Celtic penalty award under microscope as ‘baffled’ Motherwell boss takes aim at referee decisions and demeanour

Celtic penalty award under microscope as ‘baffled’ Motherwell boss takes aim at referee decisions and demeanour

Stuart Kettlewell has say on 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was left feeling aggrieved after his side were on the wrong end of debatable refereeing decisions in the 4-0 defeat to Celtic on Boxing Day.

Referee Ross Hardie awarded a penalty to Celtic in first-half injury time when Hyun-jun Yang hit the deck under minimal contact from Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough, from which Arne Engels opened the scoring. It followed an incident earlier in the match when Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise was booked for simulation after going down in the box under a challenge from Yang. VAR checked both decisions and sided with the referee.

Celtic went on to record a comfortable victory through second half goals from Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate but Kettlewell’s frustration was with the referee’s interpretation of the two penalty claims, insisting that the yellow card for his own player was not too disimilar to the award which Celtic benefited from.

Celtic’s Hyun-jun Yang is brought down in the box by Motherwell goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

“This is where I’m left baffled,” Kettlewell said as he addressed Maswanhise’s yellow card for diving. “I don’t think it’s a penalty, but it’s not a dive. He has not tried to buy a penalty. He’s running at pace, the Celtic player is touch tight. I would say that there is some sort of contact there, but not enough for a penalty in my opinion, and the referee instantly books him and regards it simulation. I’m kind of blown away by that, I really am.

“I think we’ve probably all seen at the time that it was close. Are we claiming for a penalty? I think you naturally do instantly, but very quickly after it, I didn’t feel there was a penalty, but I certainly don’t think JT’s took a dive at that stage. That’s incredibly frustrating because it comes back to this level of consistency in the decisions that we make, that we see that completely different from, for example, the Celtic penalty. I struggle to see that there’s a ridiculous amount more contact in either situation. I certainly don’t think JT’s was a penalty, and I think it’s a complete overreaction to give him a yellow card.”

Describing the concession of the penalty opener as “a bitter blow” after his side had largely contained Celtic throughout the first half, Kettlewell felt the decision to penalise goalkeeper Oxborough was a soft one. He added: “Disappointed on first view, and I’ve genuinely not analysed it, studied it, the replays of the penalty. At the time my gut feeling was that it was soft in terms of how the Celtic player went down from what I felt was minimal to little, if any, contact. I would need to see that again. I didn’t feel that there was much in it at all.”

Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise was booked for simulation after going down under a challenge from Celtic’s Hyun-jun Yang. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

It is the second match in succession where Motherwell have been left disgruntled with the referee after Dan Casey’s controversial red card against Kilmarnock last Friday was overturned following an appeal. Kettlewell also had words for the referee Hardie’s demeanour at Celtic Park.

“What they were a wee bit irked with today was by the referee’s demeanour and how he communicates with them. I’ve went on record a number of times saying that. If you speak to someone in the appropriate fashion, then I think you’ll get better reactions from players. I don’t think you’ll get as much petulance and as much firing at the referee.

“Genuinely, the players felt that that’s been better over the course of the season than what it was. That’s nothing to do with the decisions, but it’s probably just a wee feeling for me that we can all have a conversation. Sometimes we’ll disagree, sometimes we’ll fall out, but I just think that that communication element is so important. I’ll take my bit on that as well. I can be a bit emotional, so can football players, but sometimes you just need to put it on a level and almost not having the mannerisms as if you’re a kid at school to waft you away from situations. Communicate, speak, give players an understanding of what your thought process was and I’m sure they’ll respect you.”

Rodgers Praises Arne Engels’ Mentality -“He Delivers in Pressure Moments”

Brendan Rodgers discussed his decision to drop Arne Engels from the team over the last month.

With Engels dropping out of the starting 11 for Paulo Bernardo for a number of key games, including the Premier Sports Cup final, Rodgers revealed how this affected the Belgian midfielder off the pitch.

He said: (The Celtic Way), “I just think it’s about time with him. He’s really enjoying his time here. I’ve taken him out for some games just to let him see from the outside looking in and take that pressure away from him because it’s a big move and everything that comes with it.

“But he’s been excellent in training and he’s only going to get better and better. When he’s asked to step up in pressure moments, he delivers and that was an important first penalty for us. His ball in for the corner was absolutely great as well. So I’m really pleased with Arne.”

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes

Engels has fought back from looking like a player who was off the boil to being back in the starting 11, scoring goals in pressure moments from the penalty spot, like this afternoon against Motherwell at Celtic Park.

For all the criticism he received, the Belgian midfielder has shown that he has the mentality to succeed at Celtic.

Having joined in the summer from Augsburg for a club-record transfer fee, he does not feel that pressure every time he steps up to take a penalty or corner; he consistently thrives in pressure moments.

Major Alistair Johnston Celtic injury update provided

Alistair Johnston

Brendan Rodgers has issued an injury update on Celtic defender Alistair Johnston.

The defender has been absent in recent weeks since the club’s Premier Sports Cup triumph over Rangers.

The right-back had to go off in that game and hasn’t been back in action since, with a 0-0 draw at Tannadice on Sunday followed up by a 4-0 victory at home to Motherwell today.

However, Rodgers insists that, while the Canadian won’t be rushed back, he should be okay to make the trip to Ibrox next Thursday, with a return against bottom of the table St Johnstone a possibility this Sunday.

“He should be okay for the weekend,” Rodgers said post-match. “We were hoping it was going to be today.

“But he’s been out running, he’s been out working, doing some really good work. So rather than force it, Tony’s done great for us and comes into the game and does really well.

“We don’t need to force it.”

Brendan Rodgers reveals key Celtic decision he’s made over summer signing he’s taken out of firing line

The Celtic manager has reacted to a big win over Motherwell by a margin of four goals.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says taking Arne Engels out the firing line after a comfortable 4-0 Hoops win over Motherwell.

The champions struggled to break down the visitors in a stop-start first 45 minutes during this Premiership clash. Engels’ penalty calmed any lingering nerves from the stands before an onslaught in the second half provided goals aplenty.

Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate put the icing on the cake in another victory for Celtic after a 0-0 draw at Dundee United. Rodgers brought in the midfielder from Augsburg but performances have been mixed after an £11m deal.

Taking him out of certain games has paid dividends according to the boss, who hailed a big win. The boss explained: “I just think it’s about time with him. He’s really enjoying his time here. I’ve taken him out for some games just to let him see from the outside looking in and take that pressure away from him because it’s a big move and everything that comes with it.

