Ex-Rangers star makes Ibrox captaincy claim as upcoming Celtic rivals suffer issues behind the scenes

Ex-Rangers star makes Ibrox captaincy claim as upcoming Celtic rivals suffer issues behind the scenes

Some of the latest headlines for Celtic and Rangers during the international break.

Scotland are back in Nations League action this week as league football takes a break in place of international fixtures. The Scottish Premiership will return next weekend and Celtic will be hoping to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Meanwhile, Rangers will be relying on their rivals dropping points, so they can make up some ground in the table.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest Celtic and Rangers news while all eyes are on the Scotland national team.

Pundit makes Rangers captaincy claim

Rangers captain James Tavernier is once again a topic of conversation. Despite being heavily linked with a move away during the summer, the defender stayed at Ibrox but many believe that his impact on the team is not what it used to be. This has opened up the discussion over who is the best fitting captain that Rangers need right now, and whether Clement should opt for someone else.

During their latest clash with Olympiacos in the Europa League, Tavernier was limited to just five minutes of action from the bench. Former Rangers star Barry Ferguson has had his say on the captaincy situation and has highlighted a potential skipper for the future.

“Clement isn’t disrespecting the armband by handing it around to anyone who fancies having a go. On the contrary, he has selected Jack Butland as the man to step up if or when Tavernier isn’t in the starting XI,” he said in Friday’s Daily Record.

“Butland has the personality and the intensity required to fill that mantle. I look at John Souttar as another who could fill the role if required. Maybe young Connor Barron could be a future Rangers captain if he continues to grow into the jersey.”

Upcoming Celtic rivals suffer issues behind the scenes

After Celtic take on Hearts in the league, they will face Club Brugge in their next European clash. However, things are far from running smoothly in the Belgian camp as friction has emerged behind the scenes.

Brugge pulled off a superb shock win over Aston Villa in the Champions League but were left stunned themselves when they let a 2-0 league lead over bottom-of-the-table Beerschot slip. After the 2-2 draw, it was reported that club chairman Bart Verhaeghe burst into the dressing room ‘furious’ and ‘reminded the players of their responsibilities’.

As quoted by The Celtic Way, Hugo Siquet has also expressed his frustration over his lack of minutes, despite only signing for the club during the summer.

“The situation for me is not good and mentally it is very difficult. I try to give everything for the club and I will continue to do so until the last moment, but I get little in return. I have the right mentality, I think I show a lot of maturity and when I get my chance, I will be ready and seize it.”

Where can I watch Celtic v Rangers Women? Kick off time, TV and stream details

The Old Firm derby sees second versus fourth as both sides look to keep pace with Glasgow City at the SWPL1 summit

Rangers’ Rio Hardy and Celtic’s Chloe Craig

Celtic and Rangers Women will face off in Hamilton tomorrow afternoon as the Scottish Women’s Premier League race heats up.

The Old Firm sides are currently second (Gers) and fourth (Hoops) in the standings but are within a couple of points of table-toppers Glasgow City, adding extra spice to this Old Firm clash. Elena Sadiku’s team are looking to bounce back following a 2-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea at Parkhead in midweek. But the league tells a different story with three wins in their last four, conceding none.

Rangers meanwhile have had the benefit of a free midweek and have been wracking up the goals at an incredible rate. The blues scored TEN away at home to Montrose in the league before winning 8-1 at Motherwell in the Sky Sports Cup. In the last Old Firm derby both sides played out a entertaining 2-2 draw at Broadwood Stadium on October 3.

And if it lives up to those expectations, viewers will be in for a treat. Here is where to find it:

When is the Celtic Women vs Rangers Women game?

The Old Firm match will take place at New Douglas Park on Sunday, November 17. Kick off is at 12.00pm.

Where can I watch it?

The Scottish Women’s Premier League game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football. Sky Sports is included in a full Sky Sports package, which also includes Sky Sports+ at no extra cost. You can watch Sky Sports on the Sky TV app via your Sky Q or Sky Stream Box.

Yes, Sky Go customers can watch Sky Sports via their mobile device.

Where else can I follow the action?

You can keep up with all the action right here on dailyrecord.co.uk! We’ll be running a live blog with all the pre-match build-up and team news, and every kick of the ball once the clash gets underway. After the game, we’ll have all the reaction from managers and players, as well as player ratings, talking points and a whole lot more.

Celtic defender Anthony Ralston delivered a timely reminder of his capabilities last night as Scotland defeated Croatia to keep their Nations League ambitions alive.

The 26-year-old is firmly behind Alistair Johnston in the Parkhead pecking order, but he is certainly capable of showing up at international level when called upon by Steve Clarke.

On a night when Scotland simply had to win, Ralston turned in a solid performance against Croatia that has drawn positive reviews from media and pundits alike.

Post-match, the Celtic man singled out Ben Doak for his impact on proceedings, with both helping to form a solid partnership on the right-hand side against elite opposition.

In the aftermath of Scotland’s first competitive victory in 2024, Leanne Crichton has identified where things took an upward turn at Hampden involving the input of Ralston.

Anthony Ralston’s second-half improvement vs Croatia

Speaking on The Scottish Football Podcast, Chrichton cited Ralston’s ability to ‘stay underneath’ the ball in the second-half allowed his right-sided partner the opportunity to face up Croatia’s backline more efficiently as Scotland’s pressure eventually broke the deadlock.

She stated: “Well, that’s it. I think when you’re a wide player in any team, your job is to assist and have opportunities and to score. And I just felt in that first half it was too easy for him to pass the ball back the way, you know, a couple of times and that was down to the way the team fed him the ball.

“Not good enough, not enough quality. Tony Ralston, I mentioned, was trying to underlap and was running into the same channel that Ben Doak was in. In the second half, Tony Ralston stayed underneath the ball more often than not.

“Ben Doak was fed the ball and nine times out of ten he had to beat in the guard, a guard deal, got to the byline, forced Croatia to defend, created moments, more energy, brought energy to the stadium, to the fans, which then transpires on to the pitch and gives the players that bit as well.”

Anthony Ralston on-hand for Celtic when needed

Although Johnston is still firmly the preferred full-back for Celtic, Ralston is on-hand whenever needed to deputise in his place.

It goes without saying, but the Lennoxtown graduate leaves it all out on the pitch. Anything he lacks on the technical side is made up for in grit and determination.

Hopefully, he can help his national team finish the Nations League campaign strongly against Poland on Monday before returning to Celtic full of confidence.

Celtic should forget Kieran Tierney and sort out the ticking transfer situation they can control

Whether he gets back into the Arsenal team is another matter

Kieran Tierney

There is every chance Kieran Tierney will pull on a Celtic shirt again – and not just for a veterans five-a-side kickabout.

But Celtic should forget about the former hero coming back for now and concentrate on making sure the current left-back sticks around a little longer. The Tierney stuff is never far away. In the last couple of seasons there has been constant talk of a Parkhead return and it’s about to go into overdrive now the Scotland full-back is getting back to fitness following his absence since the summer.

Whether he gets back into the Arsenal team is another matter. It looks like his days at the Emirates are numbered and no doubt there will be more talk in January about a possible reunion in Glasgow’s East End. Listen, if Tierney gets to the end of the window and he’s still not in the Gunners team or sorted out for a loan move, then there’s every chance Celtic could step in and offer him a chance to rebuild at home.

Greg Taylor has been a consistent Celtic performer but his deal is up in the summer

But there will be plenty of clubs in England either willing to borrow the 27-year-old or stump up to give him a permanent deal. He still has 18 months left on his Arsenal contract so you would think a six-month stint at another Premier League outfit with a view to a three-year deal would make plenty of sense.

As for coming back across the border? That might be heart ruling the head stuff but you wouldn’t put it past a player who isn’t one to put pound signs ahead of personal pride. Tierney has also suffered so many injuries he might not be that confident of being able to return in his early 30s and still do the same job. Either way, it’s a wait and see job for all parties.

In the meantime, Celtic really should be sorting out one situation that is within their power – getting Greg Taylor tied up on a new deal. The clock is ticking with the left-back and he can talk to other clubs after the New Year. Again, it might be that Taylor fancies a new challenge.

He could probably walk into any side in the English Championship at least and, at 27 years old and with a family to look after, he might have the chance to make a few quid. He can do that at Celtic as well – and it would save him having to hire a removal van. Taylor is something of an unsung hero at the club and too often is taken for granted by supporters who tend to get more excited by players with exotic sounding names.

Wee Greg fae Greenock is every bit as good as any of them who have been and gone over the years and he deserves to be rewarded. Alex Valle is the latest shiny new toy and he even has the sexy CV given the 20-year-old is on the books at Barcelona.

The youngster has impressed at times and lightened the load on Taylor, who has had to shoulder the left-back burden on his tod for a couple of seasons. But when it comes to the crunch and the big games come around who would get the nod?

We’ll find out at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup Final against Rangers in a few weeks – but you wouldn’t bet against Taylor being the main man that day. He has been a vital part of the Hoops game-plan under Brendan Rodgers and has adapted superbly to whatever task he has been handed. Just look at his role in the second goal against RB Leipzig the other week, bombing forward, under-lapping, playing that inverted role, all things almost taken for granted.

