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Celtic star Oh seethes over claim about table tennis rammy as South Korea star wades into national storm

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12 months ago

February 16, 2024

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Celtic star Oh seethes over claim about table tennis rammy as South Korea star wades into national storm

He responded to a post in one of his South Korean media accounts which riffed on the major ruckus,

By Graeme Young Deputy

South Korea’s head coach Jurgen Klinsmann encourages South Korea’s Son Heung-min and Oh Hyeon-gyu

Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu has denied he was part of a bizarre table tennis scandal during their disastrous Asian Cup campaign that has rocked South Korean football

Spurs striker and South Korea captain, Son Heung-min, injured his finger in an altercation with teammates on the eve of his country’s exit from the Asian Cup. The players quarrelled during a team dinner before their 2-0 semi-final defeat by Jordan last week, which extended their 64-year wait for another Asian Cup title after Son demanded they didn’t play table tennis and concentrate on tactics instead.

PSG star Lee Kang-in reportedly tussled with Son causing former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s star man to injure his finger in the scuffle. It’s caused outrage in South Korea, with the country’s football fans already reeling from the poor showing in a tournament that manager Jurgen Klinsmann- who was sacked yesterday – promised they would win. Now Hoops star Oh has been dragged into the row.

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He responded to a post in one of his South Korean media accounts after he was asked ‘did you have fun playing table tennis?’ That provoked an unhappy Oh to hit out in reply. He said: “It’s a really low act to come at me and make accusations without knowing anything about what happened.”

Big call’… Jim Duffy says Brendan Rodgers has done something at Celtic he has never seen before

Patrick Sinat
The Celtic fans have been left feeling frustrated at the lack of attacking intent by their team this season.

Brendan Rodgers has brought in a style of play that is alien to what we have been used to watching not only over the past two seasons under Ange Postecoglou but overall.

Celtic fans have been brought up watching football played ‘the Glasgow Celtic way’. Fast, furious and putting teams under the cosh.

We say it under Tommy Burns, Martin O’Neil, Neil Lennon and even Ronny Deila. But under Rodgers this season, the football has not been what we are accustomed to.

However, there was a slight change on Sunday after the Celtic manager made a few tweaks to the system and it was those tweaks that impressed former Morton manager, Jim Duffy.

Adam Idah Celtic tweak hailed by Jim Duffy
The 64-year-old was speaking about Celtic’s win over St Mirren when he said he found it interesting that Rodgers made such a big call when he’s never done that at any point this season.

Duffy said [Superscoreboard], “Celtic are not firing on all cylinders, but the bottom line is without firing on all cylinders and Rangers playing as well as they have done, you expect Celtic to improve.

“The interesting thing for me is for the first time I’ve noticed that Brendan Rodgers just tweaked it. I know he’s put Kyogo on a couple of times in that number ten position.

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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
“But bringing Idah in, he started against St Mirren, I thought that was a big call. It will be interesting to see if he sticks with that kind of format because he’s always been a 4-3-3 guy.

“But then in the last couple of games he’s finished with a 4-2-3-1 and got the result against Hibs. He started with a 4-2-3-1 and got a win against St Mirren.

“So I’m just interested to see whether he will tweak his preferred style.”

What will pique the Celtic supporter’s interest is whether or not Rodgers will stick to how he started against St Mirren when Kilmarnock come visiting.

Derek McInnes‘ side has proven a tough nut to crack and Rodgers could well deploy Idah in the target man role once more to break the Ayrshire side down.

And what will happen when Reo Hatate returns to full fitness? Will Rodgers revert to type? All questions that will be answered as the season goes on.

But for now, the Celtic fans will be hoping that their team pick up where they left off and collect all three points on Saturday.

In other news, Chris Sutton says there’s one thing which Brendan Rodgers simply cannot do at Celtic now

Celtic open new contract ‘talks’ with two stars as Brendan Rodgers looks to make Parkhead futures clear

Celtic are claimed to be in contract talks with two of their players.

By Ben Banks
Liam Scales is set to be offered a new deal at Celtic, according to reports.

The Irishman looked to be on his way out of Parkhead in the summer after a loan at Aberdeen. He has instead battled into the starting XI and is now a consistent member of Brendan Rodgers’ defence.

It’s reported by the Daily Record that Celtic have gone to the table and started their bid to extend the contract of Scales, who’s deal runs out in 2025 as things stand. Celtic are also looking to tie down promising youngster Rocco Vata and have offered him a new four-year deal amid Italian interest.

Rodgers said of Scales in January: “I believe the club is in talks with Liam’s agent and he’s really happy because he’s playing. I’m sure that will get sorted out in due course. It’s been an amazing story for him.

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“Getting our business done early is something that’s important for us but it’s never straightforward in January trying to get good players in. Sometimes you can be working on something for three or four months then it changes.

“We know what we want to do over the course of January and the summer and I’m sure we’ll get them in quickly.”

And he also said on Scales in October to BBC Sportsound: “Well he’s outstanding. I’m so happy for him. He’s probably one of the biggest surprises of my career as a coach.

“It’s only because I hadn’t seen him play that much and there were other players ahead of him. Through people leaving and others getting injured, I’ve seen enough in training to give him the opportunity.

Arsenal player drops transfer confession over Gunners future as he makes Celtic comparison

The Arsenal left-back is currently out on loan in Spain and sees some Celtic similarities.

By Ben Banks

Kieran Tierney admits Real Sociedad reminds him of Celtic as he weighed in on what comes next for him at Arsenal.

The left-back has been troubled by injury this season, but could get a shot at facing PSG in the Champions League last 16 if he recovers in time from a muscle injury. Arsenal signed him from Celtic in 2019 and he was initially a favourite under Mikel Arteta.

Injury contributed to him falling out of the picture and eventually he was loaned out to Real Sociedad. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Tierney isn’t too sure what will come next after his season-long loan transfer ends, but admits his move to Spain has been less difficult to deal with than leaving Glasgow for London.

He said: “Coming here was easier than going to London, and that’s not having a dig at Arsenal because they helped me massively. Without the people at the club it would have been 10 times harder to adapt, but I was four years younger and moving from Scotland, it didn’t matter where I went, that was going to be the hardest part.

“It’s an amazing thing to go to play for Arsenal but you still have your hurdles to overcome. Then a couple of months later Covid hits and you don’t get to see anyone for months. The people at Arsenal were all amazing.

“At Real Sociedad the demands are similar to at Celtic, with coach Imanol Alguacil preferring his full backs to stay wide. It’s not the only thing that reminds Tierney of playing in Glasgow.

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“These boys here are like me playing for Celtic. Growing up, the club is all you know and all you want. When I was there in the first team there were maybe four or five from the academy but here it’s more like 13, it’s on the next level.

“You can tell they have been playing with each other for years. It’s second nature, they don’t need to think about what decision they take. I am still learning every single day but I think I am adapting to how they want to play and it’s more natural to me now.

“I loved my time there (Arsenal) and I still have two years on the contract. I am very grateful to Arsenal. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I am absolutely loving it here.

“I feel I have adapted quite well and I hope I can return the faith the club have shown. This is a very, very talented squad with world-class players and so many have come from the academy. It’s an amazing story.”

Yet to see it’: Mark Wilson says new Celtic star has been ‘way off it’ since joining the Bhoys

‘Yet to see it’: Mark Wilson says new Celtic star has been ‘way off it’ since joining the Bhoys

Sean Markus Clifford
Celtic fans will be relieved that discussion surrounding the winter transfer window has finally started to die down at Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers managed to add Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah to his ranks over the course of the month, and both have already made an impact in green and white.

In the case of former Germany Under-20 international Kuhn, he came off the bench to rescue a point away to Aberdeen the week before last after combining with his fellow winter arrival in the build-up.

On the flip side, 23-year-old striker Idah announced himself last Wednesday, scoring twice from the spot in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Last Sunday, Rodgers opted to field the Republic of Ireland international alongside Kyogo Furuhashi in attack in his side’s eventual 2-0 win over St Mirren in the Scottish Cup.

Paying dividends, the Norwich loanee was able to pin the Buddies’ defence, affording his counterpart the space to stroke home an impressive opener from the edge of the area.

Evaluating the situation, Celtic didn’t add many alternative options to their squad in January; nevertheless, both players have allowed their manager to freshen things up in the forward areas.

Mark Wilson is yet to see Nicolas Kuhn’s best form at Celtic
Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson is still to be convinced by Kuhn’s ability to be a match-winner at Parkhead despite being highly recommended upon his arrival in Glasgow.

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The 39-year-old recently shared his thoughts on the 24-year-old via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, stating: “Listen, I really don’t know what Kuhn is going to be. We’ve been hearing reports that he’s electric and he can run by people.

Celtic FC v Ross County FC – Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
“I’ve yet to see it. I have seen a wee glimpse at Pittodrie, but at Easter Road the other night, he looked way off it.”

Kuhn appeared as a substitute at the SMiSA Stadium last weekend and featured for 15 minutes in place of Japan international Maeda [BBC Sport].

Nicolas Kuhn needs time to settle in at Celtic
Time is of the essence for Celtic in their hunt to complete a domestic double; however, it would be a tad unfair to judge Kuhn off just four appearances [Transfermarkt].

Undoubtedly, the demand for the 24-year-old to excel has been amplified by Liel Abada’s complex situation at Parkhead.

Rodgers revealed he missed out against St Mirren due to not being in the ‘right frame of mind’ to take part [Football Scotland].

Kuhn has shown flickering signs of talent since joining last month and will get more chances to show his worth in the coming weeks.

Update News: Josip Juranovic sparks Celtic fan frenzy as Joe Hart wink gets punters leading to previous deliberation…

Juranovic still loves Celtic and it seems the feeling is mutual as far as Parkhead punters are concerned.

By Robbie Copeland
Josip Juranovic takes in Celtic vs Morton in 2023

Josip Juranovic got Celtic fans in a tizz with a nod and a wink to Joe Hart – and has been flooded by comments begging him ‘please come home.’

The right-back left Parkhead for Union Berlin a little over a year ago but it seems he’s been a close eye on comings and goings at his old club. He was allowed to leave in a £7.5m deal after Alistair Johnston had been signed as his replacement for a fraction of that fee, and he’s played 34 times since joining the Bundesliga side.

When Celtic posted a picture of Hart at full stretch against St Mirren, though, Juranovic showed he still has his finger on the Celtic pulse, commenting: “My goalkeeper!!!’

It didn’t avoid the attention of punters for long as the replies were soon full of Celtic fans trying to catch his eye. One wrote: ‘Wanty come back mate?’

while others chimed in with similar sentiments, ranging from the sincere ‘please come home x’ to the more bluntly demanding ‘up the road pal.’

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Juranovic played 53 times in total for Celtic and has established himself as a key figure for Union. But he’s struggled with injuries this season as his side have fallen away from surprise Champions League qualifiers last season to battling relegation this term.

Update; Brilliant Unseen Joe Hart Moment After Celtic Scottish Cup Win

By M.Ross

Joe Hart delivered a standout performance for Celtic on Sunday afternoon, playing a pivotal role in steering the Hoops through to the next round of the Scottish Cup.

In a tightly contested match against St Mirren, Celtic held a slender 1-0 lead when Alex Gogic of St Mirren unleashed a spectacular overhead kick, threatening to level the scores.

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The strike was executed with such precision that it seemed destined for the back of the net, until Hart, with his keen sense of anticipation, dived spectacularly to thwart the effort.

This moment of brilliance not only kept Celtic in the lead but also set the stage for the team to double their advantage in the second half, cementing their place in the next stage of the competition.

The aftermath of the save saw Hart engaging in a moment of sportsmanship with Gogic, acknowledging the St Mirren player’s audacious attempt with a gesture of respect.

This act of camaraderie, captured away from the limelight of the main action, highlighted Hart’s esteemed status among his peers and his ability to foster goodwill even in the heat of competition.

⛔ BRILLIANT FROM JOE HART! ⛔#STMCEL | #SCOTTISHCUP | #COYBIG🍀 PIC.TWITTER.COM/YVHYGXORYH

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 11, 2024
Hart’s heroics have not only helped Celtic progress in the Scottish Cup but also reinforced his reputation as a player of exceptional character.

With Celtic now set to host Livingston in the forthcoming round, Hart’s influence within the team continues to be a big factor in the overall narrative of the season.

Celtic Open bid, ‘Club want to sign’ Celtic star in next 48 hours – Manager wants offer made, club thinking about €15m bid

By Lucas Sposito
Galatasaray ‘will try to sign’ Matt O’Riley from Celtic and frustrate Brendan Rodgers, according to the latest reports.

Haber Meydan today writes that the Turkish side came up with this ‘surprise name’ to be landed in the next couple of days.

It’s said manager Okan Buruk and his scout team ‘want very much’ to get O’Riley signed, whether it be now or at the end of the season, and feel ‘an offer should be made’.

Since there are less than 48 hours until the Turkish transfer window closes, Galatasaray are now speaking to Celtic about the conditions for a deal.
The story claims that the Istanbul side are considering offering around €15m for the player, who’s labelled as a ‘star’ at Celtic Park, knowing they will have to spend a ‘high price’ to get him.

With little time to negotiate the conditions, it seems Celtic either accept this offer now, or they’ll receive another approach from Galatasaray at the end of the season.

O’Riley has been an important piece for the Hoops, with ten goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances this season, so it’d be natural for them to be tough in the talks, especially because they can’t sign a replacement right now.

Nasty’… Brendan Rodgers delivers double injury update after Celtic beat Hibs

Patrick Sinat
Celtic’s win over Hibs last night ends Brendan Rodgers’ winless run over the Edinburgh club at Easter Road.

But more importantly, it extends Celtic’s lead at the top of the table to three points which puts pressure on Rangers to win their game in hand over Ross County next Wednesday.

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An early Adam Idah penalty put the Hoops 1-0 up in the first five minutes but Hibs fought back in the second-half to equalise through a Dylan Levitt 60th-minute piledriver.

However, Idah stepped up once again in the final minute to dispatch his second penalty of the game to seal all three points for the Parkhead side.

Whilst the win was welcomed, it came at a cost. Alistair Johnston was stretchered off after a clash of heads and Stephen Welsh was subbed in the second half and was spotted hobbling off.

Rodgers was asked about both players post-match as the Celtic manager laments the possibility of losing another two defenders to injury.

On Alistair Johnston Rodgers said [Sky Sports], “Yeah, it was a nasty one for him. I think he’s gone to the hospital. So I’ll find out a wee bit more later.”

And when asked about Stephen Welsh, the Celtic manager continued, “He felt tight on his hamstring. So we’ll have to see that with the medical team tomorrow.”

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Celtic can ill-afford to have any more players on the treatment table. Rodgers has had a horrific run of luck with injuries this season and could face the prospect of having another two defenders out for the visit of St Mirren.

With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor both out with mid-term injuries, Rodgers faces the prospect of playing an in-form St Mirren side with a patchwork back four.

However, the most important thing was that Celtic pick another three vital points in the race for the Scottish Premiership.

In other news, ‘I’ve got to say’… Chris Sutton’s instant reaction after Celtic leave it late at Hibs

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Brendan Rodgers has shared an encouraging update on Greg Taylor, revealing the defender has resumed training after a groin strain. Taylor picked up the injury in a Scottish Cup win over Buckie Thistle and has been sidelined for matches against Ross County and Aberdeen.

Although he won’t make it for the midweek clash at Easter Road, there’s optimism he might return for the weekend game against St Mirren.

Daizen Maeda Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 30, 2023 Celtic’s Daizen Maeda Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Rodgers was upbeat about the squad’s condition, particularly highlighting Daizen Maeda’s comeback as a positive development. “How’s the squad?” . “Yeah, all good. Good couple of days training. Injury wise, nobody back from injury but in terms of Daizen Maeda he’s back which is great news, he’s fit and healthy.” Rodgers told Celtic TV.

“We’ll see how [Greg] is for the weekend, he’s out on the pitch and moving really well, working well. It’ll just be getting the sign-off from the medical team. We’ll see, if it’s not the weekend he’ll be ready for the next game.”

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 30, 2023 Celtic’s Greg Taylor reacts REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
The urgency for Taylor’s return is amplified by Celtic’s recent struggles to fill the left-back position effectively. The January transfer window closed without the team securing a new left back, putting the spotlight on Alexandro Bernabei’s performances, which have been less than convincing.

His outing against Aberdeen was notably poor, leading to his substitution for right back Anthony Ralston.

It will be interesting to see who Brendan goes with on Wednesday evening.

Celtic could solve their left-back issue by signing 25-year-old player Ronny Deila called ‘incredible’

Patrick Sinat
Celtic fans have been told for months by Brendan Rodgers that he aims to add quality to the squad.

With the January window well and truly closed and only two players brought in, Celtic are still short of that quality in one key position in the squad.

Well, we could call it four positions but let’s stick with the left-back position for now.

Greg Taylor‘s recent injury has just highlighted how woefully unequipped Celtic are in the left-back position but is there a player in the MLS that Rodgers could have turned to who wouldn’t have cost the earth?

Malte Amundsen could do a job for Celtic
Amundsen is a Danish left-back who currently plays for Columbus Crew in the MLS. Now before you all go crazy and say, ‘Who???’, hear me out.

Amundsen is a 25-year-old left-back who has won domestic honours in Norway and the USA. With a Norwegian Cup and Super Cup to his name, Amundsen has also won two MLS Cups and the Campeones Cup. [Transfermarkt]

Signed by Ronny Deila when the former Celtic boss was in charge of New York City, Deila described Amundsen as having an attacking fullback with an ‘incredible work rate’, good on 1v1 situations and enjoys a tackle or two. [New York City FC]

At Columbus, Amundsen tore up the MLS. In 33 appearances he scored five goals and created two assists as Columbus finished third in the table and won the MLS Eastern Conference Play-Off final 2-1 against Los Angeles FC.

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Los Angeles Football Club v Columbus Crew – 2023 MLS Cup
Photo by Zach Sanderson/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Averaging a 7.55 for the season, Amundsen has been extremely consistent for the MLS side. With an 87.6% passing accuracy and 53.3% long ball accuracy, he clearly has a keen eye for a pass.

Winning 67.3% of his duels and making an average of 1.57 tackles per game, the 25-year-old also averages just under seven ball recoveries per 90 minutes. [Fotmob]

Amundsen is also out of contract in December so wouldn’t cost the earth and before anyone ridicules the MLS don’t forget where our very own Alistair Johnston hailed from.

In other news, ‘Wrong’… Andy Halliday said Brendan Rodgers made a huge mistake during Celtic’s draw with Aberdeen

BELGIUM INTERNATIONAL EXPLAINS WHY HE REJECTED CHANCE TO JOIN CELTIC FOR £3M

Dan Owen
Belgium international Brandon Mechele could have replaced Virgil van Dijk at Celtic but felt he ‘wasn’t ready’ to join the Scottish Premiership champions.

When Virgil Van Dijk completed his protracted £12 million move to Southampton in the summer of 2015, a Celtic side when under the stewardship of Ronny Deila shifted their focus to Belgium’s Jupiler League in pursuit of a replacement.

But Brandon Mechele, despite having two seasons of consistent first-team football under his belt, opted to stay put at Club Brugge, telling De Krant van West-Vlaanderen that Celtic’s interest simply came about at the wrong time.

Celtic v FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League
Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Celtic wanted Brandon Mechele to replace Van Dijko

“That Celtic and Hamburg ever showed interest? I don’t doubt that,” explains Mechele, who ironically now plays his football under Deila at Club Brugge. “(But) I wasn’t ready for that at the time. A few years later, there were more doubts when Bologna showed up.

“But in the meantime, I have said more than once that I would prefer to stay at Club for the rest of my career.”

Now 31 and having spent the entirety of his professional life in blue-and-black stripes, Mechele looks well placed to achieve that particular ambition. The three-time Belgium international is closing in on his 400th appearance in Club Brugge colours.

A sixth Jupiler League title appears to be off the cards for the time being, however, with Union Saint-Gilloise cruising ten points clear at the top of the domestic table.

Hoops drop points at Aberdeen despite Nicolas Kuhn impact
According to reports, Celtic were ready to pay £3 million to bring Mechele to Glasgow. That is an identical fee to the one The Hoops invested in Nicolas Kuhn last month, the former Rapid Vienna winger making a flying start to his Celtic career when cancelling out Bojan Miovski’s opener during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aberdeen.

Kuhn, once of Bayern Munich, Ajax and RB Leipzig, was joined at Celtic by the Norwich City loanee Adam Idah on deadline day.

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Celtic’s Last Ditch Striker Enquiry on Deadline Day

By Josh McCafferty -February 6, 2024
Celtic were in the market for a striker in the January transfer window. In the end, the services of Adam Idah were acquired on loan from Norwich, although there were many other names mentioned as potential options.

One couldn’t get away from the chatter of Bojan Miovski and Lawrence Shankland, but a player who has been consistently linked with the Hoops since last summer is Mathias Kvistgaarden.

Brendan Rodgers Celtic
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Fourth Round – Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 21, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Talk of a move for the Danish frontman cooled last month, but The Bhoys are said to have made a late approach for him. Per Football Scotland, Celtic contacted Brondby at the end of January but was warned that the club were unwilling to do business in the winter market.

From this, one can put two and two together and assume that the Hoops return for the 21-year-old in the summer when the Danish season comes to a close.

Given the fact Adam Idah is due to return to Carrow Road at this time, a permanent move for Kvistgaarden in a few months would make sense. That is if Idah has not excelled by then, though, and there are calls to sign him permanently, which is well within the realms of possibility.

What Neil Warnock said about Celtic after taking manager’s job at Aberdeen

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt

What Neil Warnock said about Celtic after taking manager’s job at Aberdeen
Tue 6 February 2024 08:45
Amir Mir
Celtic and Rangers usually take the main headlines in Scottish football, but they may have to share that with Neil Warnock now.

The legendary English manager has decided to take the Aberdeen manager’s job until the end of the season after the sacking of Barry Robson.

The Dons recorded a 1-1 draw against Celtic on Saturday at Pittodrie and now Neil Warnock’s first game in charge will be against Rangers at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

The 75-year-old spoke about how people in England are ‘arrogant’ for looking down on Scottish football, as he highlighted how teams like Celtic have ‘done really well’, as he told his press conference.

It’s a shame that Neil Warnock wasn’t brought in last week because it would have just added to the drama if he had taken charge of the game against Celtic.

But now the Bhoys will be interested to see what sort of impact he can make in his first game in charge because it would be some statement if he takes points off Rangers.

The multiple promotion-winning manager is no-nonsense in his approach and you will do well not to hear him from the touchline.

Neil Warnock named as Aberdeen’s new manager
“I think you will always get that with the English,” said Warnock about Scottish football looked down upon from England.

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“We are a bit arrogant, aren’t we?! Celtic and Rangers have done really well, haven’t they? But I think it’s nice to be an underdog and trying to come up against these teams and trying to do well.”

On the Aberdeen-Celtic draw: “As you saw on Saturday, Celtic could have scored two or three in that first half, couldn’t they? It could have a different (game). But that’s football.”

Crystal Palace v Liverpool – Premier League
Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images
Scottish football is better with Neil Warnock

The game as a whole in Scotland will benefit from Warnock’s arrival and it will be interesting to see if he continues beyond this season.

