Clement is just as keen to see how it all plays out. He said: “I am still curious. I am comfortable that you speak now about the achievable of this team.
“Eleven weeks ago, I hear a lot of people saying there was not manageable sufficient in this crew to do what Rangers wants to do. So it is positive that so many gamers are growing, and that is what I want to see.
“I will hold a close eye, together with my staff, on who are the gamers staying ambitious, who are the gamers who are pushing. There are a lot of appropriate examples in that way.
“You have a young lad [Ross McCausland] who used to be just in the academy and now he is playing truely normal in the first crew because he is performing. Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, who are now taking part in in other positions. They have executed that for the team, or else they wouldn’t play.
“So, I suppose this team is in a virtually desirable way. The dressing room also. The atmosphere each day within the building, with the training, the ambition in the training. Now after our first defeat, which we knew would come one day, the response used to be how I desired it.
“We seemed at what we had to do to make good, to analyse what went wrong, what we should do better. And then we reacted without delay on the pitch once more and left the whole lot behind.”
Clement has taken the plaudits for piecing Rangers’ season back collectively after being delivered in to repair the injury carried out with the aid of Michael Beale’s calamitous summer time rebuild. But the modest manager insists it’s his squad that deserve the deposit for turning matters around.
He said: “It’s no longer about me, it’s about the team. I’m joyful that all people is announcing they see a distinctive team now with greater extra of a winning mentality.
“I see extra and extra great and that the crew knows better and better how I favor to see football, how I want to see them run together, how I favor them to create spaces for other players.
“It turns into more and extra fluid. These are things that I understand if the gamers keep on working, if they remain attentive and they stay concentrated then after a while it will become more herbal for them.
“So there are in reality high quality things. It’s now not about being satisfied. It’s about being bold to get better.”
Jota is ready to quit Al-Ittihad, and the Portuguese winger may go for nothing
Celtic hero Jota could be poised to go away Al-Ittihad on a “free” after struggling to make an have an effect on in Saudi Arabia.
This is in accordance to outlet Hi Koura which claims that the Saudi Pro League champions will attempt to “rip up the winger’s contract”.
Jota joined the Middle Eastern membership for £25million at some stage in the summer transfer window but has observed his recreation time confined due to being left out of Ittihad’s league squad.
And now it seems like the winger ought to be set to depart the Saudi Arabian side.
Meanwhile,Kyogo Furuhashi has as soon as again been snubbed by means of the Japanese national group regardless of his heroics towards Rangers at the weekend.
The striker bagged a gorgeous winner for Brendan Rodgers’ facet in the derby to extend Celtic’s lead at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table.
Kyogo has now not been a outstanding determine in the Japanese set up in recent times even though and that has persisted beforehand of their involvement in the Asia Cup.
Blue Samurai boss Hajime Moriyasu named his squad today and Kyogo has no longer been picked. This is of course a blow for Kyogo personally, but a raise for Celtic shifting forward as they intention to dominate domestically in the second-half of the campaign.
Celtic duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have been selected in the squad and should be missing for a month with the event due to begin on January 14.
South Korean duo Oh and Yang ought to usually be missing so Rodgers will be braced to ensure his aspect has cover for a key factor in the season.
Latest Celtic transfers rumored include Araujo, McKenna, Kvistgaarden, and Solbakken
The transfer window is open and it could be a busy one at Parkhead
Tiago Araujo, Scott McKenna and Ola Solbakken
New Year brings with it optimism and hopes for the future. But a long way extra importantly for soccer golf equipment and fans, it brings the opening of the switch window.
Celtic are anticipated to do quite a bit of business after manager Brendan Rodgers admitted they want to add extra high-quality to their squad after a very disappointing summer window. A large squad desires to be trimmed first and departures are anticipated over the coming weeks however there will almost without a doubt be incomings too.
Left-back is an vicinity needing addressed and we’ve already viewed a concrete hyperlink with Estoril’s Tiago Araujo. The former Benfica man can also play similarly forward and played with Jota and Paulo Bernardo at the Portuguese giants – and a large hint was once dropped when he commented on the latter’s social media following his strike in opposition to Rangers.
His club are searching for round around £4million so the Hoops will want to cough up if Araujo is the man they favor to come in and compete with Greg Taylor.
New left centre-back may additionally be on the way too with Scott McKenna reportedly an alternative after being made handy for switch by Nottingham Forest.
Rodgers would also like to add a striker and a midfielder. In terms of the attacking area, Brondby star Mathias Kvistgaarden is one that has been mentioned after Celts failed with a bid in the summer season however the Parkhead membership have been warned they have to blow the Danes away for any provide to be successful.
Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski is some other who has been scouted while some other home talent, Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland has often been mooted as a potential goal too.
Meanwhile, social media has been awash with rumours that Celtic have been presented Norwegian winger Ola Solbakken.
The 25-year-old, linked with the Hoops in the past, has been playing on loan at Olympiacos from AS Roma and has played towards Celtic earlier than for Bodo/Glimt.
It stays to be the seen if the rumours turn into whatever concrete however it is truly an interesting one.
Goalkeeper is every other location that will perchance be seemed at and Ipswich keeper Vaclav Hladky has spoken out after hyperlinks to Celtic, while Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin is every other to have been mentioned.
Celtics star Joe Hart had a family dinner in Glasgow to celebrate the Rangers victory
Celtic star Joe Hart loved a meal with his family in a popular West End spot after Saturday’s derby.
The 36-year-old Hoops star, whose aspect beat Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead on Saturday, posed with delighted body of workers at Italian eatery Caprese Don Costanzo on Woodside Crescent near Charing Cross.
Looking blissful and sporting a Stone Island jumper. the goalkeeper is the cutting-edge in a lengthy line of celebrities to dine at the spot.
A statement from the restaurant on Instagram posted on Hogmanay read: “Last night, we had the pleasure of web hosting Joe Hart and his beautiful household for dinner.”
Last month, we reported that the restaurant used to be visited by way of Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
The restaurant also used the Instagram put up to warn diners they would be closed until January 17.
“Many thanks to Harry”: Kewell’s influence at Celtic
On his arrival at Celtic, he used to be seen as ultimately some new blood in the teaching staff. There had been rumblings over the years about the perceived boys membership mentality at Celtic, and even though Ange Postecoglou had arrived as supervisor at Celtic, he had saved with the ordinary system. Kewell was once seen as a spoil to this device even though not necessarily some thing revolutionary.
As a player, Kewell had made a properly title for himself at clubs like Liverpool, Galatasaray and Leeds and helped to increase the popularity of footballers from Down Under.
After putting up his taking part in boots, he moved into management, and admittedly his file was overall poor. However at Celtic he had a new hazard in teaching alongside Postecoglou who was by using this time now well settled in but wished to take Celtic up a few notches.
Harey Kewell arrived at a buoyant Celtic in the summer time of 2022, and he settled in rapidly at a Celtic who were in command in the league. Initial reports on Kewell’s contributions had been positive with especially Maeda enormously praising Kewell. The advantages paid off in the World Cup with a Maeda inspired Japan surprising all and sundry finishing top of their team after wins v Germany and Spain!
“It’s thanks to him that I’m genuinely enjoying my football once more and additionally enhancing my skills. It’s down to Harry that I began to trade my strategy at Celtic and I’m now performing better. That’s thanks to Harry. He is very true at organising relationships with players,” Maeda said.
He supported the squad as they went on to win the domestic treble. Postecoglou though left in June 2023, however Kewell remained at Celtic to work beneath Brendan Rodgers, and gamers continued to publicly praise his contribution to their development.
After Celtic sealed a well deserved 2-1 victory over theRangers in the annual New Year’s Derby, performed on 30 December 2023 this time), Kewell left the next for the J League to take over at Yokohama F. Marinos from ex-Rangers player Muscat (who at one time was once rumoured for a teaching function at Celtic below Postecoglou).
Harry Kewell is seen during the Celtic Champions Training Day at Celtic Park on July 18, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
HARRY KEWELL’S TIME AT CELTIC IN QUOTES
“We will be aiming to provide our fans extra of the equal going ahead and I look ahead to playing my section in bringing this to our supporters,” Harry Kewell
“Throughout my expert career and indeed my whole time in soccer I have now not met a teach like Harry. So, it’s thanks to him that I am clearly enjoying my soccer and improving my skills. It’s down to Harry that I started to change my method and performing better. Thanks to Harry. He is very properly at organising relationships with the players. He can verbalise absolutely our true factors and terrible points. We’ll sit and watch the movies and he will give an explanation for to me very actually the place I can be better and what I need to do. It’s a appropriate situation for me. It’s because of this that I sense I am truely enjoying my soccer right now.” Daizen Maeda on Kewell (2022)
Kyogo and Harry Kewell
“The opening recreation of the season at home to Aberdeen… I’ve heard You’ll Never Walk Alone each and every week at Liverpool however that day it used to be something different. It used to be awesome,” Harry Kewell
“Harry Kewell has not only helped me but others. He helped me appreciably at the begin when it was once one sport a week for the first four weeks and I didn’t feature that much. He nonetheless made me experience a massive phase of it and even though I am one of the older gamers it used to be nonetheless absolutely appropriate that he would take you aside after coaching and do more with you due to the fact he desired you to do well when you did get the chance. He does hundreds of drills with the wingers too due to the fact that’s where he played. I suppose for me and the other wingers I have spoken to we would all say he has a actually large impact.” James Forrest on Kewell (2022)
What the experts said when Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton were given Celtic violin orders: Rangers were “killed” by a single star
A rock n roll derby delivered all the thrills and spills of classics long past through in the cutting-edge Old Firm instalment.
The railway has been hit with storm chaos this week – but it used to be the Rangers hype teach that suffered termination at Celtic Park.
Philippe Clement’s costs had the crest of a wave at the back of them amid an unbeaten begin to his reign but a Paulo Bernardo stunner set the wheels in motion for a first hitch. Alistair Johnston was at the centre of penalty debate at the damage after an alleged handball in his own field however quickly furore was ended by an offside in the build-up.
Kyogo has been quiet this time period but he ramped the noise up to full volume with his stunner much less than 5 minutes into the second half. Leon Balogun’s red card summed up a dull day for Clement’s men but a vivid crack in the Light Blue clouds emerged when a luxurious James Tavernier free-kick. It gave the packed home crowd the jitters and set up a thrilling finale.
Ultimately Rangers have been caught with cold ft and paid the rate for errors during a 2-1 defeat in the Parkhead snow. Here’s what the pundits said about the motion in Glasgow’s east-end that puts Celtic top of the Premiership by means of eight points, with Rangers conserving two games in hand.
Kris Boyd
There was some on-air trolling between Ibrox legend Boyd and Celtic hero Chris Sutton as the Sky cameras prepared to call it a day. Sutton informed his punditry peer “Can Kris Boyd keep writing Kyogo off?” Boyd wasn’t having and replied “it’s a game of opinions. You have a lot of opinions about some referees give some penalties for some teams. Enjoy the cold!”
Chris Sutton
Thee former striker persevered his analysis by means of aiming his ire at Cyriel Dessers, who he thinks was once a detriment for Clement. He said; “Celtic do have top notch players, O’Riley and McGregor grew to become up and ran the game. Rangers have expanded under Clement however the vital for Celtic is the gamers can sit down in thee dressing room and sense comfortable with the performance. Dessers killed Rangers today. Had opportunities and wasn’t decisive enough. It’s no longer like his li-up play is up to much, Rangers need to tackle that situation, which they may additionally have achieved in Fabio Silva. An possibility for him to be the predominant for Rangers.”
Pat Bonner
The former Parkhead goalie used to be on co-comms for the BBC and believes it used to be a game that put Scottish soccer in the satisfactory light. He said: “It keeps going [record towards Rangers] and getting better. All the gamers had been up for it, even [Maik] Nawrocki who has come onto the pitch and had no sport time probably.
“I don’t comprehend if he has played any jump video games or anything however he honestly did very, very properly apart from giving away that free-kick that Rangers scored from. It used to be the one blot on his replica book. Overall I assume they will be very thrilled with the performance. The goals were magnificent. This used to be a actual Scottish sport today. It was once thrilling and exceptional and what a sport we had in front of us.”
Kyogo celebrates
James McFadden
Scotland and Motherwell legend McFadden was once the middle-man between Celtic and Rangers favourites in the Sky punditry room But he couldn’t withstand a Boyd jab over his claims Lawrence Shankland is Scotland’s finishing widespread bearer. He claimed: “I idea Rangers played properly first half of and Celtic started out brilliantly, a excellent intention from the second-best finisher in the league. They then took manage of the game however when Rangers go to 10, it did end up nervy toward the end. I think because of a lot of the speak earlier than was once how correct a run Rangers had been on and how Celtic would cope with that, they have gained the recreation and that man (Kyogo), what a purpose it was.”
Neil Lennon
Celtic’s former boss had no time for Boyd’s Rangers moans with the Parkhead stands empty in the derby aftermath. The panel were reviewing refereeing decisions in the game, and the former striker stated “maybe Rangers need to simply begin moaning and possibly get some greater things.” A comedic response used to be delivered by way of Lennon who clearly put “Oh cmon” before looking over his shoulder and announcing “Where is that violin?”
Billy Dodds
It may have been defeat for Rangers however former Ibrox striker Dodds could not help but laud a moment of magic from the skipper. He advised Sportsound: “His shipping nowadays has been common at best, but that just adds to the awesome goals we have viewed today.
“Incredible from Tavernier. The two dreams Celtic have scored have been of the perfect quality. When he (Kyogo) shifted it to his left, I idea it would be a tough one to beat Jack Butland from there. He leaves him flailing. What a finish. Just strive and follow pressure and run beside him (Balogun). As soon as you touch him, you are gone.”
Tam McManus
Record Sport columnist McManus desired extra from some of Rangers’ key guys – however he posted on X that it used to be Celtic’s who did step up to the plate. He said: “Big players step up in massive video games for Celtic that’s why i surely fancied them today. McGregor head
Eleven Celtics players could leave in January due to a looming clearout
The Hoops have a bloated squad which desires trimmed in advance of fantastic being introduced in
Turnbull and Gustaf Lagerbielke
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It may want to be a busy January at Celtic with Brendan Rodgers admitting he wishes extra satisfactory to revive their faltering title chase.
But there ought to in reality be some distance extra outs than ins with a very bloated squad wanting trimmed first. The Hoops have a quantity of fringe players who have both not delivered when given a hazard or not even proven enough in training to be given any time on the pitch.
There are even various who were added in as lately as the summer season who are not getting a appear in and Rodgers has admitted want to do extra to be in his plans. In order to make way for upgrades to the squad, there will sincerely be a few on their way out.
So we have listed 10 gamers who ought to be at hazard of being part of the cull.