Taylor might not be the next £25million man off the rank at Parkhead but it would cost a hefty chunk of money to replace him. Some might suggest Tierney could return if Taylor is allowed to go. But Celtic should sit tight and in 18 months they might have the pair of them to pick from.

Aiden McGeady throws down Celtic gauntlet to wannabes as he challenges them to do what he did

The champions have been criticised, along with Premiership rivals, for not giving young players enough game time

Aiden McGeady has warned the young hopefuls at Celtic that there’s no pathway to the first team if you’re not good enough.

The Hoops, along with rivals Rangers and Aberdeen have come under scrutiny over their youth development strategies after giving ZERO minutes to homegrown Under 21 players this season. The Scottish Premiership as a whole is lagging behind other European nations when it comes to producing players, and Scotland boss Steve Clarke has called for change if we are to avoid being left in the dust as our rivals produce their own stars of the future.

But McGeady has hit back, issuing a reminder that the quality has to be there in the first place if the young guns are to get the chance to show their worth. The former Parkhead wide man broke through under Martin O’Neill when a big name squad on big name wages was going toe-to-toe with Rangers for every trophy and there was no margin for error in nip and tuck title races.

The ex-Ireland international has told snipers they are dreaming if they expect top flight bosses to hand over half of their starting spots to academy hopefuls while the pressure is on to hit targets for the season. And he’s urged the kids to show they’ve got what it takes to earn a first team spot rather than being thrown in to see how they get on in a bid to force the issue.

“It’s really simple. There’s no pathway if you’re not good enough to displace a first team player,” he told the Herald. “No manager is ever just going to get rid of three or four players and almost set a team up to give young players a chance. That’s not how it works.

“A manager is looking after his job. He wants the best players on the park. So, you have to prove that you’re good. People say to me, how did you have such a long career? Well, why? Because I proved I was better than the guys that were ahead of me. That’s the way football is. Football is dog-eat-dog. It’s a ruthless environment.

“Young players coming through nowadays, they keep talking about the pathway, and that’s fine. But how come other teams and other countries can have a conveyor belt churning out talent year after year after year? What are we doing wrong here? It can’t just be in the water, is it?.

“It’s clearly in the fundamentals that they’re being taught from a young age filtering up the chain. Whereas here…it’s quite an easy throwaway comment, that one, that there’s more foreigners now, there’s more money. Well, there’s not more money. When I played for Celtic, I came through probably one of the hardest Celtic teams to break into.”

Celtic will demand hefty fee to sell Nicolas Kuhn

Celtic will only consider big-money bids for Nicolas Kuhn, that too in the summer, as they are uninterested in selling him in January.

According to Football Insider, Celtic will not sell Nicolas Kuhn cheaply, as they are likely to demand a significant fee to let go of the winger. There is modest Premier League interest ahead of the January transfer window, with Fulham keen, although the Hoops are not even considering a winter sale.

Nicolas Kuhn has made a significant contribution to Celtic since his move from Rapid Vienna in January of this year. The Scottish giants paid a nominal fee of around €3.5 million, as his current performances have already made that price point feel like a bargain.

In any case, there are suggestions that the 24-year-old German winger’s time at Celtic could be shortlived, as some Premier League sides are already showing an interest ahead of the January transfer window. Kuhn has 10 goals and 11 assists in 17 games across all competitions, which makes him one of the most in-form attackers on the planet.

In any case, Celtic are not about to start demanding a £100 million fee for the 24-year-old German winger, although they are keen to demand a significant one. One might point at the idea of fetching more than their record sales, which at this time is Matt O’Riley to Brighton, while Arsenal’s purchase of Kieran Tierney is very close to £25 million the Seagulls paid in the summer.

Hence, Celtic are only in the mood to consider exceptional offers, which could potentially see them make yet another record sale. However, the Hoops are not eager to even consider a January sale, as the player remains a vital part of Brendan Rodgers’s plans for the season, although they will open their doors ahead of the summer. Some sides are interested, including Crystal Palace and Fulham, who are in the market for a new winger.

Premier League intersted in Nicolas Kuhn

Fulham are interested in a move for Nicolas Kuhn as Marco Silva eyes a new winger to bolster his attacking options. They might have to find a permanent solution for the impressive Reiss Nelson, although Arsenal may look to either keep him or charge a huge fee. Hence, the 24-year-old German winger is viewed as a long-term option in Silva’s system, which continues to demand a top-draw left-footer from the right side.

Crystal Palace are also eager on Kuhn. They have definitely missed a wide presence in the final third since Michael Olise’s departure in the summer. The Celtic attacker could be an interesting investment opportunity for Palace to consider, although Celtic will prevent any sort of move in the January window.

James Tavernier is last of his kind at Rangers as Connor Goldson reckons Celtic know how to treat their legends

The club captain’s future is up in the air after Philippe Clement left him out of a crunch Euro clash

Goldson still has Tavernier’s back

Connor Goldson says Rangers would be making a huge mistake if they let James Tavernier leave Ibrox.

The club captain’s future is up in the air after Philippe Clement left him out of the recent Europa League tie against Olympiakos, with the Belgian insisting he can’t play every game. Tavernier was rumoured to be on his way out of Glasgow during the summer but a move didn’t materialise. The 33-year-old’s form has suffered, with Rangers trailing Celtic and Aberdeen by nine points at the top of the Premiership table.

But his former Ibrox team-mate, Goldson, is convinced the club must keep their skipper on board. In an exclusive interview with Mailsport, he claimed the full-back will only get the respect he deserves once he leaves Ibrox. But the defender, who is now at Aris Limassol, says it’s vital the Rangers’ dressing-room doesn’t lose Tavernier’s leadership qualities.

Goldson said: “I feel sorry for Tav now because he’s going through a difficult period with the team. And he’ll be the one who gets the most stick. Fair or unfair, that’s what happens when you wear the armband. You’re one of the main players, one of the biggest earners so you have to take it.

“The stars of the team always face the most criticism. So Tav has to take that on his shoulders, as he does every year Is it difficult for him? Mentally, it must be because I’ve been there for six years. It’s hard. But you have to take it and Tav has learnt to do that. The fact he carries on doing his best for the club – you can only admire that.

“If you look at the year we won the title in 2021, we had Allan McGregor, Steven Davis, Jermain Defoe and others. That’s not including myself and Tav. I look now and you’ve probably got him, Jack Butland and John Souttar. I’m struggling to find any more. Sometimes we had bad games and those boys would tell us. If you let another one go in Tav, I just don’t know who in there lets people know what Rangers is all about.

“I don’t see Celtic getting rid of Callum McGregor or Scott Brown before him when they have a bad few months. They understand these boys know the culture and drive the new signings to who they become. It will only be when Tav leaves that he gets the respect he deserves.”

Since Tavernier joined Rangers in 2015, he’s been a virtual ever-present under several different managers. Goldson was alongside him for six years before being sold off to Cyprus in the summer. He accepts Rangers’ captain hasn’t been at his best this term.

But Goldson says he’s getting flak because of the high standards he’s set before now. He said: “Tav has been absolutely amazing for Rangers. He plays every game and you don’t realise how hard that is to replace. When you do that, you’ll take the most criticism – because you’re the player who will have the most bad games. If you play 60 games and have five bad ones, these five will be remembered. If you play 10 games and have one bad one, people think you’re amazing.

“When you play every week, you’re more prone to make mistakes. Everyone is human. Has Tav had bad games? Of course he has. But he’s always there, available for every single game – even now. That’s a massive credit to him. What he’s done for that club is incredible.”

Despite Celtic’s on-field success, there are still questions regarding the best way to promote youth talent into the senior fold at Parkhead.

Evaluating Brendan Rodgers’ squad, club captain Callum McGregor and one-club man James Forrest embody two perfect examples of the transition from academy to the first-team set-up.

Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh have also established themselves as valuable members of the group who know more than most what it takes to get silverware over the line on a regular basis.

However, there is no denying Celtic have suffered a talent drain in recent years, with a host of promising young stars such as Ben Doak, Daniel Kelly and Rocco Vata opting for alternative paths as they make their way in the game.

Finding ways to bridge that gap remain to be determined, but Aiden McGeady has now offered some valuable advice from his own journey coming through the ranks.

Aiden McGeady on Celtic youth development

Speaking to The Herald, McGeady has delivered a ‘simple’ message in regards to youngsters looking to secure a first-team breakthrough at Celtic, indicating that self-expression must be the main pillar in coaching circles alongside an understanding that only the strongest stand a chance of making it.

He explained: “It’s really simple. There’s no pathway if you’re not good enough to displace a first team player. No manager is ever just going to get rid of three or four players and almost set a team up to give young players a chance. That’s not how it works.

“A manager is looking after his job. He wants the best players on the park. So, you have to prove that you’re good. People say to me, how did you have such a long career? Well, why? Because I proved I was better than the guys that were ahead of me. That’s the way football is. Football is dog-eat-dog. It’s a ruthless environment.

“Young players coming through nowadays, they keep talking about the pathway, and that’s fine. But how come other teams and other countries can have a conveyor belt churning out talent year after year after year? What are we doing wrong here? It can’t just be in the water, is it?.

“It’s clearly in the fundamentals that they’re being taught from a young age filtering up the chain. Whereas here…it’s quite an easy throwaway comment, that one, that there’s more foreigners now, there’s more money. Well, there’s not more money. When I played for Celtic, I came through into probably one of the hardest Celtic teams to break into.