As of this moment, he has signed a short-term contract and you can bet your bottom dollar that he will make himself known.

The experienced coach has made it clear that he wants to win the Scottish Cup, but Celtic will want to have something to say about that.

A cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen at Hampden would be something, as Warnock’s arrival has brought some added life into Scottish football.

Montgomery On Celtic, Boyle, Miller & More

Nick Montgomery wants to see a reaction from his players as they face Celtic at Easter Road on Wednesday night.

The Hibees fell to defeat against St Mirren last weekend, in what was a below-par performance.

They will now look to bounce back tomorrow when the league leaders come to Leith, and Head Coach Nick Montgomery is hoping to see more from his side.

“We reviewed the St Mirren game. It wasn’t a pretty review because there were a lot of things in the first 45 minutes that I don’t accept and that players don’t accept. They have taken responsibility, as have I as the Manager. We can’t repeat that performance.

“We’ve moved on and now we’re preparing for a tough game against Celtic tomorrow, one I’m looking forward too.

“Celtic are expected to win every week and they will be expecting that tomorrow, no matter who they play are the underdog, we’re the underdog tomorrow. Regardless of previous results they will be the favourite.

“At Easter Road last time we took a point and Martin had a chance to win the game. It’s a big challenge against a top-quality opposition with a lot of threats.”

Montgomery’s squad has been bolstered by the return of Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller. The duo were back at HTC on Monday after the Socceroos were knocked out of the Asian Cup at the Quarter-Final stage.

“We’ve been in a difficult period since the internationals went away, but it’s great to have them back,” admitted our Head Coach.

“Martin comes back and he’s always bubbly. Lewis comes back after a difficult moment, but to a place where everyone loves him. I put my arm around him, and he knows he’s got support here.

“Lewis is looking forward to getting back out there and putting a Hibs shirt on, and Martin is buzzing around the place and can’t wait to get out there.”

Neil Lennon has questioned if Celtic can even attract a £10-12million player to Scottish football as he defended the board.

Neil Lennon has questioned if Celtic can even attract a £10-12million player to Scottish football as he defended the board.

The Hoops fans were furious when their January window passed by as a damp squib

By Mark HendryDeputy
Neil Lennon has questioned if Celtic can even attract a £10-12million player to Scottish football as he defended the board.

The former Hoops boss, speaking on PLZ Soccer, suggested the transfer policy at Parkhead may well have been different in January with Brendan Rodgers’ scouting team possibly told to find big money signings by the manager. Fans were livid when the “quality player” hopes were built up by Rodgers before the window opened before the club ultimately failed to bring in a left-back whilst they were also happy to acquire Norwich City striker Adam Idah on loan with no option to buy.

Nicolas Kuhn was a £3million signing but Lennon wasn’t sure the fan banner at Aberdeen – reading “Celtic board – on your heads be it” – was the right reaction.

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“How do we know that Celtic haven’t tried to spend £10-12million on a player,” said Lennon. “Or £15million? Can we attract players of that quality, of that price to Scotland?

“What I am saying is that I am sure they have looked around for these types of players. They might not be available. They might not want to come. The fact that they are out of the Champions League, it might not be as appealing as it were at the start of the season as well.

“They have spent some money in the summer. I don’t know how many players they have brought in. Whether the fans think they are good enough or not is another thing. That’s then a matter of opinion and it has nothing to do with the board’s decision to spend the money or not.

“It has worked (project signings). Won the Treble last year. It’s not an exact science, you’re not going to get them all right.”

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Hatate and Maeda Break Silence Ahead of Celtic Park Return

By M.Ross
Celtic’s squad has been stretched thin lately, with several key players off representing their countries at the Asian Cup.

Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, along with teammates Oh and Yang, have been away on international duty, showcasing their talents on a different stage.

But with Japan’s recent exit from the competition following a tough loss to Iran, Maeda and Hatate were all set for a return to Celtic Park. Unfortunately, there’s a twist in the tale for Hatate.

The midfield maestro won’t be donning the green and white hoops anytime soon, as he’s been sidelined for a whopping six weeks due to injuries to both calves.

This news adds Hatate to the growing list of sidelined Celtic stars, including Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor, at a time when the team could really use all hands on deck.

Reo Hatate
2nd January 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers grabs Reo Hatate of Celtic with a hug after the match

Despite his setback, Hatate took to Instagram to share his thoughts and gratitude, displaying a warrior’s spirit amidst disappointment. His message to the fans was heartfelt: “I could not contribute to the team and I am not good enough. I accept the reality and will continue to fight.

Thank you for your support for the Asian Cup!” Along with his words, he shared a snapshot of himself in action, wearing his national team’s colours with pride.

This turn of events is far from ideal for Celtic, especially after a quiet winter transfer window that saw only two new faces join the squad. With challenges ahead, the team’s depth tested as they navigate through this period without one of their key midfielders.

Daizen Maeda also took to Instagram with a message of resilience and determination after Japan’s departure from the Asian Cup. As he prepares to make his way back to Scotland and reclaim his spot in the Celtic starting lineup, Maeda shared a mix of emotions with his followers: “Thank you for supporting Asia Cup. Feeling lonely but got to keep moving forward. Back on the team and back on the grind.”

The winger is all set to throw himself back into the hustle of club football. With Maeda ready to hit the ground running, the Hoops can look forward to welcoming back a player eager to make an impact.

How Mikey Johnston and David Turnbull faired on Championship debuts after Celtic January exits

Amir Mir
Not many were surprised when Mikey Johnston and David Turnbull headed for the Celtic exit door on transfer deadline day.

It was clear as day, even though Brendan Rodgers had handed them starts earlier on in the campaign, they simply weren’t going to earn the minutes they wanted at Celtic, so they had to leave.

Mikey Johnston secured a loan move to Championship side West Bromwich Albion, whilst David Turnbull left permanently and signed a three-year deal with Cardiff City – Chris Sutton was critical.

On Saturday, the duo made their Championship debuts for their respective clubs by coming off the bench and picking up 1-0 wins each.

It was a 27-minute run out for David Turnbull, who is hoping to boost his Scotland hopes, against Watford, with his team now sitting 13th in the table and five points off the play-off picture.

Whilst Mikey Johnston played 28 minutes as West Brom, sitting fifth in the table, beat Midlands rivals Birmingham City 1-0.

It’s a positive start for the duo and given what they gave to Celtic, hopefully, the light is brighter further down the street.

West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City – Sky Bet Championship

Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images

MORE CELTIC STORIES
Celtic were right to let Mikey Johnston and David Turnbull go
Amid cries from Rodgers for extra quality to be added, the players that are at the club and were on the fringes clearly didn’t take note.

This was Johnston’s chance. At the age of 24, he can no longer be seen as a prospect. The same for Turnbull, who after joining from Motherwell in 2020, suffered untimely injuries and just couldn’t find that consistent run.

It was a shame how it ended with the five-cap Scotland star because it’s clear that he has the ability to score goals from the middle of the park.

Perhaps he will find that form and consistency at Cardiff because the pressure isn’t going to be huge and the Bluebirds will allow him to make mistakes and continue to develop.

Sky Sports reporter shares £25m transfer news on “wonderful” Celtic player

Will he be on the move this summer?

Matt O’Riley for Celtic
A “wonderful” Celtic player could be allowed to leave the club for £25m this summer, according to an update from Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph.

Celtic transfer news
The Hoops continue to be linked with new signings, even though they will now have to wait until the summer transfer window, unless they target free agents.

One player who does fall into that bracket is Dwight Gayle, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Stoke City on deadline day, and he has been backed to bolster Celtic’s Scottish Premiership title push. Paris Saint-Germain Layvin Kurzawa was also seen as a late target, with Brendan Rodgers potentially deciding that he wants to bring in another left-back.

brendan-rodgers-profile
Meanwhile, a new report has suggested that Celtic hero James Forrest’s time at the club could come to an end in the new few months, with a move to the MLS mooted before their transfer window closes in April. He isn’t the only player who could move on in the near future, though, according to a new claim.

New update on Matt O’Riley’s Celtic future
Speaking on The Celtic Exchange Podcast [via The Boot Room], Joseph said that Celtic star Matt O’Riley could leave Parkhead this summer if a £25m offer arrives for him.

Celtic-Matt-O’Riley-Leeds-Farke-Championship-transfer
“I thought Celtic would be tested for Matt O’Riley. That happened. Very much tested. This, for me, showed strong resilience from the club. They were always in a strong position to keep him in this window. Having just signed a bumper new four-year contract.

“And then Athletico Madrid came in with that loan bid with an obligation to buy for around £20 million. Double what Leeds United were offering in the summer. Celtic value him a lot higher than that, and they’d be seeking a record fee I’m told. So you’re talking ballpark at least a starting point of £25m to £30m.

“They insisted he was not for sale in this window there are very strong with that. My understanding is that he was happy to stay. My understanding is Celtic are not going to stand in his way of him joining an elite club if the right offer comes in. They just weren’t prepared to sell in this window.”

Matt O’Riley’s SPL stats this season

Total

Appearances

Starts

Goals

Assists

Key passes per game

2.4

Tackles per game

1.9

Pass completion rate

82.7%

There does feel like an inevitability about O’Riley leaving Celtic sooner rather than later, having developed into arguably their best player currently, registering 17 goal contributions (10 goals and seven assists) in 23 Scottish Premiership appearances this season. Rodgers has also lauded his ability in the recent past, saying:

“He is a wonderful footballer and he is ambitious and he wants to be better and improve and I am really pleased for him and that was a good run into the box and finish from him.”

Brendan Rodgers sends message to Celtic board as Rangers boss confirms ‘puzzling’ decision

All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Celtic and Rangers ahead of Saturday’s action.

By Jamie Kemble.
Celtic continue to lead the Scottish Premiership with a five point lead, with Rangers still holding a game in hand.

We could get the most fascinating title race in recent years on the evidence we have seen so far, but plenty of football remains.

Brendan Rodgers’ men are in action against Aberdeen away from home early on Saturday, while Rangers take on Livingston later in the day.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news surrounding both clubs.

Rodgers on Celtic business
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has warned that the club must be ‘braver’ in the transfer market if they want to reassert their dominance over the coming years.

“I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player,” he has said. “But that’s up to me to try and fix that over the course of my time here.

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“You look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.

What I want to hopefully balance in my time here is that we can still do that, because it is an important part of the modern game. But we also want to be brave enough to hang our hat on a ready-made player.

So, I totally understand the support, but, likewise, that player has to be available.”

Clement on Europa League omissions

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has confirmed who has been left out of his Europa League squad for the knockout stages. “If you look at finding a balance, then Ridvan needs to be in,” he said. “You need two full-backs – that was a problem in the first round. If there was a problem with Borna Barisic, we didn’t have any left-back.

“That was a difficult point on that European list that I have submitted today. Sam Lammers is out, so Fabio Silva is in.

That’s logical. Cifu (Cifuentes) is probably out so Diomande comes in instead of him. Ridvan (Yilmaz) will come on the list so that means Leon Balogun, Kieran Dowell and Cortes cannot be on the list. That hurts me.

“We have been puzzling for hours with the staff these past few days and you always come to the same conclusions. You cannot keep the balance unless you make these changes.”

Brendan Rodgers ‘taken aback’ by Adam Idah’s attributes

The Irish striker joined Celtic on loan from Norwich on Deadline

BRENDAN RODGERS says Adam Idah has the potential to make a big impact at Celtic.

The Ireland international completed a loan move from Norwich City until the end of the season on Deadline Day.

Idah has made over 100 appearances for the Canaries since his debut in 2019, scoring 17 goals since graduating from their academy.

However, the Cork native has struggled at times with form and injuries and has started in less than half of Norwich’s Championship games this season.

Rodgers acknowledges the striker has yet to fulfil his potential but is hopeful a move to Scotland can reinvigorate his career.

“He’s the level of player that we would liked to have brought in,” the manager told Sky Sports.

“I’ve mentioned before that we could only really bring in what I felt was quality signings and I think the two guys that we’ve brought in [Idah and German winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna] over the short and longer term can do really well for us.

“Adam is a young player that I had seen in the Premier League breaking through as a youngster and I’ve got to say that I was taken aback by his attributes. I think for one reason or another it hasn’t quite worked out for him so far at Norwich, he had some injuries and whatever else there’s no doubting his talent.

“He’s a big, big talent with huge potential still and at 22, a player that has great years ahead of him. We’ll work with each other and see if we can maximise that talent. I know he’s delighted to be here and I’m delighted that he is as well.”

Idah himself expressed excitement after completing the move ahead of a potential debut against Aberdeen on Saturday.

“The last couple of days have been very stressful but I’m so happy to be here.

“I found out there was interest on Monday morning and from there it kicked on and I was here, there and everywhere.

“It was a no-brainer. I have always said I wanted to play for Celtic.

“It’s such a big club and the gaffer here has an amazing history. With him developing all these young players, it will suit me to a tee.”

He continued: “With the Irish background and my friends and family back home, we all support Celtic.

“We played Celtic in pre-season last year and when I walked out into the stadium it was a big shock to me and just gave me goosebumps.

“I always wanted to play here, I just didn’t think it would be this early, so I am even more excited to be here.

“My phone was popping off on Thursday night and all the messages from the fans have been amazing. I am very thankful for their big welcome and I am looking forward to seeing them in person.”

BREAKING NEWS: Celtic removes a player signing in the final few hours

BREAKING NEWS: Celtic removes a player signing in the final few hours

There was still a glimmer of optimism in Lecce on transfer deadline day that Celtic would allow Gustaf Lagerbielke to go to Italy.

Celtic player set to make £2 million Deadline Day exit
But, Quotidiano di Puglia brings what will likely be the last update on this fairly drawn-out and ultimately rather thrilling story, as Brendan Rodgers’ team refused to comply.

The publication describes how the possibility of signing the Celtic center-back “faded away” on the final day with a somewhat depressing tone. That’s because, in the “final hours” of the winter window, Celtic “decided to remove him” off the market, effectively eliminating the Swede’s chances of landing in Italy.

Lagerbielke appeared to be ready to leave, but Rodgers and higher-ups decided to halt the loan due to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ physical state.

This incensed the defender, who had not played much since moving to Celtic Park from Elfsborg in the summer. However, despite numerous entreaties, nothing materialized, and he will now have to wait it out in Scotland until the next chance to depart arises.

Ross McCrorie sends four-word message as Celtic transfer news confirmed in last 24 hours

Ex-Rangers man Ross McCrorie has sent a message of support to on-loan Celtic forward Mikey Johnston after he finalised his temporary loan switch to West Brom.

The Baggies announced the last-minute arrival of the Celtic winger on Deadline Day (West Brom Official Club Website, 1 February).

Johnston will now spend the rest of the season on loan at The Hawthorns where he will look to make an impact as Carlos Corberan’s side push for promotion to the Premier League.

A Republic of Ireland international, Johnston has earned eight caps for his nation since making his debut in March 2023,

scoring twice in that time. At club level, he has played 92 times for the Hoops, finding the back of the net 13 times and providing 12 assists in Glasgow.

Upon his arrival in the West Midlands, Johnston took to his personal Instagram account (1 February) to share his delight at making the move, writing, “Happy to be here West Brom, let’s get to work.”

His comments were full of supportive messages, including one from a former foe. Ex-Rangers midfielder McCrorie,

now of Bristol City, wrote, “All the best mate” as Johnston finalised a move which sees him join the 25-year-old in the Championship.

McCrorie came through the youth ranks with the Gers, and moved to Aberdeen before making the switch to England to join up with the Robins this past summer.

Meanwhile, Johnston made his name in football in Celtic’s youth system, and as a result, both players will know all too well the rivalry which divides the two biggest clubs in Scotland, and while there is often no love lost between the two sets of supporters, it appears the two players have some kinder sentiment reserved for one another.

Deadline day deal: ✅

We’re delighted to announce the loan signing of winger @mikeyjohnston10 from @CelticFC. ✍️

— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) February 1, 2024
View Tweet
Having made a similar career move, McCrorie will probably have some useful advice for Johnston when the two players meet, which might well happen when West Brom and Bristol City face off at The Hawthorns on 16 March.

It will be interesting to see if the support is put to one side in that contest, and should they come face to face on the pitch, if an Old Firm-style tackle rears its head.

In other West Brom news, a prospect at the club has sent a two-word message after Aston Villa transfer news was confirmed.

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Aberdeen v Celtic: Team news, match officials, KO time and where to watch

Celtic face Aberdeen at Pittodrie in the early kick off on Saturday as Brendan Rodgers looks to move on from a disappointing January transfer window.

The Scottish Champions will face managerless Aberdeen in a tricky clash where three points are a must with theRangers hosting bottom-placed Livi later in the day.

This is the first of three successive away matches over the next week for Brendan Rodgers’ side who travel to Edinburgh in midweek to play Hibs in the league then take on St Mirren in Paisley next Sunday in the Scottish Cup.

Aberdeen will be looking to bounce back from the form that saw Barry Robson relieved of his duties earlier this week after a 1-1 draw against Dundee at Pittodrie.

The Dons will have First Team Coach Peter Leven, assisted by Scott Anderson, taking charge and in the home dugout for the visit of Celtic, as reports circulate that former Celtic manager Neil Lennon is now the frontrunner to replace Robson.

These things change quickly so we’ll have to wait and see but surely Lenny would be a sensible appointment?

Liel Abada of Celtic scores to give Celtic a 0-1 lead. The goal was disallowed for offside but awarded by referee Kevin Clancy after a VAR check. Aberdeen v Celtic, Cinch Scottish Premiership – 13 Aug 2023

Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
Aberdeen have lost nine matches in a row against Celtic and defeat tomorrow would mean that they will have lost ten successive matches against Celtic for the first time in their unbroken history.

Celtic have won 12 of their last 14 visits to Pittodrie since a 2-1 defeat there in February 2016. And Celtic have scored at least once in each of their last 41 visits to Pittodrie in all competitions dating back to a 2-0 league defeat back in December 2001.

Team News

Matt O Riley of Celtic celebrates with team mates after scoring to give Celtic a 1-3 lead. Aberdeen v Celtic, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Pittodrie on 13 August 2023,

Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
New signing Adam Idah is expected to be involved having trained on Friday and he travelled with the Celtic party today after fulfilling his media duties at Lennoxtown.

The Irish Internationalist was Celtic’s only other addition after Nicolas Kuhn arrived from Rapid Vienna. Meanwhile, David Turnbull and Mikey Johnston were deadline day departures from Celtic.

Matt O Reilly 33 of Celtic scores a goal 1-3 during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 13 August 2023.

Photo Stephen Dobson PSI
Cameron Carter-Vickers is going to be missing for two to three weeks and Reo Hatate, who Brendan Rodgers revealed has injured BOTH calves while on international duty with Japan, is going to be missing for six to eight weeks. Gustaf Lagerbielke’s move to Lecce fell through as a result of CCV’s latest injury and he will be in the squad tomorrow.

Hatate is returning to Lennoxtown for yet another round of treatment while Oh, Yang and Daizen Maeda remain at the Asian Cup as does Marco Tilio who this week signed a loan deal with his former club Melbourne City, until the end of the season.

Tomoki Iwata celebrates after scoring our fourth goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic FC at Tynecastle on October 22, 2023.

(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Tomoki Iwata is now back in training after picking up an injury in the Champions League win over Dutch Champions Feyenoord at Celtic Park in December but he is still a few weeks away from a return to match-day action.

Greg Taylor is also still absent, meaning that Alexandro Bernabei will likely start at left back after the club failed miserably in their attempts to bring in another left-back to the club..

In goals, Joe Hart will as usual have the gloves. .In defence, expect Maik Nawrocki will partner Liam Scales with Alistair Johnston and Alexandro Bernabei in the full back berths.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 1-2 lead. Aberdeen v Celtic, Cinch Scottish Premiership match at Pittodrie on 13 August 2023.

Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

In the middle of the park the Champions will be unchanged, with the trio of Callum McGregor, Paolo Bernardo and Matt O’Riley all starting. In attack, Kyogo will start through the middle and he will be supported by Luis Palma and Liel Abada.

Predicted Celtic XI: Hart; Johnston, Scales, Nawrocki,Bernabei; McGregor (c), O’Riley, Bernardo; Palma, Kyogo, Abada.

Subs: Bain, Kühn, Lagerbielke Holm, Welsh, Vata, Ralston, Idah, Forrest.

Match Officials

Celtic v Hibernian – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park Referee Steven McLean in action during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Saturday March 18, 2023.

Photo Steve Welsh
Steven McLean has been appointed as the referee for the match. McLean will be assisted by Graeme Stewart and Sean Carr with Alistair Grieve operating as Fourth Official. Meanwhile, back at Clydesdale House, Steven Kirkland is on VAR with David Roome assisting.

Kick Off Time
The game kicks off at 12:30pm (Celtic Park Time) so it’s an early start for the Celtic away support making their way to the North East. Celtic have the backing of 1668 supporters in the away section. Banners can be displayed on the fencing at the edge of the section, near the Sky TV commentary box, so we”ll get the chance to give Kris Boyd his traditional warm welcome!

Where to Watch
The game will be shown live from the North East on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, with coverage from Chris Sutton, Kris Boyd and Co beginning at 11:30am.

Predicted Score
Aberdeen 1-3 Celtic – Three points are essential tomorrow and Brendan will have the team fired up and ready to perform with Matt O’Riley starring and Kyogo getting back amongst the goals before making way for Adam Idah to make his Celtic debut.

Celtic’s new song at Pittodrie
The night when we started singing about being top of the league looking down on theRangers…

Celtic actually made contact to sign £11m Manchester City player on transfer deadline day

Celtic actually made an attempt to sign Sergio Gomez from Manchester City on transfer deadline day.

That is according to Football Scotland. So, what happened between Sergio Gomez and Celtic? Let’s take a look…

Celtic made approach to sign Sergio Gomez
Well, this would have been a shock deal.

The story from Football Scotland claims that Celtic asked about taking Gomez on loan from Manchester City as the clock ticked down on transfer deadline day.

However, the Citizens blocked the Spaniard – who was signed from Anderlecht in a deal worth £11m back in August 2022 – from leaving.

Celtic also asked about signing Luke Thomas from Leicester and Hugo Bueno of Wolves.

It comes after a story from Planeta Milan claimed that AC Milan also made an approach to sign Gomez, which the Manchester City No.21 was actually interested in.

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sergio gomez celtic

Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images
However, the 23-year-old allegedly opted to stay at the Etihad Stadium following a conversation with Pep Guardiola.

Gomez has made just ten appearances so far this season – totalling 358 minutes – but only 18 of those minutes have come in the Premier League.

Manchester City must do something with Sergio Gomez
In our view, the Spain U21 international is a real asset who could be worth millions with one successful loan spell under his belt.

Gomez is a tremendous technician who can play in numerous positions on the left and right – as well as in the centre.

The Badalona-born maestro also boasts an excellent goalscoring record for the Spain U21 side with ten goals in his 19 appearances, so we feel like a talent is somewhat being wasted right now.

Hopefully, Manchester City can find Gomez a good loan move this summer – or Txiki Begiristain can find a way to make profit on him – as he is too talented to be sitting on the bench, as his value decreases.