“But he’s been excellent in training and he’s only going to get better and better. When he’s asked to step up in pressure moments, he delivers and that was an important first penalty for us. His ball in for the corner was absolutely great as well. So I’m really pleased with Arne.

“The turnout was amazing. We love playing here and having not been here for so long, it’s always nice. It was really good, and we’re very pleased with the performance and the result in such a big period.

“Games aren’t easy – you’ve really got to work ever so hard. The scoreline may say that at the end, along with the possession and chances that we had, but you’ve still got to work very hard. Motherwell were well organised, compact, tight, with lots of numbers behind the ball, so you’re having to really shift them about and then you get that little break just before half-time.

“In the second half, I felt we needed to get the tempo up that wee bit more and just keep that risk in the game. The players were excellent, the guys coming into the game were very, very good as well and gave us that speed and that relentlessness to keep going and keep trying to score.”

Leon Balogun Injury Adds to Rangers’ Glasgow Derby Woes

It wasn’t just three points dropped for Rangers in Paisley this evening, with one key player limping off just 18 minutes into the game.

That player was, of course, Leon Balogun, who had to be substituted for Robin Propper.

With John Souttar already set to miss the Glasgow derby in a week’s time at Ibrox, it means that Rangers may have to go into the game with Dujon Sterling at centre-back.

Souttar missed Celtic’s 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final 11 days ago due to a groin injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

However, Brendan Rodgers does have some positive injury news, revealing this afternoon that Celtic defender Alistair Johnston was close to playing against Motherwell at Celtic Park; with the Canadian right-back now expected to return to the starting 11 for the Glasgow Derby in a week’s time.

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic’s Alistair Johnston REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Nicolas Kuhn also returned to the squad this afternoon after an injury setback, making an immediate impact off the bench with a goal against Stuart Kettlewell’s side.

The Hoops bounced back from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice on Sunday in style, with a 4-0 win, and now sit 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with St. Johnstone visiting Celtic Park on Sunday ahead of the derby on Thursday.

Kasper Schmeichel’s Brilliant Boxing Day Post

Kasper Schmeichel continued his post-match clean sheet celebrations, with the Dane celebrating the Hoops going 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Schmeichel coincidentally waited until 19:45 to take to Instagram, when Rangers had just dropped 3 points in a 2-1 defeat in Paisley against St. Mirren.

With the Dane often stealing headlines on the pitch with his match-winning saves, his social media posts after games have become somewhat of a tradition after impressive wins and standout performances from the Hoops.

Schmeichel has become well ingrained in the winning culture at Celtic.

At 38 years old, the Danish goalkeeper has seen almost everything in his career; however, he is clearly taking extra pride in the Hoops going 12 points clear ahead of the Glasgow derby in a week’s time at Ibrox.

When called upon, Schmeichel has stood tall time and time again, with his performance in the penalty shootout against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final a huge moment in his first season at Celtic.

With huge boots to fill in Joe Hart, who retired in the summer, Schmeichel has very much learned from his close friend Hart, with the two previously playing together at Manchester City from 2006 until 2009.

If the Ibrox side wants a “full, independent examination of the processes and governance of Scottish refereeing”, Celtic should back them all the way

It is now eleven days since Celtic won the 2024 League Cup final, yet the fallout from the penalty that never was rumbles on.

In all my years of following Scottish football and Celtic, I have never seen such a ridiculous and over the top reaction to one decision.

What intrigues me most about all of this is the assumption that had the Ibrox side been given this penalty, that they would have gone on and won the League Cup.

Oh, we all know how accurate Tav-Pen is with his spot kicks, but there is no guarantee he would have scored the penalty, had it been given.

No guarantee that they would have claimed the trophy they so desperately wanted to keep their noses in front in the trophies won count.

Which on their side is bullshit, as we all know.

The whole of this argument seems to be predicated on the fact that if the penalty had been given, they would have won the cup.

They feel that because they were robbed of this “stonewall” penalty, they were therefore robbed of the League Cup.

There is no credence given to the fact that Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel could have actually saved this penalty they were denied.

The idea of this happening just doesn’t enter their thought process.

So, let’s get straight here.

The Ibrox side are going to war with the SFA and SPFL.

They’re doing it because they believe their referees stole the League Cup from them.

In doing so, they stole their right to continue claiming they’re the most successful club in world football.

A claim the rest of the footballing world finds as ridiculous as it is laughable.

Celtic winning the League Cup, and legitimately going ahead in the trophies won count, has forced them into a climb down of epic proportions.

Epic to them, highly amusing to everyone else.

So, to deflect from their embarrassment, they are using the penalty incident to get their fanbase to focus their attention elsewhere.

And whether they know it or not, they might just get what they’re wishing for.

Now, as Celtic fans, we’ve been crying out for refereeing reform in the Scottish game for decades.

Myself, Joe McHugh and James Forrest have discussed it in depth in our podcasts.

Even in our latest podcast, we discussed infamous incidents where referees screwed us down through the years.

We’ve discussed how spineless our board is when it comes to refereeing reform.

Joe has gone in hard on Michael Nicholson and his spineless approach to refereeing, and the injustices we’ve been subjected to.

But it looks like we needn’t worry anymore.

The Ibrox side are taking the fight to the SFA, and I for one, welcome it.

I’m delighted they want reform in the Scottish game.

In this morning’s Record, Gavin Berry has a story on the R*****s Fan Advisory Board demanding an independent refereeing review.

Well, it’s about time, I say.

I’m ecstatic that they’re demanding such a review.

It proves we Celtic fans are not paranoid conspiracy theorists.

Here’s what they had to say:

It is surely time for a full, independent examination of the processes and governance of Scottish refereeing, including those responsible for administering and developing our referees. R*****s – and Scottish football – deserve better.

Celtic v Motherwell: Starting teams named for Premiership clash

The league leaders host Stuart Kettlewell’s side at Celtic Park.

Celtic Park: Motherwell visit the league leaders.

Brendan Rodgers and Stuart Kettlewell have named their starting teams for the Premiership clash at Celtic Park.

Motherwell travel to Glasgow to take on the league leaders on Sunday afternoon.

The Hoops are aiming to increase their nine-point lead at the top of the table over Rangers who aren’t in action until later on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile Motherwell are hoping to close in on third-placed Aberdeen.

Rodgers has started with Schmeichel between the sticks and a back-four of Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Scales and Taylor.

Callum McGregor anchors a three-man midfield beside Engels and Bernardo with Yang and Maeda either side of Idah up top.