Ben Siegrist
The former Dundee United keeper has solely performed twice, both in the League Cup for Celtic, due to the fact signing in the summer season of 2022.
Having carried out properly in the Premiership before, any clubs looking for a keeper would be foolish to pass him.
It’s feasible the Hoops will add some other shot stopper in the window and that would push him even similarly down the pecking order.
Gustaf Lagerbielke
Just days after scoring a Champions League winner in opposition to Feyenoord, it emerged the Swedish centre back used to be free to go away Parkhead in January.
Having simply signed in January, Brendan Rodgers has now not appeared to fancy the 23-year-old who has not even made matchday squads at times.
He’s noticeably rated in his native land and clubs there as well as across Europe may want to offer him a clean start.
Maik Nawrocki
Another centre back who has no longer certainly had a appear in from Rodgers regardless of signing in the summer.
Along with Lagerbielke, the Pole was one the supervisor strongly hinted he wanted to see greater from in training.
Nat Phillips
Phillips has had greater recreation time than the preceding two mentioned centre backs but it’s been pronounced his mortgage from Liverpool is in all likelihood to be cut short.
The 26-year-old hasn’t lived up to his billing and back-to-back performances towards Hibs and Kilmarnock laid bare his struggles. He hasn’t been considered since.
Yuki Kobayashi
It seems high-quality to have four centre backs on this listing however that is where the Hoops are with a range of fringe men simply now not cutting it.
Kobayashi was once an Ange Postecoglou signing but hasn’t featured at all this campaign.
Celtic are ready to let him go away on loan in January with J-League golf equipment lining up to take him returned to his homeland.
Alexandro Bernabei
The Hoops have been tipped to convey in another left-back and that could spell the cease for the Argentinian.
Greg Taylor has suffered for form this season and Bernabei nonetheless hasn’t managed to challenge for his spot and the Scotland man would be the one to continue to be on to compete with any new signing.
David Turnbull
The midfield technician is out of contract in the summer and may additionally are looking for to pass on in search of more regular football.
If that is the case then January would be the club’s remaining danger to rake in a charge for him.
David Turnbull (Image: SNS Group)
Inter Milan have been formerly linked whilst he used to be close to a move to Norwich before going to the east give up of Glasgow, so can also have interest from England again.
James McCarthy
The forgotten Irishman performed in the Lowland League currently for the B crew and it’s not going that used to be to get him lower back up to velocity for the first team given how some distance out of the image he is.
Therefore, it used to be possibly to allow him to get some minutes underneath the belt in advance of a January move.
Where he could potentially go would be the difficulty as he will be on a tremendous wage and would be a hazard for any membership given how little football he has played.
Kwon Hyeok-kyu
Another summer season signing with most important questions hanging over his head having no longer featured once.
Unlikely his possibilities will improve much after January and so a loan can also be the quality for all parties.
Matt O’Riley
This would be one Celtic and their followers actually WOULDN’T desire to appear but their in-form midfielder has been linked with strikes to Italy and England.
He’s delivered goals to his recreation this season as he will become arguably just as vital as captain Callum McGregor at this stage.
His modern-day form, and a recent cap for Denmark, will solely have served to heighten pastime in his offerings and it could be a nervy January for the Hoops.
Marco Tilio
There’s a theme emerging here. The summer signing has seemed twice in the Premiership, each off the bench and there has been nothing to endorse he can construct a long-term future at Celtic.
Set to join up with Australia for the Asian Cup so that should complicate matters however it would be a shock if a loan or everlasting switch wasn’t being explored.
‘He misses Reo Hatate’: BBC pundit claims to have seen that the 28-year-old Celtic is “frustrated.”
The huge game towards Rangers is coming up and the hope is that Celtic’s superstar man, Kyogo Furuhashi will be again to his best.
That consistency in front of intention just hasn’t been there this season, with the 28-year-old, who is nonetheless attempting to come to terms with Brendan Rodgers’ style.
Pat Bonner says he has noticed Kyogo Furuhashi displaying a ‘frustrated’ parent for Celtic because he isn’t receiving the ball rapid enough, as he told BBC Sportsound (26/12/23 at 2:15 pm).
Under Ange Postecoglou, the players in the attacking 0.33 had been greater like the red arrows and they would fireplace ahead at every given chance. And pass by the ball a long way quicker.
That would suit someone like Kyogo Furuhashi down to the bone because his razor-sharp moment interior the penalty vicinity and cat-like instincts would make him a terror to deal with.
But that bite has been misplaced throughout these previous few months, with the new Celtic boss preferring that extra omit and Pat Bonner spoke about the issues he has noticed.
Kyogo Furuhashi’s movement
“I watch Kyogo,” stated Bonner. “When he got here to the club, he had incredible movement. He had that double movement. He would come short. Go long. Come short and go long.
“The centre-halves didn’t be aware of how to deal with him and that movement. But, invariably, the ball was passed to him, at times. He made that movement and unexpectedly the ball was once played in behind. And then subsequent thing, he was in. He didn’t score all the time. But he was making chances.
“His other movement was across the the front post. There is no doubt that has come away from his game slightly.
“I just watch him, I watched him at the weekend in opposition to Livingston, he began off and he was once making those runs. Then suddenly, Celtic simply handed the ball these two or three greater passes. Then he stopped making the movement. I do see the frustration. I don’t recognize whether or not that’s due to the fact he misses Hatate. Maybe he is searching for any individual to hit that pass.”
Kyogo Furuhashi’s type will come through
The Japan star’s recent intention at Livingston would have done him the world of suitable because it would have just eased the pressure.
It’s nonetheless only seven desires from 20 Premiership matches this term. Not the preferred Celtic fans comprehend he can hit.
But the Rangers sport is coming up. His preferred opponent and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is on the scoresheet at the weekend.
And then it will simply be a case of regular carrier resumes and he will be causing havoc all over Scotland again for the 2nd 1/2 of the campaign.
“More logical” – Journalist shares £4 million Wlodarczyk replacement Celtic could potentially pursue in January
Celtic are likely to be in the market for a new striker throughout the January switch window, with Mathias Kvistgaarden and Szymon Włodarczyk eyed.
HIGHLIGHTS
Celtic should enhance their squad in the January transfer window, with a striker being a priority.
Mathias Kvistgaarden is an alternative for Celtic, with pastime from Brendan Rodgers’ facet confirmed.
The rate tag for Szymon Wlodarczyk, every other attainable option, can also be too excessive for Celtic.
Celtic could be looking to make stronger their squad in the January transfer window, with a striker one of their priorities. journalist Dean Jones has now supplied an update on their attainable hobbies of Mathias Kvistgaarden and Szymon Włodarczyk to GIVEMESPORT.
It’s been an basic effective start for Brendan Rodgers’ facet this season in the Scottish Premiership, even though Celtic had been recently eradicated from Europe after finishing backside of their team in the Champions League. The Hoops have been busy in the summer season switch window, spending around £19m on 10 new additions before the deadline.
Celtic should continue their spending when the January switch window opens subsequent month, in particular with the Asia Cup around the corner. The Scottish Premiership facet have a host of Asian players in their squad, so they may want to lack a lot of cover in more than one positions as of the new year.
Rodgers has his eye on Kvistgaarden and Włodarczyk
One of Celtic’s key men in attack, Kyogo Furuhashi, Is probable to be jetting off on international duty in January for Japan. The 28-year-old has scored six dreams and provided three assists in the league this season, so Rodgers would possibly need to deliver in a goal-scoring and innovative threat in the iciness window.
According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Celtic are one of the sides who are considering a go for Kvistgaarden. Journalist Jones has also confirmed this hearsay to GIVEMESPORT, suggesting that there is obvious interest from Rodgers’ side. It used to be revealed back in November that the striker should price in the region of £4 million.
Another option for Celtic as we head toward the January transfer window may want to be Polish striker Wlodarczyk. According to journalist Mark Hendry, the younger forward is a participant of previous hobby to Rodgers. However, it is understood that his fee tag has skyrocketed to round £15 million, which may want to be out of Celtic’s attain for the upcoming window.
It’s been advised that Celtic are in a bit of a disaster when it comes to their ahead options, now not only due to Furuhashi’s global involvement come the new year, however also Oh Hyeon-gyu ‘falling out of form’. Although Celtic are presently sitting at the top of the table, they have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league and had been currently eradicated from the Champions League. which may want to increase their need to bring in reinforcements.
Dean Jones update – Kvistgaarden a greater conceivable option
Jones has cautioned that Celtic surely want a striker specially due to some of their players’ involvement in the Asia Cup. The journalist provides that Kvistgaarden might be the more conceivable option, even if his price tag has extended from the preceding time they had been showing an interest. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said…
“It truly feels like they need a striker and the Asia Cup is going to play a big section in that. But obviously, the chances of Celtic stretching to spend £15m on one seems particularly unlikely, if no longer impossible, so you have to start to contemplate who would without a doubt be attainable. Obviously, there’s somebody like Kvistgaarden who possibly appears greater logical, given the stage of his fee, even advancing on the £4m that was spoken about previously. It’s now not going to cease up elevating to be anything like the price you are talking about for Wlodarczyk (£15m). I suppose it is all about retaining that level of expectation. I really don’t assume there’ll be many Celtic followers that will be watching for their group to go and spend £15m.”
Rodgers wants to turn things around
As beforehand mentioned, Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership table. However, Rangers are solely two factors in the back of with a game in hand after Celtic’s poor run of form, so they have each danger of leapfrogging their rivals into first place.
The two teams meet at the quit of the 12 months in the Old Firm Derby, which takes vicinity on Saturday thirtieth of December. This could be the ideal danger for Rodgers to flip things round and show to the fans at Celtic Park that he is the man to supply the Premiership trophy by means of the give up of the season.
Another dubious penalty judgment favors Celtic’s title rivals
Celtic’s hole at the pinnacle of the Cinch Premiership used to be cut to simply two points after theRangers won 2-0 at Fir Park. Goals from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell secured the three factors in the Christmas Eve fixture. However, there used to be a Christmas present from the officials after a penalty was once ignored in the second half.
Dessers regarded to clutch the Motherwell player as he used to be about to snatch at a rebound in the box. No penalty was awarded and the incident was discussed after the recreation by way of the Sky Sports crew and the feeling was once pretty unanimous – even former Rangers participant Scott Arfield agreed.
Motherwell v Rangers penalty shout.
— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) December 24, 2023
Some of the officiating choices in recent weeks that have benefitted teams have been questionable to say the least; however, it is outstanding when you reflect onconsideration on that it is over 70 league games given that Rangers conceded a spot kick. Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell made his emotions acknowledged at full-time, too.
🔊 LISTEN: “I’m seeing them given as penalties constantly… Rangers themselves have benefitted from a number of incidents like that”.
🔸 Stuart Kettlewell believes Motherwell should’ve been awarded a penalty for a pull on Mika Biereth during their 2-0 defeat to Rangers. pic.twitter.com/CUVvnJYzKU
— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) December 24, 2023
Celtic face theRangers next weekend in the 2nd Glasgow Derby assembly of the season and it is shaping up to be pretty an occasion. The Green Brigade/Bhoys are lower back and there will be no away fans, which means that the Celtic guide will need to get at the back of Brendan and his team, who appear to be in a tough period at present.
Recently Brendan Rodgers referred to as for VAR to be binned and he is spot in with this . It appears to be working completely for one club who have their very own set or guidelines and are the solely club no longer to have conceded a penalty kick for the reason that it was once introduced.
The unsettling Celtic show by Daizen Maeda
Celtic secured a 2-0 victory towards Livingston, bouncing returned from current defeats.
However, concerns loomed over the health of Daizen Maeda, who seemed now not to be at his great all through the match.
Maeda, who currently lower back from an harm sustained in early November for the duration of Celtic’s 6-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, performed the 2nd half of against Hearts last week. This marked his comeback to the field, however at some stage in the Livingston game, he regarded unable to attain his standard velocity and sharpness. His lacklustre overall performance raised questions about his full recovery.
Brendan Rodgers has earlier stated the winger was once desperate to get again onto the pitch
Despite these concerns, there’s optimism that greater sport time could be the key to Maeda regaining his form. With a match scheduled in Dundee on Boxing Day followed via the derby on the 30th, there are hopes that these opportunities will allow Maeda to return to his common dynamic self.
Celtic players are “bored” of the SPFL, according to Kenny Miller, since the novelty has “worn off.”
Kenny Miller believes Celtic will turn their form around vs Livingston however they have faced deeper problems this season.
Kenny Miller believes that one of the real reasons for Celtic’s sudden droop in form is due to their stars turning into BORED of the SPFL – with plastic pitches being one of the motives for their downfall.
The Hoops have been high-flying in the Scottish Premiership until their home draw against Motherwell at the stop of November, in which due to the fact that the start of that game, they have solely gained two of their previous 5 in the league – backed up by their first successive league defeats in 10 YEARS having fallen to both Kilmarnock and Hearts over the path of the previous two weeks.
It’s not perfect for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who ought to see themselves knocked off the pinnacle of their perch with the aid of Rangers come the flip of the yr with an Old Firm derby to come on December 30 – and it’s had followers and pundits double-guessing why their sudden turn in form has happened. But Miller has come up with an unorthodox reason as to why they’ve hit a stoop – citing player unhappiness at plastic pitches, and the novelty of playing in front of 60,000 before heading up to the Highlands to play on astroturf carrying off.
Speaking to Clyde 1, Miller wondered the professionalism of Brendan’s boys before making his claim about astroturf and artificial grounds. He said: “I’m a wee bit extra for that older faculty type mentality where if you’re not doing your job, you need to be told. Otherwise, you will do it badly if you think you’re getting away with something.
“I would be very surprised if Celtic were talking about making a alternate to be honest with you and moving Brendan on, that wouldn’t be for me. What I would say is, these are not horrific players. There is some thing not occurring at this second in time. They aren’t responding to anything, whether or not it be the manager, or have they obtained bored?
“When gamers go to Rangers or Celtic, occasionally the novelty wears off. You’re taking part in in the front of the 60,000, enjoying in front of the large video games – and having to go away to Ross County and play away on plastic pitches just doesn’t sit right with them.
Plastic pitches around the country are potentially a reason for Celtic’s downfall, says Kenny Miller (Image: SNS Group)
“There’s a lot of things that it could be, but the backside line is this is not a awful team of players. I stated this when Michael Beale left Rangers. Players, and these Celtic gamers at this moment in time, are not awful players. They need to take a responsibility for what they are doing when they go that white line. At the second in phrases of results, they had been bullied at St Johnstone and the 2d half in opposition to Kilmarnock as well. Absolutely bullied and they lost that recreation when they’d taken the lead.