Gustaf Lagerbielke CelticCeltic actually made contact to sign £11m Manchester City player on transfer deadline day transfer exit deadline set as Lecce demand answer

The Swedish stopper wants to leave Parkhead but Celts are short of defensive options

Celtic stopper Gustaf Lagerbielke

Lecce have told Celtic they want a decision on Gustaf Lagerbielke TODAY.

The Swede, 23, was on the verge of joining the Serie A side on loan but Celts put the brakes on the move due to a Cameron Carter-Vickers injury.

Lagerbielke has barely featured under Brendan Rodgers since his £3million summer move from Elfsborg and Lecce have offered him a chance to relaunch his career in Italy.

The giant stopper has made it clear he wants to leave Parkhead and fulfill a childhood dream by playing in the Italian top-flight. But the Hoops have yet to give the green light as they sweat over CCV’s latest setback.

Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh are all ahead of out-of-favour Lagerbielke.

According to The Scottish Sun, Leece are ready to walk away from the deal if they don’t get an answer today but Lagerbielke has made it clear he’s desperate for an exit.

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He said: “Lecce has shown a very strong interest in me. I want to go, play and make a difference. All footballers dream of playing in the big leagues. And I have dreamed of Serie A since I was a child.

Many Scandinavian footballers have played in Lecce, this would be an advantage in terms of settling in.”

Meanwhile Japanese fringe man Yuki Kobayashi is being chased by several clubs in the MLS.

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Who is Adam Idah? Celtic bound striker itching to silence doubters and prove fan club right over lofty signing fee

Brendan Rodgers and the board are hearing it from supporters on social media ahead of the Irish striker’s arrival.

He’s on the verge of becoming signing number two for Celtic in January but Adam Idah is feeling the brunt of collective disappointment among a vexed fanbase.

Brendan Rodgers and the board are also hearing it from supporters on social media, call-ins and burning Hotlines over their January incomings which only has Nicolas Kuhn in the done deal “pile” so far. And while the Republic or Ireland star isn’t a global name he’s very much a familiar face among the section of supporters who maintain a vested interest of the Emerald Isle’s international side.

Idah has been with Norwich City since he was a teenage but it appears David Wagner is keen to cut ties with a player who has been a regular, albeit, at times, fleeting contributor for the Canaries this season. The irony is he will be replaced at Carrow Road by Sydney Van Hooijdonk – the son of Pierre who was linked but was never truly on the Parkhead wishlist.

Record Sport run the rule over the forward who will provide competition up top alongside Kyogo and Oh for the second half of the season with a bumper Champions League loot on the line with Rangers hell-bent on leapfrogging their rivals to eight guaranteed games in the new money-spinning league format.

Gustaf Lagerbielke vents on Celtic transfer frustration as misfit goes public over Lecce loan collapsedailyrecord

Rangers transfer bulletin as Cyriel Dessers attracts 2 Serie A suitors and Ryan Kent at centre of astonishing stormdailyrecord

Bold proclamations fizzle
Idah, in many ways, was the poster boy of a brave new dawn in Irish football which was more hype than substance.

That’s not to say the 22-year-old can’t come again, however, Idah and his fellow rising starlets failed to earn the results to keep Stephen Kenny in situ.

Those who watched the former Dunfermline manager’s team are adamant the youth movement was too severe and fleeting triumphs, such as the 3-0 win over Scotland, couldn’t mask the lows. Idah had been a star for Kenny at youth level but has never fully convinced for the senior side.

Brendan Rodgers
And even Kenny, who specialised in extolling Idah’s, virtues, challenged the striker to take his game to the next level at the start of the season. He said: “Adam hasn’t shown that (natural goalscoring at international level).

He has been a prolific goalscorer for Ireland up the levels, at all the levels, and injury had halted his career, two knee injuries but he’s still a very exciting talent. He has a lot but he needs to kick on in his career, this is a big year for him also.”

Sting like a Canary
Idah is well liked at Carrow Road but there’s a tangible sense the club’s diehards reckon there’s been a missed opportunity of not ‘Let’s be havin’ more of him since he broke through as a teenager.

Record Sport columnist and Celtic icon Chris Sutton – tuned into the mood music in East Anglia – isn’t convinced Idah is the right signing for the Premiership champions.

And Norwich lifer Freddie, writing a letter to the BBC, believes Idah’s stuttered development is on the club and not the player.

He said: “I think it’s for the best. A loan move should’ve been utilised four years ago after his Preston hat-trick.

“I feel as if his development has been hindered by being the third choice for his entire tenure, even under three different managers.

Had plenty of big moments, just never got the run of games to really kick on. Hopefully this loan gives him that chance.”

What he brings to Celtic
Idah suffered two years of ankle injury woe where he was unable to get consistent minutes for both club and country.

The good news is the 6ft 3in striker appears to be over the setbacks and has been a regular contributor this term. Idah is a robust striker who does his best work with his back to goal and running in behind.

Giorgos Giakoumakis was beloved in Glasgow’s east end, and while Idah lacks his brute force, he offers a physical focal point. Korean Oh is always itching for a dust-up when on the pitch, but he has never been able to truly harangue SPFL defenders in the way Giakoumakis specialised in.

Temperatures have been rising among Celtic fans over their concerns with successive signing windows but it was widely accepted a new striker would be more role player than instant starter.

Idah fits that description and will be eyeing surprising those who are dismissing his switch.

A social media meme shows he has the same amount of clubs career goals as compatriot Liam Scales at 17, however, the defender has played 160 more games and Idah backers would point to his limited minutes.

Lofty fee deserved?
Reports a move to Verona were scuppered over a potential signing fee starting at £6.8m shows what Norwich think about the player poised for a temporary exit.

He is under contract until 2028 and it remains to be seen if Celtic will follow through with their option to purchase Idah at the end of his loan spell.

Adam Idah is no Celtic transfer upgrade as Chris Sutton hopes striker knows what he’s ‘getting himself into’
ADAM IDAH

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Medical in London: Celtic reach full agreement over Adam Idah deal – sources

Celtic have agreed a deal with Norwich City to sign striker Adam Idah and he is undergoing a medical in London on Wednesday, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the 22-year-old has already started medical tests ahead of his loan move to Parkhead.

The Hoops and the Canaries have reached a full agreement which will see the Republic of Ireland international join for the remainder of the season.

Well-placed sources told Football Insider that Idah is keen on a switch to the Scottish lead leaders this month.

Football Insider revealed (31 January) that further negotiations took place overnight regarding the forward, but now a deal has been completed.

Idah has had a successful first half of the season for David Wagner’s side, scoring seven goals and providing one assist across 34 appearances in all competitions.

His move away from Carrow Road will be the first time the academy graduate has ever played for another side.

The Hoops had been keen to add to their attack following the signing of Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna for a reported £3million earlier this month.

Idah has been a regular for the Republic of Ireland senior side since his debut in 2022 and has scored twice across 20 appearances.

Celtic could see late outgoings before the close of the window, with Football Insider revealing last week (22 January) that they are ready to accept an offer for goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist amid interest from across Europe.

Celtic sit top of the league and five points clear of Rangers following their 1-0 win over Ross County on Saturday (27 January).

They are next in action away against Aberdeen in the league on Saturday afternoon (3 February).

In other news, Sources: Big update on late Celtic signings as latest deal collapses.

For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Will make moves’… How many signings Celtic are looking to make before deadline day

Wed 31 January 2024 10:15, UK
With only one signing made so far this window, the Celtic fans are getting jittery with every minute that passes towards deadline day.

Now that the speculation surrounding Sydney van Hooijdonk has ended, the supporters will be looking around wondering just where the next signing is coming from.

Reports suggesting that Adam Idah could become a Celtic player hit the headlines this morning so there at least could be one player on the way.

With the hopes of any announcement dwindling in the eyes of the fans, journalist, Roger Hannah, believes that Rangers’ recent moves will spark movement in Glasgow’s east end and has delivered an update that will give the supporters hope that deals will be done before the end of the window.

Hannah said [Clyde Superscoreboard], “That’s one of the reasons I think Celtic will make moves before the window closes on Thursday night. The board aren’t daft.

“They are operating to a policy that’s brought them huge success in recent years and trying to stick to that policy.

“Sometimes, that can be a gamble, and sometimes gambles backfire. I think the Celtic board are smart enough, they will know they need to get a couple of bodies in before Thursday night.”

It is widely accepted that Celtic needs a striker, a left-back and possibly a goalkeeper in this window. The recent injury to Greg Taylor has pressed home the need to get a replacement full-back.

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Celtic FC v Heart of Midlothian – Cinch Scottish Premiership
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Looking comfortable in the Champions League and the SPFL, Scales is now a full international after getting his first cap for the Republic of Ireland last October.

Scales has already admitted publicly that he would love to stay at Celtic and I believe he would jump at the chance to stay at the club.

All Celtic need to do is offer a contract and he will stay at the club. With his impressive form and the fact his deal expires at the end of next season, it seems like a no-brainer for Celtic to do the right thing and get him signed up for another few years.

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Forgotten Celtic star lands dream European transfer chance after stunning career revival following Parkhead nightmare

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He’s been tracked by several European clubs as well as interest coming from England
Jonathon Moar

But after a spectacular career rival, this former Parkhead striker could be about to achieve his European dream.

Celtic made a splash in the transfer market in the lead up to the 2019/20 season, landing Christopher Jullien for £7million.

The likes of Fraser Forster, Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong all arrived too as the Hoops went on to secure a ninth straight league title.

Not all of the transfer business worked out, however.

It was also that season that saw the arrival of the likes of Boli Bolingoli, Patryk Klimala and Ismaila Soro.

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And there was also the signing of a young Irish striker from Southampton who had just starred for the Republic of Ireland at the Uefa U-19 European Championships.

Jonathan Afolabi was snapped-up from the then-Premier League outfit on a free transfer, with the 19-year old thrilled to link-up with the Scottish champions.

But three years later, he left Celtic having failed to make a single first team appearance.

Instead, his time in Scottish football was largely spent out on loan, with spells in the Championship with Dunfermline, Dundee and Ayr as well as a stint in League One at Airdrieonians.

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At Dens Park, he helped fire the Dee to promotion with crucial strikes in their play-off run.

Afolabi was released by the Hoops in the summer of 2022 when his contract expired.

Speaking earlier this year, he admitted things could’ve worked out differently and took his share of the blame for it not happening for him in Glasgow.

He said: “After two years I think I knew I wasn’t going to make the first team, I had planned to get into the first team, that’s why I went there but there are very high expectations at a club like Celtic, they expect to win every game and you need to be at the top of your level to even have a sniff.

“I read that Celtic was bad for a lot of young Irish players, us not breaking through but there are two sides to it, if the players don’t perform, they have no reason to put you into the first team. We had different pathways and we’re making our way now in different ways.

“I take responsibility for stuff I could have done better, been more professional, I didn’t do anything wrong as such but there were steps I needed to take to improve, if I had taken all of my opportunities it could have been a different story for me at Celtic, you have to be ready when it happens.

“I can’t say it was three wasted years, I learned the levels you need to be at, how professional you need to be, what hard work you need to put that Celtic shirt.”

After his Parkhead release, Afolabi decided to head back to Ireland and he hasn’t looked back.

Moving back to his home city Dublin, he signed for League of Ireland Premier Division outfit Bohemians.

After a handful of appearances towards the end of the 2022 season, he’s been outstanding in 2023.

Afolabi found a prolific scoring streak and fired 20 goals in 40 matches across all competitions in the campaign just gone.

His stunning revival and incredible form saw him finish the league’s joint-top scorer with 15 goals and earned him a spot in the team of the year.

Afolabi also netted in the FAI Cup Final in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Aviva Stadium, but ended up on the losing side against Jon Daly’s St Patrick’s Athletic.

He even earned his first international call-up in September this year although didn’t make his debut.

It’s been a fantastic career turnaround for Afolabi and he’s attracting plenty of transfer interest.

And he could be headed for the top flight of a major European league.

According to the Irish Independent, Afolabi is the subject of a six-figure offer from Belgian top tier side KV Kortrijk.

It’s claimed they’ve bid around £175,000 for Afolabi, but they aren’t the only club to have made an offer.

While the report claims two other Belgian clubs are also monitoring the in-form frontman, Carlisle United are also said to have launched a bid for him.

The English League One strugglers have just been taken over by American investors, who have targeted getting the club up the divisions.

A move to Kortrijk would see Afolabi link up with a couple of familiar names to Scottish football fans.

Former Rangers winger Sheyi Ojo is on loan there from Cardiff City, while ex-Kilmarnock loanee Ryan Alebiosu is at the club too.

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They could do with a boost as they currently sit rock-bottom of the Belgian Pro League.

Celtic Transfer Saga Shrouded in Mystery: John Hartson Sounds Alarm as Kyogo Furuhashi Faces Backlash Despite Victory over Ross County!

Celtic got the job done against Ross County, but it wasn’t convincing, nor eye-catching from the team.

If you add in the lack of transfer business this month, then it just frustrates the Celtic fans even further.

John Hartson spoke about Brendan Rodgers’ side lacking that attacking bite and how the club’s call to sell Giorgos Giakoumakis last January was a ‘mystery’, as he posted on Twitter.

Whilst Kyogo Furuhashi has delivered in the big games for Celtic this season, it’s fair to say that he just hasn’t been at his best throughout the campaign.

That’s due to the Japan star making his usual attacking runs, but the ball is not being fed to him quickly enough.

John Hartson thinks Kyogo Furuhashi is ‘copping a bit of flack’ after the win over Ross County, with only eight goals to his name from 23 Scottish Premiership matches.

Given the levels he has set, then the drop-off, even if it’s small, is going to be obvious to all.

Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis
“Think Celtic need more attacking prowess .. a different type to Kyogo. When Kyogo not scoring we need a decent back up.. totally dominant in the game.. ide like to see 2/3 more players arrive.. 3pts move on,” said Hartson.

“Kyogo copping a bit of flack.. but his goals per games is ridiculous.. that’s my point he’s not going to sustain that ratio so Celtic need a Forward that is capable of coming into the side and can deliver when needed. Selling GG was mystery …”

Think Celtic need more attacking prowess .. a different type to Kyogo. When Kyogo not scoring we need a decent back up.. totally dominant in the game.. ide like to see 2/3 more players arrive.. 3pts move on🍀

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 27, 2024

Kyogo copping a bit of flack.. but his goals per games is ridiculous.. that’s my point he’s not going to sustain that ratio so Celtic need a Forward that is capable of coming into the side and can deliver when needed. Selling GG was mystery ..

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 27, 2024

Celtic not at their best
The only big plus is that the team is still sitting on top and given that it has been an indifferent season, then you wonder how.

But it proves that when the buttons have been pushed, the team have been there and proved themselves.

Yes, there needs to be some sort of lift from the transfer market, the arrival of a few more players and the mood will be a lot more positive.

But, as of this moment, there is a sense of frustration because everything really isn’t hitting the levels fans expected they would.

Saturday Night Sydney van Hooijdonk Celtic Update

Celtic Monitoring Sydney van Hooijdonk as Transfer Window Nears Close

As the transfer window hurtles towards its final days, whispers of Celtic’s interest in Bologna’s Sydney van Hooijdonk have become more pronounced.

It seems the Bhoys are keen on bolstering their attacking options. Yet, as the clock ticks, no formal move has been made for the 23-year-old striker.

Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph recently shed light on this evolving story, confirming Celtic’s interest in van Hooijdonk. While the club’s intent is clear, their approach remains cautious. With only a handful of days left before the window shuts, the tension is palpable among the supporters.

Sydney, son of former Celtic striker Pierre van Hooijdonk, is no stranger to the lore of the Hoops. His father’s time at the club during the 90s is well remembered, adding an intriguing narrative to this potential transfer. Sydney’s desire to leave Bologna this month presents a tantalising opportunity for Celtic to tap into this particular lineage.

However, the situation is still fluid. Despite the growing need for a striker to reinforce the squad, Celtic’s strategy appears to be one of careful deliberation rather than hurried action.

As the days dwindle, the question remains: will Celtic seize the opportunity to bring Sydney van Hooijdonk into the fold? Or will the window close with not much else happening.

For now, all eyes remain on Celtic. Fans are expectant and there is so much on the line.

CELTIC FC Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers slashes £200k off of a beautiful house as he attempts to find a buyer

*Brendan Rodgers Cuts Price on Luxury Mansion Amidst Struggle to Find a Buyer**

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has reduced the asking price of his opulent Wilmslow mansion by £200,000, as efforts to sell the property face challenges. Acquired for £3.95 million in the summer of 2022, the property was initially listed at offers over £4.2 million last August.

**Property Overview:**
Situated in an exclusive street in Wilmslow, Cheshire, the luxurious residence boasts five bedrooms, a gym, landscaped gardens, a double garage, and a bar area.

Additionally, it is equipped with advanced features such as CCTV, underfloor heating, air conditioning in most bedrooms, electronically operated blinds, and ceiling speakers. Planning permission has been granted for the creation of ‘leisure facilities.’

**Reduced Asking Price:**
Despite the initial optimistic listing, Rodgers has faced difficulty securing a buyer, prompting a reduction in the asking price to £4 million. This strategic move aims to enhance the property’s market appeal and expedite its sale.

**Agent’s Description:**
Sofia Da Silva, the property agent, emphasizes the exceptional quality of the residence, describing it as “immaculately presented to a very high specification” and a “double gable-fronted contemporary residence finished to an uncompromising standard.” The property’s location on one of Wilmslow’s prestigious roads adds to its allure.

**Comparison with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Sale:**
The context of Rodgers’ mansion sale is further highlighted by the fact that legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson put his home on the same street up for sale for £3.5 million in November. The former Manchester United manager’s decision followed the death of his wife Cathy.

**Rodgers’ Previous Home Incident:**
The article briefly recalls an unsettling incident from 2019 when Rodgers was the victim of a robbery at his Bearsden home near Glasgow. Despite not being present during the incident, his family had to take refuge in a bathroom as robbers stormed in and stole medals.

**Rodgers’ Football Achievements:**
Rodgers’ successful managerial career, including winning back-to-back trebles in his initial spell with Celtic, is touched upon. His achievements include seven trophies before departing for Leicester in 2019, where he led the club to the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup.

**Return to Celtic:**
After a stint at Leicester, Rodgers returned to Celtic, replacing Ange Postecoglou. The managerial transition marked his re-engagement with the club where he had previously enjoyed considerable success.

CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has slashed £200,000 off the price of his luxury English mansion as he bids to offload it.

The Parkhead boss, 51, bought the upmarket property in an exclusive street in Wilmslow, Cheshire, for £3.95m in the summer of 2022. He put the house up for sale for offers over £4.2m last August but after struggling to find a buyer has reduced the asking price to £4m

**Conclusion:**
The evolving narrative of Brendan Rodgers’ attempt to sell his Wilmslow mansion unfolds against the backdrop of a competitive real estate market and the broader context of his football career. The reduced asking price signals his commitment to facilitating the sale while maintaining the property’s prestige.

Stephen Welsh acknowledges that dealing with the 24-year-old during Celtic training has been a “nightmare.”

Stephen Welsh’s Resilience and Positive Outlook

Injury Setback and Contract Extension
Celtic central defender Stephen Welsh has navigated a challenging season marked by injury setbacks.

Despite a promising contract extension until 2027 from manager Brendan Rodgers in the summer, Welsh faced a setback with a serious ankle injury at Lennoxtown just a day after signing the new deal.

Return to Form
After months of rehabilitation with Celtic’s medical staff, Welsh marked his return in a Champions League win against Feyenoord, delivering a strong 75-minute performance that signaled a positive turnaround.

His subsequent appearances against Dundee, Rangers, and in the Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle have contributed to rebuilding his confidence.

Intense Training and New Addition
Welsh, actively involved in Celtic’s intense first-team training, has witnessed the arrival of new signing Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna for £3 million.

As the only signing of the current transfer window, Kuhn is yet to make his Celtic debut but is anticipated to be in contention for the upcoming league fixture against Ross County.

Welsh’s Praise for Nicolas Kuhn
Welsh speaks highly of Kuhn, describing him as a ‘nightmare’ to train against due to his impressive sharpness and speed.

The 24-year-old winger has brought a positive dynamic to Celtic’s training sessions, showcasing a relentless attacking mindset and a knack for beating defenders.

While acknowledging Kuhn’s rapid pace, Welsh playfully emphasizes that the title of the fastest in the team still belongs to Daizen Maeda, the Japanese flying machine.

Expectations for Kuhn
Welsh expresses excitement about seeing Kuhn in action and anticipates the winger’s impact on Celtic’s performances in the upcoming fixtures and throughout the season. Kuhn’s attributes, including his finishing ability and quickness, add an exciting dimension to Celtic’s attacking options, creating optimism among players and fans alike.

Fans want an Asian Cup while Reo Hatate rediscovers the best of the Celtics with a mind-blowing masterclass in Japan

Reo Hatate’s Asian Cup Triumph and Celtic’s Anticipation

A Stellar Showcase on the International Stage
Reo Hatate’s brilliance on the international stage has captivated Japanese fans, leaving them eager for more following his impressive first start for the Land of the Rising Sun in the Asian Cup. As Celtic awaits his return to Scotland, Hatate’s standout performance in a 3-1 victory over Indonesia has not only pleased fans but also earned Japan a coveted spot in the knockout rounds.

Brendan Rodgers’ Optimism
Brendan Rodgers, expressing his desire to have Hatate available for current Celtic selection, must take solace in the fact that the midfielder delivered a starring show on the Asian Cup business. The victory, which also featured Daizen Maeda as a second-half substitute, highlights Hatate’s impact on the international stage.

Statistical Brilliance and Fan Admiration
Despite being a regular in Hajime Moriyasu’s squads, Hatate’s statistics in the Indonesia game showcased his prowess. With a towering passing completion rate, a big chance created, and impressive contributions in ground duels and aerial battles, Hatate’s performance left onlooking supporters in awe. Fans took to social media, with one simply stating, “Reo Hatate, a really good player,” while others praised his performance alongside fellow player Keito Nakamura.

Tactical Insights and Positive Reactions
The strategic aspect of Hatate’s substitution drew positive reactions from fans. Supporters expressed satisfaction with the timing of Hatate’s substitution, with one fan mentioning that his inclusion early on indicates positive thoughts for the upcoming knockout stages. Another fan highlighted the impact of Hatate’s presence, noting that his contribution often takes the team out of trouble.

Fond Memories and Versatility Acknowledged
Fans reminisced about Hatate’s time in the J League, citing their admiration for his play since his days in Kawasaki. Recognition of Hatate’s ability to create decisive opportunities from any position further emphasized his versatility and value on the field.

Celtic’s Optimism and Hatate’s Resurgence

Promising Signs for Celtic
As Hatate showcases his prowess in the Middle-Eastern tournament, Celtic supporters have reasons to be optimistic. Despite facing an injury setback in the first half of the Premiership season, Hatate appears to be kicking back into top gear, raising hopes for his impactful return to the Celtic lineup.

In conclusion, Reo Hatate’s recent accomplishments in the Asian Cup not only leave a lasting impression on Japanese fans but also build anticipation for his return to Celtic, where his dynamic playstyle and statistical brilliance are eagerly awaited.