Kettlewell has Oxborough in goals behind Kaleta, Casey, Balmer, Blaney, Wilson, Paton, Sparrow, Miller, Maswanhise and Watt.

Celtic Lower Alexandro Bernabei Asking Price – Report…

Celtic’s Alexandro Bernabei faces an uncertain future as his loan spell at SC Internacional nears its end, with the Brazilian club eager to retain his services beyond 2024.

14th January 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Semi Final, Celtic versus Kilmarnock; Daniel Armstrong of Kilmarnock fouls Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic

Reports from the Brazilian media indicate a complex negotiation is unfolding, with Celtic reportedly adjusting their demands to facilitate a potential deal.

Bernabei, who has enjoyed a successful stint in Brazil, has impressed with his performances in the Brasileirão, leading Internacional to seek a long-term arrangement for the Argentine left-back. According to Globo Esporte, the club is determined to retain him but faces financial hurdles in meeting Celtic’s valuation.

Initially, Celtic were reported to have set an €10 million price tag on Bernabei, a figure that proved too steep for Internacional. However, recent reports suggest the Scottish champions have lowered their asking price to €5 million to make the transfer more achievable.

Despite the reduced fee, €5 million remains beyond Internacional’s current budget. The Brazilian club’s financial constraints mean they are exploring alternative solutions to extend Bernabei’s stay. A loan extension with a purchase option or a structured deal including performance-based add-ons and payment installments are being considered.

One key element that could facilitate the transfer is the inclusion of a sell-on clause. Internacional may propose a deal where Celtic receive a percentage of any future transfer fee. This approach would lower the immediate financial burden on Internacional while allowing Celtic to benefit from any potential resale.

From Celtic’s standpoint, offloading Bernabei makes sense if he no longer fits into Brendan Rodgers’ plans. The left-back position remains highly competitive, with Greg Taylor and Alex Valle providing cover. Rodgers may prefer to cash in on Bernabei now or, at the very least, ensure that the club retains a financial interest in his future.

While Bernabei’s potential remains evident, his time at Celtic has been marked by inconsistency, and a fresh start in Brazil could be the best option for all parties involved.

Alexandro Bernabei Celtic transfer latest as Internacional in ‘take it or leave it’ territory with Palmeiras waiting in the wings

The Hoops defender has caught the eye after a hugely successful loan stint

Internacional have fired in a final take it or leave it offer to Celtic for Alexandro Bernabei – with Palmeiras waiting in the wings.

The left-back was named in the Brazilian Serie A Team of the Year after an excellent campaign away from Parkhead. The original agreement between the two clubs included a buy clause – which needs to be met by the end of the month – which stands at a figure of around £7million.

However, they’ve given up hope of raising that amount and hope the Scottish champions will do a deal over a fresh loan agreement. It is stated in Brazil that the Porto Alegre club are ‘not optimistic’ Brendan Rodgers’ men will agree to those terms and have resigned themselves to the fact they will not have the defender in their ranks. Big-spending Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras are waiting for the deadline to pass before making their move for Bernabei.

They are owned by Brazilian businesswoman Leila Pereira, who was named as in the top ten richest people in the South American country and bankrolls the club. And they would have no problem finding the funds to land the Celtic man.

Internacional Submit Final Alexandro Bernabei Offer as Other Suitors Circle

Internacional have submitted a final offer for Alexandro Bernabei as they make a last-ditch attempt to keep the left back at the club.

Bernabei, 24, rejuvenated himself on loan at the Brazilian side, scoring three goals and assisting five in 23 league appearances as he was named in the Serie A Team of the Season.

7th February 2024; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic

Given his electric displays, it is no surprise that Internacional want to keep Bernabei at the club, although it appears they are struggling to do so.

According to The Herald, reports in Brazil state that they have submitted a final ‘take it or leave it’ loan offer for the Argentine because they cannot afford the £7m Celtic want.

Internacional have until the end of the month to sign the attack-minded defender, or else other suitors can swoop in. And that looks likely to happen.

Indeed, Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras are waiting until Internacional’s deadline passes to make their move, and for them, money won’t be an issue.

It looks like Celtic will recoup the £3.75m they paid for Bernabei two and a half years ago.

He failed to set the heather alight in Glasgow’s east end but has gone back to a familiar country, culture, and continent and, all of a sudden could make his parent club a tidy sum.

Celtic ace in new role, Rodgers can ease Kuhn blow by unleashing “magic”

Celtic are back in action in the Scottish Premiership on Boxing Day as they prepare to welcome Motherwell to Parkhead for the first game since Christmas Day.

The Hoops will be hoping for a late Christmas treat after they failed to pick up all three points last time out against Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side were held to a 0-0 draw in that clash on Sunday, which was only the second time the Bhoys have dropped points in the division this season.

The Scottish giants were, however, without star forward Nicolas Kuhn for that match, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be available this time around.

The latest on Nicolas Kuhn’s injury

The German forward missed out on the draw with Dundee United after pulling up with a knee injury in training ahead of the game, and the extent of the blow remains a mystery.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

After the 0-0 draw, Rodgers said: “I don’t know how long Nicolas will be out for. Hopefully it’s not long term – we will need to see.”

Whilst the Northern Irish head coach did not rule out a return on Thursday, his wording did not suggest that he is sure that Kuhn will be available in the short-term.

This means that the former Liverpool boss will need to find a way to get his attack firing without the left-footed magician, who has produced 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

Hyun-jun Yang started in his place on Sunday and failed to take a shot or create a chance in his 61 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that Rodgers needs to look elsewhere to ease the blow of losing Kuhn.

Celtic star should be unleashed in new role

The Celtic boss could find a solution to this problem by unleashing Daizen Maeda in a new role on the right side of the attack for this clash with Motherwell.

He has started 20 times on the left wing and twice as a striker across all competitions this season, but is yet to be unleashed on the right flank for the Hoops.

It is a role the £18k-per-week star has some experience in, with 25 appearances in his career on the right wing, and the Japan international, who Rodgers claimed can produce “magic” at the top end of the pitch, could use his pace to provide a direct threat down that side.

Playing him on the right wing would also allow Rodgers to bring Luis Palma back into the starting XI, with the hope that he can recapture the form that he displayed in the Premiership last season.

23/24 Premiership

Luis Palma

Appearances

28

Starts

18

Goals

7

Big chances created

14

Assists

9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Honduras international showed plenty of signs of promise in his first campaign at Parkhead, with 16 goal contributions in the league, but has failed to produce a goal or an assist in five league outings this term.