“Last week vs Hearts, they didn’t even appear like scoring, they could’ve been taking part in now and I don’t suppose they’d have scored – now not to the degree that a Celtic team at Celtic Park need to be and the attacking soccer they favor to be seeing.
“I’d be amazed if Brendan was on the brink, but they need to get lower back to triumphing approaches the next day – I suppose they will.”
‘Imagine going there’: Micah Richards makes confession to Celtic it would never happen if Celtic became part of the English Premier League
‘Imagine going there’: Micah Richards makes a Celtic confession that will never come to pass concerning Celtic becoming a part of the English Premier League
Micah Richards has admitted that it would be ‘brilliant’ if Celtic could go away Scottish soccer and be part of up with the English Premier League.
It has been a debate that has been going on for a long time, and in truth, it will probable remain that way, even even though there is crazy cash in the sport to make it happen.
Celtic are the biggest membership in Scotland and for the Premiership to lose such a giant, it would end up having some kind of negative impact on the game in the country.
That’s why Micah Richards can’t see it happening because he simply thinks it would kill Scottish football, as he told The Rest is Football.
As demonstrated with the aid of the switch market, newly-promoted facets in the Premier League can go about spending over £100 million in one summer time just to cement their status with the huge boys.
In the meanwhile, Celtic don’t have that in their kitty to spend, and instead, are debating about inserting figures of £5 million on the table for play x, y and z.
Celtic in the Premier League
“It would be great,” stated Richards. “Imagine going there each different week, it would be brilliant.
“But I just assume what that would do for Scottish football. No disrespect. Celtic and Rangers, the money they will carry into the Scottish league.
“It would be exciting in the Premier League. But I suppose Scottish soccer would be useless after that.”
Celtic at the midway stage
The season has been full of ups and downs so far, possibly extra downs than the fans wanted or even Brendan Rodgers imagined.
But the key issue is that the group is sitting pinnacle of the desk and have received each of the Glasgow derbies.
When it has mattered most, the Bhoys have stuck their chests out and proved their worth.
Plus, the performances can solely get better as Rodgers gets comfortable once more in his seat, including in the truth that the performances in latest weeks have been far higher and now the January transfer window is open.
“Amazing” Celtic game changer Alan Shearer longs for
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all time top scorer, has shared his ideas on the tantalising prospect of the Scottish Premiership champions strutting their stuff in England’s premier footballing arena.
Speaking candidly on The Rest is Football, Shearer couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the idea, calling it ‘amazing’ to envision the likes of the Bhoys combating it out towards England’s finest.
The prospect, as attractive as it is, comes with Shearer’s sobering acknowledgment that this is a fable not going to ever materialise, to his very own evident disappointment.
The truth is stark – as matters stand, our team doesn’t possess the monetary muscle to duke it out at the pinnacle tier of English football. Yet, one can’t help but let the thought wander to a world the place Celtic, bolstered with the aid of the form of budget that opponents the heavyweights, would no longer find themselves the whipping boys of European football
Shearer’s said: “With the size of those two giant soccer clubs. It would solely enhance our league for the better. The atmosphere in these grounds is amazing.
“The support they have around the world is fantastic, so they are two massive clubs. Absolutely, it would be brilliant if they ought to be in the Premier League.” But then comes the stark fact check, “But I don’t suppose we are ever going to see it – it’s by no means going to happen.”
Football is altering and while the support has cooled on talk of an EPL future that as soon as upon a time regarded like the holy grail, there has to come a factor when the European soccer structure essentially changes.
There’s been talks for years on Atlantic leagues and so forth however nothing has come to fruition. ten or twenty years down the line is Celtic still going to be plying their alternate full time in Scottish football, I’d like to think, no.
Brendan Rodgers affirms that Celtic would remove its players’ salaries from budget
With the January transfer window properly underway, it is predicted that there is imminent motion at Celtic. So far, there have been no confirmations of any departures or arrivals but as the month goes on, that fact will show false.
Brendan Rodgers realises there is lots of deadwood in his squad that desires to be cleared. Several gamers in his team virtually aren’t contributing at the minute.
Due to this, it is anticipated that many January departures could be sanctioned. The manager recognises this is phase of soccer and on the whole, that it advantages everyone: “For the players themselves and for their soccer careers, they need to play”, he stated (Daily Mail). “For financial reasons, you can’t be carrying numbers of players each month who aren’t contributing. It then lets in us the possibility to bring players in. That’s simply a herbal process.”
This month, it appears as although the ‘natural process’ Rodgers speaks of will shine through. It is no secret that the gaffer wishes fantastic in the door but the squad needs to be trimmed first for this to happen.
The likes of Benji Siegrist, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yuki Kobayashi, and Gustaf Lagerbielke could all make January departures (Daily Mail) which would be a huge enhance for the wage budget. It would free up space in the crew and allow clean blood to come in.
Mistakes had been most likely made in the past with recruitment – the quantity of likely January departures putting a testament to this – but now, it is about rectifying them and making sure comparable blunders of judgement are no longer made in the future concerning new signings.
Mark Wilson explains why Rangers are voicing so many grievances against the SFA following their loss to Celtic
The Rangers deflection tactics in the wake of their 2nd derby defeat to Celtic this season have worked perfectly.
They’ve sown up the media cycle with their numerous statements on the phantom penalty issue and have tried to cast VAR Willie Collum and the Scottish FA as villains despite understanding deep down they have been in no way going to get that penalty at Celtic Park.
For former Celtic defender Mark Wilson, it’s an obvious ploy to flip attention away from their personal failings on the day and but every other underperformance against the Bhoys.
Brendan Rodgers’ facet deservedly won the game 2-1 after fantastic desires from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi however few are speaking about that, either.
Wilson summed up the state of affairs on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard tonight, stating: “I think they’re deflecting from performances on the pitch. See if I’m being honest, okay these decisions may have long gone in opposition to Rangers – I agree it was a handball. But the outcome wouldn’t have been a penalty, it didn’t change the effect of the game.
“I tell you what all of us is doing now – they’re speaking about the decision, no longer talking about Rangers being crushed after being in the ascendency. Nobody is speaking about the manager’s crew selection, no one is speaking about Dessers, and no person is speakme about the manager’s substitutions. It’s about the announcement being put out about Willie Collum.
“It’s the identical with the sport at Ibrox beforehand in the season. Everybody spoke about that decision, alternatively of the defeat. It’s deflection.”
This is a honest evaluation from the radio pundit and will align with the feelings of many Celtic fans. Rather than without a doubt dealing with their defeat, Rangers have stirred up useless controversy.
It’s something that ought to backfire, however. Rather than analysing their problems, they’re getting caught up in a rather emotional feud with authorities.
Surely they’d be better served searching at why Celtic maintain beating them in this fixture when it truely matters? Surely their followers would alternatively searching for the answers for that?
Here’s a clue for them – it’s not because of the referees.
New target: according to a report, Celtic and Rodgers are now hoping to sign a creative star attacker for £2 million
He’s one of the pinnacle ‘chance creators’ in the world.
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a cross to signal a creative new attacker for Brendan Rodgers during the January transfer window, and a deal ought to fee around £2m.
Celtic January transfer plans
The Hoops had been extraordinarily busy over the summer, with a range of new players arriving on permanent transfers, whereas they still managed to make a earnings after Jota’s big-money exit to Saudi Arabia.
However, matters haven’t precisely long past to sketch for plenty of the latest additions, with reports suggesting that Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei is attracting interest from Europe and his homeland, Yuki Kobayashi and Yosuke Ideguchi ought to go lower back to Japan, winger Marco Tilio is wanted lower back on mortgage by way of former club Melbourne City whereas, defender Gustaf Lagerbielke should also be on his way out.
Therefore, iciness window signings could be on the agenda, and it is believed that Rodgers needs a striker, left winger and central midfielder this month, with Celtic doubtlessly spending up to £10m.
Rodgers was recently requested about what can be anticipated this month in the market, to which he said:
“I don’t know. I’ll inform you once they’re announced, as soon as they’re in. I’m relaxed but focused. I desire quality. And that’s what we need to improve.”
One of those attacking arrivals ought to be a former Ajax and Bayern Munich prospect, according to a current report.
Celtic eyeing Nicolas Kuhn
The Scottish Sun shared a Celtic switch replace in the closing forty eight hours, claiming the Hoops and Rodgers are eyeing a move for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn. The document claims that a cross to Parkhead may want to appeal to the player, who may want to value round £2m, 4 times the amount Rapid Vienna paid for him 18 months ago.
It is also delivered in the story that information and scouting web site Wyscout these days named him as one of the top 12 ‘chance creators’ in world football, so he seems to be an extremely brilliant attacking spark after turning into a ordinary in Austria.
Kuhn, a left-footed forward, is principally a right-winger who can additionally play on the left or as a centre-forward. The 24-year-old has now made 51 senior appearances for his modern employers, scoring seven desires and supplying 10 assists all through that time. (Nicolas Kuhn stats – Transfermarkt)
Prior to his pass to Vienna, Kuhn was praised via Bayern Munich campus manager Jochen Sauer, who said again in 2020:
“He is a technically strong, agile player who suits in nicely with us and has his share in the championship. We count on a lot from him in the future.”
He ought to consequently be an thrilling addition for Rodgers and co as they hunt down some other Scottish Premiership title, and going off the latest declare from Wyscout, Celtic should be getting themselves a creative megastar for around £2m.
Celtic had a lift when Hajime Moriyasu of Japan explained why only two Parkhead players were called up for the Asian Cup
Striker will be handy for January fits after snub by way of Blue Samurai
Celtic will be capable to name upon big name striker Kyogo Furuhashi for the whole of January and past after the 28-year-old used to be left out of the Japan squad for the Asian Cup.
Furuhashi, who scored the prevailing intention for Celtic in remaining weekend’s 2-1 win over Rangers, has flitted in and out of Hajime Moriyasu’s pool of players throughout his tenure and the former Vissel Kobe man has now not made the cut, with Moriyasu turning to his Parkhead team-mate Daizen Maeda, Bochum’s Takuma Asano, Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda and Kashiwa Reysol’s Mao Hosoya as his forwards. Another Celtic participant in midfielder Reo Hatate has additionally been referred to as up no matter only just recuperating from injury.
The Asian Cup takes place from January 12 till February 12, meaning that Maeda and Hatate should miss up to five suits for Celtic depending on Japan’s progress. The Blue Samurai are in a group with Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam and Moriyasu said of his squad selection: “If you look at the universal stage of Japanese football, there are more gamers playing at a high level. There is fierce opposition for locations and that ability there is a high level of candidates for the country wide team. They are the first-class underneath the stipulations for being referred to as up. I might not discuss about gamers who haven’t been known as up here. Due to their own circumstances, they can also not be able to name up the team. I hope you recognize that I have selected the best members to structure the crew for this year’s Asian Cup.”
Two other Celtic players will be worried at the Asian Cup. South Korea have referred to as up striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, whilst winger Marco Tilio is away with Australia.
Wow: Journalist reports on the “wonderful” Celtic star’s club record transfer
Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the New Year and now seem to have a sketch in area involving one of their star guys at Parkhead, according to a report.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
On a dreary Saturday in Glasgow’s east end, Celtic put in a stirring performance to defeat arch-rivals Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead courtesy of desires from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi, who prolonged the Hoops’ lead at the top of the desk to eight factors heading into 2024.
In Scottish football, the winter destroy comes into play in early January and following their day trip to St Mirren on January 2nd, Brendan Rodgers’ facet will head off for a few weeks earlier than returning towards Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on January 21st, by which time fans will hope some new arrivals have already entered the building.
Recent reviews have indicated Celtic could look to spend between £6-10 million in the mid-season window; however, this should also be established on players leaving the constructing in the course of the month of January. Bringing in a striker, central midfielder and left-winger are believed to be key priorities for Rodgers, though he will also consider loan signings to help bolster his squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Outgoings may also also be fundamental to deliver down the plethora of selections the Irishman has at his disposal and forgotten summer signing Marco Tilio is said to have reached out with the aid of his entourage to former golf equipment Melbourne City and Sydney FC over a achievable loan deal, according to reviews in his homeland.
Now, Celtic show up to have a switch diagram in vicinity involving one of their big name men in Glasgow who continues to make waves north of the border.
Journalist shares Matt O’Riley transfer update
According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are assured of securing a club-record £25-30 million for midfield sensation Matt O’Riley in the summer window, with the reporter sharing that the idea of the Hoops man departing in mid-2024 is an increasing number of likely.
Despite foremost hobby in the Denmark global from golf equipment in England and around Europe, it is believed that the 23-year-old is settled in Glasgow and is glad to stay at the club for the relaxation of the season. The Hoops would demand a fee beyond their highest-ever internet reap for a transfer to even think about O’Riley leaving mid-campaign.
Labelled “wonderful” by Rodgers, O’Riley has delivered goals to his game this campaign, registering nine strikes alongside a similarly nine assists in 27 appearances across all competitions (O’Riley statistics – Transfermarkt).
All things considered, the Danish playmaker is arguably the Hoops’ most important participant and Celtic need to be searching to maintain preserve of his services for as lengthy as possible.
‘Absolute machine’: Celtic star stuns Paulo Bernardo and Gustaf Lagerbielke against Rangers
A battered and bloodied Matt O’Riley helped Celtic do what Celtic do fine and that’s win Glasgow derbies.
You have to question how he managed to remain on the pitch for the entirety of the recreation due to the fact that nose definitely should be broken.
But that’s the effort the Celtic players put in to impenetrable a deserved 2-1 win over Rangers.
Matt O’Riley did what he does excellent in the middle of the park, taking the ball in challenging areas and progressing it forward.
The 23-year-old managed to impenetrable any other help for that outrageous effort from the new derby day king, Kyogo Furuhashi.
As you would expect, when Matt O’Riley took to Instagram to post some photos from the game, he was lauded and applauded by way of his teammates in the feedback section.
Gustaf Lagerbielke, who tasted victory over Rangers at Ibrox this season, called the playmaker ‘unstoppable’.
Whilst goalscorer Paulo Bernardo told Matt O’Riley that he is an ‘absolute machine’.
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Brendan Rodgers proving his worth AGAIN
Even Brendan Rodgers himself will tell you that Celtic haven’t been at their best, there have been many hiccups and problems this season.
Yet it’s the Bhoys sitting top, with future in their arms and with two wins from two against Rangers this season.
And with the January transfer window approaching, you sense that this crew will only get improved for the 2nd 1/2 of the season.
Six Celtic Coach Harry Kewell will be replaced as the Yokohama Marinos manager
Harry Kewell is now on the verge of leaving Celtic to take the Yokohama F Marinos manager’s job.