‘Celtic fans would go mental’: Barry Ferguson responds to transfer speculation involving Bhoys star

Barry Ferguson has made it clear that Celtic fans would ‘go honestly mental’ if the membership offered sought-after celebrity Matt O’Riley throughout the January transfer window.

Sources have informed HITC Football that a quantity of Premier League golf equipment Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham, West Ham United and Wolves are weighing up the choice to buy the midfielder.

Matt O’Riley has been one of the fine players in the Scottish Premiership this season, scoring ten desires and imparting seven assists, with Brendan Rodgers’ aspect sitting pinnacle of the table.

The 23-year-old did signal a new contract at the begin of the campaign, so from that aspect, Celtic have his cost intact and insurance.

But what you can’t accommodate for, in particular for teams in Scotland, is these in England’s top-flight throwing hard-to-turn-down cash at players.

And at the same time as Barry Ferguson expects Matt O’Riley to go away Parkhead one day, he made it clear that it would cause chaos if that name to be given an provide took place this month, as he told Go Radio.

Premier League interest in Matt O’Riley

“Honestly, I would be clearly shocked if Celtic let him go,” stated Ferguson. “He is some distance too necessary a player.

“He has been one of the great gamers this season. I think, at some stage, he will go. There’s no doubt in my thought about that. (But now) I can’t see it happening.

“I suppose the Celtic followers would go certainly mental if he was once allowed to go in this window.”

Matt O’Riley a Premier League player in the making

It has been a season of massive strides for the playmaker and one that signals why he is such a sought-after figure.

Just appear at O’Riley’s performances in the Champions League, three assists in six fits for a group that completed bottom of their group.

Anything correct that came from Celtic in Europe was by means of the boot of O’Riley.

You would think about those performances similarly proved to the interested events that O’Riley is worth pushing for.

‘Something isn’t right’: Peter Grant is concerned about Brendan Rodgers’ statements on Celtic star

Celtic’s rising star, Rocco Vata, marked a significant milestone by scoring his first goal for the club in Sunday’s Scottish Cup match against Buckie Thistle. The 18-year-old’s memorable moment, however, is accompanied by speculation regarding his future at Celtic amid reported interest from Italy.

Peter Grant, recognizing Vata’s potential, expressed concern over Brendan Rodgers’ recent comments suggesting that “something isn’t right” with the young player. Despite Rodgers praising Vata for his goal-scoring performance, Grant believes the manager hinted that factors beyond ability may be influencing the situation.

While fans hope for Vata to sign a new contract and continue developing at Celtic, Grant emphasizes that Rodgers, who closely observes the player’s progress at Lennoxtown, is the ultimate judge of his suitability for the team. The manager’s insights into Vata’s professionalism and off-pitch aspects have raised questions about the player’s future at the club.

Grant acknowledges that from a distance, fans can express their opinions and optimism about Vata’s potential. However, he underscores the importance of Rodgers’ assessment, acknowledging the manager’s role as the one closely monitoring the player week in and week out.

As the speculation swirls, Vata remains a Celtic player, and his recent goal-scoring performance serves as a testament to his capabilities. The upcoming match against Ross County provides another opportunity for Vata to prove his worth, whether it be through starting or earning more minutes from the bench based on his performance and contributions on the field. The uncertainties surrounding his future make it an intriguing storyline for both fans and those closely following Celtic’s developments.

Mark Nawrocki breaks Celtic quiet on sideline suffering, insisting he never doubted the decision for transfer

Maik Nawrocki, despite a challenging start to his Celtic career due to a serious hamstring injury, remains resolute in his decision to join the club and is eager to progress in hoops. The 22-year-old Polish defender endured over four months without playing but never doubted his move to Glasgow. He expressed contentment with his decision, emphasizing his belief that he fits well into the team and was confident that he would eventually return to playing.

Nawrocki acknowledged that the injury was unforeseen, but he used his time of absence positively, focusing on the chance he would get in the future. While dealing with the injury, he had support from family and friends and found solace in focusing on football during moments of solitude.

Reflecting on his injury sustained on an artificial surface at Kilmarnock, Nawrocki didn’t criticize the pitch and emphasized that he would prefer to play on grass every week. He returned to fitness but faced challenges breaking into the starting lineup due to the form of other defenders and being ineligible for the Champions League squad.

Acknowledging the situation, Nawrocki had discussions with manager Brendan Rodgers and understood the need to be patient. He highlighted the importance of working hard in training and being prepared for the moment when he would return to the team. Despite criticisms and judgments during his absence, Nawrocki remained focused, blocking out external opinions.

With the determination to prove himself and more opportunities on the horizon, Nawrocki looks forward to contributing to Celtic’s success. He embraces the challenges, including the unpredictable Scottish weather, and remains grateful for the support of fans who want the best for the players and the club.

Maik Nawrocki

Maik Nawrocki shared his experience dealing with the injury, emphasizing that he tried not to dwell on it too much. Instead, he focused on the opportunity for future recovery, and ultimately everything unfolded as he anticipated. During his recovery period, Nawrocki had the support of his family and friends, and he acknowledged being alone at times, a situation he was familiar with from his previous club Legia in Warsaw.

Regarding the injury itself, sustained on the artificial surface at Kilmarnock during the Viaplay Cup, Nawrocki described it as a normal hamstring injury. He shot the ball and immediately felt the injury but was uncertain about its severity and the duration of his absence from play. Despite questions about the pitch conditions, Nawrocki chose not to criticize and acknowledged various factors contributing to the injury. He emphasized looking forward and not dwelling on the past, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to focus on football during his time of solitude.

Maik Nawrocki shared his perspective on his challenging start at Celtic, emphasizing that he never doubted his decision to join the club despite enduring a serious hamstring injury. The 22-year-old acknowledged the difficulty of being sidelined for over four months but expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. Nawrocki credited the support he received from family and friends during his injury, highlighting that he used his time alone to focus on the chance for future recovery.

Regarding his injury sustained on the artificial surface at Kilmarnock during the Viaplay Cup, Nawrocki described it as a normal hamstring injury and refrained from criticizing the pitch conditions. He expressed a positive outlook, emphasizing his readiness to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.

Nawrocki acknowledged the obstacles he faced upon returning to fitness, with competition from Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales making it challenging to secure a spot in the starting lineup. He recognized the support of manager Brendan Rodgers during this period and explained his understanding of the situation, especially regarding Champions League eligibility.

Facing critics who questioned his abilities due to delayed inclusion in the lineup, Nawrocki emphasized the need for football players to block out external judgments. He expressed gratitude for the encouragement received from fans and supporters, emphasizing that he aims to do well for the club.

Looking ahead, Nawrocki is focused on getting more chances to impress at Lennoxtown and is determined to make the most of his opportunities. Despite the challenging weather conditions, he maintains a positive attitude and appreciates the support from fans.

‘A big loss’: Neil Lennon pleads for Celtic star to stay amid reports he may depart

Celtic’s recent signing of Nicolas Kuhn has ignited speculation among fans about potential departures from the squad, particularly among fringe players. The depth in attacking areas, coupled with Brendan Rodgers’ endorsement of the transfer, suggests that the team is gearing up for some significant changes.

One player who might be affected is 18-year-old Rocco Vata, capable of playing on the wings and in central positions. Despite his recent goal-scoring cameo in Celtic’s 5-0 victory over Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup, there are talks of his potential departure. Neil Lennon expressed a desire for Vata to stay but acknowledged the ongoing speculation, indicating that the player could secure a move to Italy.

Vata’s contract is set to expire in the summer, and with no signs of a new deal being inked, the situation seems uncertain. Neil Lennon highlighted Vata’s talent and the ‘big decision’ he faces regarding his future at Celtic. The manager praised Vata’s contribution against Buckie Thistle and emphasized the significance of the young player’s personal ambitions.

While acknowledging the plethora of options in the final third, Brendan Rodgers’ decision on Vata’s future will be crucial. The manager’s assessment, based on regular training observations, will guide the team’s direction. Despite the abundance of choices, Rodgers saw fit to strengthen the flanks with Kuhn’s addition this month, hinting at a long-term strategy.

The true impact of these decisions may unfold in the upcoming season, with the Champions League providing a significant platform for Celtic. From Vata’s perspective, Celtic, especially under Rodgers’ management, offers an ideal setting for development and growth, making it a crucial decision for the young player to make.

Horatiu Moldovan Celtic transfer “offer” is made public as the Romanian goalkeeper approaches the Atletico Madrid transfer

Atletico Madrid appears to have secured the services of Romanian international goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan, leaving Celtic among the clubs reportedly thwarted in their pursuit. The 26-year-old shot-stopper is on the verge of undergoing a medical in the Spanish capital, with the La Liga giants offering a four-and-a-half-season contract and an annual salary of 800,000 euros.

Celtic, along with FC Basel, Ludogorets Razgrad, Betis Sevilla, and others, had expressed interest in Moldovan, as revealed in a Romanian report. The termination clause in Moldovan’s contract with FC Rapid, valued at 800,000 euros, is expected to be paid by Atletico Madrid following the successful completion of the medical examination. Moldovan acknowledged the multiple discussions with various clubs but emphasized the irresistible appeal of Atletico Madrid, citing their determination as a decisive factor in his choice.

Speaking to the media at Bucharest airport, Moldovan expressed his excitement about the upcoming challenge, acknowledging the competition he will face, particularly against Jan Oblak, whom he considers the best goalkeeper in the world. Despite describing the move as a dream come true, Moldovan remained grounded, emphasizing the need to navigate the medical examination and recognizing the unpredictable nature of football.

In light of these developments, the goalkeeper position at Celtic, currently occupied by Joe Hart, has come under scrutiny. With Hart approaching 37 later in the year, there is speculation about Brendan Rodgers considering reinforcements. While Rodgers acknowledged Hart’s positive influence on the squad, he hinted at a desire to enhance the team further in upcoming transfer windows, reinforcing his commitment to improving the overall squad dynamics during his tenure at Celtic.

Nicolas Kuhn is a questionable transfer for Celtics, but Brendan Rodgers claims he is a top player and that the onus now rests with him – Chris Sutton

The former Hoops strike hero and Record Sport columnist has his say on the new Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers has described Nicolas Kuhn as having an terrific level of quality.

New Celtic Signing Nicolas Kuhn

There’s no conjecture in those words. The manager desires a certain trendy of player and, judging by means of his personal comments, that’s what he’s been given in the German. The Celtic boss made a name on quality. Not projects. I referred to last weekend I felt Kuhn used to be one for the venture list, but it is the opinion of Rodgers that counts when it comes to signings. So now it’s up to Kuhn to show him correct. Quite simply, Rodgers has to stand and fall by means of signings. Every manager does.

Kuhn is a vast attacking player and the place he suits into it all will be fascinating. The vibes are he performs off the proper coming internal and that door is huge open at the moment with Daizen Maeda at the Asian Cup. Liel Abada returned from injury just earlier than shutdown, however that lad has had lots to deal with this season and it’s challenging to recognize what he’ll produce on a regular basis. At £3million with masses of starts offevolved for Rapid Vienna before arriving, Kuhn has to be oven-ready and deliver massive shows from the minute he steps onto the park.

Rodgers wants arrivals to boost his starting team. Not further bloat the squad. So Kuhn has to go in there and hit the ground running. If he fails and ends up spending most time on the bench, he’ll join the dreaded category of fringe men and that’ll irritate fans. For all the criticism of the board over what’s being sought and what’s being bought, this one’s on the boss. Recruitment team of workers are essential to help whittle down the lists when a manager offers a description of the kind he desires from a certain position.

But, once recommended, it’s structured on Rodgers’ final judgment. That’s what will be beneath scrutiny here and that’s how it must be. Yes it things to a diploma how a good deal a club will spend. It’s stupid to propose otherwise, however the board works inside the mannequin and I have no qualms about it because Rodgers is aware of what it is. He says he’s comfortable to work inside it. So he’s got to get it right. I surely don’t apprehend fans screaming for big outlays when it’s been made flawlessly clear this is the club’s strategy. And, I’ll say it again, if it is performed properly, it can be vastly effective.

The activity this week that has emerged surrounding Cameron Carter-Vickers just bought me questioning about how high-quality Celtic can make it work. Evidence suggests the ones in the £2m-to-£3m bracket are volatile in the sense you may additionally end up with little in return.

But Matt O’Riley, Maeda and Reo Hatate are examples that it can work, though you need to be either extraordinarily smart or fortunate to get that three for a sum complete of about £4.5m, as Ange Postecoglou managed to do.

Hand on heart, do you certainly see Celtic getting much of their outlay lower back on Kwon Hyeok-kyu, who has just long gone on loan to St Mirren? You can in no way say never.

Stephen Robinson and Kwon

Kristoffer Ajer went to Brentford for a right few quid and he value much less than a million from Norway when Ronny Deila offered him. Rodgers despatched him out to Kilmarnock to analyze his alternate and received there, eventually. So maybe the cross to Paisley will have a comparable effect on Kwon and, at the equal time, that Ajer story tells you that Odin Thiago Holm would possibly flip out to be a desirable one in the end.

But Celtic also want performers for proper now. I know rate isn’t the solely barometer of a player’s potential as the market where you keep often dictates the figures. Put it this way, if Hatate or Maeda have been coming from the English Premier League with their genuine same profiles, do you think they should have been snared at J-League prices? Of path not. But there’s a balance and I can understand why fans would like to see just a little more spent on greater confirmed excellent to nearly warranty the win-win scenario.

The membership had no problems paying £9m for Odsonne Edouard because they knew, barring a disaster, they were now not going to lose money. In the end, they doubled their money when Crystal Palace stepped onto the scene. Celtic had to spend £6m to get Jota signed. Paying that little greater ended up netting them £25m when the Saudis got here calling. In the identical summer, Carter-Vickers price the equal £6m. If the English do come knocking in the summer, I’d say you are looking at every other £20m.

That’s surely what the fans favor to see. Chunky investments bringing even healthier returns. I’m fairly certain Carter-Vickers and O’Riley will remain until at least the summer, however they’ll go one day and their bumper transfer expenses when departing will just push the narrative of pay higher, sell higher. Fans just prefer ready-made players who can go straight into the aspect and make it better.

Kuhn has to fall into that bracket. He’s lower back towards the riskier quit of the scale if you are looking purely at switch fee, but it’s about the excellent and Rodgers says Kuhn has it. That’s the manager’s judgment. Not that of the board. So Rodgers has to have picked a correct one, and preserve discovering right ones, because the buck stops with him.

Celtic’s new goal is to prevail in the competition to sign Rodgers’ “excellent” forward

He’s hit the headlines recently due to his goalscoring exploits…

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has earmarked a couple of areas to make stronger before the close of the window and his side are now reportedly eager on an exciting player to bolster the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership title bid.

Celtic set for busy closing period of the window…

Nicolas Kuhn has been the solely arrival for Celtic so far this window as Rodgers and the Hoops carefully plot their subsequent cross between now and the stop of the month.

Sky Sports News reporter Anthony Joseph has given some perception into the place the Hoops may additionally seem to be next in the switch market, declaring via social media platform X:

Celtic are now focussing efforts to bring in a LB & ST before the end of the transfer window.

Permanent deals would be preferable, but loan targets may be more achievable.

GK situation is also being assessed, but more likely to be addressed in the summer.

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 17, 2024

Loan aims might also be the intention for Celtic as they evaluate now not only availability but also affordability. The Daily Record declare that several selections from the Premier League have been reviewed as Rodgers looks to furnish guide to Kyogo Furuhashi, who has grow to be the sole surviving forward at Parkhead for the next few weeks amid Oh Hyeon-gyu and Daizen Maeda’s involvement at the Asian Cup.

One acquainted identify that continues to be noted in the left-back function is Liverpool defender Owen Beck and he could cross north of the border once once more earlier than the cut-off date if Jurgen Klopp deems that he has gorgeous cowl in that function amid latest injury worries involving Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas.

Another choice has now come out of the blue that Celtic may want to look to goal to pork up their alternatives in attack, according to a clean report.

Celtic in race to signal Tommy Conway…

According to Football Insider, Celtic have emerged as suitors for Bristol City striker Tommy Conway and could be worried in a five-way tussle with Rangers, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford all in the race to land the Scotland Under-21 international.

Bristol City: Fourth round 🔜

West Ham: Out ❌

Tommy Conway did it again 👏#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/3pGMuDXhnR

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) January 17, 2024

Over the final couple of weeks, the Taunton-born striker has boosted his developing reputation by means of scoring twice towards West Ham United as the Robins stepped forward in opposition to David Moyes’ aspect all through the week at Ashton Gate.

Labelled “excellent” by using former boss Nigel Pearson, the 21-year-old has notched eight desires in 22 appearances this marketing campaign despite missing seven weeks due to harm troubles (Conway statistics – Transfermarkt).

Celtic appear to be in the market to add a new striker before the window closes; however, it is unclear whether Conway would be an less expensive goal or if Bristol City would enable the rising megastar to leave in mid-season, making this one to watch.

Await IT: A move by Celtic could be blocked by red tape

CELTIC’S interest in a loan cross for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck could be scuppered by using purple tape.

The Welsh Under-21 defender was recalled to Anfield after spending the first 1/2 of the season at Dundee.

HBAgency
Brendan Rodgers has been impressed via Beck all through his stint in the Premiership and the youngster put in a stable overall performance in the champions’ 3-0 win on Tayside on Boxing Day.

Daizen Maeda spent a irritating sixty six minutes towards the tigerish back-four operator, as CQN‘s fit reporter referred to in his massive recreation summary. The Japanese international eventually made way for South Korean Yang Hyun-jun who did’t fare a whole lot better in opposition to his pacy, quick-tackling opponent.

CLOSE-UP VIEW…Owen Beck is helpless as Mikey Johnston whips in Celtic’s second purpose in the 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day.

The Hoops are searching for cover for Greg Taylor in the No.3 slot with £3.75million Argentinian flop Alexandro Bernabei probable to be on his way.

Jurgen Klopp brought Beck returned to the Merseyside at the flip of the 12 months after being hit by means of a double blow to protective double-act Andy Robertson, the Scotland international skipper, and Greek back-up Kostas Tsimikas with each gamers suffering shoulder injuries.

Right-sided Joe Gomez has been forced to play in the unfamiliar role in latest games and the Liverpool boss may additionally now look to Beck to supply the answer.

An appearance by using the 21-year-old celebrity in the top side would give up any possibilities of the champions landing the defender as FIFA rules country no participant can play for three teams in the identical season.

Klopp’s facet still have two Premier League games to play before the end of this month’s window – towards Bournemouth on Sunday and Chelsea on January 31.

THE FINISHING TOUCH…Greg Taylor thumps in Celtic 1/3 and closing aim in the victory over St Mirren in Paisley to get 2024 off to a prevailing start.

They also have a Carabao Cup semi-final 2nd leg towards Fulham at Craven Cottage due on Wednesday and an English Cup-tie against Championship outfit Norwich City a week on Sunday.

As the Hoops wait to see how that state of affairs plays out, it has long past bloodless on the pronounced interest in Portuguese left-back Tiago Araujo, in accordance to the Daily Record.

Estoril are insisting on £4million for their participant and the Parkhead facet don’t appear willing to healthy that valuation.

The club have additionally held talks with FC Gwangju midfielder Jung Ho-yeon with the South Korean considered as a opportunity in this switch window.

Green Brigade appears on Iran state TV in a special documentary about Celtic ultras

The ultras have been featured on a information channel owned by way of the Iranian authorities after their Palestine support.

The Green Brigade have featured as a news bundle on an Iranian government-owned TV channel.

Parkhead chiefs have welcomes the ultras lower back into Celtic Park after firstly banning them for part of the season. They have shown their aid for Palestine at video games domestically and in the Champions League amid the ongoing warfare between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza region. It has attracted the attentions of Press TV, who have blanketed the crew on their Palestine Declassified programme.

Green Brigade hold up Palestine flags during a UEFA Champions League match between Celtic and Atletico Madrid (Image: SNS Group)

Former Labour MP Chris Williamson is a presenter on the programme. It is the solely agency legally in a position to transmit radio and TV declares in Iran, with the Celtic ultras front and centre of a video that additionally troubles a message of Parkhead support.

It is stated at the end of the broadcast by using reporter Amina Tayor: “The spirit of resistance is robust inside Celtic Park, as it is in Gaza. All energy to the Green Brigade.”

The video lasts three-and-a-half minutes, taking viewers thru a timeline of the Green Brigade’s Palestine assist courting again to 2006. It also important points Celtic’s roots in Ireland.

It is noted they did not “shrink from action” with banners unfurled in opposition to Kilmarnock that examine “victory to the resistance.” Press TV also claimed they lower back “triumphantly” to Parkhead against Livingston.

If Josh Doig’s Marseille transfer falls through, Celtic may try to sign the defender for £4.5 million

Former Hibernian left lower back Josh Doig had his move to Marseille crumple at the eleventh hour. The 6ft 2 defender used to be due to make the switch to Gattuso’s Ligue 1 aspect before Hellas Verona pulled the plug on the deal.

Doig, who was linked with Celtic closely throughout his spell at Hibernian, had been the situation to an agreed £4.5m fee. Although, with the player reportedly readying for a flight to the South of France, his club modified their minds.

It is predicted that Sassuolo will be a part of the race for the participant and are inclined to offer a greater surprising bundle for the Scottish defender’s services. However, with the £4.5m price genuinely around the asking charge for Doig, should Celtic make a move?

Olympique Marseille have reportedly made an offer of €5M for Josh Doig, Hellas Verona are holding out for €6M

The 21-year-old Scottish left back has made just 11 appearances in Serie A this season and a move looks imminent with Torino and Udinese also interested.… pic.twitter.com/IYlX1zyHqt

— Everything Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@AboutScotlandd) January 9, 2024

Doig would qualify as part of the club’s Scottish contingent for European purposes as properly as bringing height, pace and aggression to the returned line. It is no secret that the supervisor wants to go on Alexandro Bernabei and offer opposition to Greg Taylor.

Celtic have been linked with signing Owen Beck from Liverpool. The Welsh youngster spent the first 1/2 of the season at Dundee earlier than being recalled, where he impressed. Now, it stays to be considered whether Liverpool would let him depart both briefly or permanently.

Celtic have been searching to make stronger the left returned role for some time, you would even wonder if Verona would think about a money plus player swap with Bernabei heading the other way. The Argentine has an Italian passport and off-field issues have plagued his time at Celtic so far. It is possibly disappointing that we haven’t seen greater of him however both Ange and Brendan noticed him daily at training and determined to restrict his time in the first team.

Elsewhere, Celtic are expected to entire the signing of Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna today. The deal is expected to be round £3m with add-ons. Then, Brendan wishes a left returned and a striker before the window closes. There is additionally chatter of mortgage offers with the membership already planning their summer time business. The most essential thing is having the fine succesful of triumphing the league, which ensures qualification to the UCL Group Stages.

Nicolas Kuhn LANDS at Celtic, where he will join former Rangers player to complete his move from Rapid Vienna

The German is set to emerge as Brendan Rodgers’ first signing of the January transfer window.

CN Agency Agents Fabian Dingler (L) and ex-Rangers participant Christian Nerlinger land in Glasgow to finalise a pass for Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic

Nicolas Kuhn has touched down in Glasgow to put the closing touches to his cross to Celtic.