The 24-year-old star did, however, come off the bench against Dundee United and created two chances in 29 minutes – two more than Yang managed in the first 61 – and this suggests that he can offer more than the South Korean whiz.

Therefore, Celtic should move Maeda, who has scored 11 goals this season, to a new role on the right and bring Palma in on the left to make up for the potential absence of Kuhn on Boxing Day.

SEASON’S BLEATINGS FROM GOVAN: THE WRITES AND WRONGS..

MEMO to Rangers: The 21st Century will celebrate its 25th year in a week’s time.

The world has evolved somewhat since the bygone days when the hierarchy in Govan liked to be referred to as ‘The Establishment Club’.

That tag has gone the way of the Penny Farthing bicycle and, thankfully, just like the bizarre mode of transport, it is in the past and will never return.

The era of pomposity and arrogance is buried in the dark and distant. A lot has happened since the cobwebbed antiquity of unenlightened times when the club’s bosses believed respect was automatically earned by wearing a bowler hat, shirt and tie, blazer and walking funny.

Those were dark times when a flex of the muscle, a withering look and a scornful remark would more often than not see some like-minded patron in the corridors of power at the SFA tugging dutifully at the forelock and doing his master’s bidding.

That ill-informed period now resides with the dodo.

And, yet, the Govan club still want to act as though they exert some power on the echelons of Scottish football.

Not satisfied that referees’ chief Willie Collum snapped to attention following their VAR penalty complaint following the Liam Scales/Vaclav Cerny coming-together in the Premier Sports League Cup Final, the disillusioned Ibrox side have followed up with another preposterous diatribe.

Displaying a total disregard for the livelihoods of Alan Muir and Frank Connor, the technical team who viewed the Hampden incident and were later unnecessarily vilified by Collum, they have now publicly criticised the SFA over the reinstatement of the officials.

Both were penalised by missing out on usual duties last weekend, but Connor will be on the line in the Kilmarnock v Aberdeen game tomorrow while Muir will be in front of the technical screens at St Mirren v Dundee on Sunday.

That restoration to duties does not sit well with the club across the Clyde and they are clearly incandescent that Connor will also be involved when Celtic play St Johnstone at Parkhead at the weekend.

We are now plunging into pathetic levels on this matter.

In a statement, they tell us: “Rangers FC has contacted the Scottish FA to express serious concerns and ask several questions regarding the swift reinstatement of the two VAR officials involved in the officiating failure during the recent Premier Sports Cup Final. We also note one of the officials has been appointed to an SPFL Premiership match involving the club that benefitted from the error.”

And so it burbles on in the same vein. I’ll save you from the threat of drifting off into a stupor reading the remainder of the predictably prejudiced missive.

Let’s look again at the wording in that official note. “The club that benefitted from the error.”

The incident occurred four minutes into extra-time with the score standing at 3-3. After the incident, it was still 3-3.

How did Celtic benefit?

It’s hardly Celtic’s fault that Rangers squandered a free-kick in a dangerous area. Maybe they should have a word with their captain, James Tavernier, who botched the set-play.

The last time I looked, the Oxford English Dictionary’s meaning for beneficiary went along the lines of someone “who derives advantage from something”.

Did Celtic’s opponents take for granted they would score from any penalty-kick that may have resulted in the flashpoint?

That’s a little bit of an insult to Kasper Schmeichel, the Celtic goalkeeper who has an excellent record for saving spot-kicks.

If the Govan boxes have any doubts over the Danish legend’s expertise in these crucial confrontations they could always ask their left-back Ridvan Yilmaz.

There was the possibility of a goal. That’s all. Everyone has the possibility of becoming a Lotto millionaire when they select their numbers every week.

No-one should take anything for granted. Including a club on the south side of Glasgow.

And so the sorry saga will drift on until someone in Govan twigs that their voice doesn’t carry the sway of yesteryear.

And, once again, they should keep in mind this is the 21st Century.

A century in which Celtic have won FORTY-TWO trophies. And counting.

Now that is something to write about.

ALEX GORDON

Celtic have been linked with a move for Lennon Miller in recent weeks as the Bhoys look to strengthen the ranks once the January transfer window opens.

The Bhoys take on Motherwell on Boxing Day, knowing a victory will take them 12 points clear of Rangers, who are in action during the evening kick-off against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

While Brendan Rodgers will be aiming for three points, he will also get a chance to watch Lennon Miller at close quarters after Celtic’s recent links with the midfielder.

Celtic were quoted £4 million to sign the Scotland Under-21 international earlier in the year, but it remains to be seen if interest will emerge amid his return of four goals and five assists in 24 appearances this season.

Regardless, the 18-year-old has spoke out ahead of the clash and laid out what he expects from the encounter in Glasgow’s east end.

Lennon Miller previews coming up against Celtic

Speaking before his side head to face Celtic, Miller has made it clear he expects the hosts to be ‘massive favourites’ and talked up visiting Parkhead due to the experience of playing in front of a capacity crowd.

He stated: “Oh, it’s massive. Not only just for us but the experienced players as well. It’s a big stadium, it’s a good crowd and it’s the ones you want to play in as a footballer, you want to play in these big games.”

Later, Miller added: “Listen, we know Celtic are massive favourites and they’re always going to be favourites and we need to try and take something from the game, we’ll look forward to it and we’ll try to do what we do.”

On putting his own personal stamp on the game, he finished by saying: “You try to do that in every game, these ones are no different. I’ll look to try and get Motherwell three points.”

Celtic in the market for reinforcements come January

Strengthening the homegrown quota in January appears to be a priority, with Celtic interested in a return for Kieran Tierney next month.

However, there is also an emphasis on broadening their horizons regarding incoming talent, with Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter another Bhoys target.

Miller may well be someone that comes into the discussion, but Celtic are unlikely to be the only club courting one of Scotland’s finest talents.

With Motherwell set to visit on Boxing Day, three points will be the immediate concern before consulting potential transfer avenues.

Celtic on Christmas Eve: Willie Collum missed this shirt pull on Celtic skipper.

Celtic on Christmas Eve – Willie Collum missed this shirt pull on Celtic captain

Brendan Rodgers talks to young Celtic supporters at Hamilton on Christmas Eve 2016. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Celtic on Christmas Eve in 2016 were denied a penalty by Willie Collum who missed or ignored this shirt pull almost on the goal-line to deny Scott Brown a tap in…

Celtic failed to release a statement but perhaps Willie could do a retrospective VAR Review to lecture us on what is a penalty for short pulling and what isn’t...

No penalty to Celtic for shirt pull well inside the six yard box!