The Australian train at Parkhead had been rumoured to be first preference of the J League giants to change his countryman, Kevin Muscat, after he opted to leave at the stop of their season. It continues the fashion of Australians managing the membership but it also leaves a function open in the Hoops dugout for Brendan Rodgers to probably look to fill.
The Northern Irishman has Gavin Strachan and John Kennedy in situ already while goalkeeping educate Stevie Woods and Glen Driscoll also have their location beside the boss.
But should there be another educate welcome inner the first-team changing room? If so, who may Rodgers flip to?
Here are five viable alternatives the gaffer ought to perchance look to in a bid to swap out Kewell’s experience.
Kolo Toure
The Ivorian played under Rodgers earlier than he made his way into a teaching role. He must’ve possessed the type of Genius on the coaching pitch that the supervisor is looking for as he used to be then taken to Leicester City to work with him there, too.
Was given a hazard on his personal as Wigan boss but that did not work out and he’s now besides a club. Could be enticed lower back to Glasgow should Rodgers make that call.
Stevie Hammell
Was delivered to Parkhead below Ange Postecoglou following his Motherwell sacking as their head of academy coaching. But ought to Rodgers appear closer, he should be an best substitute on the first-team bench. Has knowledge and trip of working with pinnacle professionals in contrast to the children and would surely be an option.
Scott Brown
An obvious candidate, Broony has been given the risk as a manager in his personal proper with Fleetwood and that can solely enhance his expertise and nous as a tactical coach. He’s a bonafide legend round these components and ought to be tempted to work with his ancient boss with the manageable pathway being his very own man once more with a whole lot more understanding having worked with a pinnacle coach.
Darren O’Dea
He’s been working with the academy and B team considering the fact that arriving returned at Celtic in a teaching capacity. He’s taken them to the UEFA Youth League and experienced highs and lows as properly as in the Lowland League the place now not all has long past specifically well.
His ambition has him looking at management down the line however being in the Celtic dugout would be a massive feather in the cap and studying experience.
Charlie Mulgrew
Has dabbled in coaching at Dundee United even if perhaps no longer the quantity he’d have appreciated as he was once nonetheless taking part in at the time earlier than he was finally released.
Has journey playing for the membership and would possibly leap at the chance to work with first-team gamers of that calibre and gaining knowledge of from Rodgers as properly as Kennedy and his other coaches. Has spoken about going into coaching and management finally and this would be the best grounding.
Adam Sadler
The former goalie has labored at Leicester as a coach due to the fact 2014 and that included alongside Rodgers with the Foxes for 4 years. He’d without a doubt offer a one-of-a-kind element in contrast to the different guys on the bench however his Premier League journey would benefit the gamers on the pitch. Is barring a club having left Leicester when Enzo Maresca arrived.
Israel FA makes a strong argument about Green Brigade’s support for Palestine and claims that the UEFA fine for Celtic was their fault
The head of the Israeli Football Federationmade the loaded complaint after a Champions League message
Shino Zoertz has boldly insisted Celtic landed their latest UEFA fine due to the fact THEY complained about them.
The Israel FA’s chairman’s claims come after the Premiership champions landed their latest fine from Europe’s top brass. They have been hit with a fine of £15,200 this season after their fans waved Palestinian flags during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in October.
UEFA have reaffirmed their stance that flags and banners they deem to hold a “provocative messages of an offensive nature” will be hit with consequences. And Israel’s footballing body claim they complained about the banners directly with UEFA. Zoertz said: “The chairman of the Palestinian FA, Jibril Rajoub, made a comment in October justifying the massacre. I believe his words were sickening, but I only see the point of complaining if he would be sanctioned and I thought he might not be. He would have come out stronger because of that, so we chose not to do anything.
“But we did file a complaint against Celtic and it was actually accepted and the club were punished. However, the statements of both FIFA and UEFA have been disappointing overall.
“Let’s remember in our last home game, we stood for the victims of an earthquake in Morocco and the flood in Libya. But there was nothing about our losses.
“Having said, at least they ignored the calls to suspend Israel as in the case of Russia. We must not forget that either.”
‘They might be brave,’ Celtic was asked if they would pay ‘£4m’ for a striker who scored more goals than Kyogo
Lawrence Shankland is a man in demand as he can’t cease scoring goals for Hearts.
When you are producing the fantastic he is showcasing on a weekly basis, then your name is going to be linked with the large boys and that is going on with Celtic.
With Brendan Rodgers searching to add greater chew to the ahead line ahead of the January switch window, Lawrence Shankland’s name has been stated as a possible target.
But with talk of Hearts perchance looking ‘£4 million’ for the 28-year-old, then Stephen Craigan thinks there is no hazard that any individual like Celtic would put that kind of cash down on the desk for him, as he told Sporsound.
Every Celtic fan knows that there is money in the bank and if large cash wished to be spent, then it could.
But that doesn’t mean splashing the cash on something and everything, even if, in the case of Lawrence Shankland, he is in the structure of his life.
After the Scotland star’s beautiful brace for Hearts towards St Mirren on Saturday, his future was once discussed.
Lawrence Shankland to Celtic?
“I simply surprise who would pay £4 million for Lawrence Shankland,” puzzled Craigan.
“Albeit, all the goals, but at 28, if any individual is looking for a resale cost on him, then they wouldn’t get anything back on him. Would Celtic (or Rangers) pay £4 million for him? I don’t think so. They would possibly be courageous and put in a cheeky bid with a sell-on or add-ons.
“But certainly, as a participant and a goalscorer, every body outside of Celtic and Rangers, would chunk their hand off for him.
“If Hearts desire to price him at £4 million and £5 million, if they want to give him a new contract, they would have to pay him as a £4/5 million player. That’s the threat with that.”
Lawrence Shankland and Kyogo Furuhashi
That’s ten desires in 18 Premiership matches for a player who is outscoring the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi this season.
Celtic’s Japanese big name was once returned on the scoresheet for the duration of the win over Livingston on Saturday, his seventh league goal of the campaign.
Yes, Kyogo had lately hit a bit of a patch, in phrases of his goals, but he is back up and jogging now.
And come the quit of the season, it wouldn’t be a shock if any individual like Kyogo and Shankland are scuffling with it out for the top-scorer prize.
Alan Forrest of Hearts has some bright ideas for the new year and a funny gift idea for his Celtic brother James Forrest
Hearts winger aiming to maintain the festive spirit alive towards St Mirren
Alan Forrest’s brother James had a front row seat as Hearts ended Celtic’s proud 52-game unbeaten league run at Celtic Park closing weekend. But, in case his sibling has blanked out the key moments, the Gorgie attacker joked that he may additionally also supply a recording of the suit to present him for his Christmas.
“Yeah, I would possibly get that one sorted,” Forrest laughed, admitting that the mood in the Hearts camp stays high following the club’s first victory over the reigning Premiership champions on their own turf in 14 years. It was once additionally a enormous second for the Forrest brothers. “I’ve played against them a few times and been on the cease of heavy defeats and, you know, if they rating early then they can hurt you all over. I was once delighted to get the end result That’s the first time I’ve beaten Celtic as a participant so I was delighted with that. It’s normally him beating me. To be fair he took it well and said that we form of deserved it. We have been having a bit of banter after the game however it used to be pleasant that he was comfortable for me and that he obtained to watch me play and it was gorgeous for us to get the result.”
While the younger brother was given a beginning berth, the Celtic stalwart watched the first 71 minutes of the match from the bench. By the time he entered the fray, Hearts had installed their 2-0 lead and Kenneth Vargas had replaced Alan. “Off the back of that end result the location is buzzing,” endured Forrest, “and I idea we deserved it as well. We had a game diagram and each participant carried it out. If you’re going to locations like that you want all and sundry at it and I think all and sundry was. When you’re taking part in against Celtic, you can work on it throughout the week but you comprehend they have exquisite gamers that can hurt you so maybe you need to trip your good fortune at instances as well, which we did. But I suppose we had been quite cozy in the sport and the area was once buzzing, specifically after the end result the week before.”
Brothers James Forrest (Celtic) and Alan Forrest (Hearts) battle in a match between their sides earlier this season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group
That was once when the Tynecastle outfit misplaced to Aberdeen and, in a tightly-contested league that reminded them just how large every end result can prove to the standings. Which is why, having re-established themselves in 0.33 spot and with video games coming thick and speedy over the festive period, Forrest needs the capital membership to push ahead and produce results succesful of backing up as an alternative than undermining that Parkhead win, beginning in Saturday’s third-v-fourth domestic Premiership clash with St Mirren. “We have 4 video games coming up in two weeks,” stated Forrest. “Celtic is a difficult area to go so it’s a bonus getting that end result however it stands us in true stead now for the next four games.”
That relentless pursuit of victories is some thing he has watched James and Celtic adhere to at some stage in their extra than decade-long dominance of the Scottish scene, backing up wins with extra wins. “This is one where we have a difficult aspect in St Mirren, who have done clearly well, and are on the equal points as us,” stated the Hearts player, who has been utilised as a winger and wingback but thrived in a more advanced function as Lawrence Shankland’s strike accomplice ultimate weekend. “They are right with us in the table so simply due to the fact we have had a result like that, you can’t take your foot off the gas. You don’t underestimate them due to the fact we know their strengths but we recognize that this is one, alongside with the three coming after, are the place we want to kick on rather than take a step back.”
Looking to take time at some point of the iciness wreck to consider just how positively the season is progressing, manager Steven Naismith knows that the displays and the results of the following four matches will go a long way to influencing the conclusion to those musings. “I’ll appear ahead to the begin of the new 12 months when you will have a desirable idea of how you can consider the first half of of the season,” he said. “We are in a suitable location at the moment, and these are 4 video games where we can do some clearly accurate work. I believe we will. I’m searching forward to that.
“The video games that we’ve obtained coming up, the cause why they are good, is they are towards teams that have had appropriate begins to the season, and have finished so far. If we win them we will be in a right function and we will also have affected people round about us. That’s it. We’ve seen so some distance how one end result can swing things. As the season goes that stretches. We do not underestimate any of the games but we will be going into each and every one of them attempting to win them, it truly is one factor for sure, whether or not they are domestic or away. We recognize that if we put some absolutely tough work in now it makes everything a lot better after the break.”
Heading into the break, having used this spell to exert some authority would only aid the squad mentally, minimising the psychological torture at some point of the shutdown, and giving them some thing to maintain onto and shield after the motion resumes, in accordance to Forrest. “It is massive [the notion of going into the ruin clear in 1/3 place] because we have two or three weeks off, and things will be going thru your head and you’ll be searching at the table. You will experience the damage higher if you are in third, on a first rate amount of points, getting as shut to second location as you can. In that way, you can see you are nearer to the place we favor to be instead than the games no longer going properly and we are looking up at third. Everyone desires to be at it and get most points if we can.” Fuelled by that triumph over Celtic, they trust they can
Report: Celtic is vying to sign a player for £35 million who has sobbed on the field this year
With Celtic searching to add some serious fine to their ranks in January, it doesn’t get any extra serious than this.
Brendan Rodgers has constantly bemoaned the fact his crew are lacking excellent and with Kyogo Furuhashi clearly struggling to find goals, it seems the Celtic manager has flip to the English Premier League to solve his striking ills.
A record from Ojogo has claimed that Celtic are main the race to sign Portuguese striker, Fabio Silva.
The 21-year-old used to be signed by way of Wolves for over £35m [BBC] in 2020 but after a disastrous two seasons at Molineaux, the youngster is stated to be looking to cross on.
The report claims, “Fábio Silva is making ready to go away Wolverhampton when the market reopens and the striker’s future have to go thru Scottish football, where he is disputed via Celtic and Rangers.”
Fabio Silva’s Wolves woes
The younger striker has discovered it difficult to live up to his rate tag as he has only scored five dreams in 72 appearances for Wolves. [Transfermarkt]
Clearly struggling, the final straw for Silva was when he ‘conceded’ a penalty in the demise minutes towards Sheffield United remaining month.
With the sport poised at 1-1 and Wolves nevertheless unbeaten, the teen challenged George Balldock in the penalty box. It regarded like no contact was once made as The Blades striker was once already on his way down.
The penalty was once awarded and backed up by means of VAR, and Wolves misplaced the game and their unbeaten start to the season.
Silva used to be inconsolable on the pitch and this regarded to be the icing on a very bitter cake as the youngster’s torrid time at the membership continued.
His confidence have to be shot to pieces and perhaps a cross to Celtic ought to do him the world of good. With the quantity of chances Celtic creates, Silva might also fancy rebuilding his career and self assurance in Paradise.
A loan deal is extra in all likelihood if a go used to be ever to take place as Celtic could now not have enough money to pay the kind of outlay that Wolves did on the striker.
And with his income at £42k per week [SalarySport], Celtic ought to cowl that quantity easily. This is one we will watch closely as the January window nears.
CCV Asks Football Fans And Teammates To Avoid The “Emotional” Side Of The Game
Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers returned to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon against Hearts. His presence, though, couldn’t forestall a 2-0 loss to the Jambos.
Post-match, the American admitted his teammates and the followers need to stay away from the emotive aspect of the game: “The emotion is understandable”, he stated (Football Scotland). “When you lose a recreation that’s how we sense as players and that’s how the fans feel as well. But there is no factor searching at a game in an emotional state. You’ve acquired to seem at it clear-headed, continue to be as calm as you can and try to improve.”
For followers who invest their lives into the club, it is challenging not to get impassioned. Celtic supporters care about the soccer club to a great extent and demand the best.
Because of this, matters can also inevitably turn sour at Parkhead when the Hoops do not win games they have to be taking all three points from.
The players, though, will stay calm, in accordance to Carter-Vickers. Despite this, there is no doubt that their performances and effects need to get better quickly, starting in opposition to Livingston this weekend.
“Careful what you wish for” by Neil Lennon Celtic issues a warning to enraged supporters
Neil Lennon has warned furious Celtic supporters be “careful what they wish for”.
The former Celtic boss defended the Parkhead hierarchy as he spoke back to the poisonous surroundings that brewed at some stage in the loss to Hearts.
Supporters have been left indignant as dreams from Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Kingsley condemned Celtic to defeat.
Chants of ‘sack the board’ and ‘Lawwell get to f***’ were then heard interior the stadium as tempers flared.
However, Lennon recommended there is no want for any overreaction in spite of the team performing under expectations on a handful of events so some distance this season.
On PLZ Soccer, Lennon explained: “I do not assume there may be any need to panic. You look at the record and it is the first time in ten years they’ve lost back-to-back video games and the first time they’ve misplaced at home in fifty two It’s a truely excessive bar and information are there to be broken.