Later, he added: “I don’t want to go off on a rant here, but there’s a lot that could be looked at. I think fundamentals from an early age has got to be the biggest difference. These other countries, France, Holland, Spain, they have conveyor belts of world-class talent.

“The fundamentals are in ball mastery, and understanding it shouldn’t be for kids of six to be thinking about positional awareness and tactics or how to build out from the back. Go and express yourself. Go and enjoy your football. That’s surely what it’s about.”

Celtic should be a hotbed for rising talent

Admittedly, the globalisation of football and the advancement of scouting tools throw up endless possibilities regarding incomings. Still, there should also be room for academy stars to showcase their talent in the senior fold.

Rodgers has vowed to bring youth talent at Celtic during his second spell in charge, so hopefully, there will be movement on that front later down the line.

Either way, there is plenty to be positive about across all aspects of the club, which is the main focus for now.

Celtic’s transfer model is such that the club tries to buy young raw talent, develop them and sell for a big profit a few years down the line.

And it has been a tremendously successful one as Celtic has seen the likes of Matt O’Riley, Kieran Tierney and Jota all leave for big money over recent years.

But this season has seen a slight shift in that policy. Whilst Celtic are still buying young talent, the club has raised the bar in terms of how much they are paying as seen by the Hoops spending £11.5m on Arne Engels.

However, there were free agents out there Celtic could have looked at and Barry Ferguson is surprised at one Brendan Rodgers didn’t try and sign.

Celtic not signing Scotland international Scott McKenna surprised Ferguson

Scott McKenna was last linked to Celtic in January when he was in the last six months of his deal at Nottingham Forest and Ferguson reckons the Hoops should have signed him.

Ferguson told The Go Radio Football Show, “I like Scott McKenna, and I think during the summer, he was a brilliant free transfer. Yeah, a brilliant free transfer. I’m surprised Rangers are Celtic didn’t have a look at him.

“And I think he’s come on as a player, as he’s maturing, he’s getting better. He’s actually good with the ball at his feet as well.”

McKenna eventually decided to sign with Las Palmas and whether Celtic enquired about his services is still unknown.

MORE CELTIC STORIES

What was previously said about Scott McKenna and Celtic

Celtic were told often enough over the summer that they should have looked at the 28-year-old Scottish international.

Simon Donnelly was a big advocate of Celtic signing McKenna and said that he would have been a ‘good one’ for his old club to sign.

Even Aberdeen legend Willie Miller urged Celtic to sign McKenna saying it would be a ‘great move’ for the Parkhead club.

Celtic, instead, decided to sign Auston Trusty who, even at £6m, looks like he could be a bargain for the club after his performances in the Champions League.

McKenna’s chance to join Celtic is probably long gone now but I don’t think that is something that the club or Brendan Rodgers will lose any sleep over.

Keith Jackson delivers transfer verdict on Celtic target Lennon Miller

Brilliant: Matt O’Riley Spotted in Celtic Gear with Hoops Quartet

Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming photo on social media, showing him catching up with some familiar faces from his time at the club. Captioned “football friends,” the image featured O’Riley alongside current Celtic captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, and Luke McCowan. The best part is Matt is wearing his Celtic gear!

The snapshot appears to have been taken during the ongoing international break, a welcome chance for these players to unwind. McGregor, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, and the others—none of whom are currently involved in international squads—seem to be enjoying a well-deserved respite.

Luke McCowan’s inclusion in the group adds an interesting twist. The winger joined Celtic in the summer after O’Riley’s high-profile departure to Brighton. While they didn’t overlap as teammates, they certainly crossed paths in Scottish football, with McCowan impressing at Dundee during O’Riley’s time in Glasgow.

A Record Move to Brighton

O’Riley left Celtic in a club-record transfer during the summer window, with Brighton paying a hefty fee to secure the talented midfielder’s services. However, his debut for the Seagulls was marred by an unfortunate injury that required surgery and a spell of rehab.

O’Riley bounced back in sensational fashion just before the international break, making his Premier League debut in dramatic style. Coming off the bench against Manchester City, he scored the match-winning goal, showcasing the flair and composure that made him such a standout at Celtic Park.

Celts Taking Time Off

For McGregor, Forrest, and Welsh, the international break offers a rare moment to step back from the relentless demands of the season. McGregor, as ever, has been an ever-present figure in Celtic’s midfield, while Forrest and Welsh have been squad players under Brendan Rodgers.

The sight of the quintet spending time together highlights the close bonds formed during O’Riley’s time at Celtic.

Kris Boyd accuses Rangers of financial misstep as Celtic told £200m of surging cash influx can stay in the bank

The Ibrox hero has hit out at the Ibrox accountants in a brutal contrast with Celtic

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Concerned Kris Boyd reckons Rangers have been “ran by the heart” with cash being splashed in an attempt to catch Celtic.

The fears of the Ibrox diehards escalated last month after the board revealed an operating loss of £17.2million in the most recent financial year. The annual accounts and accompanying financial statement and that deficit were grim reading for the punters amid a tough campaign on the pitch under Philippe Clement, despite the club also saying they have recorded record figures in core revenue of £88.3million.

The figures are only made worse when contrasted with the mega-money arriving at Celtic Park as Rangers watch Brendan Rodgers’ side bolster the Parkhead coffers in the cash-rich Champions League. UEFA have beefed up the prize pot for teams this season – and Celtic eyeing a spot in the knockout stages with seven points from their opening four fixture the cash will only continue to flow towards Glasgow’s east end.

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And speaking to the The Warm-Up, Rangers hero Boyd pointed to a key misstep by his former club in recent seasons: “You only need to look at Rangers finances that were released a few weeks ago as well. It’s all well and good having money coming in, but if you don’t spend it wisely you could end up in trouble.

Celtic are the opposite. Celtic have brought in a lot of money and a lot of their fans will be demanding ‘you have to go and spend that money’ – but it has been built up. I think Celtic have been ran by the head, and when you look at Rangers a lot of it has been run by the heart. It has been a case of ‘we need to put money in because we need to get there’ but there has been a proper business model for a number of years.”

Fellow pundit Craig Levein felt Celtic also had to adopt a cautious approach to spending despite rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite. He said: “The thing with Celtic is, they know they can’t close the gap on the European giants, they can’t do it.”

Celtic ‘in line’ for mega transfer windfall as former £11m Parkhead star could spark Liverpool and Man City bidding war

The Bayer Leverkusen defender moved to Germany from Parkhead in January 2021 and has taken his game to another level

Celtic could be set to cash in big bucks on former star Jeremie Frimpong after the Dutch defender emerged on Liverpool’s transfer radar ahead of the January window.

Arne Slot’s Reds have drawn up a shortlist of right-back options amid increasing uncertainty surrounding the future of homegrown product Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract at the end of the season and features high on a list of targets for European heavyweights Real Madrid.

Multiple reports suggest that Bayer Leverkusen speedster Frimpong is a leading contender to replace the England international. The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Manchester City before heading north of the border to join the Scottish champions under Neil Lennon in 2019.

Jeremie Frimpong in action during his time at Celtic | Getty Images

Frimpong – under contract until the summer of 2028 after penning an extension last year – has elevated his game to another level in the German Bundesliga and there have even been rumours that Pep Guardiola is keen on bringing him back to the Etihad.

That could lead to a bidding war between two of England’s biggest clubs for the eight-capped Netherlands defender – and that could spell good news for Celtic who would be due a sizable chunk of any future sale after inserting a sell-on clause in the player’s £11million deal that took him to Leverkusen in January 2021.

The Daily Mail claim that clause will see the Hoops rake in 30 per cent of any profit the German club make on Frimpong amid conflicting reports around his release clause. They state bid in the region of £34m would allow Liverpool to hold talks with the player – which would result in Celtic banking an additional £7.1m windfall.

Nicolas Kuhn: O’Rourke shares significant Celtic update as English clubs swoop

Celtic will only sell Nicolas Kuhn for a “pretty hefty fee” in the summer transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that neither Brendan Rodgers nor the Celtic board are willing to lose the 24-year-old right now.

The Scottish giants signed Kuhn last January from Austria Vienna for only £3million, and he is now being seen as a “real bargain” due to his performances so far.

The right winger has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists in 17 performances in all competitions this season, as he has become a crucial member of the squad.

Well-placed sources have confirmed to Football Insider that there is interest in Kuhn from England, with Brentford and Fulham monitoring his progress.

Interest in the winger is expected to increase during the summer transfer window, which will place pressure on the current Scottish Premiership champions.

Celtic will want to a significant fee to sell Nicolas Kuhn

Celtic have showcased they are willing to hold out for significant fees in the past for top players who are in demand.

This past summer the club sold Matt O’Riley to Brighton for £25million, which was a club-record fee, while they also earned big money from the sale of Kieran Tierney.

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

Right now Kuhn is being viewed as a “key man” in Rodgers’ side and the club aren’t interested in selling him if they don’t need to.

The Hoops currently sit top of the Scottish Premiership and have secured a place in the Scottish League Cup final.

Meanwhile in Europe, Rodgers’ side are 15th in the Champions League table.

In other news, Celtic could make ‘£10m’ January transfer window move – Keith Wyness.