24 December 2016 

Hamilton 0-3 Celtic. Brendan Rodgers’ relentless Celts maintained their 14-point gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a straightforward victory in Lanarkshire. Vividly, Stuart Armstrong’s thunderous strike into the top-left hand corner summed up the excellent season he was having. Celtic played majority of the second half with 10 men after now SFA Head of Refereeing Willie Collum sent-off current captain Callum McGregor for a second bookable offence. It was incredibly soft, and did not merit a second yellow or even a foul. The Hoops’ sensational form was setting them up nicely for a visit to Ibrox in a week’s time to go 17 clear of their rivals with a game in hand.

24 December 2011

Celtic’s Georgios Samaras heads the ball by Kilmarnock’s Mohamadou Sissoko to score during the Scottish Premier League match at Celtic Park, Saturday December 24, 2011. Photo: Chris Clark/PA Wire.

Celtic 2-1 Kilmarnock. A remarkable day in the 2011/2012 title race. Rangers lost 2-1 to St Mirren in Paisley, where future Celtic midfielder Aaron Mooy scored for the Buddies that day, and Neil Lennon’s men secured a crucial three points at Paradise. The gap between Rangers at the top, and Celtic in second place had gone from 15 on 5 November, down to one by Christmas Eve. An incredible recovery from a Celtic team who looked down and out. Samaras grabbed a double in a fairly convincing win. Killie scored late on, but the Hoops were worthy winners. Up next? The Old Firm where Celtic had the chance to go clear of Rangers for the first time that season.

24 December 2022

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at on December 24, 2022 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic 4-1 St Johnstone. It was the last home match of the calendar year for Ange Postecoglou’s side whose victory over St Johnstone was their 11th straight league victory. The gap between Celtic and theRangers remained at nine points with the two sides due to meet each other at Ibrox on 2 January 2023. The Green Brigade produced a mini-display prior to this Christmas Eve affair which read, “Enough is Enough,” and “Solidarity with all Strikers.” Various RMT, PCS and Unite banners were on show which was given a standing ovation by majority of the support.

Both Celtic and St Johnstone wore their away strips to support the NoHomeKits initiative which raised awareness for those who do not have a safe or secure place to call home at Christmas time. On the game itself, David Turnbull was sent-off by Kevin Clancy for a kung-fu style kick on Saints goalkeeper Remi Matthews. The four different scorers for the Hoops two years ago today were; Aaron Mooy, Matt O’Riley, James Forrest and Callum McGregor.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties 

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

By popular demand, both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

Brendan Rodgers “Looking Forward” to Rare Celtic Park Boxing Day Match

Celtic will look to extend their impressive Boxing Day record as they welcome Motherwell to Paradise for a rare post-Christmas home fixture.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

It’s the first time in 14 years that the Hoops have hosted a match on December 26, with fans eager to see their side deliver more festive cheer. [The Celtic Wiki]

The last time Celtic lost a Boxing Day clash was back in 1992, a narrow 1-0 defeat to Dundee United. Since then, they’ve enjoyed consistent success in these festive fixtures, and Brendan Rodgers’ side will be determined to keep that streak alive.

Celtic head into the match nine points clear at the top of the table, sitting comfortably as the Premiership leaders at Christmas. The League Cup triumph earlier this month has already delivered some early silverware, but the team remains focused on finishing the year strongly.

Rodgers is urging his players to reward the 60,000 fans expected to pack Celtic Park with another dominant performance, saying: [Celtic FC]

“It’s always great to play in front of our own supporters.

“We love playing at home, we love being at home. The crowd give us great support, like they did at Dundee United.

“But it’s one that we’re looking forward to, one we want to take three points and we want to put on a performance that merits all the great support that we get.”

The clash marks the penultimate match of 2024, with Celtic aiming to end the year on a high. It’s also an opportunity for the Hoops to consolidate their lead at the top of the Premiership and carry momentum into the second half of the season.

For Motherwell, who have been inconsistent this season, the visit to Parkhead represents a formidable challenge. However, they’ll be motivated to spoil Celtic’s festive celebrations.

Celtic fans will be hoping for another memorable Boxing Day triumph to cap off what has already been a hugely successful festive period for the Hoops.

Callum McGregor in ‘Weird’ Tannadice Celtic Dressing Room Admission

Celtic captain Callum McGregor says there was a strange atmosphere in the Hoops’ dressing room after they dropped points at Tannadice on Sunday.

The Bhoys couldn’t break down a stubborn Dundee United side who, throughout the match, defended astutely. Jim Goodwin set up his team wisely, and the Bhoys couldn’t break the Arabs down.

Other than an Arne Engels toe-poke and Kyogo one-on-one that he should’ve scored, Brendan Rodgers’ men didn’t muster much. It was a lacklustre display in the city of discovery.

22nd December 2024; Tannadice Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee United versus Celtic; Celtic players applaud the fans

There is no room for panic, however. Celtic remain nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and have back-to-back home games later this week, from which they will aim to take six points.

Skipper McGregor, though, doesn’t like dropping points and lifted the lid on the ‘weird’ changing room atmosphere post-match at the weekend: “As soon as you drop points, it feels like you’ve lost,” he said (The Celtic Way).

“It’s a weird feeling, the place (dressing room) is quiet and it doesn’t have its usual feel. You try and limit the amount of times throughout the season that you feel like that.

“When it does happen then the players feel it amongst themselves and they do everything they can to put it right in the next game.”

McGregor and Co. will look to bounce back when Motherwell visit Parkhead on Boxing Day at 3pm. Securing three points against the Steelmen is essential.

St. Johnstone then travel down to Glasgow from Perth on Sunday before the hotly anticipated New Year trip to Ibrox comes into view.

The Scottish Premiership champions, though, will take things game by game amid a packed schedule between now and March.

Other Suitors Circle as Internacional Submit Final Alexandro Bernabei Offer…

Internacional have submitted a final offer for Alexandro Bernabei as they make a last-ditch attempt to keep the left back at the club.

Bernabei, 24, rejuvenated himself on loan at the Brazilian side, scoring three goals and assisting five in 23 league appearances as he was named in the Serie A Team of the Season.

7th February 2024; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Alexandro Bernabei of Celtic

Given his electric displays, it is no surprise that Internacional want to keep Bernabei at the club, although it appears they are struggling to do so.

According to The Herald, reports in Brazil state that they have submitted a final ‘take it or leave it’ loan offer for the Argentine because they cannot afford the £7m Celtic want.