The Premiership champions have been in talks with Rapid Vienna over the former Ajax and Bayern Munich man. Brendan Rodgers has been keen to seal a deal for the 24-year-old and he looks set to get his way barring any final minute hiccups. Kuhn underwent a scientific in London before making his way north to put pen to paper with the Hoops.

They have agreed a £2.8million charge with Rapid to secure Kuhn, who is expected to signal a 4 and a half yr contract. He was once met at Glasgow airport by using Celtic officers before being whisked away to avoid the cameras complete the formalities at Celtic Park, the place he ought to be introduced as the club’s state-of-the-art addition later on Monday. Former Ibrox midfielder Christian Nerlinger is back in city with fellow consultant Fabian Dingler to get matters over the line.

Despite already having Luis Palma, Mikey Johnston, James Forrest and Yang at his disposal, Kuhn is being signed to improve the first group rather than pad the squad. Former Hearts famous person Thomas Flogel, who now manages in Austria with St Pollen II, reckons he’ll add something exclusive to Rodgers’ pool.

He told Record Sport: “Kuhn came from Germany and he is a absolutely gifted player, one of the high-quality players at Rapid Vienna this season. I be aware of they haven’t had the pleasant of seasons in the Austrian league however in my thinking he used to be one of their extra technical players.

“He is at his excellent when he gets one-on-one. He is a absolutely fast player and likes to take defenders and opponents on. He is a virtually talented and his tempo makes him certainly challenging to play towards and stop. When he is on his game he actually concerns defenders.”

New Celtic signing arrives quickly, Rangers are linked to a forward, Motherwell wants a Hearts outcast and other transfer rumors

Kuhn arrives in Glasgow to seal his go – but Scotland starlet faces wait for Verona exit

The nice of the Scottish switch stories as the transfer window continues to dominate headlines …

Kuhn arrives in Glasgow to seal Celtic deal

Celtic are expected to announce their first wintry weather signing imminently after Rapid Vienna forward Nicolas Kuhn arrived in Glasgow to entire formalities. The 23-year-old underwent a medical over the weekend and ought to make his debut for Celtic, barring any late unexpected hitches, when the membership starts offevolved its Scottish Cup defence towards Buckie Thistle on Sunday. Kuhn was noticed with his agent arriving at Glasgow Airport on Monday evening. The German is set to be the first of potentially 4 new signings at Celtic Park this month, with supervisor Brendan Rodgers understood to be eager on strengthening at goalkeeper and left-back, with probably another striker to follow Kuhn thru the door.

Josh Doig has been left in transfer limbo after Marseille pulled the plug on his move from Hellas Verona.

Josh Doig has been left in transfer limbo after Marseille pulled the plug on his go from Hellas Verona.

Marseille pull plug on Doig deal

Josh Doig’s transfer from Hellas Verona to Marseille has reportedly collapsed, with the Ligue 1 membership closing in on a deal for another left returned in Young Boys’ Ulisses Garcia. According to French media, Marseille have grown worn-out of negotiations with the Serie A outfit for the 21-year-old ex-Hibs man no matter agreeing personal terms, with Sassuolo now the favourites for Doig’s signature. The participant is believed to favor a pass away from Verona, where he has struggled for everyday game-time this season, and whilst Marseille are understood to prefer another left-back to compete with Garcia, they will no longer be pursuing Doig further. Hibs, who Doig to Verona in the summer time of 2022, are monitoring the situation intently given they have a 25 per cent sell-on clause.

Hibs now not taking Adryan on

Hibs have decided in opposition to offering a deal to Brazilian trialist Adryan. The 29-year-old playmaker joined up with Nick Montgomery’s crew all through their training camp in Dubai, but won’t be offered a deal. The Easter Road outfit have also been walking the rule over Leeds defender Kris Moore.

Andy Halliday, centre, has become a peripheral figure at Hearts this season.

Halliday desired by way of Motherwell

Motherwell have approached Hearts in an attempt to signal midfielder Andy Halliday. The 32-year-old has become a marginal parent underneath Steven Naismith at Tynecastle and has barely featured this season. The Steelmen need to make stronger their midfield following a season-ending damage to Callum Slattery and the Evening News reports that Hearts have given Halliday permission to talk with their fellow cinch Premiership outfit. Motherwell have already brought to their squad today, completing the signing of Celtic full-back Adam 1st viscount montgomery of alamein on loan for the relaxation of the season. The 21-year-old spent the first half of of the season with Fleetwood after until now loan spells with Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

Rangers linked with Langoni

Rangers have been credited with an activity in Boca Juniors ahead Luca Langoni. The 21-year-old has impressed for the Argentinian outfit and a move to Europe is expected. The Evening Standard claims that Rangers, as properly as Sevilla and Nice, have made processes to the Buenos Aires-based membership for Langoni. Rangers have already signed a ahead in this window after Fabio Silva joined on loan from Wolves.

Staggies land King

Derek Adams has persevered to reshape his Ross County squad by means of signing his former Morecambe participant Eli King. The 21-year-old joins County on loan from Cardiff. The Wales Under-21 international scored two goals in 24 appearances for Morecambe in the first half of the season and played 18 instances for Crewe in a mortgage spell closing term.

Celtic and the target have verbally agreed on personal terms

Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn has verbally agreed phrases on a contract at Celtic beforehand of the club putting him via a medical, according to Sky Sports.

Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of the German winger and has bought a swap to Celtic Park to him this month.

Celtic now have a £3m switch in location with Rapid Vienna for Kuhn and the switch should go smoothly as the Bhoys have thrashed out private terms.

While Kuhn has but to signal a contract, he has verbally agreed the terms of it with Celtic and it will run for the subsequent four-and-a-half years.

Celtic are now anticipating to give Kuhn a medical in London on Monday.

Should the German come via the assessments besides an issue, he will then be predicted in Glasgow to finalise his pass to the Scottish champions.

Kuhn, 24, turned out for Rapid Vienna in the Europa Conference League qualifiers this season, whilst he has clocked regular sport time in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Losing Kuhn will be a large blow for Rapid Vienna, but Celtic will seem to be to see him make a rapid have an impact on in Scottish football.

Lethal Palma partner could be acquired by Rodgers in Celtic’s £3 million raid for the “big game player” – opinion

The Hoops are reportedly fascinated in a swoop for the Premiership marksman.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers appears to be a busy man this month as the Northern Irishman appears to bolster his playing squad at some point of the January switch window.

FootballScotland reporter Mark Hendry recently claimed that the Hoops are hoping to add a winger, a left-back, and a centre-forward to the group before the quit of the month.

The window opened for commercial enterprise at the start of ultimate week and the Scottish giants are yet to make their first addition. However, they are closing in on a swoop for Rapid Wien ahead Nicolas Kuhn.

Hendry mentioned that the Bhoys ‘expect’ to land a deal for the German attacker, which would then go away the membership in need of a left-back and a striker.

Celtic are currently top of the Scottish Premiership table and ought to be searching to bolster their aspect to make sure that they impenetrable the title at the give up of the campaign.

One striker who ought to be brought in to add to Rodgers’ firepower is reported switch target Lawrence Shankland, who should be a lethal companion for Luis Palma at the pinnacle quit of the pitch.

Celtic transfer information – Lawrence Shankland

Journalist Graeme Bailey published at the begin of the month that Celtic are considering a swoop to sign the Scotland global in January.

The accompanying document from HITC, however, published that there is masses of opposition to secure his signature and it could, therefore, be a challenging one for the club to complete.

Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace from the Premier League are said to be keen on the Hearts captain, at the same time as Championship facets Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull are also fascinated in him.

Football Insider claimed in December that Hearts are organized to demand a fee of at least £3m for their skipper, and it remains to be viewed whether or not Celtic are organized to pay that for the centre-forward.

The outlet introduced that Glasgow Rangers have been maintaining tabs on the Scottish wide variety nine however the £3m valuation appears set to park their interest till the summer, for monetary reasons.

If the Hoops are in a position to win the race for his signature over the coming weeks, Rodgers ought to land a deadly accomplice for Palma in the closing 0.33 due to his tremendous goalscoring best to go alongside with the winger’s exceptional creativity.

Luis Palma’s season in numbers

The Bhoys snapped the astounding forward up from Greek facet Aris all through the summer time transfer window beforehand of the 2023/24 campaign and he has been a revelation so far.

It has no longer taken him any time to adapt to Scottish football as the proficient whiz hit the floor going for walks at Parkhead and set up himself as a key player for the former Leicester manager.

He has been a respectable scoring option for Rodgers with 5 goals in 17 Premiership fits to date. Only David Turnbull (seven), Kyogo Furuhashi (eight), and Matt O’Riley (ten) have scored extra than him within the squad.

The 23-year-old ace also showcased his offensive abilities on the biggest stage with two goals in 4 starts in the Champions League in the past this term.

Palma’s biggest strength, however, has been his creativity. The right-footed magician has produced nine assists and 3.4 key passes per fit across his 17 league outings, to go along with 11 ‘big chances’ created for his teammates.

Meanwhile, no other Celtic player has racked up greater than seven assists or provided more than 2.6 key passes over recreation in the Premiership this season.

These records suggest that the Honduras international has been the club’s most-creative ahead so far this time period and the most likely player to unpick an opposition defence.

Therefore, Palma may want to be the best player for a new centre-forward to play alongside as he has the first-class to persistently create magnificent chances for them to discover the again of the internet with.

The records that show Shankland should be lethal for Celtic

Shankland ought to be a lethal striker at Parkhead with the modern Celtic star’s help based totally on his fantastic structure for Hearts over the ultimate 18 months.

Last season, the 28-year-old marksman plundered an eye-catching 24 dreams and 4 assists in 37 appearances and 33 Premiership starts for the Jam Tarts.

He has confirmed that his elegant return in front of goal remaining time period used to be no longer a flash in the pan. The £3m-rated ahead is currently the pinnacle scorer in the Scottish top-flight with thirteen goals.

These statistics suggest that Celtic would be bringing in a established scorer at this level and someone who has outperformed Rodgers’ present day quantity nine – Kyogo – each in terms of dreams and effectivity when it comes to taking ‘big chances’.

Therefore, the former Dundee United finisher would no longer waste as many massive probabilities in the front of goal as the Japan worldwide has, which may want to result in Palma being rewarded with greater assists for his top notch creativity.

Journalist Philip West hailed Shankland as a “big sport player” and that is backed up with the aid of his report this season. The Hearts captain has scored twice – in separate fits – in opposition to Celtic and as soon as against Rangers in the Premiership.

He additionally produced a moment of magic, as proven in the video above, in the 93rd minute of the Edinburgh derby in opposition to Hibernian to tightly closed a 1-0 win for his side.

This indicates that the Scottish ace is constructed for the huge event and, therefore, has the mentality required to be a success in a forced surroundings at Paradise as the skilled forward can step up in huge games to be a difference-maker.

Having a winger as great as Palma on the left of him at the pinnacle end of the pitch would also mean that he would get the possibilities that he wishes in the front of goal to be a elegant variety 9 for the Hoops, which is why Rodgers need to push to land his signature earlier than the give up of the month.

Barry Ferguson responds to Scott Brown’s title claims by supporting Rangers

Barry Ferguson has answered to Scott Brown’s claims that the Scottish Premiership title race is over already, insisting Rangers are nevertheless right in the mix.

Former Celtic skipper Brown regarded in the press this week where he mentioned the significance of the derby day victory for Brendan Rodgers’ aspect on December 30.

Ferguson agrees that the recreation at the turn of the 12 months was a massive one in the title race, however he is now not ruling out his former side simply yet, mainly given they have two games in hand over their rivals.

He wrote in the Daily Record: “I’ll say this about Scott Brown – he used to be continually up for a laugh.

“And, proper to form, my old Scotland team-mate gave me a snicker when I picked up my Daily Record on Thursday to discover he has declared the title race as correct as over already.

I don’t be aware of if this used to be simply Broonie being a wind-up service provider due to the fact he does enjoy getting under people’s skin. Or possibly he actually believes it.

He’s a former Celtic captain, after all, and doing his speakme from the different side of the fence. Which is honest enough.

“But, if that’s the case, then he’s solely kidding himself on. I’m now not writing this with my blue-tinted specs on either. And I’m no longer making an attempt to make headlines for the sake of it. But I firmly accept as true with this top-flight warfare is going all the way down to the wire and each person who thinks it’s carried out and dusted already desires to provide themselves a shake. Yes, I admit, I’d instead be in Celtic’s position at this midway point.

As I continually stated as a player, I a good deal select to have the video games played and the factors on the board. But, with Rangers having two games in hand, it’s not possible to say that it’s all over and to sincerely mean it.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticising Broonie for speaking Celtic up. It’s only natural that he’ll take their side the equal way as I do with my old club. But, come on man, this component is vast open and everyone knows it.

My truthful opinion is it’s impossible to predict how it’s all going to quit up. I do absolutely expect Rangers to win these video games towards Hibs and Ross County and reduce the gap at the top to two points.”

Rodgers is considering a move to Celtic for their “impressive” £14k-per-week marksman, viewed as Hooper 2.0

The Hoops are reportedly looking at a viable swoop to signal the centre-forward.

Celtic were exceeded a raise earlier this month as Japan decided no longer to call Kyogo Furuhashi up alongside teammates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda for the 2023 Asian Cup.

However, fellow centre-forward Hyeon-gyu Oh has been chosen to feature for South Korea at the match and will be unavailable for the Hoops till the cease of his country’s involvement.

Kyogo is nonetheless searching for a return to the top of his powers as the Japanese striker has solely observed the lower back of the net eight instances in 22 Scottish Premiership appearances.

Last season, the 28-year-old plundered 27 goals in 31 league begins and averaged one strike each and every 87 minutes of action for the Glasgow giants.

His scoring frequency has dropped to one goal every one hundred ninety minutes of league football this term, which illustrates his drop-off in form since Brendan Rodgers arrived.

This, alongside with Oh’s involvement at the Asian Cup, appears to have caused the club to desire to dip into the market to add another range nine to their squad during the January transfer window.

Celtic switch news – Joe Gelhardt

The Daily Mail have pronounced that Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is attracting interest from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers this month.

Rodgers seems to be eyeing up a swoop to land the former Wigan prospect, who has struggled for sport time with Daniel Farke’s side so a ways this season.

They should face opposition from England for the gifted ace, though, as journalist Alan Nixon these days stated – via his Patreon – that Championship facet Blackburn Rovers are also pursuing a pass for him, alongside his teammate Charlie Cresswell.

However, the Daily Mail file does now not expose whether it would be a mortgage or a permanent deal for the English youngster, or whether or not or no longer the Whites are organized to let him go away earlier than the stop of the window.

A permanent deal ought to be the way to go for the Hoops as it would enable them to deliver him in as a long-term addition with the doable to enhance over the years to come.

At the age of 21, Gelhardt is still in the infancy of his first-team profession and has masses of time left in advance of him to enhance and grow as a player, which Celtic may also no longer advantage from if they are only able to signal him on mortgage until the stop of the modern-day campaign.

With a long-term deal for the gifted youngster, Rodgers ought to unearth the club’s subsequent model of Gary Hooper with the aid of securing a deal for the Leeds gem.

The former Hoops marksman, like Gelhardt, used to be a stocky and undersized centre-forward who made a identify for himself through his prolific scoring ability in Scottish football.

Gary Hooper’s record for Celtic

Celtic signed the English finisher from Scunthorpe United in the summer time of 2010 and he went on to revel in three tremendous years at Parkhead.

The five foot 9 attacker, who did now not reduce an imposing figure for opposition defences at the pinnacle end of the pitch, hit the ground going for walks with 22 goals and 9 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

That covered a incredible return of 20 desires and nine assists in 26 Scottish Premiership appearances, which is extra than one intention contribution per recreation on average.

Hooper accompanied that up with 29 goals and eleven assists in 50 fits in all competitions for the Hoops – which includes two desires and one assist in five Europa League outings.

His remaining marketing campaign in Scotland ended with a sublime return of 31 desires and ten assists in 51 games for Celtic. He scored two dreams in seven Champions League clashes and two dreams in 4 qualifiers for the competition.

Hooper’s haul of 20-plus desires in three consecutive seasons for the club used to be not matched till Odsonne Edouard carried out the equal feat by using 2021.

🟢 Odsonne Edouard is the first player to score 20 goals in 3 consecutive seasons for Celtic since Gary Hooper who did so between 2011 & 2013 pic.twitter.com/lZhb2wKpwF

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 14, 2021

In total, the stunning ace plundered 82 dreams and 30 assists in 137 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions. This capacity that the English ace averaged a goal or an aid every 1.22 matches.

He then sealed a everlasting swap to Norwich City in England and went on to score 20 dreams in 70 games for the Canaries, with six desires in 32 Premier League appearances.

During his time with Celtic, Hooper was once a prolific scorer who additionally had the capability to convey his teammates into the sport with a solid return of assists, no matter his brief and stocky build as a wide variety nine.

The records that exhibit why Celtic must sign Gelhardt

Rodgers should unearth a striker with comparable qualities to the ex-Norwich megastar by using signing Gelhardt, who also stands at five foot 9 with a stocky build.

At the age of 21, the Leeds teen is far from the finished article and there is no guarantee that he will be an immediate hit at Parkhead this season. However, if they can land him on a permanent foundation then the conceivable is there for him to strengthen into Hooper 2.0.

Gelhardt has only made six appearances in the Championship for the Whites this season and spent the second half of of the 2022/23 campaign on mortgage with Sunderland.

As you can see from the table above, the former England U20 global struggled to furnish regular fantastic as a scorer or a creator for the Black Cats remaining term.

However, Gelhardt did show promise in his restricted Premier League minutes with Leeds formerly in his career. He plundered two goals and six assists in 35 appearances, despite only six of those coming as a starter.

The Celtic target’s report at formative years level, however, is what Rodgers might also be searching at as an indication that he could boost into a deadly scorer for the club.

Gelhardt scored five dreams in 5 games for Wigan at U18 level and then went on to produce 20 goals and six assists in 31 outings for Leeds’ U21s.

This skill that the £14k-per-week marksman, whose motion was hailed as “impressive” by journalist Josh Bunting, racked up 25 dreams and six assists in 36 childhood group video games before making a first-team breakthrough.

That is a return of one aim contribution each and every 1.16 fits on average, which is a very similar degree of manufacturing in comparison to Hooper’s time with Celtic.

Therefore, Rodgers should unearth the club’s new prolific English marksman by way of striking a deal for Gelhardt and supporting him to unlock his achievable at first-team level.

Kuhn first impressions, Bernabei verdict… 3 things we learned as Celtic beat Ross County

Celtic continued their winning form in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, beating Ross County 1-0 at Celtic Park.

The Bhoys made it six victories in a row across all competitions thanks to a heavily deflected Alistair Johnston strike in the opening seconds of the match.

County gave a good account of themselves and Derek Adams’ team did create a few passages of play that made the win a nervy watch for Celtic supporters.

The league leaders were undoubtedly not at their best but it was an important three points to bank with second-placed side Rangers winning earlier in the day.

With intrigue surrounding Brendan Rodgers’ squad options at the end of this transfer window and some big matches ahead, what were the main takeaways from this one? Here are three of ours.

Nicolas Kuhn makes his Celtic debut
After signing in the build-up to last week’s Scottish Cup win over Buckie Thistle, Celtic fans were made to wait for Nicolas Kuhn’s first appearance but the German got a solid run out in the second half of today’s win.

Kuhn was brought on in the 64th minute for the misfiring Luis Palma, slotting in on the left flank, then switching to the right wing when Mikey Johnston was substituted on for Liel Abada.

He looked eager to get involved in the action but in truth, this was a lacklustre Celtic team performance and it was hard for the German to capitalise on any attacking momentum and break down Ross County.

Brendan Rodgers on Alexandro Bernabei Celtic start

Speaking pre-match, the Bhoys boss explained to BBC Radio Scotland that while there is a “brutal honesty” about his Celtic situation, Bernabei has nonetheless impressed in training.

Rodgers said when asked why the defender was included: “We’ve got players that can play the position but I think just for his balance of being left-sided.

“I think he hasn’t had his best time here, that’s the brutal honesty of it. I just asked him to play in the games like what I’ve seen from him in training at times.

“He’s aggressive, he’s quick but he needs to serve the ball with precision a little better. He has qualities, that’s why he was signed. He’s a guy who can hopefully show his best form because in training I’ve seen lots of good qualities from him. Greg Taylor has played at a really, really good level consistently.

“Bernabei gives us balance on that side of the field being naturally left-footed and he can be aggressive going forward. Hopefully, he can do well.”

Bernabei has been one of the big contenders to leave the club during the winter transfer window given his lack of minutes so far under Rodgers. However, Taylor’s injury may well have changed that.

Even if Celtic sign another left-back in the closing days of the window, Bernabei could be needed for cover while the Bhoys wait on Taylor’s return.

The chances of him being a long-term option for Celtic are slim at this point, but Bernabei could well get a run in the team that boosts his confidence and unlocks a bit of form.

Ange Postecoglou was impressed by how £164,000-a-week Tottenham star played vs Celtic

Ange Postecoglou did not hesitate when Tottenham Hotspur had the chance to sign Timo Werner, having watched him in action against his former club Celtic.

That is according to Football.London, which has shared how receptive Tottenham head coach Postecoglou was to the idea of bringing former Chelsea forward to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

So, what has been reported about Timo Werner and Ange Postecoglou? Let’s take a look.

Ange Postecoglou rates Timo Werner highly
Well, earlier this month, Tottenham Hotspur signed Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

The North London club secured the services of the £164,000-a-week (SalarySport) Germany international forward on loan until the end of the season.

Werner has already made his debut for Tottenham, who have the option to make his loan deal permanent in the summer of 2024. The 27-year-old started against Manchester United and impressed Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Football.London has now reported that Postecoglou did not hesitate when Spurs Technical Director Johan Lange pushed the signing of Werner.

Timo Werner
Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
The report has claimed that Postecoglou “agreed that he would fit into his system well after seeing first hand how the 27-year-old had given his Celtic team all kinds of problems with RB Leipzig”.

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On October 5, 2022, RB Leipzig beat Celtic 3-1 in Germany in the UEFA Champions League. Werner started the match for the German club.

Then the following week, Leipzig won 2-0 against Celtic at Celtic Park. Werner scored in the 75th minute.

My View: Timo Werner a no-risk signing for Spurs
In my opinion, Timo Werner is a ‘no-risk’ signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

It is a loan deal, so if the former Chelsea forward fails to make a huge impact at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks and months, then the North London club could just send him back to RB Leipzig at the end of the season.

I do not think that Werner should be used as a central striker. He is not prolific and misses chances. The German is best used out wide.

Tottenham are very much in the running for the Premier League top four and could even challenge for the title this season.

BBC man reacts to Celtic target who “ticks all the boxes” at Parkhead

Celtic, top of the Scottish Premiership and on course to seal yet another league title under Brendan Rodgers after he returned last summer, have the opportunity to strengthen even further this month. And whilst they’re reportedly unlikely to land one particular deal, pundit Alan Hutton believes that the Scottish giants should be optimistic ahead of the summer.