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Elena Sadiku relishing Glasgow derby showdown

Women’s Football

By Matthew Campbell

After Wednesday night’s brave showing against English champions Chelsea, Celtic FC Women’s side have their sights fully focused on Sunday’s massive SWPL clash against Rangers.

The Celts were defeated 2-1 at Paradise on Wednesday night, however their performance has rightly earned them praise, which will serve to boost the squad’s confidence ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby.

Speaking to the media ahead of this weekend’s match, Hoops boss Elena Sadiku said she was excited for Sunday’s challenge as she reflected on Wednesday’s defeat.

“We were buzzing after the game but also gutted,” she said. “I think the girls deserved so much more for that performance.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t all be very excited for Sunday.

“The players put in 120 minutes against Glasgow City and then a brilliant performance against Chelsea and I don’t think they’re happy, I think they want more.

“And they should want more because we have great quality in the squad.”

The Celts have already faced Rangers this season, with a late equaliser from Célya Barclais securing a point for Elena Sadiku’s side.

Reflecting on that match, Sadiku said: “When we started against Rangers, we had the ball, we broke through the pressure but we didn’t create many chances  which can make the players a bit frustrated.

“But at the same time, there was a feeling at half time that we can do it. That belief needs to be there from the start.

“For me, it’s about being confident and brave from the start and showing how much we want to win the game and not wait until half time.”

Sunday will be Sadiku’s seventh showdown against Rangers since taking over as the Ghirls’ boss in January and she says that it’s a fixture she always looks forward to.

She added: “I love it. There’s a different atmosphere around these games. Obviously there are two teams who want do everything they can to win.

“Rangers are a great team and so are we. There’s a lot of passion in those games and that makes everything more exciting and fun for me.”

Celtic and Rangers Plot Record-Breaking Bids for ‘Serious Talent’

Celtic and Rangers are expected to move for Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller in January, with the Steelmen only willing to accept offers worth at least £4 million, according to the Daily Mail.

Miller has excelled this season in the Scottish Premiership, starting all eleven games for Motherwell, scoring twice and providing three assists. This impressive form has prompted interest from the two Glaswegian giants, who are intent on acquiring the 18-year-old as soon as this winter window.

While Fir Park Chaiman Kyrk Macmillan has insisted that Motherwell want to keep hold of their academy prospect for as long as possible, the allure of a move to Celtic Park or Ibrox may prove too difficult to reject for Miller, while a prospective offer of up to £4 million may seduce Macmillan into sanctioning the deal.

Celtic and Rangers Chasing Miller

He’s been on fire for Motherwell

Born in Wishaw, Miller joined the Motherwell academy at the age of seven, and rose through the ranks with the club before making his senior debut six days after his 16th birthday in August 2022. Becoming the youngest player to feature in a major competition in Motherwell’s history, and described as a ‘serious talent’, he’s now made 55 appearances for the first team, despite only turning 18 in August.

Contributing to five goals in just 11 Scottish Premiership games this season, it appears Miller’s upward trajectory is set to continue, and he’s subsequently already earned comparisons to Toni Kroos. The Daily Mail report that Celtic, Rangers and even Liverpool are in the race to land the starlet, with the two former sides expected to make their move in January.

The publication indicate that Motherwell will only entertain offers worth £4 million or more, as they seek to eclipse their record £3 million sale of David Turnbull to Celtic in 2020.

Neither of the Glasgow-based club’s have made an approach for Miller yet, but are likely to engage in a bidding war for one of Scotland’s biggest prospects in the winter window. Both sides have visions of the creative midfielder starring in their teams for well over a decade, with Celtic potentially eyeing him as a replacement for Nicolas Kuhn, who could leave the Hoops for Brentford.

Miller’s Scottish Premiership Statistics 2024/25

Appearances

11

Goals

2

Assists

3

Shots Per 90

1.85

Fouls Drawn Per 90

1.67

Two out of three Celtic stars turned out for Japan in 4-0 rout

Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda were all called up for Japan (Image: Ross MacDonald – SNS Group)

All three of Celtic‘s Japanese stars started on the bench against Indonesia in their World Cup qualifier earlier today.

Japan won 4-0, climbing to 10 points in their qualifying group, five points ahead of second-place Australia.

Kyogo Furuhashi, back in the national team fold for the first time in two years, was an unused sub on the day, whereas Reo Hatate came on with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

Daizen Maeda played the entirety of the second half, coming on for goalscorer Takumi Minamino after the break – the latter of who made it 2-0 after 40 minutes. The rest of Japan’s goals came from a Justin Hubner own goal to open the scoring on 35 minutes.

After Minamino’s strike, Hidemasa Morita extended their lead to three with 49 minutes on the clock, before Yuikinari Sugawara made it four exactly 20 minutes later.

Ahead of the match, Kyogo’s reintroduction into the Japan set-up was praised by Japanese national media.

One publication said: “The decision to reintegrate Furuhashi into the squad reflects a strategic move to bolster Japan’s attacking options. His experience in European competitions provides a valuable edge.”

While another said: d: “Furuhashi’s consistent goal-scoring ability at Celtic has been instrumental in his recall to the national team.

“His agility and precision in front of goal are assets that Japan aims to leverage in the [World Cup] qualifiers.”

Kris Boyd accuses Rangers of financial misstep as Celtic told £200m of surging cash influx can stay in the bank

The Ibrox hero has hit out at the Ibrox accountants in a brutal contrast with Celtic

Concerned Kris Boyd reckons Rangers have been “ran by the heart” with cash being splashed in an attempt to catch Celtic.

The fears of the Ibrox diehards escalated last month after the board revealed an operating loss of £17.2million in the most recent financial year. The annual accounts and accompanying financial statement and that deficit were grim reading for the punters amid a tough campaign on the pitch under Philippe Clement, despite the club also saying they have recorded record figures in core revenue of £88.3million.

The figures are only made worse when contrasted with the mega-money arriving at Celtic Park as Rangers watch Brendan Rodgers’ side bolster the Parkhead coffers in the cash-rich Champions League. UEFA have beefed up the prize pot for teams this season – and Celtic eyeing a spot in the knockout stages with seven points from their opening four fixture the cash will only continue to flow towards Glasgow’s east end.

And speaking to the The Warm-Up, Rangers hero Boyd pointed to a key misstep by his former club in recent seasons: “You only need to look at Rangers finances that were released a few weeks ago as well. It’s all well and good having money coming in, but if you don’t spend it wisely you could end up in trouble.

“Celtic are the opposite. Celtic have brought in a lot of money and a lot of their fans will be demanding ‘you have to go and spend that money’ – but it has been built up. I think Celtic have been ran by the head, and when you look at Rangers a lot of it has been run by the heart. It has been a case of ‘we need to put money in because we need to get there’ but there has been a proper business model for a number of years.”

Fellow pundit Craig Levein felt Celtic also had to adopt a cautious approach to spending despite rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite. He said: “The thing with Celtic is, they know they can’t close the gap on the European giants, they can’t do it.”

O’Riley reunites with Celtic pals and his outfit choice is sublime

O’Riley shared the nostalgic snap to his Instagram (Image: Instagram)

Matt O’Riley has shared an image alongside some old friends, wearing some familiar clobber that might make some Celtic fans pine for what was once.

As posted to the Brighton and Hove Albion player’s Instagram, the midfielder can be seen posing alongside James Forrest, Callum McGregor, Stephen Welsh and Luke McCowan on a training pitch somewhere in the sun.

Shared with an Inbetweeners reference – “football friends” – the 23-year-old is also wearing last season’s Celtic training gear, adding a firm dose of nostalgia to the scene.

Shortly after moving south as Celtic’s most expensive export, O’Riley suffered a bag injury that ruled him out of contention for several weeks.

Now back to full fitness, however, the midfielder scored Brighton’s winning goal against Manchester City ahead of the current international break.

Brilliant: Matt O’Riley Spotted in Celtic Gear with Hoops Quartet

Former Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming photo on social media, showing him catching up with some familiar faces from his time at the club. Captioned “football friends,” the image featured O’Riley alongside current Celtic captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Stephen Welsh, and Luke McCowan. The best part is Matt is wearing his Celtic gear!

The snapshot appears to have been taken during the ongoing international break, a welcome chance for these players to unwind. McGregor, who retired from Scotland duty earlier this year, and the others—none of whom are currently involved in international squads—seem to be enjoying a well-deserved respite.

Luke McCowan’s inclusion in the group adds an interesting twist. The winger joined Celtic in the summer after O’Riley’s high-profile departure to Brighton. While they didn’t overlap as teammates, they certainly crossed paths in Scottish football, with McCowan impressing at Dundee during O’Riley’s time in Glasgow.

A Record Move to Brighton

O’Riley left Celtic in a club-record transfer during the summer window, with Brighton paying a hefty fee to secure the talented midfielder’s services. However, his debut for the Seagulls was marred by an unfortunate injury that required surgery and a spell of rehab.

O’Riley bounced back in sensational fashion just before the international break, making his Premier League debut in dramatic style. Coming off the bench against Manchester City, he scored the match-winning goal, showcasing the flair and composure that made him such a standout at Celtic Park.

Celts Taking Time Off

For McGregor, Forrest, and Welsh, the international break offers a rare moment to step back from the relentless demands of the season. McGregor, as ever, has been an ever-present figure in Celtic’s midfield, while Forrest and Welsh have been squad players under Brendan Rodgers.