Internacional have until the end of the month to sign the attack-minded defender, or else other suitors can swoop in. And that looks likely to happen.

Indeed, Sao Paulo giants Palmeiras are waiting until Internacional’s deadline passes to make their move, and for them, money won’t be an issue.

It looks like Celtic will recoup the £3.75m they paid for Bernabei two and a half years ago.

He failed to set the heather alight in Glasgow’s east end but has gone back to a familiar country, culture, and continent and, all of a sudden could make his parent club a tidy sum.

“We’re generally the last to know,” Callum McGregor on KT return

Kieran Tierney and Scotty Sinclair of Celtic celebrate their team’s third goal scored by Callum McGregor during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on April 29, 2017. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Celtic skipper Callum McGregor describes Kieran Tierney as ‘quality,’ with speculation over the Arsenal left-back’s return to Glasgow now in overdrive…

Kieran Tierney and Callum McGregor. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

As reported by MailOnline last week, Brendan Rodgers is eyeing a reunion with the 27 year-old Gunners defender in the January transfer window with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.

Speaking to Daily Record yesterday, Celtic captain Callum McGregor insisted that he has read about the rumours circulating around his old teammates return to Celtic, “I’ve not spoken to Kieran yet but I have seen all the stuff that’s been written. I don’t know too much about it – but we’re generally the last ones to know,” the Celtic captain said.

Calmac on KT – “He’s a quality player”

Kieran Tierney with the Scottish Premiership Trophy. Photo Geo: The Celtic Star

“When someone appears in the building, then we’ll go and meet them. He’s a quality player. I’ve been in war with him for a number of years now. He’s a good guy and we’ll see what happens.”

McGregor explained:  “In every window we do look to strengthen. The boys here have been fantastic, they have done ever so well. Naturally, being at a big club, there’s always competition for places. The club will always try and do the best deals that they can.”

“It just remains to be seen what happens but the guys who do come in, we’ll get them up to speed as quickly as possible. When you’re at a big club, the demands are so high. You always have to be at the maximum level and pushing yourself, the squad and everybody. It’s a great environment to work in and the players really enjoy it.

The squad will get stronger

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

“Like I said, come January we might have a few new faces in and that’ll push the group even further and the squad will get stronger. We’ll see what happens, but it’s always good to have new faces to push everyone as well.”

Over the weekend, the Scottish Champions and run-away league leaders dropped points for only the second time this season in the 0-0 draw with Dundee United at Tannadice. However, the 31 year-old experienced skipper reckons despite a gruelling fixture-list between now and February, the players will need to step up.

“A wee break would be nice for the players to freshen up as there’s so much football. But ultimately, I don’t know if it matters what noise that we make. We get paid to play football and the guys make the schedule and we just have to deal with it as best we can,” McGregor outlined.

Suffering from illness and injuries

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

Ravaged with illness and injuries, the Hoops midfielder heaped praise on stand-ins Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales who were Celtic’s finest performers in the City of Discovery on Sunday guiding Rodgers’ men to a 13th clean sheet from 16 games in the league thus far.

“You know you’ve got these guys that can come in and play at a level, even though they’ve not played so much football,” he said. “That is a testament to how strong the squad actually is. We just keep pushing and we keep fighting. It’s a difficult period with the games and everything else, but we’ll just keep going.”

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties 

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

By popular demand, both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…

Jack Hendry’s career at Celtic didn’t really ever get going.

Just under 30 appearances in three years saw the Hoops centre-half farmed out on multiple loans before he eventually left for Oostende in 2021.

The 29-year-old would go on to prove himself in Belgium and earn what was a surprise move to Club Brugge where he enjoyed success and won two trophies.

English clubs would then circle Hendry but it was a shock move he made when he left Brugge for Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq and the mega-riches of that league.

And in an even stranger turn of events it was former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard who signed Hendry for the club.

Hendry namechecked Celtic when he joined Ettifaq and the defender revealed facing Cristiano Ronaldo and other top stars moving to Saudi was a key selling point.

But in recent times it has been difficult for the centre-back who has been posted missing from the club’s registered squad.

Jack Hendry has been named back in Al-Ettifaq’s roster

Rules in that division mean that there is a limit on the number of foreign players can be registered.

And this term Hendry had not been picked by Gerrard to be among that list.

That meant he had to make do with playing only in the Asian Champions League in a situation not too dissimilar to Jota at Al-Ittihad following his £25million switch from Parkhead.

Now, though, things may well be looking up for the Scotland cap who recently praised Anthony Ralston for what he did on international duty.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard signed Hendry

Manager Gerrard has seemingly had a change of heart on Hendry and his situation.

And he has now named him in his roster of players with some big fixtures to come in the New Year.

Hendry has been brought back into the fold ahead of midfielder Vitinho of Brazil and that should stand him in good stead for coming Scotland fixtures.

Moussa Dembele, also a former Hoops star, plays alongside Hendry at Ettifaq.

Unbelievable: Scots guide dog who led players at Celtic Park while training is moving up

The Golden Labrador, who walked out with Luke McCowan in Celtic Park, will now be handed over for his final training, before he’s assigned to a blind person.

A Scots guide dog, who took Celtic Park in his stride, has bid farewell to the couple who trained him.

Striding out of the tunnel to 60,000 Hoops fans ahead of the Celtic vs Dundee match was a walk in the park for guide dog puppy in training Phelps. The walk was the culmination of over a year of training and in a couple of weeks the one-year-old golden Labrador will move on to his last bit of training before hopefully becoming a guide dog, reports Glasgow Live.

His first-time puppy raiser, Celtic fan Gerard McLaughlin, alongside his partner, were inspired to take in a pup because they have friends with vision difficulties. Puppy raisers provide a safe home for potential guide dog puppies, teaching them basic commands and getting them used to the kind of situations a guide dog is likely to work in.

Gerard is semi-retired and decided it was the right time to raise a pup. He said: “Having friends that have vision problems, I know how life changing a guide dog can be for a blind person so I signed up.

Gerard McLaughlin with guide dog puppy in training Phelps at Celtic Park (Image: Glasgow Live)

“We got Phelps when he was three months old and he had some training already. His first puppy raising home fell through and he ended up with us. It’s our first pup, so we have been learning along beside him, but the training and support from Guide Dogs Scotland has been incredible. It’s been one of the best things we have ever done.”

Puppy raisers go to regular training sessions and also take their dog out to places like train stations, shopping centres and even football matches to get them used to all types of situations. They also follow an online training guide to make sure their pup’s training is progressing as it should. The puppy raiser will keep the pup until they are just over one year old before they move on to the last part of intensive guide dog training.