Celtic transfer news
With the January window well underway, Celtic have been linked with reinforcements that could help them on their way to a third consecutive league title.

According to reports, Celtic have held talks with Gwangju FC midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon in what could prove to be a shrewd piece of business if all goes well. Meanwhile, the Bhoys have already sealed a deal from elsewhere this month, welcoming Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna.

After signing on the dotted line, Kuhn said: “Celtic is one of the biggest clubs around and I’m really happy to be here. At Celtic, it’s about doing all we can to win every game, so that is the challenge here. I can’t wait to get going and do my very best for our supporters.”

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Celtic are now interested in winning race to sign Tommy Conway
A player that Rodgers may not be able to welcome with open arms this month, however, is Caoimhin Kelleher.

According to reports, Liverpool will reject any bids for Kelleher this month, but Hutton believes that Celtic should be optimistic about their chances to secure a summer deal for the target.

Talking to Football Insider, the former Premier League full-back and BBC pundit said: “He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. We don’t see too much of him at Liverpool, but when it comes to the cup games, Jurgen Klopp obviously trusts him a lot for him to go and play. Every time I’ve watched him, I think he’s been amazing.

“He’s only 25 years old at this stage, so obviously with the Joe Hart situation, the fans always wanted to see somebody come in and put pressure on him.

I can’t see it happening in January, to be honest, but fans should be more optimistic about it happening in the summer. With his experience at a big football club, he ticks all the boxes. They’ll be looking at him as the long-term replacement.”

“Outstanding” Kelleher could be the perfect Hart replacement
With Hart’s contract set to expire this summer as things stand, Celtic may have no choice but to turn to the market for a fresh face in between the sticks. And they should look no further than Kelleher.

Rooted behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order at Liverpool, mainly thanks to how incredible the Brazilian is, rather than anything against the Celtic target, Kelleher is at somewhat of a crossroads in his career.

kelleher-liverpool-celtic-transfer-gossip-livakovic
At 25, it could be the perfect time to bring an end to his Anfield career and instead move on and take a number one spot over a backup role. With experience in cup finals, the Champions League and the Premier League already under his belt, he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Hart.

Although a deal seems unlikely this month, Celtic should swoop in this summer to sign the Liverpool shot-stopper, whose need for a number-one spot is growing more and more desperate with each season.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
TRANSFER RUMOURS

Tom is a football writer who has written for a number of websites and newspapers, creating content on everything from non-league, the Premier League and the top five European leagues over the last four years.

Tom is also a Liverpool fan and a University of Brighton student who can often be found on Twitter talking about the Reds.

Rangers stance shared as Leeds eye move to sign “magic” player
A reliable reporter has provided a key update.

borna-barisic-rangers-europa-league-clement
Rangers could lose a “special” player during the January transfer window, with a new transfer report claiming a big English club are eyeing a move for him.

Rangers transfer news
The Gers could delve into the transfer market this month, as Philippe Clement looks to further perfect his squad between now and the end of the season.

A host of different left-backs have been linked with moves to Ibrox, ahead of the possible exit of Ridvan Yilmaz, with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and Benfica ace David Jurasek among those in the mix to come in.

That isn’t the only position that is being focused on, however, with West Ham right-back Ben Johnson someone who Rangers are fighting other clubs for, as he looks increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium before the month comes to an end.

Leeds want Rangers ace Borna Barisic
According to a new update from Football Scotland’s reliable reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, however, a new contract at Ibrox is also not ruled out. Yilmaz’s exit is also possible, ahead of a potential switch to Galatasaray.

borna-barisic-rangers-scottish-premiership
“Borna Barisic has suitors this month in Leeds United and around Europe in France, Spain and Germany but Gers want him to sign a new contract and have put the question forward for the left-back to consider. Meanwhile another left-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, is still having his future discussed with Hellas Verona wanting the player. Galatasaray reportedly had a bid rejected as Gers look to move him on.”

Barisic has been a brilliant player for Rangers over a significant period of time, racking up a total of 224 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, so losing him midway through the season could be a blow, given his experience of title races in the past.

The 31-year-old is also someone who was lauded by Steven Gerrard during his time as Gers manager, with the Liverpool legend hailing a brilliant goal he scored back in 2019:

“It’s a moment of magic. I always felt that it would take a moment of brilliance from one of the front men or wide men, or a really well-executed free-kick. Thankfully Borna stepped up and he deserves all the credit that he gets. I’ve seen him do that many times on the training pitch but it’s alright doing that when nobody’s there. You’ve got to do it in big moments so fair play to him.”

This season, Barisic has started nine league games, invariably sharing playing time with Yilmaz, also winning an average of 1.8 aerial duels per game, and it would be better to keep hold of him for the time being, especially if his fellow left-back moves on.

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Rangers now weighing up offer to sign “really good athlete”
At 31, his best days could be behind him, or may well be in the relatively near future, but he should be seen as a player who can contribute positively between now and May, potentially leaving at the end of the season instead.

RANGERS
BORNA BARISIC
TRANSFER FOCUS

Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of the game.

With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.

Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.

Over the years, he has also accumulated nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and become a known voice on all things Reds.

Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Instant reaction to the burning issues

Rangers claimed a late win over Celtic in the Sky Sports Cup semi-final..

Rangers sealed their spot in the Sky Sports Cup final after a breathless victory over rivals Celtic.

A bonkers cup tie saw three penalties awarded and a stoppage-time winner in front of enthusiastic split support.

Celtic snatched a lead against the run of play in the second half with Chloe Craig firing home a penalty after a handball against Kathryn Hill.

The Rangers defender made up for her error shortly after though as she forced over the line after a stramash in the box.

With ten minutes left Rangers turned the match on its head as Rio Hardy cut back for Kirsty Maclean who coolly slotted into the bottom corner.

With one minute left, though, Celtic were awarded a second penalty, this time Tessel Middag was adjudged to have fouled in the box even if TV replays suggested she got more than a fair touch on the ball. Craig made no mistake to level again.

But Rangers would have the last laugh to seal the win with a penalty of their own after 95 minutes. Caitlin Hayes had pulled down Hardy in the box and the Rangers striker blasted home to win and send her side into the final.

Cruel start for Elena Sadiku

It was always going to go one of two ways for new Celtic boss Elena Sadiku.

Either, a memorable triumph over rivals Rangers in her dugout debut, or a cruel defeat.

However, no one could have called such a difficult defeat with a losing goal coming with seconds left in added time.

Sadiku wants to be the Queen of Queens for Celtic and that could still come to pass, but as evident at the Excelsior there will always be bumps along the way.

Rangers get the job done

With 12 goals in their previous two outings, it was always expected Rangers would score.

Perhaps less predictable would be the somewhat blunt attack as Jo Potter’s side struggled to find a cutting edge.

Multiple opportunities were passed up, and more denied by the impressive Kelsey Daugherty and the Celtic defence.

Importantly, though, Rangers found a way. First, forcing over the line with Hill and then a terrific finish from Maclean.

And when it came to the crucial moment, Hardy made no mistake.

Incredible entertainment

Three penalties, end-to-end stuff no VAR and an intense rivalry thrown into the mix – that sounds like a recipe for entertainment.

Thankfully, that was exactly the case at the Excelsior as Rangers toppled Celtic in a crazy 97 minutes of action in the Sky Sports Cup.

There was a healthy dose of nerves, quality and dubious decisions all making a great advert for women’s football in Scotland with BBC Alba covering the contest live.

Our women’s game is not in the limelight as often as it should be, and an incredible cup tie was just another statement that the product is there.

Report: Southampton keen on signing £6.5m-rated Celtic target

Maik Nawrocki during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Celtic at Pittodrie on 13 August 2023. Photo Stephen Dobson PSI

Southampton are ready to make a move to sign Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski, who is being tracked by Celtic. The 24-year-old has been watched by the Scottish Champions at various points this season with a view to strengthening in attack.

According to Record Sport, Southampton’s talent spotter Darren Mowbray has been telling the hierarchy to make a January move to take the North Macedonian International to the South Coast.

Aberdeen signed Miovski from MTK Budapest in the summer of 2022. Since arriving in the North East of Scotland, Miovski has scored 32 goals and assisted on 6 occasions in 69 appearances. Mowbray was the man that headed up transfers at Pittodrie and now he’s pitching for Miovski to make the move to the English Championship.

Brendan Rodgers has said that he wants to bring quality into the team and it is expected that between two and four signings will arrive in January. Kyogo and Oh have struggled for form, whether by supply or stuttering confidence, so in the attacking third is a priority.

Southampton have enjoyed buying from Scotland in recent years with Stuart Armstrong, Victor Wanyama, Virgil Van Dijk and Fraser Forster all arriving from Celtic. Most recently, Joe Aribo went from Rangers in 2022 and Southampton were relegated.

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

“I Would Expect” – Dundee Loan Star Tipped for Celtic Move

Kenny Miller has suggested that Celtic should consider Dundee’s Owen Beck for a potential transfer.

26th December 2023; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Paulo Bernardo of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 in the 52nd minute

Beck, currently on loan from Liverpool, has made a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership, catching Miller’s attention with his performances.

Miller’s endorsement comes at a time when Celtic Rangers are reportedly in the market for reinforcements in the left-back position. Celtic is looking for a player to challenge Greg Taylor, with it clear that Alexandro Bernabei is not of the desired quality. The Portuguese left-back, Arujo, has been heavily linked with the Hoops over the past few weeks.

Speaking on BBC Radio, quoted by Football Scotland, Miller said, “I’m looking forward to seeing Owen Beck today. The games that I’ve seen him this year he’s been absolutely outstanding. This goes again to show the loans and opportunities that can be presented, from the big clubs in England up to Scotland to play.

“I would expect, for me, maybe the big two up here to be having a look at this player. Both of them could do with a player in that area of the pitch and he’s been outstanding.”

He didn’t impress too much during the ninety minutes on boxing day, but he did make the most tackles in the match, playing on the left of a back 5. He looked comfortable enough defensively, but Celtic are looking to add experience and quality to the squad, I don’t think the 21-year-old will fall under that bracket.

Celtic squad trim begins as Bhoys accept transfer offer

Brendan Rodgers and Celtic are expected to trim several fringe players from the Bhoys squad in the upcoming transfer window.

The Bhoys boss has admitted his playing group is too large and that he wants to reduce overall first-team numbers to around 25 across January and next summer.

Work is already underway and, in fact, the first confirmed exit could come quickly.

The Daily Record reports that Celtic have agreed on a £870,000 fee with Vissel Kobe in Japan to sell midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, calling time on his ill-fated move to the Bhoys.

Ideguchi arrived in the same transfer window as Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda during the Ange Postecoglou reign but struggled to make the same impact as his compatriots.

The midfielder picked up an unfortunate injury in a Scottish Cup shortly after joining the Hoops and went on to make just six appearances in total.

He joined Avispa Fukuoka on loan for the 2023 J-League season and impressed in his 32 appearances, even earning a Player of the Year nomination.

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Now it appears that Vissel Kobe have won the race for his signature and will allow Celtic to recoup the fee paid for him in the first place.

The J-League transfer window officially opens in mid-January ahead of their 2024 campaign so expect to hear official confirmation of his permanent transfer over the next couple of weeks.

There are plenty of other big contenders to leave the Bhoys next month too as Rodgers looks to shift players who aren’t currently contributing significantly.

Hopefully, it frees up space to bring in the ‘quality’ that the Celtic manager desires.

Aston Villa want title-winning £26m midfielder who ‘glides about the pitch’

Aston Villa have reportedly set their sights on Celtic’s Matt O’Riley ahead of the January transfer window.

The Villans are flying high in the Premier League and in Europe, and could well look to bolster their ranks further in January to maintain their momentum.

According to Sky Sports, Villa are one of several teams that have been watching O’Riley with a view to a potential approach.

As well as the Villans, the likes of West Ham, PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing the midfielder.

The Sky Sports report claims Inter are prepared to offer an initial loan until the end of the season with an obligation to buy him in the summer.

In terms of price tag, Fabrizio Romano previously claimed that any team wishing to sign O’Riley would have to break the Scottish transfer record.

This currently stands at £25million, the fee Celtic received when they sold Portuguese winger Jota to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in the summer.

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Aston Villa one of multiple teams in pursuit of Matt O’Riley

Villa have struck gold multiple times in the transfer market this year, and O’Riley would be another outstanding addition to the claret-and-blue ranks.

The 23-year-old is on nine goals and eight assists for the season so far, an especially great tally when you consider he’s a central midfielder.

Furthermore, three of his assists have come in the Champions League, showing how apt he is at the highest level.

In October, Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd backed O’Riley to be “one of the next ones to go in terms of big money” from the Scottish top flight.

Boyd said on Sky Sports: “You could sit and watch Matt O’Riley play football all day. He’s a top-class player.

“He glides about the pitch and Brendan Rodgers has obviously asked him to get forward more this season. He is reaping the benefits of that.”

Villa – or any other suitors – would likely be looking at £26million and over for O’Riley.

It’s a fairly hefty price tag, but considering Declan Rice went for over £100million, it goes to show that an elite midfielder is worth his weight in gold. And O’Riley has the makings of one.

At the same time, the reigning Scottish champions only have a two-point lead at the top over second-placed Rangers, who have a game in hand. They may refuse to sell O’Riley until the summer at least.

Brendan Rodgers tried to sign £35m PL player during first spell at Celtic

News that Celtic could be interested in Wolves striker, Fabio Silva hit the headlines just prior to this weekend.

TBR Celtic told how the £35m striker is of interest to Brendan Rodgers on Thursday and it seems that this isn’t the only time the Hoops gaffer tried to land him in Paradise.

Former Celtic striker, Andy Walker, was speaking about Fabio Silva and he revealed that his old club tried to sign the Portuguese striker back in Rodgers’ first stint as Hoops boss.

Walker said [The Go Radio Football Show], “He was on Celtic’s radar a number of years ago. I remember doing a game down south when he was playing for Wolves and they were all talking about the interest from Celtic.

“I mean he’s got skill, he’s got ability, he’s played at a good level and that was during Brendan Rodgers’ first spell in charge when he was here with Chris Davies.

“But he’s certainly been on their radar before.”

Now, you might ask what’s the point of that? It was five years ago. Well now that Rodgers has been banging on about adding quality and questions have been raised about whether or not he is in charge of Celtic’s recruitment, at least now the club are linked with a player that Rodgers clearly likes.

Fabio Silva Celtic striker?

Could the young 21-year-old forward really do a job for Celtic? The Portugal u21 international has made 159 career appearances at both youth and senior level.

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In that time he has scored just 32 goals and created 18 assists. However his goalscoring rate at U21 International is very impressive.

Ten in 19 appearances for his country, which includes a hattrick against Liechtenstein in July 2022, is not to be sniffed at so clearly, the young man does have an eye for goal. [Transfermarkt]

Obviously, if any deal were to be brokered between Wolves and Celtic it would be with a view to loan. With the EPL club shelling out £35m for the striker, despite being cash-rich, Celtic are in no place to get anywhere near that figure to bring him to Paradise permanently.

Transfer Latest – Celtic eye Ipswich’s Czechia keeper Vaclav Hladky

Celtic have been linked with former St Mirren goalkeeper Vaclav Hladky as the shot-stopper nears the end of his contract. The Czech Republic star is currently at high-flying Ipswich Town in the English Championship and Kieran McKenna is eager to get the ex-Buddies man tied down on fresh terms as they bid to get promotion to the Premier League.

Vaclav Hladky

It’s no secret that the Bhoys will need a new netminder soon as Joe Hart enters the final months of his contract and will be 37 in any case. Joe has been a great servant to the club but I think we can all agree the time has come for him to step down from the number one position at the club and give a younger, fresher body a chance at the role. With Benjamin Seigrist and Scott Bain on the books, Brendan Rodgers will need to move someone on before he signs a new ‘keeper.

Vaclav Hladky

The club have been linked with various shot-stoppers as they try and succession plan for Joe’s potential retirement or if he decides to just move on from Celtic Park and remain in the game somewhere else. Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid has been strongly linked with a move to the Scottish Premiership Champions and there have been links to Kilmarnock loan star, Will Dennis too, although Rodgers has admitted he doesn’t see it as a priority this coming transfer window.

Czech media publication iSPORT have reported that the Hoops have reignited interest in his services and say the sources are from Scotland too. The 33-year-old will be free to speak to potential suitors next month and whilst Celtic do retain an interest, the goalkeeper may view it as his last shot at the big time of the English Premier League and the wages that could be on offer there. However, nothing is set in stone and Ipswich still need to get there so this could also play on his mind. If Celtic win the Scottish League this year it’s direct entry into the UEFA Champions League group stages which is also a very attractive proposition.

Great celebration time “But bad news” Celtic’s best player is seriously injured in…

What a great Win “But bad News” Celtic Top player is seriously injured during…

Glasgow Derby Injury Concern for Celtic

Celtic emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Livingston, a welcome relief following back-to-back defeats.

However, the triumph came with a tinge of concern as right-back Alistair Johnston appeared to suffer an injury towards the end of the match.

He looked to have pulled up injured, making him a concern for the Glasgow Derby next week.

The game saw Kyogo breaking his goal drought. Kyogo found the net, marking an end to his recent period without goals. This strike set the tone for Celtic’s dominance in the match.

Liam Scales doubled Celtic’s lead by heading in a corner from Palma.

Impressively, Palma also played a crucial role in setting up Kyogo’s goal, showcasing his ability to orchestrate key plays.

The Green Brigade returned to the stands for the win. The group made their presence felt for the first time in 13 games after being absent due to a ban.

Hopefully Brendan Rodgers can provide a positive update on the right back.

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What a great Win “But bad News” Tottenham Top player is seriously injured during…

There’s a lot of frustration”-journalist react to “strange” involving Celtic star

Kyogo Furuhashi now in ‘strange situation’ at Celtic

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi looks to have been asked to play a different role under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

HIGHLIGHTS

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has been “a bit strange” at Parkhead.

The Japan international has been asked to play a different role, drifting wide and dropping back, affecting his goalscoring form for the Hoops.

Celtic could look to trim their squad during the 2024 winter transfer window, with Nat Phillips and Alexandro Bernabei preparing for exits.

Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi’s lack of goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has is “a bit strange” and has caused “a lot of frustration”, as journalist Dean Jones considers his performances as a whole at Parkhead.

The Hoops have enjoyed a positive start to the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, but a recent wobble in results will have created a sense of unease around Celtic Park.

Furuhashi has been operating across the front three for Rodgers’ outfit but hasn’t been utilised as the out-and-out striker he has been used to over the past two seasons. Celtic hope to recover from their early European exit and storm to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s career at Celtic

In the summer of 2021, Celtic signed Furuhashi in a deal worth £4.6m from Vissel Kobe, as then-head coach Ange Postecoglou looked to develop a side capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops had been beaten to the post by Rangers at a canter during the 2020/21 campaign and needed a rebuild to topple their Glasgow neighbours.

The Japan international would score 12 Premiership goals in 20 appearances during his first season at Celtic, helping them win the league title alongside a Viaplay Cup triumph.

Having had issues with his fitness during his debut campaign at Parkhead, Furuhashi would find full fitness in his second, hitting the back of the net 27 times in 36 top-flight outings.

The 28-year-old’s goal contribution led to Postecoglou’s side securing a domestic treble during the 2022/23 campaign before the respected head coach departed south of the border to take the vacant job at Tottenham Hotspur.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Furuhashi has struggled to reach the same levels in front of goal. Before Celtic’s trip to Livingston on 23rd December, the centre-forward had scored eight goals and registered three assists in 25 outings for the Bhoys.

However, Furuhashi has been asked to drift into wide areas and drop back to retrieve the ball under Rodgers, operating differently from how he played under Postecoglou.

In November, Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Celtic would not be concerned by exit rumours surrounding Furuhashi after it emerged that Tottenham had sent their top scout to check on players at Postecoglou’s former club.

Kyogo Furuhashi – Celtic stats (23-12-23)

Appearances

109

Goals

Assists

Yellow cards

Stats according to Transfermarkt

Dean Jones on Kyogo Furuhashi

Jones has suggested that Furuhashi can play a different role under Rodgers but that his goalscoring form will suffer. The journalist claims “a lot of frustration” surrounds the change. Asked about Furuhashi’s form, Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“It is a bit strange. There’s a lot of frustration around this because you’d wonder why it hasn’t happened for him so far. But I feel like he’s being asked to play differently now. While he does seem capable in football in terms of being decent in the wide areas that he appears to be being forced into a bit more, it’s starting to reflect badly on his stats. That’s the first thing people will point out when looking for somebody to blame.

“I think he is a clever player and can play in the way he’s being asked, even though it might not be natural to him. But when you’re used to scoring or seeing someone score goals, it’s tough to accept a role change in which they’re not doing that as often.”

Celtic transfer news on Nat Phillps and Alexandro Bernabei’s future

With the 2024 winter transfer window approaching, Rodgers must consider the future of some of his squad members, who may feel they aren’t getting the opportunities required to stick around at Parkhead.

According to Football Scotland, centre-back Nat Phillips will return to Liverpool following his loan at Celtic next month.

The 26-year-old joined the Glasgow giants on a short-term deal at the end of August but has looked out of sorts, having built up his match fitness.

Phillips, now a fringe player at Celtic Park, won’t see his loan extended further, and another move away from Anfield could be on the cards in January.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Alexandro Bernabei is poised to make a winter exit from Celtic in 2024.

The 24-year-old has failed to establish himself under Rodgers and has attracted interest from Italian clubs and outfits from his homeland in Argentina.

The Hoops are keen on signing Estoril’s Tiago Araujo, valued at £4m, to offer competition to Greg Taylor, with Bernabei likely to be the victim in his arrival.

Meanwhile, Football Scotland claims that Celtic have enquired with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz about the possibility of signing former target Szymon Wlodarczyk. However, his value has sky-rocketed to £15m, making a deal financially unviable for the one-time European Cup winners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Whittingham(1846 Articles Published)

Harry is a football writer with multiple years of experience in the field, having worked as an intern at Port Vale Football Club whilst graduating with a BA Hons degree in Sports Journalism from Staffordshire University in 2021, before coming through the ranks at the O&O Academy at Snack Media.

Having worked as a freelance writer on This is Futbol from July-November 2022, he now works as a freelance writer for the Exclusives team at GIVEMESPORT, mainly covering Premier League football as well as Celtic and Rangers.

Harry has interviewed a range of footballer’s during his career, including ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt and Port Vale legend Tom Pope.

Football dominates Harry’s life and when he’s not writing about the sport, he is often found following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away, whilst also being an ardent follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CELTIC’S £1m MYSTERY MAN

MYSTIFIED Celtic fans are still awaiting their first glimpse of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeon-kyu in competitive action.

Lazio 2-0 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers press…

The anchorman arrived in a £1million move – an initial £850,000 plus add-ons – from K-League outfit Busan IPark in July along with winger Yang Hyun-jun.

Under-21 international Kwon, with the reputation of a determined ball-winner in the middle of the park, played for 45 minutes in James Forrest’s Testimonial Match against Athletic Bilbao at Parkhead at the start of August on an evening Brendan Rodgers utilised 22 players of his first-team squad.

NOW YOU SEE ME…new Bhoy Kwon Hyeon-kyu proudly holds his Celtic jersey on July 25, the day after his arrival.