“But you have to say the level of overall performance isn’t what we expect from Celtic at the minute so they’re going to have to dig deep and galvanise each person around. The fans need to see that the group is going thru a bit of adversity and this is when the team and the manager need their support, rather than the other way around.
“I know there was some dissent towards the board, which I do not understand due to the fact they’ve just won a Treble closing year. Since Dermot’s come in it is been whole domination for 20 strange years; six Trebles, Europa Leagues, three remaining 16s, I should go on.
“So from time to time you’ve got obtained to be cautious what you wish for. But at the minute, it’s now not good. There’s a lack of consistency and I assume Brendan’s waiting for the January switch window. Currently, he has to roll up his sleeves and get more out of this team.”
‘A very strong possibility,’ Celtic will sign competition for the 26-year-old in January, according to Stephen McGowan
With much less than two weeks for the January switch window to open, Stephen McGowan believes Celtic are about to make a good sized move.
The Daily Mail journalist used to be asked what he concept about Celtic strengthening this iciness when he claimed that they could be about to sing a participant to give Greg Taylor some much-needed competition.
McGowan said [PLZ Soccer], “I assume they will. I mean I think the Portuguese guy, Tiago Araujo who performs for Estoril who is a former Benfica player, I suppose he’s a very sturdy opportunity for Celtic in January.
“He’s a left wing-back, he can get forward whether he can shield is a question of course, but I suspect that’s one that may happen.”
TBR Celtic told how there used to be a feeling that Celtic should be about to replace Alexandro Bernabei in January as the Argentine has failed to make any form of impact on the crew due to the fact his £3.75m pass ultimate summer.
However, I would propose that if Celtic have been to attempt and signal Araujo, it would be with a view to becoming a normal starter for Brendan Rodgers.
Much has been made of the fact that the left flank of Celtic was uncovered in Europe and in the Scottish Premiership and Rodgers would do well to tackle that alternatively than later.
Tiago Araujo for Celtic?
The Portuguese fullback is 22 years ancient and has two caps for the u21 team. A product of the Benfica adolescence system, he made simply one look for the first team.
A short spell at Arouca allowed Araujo to make a in addition 16 first-team outings earlier than he secured a everlasting move to Estoril.
In two seasons at the club, the versatile full-back who can additionally play as a winger, has made 49 appearances scoring three goals and growing 4 assisting his team to a contemporary mid-table function in the league. [Transfermarkt]
Is he the player that could Celtic forward? A lot about this go screams every other undertaking however I’m hoping this is one that Rodgers has identified as one who ought to instantly improve what Celtic already have at the club.
“Absolutely frightening”: Pundit is astonished by the term “exceptional.” £14k per week Celtic star
Celtic have a wide variety of gamers who have actual actual pleasant about them. Callum McGregor is one name that springs to idea as does Kyogo Furuhashi.
But there is one that has truly caught the eye of pundit, Leanne Crichton. After the 23-year-old’s overall performance towards Feyenoord, Crichton used to be in entire awe of Matt O’Riley as he had a helping hand in Gustaf Lagerbielke’s 90th-minute winner.
Crichton stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “I want to say, Matt O’Riley, certainly frightening. The levels, the performances that he’s producing right now are absolutely outstanding.
“He’s a pleasure to watch. The moments of magic that he’s produced in games of late has been exceptional.”
O’Riley has been receiving lots of plaudits for his performances this season. His transformation under Brendan Rodgers has been outstanding to watch.
Don’t get me wrong, under Ange Postecoglou, O’Riley was once extraordinary but he seems to have elevated so a whole lot beneath Rodgers and added so a lot more to his game.
Adding goals, the Danish global has grow to be one of Celtic’s most risky players. His vision and passing potential also make him an necessary section of the Hoops attack.
Defensively, O’Riley also places in a shift. He tracks back, makes tackles and covers each and every blade of grass as he helps out the Celtic returned four.
He clearly is a laptop in the coronary heart of the Celtic team and it is little marvel he is attracting the attention of the likes of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace.
But with O’Riley signing a new five-year deal in the summer, it is clear that he is joyful and content material at Celtic.
And why wouldn’t he be? He’s enjoying regularly, triumphing trophies and getting to play Champions League football. Also, he is being paid as an alternative handsomely for the privilege at £14k per week. [SalarySport]
“Not a very happy man.” A reporter for the BBC saw what Arne Slot did just before the Celtic-Feyenoord match
From Diego Simeone to Arne Slot. There have been a few unhappy campers in Celtic’s opposition dugout in the Champions League this season.
Celtic deservedly secured a 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday, however it got here with Arne Slot’s annoyance.
It appears as although the Feyenoord educate was steaming before his team conceded a penalty, which likely didn’t assist matters.
Luis Palma opened the scoring for Celtic, with the aid of the penalty spot, when Liam Scales used to be wrestled down in the area.
According to a BBC reporter, Arne Slot was once in ‘deep conversation’ with the fourth official and complaining about one element or another.
Then the penalty used to be awarded and it used to be brought that Arne Slot was ‘not a completely happy man’, as a end result of it all.
In the end, Celtic sealed the points, and unlike a certain Diego Simeone, he did shake Brendan Rodgers’ hands after the match.
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot
“Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is now not a completely satisfied man,” said a BBC reporter.
“Moments before the penalty award he was deep in dialog with the fourth professional complaining about something, then came the penalty award and that virtually didn’t help his mood.”
Celtic ease the pressure
At least there will be no speak of Celtic’s winless run in Europe from other parts of the media now.
It will probably turn into ‘Only one win in…’. from next season!
On a serious note, beforehand of the Champions League altering its format, this win came at the right time and it simply sparks some faith back into the system.
The alternate of layout in the Champions League, from an basic perspective, wasn’t probable needed due to the fact don’t fix something that’s now not broken.
But, hopefully, this bodes nicely for Celtic in the long run and the wins in Europe can begin staking up.
‘Outstanding’: Now, Neil Lennon reveals his pick for Celtic’s Player of the Season thus far
One element Celtic’s win over Feyenoord seems to have executed is to have lit a hearth below the Celtic player’s backsides.
Every single one of them was once exceptional throughout the total ninety minutes at Celtic Park and each single one of them have to keep their heads high.
But only one of them absolutely impressed former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. The Irishman used to be speaking after the game and recalling Matt O’Riley‘s role in the winning goal, Lennon stated that he is the first-rate player in Scotland proper now.
Lennon said [TNT Sports], “Has been unbelievable this season. I suppose that’s his 1/3 help now in the campaign.
“Domestically he has been scoring each week in the Premier League.
“Goals and assists he has been the most tremendous player for Celtic this year and possibly the excellent participant in Scotland this season.
“That used to be a piece of class. That used to be actual proper first-rate there.”
There is no denying that O’Riley is a one of a kind talent. The Celtic midfielder has been exceptional for Brendan Rodgers now not solely on the home scene but also in Europe.
Against Atletico Madrid, O’Riley was named the Man of the Match as he helped reap a creditable draw in opposition to the La Liga side. And closing night time against Feyenoord, his performance was once truly flawless.
His desires and assists throughout all competitions have kept Celtic as the team to watch in the league and Scottish Cup this season.
With another three games to go until the New Year, the Celtic followers will be hoping that O’Riley can continue his top notch form and hold Celtic rooted firmly at the top of the league.
Now that Europe is over, O’Riley can listen on domestic enterprise as he appears to assist Celtic win their 0.33 league title in a row.
‘Different to what I’m used to’: Feyenoord great reveals he had trouble with the £4 million Celtic star
Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen admits he struggled with the movement of Kyogo Furuhashi at some stage in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Celtic.
Despite The Hoops celebrating their first win in Europe’s premiere club competition in 15 attempts, it used to be any other night of frustration for Celtic’s talismanic centre-forward.
Kyogo Furuhashi has now scored just once in his last eleven games, Brendan Rodgers struggling to get the equal tune out of the Japan international after two years orchestrating Ange Postecoglou’s Parkhead symphony.
But still, Beelen will have been thrilled to see the returned of Furuhashi, the forward’s movement as sharp as ever even if his finishing stays rather wayward.
Celtic beat Feyenoord in Champions League
“He made a few appropriate runs, which was once specific from what I am used to,” Beelen tells RTL7, Celtic. I had to get used to it, however I obtained better and better in the match.”
Celtic triumphed 2-1 on the night. The roar which greeted Gustaf Lagerbielke’s stoppage time winner proving that this used to be anything however a ‘dead rubber’ for these on the Parkhead terraces, even if Celtic were already consigned to bottom vicinity in the group.
“How am I (feeling) standing here? With an unpleasant feeling, because we have won,” Beelen adds. “Personally, it was once a satisfactory moment for me (to play away at Celtic).
“But I don’t feel that way now.”
This was Celtic’s ultimate European game of the season, their fourth-place end that means that the Glasgow giants do no longer even have the consolation prize of Europa League soccer after Christmas.
Rodgers, meanwhile, is keen to simplify Kyogo’s game, encouraging the £4 million signing from Vissel Kobe to avoid losing deep and as a substitute center of attention on finding pockets of house in and around the penalty box.
Rodgers desires greater from Kyogo Furuhashi
“We went via his video stuff the different week. We looked in particular at the truth I don’t need him losing in so much. When you’re enjoying in a lot of games where teams are sat deep, you don’t get a kick of the ball actually until it comes into the box,” Rodgers tells the Daily Record.
“So what do you do? You begin wandering. His power is his penetration. That’s his strength, running in in the back of and timing his runs. You have to make 10 runs possibly to solely get in once, however that’s your job as a striker.
“So there’s been nothing modified in that. There’s been truly nothing exclusive asked of him because his energy is enjoying off the final line, timing his movements and being instinctive in the box.
“He’s no longer a dribbler, he’s not any one who does drop in. He can do it however it’s now not his strength. And that’s always the undertaking for a striker who wishes to affect games. But he’s very receptive. He’s not a baby, remember, he’s 28 years of age.”
‘Exceptional’: Joleon Lescott stunned with £1 million Celtic player in tonight’s victory over Feyenoord
It lookedl ike any other night of so shut but, yet again, so a long way for Celtic in the Champions League tonight.
Once again Brendan Rodgers‘ side’s incapacity to preserve the backdoor shut in the closing stages of a European recreation regarded like it was going to come returned and chunk them on the backside.
1-0 up and searching comfortable, Celtic allowed the Dutch side to get lower back into the recreation as Hyeongyu Oh was bullied off the ball in midfield and Alistair Johnston was dragged out of role which allowed Yankuba Minteh to slot domestic an 82nd-minute equaliser to leave Joe Hart helpless.
Which is a shame due to the fact if every person deserved to be on the winning side, it was once the £1m signing from Tottenham Hotspur. And he was after Gustaf Lagerbielke nodded home the point-blank winner in the 90th minute.
Hart pulled off some fundamental saves to preserve Celtic beforehand last night and he significantly impressed former England international defender, Joleon Lescott.
Joe Hart redeems himself for Celtic vs Feyenoord
The English stopper has come under some extreme criticism over the previous few weeks but he definitely redeemed himself with his performance tonight.
Lescott stated [TNT Sports], “Arguably this would have been one of the pleasant dreams of the competition so a ways but just offside. Probably ought to do better with the offside in phrases of searching throughout the line and looking ahead to the place the centre-backs are.
“He [Luis Giminez] can’t make his run off the fullback due to the fact he’s at the back of him however a steady threat strolling behind and he’s any individual that’s has been cozy in front of goal but Joe Hart’s been exceptional.”
Despite conceding, Hart made three important saves at integral stages of the sport which ought to have seen the result go some other way.
Hart was once extremely good and deserves all the plaudits coming his way for this performance.
“You have to do more” James McFadden responds to Brendan Rodgers’ public comments about Celtic star
James McFadden has weighed in on the situation involving Celtic winger, Mikey Johnston.
Brendan Rodgers took an fascinating step in deciding to publicly critique the player after Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hibernian ultimate week.
Someone like Chris Sutton was ’surprised’ by the Celtic manager’s methods, whilst others suppose it’s in reality a challenge.
As James McFadden pointed out, the truth that Mikey Johnston began the 2-1 defeat towards Kilmarnock on Sunday proves that Brendan Rodgers is actually trying to push the player, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/12/23 at 11:40 am).
The former Scotland global introduced that Mikey Johnston is being requested to do more with and barring the ball due to the fact it’s some distance exclusive than when he is being requested when he comes off the bench.
The 24-year-old has commenced only two games this season and likely hasn’t produced the results he would have preferred from a non-public perspective.
There have been instances this season when he has come off the bench, including in the Champions League and he has seemed impressive.
But as James McFadden pointed out, they are two distinctive worlds.
Brendan Rodgers’ venture to Mikey Johnston
“I’d rather not have any criticism, if I am being flawlessly honest,” stated McFadden.
“What Brendan Rodgers is doing Is telling Mikey Johnston that coming on as a sub is specific to beginning the game.
“When you come on, the sport is open and you have the freedom to do what it takes to get your group back in the recreation or have an impact in the game. When you begin the game, it is greater about concentrating on your positional play. When you are going to press. What the needs are.
“I assume had Rodgers had a go at him, then dropped him it would have been a bigger problem here. What he is saying, you are in the crew now and you have to do more. You have to use the ball better. Make better decisions.”
Celtic v Feyenoord
The difficulty for Johnston now is that he will probable be dropped for Wednesday’s Champions League clash towards Feyenoord.
And that will likely then lead to him being in the equal state of affairs in opposition to Hearts at the weekend.
On one hand, his performances haven’t been properly enough, but he ought to rightfully argue that he wishes greater minutes to surely get his engine going because he is nonetheless probable lacking that sharpness.
Johnston’s problem is that he has had plenty of probabilities earlier than and in the pressure cooker of Celtic, you ain’t given a great deal time.
‘Imagine going there’: Micah Richards makes confession to Celtic it would never happen if Celtic became part of the English Premier League
‘Imagine going there’: Micah Richards makes a Celtic confession that will never come to pass concerning Celtic becoming a part of the English Premier League
Micah Richards has admitted that it would be ‘brilliant’ if Celtic could go away Scottish soccer and be part of up with the English Premier League.
It has been a debate that has been going on for a long time, and in truth, it will probable remain that way, even even though there is crazy cash in the sport to make it happen.
Celtic are the biggest membership in Scotland and for the Premiership to lose such a giant, it would end up having some kind of negative impact on the game in the country.
That’s why Micah Richards can’t see it happening because he simply thinks it would kill Scottish football, as he told The Rest is Football.
As demonstrated with the aid of the switch market, newly-promoted facets in the Premier League can go about spending over £100 million in one summer time just to cement their status with the huge boys.
In the meanwhile, Celtic don’t have that in their kitty to spend, and instead, are debating about inserting figures of £5 million on the table for play x, y and z.