A highlight of raising Phelps was taking him to Celtic Park last month to lead the players on to the pitch to celebrate Celtic FC’s fundraising efforts for Guide Dogs Scotland. Phelps confidently walked out to tens of thousands of football fans and posed for photos.

Gerard, whose dad Patrick McLaughlin played for Celtic from 1955-57, said: “That was an amazing experience for me. My dad was a player for Celtic and the family have supported the team for years. Seeing Phelps walk out the tunnel on to Celtic Park with Luke McCowan was just incredible, he was so well behaved and I was so proud of him.”

The McLaughlin family only have a few weeks left with Phelps before he goes on to the last part of his training and can hopefully graduate to be a fully-fledged guide dog and help one of two million people living in the UK with visual impairment. The thought of Phelps moving on is bittersweet for Gerard.

Luke McCowan with Phelps (Image: Celtic FC)

He said: “Of course I am going to miss him terribly, he is a real part of the family and brought us nothing but joy. But we knew what we were signing up for and are so proud of how far he has come. He will hopefully pass the last part of the training and be a guide dog for someone that needs him. He will not only be someone’s best pal, he will be their life line and allow them so much freedom.

“We would love to raise another puppy and if anyone is considering volunteering, I would absolutely urge them to sign up.”

You can register your interest in raising a guide dog puppy by visiting www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call Guide Dogs on 0800 781 1444.

Celtic set for £10m plus offer as key star targeted for MLS move…

Celtic Park (Image: SNS Group Craig Williamson)

Atlanta United are setting their sights on a bold move to bring Celtic’s star striker Kyogo Furuhashi to Major League Soccer, according to a report.

The Daily Mail say the American club was prepared to fork out around £10 million to secure the services of the Japanese forward in the summer, but initial contact has yielded little encouragement.

With two designated player slots still open as they gear up for the new season kicking off in February, the ambitious MLS outfit is on the hunt for a marquee centre-forward to bolster their squad.

Recent reports from Portugal have suggested that negotiations with Benfica over Brazilian striker Arthur Cabral have come to a standstill due to a disagreement over the transfer fee. However, it’s suggested that Furuhashi remains very much on Atlanta’s radar as they look to build a competitive team.

The recent appointment of former Celtic manager Ronny Deila as head coach is a clear indication of the club’s intent to raise their profile and performance in the league. Following the hiring of Chris Henderson, a former executive at Inter Miami, as chief soccer officer, CEO Garth Lagerwey has stated his commitment to significant changes ahead.

“We promised that we were going to remake the club,” Lagerwey declared. “This is the first big one, and there’ll be more to come to make this better in 2025.”

Willing to pay a sum in the region of £10million to land the Japanese talisman in the summer window, the MLS club were offered no encouragement.

However, with two designated player slots vacant ahead of the new season in February, the ambitious outfit are in the market for a marquee centre-forward.

Reports in Portugal state that talks with Benfica about a move for Brazilian Arthur Cabral have hit a stumbling block over the price. And Mail Sport understands Furuhashi remains on a list of targets.

Former Parkhead boss Ronny Deila was confirmed as the club’s new head coach last week. After landing former Inter Miami executive Chris Henderson as their new chief soccer officer, CEO Garth Lagerwey promised more big moves in the new year.

‘We promised that we were going to remake the club,’ he said. ‘This is the first big one and there’ll be more to come to make this better in 2025.’

MLS side Atlanta are interested in Celtic’s Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo has struggled this season, with only six league goals to his name so far

Good News: Kyogo attracts transfer interest, MLS club want marquee signing

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi with the Scottish League Cup trophy (Image: PA)

Atlanta United are reportedly preparing a renewed effort to secure the services of Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

After being met with resistance during previous negotiations, the MLS club appears determined to reignite their pursuit of the prolific Japanese forward ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

That’s according to The Daily Mail , who state the North American side – now managed by ex-Celtic manager Ronny Deila – are in the market for a “marquee striker.”

Furuhashi is said to be high up on that list.

Since his arrival from Vissel Kobe in 2021, the 29-year-old has scored  81 goals from 156 competitive appearances.

Fifth choice Celtic ace in blunt ‘we weren’t interested’ transfer line

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 01: (L-R) Nicolas Kuhn, Maik Nawrocki and Hyunjun Yang during a Celtic training session at the Lennoxtown Training Centre, on November 01, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) (Image: Craig Foy – SNS Group)

Forgotten Celtic outcast Maik Nawrocki‘s chances of a return to Poland have been brutally ruled out by Slask Wrocław’s sports director.

The Polish stopper has played just five minutes all season – and that was in a Premier Sports Cup tie against Falkirk at home back in September.

Celtic splashed out £4.3 million in July last year to sign Nawrocki from Legia Warsaw and was described as ‘very highly-rated’ by manager Brendan Rodgers.

However, he managed just seven league starts last term and has been ignored all season.

He was linked last week with a return to his homeland with Slask Wroclaw either on loan or as a permanent deal by reports in Poland.

But that was emphatically ruled out by the club’s sports director, Rafał Grodzicki.

He said: “I can assure you that we weren’t even interested in this player.

“We have many central defenders in the club and our priority for strengthening are in other positions.”

The 23-year-old, who was once on Werder Bremen’s books too, still has three-and-a-half years left of his deal at Parkhead and seems certain to leave in January when the transfer window reopens.

Scottish January transfer window is extended as one Premiership club makes early signing with starlet.

Full details for 2025 winter window in Scotland

Football clubs in Scotland will have until February 3 to bring in players this winter, with the transfer window staying later than is normal.

Teams all across the Scottish Professional Football League will be looking to improve their squads for the second half of the season, while some will be aiming to offload players who are no longer in the first-team picture.

The 2025 winter transfer window will open on the usual date of January 1 – a week on Wednesday – but this year clubs will have slightly longer to do their business, with the deadline for deals set for 11pm on Monday, February 3.

Nicolas Kuhn was the big winter transfer in 2024, signing for Celtic from Rapid Vienna. | SNS Group

This mirrors arrangements across the rest of the United Kingdom and other major leagues such as Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1.

January 31 falls on Friday next year, ahead of a busy weekend of domestic football, and there are currently no Scottish football fixtures slated for February 3. By comparison, the 2024 winter transfer window closed on Thursday, February 1.

As per usual regulations, clubs will be able to push transfers back a further hour as long as they submit certain pieces of paperwork and a deal sheet before the 11pm deadline on February 3.