The sight of the quintet spending time together highlights the close bonds formed during O’Riley’s time at Celtic

Rangers push for triple January signing swoop as long-term Celtic target opens the door to January exit

The January transfer window could have huge implications for Celtic and Rangers’ title hopes

With just a month to go until the start of the January transfer window, Philippe Clement is already beginning to make plans about the next phase of his rebuild as he aims to bridge the gap between his side and Premiership pacesetters Celtic, who are already nine points clear of the Light Blues.

The Belgian added a grand total of 10 players to his squad during the summer window and is now hoping to bolster the team’s wide attacking options with a move for Peterborough United star Kwame Poku, according to Rangers News.

The 23-year-old is currently one of the most in-form players in League One with a remarkable 10 goals and five assists from his opening 15 matches for Darren Ferguson’s side.

The one-time Ghana international is believed to be the subject of interest from Championship sides such as Blackburn Rovers and Millwall as well as Premier League newboys Ipswich Town.

He is under contract with the Posh until next summer and would potentially be able to join Rangers at a cut price fee in January.

However, Rangers would also be able to take advantage of cross-border compensation rules to strike a cost-effective free transfer move for the attacker by next summer.

The Gers are also in the market for a right sided defender to potentially or provide further competition for club captain James Tavernier, whose form has regressed slightly in recent months amid reports of interest from Turkey.

Wrexham right-back Ryan Barnett is believed to be one of the names under consideration after a terrific start to his League One career which has seen him record one goal and five assists for the high-flying Welsh side.

Motherwell’s teenage midfield prodigy Lennon Miller, who has recorded two goals and three assists in 11 Premiership games, is also seen as a player that could hugely benefit Rangers’ team.

Long-term Celtic target hints at potential January move

Denmark Under-21 international Mathias Kvistgaarden has been on Celtic’s radar for the last two transfer windows after a string of impressive performances for Brondby in the Danish Superliga.

The Daily Record understands that Celtic scouts have been monitoring the versatile 22-year-old forward for a number of months and were in attendance for Brondby’s recent clash against FC Nordsaelland as Kvistgaarden continued his tremendous goalscoring run by netting his 10th league goal in 15 appearances.

Kvistgaarden has recently expressed his desire to move abroad and test himself in a new environment in the near future. He told Bold: “It would be great if a lot of things came from outside. You dream of leaving at some point. There are still games left, and if that were to happen, then you know that you are standing and suddenly you have the last few games in the Brondby shirt this time around.

“So right now I’m just looking towards the next game. I am enjoying every single second I wear this shirt.”

Belgian Media React as Arne Engels Impresses on First National Team Start

The Belgian media have been full of praise for Celtic’s Arne Engels after he made his first start for his country’s senior team last night.

The 21-year-old got the nod for Belgium’s match at home to Italy in UEFA Nations League A Group 2.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Aberdeen – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 19, 2024 Celtic’s Arne Engels in action REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Although the visitors won 1-0 courtesy of a first-half Sandro Tonali strike, Engels impressed before he was subbed off on 71 minutes.

Indeed, the media in his homeland have complemented his performance despite the loss.

Het Laatste Nieuws (via The National) praised Engels’ ‘maturity’, hailing his accurate passing ability as key when Belgium had the ball.

Elsewhere, De Standaard (via The National) noted the midfielder’s battling defensive work, writing: “Engels was tireless in winning the ball back and displayed impressive stamina throughout the entire match.”

Future Potential

Just like at Celtic, it would appear there are high hopes for Engels on the national team front.

Indeed, La Libre Belgique reckons he can nail down a consistent starting place in the Belgian engine room: “Engels proved that he is ready for the highest level and can become a mainstay in the Red Devils’ midfield,” they wrote (via The National).

Although teenage RB Leipzig midfielder Arthur Vermeeren replaced Engels in the second half, he will be eager to keep his place in the team when Belgium play Israel in Hungary on Sunday evening. He impressed last night, but the youngster may have an even better opportunity to catch the eye in the next match.

After that, though, Engels’ full attention returns to Celtic ahead of what manager Brendan Rodgers has described as an ‘ultramarathon’ of games.

Things kick off with a trip to Tynecastle next weekend before the Hoops face Engels’ old academy side, Club Brugge, in the UEFA Champions League.

New bhoy Engels makes huge international landmark

The development of Arne Engels took another huge step forward last night when he started for Belgium against Italy in the Nations League.

The team sheet for the match was loaded with players from Europe’s leading clubs with the Celtic man in good company with four appearances this season in the Champions League.

After coming on as a substitute against Israel and France, Belgian boss Dominic Tedesco gave the midfielder his first international start.

When Engels made the switch from Bundesliga side Augsburg to the SPFL there were a few sceptics questioning the decision.

Not that he needs to prove himself but last night’s competitive debut for Belgium reinforces the view that Celtic was the perfect step for him as his career development accelerates.

Arne Engels played for 72mins in Belgium’s Nations League match against Italy ??

— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) November 14, 2024

Engels appeared to suffer an injury that saw him substituted in the 72nd minute.

Two years ago Engels was playing for Club NXT (Club Brugge reserves) in the Belgian Second Division, doing enough to attract a cut price transfer to Augsburg.

Starting 32 Bundesliga matches last season was everything that a 20-year-old midfielder could ask for with Augsburg pocketing a £10m profit when they sold the midfielder to Celtic in August.

Engels made a stunning start to life at Celtic, dipped a little but his quality was obvious in the League Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen followed by the Champions League victory over RB Leipzig.

Next up for Belgium is a trip to Budapest to play Israel on Monday, after that he returns to Celtic for the SPFL clash away to Hearts followed up by an intriging reunion with Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Lennon Miller: Insider names leader in Celtic and Rangers transfer race

Celtic are the favourites to land a deal for Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller despite facing competition from Rangers.

That is according to former Man United chief scout and Sir Alex Ferguson number two, Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Celtic will outmuscle their rivals financially.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 3 November that Rangers will struggle to land the midfielder due to their ongoing financial situation.

Miller, 18, has attracted interest from the top Scottish outfits and abroad after his excellent start to the season at Fir Park.

He has featured 18 times already this season, starting all 11 of their league games so far and all but one of their seven League Cup fixtures before the semi-final defeat to Rangers.

Both Celtic and Rangers have put extra emphasis on landing the best young, Scottish talent in recent years, with Miller the latest on their list.

Brown, meanwhile, has claimed Celtic’s current domestic dominant has given them the edge in the race to land the Motherwell star.

Celtic tipped to beat Rangers in race to sign Lennon Miller

Football Insider revealed on 2 November that Celtic have an advantage over their rivals in the race to secure the 18-year-old’s signature.

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

Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has echoed those reports and insisted Brendan Rodgers’ side are the current front-runners.

“Both clubs have put an emphasis on signing Scottish talents,” he told Football Insider.

“But you do worry a bit for Rangers, because they’re being outmuscled financially, and that restricts the type of players they can bring in.

“The choice, if he’s going to stay in Scotland that is, will be between Celtic and Rangers.

“It usually comes down to which club is top at any given time, particularly when they both go on runs of winning so many league titles in a row.

“At the moment, that’s Celtic, and Rangers have been struggling. So they’re definitely the favourites.

“They’ve got the financial power and the success in the league to attract anybody in the league.

“So it doesn’t surprise me that they’re both looking at Miller, but Celtic have the advantage in that particular race when you look at it on paper.”

Despite Celtic only being a few months on from the summer window, attention is already starting to turn towards their January transfer endeavours.

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted by a stunning start to the campaign that has saw the Bhoys position themselves nicely across all competitions, but his desire for constant improvement is likely to fuel further reinforcements.

Overnight, reports emerged claiming Celtic are keen to land Lennon Miller in January, with a £4 million price-tag placed on his head by Motherwell.

Recently, 67 Hail Hail told you that the Bhoys are also back in for Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden and have sent scouts to watch the Danish forward on several occasions this campaign.

The Denmark Under-21 cap has been on fire in his homeland, scoring 13 times and laying on five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions.

With his situation at Brondby Stadium unclear, the forward has now addressed his future as speculation does the rounds surrounding his potential next career step.

Mathias Kvistgaarden addresses Brondby future

Speaking to Bold, Brondby’s Kvistgaarden admitted that he does ‘dream’ of leaving Brondby at some point down the line and is excited to see what opportunities could present themselves for him to take on a new challenge.

He stated: “It would be great if (bids from elsewhere) came from outside. You dream of leaving at some point.

“There are still games left, and if that were to happen, then you know (where you) stand, and suddenly you have the last few games in the Brondby shirt this time around.

“So, right now I’m just looking towards the next game and enjoying every single second I wear this shirt.”

Celtic’s Champions League progress could tempt targets

While Celtic are an enormous club on the stature front, one of the main selling points to potential targets in January will undoubtedly be their potential to play knockout Champions League football.

Seven points from four matches has put the Bhoys within touching distance of booking a knockout playoff berth, with the Hoops’ victory over RB Leipzig an ideal example of the excitement high-calibre players could experience if they make the move to Parkhead.

The club need to capitalise on their involvement at Europe’s top table. When you couple it with regular domestic silverware, there is a lot to like about the current project unfolding in Glasgow’s east end.

Arne Engels arrived at Celtic from Augsburg in a blaze of publicity this summer after Brendan Rodgers made him the club’s record-ever signing.