Celtic in the Premier League
“It would be great,” stated Richards. “Imagine going there each different week, it would be brilliant.
“But I just assume what that would do for Scottish football. No disrespect. Celtic and Rangers, the money they will carry into the Scottish league.
“It would be exciting in the Premier League. But I suppose Scottish soccer would be useless after that.”
Celtic at the midway stage
The season has been full of ups and downs so far, possibly extra downs than the fans wanted or even Brendan Rodgers imagined.
But the key issue is that the group is sitting pinnacle of the desk and have received each of the Glasgow derbies.
When it has mattered most, the Bhoys have stuck their chests out and proved their worth.
Plus, the performances can solely get better as Rodgers gets comfortable once more in his seat, including in the truth that the performances in latest weeks have been far higher and now the January transfer window is open.
“Amazing” Celtic game changer Alan Shearer longs for
Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all time top scorer, has shared his ideas on the tantalising prospect of the Scottish Premiership champions strutting their stuff in England’s premier footballing arena.
Speaking candidly on The Rest is Football, Shearer couldn’t hide his enthusiasm for the idea, calling it ‘amazing’ to envision the likes of the Bhoys combating it out towards England’s finest.
The prospect, as attractive as it is, comes with Shearer’s sobering acknowledgment that this is a fable not going to ever materialise, to his very own evident disappointment.
The truth is stark – as matters stand, our team doesn’t possess the monetary muscle to duke it out at the pinnacle tier of English football. Yet, one can’t help but let the thought wander to a world the place Celtic, bolstered with the aid of the form of budget that opponents the heavyweights, would no longer find themselves the whipping boys of European football
Shearer’s said: “With the size of those two giant soccer clubs. It would solely enhance our league for the better. The atmosphere in these grounds is amazing.
“The support they have around the world is fantastic, so they are two massive clubs. Absolutely, it would be brilliant if they ought to be in the Premier League.” But then comes the stark fact check, “But I don’t suppose we are ever going to see it – it’s by no means going to happen.”
Football is altering and while the support has cooled on talk of an EPL future that as soon as upon a time regarded like the holy grail, there has to come a factor when the European soccer structure essentially changes.
There’s been talks for years on Atlantic leagues and so forth however nothing has come to fruition. ten or twenty years down the line is Celtic still going to be plying their alternate full time in Scottish football, I’d like to think, no.
Brendan Rodgers affirms that Celtic would remove its players’ salaries from budget
With the January transfer window properly underway, it is predicted that there is imminent motion at Celtic. So far, there have been no confirmations of any departures or arrivals but as the month goes on, that fact will show false.
Brendan Rodgers realises there is lots of deadwood in his squad that desires to be cleared. Several gamers in his team virtually aren’t contributing at the minute.
Due to this, it is anticipated that many January departures could be sanctioned. The manager recognises this is phase of soccer and on the whole, that it advantages everyone: “For the players themselves and for their soccer careers, they need to play”, he stated (Daily Mail). “For financial reasons, you can’t be carrying numbers of players each month who aren’t contributing. It then lets in us the possibility to bring players in. That’s simply a herbal process.”
This month, it appears as although the ‘natural process’ Rodgers speaks of will shine through. It is no secret that the gaffer wishes fantastic in the door but the squad needs to be trimmed first for this to happen.
The likes of Benji Siegrist, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, Yuki Kobayashi, and Gustaf Lagerbielke could all make January departures (Daily Mail) which would be a huge enhance for the wage budget. It would free up space in the crew and allow clean blood to come in.
Mistakes had been most likely made in the past with recruitment – the quantity of likely January departures putting a testament to this – but now, it is about rectifying them and making sure comparable blunders of judgement are no longer made in the future concerning new signings.
Mark Wilson explains why Rangers are voicing so many grievances against the SFA following their loss to Celtic
The Rangers deflection tactics in the wake of their 2nd derby defeat to Celtic this season have worked perfectly.
They’ve sown up the media cycle with their numerous statements on the phantom penalty issue and have tried to cast VAR Willie Collum and the Scottish FA as villains despite understanding deep down they have been in no way going to get that penalty at Celtic Park.
For former Celtic defender Mark Wilson, it’s an obvious ploy to flip attention away from their personal failings on the day and but every other underperformance against the Bhoys.
Brendan Rodgers’ facet deservedly won the game 2-1 after fantastic desires from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi however few are speaking about that, either.
Wilson summed up the state of affairs on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard tonight, stating: “I think they’re deflecting from performances on the pitch. See if I’m being honest, okay these decisions may have long gone in opposition to Rangers – I agree it was a handball. But the outcome wouldn’t have been a penalty, it didn’t change the effect of the game.
“I tell you what all of us is doing now – they’re speaking about the decision, no longer talking about Rangers being crushed after being in the ascendency. Nobody is speaking about the manager’s crew selection, no one is speaking about Dessers, and no person is speakme about the manager’s substitutions. It’s about the announcement being put out about Willie Collum.
“It’s the identical with the sport at Ibrox beforehand in the season. Everybody spoke about that decision, alternatively of the defeat. It’s deflection.”
This is a honest evaluation from the radio pundit and will align with the feelings of many Celtic fans. Rather than without a doubt dealing with their defeat, Rangers have stirred up useless controversy.
It’s something that ought to backfire, however. Rather than analysing their problems, they’re getting caught up in a rather emotional feud with authorities.
Surely they’d be better served searching at why Celtic maintain beating them in this fixture when it truely matters? Surely their followers would alternatively searching for the answers for that?
Here’s a clue for them – it’s not because of the referees.
New target: according to a report, Celtic and Rodgers are now hoping to sign a creative star attacker for £2 million
He’s one of the pinnacle ‘chance creators’ in the world.
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a cross to signal a creative new attacker for Brendan Rodgers during the January transfer window, and a deal ought to fee around £2m.
Celtic January transfer plans
The Hoops had been extraordinarily busy over the summer, with a range of new players arriving on permanent transfers, whereas they still managed to make a earnings after Jota’s big-money exit to Saudi Arabia.
However, matters haven’t precisely long past to sketch for plenty of the latest additions, with reports suggesting that Argentine left-back Alexandro Bernabei is attracting interest from Europe and his homeland, Yuki Kobayashi and Yosuke Ideguchi ought to go lower back to Japan, winger Marco Tilio is wanted lower back on mortgage by way of former club Melbourne City whereas, defender Gustaf Lagerbielke should also be on his way out.
Therefore, iciness window signings could be on the agenda, and it is believed that Rodgers needs a striker, left winger and central midfielder this month, with Celtic doubtlessly spending up to £10m.
Rodgers was recently requested about what can be anticipated this month in the market, to which he said:
“I don’t know. I’ll inform you once they’re announced, as soon as they’re in. I’m relaxed but focused. I desire quality. And that’s what we need to improve.”
One of those attacking arrivals ought to be a former Ajax and Bayern Munich prospect, according to a current report.
Celtic eyeing Nicolas Kuhn
The Scottish Sun shared a Celtic switch replace in the closing forty eight hours, claiming the Hoops and Rodgers are eyeing a move for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn. The document claims that a cross to Parkhead may want to appeal to the player, who may want to value round £2m, 4 times the amount Rapid Vienna paid for him 18 months ago.
It is also delivered in the story that information and scouting web site Wyscout these days named him as one of the top 12 ‘chance creators’ in world football, so he seems to be an extremely brilliant attacking spark after turning into a ordinary in Austria.
Kuhn, a left-footed forward, is principally a right-winger who can additionally play on the left or as a centre-forward. The 24-year-old has now made 51 senior appearances for his modern employers, scoring seven desires and supplying 10 assists all through that time. (Nicolas Kuhn stats – Transfermarkt)
Prior to his pass to Vienna, Kuhn was praised via Bayern Munich campus manager Jochen Sauer, who said again in 2020:
“He is a technically strong, agile player who suits in nicely with us and has his share in the championship. We count on a lot from him in the future.”
He ought to consequently be an thrilling addition for Rodgers and co as they hunt down some other Scottish Premiership title, and going off the latest declare from Wyscout, Celtic should be getting themselves a creative megastar for around £2m.
Celtic had a lift when Hajime Moriyasu of Japan explained why only two Parkhead players were called up for the Asian Cup
Striker will be handy for January fits after snub by way of Blue Samurai
Celtic will be capable to name upon big name striker Kyogo Furuhashi for the whole of January and past after the 28-year-old used to be left out of the Japan squad for the Asian Cup.
Furuhashi, who scored the prevailing intention for Celtic in remaining weekend’s 2-1 win over Rangers, has flitted in and out of Hajime Moriyasu’s pool of players throughout his tenure and the former Vissel Kobe man has now not made the cut, with Moriyasu turning to his Parkhead team-mate Daizen Maeda, Bochum’s Takuma Asano, Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda and Kashiwa Reysol’s Mao Hosoya as his forwards. Another Celtic participant in midfielder Reo Hatate has additionally been referred to as up no matter only just recuperating from injury.
The Asian Cup takes place from January 12 till February 12, meaning that Maeda and Hatate should miss up to five suits for Celtic depending on Japan’s progress. The Blue Samurai are in a group with Indonesia, Iraq and Vietnam and Moriyasu said of his squad selection: “If you look at the universal stage of Japanese football, there are more gamers playing at a high level. There is fierce opposition for locations and that ability there is a high level of candidates for the country wide team. They are the first-class underneath the stipulations for being referred to as up. I might not discuss about gamers who haven’t been known as up here. Due to their own circumstances, they can also not be able to name up the team. I hope you recognize that I have selected the best members to structure the crew for this year’s Asian Cup.”
Two other Celtic players will be worried at the Asian Cup. South Korea have referred to as up striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, whilst winger Marco Tilio is away with Australia.
Wow: Journalist reports on the “wonderful” Celtic star’s club record transfer
Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership heading into the New Year and now seem to have a sketch in area involving one of their star guys at Parkhead, according to a report.
Celtic 2-1 Rangers
On a dreary Saturday in Glasgow’s east end, Celtic put in a stirring performance to defeat arch-rivals Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead courtesy of desires from Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi, who prolonged the Hoops’ lead at the top of the desk to eight factors heading into 2024.
In Scottish football, the winter destroy comes into play in early January and following their day trip to St Mirren on January 2nd, Brendan Rodgers’ facet will head off for a few weeks earlier than returning towards Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on January 21st, by which time fans will hope some new arrivals have already entered the building.
Recent reviews have indicated Celtic could look to spend between £6-10 million in the mid-season window; however, this should also be established on players leaving the constructing in the course of the month of January. Bringing in a striker, central midfielder and left-winger are believed to be key priorities for Rodgers, though he will also consider loan signings to help bolster his squad for the remainder of the campaign.
Outgoings may also also be fundamental to deliver down the plethora of selections the Irishman has at his disposal and forgotten summer signing Marco Tilio is said to have reached out with the aid of his entourage to former golf equipment Melbourne City and Sydney FC over a achievable loan deal, according to reviews in his homeland.
Now, Celtic show up to have a switch diagram in vicinity involving one of their big name men in Glasgow who continues to make waves north of the border.
Journalist shares Matt O’Riley transfer update
According to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are assured of securing a club-record £25-30 million for midfield sensation Matt O’Riley in the summer window, with the reporter sharing that the idea of the Hoops man departing in mid-2024 is an increasing number of likely.
Despite foremost hobby in the Denmark global from golf equipment in England and around Europe, it is believed that the 23-year-old is settled in Glasgow and is glad to stay at the club for the relaxation of the season. The Hoops would demand a fee beyond their highest-ever internet reap for a transfer to even think about O’Riley leaving mid-campaign.
Labelled “wonderful” by Rodgers, O’Riley has delivered goals to his game this campaign, registering nine strikes alongside a similarly nine assists in 27 appearances across all competitions (O’Riley statistics – Transfermarkt).
All things considered, the Danish playmaker is arguably the Hoops’ most important participant and Celtic need to be searching to maintain preserve of his services for as lengthy as possible.
‘Absolute machine’: Celtic star stuns Paulo Bernardo and Gustaf Lagerbielke against Rangers
A battered and bloodied Matt O’Riley helped Celtic do what Celtic do fine and that’s win Glasgow derbies.
You have to question how he managed to remain on the pitch for the entirety of the recreation due to the fact that nose definitely should be broken.
But that’s the effort the Celtic players put in to impenetrable a deserved 2-1 win over Rangers.
Matt O’Riley did what he does excellent in the middle of the park, taking the ball in challenging areas and progressing it forward.
The 23-year-old managed to impenetrable any other help for that outrageous effort from the new derby day king, Kyogo Furuhashi.
As you would expect, when Matt O’Riley took to Instagram to post some photos from the game, he was lauded and applauded by way of his teammates in the feedback section.
Gustaf Lagerbielke, who tasted victory over Rangers at Ibrox this season, called the playmaker ‘unstoppable’.
Whilst goalscorer Paulo Bernardo told Matt O’Riley that he is an ‘absolute machine’.
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Brendan Rodgers proving his worth AGAIN
Even Brendan Rodgers himself will tell you that Celtic haven’t been at their best, there have been many hiccups and problems this season.
Yet it’s the Bhoys sitting top, with future in their arms and with two wins from two against Rangers this season.
And with the January transfer window approaching, you sense that this crew will only get improved for the 2nd 1/2 of the season.
Six Celtic Coach Harry Kewell will be replaced as the Yokohama Marinos manager
Harry Kewell is now on the verge of leaving Celtic to take the Yokohama F Marinos manager’s job.
The Australian train at Parkhead had been rumoured to be first preference of the J League giants to change his countryman, Kevin Muscat, after he opted to leave at the stop of their season. It continues the fashion of Australians managing the membership but it also leaves a function open in the Hoops dugout for Brendan Rodgers to probably look to fill.
The Northern Irishman has Gavin Strachan and John Kennedy in situ already while goalkeeping educate Stevie Woods and Glen Driscoll also have their location beside the boss.
But should there be another educate welcome inner the first-team changing room? If so, who may Rodgers flip to?
Here are five viable alternatives the gaffer ought to perchance look to in a bid to swap out Kewell’s experience.
Kolo Toure
The Ivorian played under Rodgers earlier than he made his way into a teaching role. He must’ve possessed the type of Genius on the coaching pitch that the supervisor is looking for as he used to be then taken to Leicester City to work with him there, too.
Was given a hazard on his personal as Wigan boss but that did not work out and he’s now besides a club. Could be enticed lower back to Glasgow should Rodgers make that call.
Stevie Hammell
Was delivered to Parkhead below Ange Postecoglou following his Motherwell sacking as their head of academy coaching. But ought to Rodgers appear closer, he should be an best substitute on the first-team bench. Has knowledge and trip of working with pinnacle professionals in contrast to the children and would surely be an option.