Rangers brought in Mohamed Diomande last January. | SNS Group

Celtic were the big movers in this year’s winter window, signing German forward Nicolas Kuhn for nearly £3 million from Rapid Vienna and Irish striker Adam Idah on loan from Norwich City. Rangers were also active, landing Oscar Cortes and Mohamed Diomande on loan from Lens and FC Nordsjaelland respectively, while Hibs brought in a host of players such as Luke Amos, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Elizear Mayenda, Emiliano Marcondes and Myziane Maolida.

One Premiership club has already done business ahead of the January window, with Mexican Under-20s midfielder Cesar Garza arriving at the start of next year on loan from the Dees’ partner club CF Monterrey.

Celtic and the ‘understrength’ red herring as Dundee United use Rangers blueprint in 50mph winds

Celtic drop points but sizeable gap to Rangers remains

It took five enforced absences and 50mph winds to blow Celtic off course as the defending champions dropped points for only the second time this season at Tannadice.

Not to mention a determined and resolute defensive display from Dundee United who became the first side to prevent Celtic from scoring domestically since a 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle back in March.

Few could have predicted Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic starting line-up as defender Stephen Welsh was handed only his second appearance of the season in a makeshift defence while winger Hyun-Jun Yang was also given a rare run-out.

Stephen Welsh, making his second appearance of the season for Celtic, is tackled by Dundee United’s Miller Thomson. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Five changes in total were made from the cup final win over Rangers – four of them enforced with Cameron-Carter Vickers, Auston Trusty, Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn all unavailable due to illness and injury. James Forrest was the fifth to miss out but to put this impressive result for United down to an ‘understrength’ Celtic side would be to ignore the £30million worth of talent on the visitors’ bench – most of whom were on the pitch by the time the match finished. That arguement doesn’t wash and to be fair to Brendan Rodgers, he never used it as an excuse.

However, the absence of Kuhn and his 23 goal contributions in 23 matches was particularly felt – none more so than midway through the first half when Yang wasted the type of chance the German normally makes count by failing to either score himself or pick out a team-mate when wasting a clear opening in the box. He was not alone in his wastefulness. Too often Celtic were guilty of getting into good areas and failing to make the most of it.

Celtic substitute Adam Idah drags a shot wide during the 0-0 draw at Dundee United. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

But while Celtic were not at their best – with Kyogo Furuhashi seemingly forgetting how to finish – much of the credit has to go to the home side. United manager Jim Goodwin adopted the same blueprint that earned a 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox last month by switching from his usual back three to a four to good effect. Selecting a youthful midfield with an average age of 22 including academy graduates Miller Thomson and Kai Fotheringham was also a bold call which paid dividends with their energy helping to keep Celtic at bay.

The blustery conditions undoubtedly made it tougher for Celtic but they did not help United either. Celtic don’t need a gale-force wind at their back to keep teams hemmed in but it certainly didn’t help United’s attempts to get out of their own half in the opening 45, while Celtic had to battle against it after the break with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel called into action to make relatively comfortable saves from Thomson and Glenn Middleton efforts.

Jack Walton at the other end was surprisingly quiet. Luke McCowan was off target with a couple of decent first-half attempts from distance but it was only in the closing stages of the second half – once Adam Idah, Luis Palma, Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels had entered the fray – that the United goal started to come under serious threat.

Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi is closed down by Dundee United’s Jack Walton. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

For all United’s hard work, it felt inevitable that Celtic’s pressure would eventually lead to a gilt-edged chance and it finally arrived on 79 minutes. Everyone expected the net to bulge when Idah’s flick sent Kyogo racing through on goal but the Japanese striker’s usual deadly touch deserted him as he inexplicably failed to get a shot away allowing Walton to dive at his feet and smother.

United fans greeted the full-time whistle with the kind of roar normally reserved for victory. A point against this Celtic side is as good as one. The sea of Santa hat-wearing Celtic fans in the Shed applauded their team off.

Such is Celtic’s lead at the top of the table that the loss of two points from a difficult away fixture can be easily brushed off. Nonetheless, Rangers will take the narrowing of the gap from 11 points to nine as a glimmer of encouragement in a season where Celtic have offered them little.

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

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

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

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

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

Draw was a fair result

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

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

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

Nine points clear at the top of the table

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

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

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

The Premier Sports Cup. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic defence played well at Tannadice 

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

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

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

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

Yang failed to take his chance to impress

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

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

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

Sandman Definitive Ratings 

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

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

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

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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

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

Rangers Women boss Jo Potter (Image: SNS Group)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

View Tweet

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

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

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

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

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

Aberdeen 48mph
Rangers 44mph
Ross County 52mph

Dundee Utd 47mph
Hearts 44mph

Airdrie 47mph
Falkirk 46mph
Morton 47mph…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic urged to sign long-term striker target

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rangers eye 15-time international striker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic’s January transfer news

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

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

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

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

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

Where Michel-Ange Balikwisha would fit in at Celtic

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

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

Michel-Ange Balikwisha vs Jota comparison

Statistic

Jota (21/22-22/23)

Balikwisha (22/23-24/25)

Appearances

72

57

Minutes

5,163

4,150

Goals

25

12

Goals per 90

0.44

0.26

Assists

22

6

Assists per 90

0.38

0.13

Progressive carries

38

173

Shots

186

67

Shot on target %

41.4%

44.8%

Touches

467

2,290

Attempted take-ons

42

117

Successful take-ons

22

35

All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic transfer news

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

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

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

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

Celtic receive bid for “excellent” player

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Liverpool star could ‘push’ Celtic move

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

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

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

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

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

Rangers ace could leave for £3.5m

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tottenham could look at Reo Hatate

Hughes spoke about Hatate and a potential move to Spurs.

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

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

Reo Hatate record under Ange Postecoglou

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

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

Reo Hatate stats under Ange PostecoglouGames40Wins36Draws3Losses1Goals9Assists10

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But what areas of the squad should Rodgers improve?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the chances of Kieran Tierney returning to Arsenal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McGregor hails Celtic ‘personality’ against Rangers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marco Tilio suffers minor Melbourne City injury setback

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

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

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

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

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

What Marco Tilio has said about his Celtic future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goodwin: Another spell out is last thing Moult needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s Football

By Lewis Laird in Enschede

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

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

CELTIC…0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subs: Logan, Daugherty, Richardson, Cavanagh, Bruna

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Billy Dodds lauds Cameron Carter-Vickers’ interception against Rangers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#119

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) December 16, 2024

SFA give in to Ibrox Club pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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