The 22-year-old enforcer also came on for Matt O’Riley in the 61st minute of the 1-1 draw with Wolves at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium a few days earlier.

Apart from that, there has been no sign of the Hoops’ mystery man although he was named in last weekend’s matchday squad for the home match against Hearts. That was only the fourth time time he has been stripped for action, but has yet to play a solitary minute for the Hoops.

Rodgers also ommitted Kwon from his 25-man squad that was registered with UEFA before the Champions League Group B meetings with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.

It has become a bewildering situation without any likelihood of the midfielder, who signed a five-year contract in summer, edging closer to a first-team breakthrough.

Possibly next month’s transfer window will provide a solution.

BREAKING: Insane Russell Wilson News Has NFL Fans In Disbelief

Sep 17, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks with quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been having an up-and-down season in 2023. Although his 2022 debut with the team was one to forget, he has shown promise this season and has Denver in the mix of the playoff picture.

However, massive news has come out about the veteran quarterback regarding his playing time for the rest of the regular season, and it has put the NFL world into complete shock.

Sources: The #Broncos are, in fact, benching Russell Wilson for the final two games, preserving their financial flexibility for the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham starts. pic.twitter.com/8sh7ORek5Q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023

NFL Fans React

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos have announced that Wilson will be benched for the rest of the 2023 season, and backup Jarrett Stidham will take the starting spot. This decision has already stirred up a ton of controversy amongst NFL fans, some saying that head coach Sean Payton is making a horrible decision, while others are saying that Wilson’s time in Denver is over.

That’s actually crazy lol I know they essentially blew their chance last week at the playoffs, but they’re still very much alive.

— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) December 27, 2023

What does that mean? How is the financial flexibility affected by this?

— Zak🔥🐬 (@ThaCreekFreak) December 27, 2023

This marks the end of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver

Broncos will release him prior to the 5th league day of 2024 and will take a massive dead cap hit

Broncos will then look for a new signal caller and Russ will have a similar treatment to Derek Carr last year

— FrontOfficePros (@FrontOfficePros) December 27, 2023

More like they’re trying to save themselves from paying Wilson his bonus 🤣🤣

— khani (@1khan09) December 27, 2023

Russell Wilson’s Career In Denver

Sean Payton needs the Denver Broncos to keep wide receivers for quarterback Russell Wilson

The veteran quarterback has had a drastic improvement in 2023 compared to his debut with the team in 2022. He has amounted to 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions this season.

In 2022, he went for 3,524 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Wilson has not been as productive in the last two years as he was with the Seattle Seahawks for the vast majority of his career. He has proven that he is an elite quarterback over the years, but his stint with Denver has many thinking his career is coming to an end.

The Broncos are 7-8 and in third place in the AFC West division. While their playoff chances this season are slim after their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots this past weekend, benching Wilson seems like a weird move by the team at this point in the season. Will the veteran quarterback be on a different squad by the 2024 season, or will he decide to hang up the cleats after being benched?

Nicolas Kuhn Celtic
Rodgers Delivers Nicolas Kuhn Celtic Verdict

By M.Ross

In the wake of Celtic’s latest outing, a somewhat underwhelming victory against Hibernian, all eyes were on new signing Nicolas Kuhn.

The winger, making his starting debut for the Bhoys at Easter Road, found the going tough, failing to replicate the spark he showed off the bench against Aberdeen where he netted a goal.

Despite the high hopes pinned on him by the Celtic faithful, Kuhn’s performance was a reminder of the adaptation challenges new signings often face.

Celtic’s reliance on two penalties to secure the win against Hibs has not dampened Brendan Rodgers’ belief in his new recruit.

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Cup tie with St Mirren, the Celtic manager offered a vote of confidence in Kuhn, highlighting the natural adaptation phase the winger is currently navigating.

YouTube video player
Rodgers Confident in Kuhn’s Ability to Overcome Adaptation Challenges at Celtic
“Yeah, I just think it’s adapting to our playing style also. We’ve gone through his moments with him and the areas. When you come from one team to another, the characteristics may be the same, but there are still differences that you need to manage, and sometimes you see that when you’re on the pitch,” Rodgers explained to Celtic Youtube.

Rodgers’ comments shed light on the intricate process of a player’s integration into a new team. Kuhn’s transition from his previous club to Celtic is underpinned by not just physical, but also tactical and positional adjustments. The Celtic boss pointed out specific areas for improvement, such as aggression in the game and positioning, underscoring the depth of analysis and tactical training awaiting Kuhn.

7th February 2024; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic
“These are all things that come with tactical training and analysis. He’ll get that over time, I’m sure,” Rodgers added, affirming his belief in Kuhn’s ability to overcome early challenges.

The message from Celtic’s management is clear: patience and support are key. As Kuhn prepares potentially to start against St Mirren in the Scottish Cup, the stage is set for him to demonstrate his learning curve and contribute more significantly to the team’s creative force.

Rodgers’ faith in the winger’s adaptability and growth suggests that Celtic fans may soon see the emergence of a new key player.

As the Bhoys continue their campaign across two fronts, the integration of talents like Kuhn will be pivotal.

4 key Hibs vs Celtic VAR calls as unseen Anthony Ralston handball claim emerges and recriminations brew

It was a night of bonkers drama as the champions emerged victorious thanks to two penalty awards.

By Mark PirieDaily
Referee Nick Walsh confirms Celtic’s second penalty after a VAR check

It was always going to be enthralling and so it proved as Brendan Rodgers banished his personal Easter Road hex on a night of high drama in Leith.

Celtic were awarded two spot kicks by Nick Walsh as they emerged triumphant but the debate raged beyond the penalties as Nick Montgomery stewed over multiple calls. Sour grapes? The Hibs boss will say no as he struggled to comprehend the Premiership champions winning a game they toiled in.

Record Sport runs the rule over a clutch key calls which had pundits debating and punters venting in the wake of another madcap night in the Scottish Premiership which sees Celtic open up a three point lead over Rangers who get the chance to go top when they face troubled Ross County next week.

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First Celtic penalty, The man in the middle was called into action almost instantly at Easter Road.

Nectarios Triantis challenged Alistair Johnston for a header in the box – but came in late and careered into the Celtic defender to leave him needing to go the hospital.

The Canadian international was replaced by Anthony Ralston after lengthy treatment, and Adam Idah netted from the spot.

Alistair Johnston is fouled
VAR refused to argue with Nick Walsh – and neither did Chris Sutton on commentary for Sky Sports.

He said: ”It’s the header. You can clearly see. I think Nick Walsh is correct to award the penalty. It’s a reckless challenge. You can see that Johnston is always going to win the first header.”

Martin Boyle ‘penalty’ snub
The Hibs talisman, emboldened by his side’s strong second half, went on a mazy run into the box – before appearing to go down under little pressure from Alexandro Bernabei with the game poised at 1-1.

The Australian international was booked for diving, but following the full-time whistle Hibs boss Nick Montgomery was left raging at the decision and that Nick Walsh was not sent to the monitor by the VAR team.

Hibernian’s Martin Boyle goes down in the box but is booked for diving (Image: SNS Group)
Chris Sutton in Sky Sports was quick to shut the incident down as a dive on commentary stating: ‘He does brilliantly initially, but he has dived. It’s the right decision from Nick Walsh.” Baffled John Collins added on Sportsound: “If you are looking at his reaction you would think he has been caught, but no.”

But he did find an ally in Kris Boyd who firmly stated: “I have seen them given. I think you can clearly see Bernabei does catch him a little bit. I have seen them given.”

Anthony Ralston ‘handball’
With the hosts pressing for a winner, Myziane Maolida whipped a ball into the box that cannoned off of Stephen Welsh and onto Ralston. Amateur referees quickly insisted that the decision could have been a penalty rather than the corner that was awarded to the home side.

One commented: “Hands hit ball while hands above head.” Another amateur official commented: “That’s a penalty, simple.”

But, as has been proven on multiple occasions this season, the threshold for handball inside the box appears to be more stringent than it was during VAR’s maiden voyage into Scottish football last season.

Joe Newell penalty
It proved to be the decisive moment of the game. Joe Newell attempted to block a shot from Kyogo Furuhashi on the edge of the box – but chopped down the Celtic star. Nick Walsh initially waved away the claim – but was sent to the monitor by the VAR team.

A foul on Celtic’s Kyogo goes to VAR
John Collins initially mounted a defence stating: “As he has followed through he has kicked Joe Newell’s shin, but it was accidental. There was no malice in it from the Hibs player.” Sutton said: “He looks just inside to me.”

But Walsh awarded the penalty after a check on the screens. Idah stepped up to score his second goal of the night and decide the clash.

Celtic star who took 157 touches was even better than Idah vs Hibs

BY DAN EMERY

The impressive Hoops defender produced a superb performance at the back for Brendan Rodgers.

idah-norwich-championship-wagner-preston
Good teams grind out wins when they are not at their best and that is exactly what Celtic did at Easter Road with a 2-1 win against Hibernian on Wednesday night in the Scottish Premiership.

It took two penalties, one of which came in stoppage time, to secure all three points for the Hoops as they struggled at times against Nick Montgomery’s side.

The Hoops ended the match with only three shots on target for their efforts – to Hibernian’s four – and two of those came from the penalties that were converted by Adam Idah.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
Celtic’s deadline day addition on loan from Norwich City will take the headlines with both of the goals on the night but Brendan Rodgers’ true hero was Liam Scales at the heart of the defence.

Adam Idah’s penalty heroics for Celtic
The Ireland international was handed a full debut by the manager and repaid the faith shown in him by burying both of his penalties with conviction, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way both times.

It took serious bottle for the 22-year-old to step up and convert as the first came after a lengthy stoppage due to a head injury sustained by Alistair Johnston and then with the game on the line in stoppage time.

However, it was not a perfect display from the young dynamo and there will be lessons to learn for him ahead of the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.

Idah missed one ‘big chance’ and only completed six of his 11 attempted passes throughout the match. He also lost four of his five ground duels and Rodgers may look to work with him to get more involved in matches, in possession and in battles off the ball, over the coming weeks and months.

Liam Scales’ dominance at Easter Road
One player who was better than the Irish marksman was his international teammate Scales, who dominated at Easter Road and produced a complete performance.

The former Aberdeen loanee has established himself as a regular starter, with 23 league starts, and showcased his quality once again against Hibs on Wednesday night.

Liam Scales

Vs Hibernian (via Sofascore)

Minutes played

Duels contested

Ten

Duels won

Nine

Clearances

Four

Blocks

Two

As you can see in the table above, Scales was a rock at the back for Celtic as he won 90% of his duels, which included all three of his battles on the deck and six of his seven aerial contests.

He dominated the opposition at almost every opportunity to prevent them from causing more issues for Joe Hart between the sticks on the night, and could do little to stop Dylan Levitt’s superb strike from the edge of the box to make it 1-1 on the hour.

One crucial intervention came towards the end of the match as Hibs looked set to counter with pace down the right but Scales adjusted brilliantly to intercept and control the ball, which allowed the Hoops to build an attack of their own.

The Irish colossus was also composed in possession of the ball with a whopping 126 passes completed (88% success rate) from 157 touches of the ball.

Scales only gave the ball away 17 times from those 157 touches. Whereas, Idah lost possession nine times from his 21 touches at the top end of the pitch.

Overall, the central defender produced a complete performance with his reliability on the ball and in his exceptional defensive work, whereas his compatriot left a lot to be desired away from his crucial penalties, which is why the former Shamrock Rovers star was the best player on the park for the Hoops.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Emery • Opinions & Feature Writer
(1353 Articles Published)
Daniel is an experienced football writer and editor, having worked in the football media industry for almost a decade.

After initially writing for Fresh Press as a volunteer for two years in 2015, helping to build and establish the Read brand, Daniel started a part-time job with Fresh Press that later turned into a full-time writing and editing role.

Daniel then spent just shy of a year writing and editing for Anfield Watch, which included conducting and/or transcribing interviews with Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, former Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, and journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Since the summer of 2021, Daniel has worked for Snack Media and been a contributor to Football FanCast, on a freelance and full-time basis along the way, as a writer and editor.

Daniel is also a big Norwich City fan and season ticket holder. He has been heard on BBC Norfolk and helped DAZN with research for their commentary due to his knowledge of the club, along with being featured in several local papers across the country, including the Coventry Telegraph and the Liverpool Echo, for Norwich-related content.

Neil Lennon takes issue with Celtic fans’ banner after board comes under fire for transfers

Amir Mir
The Celtic fans made their feelings clear towards the board against Aberdeen on Saturday after another transfer window to forget.

Back in the summer, many were left underwhelmed at the business Celtic conducted and it became worse in January when only one permanent signing arrived.

As a result of it all, the Celtic fans unveiled a banner at Pittodrie which read ‘Celtic board on your heads be it’, with Neil Lennon defending the powers that be at Parkhead as a result of that warning from the supporters.

The cries from the stands are that there isn’t enough ambition, but Neil Lennon was keen to point out ‘how do we know that Celtic haven’t tried to spend £10-12 million on a player,’ as he questioned on PLZ Soccer.

What’s interesting about this is that Brendan Rodgers has come out and asked for the club to ‘be braver’ when it comes to transfers amid the need to go to the next level.

All of this hasn’t been helped by the fact that the performances and results aren’t exactly improving, as was proven during Celtic’s dropped points at Aberdeen.

Either way, Neil Lennon’s comments might not sit well with some fans regarding the recent banner, as he tried to highlight the club winning the Treble under Ange Postecoglou last season.

Celtic fans’ banner
“How do we know that Celtic haven’t tried to spend £10-12 million on a player,” said Lennon. “Or £15 million? Can we attract players of that quality, of that price to Scotland?

MORE CELTIC STORIES
“What I am saying is that I am sure they have looked around for these types of players. They might not be available. They might not want to come. The fact that they are out of the Champions League, it might not be as appealing as it were at the start of the season as well.

“It has worked (project signings). Won the Treble last year. You’re not going to get them all right.”

Celtic FC v Ross County FC – Cinch Scottish Premiership

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Celtic on the pitch

Nobody can do anything now other than watch the results unfold for the rest of the campaign now, where the true answers will showcase itself.

That banner was more of a warning, more than anything else, if the title isn’t delivered, then the board will feel the heat and more!

As of this moment, Celtic are sitting top of the table, but Rangers are on a high themselves and feel that they can claim top spot if they win their game in hand.

This is the chance for the Bhoys to shut off that noise by, not only winning, but doing it convincingly.

Palestine players show Celtic support as Green Brigade welcomed into Asian Cup camp

The national team welcomed members of the Hoops ultras group into their training camp in Qatar

Palestine players pose with a Green Brigade flag

Palestine’s international players have shown their appreciation for the Green Brigade by welcoming the Celtic fan group into their Asian Cup training camp.

As the war rages on in Gaza, the Palestine national team have gained huge support in the Middle East by fielding a team at this year’s continental competition in Qatar.

Although the lives of their families and friends are in grave danger back home, Makram Daboub’s side have somehow managed to find the mental strength to compete in the tournament and send a message of hope to their compatriots at a time of need.

Ranked 99th in the official FIFA rankings, Palestine could make history by incredibly reaching the last 16 of the Asian Cup. The war-struck nation fell to a 4-1 defeat on matchday one against Iran but bounced back to hold the UAE to a 1-1 draw. Now, they go into the final group game against Hong Kong tomorrow knowing a first-ever win at the tournament could propel them into the next round.

Matt O’Riley criticises Celtic Park pitch as poor surface makes life ‘harder’ for championsfootballscotland

Ange Postecoglou’s former Celtic backroom figure joins Queen’s Park in major ‘coup’footballscotland

It would be a remarkable achievement for a group of players and staff who lost their assistant manager, Hani Al-Masdar, on January 6 after it was announced by the Palestine Football Association that he had been killed by Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City.

And as the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsens by the day – more than 24,900 people have been killed around the southern city since Israel launched its response to the October 7 Hamas attacks – the Green Brigade have continued to show their vocal and visual support for Palestinian people in the Israel-Hamas war at Celtic matches across Scotland and Europe.

The group were criticised by the Parkhead board after unfurling an ill-timed banner that read: “Free Palestine. Victory to the Resistance!” just hours after Hamas militant group launched a surprise unprecedented attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,000 civilians. The ultras group then defied the Hoops hierarchy by transforming Celtic Park into a sea of Palestine flags before their Champions League game with Atletico Madrid at the end of October.

The Palestine national team welcomed the Green Brigade into their Asian Cup training camp
The defiant display was beamed around the world and shared millions of times across social media. That put them at loggerheads with the Celtic board and days later they were hit with an indefinite ban from all home and away matches. Celtic cited several reasons behind the season ticket suspension, including anti-social behaviour and “another unauthorised display.”

Club insiders insisted the drastic measures put in place were not a direct consequence of the Green Brigade’s support of Palestine, but this is something the group has always disputed. The fan collective – situated at the North Curve section of Parkhead – were locked out of 13 games before the ban was eventually lifted towards the end of last month after the 267 registered fans agreed to comply with an updated code of conduct.

However, the Green Brigade have continued to fly Palestine flags at all home and away matches and their support hasn’t gone unnoticed with the Palestine national team, who last week opened their doors to group members in Qatar. Players were pictured holding Green Brigade scarves and flags as the group posted an update on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The post, accompanied by four pictures, read: “Last week, the Green Brigade was welcomed into the Palestine camp at the Asian Cup as a token of appreciation for the solidarity shown by Celtic fans.

As the genocide rages on, the team proudly fly their flag on the international stage while their hearts remain in Palestine.”

SEE MORE UPDATES NEWS

Horatiu Moldovan Celtic transfer ‘offer’ revealed as Romanian keeper closes in on Atletico Madrid move

The 26-year-old Romanian is set to undergo a medical in the Spanish capital but it’s claimed the Hoops were interested.

Romanian goalkeeper Horatiu Alexandru

Celtic are one of a number of clubs reportedly beaten to the signature of Romanian international goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.

The 26-year-old is on the brink of joining the La Liga side, who Celtic faced in the Champions League this season, and admitted he had discussions with other clubs but that he couldn’t turn down Diego Simeone’s side.

The goalkeeping position at Parkhead is one that many feel Brendan Rodgers will look to with current No. 1 Joe Hart set to turn 37 later this year.

And a report in Romania has named Celtic as one of the clubs who were in for Moldovan.

They say: “Aged 26, Horatiu Moldovan recently had several transfer offers from clubs such as FC Basel, Ludogorets Razgrad, Celtic, Betis Sevilla and Atletico Madrid.

The goalkeeper has a termination clause in the contract with FC Rapid worth 800,000 euros, which will be paid by Atletico Madrid after the medical visit. The Spanish group offered him a contract valid for four and a half seasons, with an annual salary of 800,000 euros.”

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The player himself spoke to the media as he departed from Bucharest airport, saying: “There were a lot of discussions, but when Atletico Madrid appeared… you can’t refuse Atletico Madrid. They were the most determined ones there. Now I just have to go through the medical visit. With the coach (Diego Simeone) I haven’t had time to talk. It will definitely be the biggest competition I’ve had so far. Jan Oblak is probably the best goalkeeper in the world.

“I’m very happy and confident in what’s to come. It’s a dream come true for me, but I’m not taking chances, I still have a long way to go and the medical visit. It is an example for all children who play football, to have unconditional trust in them that in football anything is possible.”

Rodgers was quizzed on the goalkeeper position recently and said: “It’s not one for now. I want to improve the squad over my time here, and particularly over these next couple of windows. I see what Joe Hart brings to our squad. His commitment and enthusiasm passes on to the younger players.”

OTHERS

Matt O’Riley’s Instagram Message to Celtic Teammate

Celtic midfielder Odin Holm scored his first goal for the club on Sunday afternoon against Buckie Thistle.

The Norwegian was handed a rare start in the middle of the park and grasped the opportunity with both hands.

He worked an effective one-two with Matt O’Riley on the edge of the opposition box before tucking home into the bottom left corner via the post. It was an impressive finish from the 21-year-old on only his fourth start for the Scottish champions.

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Odin Holm
4th November 2023; Victoria Park, Dingwall, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Ross County versus Celtic; Odin Thiago Holm of Celtic brings the ball forward
He would have been delighted to have netted in green and white for the first time, and it is fair to say his midfield teammate O’Riley was too.

The Denmark internationalist posted on his Instagram story after the game, giving Holm congratulations for the strike that made it 2-0 to Celtic in the match:

O’Riley

In his time in Glasgow to date, the former Valerenga man has found consistency rather hard to come by at certain points. From here on in, however, he will aim to kick on.

There is vast competition for places in the midfield of Brendan Rodgers’ side although Holm’s cup performance today will have done him no harm whatsoever.

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Matt O’Riley catches Celtic gaffe by Neil Lennon as midfielder forces Parkhead hero into hasty backtrack

The star man was quick off the mark to catch out a misstep from the former Parkhead boss.

Celtic star Matt O’Riley with Parkhead hero Neil Lennon

He has been a standout for Celtic so far on the pitch and Matt O’Riley wasn’t willing to let anything slip by him off it – even former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon.

The Danish international was instrumental again as the Premiership leaders emerged from cold storage after the winter break to play a key part in the Scottish Cup rout of Highland League side Buckie Thistle.

O’Riley pulled the strings in midfield in the absence of captain Callum McGregor as the Hoops ran out 5-0 winners – but could have added to that total against the battling minnows had the offside flag not ruled out several other strikes.

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It’s these type of displays that have led to the likes of Girona and Inter Milan taking glances at O’Riley during the January transfer window – and Lennon joined his fan club before making a gaffe over the next fixture that Celtic will face. Lennon was full of praise for the playmaker and his contributions so far this season. He lauded him on Viaplay during a post-match debrief stating: “I don’t know how many goals and assists you have got this season. From a midfield point of view that is priceless.”

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The former Parkhead player and boss went on: “Next game is Hibs away…” However, O’Riley immediately struck a bemused figure asking: “Is it?”

Host Emma Dodds interjected: “Ross County?” Before O’Riley also noted “Ross County” as he pointed and pulled a face at the Irishman.

Lennon backtracked: “Sorry, sorry I got my fixture list wrong. It’s my age I think.” Just for clarity, it is Ross County who will be the next side to face off against Brendan Rodgers men at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers throws Celtic doors open to Buckie as dressing room speech goes down a storm with Graeme Stewart

The Celtic gaffer had some words for the Highland League men before inviting them across the corridor for signed strips and sushi.

Brendan Rodgers and Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart

Beaming Buckie boss Graeme Stewart showered praise on his players after watching them go toe-to-toe with Scotland’s champions.

The Highland League minnows went down to a 5-0 thumping at Parkhead as their Scottish Cup fairy tale story came crashing to an end. But Stewart was left bursting with pride with the nature of his side’s performance – and thrilled that it took Celtic almost 25 first half minutes to score the breakthrough goal.

Stewart said: “We only had one training session to play in that shape, with five at the back because we’ve never played that before. Normally we dominate possession like Celtic did today.

So we had one training session Friday night and then a few meetings last night in the team hotel. I thought they were superb, though I don’t want to get carried away. When the draw came out I said we have to enjoy it but not get caught up in it, and I don’t think we did.