Scott Brown
An obvious candidate, Broony has been given the risk as a manager in his personal proper with Fleetwood and that can solely enhance his expertise and nous as a tactical coach. He’s a bonafide legend round these components and ought to be tempted to work with his ancient boss with the manageable pathway being his very own man once more with a whole lot more understanding having worked with a pinnacle coach.
Darren O’Dea
He’s been working with the academy and B team considering the fact that arriving returned at Celtic in a teaching capacity. He’s taken them to the UEFA Youth League and experienced highs and lows as properly as in the Lowland League the place now not all has long past specifically well.
His ambition has him looking at management down the line however being in the Celtic dugout would be a massive feather in the cap and studying experience.
Charlie Mulgrew
Has dabbled in coaching at Dundee United even if perhaps no longer the quantity he’d have appreciated as he was once nonetheless taking part in at the time earlier than he was finally released.
Has journey playing for the membership and would possibly leap at the chance to work with first-team gamers of that calibre and gaining knowledge of from Rodgers as properly as Kennedy and his other coaches. Has spoken about going into coaching and management finally and this would be the best grounding.
Adam Sadler
The former goalie has labored at Leicester as a coach due to the fact 2014 and that included alongside Rodgers with the Foxes for 4 years. He’d without a doubt offer a one-of-a-kind element in contrast to the different guys on the bench however his Premier League journey would benefit the gamers on the pitch. Is barring a club having left Leicester when Enzo Maresca arrived.
Israel FA makes a strong argument about Green Brigade’s support for Palestine and claims that the UEFA fine for Celtic was their fault
The head of the Israeli Football Federationmade the loaded complaint after a Champions League message
Shino Zoertz has boldly insisted Celtic landed their latest UEFA fine due to the fact THEY complained about them.
The Israel FA’s chairman’s claims come after the Premiership champions landed their latest fine from Europe’s top brass. They have been hit with a fine of £15,200 this season after their fans waved Palestinian flags during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid in October.
UEFA have reaffirmed their stance that flags and banners they deem to hold a “provocative messages of an offensive nature” will be hit with consequences. And Israel’s footballing body claim they complained about the banners directly with UEFA. Zoertz said: “The chairman of the Palestinian FA, Jibril Rajoub, made a comment in October justifying the massacre. I believe his words were sickening, but I only see the point of complaining if he would be sanctioned and I thought he might not be. He would have come out stronger because of that, so we chose not to do anything.
“But we did file a complaint against Celtic and it was actually accepted and the club were punished. However, the statements of both FIFA and UEFA have been disappointing overall.
“Let’s remember in our last home game, we stood for the victims of an earthquake in Morocco and the flood in Libya. But there was nothing about our losses.
“Having said, at least they ignored the calls to suspend Israel as in the case of Russia. We must not forget that either.”
‘They might be brave,’ Celtic was asked if they would pay ‘£4m’ for a striker who scored more goals than Kyogo
Lawrence Shankland is a man in demand as he can’t cease scoring goals for Hearts.
When you are producing the fantastic he is showcasing on a weekly basis, then your name is going to be linked with the large boys and that is going on with Celtic.
With Brendan Rodgers searching to add greater chew to the ahead line ahead of the January switch window, Lawrence Shankland’s name has been stated as a possible target.
But with talk of Hearts perchance looking ‘£4 million’ for the 28-year-old, then Stephen Craigan thinks there is no hazard that any individual like Celtic would put that kind of cash down on the desk for him, as he told Sporsound.
Every Celtic fan knows that there is money in the bank and if large cash wished to be spent, then it could.
But that doesn’t mean splashing the cash on something and everything, even if, in the case of Lawrence Shankland, he is in the structure of his life.
After the Scotland star’s beautiful brace for Hearts towards St Mirren on Saturday, his future was once discussed.
Lawrence Shankland to Celtic?
“I simply surprise who would pay £4 million for Lawrence Shankland,” puzzled Craigan.
“Albeit, all the goals, but at 28, if any individual is looking for a resale cost on him, then they wouldn’t get anything back on him. Would Celtic (or Rangers) pay £4 million for him? I don’t think so. They would possibly be courageous and put in a cheeky bid with a sell-on or add-ons.
“But certainly, as a participant and a goalscorer, every body outside of Celtic and Rangers, would chunk their hand off for him.
“If Hearts desire to price him at £4 million and £5 million, if they want to give him a new contract, they would have to pay him as a £4/5 million player. That’s the threat with that.”
Lawrence Shankland and Kyogo Furuhashi
That’s ten desires in 18 Premiership matches for a player who is outscoring the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi this season.
Celtic’s Japanese big name was once returned on the scoresheet for the duration of the win over Livingston on Saturday, his seventh league goal of the campaign.
Yes, Kyogo had lately hit a bit of a patch, in phrases of his goals, but he is back up and jogging now.
And come the quit of the season, it wouldn’t be a shock if any individual like Kyogo and Shankland are scuffling with it out for the top-scorer prize.
Alan Forrest of Hearts has some bright ideas for the new year and a funny gift idea for his Celtic brother James Forrest
Hearts winger aiming to maintain the festive spirit alive towards St Mirren
Alan Forrest’s brother James had a front row seat as Hearts ended Celtic’s proud 52-game unbeaten league run at Celtic Park closing weekend. But, in case his sibling has blanked out the key moments, the Gorgie attacker joked that he may additionally also supply a recording of the suit to present him for his Christmas.
“Yeah, I would possibly get that one sorted,” Forrest laughed, admitting that the mood in the Hearts camp stays high following the club’s first victory over the reigning Premiership champions on their own turf in 14 years. It was once additionally a enormous second for the Forrest brothers. “I’ve played against them a few times and been on the cease of heavy defeats and, you know, if they rating early then they can hurt you all over. I was once delighted to get the end result That’s the first time I’ve beaten Celtic as a participant so I was delighted with that. It’s normally him beating me. To be fair he took it well and said that we form of deserved it. We have been having a bit of banter after the game however it used to be pleasant that he was comfortable for me and that he obtained to watch me play and it was gorgeous for us to get the result.”
While the younger brother was given a beginning berth, the Celtic stalwart watched the first 71 minutes of the match from the bench. By the time he entered the fray, Hearts had installed their 2-0 lead and Kenneth Vargas had replaced Alan. “Off the back of that end result the location is buzzing,” endured Forrest, “and I idea we deserved it as well. We had a game diagram and each participant carried it out. If you’re going to locations like that you want all and sundry at it and I think all and sundry was. When you’re taking part in against Celtic, you can work on it throughout the week but you comprehend they have exquisite gamers that can hurt you so maybe you need to trip your good fortune at instances as well, which we did. But I suppose we had been quite cozy in the sport and the area was once buzzing, specifically after the end result the week before.”
Brothers James Forrest (Celtic) and Alan Forrest (Hearts) battle in a match between their sides earlier this season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group
That was once when the Tynecastle outfit misplaced to Aberdeen and, in a tightly-contested league that reminded them just how large every end result can prove to the standings. Which is why, having re-established themselves in 0.33 spot and with video games coming thick and speedy over the festive period, Forrest needs the capital membership to push ahead and produce results succesful of backing up as an alternative than undermining that Parkhead win, beginning in Saturday’s third-v-fourth domestic Premiership clash with St Mirren. “We have 4 video games coming up in two weeks,” stated Forrest. “Celtic is a difficult area to go so it’s a bonus getting that end result however it stands us in true stead now for the next four games.”
That relentless pursuit of victories is some thing he has watched James and Celtic adhere to at some stage in their extra than decade-long dominance of the Scottish scene, backing up wins with extra wins. “This is one where we have a difficult aspect in St Mirren, who have done clearly well, and are on the equal points as us,” stated the Hearts player, who has been utilised as a winger and wingback but thrived in a more advanced function as Lawrence Shankland’s strike accomplice ultimate weekend. “They are right with us in the table so simply due to the fact we have had a result like that, you can’t take your foot off the gas. You don’t underestimate them due to the fact we know their strengths but we recognize that this is one, alongside with the three coming after, are the place we want to kick on rather than take a step back.”
Looking to take time at some point of the iciness wreck to consider just how positively the season is progressing, manager Steven Naismith knows that the displays and the results of the following four matches will go a long way to influencing the conclusion to those musings. “I’ll appear ahead to the begin of the new 12 months when you will have a desirable idea of how you can consider the first half of of the season,” he said. “We are in a suitable location at the moment, and these are 4 video games where we can do some clearly accurate work. I believe we will. I’m searching forward to that.
“The video games that we’ve obtained coming up, the cause why they are good, is they are towards teams that have had appropriate begins to the season, and have finished so far. If we win them we will be in a right function and we will also have affected people round about us. That’s it. We’ve seen so some distance how one end result can swing things. As the season goes that stretches. We do not underestimate any of the games but we will be going into each and every one of them attempting to win them, it truly is one factor for sure, whether or not they are domestic or away. We recognize that if we put some absolutely tough work in now it makes everything a lot better after the break.”
Heading into the break, having used this spell to exert some authority would only aid the squad mentally, minimising the psychological torture at some point of the shutdown, and giving them some thing to maintain onto and shield after the motion resumes, in accordance to Forrest. “It is massive [the notion of going into the ruin clear in 1/3 place] because we have two or three weeks off, and things will be going thru your head and you’ll be searching at the table. You will experience the damage higher if you are in third, on a first rate amount of points, getting as shut to second location as you can. In that way, you can see you are nearer to the place we favor to be instead than the games no longer going properly and we are looking up at third. Everyone desires to be at it and get most points if we can.” Fuelled by that triumph over Celtic, they trust they can
Report: Celtic is vying to sign a player for £35 million who has sobbed on the field this year
With Celtic searching to add some serious fine to their ranks in January, it doesn’t get any extra serious than this.
Brendan Rodgers has constantly bemoaned the fact his crew are lacking excellent and with Kyogo Furuhashi clearly struggling to find goals, it seems the Celtic manager has flip to the English Premier League to solve his striking ills.
A record from Ojogo has claimed that Celtic are main the race to sign Portuguese striker, Fabio Silva.
The 21-year-old used to be signed by way of Wolves for over £35m [BBC] in 2020 but after a disastrous two seasons at Molineaux, the youngster is stated to be looking to cross on.
The report claims, “Fábio Silva is making ready to go away Wolverhampton when the market reopens and the striker’s future have to go thru Scottish football, where he is disputed via Celtic and Rangers.”
Fabio Silva’s Wolves woes
The younger striker has discovered it difficult to live up to his rate tag as he has only scored five dreams in 72 appearances for Wolves. [Transfermarkt]
Clearly struggling, the final straw for Silva was when he ‘conceded’ a penalty in the demise minutes towards Sheffield United remaining month.
With the sport poised at 1-1 and Wolves nevertheless unbeaten, the teen challenged George Balldock in the penalty box. It regarded like no contact was once made as The Blades striker was once already on his way down.
The penalty was once awarded and backed up by means of VAR, and Wolves misplaced the game and their unbeaten start to the season.
Silva used to be inconsolable on the pitch and this regarded to be the icing on a very bitter cake as the youngster’s torrid time at the membership continued.
His confidence have to be shot to pieces and perhaps a cross to Celtic ought to do him the world of good. With the quantity of chances Celtic creates, Silva might also fancy rebuilding his career and self assurance in Paradise.
A loan deal is extra in all likelihood if a go used to be ever to take place as Celtic could now not have enough money to pay the kind of outlay that Wolves did on the striker.
And with his income at £42k per week [SalarySport], Celtic ought to cowl that quantity easily. This is one we will watch closely as the January window nears.
CCV Asks Football Fans And Teammates To Avoid The “Emotional” Side Of The Game
Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers returned to the starting lineup on Saturday afternoon against Hearts. His presence, though, couldn’t forestall a 2-0 loss to the Jambos.
Post-match, the American admitted his teammates and the followers need to stay away from the emotive aspect of the game: “The emotion is understandable”, he stated (Football Scotland). “When you lose a recreation that’s how we sense as players and that’s how the fans feel as well. But there is no factor searching at a game in an emotional state. You’ve acquired to seem at it clear-headed, continue to be as calm as you can and try to improve.”
For followers who invest their lives into the club, it is challenging not to get impassioned. Celtic supporters care about the soccer club to a great extent and demand the best.
Because of this, matters can also inevitably turn sour at Parkhead when the Hoops do not win games they have to be taking all three points from.
The players, though, will stay calm, in accordance to Carter-Vickers. Despite this, there is no doubt that their performances and effects need to get better quickly, starting in opposition to Livingston this weekend.
“Careful what you wish for” by Neil Lennon Celtic issues a warning to enraged supporters
Neil Lennon has warned furious Celtic supporters be “careful what they wish for”.
The former Celtic boss defended the Parkhead hierarchy as he spoke back to the poisonous surroundings that brewed at some stage in the loss to Hearts.
Supporters have been left indignant as dreams from Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Kingsley condemned Celtic to defeat.
Chants of ‘sack the board’ and ‘Lawwell get to f***’ were then heard interior the stadium as tempers flared.
However, Lennon recommended there is no want for any overreaction in spite of the team performing under expectations on a handful of events so some distance this season.
On PLZ Soccer, Lennon explained: “I do not assume there may be any need to panic. You look at the record and it is the first time in ten years they’ve lost back-to-back video games and the first time they’ve misplaced at home in fifty two It’s a truely excessive bar and information are there to be broken.
“But you have to say the level of overall performance isn’t what we expect from Celtic at the minute so they’re going to have to dig deep and galvanise each person around. The fans need to see that the group is going thru a bit of adversity and this is when the team and the manager need their support, rather than the other way around.
“I know there was some dissent towards the board, which I do not understand due to the fact they’ve just won a Treble closing year. Since Dermot’s come in it is been whole domination for 20 strange years; six Trebles, Europa Leagues, three remaining 16s, I should go on.
“So from time to time you’ve got obtained to be cautious what you wish for. But at the minute, it’s now not good. There’s a lack of consistency and I assume Brendan’s waiting for the January switch window. Currently, he has to roll up his sleeves and get more out of this team.”
‘A very strong possibility,’ Celtic will sign competition for the 26-year-old in January, according to Stephen McGowan
With much less than two weeks for the January switch window to open, Stephen McGowan believes Celtic are about to make a good sized move.
The Daily Mail journalist used to be asked what he concept about Celtic strengthening this iciness when he claimed that they could be about to sing a participant to give Greg Taylor some much-needed competition.
McGowan said [PLZ Soccer], “I assume they will. I mean I think the Portuguese guy, Tiago Araujo who performs for Estoril who is a former Benfica player, I suppose he’s a very sturdy opportunity for Celtic in January.