The young Belgian was signed by Celtic for a club-record fee of £11.5m from Bundesliga side Augsburg, smashing the previous record set when Odsonne Edouard was purchased from PSG in 2018.

Since his arrival, Engels has made 14 appearances in the green and white Hoops scoring three goals and creating six with three of those assists coming in the Champions League.

The 21-year-old also scored his first Champions League goal for Celtic against Slovan Bratislava and since then, Engels has been developing nicely under Brendan Rodgers.

And now, a recent study by CIES Football Observatory has placed Engels’ value at almost double what it was when Celtic first signed him.

Arne Engels valued sky rockets after flying start to Celtic season

Engels has slotted well into Rodgers’ Celtic and after a couple of games where he seemed to lose his way, the Belgian has still produced the good.

So much so that CIES now has Engels valued between £14.1m and £19.9m using their ‘Fair Price’ tool. The value is worked out from the price that was paid for the player and taking into account inflation and who could potentially afford to but the player.

With Engels being in the high-tier pricing range (in relative terms) the Belgian is likely to attract attention from Europe’s top teams considering he is a full Belgium international.

Engels’ age and how much he still has to develop means that even at the high-end valuation, the Celtic midfielder would represent a bargain for any of Europe’s top teams should any want to secure his services in the future.

Global players who have the same value as Celtic midfielder Arne Engels

There are only a handful of players who come into the same estimated value price band than Arne Engels in the report so here, 67 Hail Hail lists all players who are valued in the same bracket as the Belgian.

Andy Diouf- RC Lens

David Fofana – Goztepe SK

Luciano Gondou – Zenit St Petersburg

Claudio Echeverri – River Plate

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Southampton

Yuri Alberto – Corinthians

Joe Scally – Borussia Monchengladbach

Diego Gomez – Inter Miami

Mohamed Simakan – Al-Nassr

Rodri Zalazar – Braga

Brendan Rodgers won’t be beaten in Lennon Miller race by Glasgow rivals

Lennon Miller of Motherwell hit the post. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

If it’s a straight fight between Celtic and theRangers for Lennon Miller, then there’s only going to be one winner…

Motherwell have apparently set the price for their highly rated 18 year old midfielder Lennon Miller.

Miller is continuing to impress and is one of Scottish football’s hottest young talents, with a big future ahead of him in the game.

According to multiple reports, the hierarchy at Fir Park would be willing to do business for around £4 million. While that may seem a lot for an 18 year old, it’s quite a reasonable price for such a talented young player with huge potential, and the Steelmen are quite within their rights to put such a price tag on their most prized asset.

Lennon Miller in action against Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

The SMSM are predictably proclaiming it as a battle between Celtic and theRangers for the youngster, but as everyone knows, the Ibrox club are short of cash and are highly unlikely be able to put in a bid of that sort.

There’s also the fact that the player will have the choice to progress his career at the best club in the country, while being coached by a manager who has a great track record of improving players. Or a club who don’t even know who’ll be managing them in the long run.

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

Don’t get me wrong, we could also be blown out the water by a side from down south, but if it comes to a battle between ourselves and theRangers, there is only one winner. If Brendan Rodgers wants the player then theRangers aren’t likely to frustrate the Celtic manager.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…

Building on Celtic FC Women’s Champions League development

Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Celtic FC Women have made giant strides to be able to compete at UEFA Women’s Champions League level and they will be all the better for the experience gained in their first year playing at the highest level of club football…

Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Celtic  took on Chelsea  at Celtic park last night in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, in front of a decent crowd of 7390 but despite their best efforts they lost out by two goals to one to the English Champion.

There is no shame in that and Elena and her side can hold their heads high despite losing on the night and all three of their first three fixtures, after previously losing to FC twente and Real Madrid.

Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

They’ve not been outclassed as such, just beaten by sides with better experience at this level. Just to get to this stage was an achievement in itself and the team have done themselves and the supporters proud in their first round of fixtures.

Of course there is still three fixtures remaining and while qualifying for the latter stages might prove difficult, the players will give their all as they continue to grow as a team at this level.

Football is all about learning and the woman have went from strength to strength since winning their first league title last season, and competing in the Champions League for the first time will only benefit them in the long run.

Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

We are at the half way stage and Celtic will now play the three opponents starting with Chelsea next Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge. Elena Sadiku will be targeting taking as many points as possible as in particular the three points on offer against FC Twente in Holland. Real Madrid at New Douglas Park might also be a viable opportunity for the Ghirls.

Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

This season’s campaign is all about progression and the key factor is retaining the title so that we can do it all again next season. And with over £500,000 in additional revenue for the women’s side then the club can certainly back Elena Sadiku who will be able to attract a higher standard of recruit with Champions League football on offer.

Well done to the Ghirls for that brilliant effort last night.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…

Top flight boss ‘will not accept’ Rangers role if Clement is sacked as Celtic ace says club is in ‘good place’

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565

A former Rangers man has ruled a Scottish Premiership manager out of contention for the Light Blues hotseat.

We are currently in the midst of an international break – as such, the Scottish Premiership is on hiatus. Scotland are gearing up for Nations League games against Croatia and Poland – let’s take a look at what is happening back home in the meantime.

A Scottish Premiership manager has been rumoured to be one of the potential successors to Philippe Clement at Rangers – however, a pundit has his doubts. Meanwhile, a Celtic star has spoken on his admiration of the club since his arrival, lauding the mentality at Parkhead and how it is a ‘new experience’ for him.

Derek Ferguson believes Derek McInnes will ‘not’ take on Rangers job

Philippe Clement’s status at Rangers is looking especially precarious at the moment. The Light Blues currently sit third in the Scottish Premiership table, nine points behind both Aberdeen and Celtic.

As such, fans are beginning to speculate who may take over if the Belgian head coach is sacked in the coming months. One of the names being thrown around is Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes – but ex-Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson has his doubts as to whether he will take the job or not.

Speaking with Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “I’m not so sure about Derek. Derek’s had the opportunity before and had a look at it, didn’t think it was the right time. Would he look at the club now and think it’s the right time? Absolutely not, because the club’s in a mess.

“You look at the structure behind the scenes, it’s all over the place. So I wouldn’t see Derek McInnes taking that opportunity to go and take the reins. We get that Derek has been a Rangers supporter, but the one thing about Derek McInnes, he’s very professional. He’s a clever guy, so he’s not going to take that.”

Kasper Schmeichel speaks his time at Celtic so far

Kasper Schmeichel has been a success since he arrived at Celtic in the summer. Not only is he ‘very satisfied’ with his time at the club, he is also relishing the challenge of the ‘pressure’ he feels at Parkhead.

Additionally, the former Leicester City man complimented the ‘really good football’ that Brendan Rodgers has implemented since his return to Celtic Park.

Speaking with Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Schmeichel said: “I am very satisfied. I have been playing really well and I love being part of the team. It’s a cool style of play that we have, and it suits me really well

US comedy legend in retro Celtic kit painting will make your day

Danny DeVito plays Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (Image: Zooligan on Instagram)

Anyone who watches It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia knows Frank Reynolds. Anyone who doesn’t, surely, knows Danny DeVito.

As brought to our attention by cool football mag Mundial on Instagram, here’s Reynolds in Paddy’s Pub – the make believe bar his character owns – wearing the Celtic home top of 1995-1997:

The artist behind the artwork goes by the name Zooligan on social media, and their portfolio covers similar works reimagining famous TV stars and celebrities in retro kits.

Among them is Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Larry David kitted out in a late ’90s Parma top, David Brent and Alan Partridge wearing retro England tracksuits, and The Sopranos’ Chris Moltisanti wearing a Napoli shirt while presumably chilling in Satriale’s.

As for DeVito’s character in It’s Always Sunny, he makes no mention of being a Celtic fan in the show… but he does own an Irish bar.

The complete opposite of how he carries himself in reality, DeVito’s character is, like the rest of the cast, hardly likeable. But the antics he and co-dependent on-screen character pals – Mac (Rob McElhenney, Charlie (Charlie Day), Dennis (Glenn Howerton) and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) – get up to are often hilarious.

First launched in 2005 on US television channel FX, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia has since been on air for more seasons than any other American live-action sitcom, running for 16 seasons so far.

If you don’t watch the show, you’ll likely recognise McElhenney as the other guy who now owns Wrexham alongside Hollywood actor, Ryan Reynolds.

Slow news day? Of course it is, we’re in the throes of another international break. But hopefully this puts a smile on your face.

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels handed Belgium start

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and SK Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park on September 18, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic midfielder Arne Engels has been named in the Starting XI for Belgium’s UEFA Nations League game against Italy. The 21-year-old has been named in a midfield alongside Aston Villa’s Onana and Arsenal’s Trossard as he looks to impress.

Belgium host the Italians in Brussels at the King Baudouin Stadium but Celtic fans will be keen an eye on the game as they see how Engels fares.

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 14, 2024

Engels has impressed since making the £11m switch from Augsburg, which made him Celtic’s record signing. In 14 appearances, Engels has scored 3 goals and assisted on 6 occasions. The Belgian international will be keen to continue his upward trajectory under the watchful eye of Brendan as he looks to audition for the new age of Belgian football.