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“When you get to 25 minutes and it’s still 0-0 you think, ‘This is happening here!’. But overall, I thought the attitude was tremendous, in the dressing room the boys are out on their feet and cramping up.”

Buckie could have been punished even more brutally had Celtic not had four more goals chopped off for offside. But the boss insisted it was part of his plan. He went on: “Yes, that was part of the game plan – but more than we would have liked. I gave them too much information for one game, trust me. I gave them about four hours of stuff. I thought they handled it perfectly. They are all clever, intelligent players.”

And Stewart revealed how he was blindsided by Brendan Rodgers’ decision to give skipper Callum McGregor an unexpected day off. He laughed: “It certainly messed up my team talk because so much of it was about him.

“I guessed their team apart from him, but I was delighted with the respect shown. Brendan Rodgers came into our changing room after the game and was a class act. He gave a wee speech and said he was delighted with our attitude.

“The gave us so much respect and took it seriously and that was good. We would rather have played against that than a second-string team. Playing the full team the guys can keep that memory forever.

“None of the players were in our changing room after the game – they were all in the Celtic changing room. Celtic were brilliant, taking them in. Though I noticed Celtic had sushi and nicer food than us.

“Brendan Rodgers was brilliant. He told us to come in and gave us some signed strips. They didn’t have to do that. One or two even asked for our strips, which I’m not happy about. I said to the guys they are getting fined now because they cost us 50 quid!”

Exclusive: Celtic make decision on accepting offer for £20m-valued star

Sources: Celtic make Cameron Carter-Vickers transfer decision as West Ham news emerges

Celtic will block offers for Cameron Carter-Vickers this month amid interest from Premier League sides, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Hoops “wouldn’t consider” selling the centre-back, who they value at £20million.

The USMNT international is reportedly gaining interest from West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford this month, but Celtic are expected to knock back any offers in January.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have had issues in their backline this season and feel they can’t afford to depart with one of their best defensive options – even for a huge fee.

The 26-year-old has been a standout for the Hoops since his arrival, initially on loan, from Tottenham in 2021.

He arrived permanently for a reported fee of £6million, but the Hoops would expect to make a significant profit if interest remains in later windows.

Injuries have forced him to miss 12 games in all competitions this season, including Celtic’s most recent league games against Rangers and St Mirren.

Should Celtic secure their £20million valuation for Carter-Vickers, he would be amongst the club’s record departures – the top being Jota’s reported £25million move to Al Ittihad in the summer.

Celtic remain at the top of the league and have an eight-point gap ahead of second-place Rangers.

They are next in action against fifth-tier Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday afternoon (21 January).

In other news, Sources: Celtic ready to accept offers for six stars this month – including £30,000-a-week big earner.

For more Celtic and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

CELTIC AND ASTON VILLA IN £2M BATTLE AS DIRECTOR ADMITS EXIT IS ‘GETTING CLOSE’

Elfsborg appear to have confirmed that Hakon Valdimarsson is ‘getting close’ to a departure with Celtic reportedly facing competition from Premier League giants Aston Villa.

With Joe Hart’s contract expiring, Celtic cannot ignore the need for a new number one for much longer. And with neither Scott Bain nor Benjamin Siegrist seemingly under consideration to make the step up, the Scottish champions are likely to pursue an outside hire.

Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin is reportedly one option. Though that has been complicated by the fact that the Ukrainian appears to have replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Spanish giants’ first-choice in the injury-enforced absence of Thibaut Courtois.

Hakon Valdimarsson, then, is not just more affordable than Lunin – reportedly valued at around £2 million – but more attainable too.

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Aston Villa and Celtic like Hakon Valdimarsson
There is interest from Celtic, per the Goteborgs Posten. Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, believes that both Aston Villa and FC Copenhagen have submitted ‘formal bids’ in recent days for the 2023 Allsvenskan Goalkeeper of the Year.

And while Elfsborg’s sporting director would not be drawn on exactly which clubs are in the mix, he does appear to suggest that Valdimarsson is edging closer to a departure during Swedish football’s off-season.

“Hakon is really good,” Stefan Andreasson tells Fotboll Direkt. “And we have discussions with some clubs.

“We’ll talk next week about which options are available. Which are concrete. What’s good for Elfsborg and what’s good for him. Then we’ll see. It’s getting close.”

Andreasson, speaking after Elfsborg held an open training session on Friday, admitted that he is flattered to have caught the eye of Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing Aston Villa outfit.

However, he also pointed out that the promise of regular game time would likely play a big role in choosing his next club. And the number one role at Villa Park looks beyond him unless Emiliano Martinez – the club’s World Cup-winning shot-stopper – departs first.

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“It is big. They are a top club in the Premier League and they are playing really well. It is huge to see that they are interested. It shows that I have done well,” Valdimarsson explains to Aftonbladet.

“That could be (a good move for me). It’s top players, it’s the highest quality of everything. Training with some of the world’s best players is good for your development.”

“FCK (Copenhagen) is a big club. They have played in the Champions League two years in a row and are probably Scandinavia’s biggest team. It is not as big as the Premier League, but it could also be a good step,” Valdimarsson adds.

“The goal is always to be able to play, if I move. Right now, I’m in Elfsborg and don’t know what will happen.

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Earlier this week, Celtic completed their first signing of the January transfer window with a £3m deal for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn, but Brendan Rodgers doesn’t intend to stop there. Before the deadline, the Hoops boss also wants to add a left-back and a striker to his squad.

One candidate for the latter position is Bologna’s Sydney van Hooijdonk, son of the former Celtic man Pierre, and one newspaper in Italy has even predicted that he’ll make the move to Parkhead in the second half of the window.

Another is Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden. It’s been nearly a week now since we learned that Celtic were in talks with the Danish club over a transfer, and it seems as if there’s been an encouraging development in their pursuit.

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According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are “making progress” on a deal for Kvistgaarden.

If the Scottish Premiership leaders receive “encouragement” from Brondby, they could launch an offer.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
Meanwhile, the proposed move for Van Hooijdonk “has hit a stumbling block”, because it’s believed it would take at least £8m for Bologna to sell him – a fee that’s “too steep” for Celtic in the mid-season market. Crucially, Kvistgaarden is expected to be available “on more favourable terms”.

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21-year-old Kvistgaarden has been with Brondby since 2018, racking up 81 appearances for the club, but this is the year where he’s really come alive.

He scored six goals and provided three assists in his last six league games at the back end of 2022/23, a “crazy” run of form in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he’s carried that momentum into the current campaign with 14 direct goal contributions (seven goals, seven assists) in 21 appearances.

The youngster ranks second in the league for assists and fourth for overall goal contributions. If he keeps this up, be it at Brondby or at Celtic, it surely won’t be long before he graduates from Denmark’s Under-21s (for whom he’s played 16 games) to the senior team.

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In light of his exploits this term, you’d expect him to arrive in Glasgow full of confidence and in peak condition, but the same can’t be said for Van Hooijdonk.

The Dutchman has found himself down the pecking order at Bologna, starting just two of his side’s 20 league games and watching 10 matches as an unused substitute.

Given that Celtic’s joint-top scorer is a midfielder in Matt O’Riley (10 goals), and Kyogo Furuhashi is the only one of their forwards to score more than seven goals this season, they need somebody who can make an instant impact in whatever capacity as they battle for the title with Rangers.

There will be pressure on the new face to swiftly boost Rodgers’ firepower, and Kvistgaarden looks better-placed to live up to that task. As such, it may not be the worst thing that Van Hooijdonk is out of their price range.

Will Celtic keep Matt O’Riley and where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend? Saturday Jury…

The Record Sport team look ahead to a huge weekend of Scottish Cup fourth action and debate the latest big transfer debates.

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley celebrates

Where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend?
ANDY NEWPORT: St Johnstone’s trip to an Airdrie side going great guns under impressive young player boss Rhys McCabe looks like a real banana skin. And it would be no surprise to see Livingston fall to Championship contenders Raith.

FRASER WILSON: There’s no danger of a Darvel-esque upset but St Johnstone have a tough task heading to Airdrie while Livi could come a cropper against Raith – perhaps that wouldn’t go down as a shock though.

MICHAEL GANNON: The big boys can rest easy, this will be a shock free cup weekend.

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ANDY: Yes and they have to. The title race is far from over and the Denmark international could be pivotal to their aspirations. Girona have cash to spend given their City Group tie up and should be told it will require a club record fee for Celtic to part ways.

FRASER: With three and a half years left on his contract Celtic are in the strongest of positions and unless someone arrives with an eye watering offer I’d expect the midfielder to be at Parkhead til at the very least the end of this season if not the following summer.

MICHAEL: Celtic don’t have to sell and the player is happy at Parkhead. But we need to be realistic, if a mega money £30m bid or something lands from England, the Hoops could be powerless to stop it.

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What does Philippe Clement need in the remaining days in the window to tool up for the title fight?

ANDY: A proper centre forward is the glaring requirement for this Rangers team. Cyriel Dessers simply isn’t the answer and Clement still doesn’t know if he’ll see Danilo or Kemar Roofe again this term.

Fabio Silva has come in but looks like he’s better suited to coming in off the left wing. Gers need an out and out No9 if they are to properly push Celtic.

Philippe Clement and his Rangers players (Image: SNS Group)
FRASER: The most important addition he could make with the next five months in mind would be a striker that guarantees goals.

MICHAEL: The Gers boss still looks a little short. He could do with nailing down the left back role and another attacker wouldn’t go amiss.

After his first round exit at the Australian Open, it’s it time for our Andy Murray to finally hang up the racquet?

ANDY: He’s earned the right to do what he wants. For me, the Dunblane ace is the nation’s greatest ever sportsman and if he wants to carry on swinging his strings around knowing he won’t compete for prizes then let him. It’s his metal hip and he can do what he wants with it.

FRASER: We’ve all had a brilliant ride watching Murray whose place among Scotland’s sporting greats is secured. But it looks like the latter stages of majors is now beyond him.

His heroic efforts to fight back from hip surgery deserve better but this year looks like being his last.

MICHAEL: Not quite yet. Our greatest sportsman deserves one last crack at Wimbledon and the chance to properly say goodbye to the game.

Nicolas Kuhn is a risky Celtic transfer but Brendan Rodgers says he is quality and buck now stops with him – Chris Sutton

The former Hoops strike hero and Record Sport columnist has his say on the new Parkhead.

New Celtic Signing Nicolas Kuhn

Brendan Rodgers has described Nicolas Kuhn as having an excellent level of quality.

There’s no conjecture in those words. The manager wants a certain standard of player and, judging by his own comments, that’s what he’s been given in the German. The Celtic boss made a call on quality. Not projects.

I stated last weekend I felt Kuhn was one for the project list, but it is the opinion of Rodgers that counts when it comes to signings.

So now it’s up to Kuhn to prove him correct. Quite simply, Rodgers has to stand and fall by signings. Every manager does.

Kuhn is a wide attacking player and where he fits into it all will be fascinating.

The vibes are he plays off the right coming inside and that door is wide open at the moment with Daizen Maeda at the Asian Cup. Liel Abada returned from injury just before shutdown, but that lad has had plenty to deal with this season and it’s hard to know what he’ll produce on a consistent basis.

At £3million with plenty of starts for Rapid Vienna before arriving, Kuhn has to be oven-ready and deliver big displays from the minute he steps onto the park.

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Rodgers needs arrivals to boost his starting team. Not further bloat the squad. So Kuhn has to go in there and hit the ground running.

If he fails and ends up spending most time on the bench, he’ll join the dreaded category of fringe men and that’ll irritate fans. For all the criticism of the board over what’s being sought and what’s being bought, this one’s on the boss.

Recruitment staff are important to help whittle down the lists when a manager gives a description of the type he wants from a certain position.

But, once recommended, it’s dependent on Rodgers’ final judgment. That’s what will be under scrutiny here and that’s how it should be. Yes it matters to a degree how much a club will spend. It’s stupid to suggest otherwise, but the board works within the model and I have no qualms about it because Rodgers knows what it is.

He says he’s happy to work within it. So he’s got to get it right. I really don’t understand fans screaming for massive outlays when it’s been made perfectly clear this is the club’s strategy. And, I’ll say it again, if it is done properly, it can be hugely effective.

The interest this week that has emerged surrounding Cameron Carter-Vickers just got me thinking about how best Celtic can make it work. Evidence suggests the ones in the £2m-to-£3m bracket are risky in the sense you may end up with little in return. But Matt O’Riley, Maeda and Reo Hatate are examples that it can work, although you need to be either extremely shrewd or lucky to get that three for a sum total of about £4.5m, as Ange Postecoglou managed to do.

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Hand on heart, do you really see Celtic getting much of their outlay back on Kwon Hyeok-kyu, who has just gone on loan to St Mirren? You can never say never.

Stephen Robinson and Kwon
Kristoffer Ajer went to Brentford for a right few quid and he cost less than a million from Norway when Ronny Deila bought him.

Rodgers sent him out to Kilmarnock to learn his trade and got there, eventually. So maybe the move to Paisley will have a similar effect on Kwon and, at the same time, that Ajer story tells you that Odin Thiago Holm might turn out to be a good one in the end.

But Celtic also need performers for right now. I know price isn’t the only barometer of a player’s ability as the market where you shop often dictates the figures. Put it this way, if Hatate or Maeda were coming from the English Premier League with their exact same profiles, do you think they could have been snared at J-League prices?

Of course not. But there’s a balance and I can understand why fans would like to see just a little more spent on more proven quality to almost guarantee the win-win scenario.

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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Celtic next transfer target after Nicolas Kuhn emerges as Liel Abada resolve to be tested following ‘offers’

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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold

Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year
Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year
Celtic next transfer target after Nicolas Kuhn emerges as Liel Abada resolve to be tested following ‘offers’

Celtic next transfer target after Nicolas Kuhn emerges as Liel Abada resolve to be tested following ‘offers’
Stressed Scots sub-postmasters say Horizon system still causing mystery shortfalls ruining businesses
Stressed Scots sub-postmasters say Horizon system still causing mystery shortfalls ruining businesses
Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic transfer door opens as Rapid Vienna get honest over star’s ‘price’ amid Parkhead rumours
Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic transfer door opens as Rapid Vienna get honest over star’s ‘price’ amid Parkhead rumours
6 left backs linked to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers eyes ticking off the next transfer priority
6 left backs linked to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers eyes ticking off the next transfer priority

The 3 Celtic linked goalkeepers rated and compared to Joe Hart as Brendan Rodgers faces key decision
The 3 Celtic linked goalkeepers rated and compared to Joe Hart as Brendan Rodgers faces key decision
Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate

Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold

What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit
Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit

Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest

Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest
Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year

The club had no issues paying £9m for Odsonne Edouard because they knew, barring a disaster, they were not going to lose money. In the end, they doubled their cash when Crystal Palace stepped onto the scene. Celtic had to spend £6m to get Jota signed. Paying that little more ended up netting them £25m when the Saudis came calling. In the same summer, Carter-Vickers cost the same £6m. If the English do come knocking in the summer, I’d say you are looking at another £20m.

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That’s really what the fans want to see. Chunky investments bringing even healthier returns. I’m fairly sure Carter-Vickers and O’Riley will stay until at least the summer, but they’ll go one day and their bumper transfer fees when departing will just push the narrative of pay higher, sell higher. Fans just want ready-made players who can go straight into the side and make it better.

Kuhn has to fall into that bracket. He’s back towards the riskier end of the scale if you are looking purely at transfer fee, but it’s about the quality and Rodgers says Kuhn has it. That’s the manager’s judgment. Not that of the board. So Rodgers has to have picked a good one, and keep finding good ones, because the buck stops with him.

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Celtic could land dream O’Riley partner after talks to sign 5 ft 11 ace

The Scottish giants are reportedly keen on a deal for the defensive midfielder.

Celtic-Matt-O’Riley-Leeds-Farke-Championship-transfer
The January transfer window is due to slam shut in just over a week and Scottish giants Celtic appear set to enjoy, or endure, a busy end to the month.

Brendan Rodgers has already made one signing so far this month as 24-year-old winger Nicolas Kuhn has joined from Austrian side Rapid Wien on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

That is expected to be the first of many before the end of the window as the Northern Irish head coach also has his eye on a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a striker, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
This means that Hoops supporters could have an exciting 12 days or so to look forward to if the club are able to land their top targets to bolster the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Alongside Kuhn, a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a centre-forward, Celtic are also reportedly attempting to land a new defensive midfielder for Rodgers.

Celtic have held talks to land South Korean talent
According to the Daily Record, the Bhoys have held talks with FC Gwangju over a deal to sign their talented enforcer Ho-yeon Jung before the end of the window.

The Scottish giants are eyeing up a swoop for the impressive midfielder to bolster their options in the middle of the park, which comes after Hyeok-kyu Kwon was allowed to join St. Mirren on loan until the end of the season earlier this month.

hyeok-kyu-kwon-celtic-premiership-jung-rodgers-transfer
It states that there is a ‘good’ chance that a move will progress between the two sides over a transfer for the South Korean battler before the deadline at the start of February.

However, there is no mention of how much Gwangju would demand for his services, how much Celtic are prepared to pay for him in January, or how the talks between the two clubs went.

The Daily Record do add, though, that the South Korean side would prefer Jung to depart at the end of the year. This suggests that they could put a deal off until the end of the season or ask the Hoops to loan him back to them until the 2023/24 campaign.

If Celtic are able to tempt Gwangju into a deal for the midfielder before the deadline, Rodgers could land a dream partner for Matt O’Riley in the middle of the park.

o’riley-palma-rodgers-premiership-celtic
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that Spanish side Girona are interested in a deal to sign the Denmark international ahead of the second half of the campaign.

However, the reporter stated that the club are in a strong position after the central midfielder put pen to paper on a ‘bumper’ contract, which means that they are in control of the situation.

O’Riley’s Premiership dominance this season

The 23-year-old magician has been in magnificent form so far this season for the Hoops and has proven himself to be one of the manager’s top performers in the division.

He has made the Scottish Premiership his playground with his ability to influence matches at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis for the Bhoys.

O’Riley has contributed with ten goals and seven assists in 21 top-flight matches as a central midfielder, which is more than one goal contribution every other game on average.

No Celtic player has scored more league goals than the Danish ace. He is the only ace who has made it into the double figures for Rodgers, with Kyogo Furuhashi (eight) and David Turnbull (seven) the closest to him.

Meanwhile, Luis Palma (nine) is the only Hoops star with more assists than O’Riley and the only player in the squad with more key passes per game (3.4) than the ex-Fulham prospect (2.6).

22/23 Premiership

Matt O’Riley (via Sofascore)

Appearances

Goals

Three

Assists

Big chances created

Key passes per game

2.2

As you can see in the table above, the impressive Celtic star has significantly improved his goalscoring output from the middle of the park in comparison to last season.

He has developed the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis whilst remaining a constant creative presence for his teammates.

Why Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley

Rodgers could now land a dream partner for O’Riley in midfield with a deal for Jung as he is an impressive defensive midfielder who is also super reliable in possession.

The 23-year-old caught the eye with his impressive displays in the top-flight of South Korean football throughout 2023 and could be an excellent signing for Celtic if the talented ace can translate those showings over to the Premiership.

Most recent performance for Gwangju

Vs Pohang Steelers (03/12/23)

Ho-yeon Jung (via Sofascore)

Minutes played

Sofascore rating

7.6

Duels won

Three

Pass accuracy

86%

Chances created

Five

As you can see in the table above, Jung is capable of having highly creative performances in midfield whilst also being a strong presence off the ball.

Jung made 34 K League 1 appearances throughout 2023 and provided his manager with a tough-tackling option, with 2.9 tackles and interceptions combined and 5.4 ball recoveries per match.

Meanwhile, no Celtic midfielder has managed more than 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, which suggests that the Hoops target could add a bit more steel to Rodgers’ options in that position.

The 5 foot 11 gem, who was once described as a “good prospect” by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, is also impressive with his work in possession.

Jung completed 90% of his attempted passes in the K League 1 last year and only Callum McGregor (93%) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (92.1%) have averaged a higher success rate in the Premiership out of every Celtic player with at least one start.

This suggests that the Gwangju star could retain the ball at an exceptional rate for Rodgers whilst also being a fantastic defender who can win possession back multiple times per game by cutting out opposition attacks.

Therefore, Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley as he could sit at the base of the midfield and recover the ball before using his efficient passing to find the Danish magician in dangerous positions, where he can then work his magic in the final third.

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Brendan Rodgers leaps to defence of Celtic player ‘who suffered from Callum McGregor syndrome’

Taylor can get it in neck from fans but manager is well aware of his credentials

By Andrew Smith

Celtic’s need to sign a left-back has become a mantra for the club’s support.

The faithful may be comforted that Brendan Rodgers sees the requirement for such an acquisition – and less so over the driver for doing so.

Greg Taylor has appeared to have a target on his back from the fanbase throughout his four-and-a-half years since his £3million move from Kilmarnock. In contrast, the Celtic manager goes out of his way to offer the most effusive pat on the back to the 26-year-old for what he has produced across the first six months of his second spell, even as he points to challenges for the player at Champions League level.

Taylor’s dependency and consistency is reflected in the fact he has started every one of the club’s 29 games this season, although there is some mitigation with Rodgers patently concluding that Alexandro Bernabei does not fit the bill of a reliable deputy. “I’ve got to say, Greg Taylor has been brilliant for me,” said Rodgers ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Buckie Thistle.

“Clearly there is a loading issue there we need to be mindful of if we don’t bring in support there. I know I’ve got Scalesy [Liam Scales] who can play there, in a worst case scenario. But Greg has been great for me.

Like some of the players, he probably took some time to adapt to what we’ve been asking them to do. But now with everyone in sync, you can see how much he’s improved from a defensive perspective and the football side of his game is very good. I really, really like him. Being at a big club is about competition and it’s my job to make the squad as good as it can be.”

Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.
Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.

It was put to Rodgers that the limited appreciation for Taylor from the Celtic stands could be labelled as ‘the James Forrest syndrome’ – a development where indigenous players, such as the pair, tend to be subjected to unwarranted scrutiny and stick because of their ordinariness set against the seductiveness of foreign imports.

He pushed that further. “It is a bit like that, probably like the Callum McGregor syndrome up until a couple of years ago,” continued the Celtic manager. “It’s just the nature of it sometimes, the Scottish boys might not get the same level of affinity as some of the others. When I was last here I saw Greg as a young player at Kilmarnock.

We had Kieran [Tierney] here, who was brilliant for me. But I went away and I watched him over these last few years. He’s done great. I love working with him. I see him every day, he’s a top professional who looks after himself.

“I remember seeing him in Dubai during one of the breaks a few years back, when I was at Leicester. I bumped into him in the gym and we said hello. But I watched him and from the minute he started working … he never lost focus on what he needed to do.

I remember coming away from that and thinking this was a young professional who is doing everything he can to look after himself and do things right.

“That’s what I’ve seen since coming back here. He’s a great guy who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s been brilliant. The Champions League is a challenge for a lot of players, [but] I really enjoy working with him. You always need these personalities.

Greg is a real voice on the pitch. He’s very respectful of everything and you need players with that spirit and mentality. [It’s just] my job is to bring competition to the squad in a number of areas.”