“He’s a left wing-back, he can get forward whether he can shield is a question of course, but I suspect that’s one that may happen.”
TBR Celtic told how there used to be a feeling that Celtic should be about to replace Alexandro Bernabei in January as the Argentine has failed to make any form of impact on the crew due to the fact his £3.75m pass ultimate summer.
However, I would propose that if Celtic have been to attempt and signal Araujo, it would be with a view to becoming a normal starter for Brendan Rodgers.
Much has been made of the fact that the left flank of Celtic was uncovered in Europe and in the Scottish Premiership and Rodgers would do well to tackle that alternatively than later.
Tiago Araujo for Celtic?
The Portuguese fullback is 22 years ancient and has two caps for the u21 team. A product of the Benfica adolescence system, he made simply one look for the first team.
A short spell at Arouca allowed Araujo to make a in addition 16 first-team outings earlier than he secured a everlasting move to Estoril.
In two seasons at the club, the versatile full-back who can additionally play as a winger, has made 49 appearances scoring three goals and growing 4 assisting his team to a contemporary mid-table function in the league. [Transfermarkt]
Is he the player that could Celtic forward? A lot about this go screams every other undertaking however I’m hoping this is one that Rodgers has identified as one who ought to instantly improve what Celtic already have at the club.
“Absolutely frightening”: Pundit is astonished by the term “exceptional.” £14k per week Celtic star
Celtic have a wide variety of gamers who have actual actual pleasant about them. Callum McGregor is one name that springs to idea as does Kyogo Furuhashi.
But there is one that has truly caught the eye of pundit, Leanne Crichton. After the 23-year-old’s overall performance towards Feyenoord, Crichton used to be in entire awe of Matt O’Riley as he had a helping hand in Gustaf Lagerbielke’s 90th-minute winner.
Crichton stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “I want to say, Matt O’Riley, certainly frightening. The levels, the performances that he’s producing right now are absolutely outstanding.
“He’s a pleasure to watch. The moments of magic that he’s produced in games of late has been exceptional.”
O’Riley has been receiving lots of plaudits for his performances this season. His transformation under Brendan Rodgers has been outstanding to watch.
Don’t get me wrong, under Ange Postecoglou, O’Riley was once extraordinary but he seems to have elevated so a whole lot beneath Rodgers and added so a lot more to his game.
Adding goals, the Danish global has grow to be one of Celtic’s most risky players. His vision and passing potential also make him an necessary section of the Hoops attack.
Defensively, O’Riley also places in a shift. He tracks back, makes tackles and covers each and every blade of grass as he helps out the Celtic returned four.
He clearly is a laptop in the coronary heart of the Celtic team and it is little marvel he is attracting the attention of the likes of Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Crystal Palace.
But with O’Riley signing a new five-year deal in the summer, it is clear that he is joyful and content material at Celtic.
And why wouldn’t he be? He’s enjoying regularly, triumphing trophies and getting to play Champions League football. Also, he is being paid as an alternative handsomely for the privilege at £14k per week. [SalarySport]
“Not a very happy man.” A reporter for the BBC saw what Arne Slot did just before the Celtic-Feyenoord match
From Diego Simeone to Arne Slot. There have been a few unhappy campers in Celtic’s opposition dugout in the Champions League this season.
Celtic deservedly secured a 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the Champions League on Wednesday, however it got here with Arne Slot’s annoyance.
It appears as although the Feyenoord educate was steaming before his team conceded a penalty, which likely didn’t assist matters.
Luis Palma opened the scoring for Celtic, with the aid of the penalty spot, when Liam Scales used to be wrestled down in the area.
According to a BBC reporter, Arne Slot was once in ‘deep conversation’ with the fourth official and complaining about one element or another.
Then the penalty used to be awarded and it used to be brought that Arne Slot was ‘not a completely happy man’, as a end result of it all.
In the end, Celtic sealed the points, and unlike a certain Diego Simeone, he did shake Brendan Rodgers’ hands after the match.
Feyenoord boss Arne Slot
“Feyenoord manager Arne Slot is now not a completely satisfied man,” said a BBC reporter.
“Moments before the penalty award he was deep in dialog with the fourth professional complaining about something, then came the penalty award and that virtually didn’t help his mood.”
Celtic ease the pressure
At least there will be no speak of Celtic’s winless run in Europe from other parts of the media now.
It will probably turn into ‘Only one win in…’. from next season!
On a serious note, beforehand of the Champions League altering its format, this win came at the right time and it simply sparks some faith back into the system.
The alternate of layout in the Champions League, from an basic perspective, wasn’t probable needed due to the fact don’t fix something that’s now not broken.
But, hopefully, this bodes nicely for Celtic in the long run and the wins in Europe can begin staking up.
‘Outstanding’: Now, Neil Lennon reveals his pick for Celtic’s Player of the Season thus far
One element Celtic’s win over Feyenoord seems to have executed is to have lit a hearth below the Celtic player’s backsides.
Every single one of them was once exceptional throughout the total ninety minutes at Celtic Park and each single one of them have to keep their heads high.
But only one of them absolutely impressed former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. The Irishman used to be speaking after the game and recalling Matt O’Riley‘s role in the winning goal, Lennon stated that he is the first-rate player in Scotland proper now.
Lennon said [TNT Sports], “Has been unbelievable this season. I suppose that’s his 1/3 help now in the campaign.
“Domestically he has been scoring each week in the Premier League.
“Goals and assists he has been the most tremendous player for Celtic this year and possibly the excellent participant in Scotland this season.
“That used to be a piece of class. That used to be actual proper first-rate there.”
There is no denying that O’Riley is a one of a kind talent. The Celtic midfielder has been exceptional for Brendan Rodgers now not solely on the home scene but also in Europe.
Against Atletico Madrid, O’Riley was named the Man of the Match as he helped reap a creditable draw in opposition to the La Liga side. And closing night time against Feyenoord, his performance was once truly flawless.
His desires and assists throughout all competitions have kept Celtic as the team to watch in the league and Scottish Cup this season.
With another three games to go until the New Year, the Celtic followers will be hoping that O’Riley can continue his top notch form and hold Celtic rooted firmly at the top of the league.
Now that Europe is over, O’Riley can listen on domestic enterprise as he appears to assist Celtic win their 0.33 league title in a row.
‘Different to what I’m used to’: Feyenoord great reveals he had trouble with the £4 million Celtic star
Feyenoord defender Thomas Beelen admits he struggled with the movement of Kyogo Furuhashi at some stage in Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat to Celtic.
Despite The Hoops celebrating their first win in Europe’s premiere club competition in 15 attempts, it used to be any other night of frustration for Celtic’s talismanic centre-forward.
Kyogo Furuhashi has now scored just once in his last eleven games, Brendan Rodgers struggling to get the equal tune out of the Japan international after two years orchestrating Ange Postecoglou’s Parkhead symphony.
But still, Beelen will have been thrilled to see the returned of Furuhashi, the forward’s movement as sharp as ever even if his finishing stays rather wayward.
Celtic beat Feyenoord in Champions League
“He made a few appropriate runs, which was once specific from what I am used to,” Beelen tells RTL7, Celtic. I had to get used to it, however I obtained better and better in the match.”
Celtic triumphed 2-1 on the night. The roar which greeted Gustaf Lagerbielke’s stoppage time winner proving that this used to be anything however a ‘dead rubber’ for these on the Parkhead terraces, even if Celtic were already consigned to bottom vicinity in the group.
“How am I (feeling) standing here? With an unpleasant feeling, because we have won,” Beelen adds. “Personally, it was once a satisfactory moment for me (to play away at Celtic).
“But I don’t feel that way now.”
This was Celtic’s ultimate European game of the season, their fourth-place end that means that the Glasgow giants do no longer even have the consolation prize of Europa League soccer after Christmas.
Rodgers, meanwhile, is keen to simplify Kyogo’s game, encouraging the £4 million signing from Vissel Kobe to avoid losing deep and as a substitute center of attention on finding pockets of house in and around the penalty box.
Rodgers desires greater from Kyogo Furuhashi
“We went via his video stuff the different week. We looked in particular at the truth I don’t need him losing in so much. When you’re enjoying in a lot of games where teams are sat deep, you don’t get a kick of the ball actually until it comes into the box,” Rodgers tells the Daily Record.
“So what do you do? You begin wandering. His power is his penetration. That’s his strength, running in in the back of and timing his runs. You have to make 10 runs possibly to solely get in once, however that’s your job as a striker.
“So there’s been nothing modified in that. There’s been truly nothing exclusive asked of him because his energy is enjoying off the final line, timing his movements and being instinctive in the box.
“He’s no longer a dribbler, he’s not any one who does drop in. He can do it however it’s now not his strength. And that’s always the undertaking for a striker who wishes to affect games. But he’s very receptive. He’s not a baby, remember, he’s 28 years of age.”
‘Exceptional’: Joleon Lescott stunned with £1 million Celtic player in tonight’s victory over Feyenoord
It lookedl ike any other night of so shut but, yet again, so a long way for Celtic in the Champions League tonight.
Once again Brendan Rodgers‘ side’s incapacity to preserve the backdoor shut in the closing stages of a European recreation regarded like it was going to come returned and chunk them on the backside.
1-0 up and searching comfortable, Celtic allowed the Dutch side to get lower back into the recreation as Hyeongyu Oh was bullied off the ball in midfield and Alistair Johnston was dragged out of role which allowed Yankuba Minteh to slot domestic an 82nd-minute equaliser to leave Joe Hart helpless.
Which is a shame due to the fact if every person deserved to be on the winning side, it was once the £1m signing from Tottenham Hotspur. And he was after Gustaf Lagerbielke nodded home the point-blank winner in the 90th minute.
Hart pulled off some fundamental saves to preserve Celtic beforehand last night and he significantly impressed former England international defender, Joleon Lescott.
Joe Hart redeems himself for Celtic vs Feyenoord
The English stopper has come under some extreme criticism over the previous few weeks but he definitely redeemed himself with his performance tonight.
Lescott stated [TNT Sports], “Arguably this would have been one of the pleasant dreams of the competition so a ways but just offside. Probably ought to do better with the offside in phrases of searching throughout the line and looking ahead to the place the centre-backs are.
“He [Luis Giminez] can’t make his run off the fullback due to the fact he’s at the back of him however a steady threat strolling behind and he’s any individual that’s has been cozy in front of goal but Joe Hart’s been exceptional.”
Despite conceding, Hart made three important saves at integral stages of the sport which ought to have seen the result go some other way.
Hart was once extremely good and deserves all the plaudits coming his way for this performance.
“You have to do more” James McFadden responds to Brendan Rodgers’ public comments about Celtic star
James McFadden has weighed in on the situation involving Celtic winger, Mikey Johnston.
Brendan Rodgers took an fascinating step in deciding to publicly critique the player after Celtic’s 4-1 win over Hibernian ultimate week.
Someone like Chris Sutton was ’surprised’ by the Celtic manager’s methods, whilst others suppose it’s in reality a challenge.
As James McFadden pointed out, the truth that Mikey Johnston began the 2-1 defeat towards Kilmarnock on Sunday proves that Brendan Rodgers is actually trying to push the player, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/12/23 at 11:40 am).
The former Scotland global introduced that Mikey Johnston is being requested to do more with and barring the ball due to the fact it’s some distance exclusive than when he is being requested when he comes off the bench.
The 24-year-old has commenced only two games this season and likely hasn’t produced the results he would have preferred from a non-public perspective.
There have been instances this season when he has come off the bench, including in the Champions League and he has seemed impressive.
But as James McFadden pointed out, they are two distinctive worlds.
Brendan Rodgers’ venture to Mikey Johnston
“I’d rather not have any criticism, if I am being flawlessly honest,” stated McFadden.
“What Brendan Rodgers is doing Is telling Mikey Johnston that coming on as a sub is specific to beginning the game.
“When you come on, the sport is open and you have the freedom to do what it takes to get your group back in the recreation or have an impact in the game. When you begin the game, it is greater about concentrating on your positional play. When you are going to press. What the needs are.
“I assume had Rodgers had a go at him, then dropped him it would have been a bigger problem here. What he is saying, you are in the crew now and you have to do more. You have to use the ball better. Make better decisions.”
Celtic v Feyenoord
The difficulty for Johnston now is that he will probable be dropped for Wednesday’s Champions League clash towards Feyenoord.
And that will likely then lead to him being in the equal state of affairs in opposition to Hearts at the weekend.
On one hand, his performances haven’t been properly enough, but he ought to rightfully argue that he wishes greater minutes to surely get his engine going because he is nonetheless probable lacking that sharpness.
Johnston’s problem is that he has had plenty of probabilities earlier than and in the pressure cooker of Celtic, you ain’t given a great deal time.
Done deal: Celtic has beat both Bayern Munich and Ajax in the signing of a forward…
Celtic close in on first January signing – former Ajax and Bayern Munich attacker once labelled ‘next Messi’
Negotations ongoing for £3m transfer of former Germany youth international
celtic are closing in on their first signing of the January transfer window as negotations continue with Rapid Vienna for winger Nicolas Kuhn.
The Parkhead side opened formal discussions with the Austrian club earlier this week over a move for the 24-year-old German having tracked his progress over a number of months.
Rapid are reported to be seeking a fee in the region of 3 million euros for a player who has scored three goals and contributed seven assists in 22 appearances this season.
Kuhn spent three years in the RB Leipzig youth ranks before earning a 2 million euros move to Ajax at the age of 18. He played for the Amsterdam side’s second team before being signed by Bayern Munich, initially on loan, in 2020.
The attacker, who has played for Germany at every youth level up to Under-20s, was a regular in Bayern’s second team until 2022 when he made the move to Austria. His performances for Germany at the Under-17 World Cup held in India in 2017 led to him being labelled the “next Messi” by the German press.
Rapid sporting director Markus Katzer confirmed that his club have received offers for player, stating: “In principle, I don’t want to comment on any rumours. But I can confirm that we actually have concrete offers on the table for Nicolas Kuhn, but I don’t want to name the interested clubs.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed a desire to add quallity to his ranks for the second half of the season with several players set to be missing when the squad returns from the winter break. Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate, Marco Tilio, Hyun-jun Yang and Hyeon-gyu Oh are all on international duty at the Asian Cup, while Nat Phillips has returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan deal. Yosuke Ideguchi completed a move to Vissel Kobe earlier this week, having spent the last year on loan in Japan, while defender Gustaf Lagerbielke is the subject of a loan bid from Serie A side Lecce.
Further departures are possible this month as Rodgers looked to trim his squad to make way for potentially three arrivals – a left-back, striker, and a winger, who now looks likely to be Kuhn.
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