Arne Engels Receives Brilliant Thursday Night Boost

Celtic’s record-breaking summer signing Arne Engels has been handed his first international start for Belgium as they face Italy tonight.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 1, 2024 Celtic’s Arne Engels before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

The young midfielder, who joined Celtic for £11 million—smashing the club’s transfer record—has quickly established himself as a key asset, with impressive contributions across competitions this season.

Belgium currently sit third in their group with four points, trailing behind France and Italy, with tonight’s result unable to affect their standing in the table. Nevertheless, this opportunity for Engels to start in a high-profile international fixture marks a significant step in his career.

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 14, 2024

Since joining Celtic, Engels has demonstrated his versatility and playmaking ability. In eight SPFL matches, he’s already netted two goals, while in the Champions League, he’s contributed a goal and three assists. He’s also made his mark in the League Cup, providing three assists in Celtic’s campaign.

Engels had previously come off the bench twice for Belgium, and his promotion to the starting XI tonight underscores his growing reputation on the international stage.

For Celtic fans, his progress with the Belgian squad is exciting to watch, as his performances continue to validate the club’s substantial investment and hint at his potential to become a mainstay in both Celtic’s and Belgium’s setups.

Celtic in the Thirties: Unpublished works of David Potter – Paddy Connolly

Paddy Connolly, Celtic FC – Celtic in the Thirties, image by Celtic Curio

Celtic in the Thirties: Unpublished works of David Potter today features Paddy Connolly…

The late David Potter

Name: PADDY CONNOLLY
Born: April 14 1901
Died: February 18 1969
Appearances: 296
Goals: 46
Scottish League medals: 1925/26
Scottish Cup medals: 1922/23, 1924/25, 1926/27
Glasgow Cup medals: 1926/27, 1927/28, 1928/29
Glasgow Charity Cup medals: 1923/24; 1925/26
Scotland Caps: 0

Paddy Connolly, Celtic in the Thirties graphic by Celtic Curio

Paddy Connolly’s Celtic career barely touched the 1930s but he did play a few games in this decade, even though he was better known for his achievements in the 1920s. He might have, with better management, played for Celtic for a lot longer than he did.

He was born in Hamilton in 1901, and was therefore, mercifully, just too young for the Great War. He joined the club from Kirkintilloch Rob Roy in the middle of the 1921/22 season. He was slightly built, but what was immediately apparent was that he was possessed of great speed. In years to come he would deserve the name of “The Greyhound”, and it was commonly believed that he was faster than Eric Liddell, the British Olympic champion of 1924 and WR Applegarth the famous professional sprinter of the day.

Paddy Connolly, Celtic FC.  The Celtic Wiki

He was a right winger, but not in the Jimmy Johnstone sense of being a bag of tricks, nor of the Jimmy Delaney “roving commission” type of player. His role was to get the ball, charge down the right wing and cross for the head of McGrory. Paddy himself in later years delighted to tell the story of how as a young player, he was taken aside by the prodigiously talent and street-wise Patsy Gallacher and told that when he crossed the ball for Mr McGrory, he had to make sure that the lace was facing away from Mr McGrory’s head!

He would struggle for a while to get the right wing place in the team, for the sitting tenant was Andy McAtee, one of the club’s all-time greats, but he was too good a player to be left out altogether, and he was tried on the left wing. This proved to be more than a little successful, and it was on the left wing that he played in the 1923 Scottish Cup final against Hibs. It was not a great game, but Connolly with a long swinging ball found Joe Cassidy in the move that led up to the only goal of the game, and Connolly had his first Scottish Cup medal in the game that meant so much to so many people.

McAtee disappeared from the scene in 1924, and Connolly got the right wing spot as a good team developed. He played a large and important part in the Scottish Cup semi-final 5-0 defeat against Rangers in which the tactics were to suck Rangers into the midfield, prevent them from scoring and then hit them on the break. Connolly was up against the hard tackling Ulsterman Billy McCandless. In the second half, it was as if McCandless wasn’t there as the greyhound tore past him time and time again.

Celtic in the Thirties – Volume One

Celtic in the Thirties – Volume Two

In the final, Gallacher and McGrory earned immortality, but the following year 1925/26 saw one of the best forward lines in the team’s history as Connolly, Thomson, McGrory, McInally and McLean won the Scottish League for the club to the delight of the fans who revelled in the wing play of Paddy Connolly and Adam McLean. Adam was a steady and reliable winger, but he could not match the ripple of anticipation when a ball from Peter Wilson or Jean McFarlane found “the Greyhound” who had already anticipated the move.

He was phenomenally popular, not least because he was simply a supporter who could play. At the end of the game, he would happily merge in with the crowd, and not everyone would immediately identify him as the great football player that he was. Diffident, self-effacing and still in awe of men like McGrory and McInally, Connolly seldom put himself forward, and this was perhaps the reason why one niggardly cap for the Scottish League against the Irish League in 1926 was the only International honour won by Connolly. He was certainly good enough to deserve more.

Rather surprisingly, Jimmy McGrory puts Connolly as the best right winger that he had ever seen, ahead of McAtee, Thomson, Delaney, Tully and Johnstone. Yet he denies that Paddy was “classy”. He says quite simply that he was fast and direct and knew how to cross a ball. A good cross, of course, only becomes a good cross if there is someone waiting for it. Very often McGrory would indeed know where exactly to wait for the crosses of Paddy Connolly.

He won another Scottish Cup medal against East Fife in 1927, and won a Glasgow Cup medal three years in a row in the late 1920s, but these were difficult times for Celtic, not least because a new stand needed to be built and paid for. Maley tried in vain to sell Jimmy McGrory and John Thomson, and tried to reduce the wages of others, one of them being Paddy Connolly.

Author Matt Corr gets to see copies of Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two – out now on Celtic Star Books. Celtic in the Thirties, Published by Celtic Star Books, 4/11/24. Image: The Celtic Star

Paddy was the mildest of men and loved the Celtic with a passion but he was not keen to be taken to the cleaners either. He did in 1928, 1929, 1930 and 1931 hold out against signing, although he always did yield in the end. This did not, of course, increase his value in the eyes of Willie Maley who, paranoid as always, began to see him an a rebel or an agitator.

Things became more complicated when a rival appeared on the scene for the right wing spot. This was Bertie Thomson, and once Bertie established himself on the right wing and, more importantly, in the heart of Maley, there was no way back for Paddy Connolly. He played for Celtic for the last time in the Glasgow Charity Cup final in May 1930, a very honourable 2-2 draw, but Rangers then won by the toss of a coin!

The early 1930s saw him being loaned out to teams like Morton and Shelbourne, then he was transferred to Hibs and then Airdrie, before quietly (and in many ways characteristically) slipping out of the game. But he remained a Celtic supporter, and there was a report of the game in the Scottish Cup in February 1939 at Celtic Park in a Scottish Cup replay against Hearts when the gates had to be shut and thousands were locked out of the ground. One of them was Paddy Connolly!

We do not know a great deal about the subsequent life of this naturally quiet man. He was a publican at one point, and died in Hairmyres Hospital on February 18 1969.

Celtic score historic goal past Chelsea in Women’s Champions League but first point proves elusive

Celtic give Chelsea a scare at Parkhead

Celtic made Chelsea fight all the way to maintain their 100 per cent start to their Women’s Champions League campaign as the English side came from behind to win 2-1 at Parkhead.

The hosts, group-stage debutants this season who were 50/1 outsiders before kick-off, took a shock lead in the 22nd minute when Murphy Agnew’s strike gave them their first ever goal in the competition proper.

The strike raised hopes among the 8000 home crowd for a momentous victory, however, much-changed Chelsea managed to quickly turn things around through goals from Maika Hamano and Ashley Lawrence.

After boss Sonia Bompastor made three substitutions at the interval, they then had numerous chances in the second half but were unable to make the most of any of them, with Celtic goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty pulling off some good saves.

Chelsea subsequently had Aggie Beever-Jones sent off in stoppage time as they emerged with a narrow win that took them to nine points from three games in Group B – and extended their winning start to the season to nine matches in all competitions.

They are three points clear in the pool of second-placed Real Madrid, while Elena Sadiku’s Celtic stay bottom, yet to get a point on the board, three behind Twente. The two sides meet again in the return fixture at Chelsea’s Kingsmeadow Stadium in London next week.

Murphy Agnew celebrates scoring Celtic’s first ever goal in the Women’s Champions League group stages as the hosts gave Chelsea a scare in a 2-1 defeat. (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group) | SNS Group

The early stages saw the visitors make unsuccessful attempts via Oriane Jean-Francois and Wieke Kaptein – and they then found themselves behind as Celtic scored an historic opener with their first chance of the contest, Amy Gallacher playing in Agnew, who slotted past Zecira Musovic to bring a huge roar around the stadium.

Chelsea hit back six minutes later when Beever-Jones produced a cutback and Hamano hit a shot that Daugherty got a hand to but could not keep out. Four minutes on from that and they had another, Lawrence firing in at the second attempt after Erin Cuthbert’s shot was blocked by the legs of Daugherty.

Cuthbert tried her luck again to no avail, while Lucy Ashworth-Clifford saw an attempt dealt with by Musovic just before half-time.

Bompastor opted to make a triple substitution at the break, bringing on Lucy Bronze, Guro Reiten and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. And within a few minutes, Bronze had a header cleared off the line and Reiten struck over the bar.

A further Chelsea adjustment brought Catarina Macario off the bench, and she was then swiftly to the fore, unleashing three shots in quick succession. Daugherty parried the first and after the second curled wide, the goalkeeper did well to tip the third over.

After Nathalie Bjorn skewed over from a good position, Ashworth-Clifford brought a save out of Musovic.

Chelsea’s push for a third then quickly resumed, but with Daugherty keeping out a Jean-Francois shot and Beever-Jones header and Macario blasting a free-kick off-target, there remained only a goal in it.

They then got to the final whistle with only 10 players as Beever-Jones was dismissed in the closing moments following a challenge on Colette Cavanagh.

Willie Miller is a former player who is respected by many Celtic fans for what he achieved in the game with Aberdeen in the 80s.

That Aberdeen side were formidable and proved time and time again that they were the real deal by winning trophies at home and abroad.

This season the Pittodrie club have been riding the crest of a wave as they keep up with Celtic in the race for the league title. And, to be fair to them, they are doing well.

However, they were dealt a hard dose of cold reality just over ten days ago when Celtic battered Aberdeen 6-0 in the League Cup semi-final at Hampden in a game where Jimmy Thelin found out who really are the top dogs in Scottish football.

The Dons recovered from that humiliation well with a 4-1 win over Dundee and that has prompted Willie Miller to make a bold statement that will make Celtic fans smile.

Celtic told they have just seen the REAL Aberdeen

Miller wrote in the Press & Journal, “The Dons have ensured one bad result has not derailed their fantastic start to the season.

“Manager Jimmy Thelin and his players did a great job to respond to the heavy loss to Celtic.

“They went out against Dundee with a desire and energy to prove there are no doubts about the quality Aberdeen have this season.

“And they are still standing shoulder to shoulder with Celtic at the top of the Premiership table.

“A lot of observers will have been wondering if the semi-final defeat to Celtic would have a negative impact on Aberdeen.

“The Reds have proven it hasn’t, and the 11-game unbeaten Premiership run, with 10 wins, represents the REAL Aberdeen.”

Aberdeen got a taste of the REAL Celtic and are close to tasting it again

Forgive me, but the REAL Aberdeen Celtic fans know is a team that is on the constant end of hammerings from the Parkhead club.

Earning a draw at Celtic Park was credible for Aberdeen but they have done nothing of note to warrant Miller exclaiming that their unbeaten run so far represents what the ‘real’ Aberdeen are all about.

The Dons legend is starting to produce soundbites that normally come from Ibrox when the truth is that when it came to the crunch a pressured high-stake game like Hampden, the ‘real’ Aberdeen did turn up.

It’s just not the Aberdeen Miller thinks it is.

And come the 4th of December when Celtic visit Pittodrie and if Aberdeen win, then and only then can Miller even start to think about bullish statements like this.

Remind us all again the last time Aberdeen won a trophy? It was the 2014 League Cup final which had to be done on penalties after a 0-0 stalemate with Inverness Caley Thistle.

That is the ‘real’ Aberdeen.

Celtic head into the international break in strong form and serious excitement about what these next few months will bring.

In Brendan Rodgers’ return to the club last summer, Celtic won the double and this was after the team wasn’t really at their best.

So, imagine what the Bhoys can produce or win playing the football they are displaying now because it has been incredible.

From Celtic outclassing RB Leipzig to how they dealt with the second-best team in Scotland during the League Cup semi-final.

It has been a joy to watch, but you sense that the best is yet to come, especially with the League Cup final on the horizon and knockout Champions League football at Parkhead becoming more of a reality.

A big reason behind that is the club’s recruitment because more gems are emerging in the green and white colours.

Johan Mjallby says Nicolas Kuhn won’t leave Celtic

The man who is talk of the town is Nicolas Kuhn, who has had an outstanding week for the club, from his performance against Leipzig to that goal against Kilmarnock.

The Christmas lights aren’t even up yet and Kuhn already has 21 goal involvements to his name.

Given his strong form, there has been transfer talk around his name, but Johan Mjallby has shut all of that down, as he told Premier Sports.

He made it clear that ‘it’s not going to happen’ regarding Kuhn leaving in January and stated that it would take Matt O’Riley-like money to lose

“I am pretty sure they will do everything to keep him,” said Mjallby. “He’s on fire. On good form. In a way, he is like a new signing this summer.

“The first six months were stop and start for him. He had this tooth problem as well. He didn’t really show what he was all about. Now he is doing so well and is perfect in the way Brendan Rodgers wants his teams to play.

“It’s not going to happen. I will tell you guys. Maybe if they come in with a ridiculous bid for, we are talking Matt O’Riley figures, then they might be tempted. If it’s going to happen, then it’s going to happen next summer.”

Kuhn is the best player in Scotland

O’Riley hit the headlines over the weekend after scoring Brighton’s winner against Manchester City.

He was Celtic’s best player last season and the best performer in Scotland. You would think his departure would have been felt, but it hasn’t.

Players like Kuhn are reasons behind that and it just goes to show how this trophy-winning train of Celtic works because it is unstoppable.

Is it crazy to think that Kuhn could possibly record close to 50, if not above, goal contributions this season because he is already halfway there with 21, as posted by Transfermarkt.

Kasper Schmeichel opens up on Celtic love and new contracts talks

Kasper Schmeichel was Man of the Match. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has said that he’s loving life playing for the Scottish Champions. The 38-year-old has been excellent since replacing former colleague and pal Joe Hart in between the Celtic goals.

The Premier League winner has settled into the club, pulling off some impressive performances and bringing quality in distribution. Speaking to Tipsbladet, Schmeichel said he was very happy and loving being at Celtic.

“I’m very happy. I’ve been playing really well and I love being part of the team. It’s a great style of play that we have and it suits me really well.

“We’re off to a good start, but it’s not about how you start. I can’t complain. We are playing really good football.

“The last week has been characterised by our team. In pre-season we beat City and Chelsea, and then we’ve taken it further and beat Leipzig in the Champions League. We’re in a good place and we can play many different types of games.”

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Celtic v RB Leipzig, UEFA Champions League, Group Stage, Celtic Park on – 5th November 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Schmeichel then turned to the pressures of playing for Celtic and the demands of winning every game, regardless of opponent.

“Anything other than a win is a failure. I feel great about that. It’s a completely different type of pressure than what I’ve been used to in my career. It’s a new experience.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichelafter the match. Copyright: Robert Perry

Matt O’Riley touched upon these pressures in a recent interview after his Brighton debut. The midfielder will likely have updated his compatriot when they shared a dressing room at the start of the season.

Schmeichel admitted that he and Celtic will have discussions about a new deal into the New Year as they look to decide whether or not to extend the deal.

“One thing at a time. It’s an option for another year, but we’ll decide at some point next year.”

Celtic signed Schmeichel with an option and you would imagine if the player wants to then Brendan will want to retain him as his No.1 with Sinisalo deputising ahead of assuming the role from Schmeichel.  Given that the Celtic manager has eighteen months remaining on his current deal, however, might be another pressing issue for the club’s hierarchy.

Celtic prospect Daniel Cummings is attracting a growing audience as he continues to be a lynchpin in attack for the B Team this season.

Enjoying a brilliant run of form, the 18-year-old has netted 20 times in 18 appearances across all competitions, providing Stephen McManus with a reliable focal point.

Most notably, Cummings struck a double for Celtic against Leipzig as the young Hoops recorded their second UEFA Youth League victory since the new Swiss-style format came to fruition.

With his contract running into it’s final year at Celtic, several English clubs are said to be keeping tabs on Cummings as he illustrates his potency in front of the target without any signs of his form tailing off.

Now involved with Scotland Under-19’s in their Euro qualifying triple-header against Wales, Liechtenstein and France, his international boss Neil MacFarlane has touched on his recent displays after including the poacher among his offensive ranks.

Neil MacFarlane impressed by Daniel Cummings’ Celtic form

Speaking ahead of the Tartan Army’s clash with Wales, MacFarlane noted how impressed he has been with Cummings and how his firepower can help the young Scots over the course of their next three matches.

He stated: “Daniel’s done really, really well. He’s scored a lot of goals in the Lowland League and scored in the UEFA Youth League as well.

“He’s been doing really well for them, just as a number of the lads at Celtic have been doing. It just adds to the attacking options at the top end of the pitch.”

Cummings will now vie for a starting slot alongside the likes of Sheffield United talent Ryan One and on-loan Ayr United forward Alfie Bavidge during his involvement with Scotland.

Daniel Cummings is a talent Celtic won’t want to lose

Comparing the situation to the last few years, it is rare that Celtic have a promising homegrown forward on their hands with genuine potential to make the step up from the Academy set-up to first-team level in a few years.

However, with his contract situation, the Bhoys will need to cater for his needs and ensure there is a pathway for the striker to continue to develop at Lennoxtown with a plan to eventually hoist him into the senior fold.

Celtic haven’t done too well in keeping young talent on board in recent times, so there is work to be done on that front before Cummings’ long-term potential can truly be tapped into at Parkhead.

Since joining Celtic on a free transfer during the summer window, Kasper Schmeichel has proven to be a beacon of security behind Brendan Rodgers’ defensive line.

Brought in after an extensive search to find Joe Hart’s replacement, the veteran Denmark international has certainly lived up to expectations at Parkhead.

Making 18 appearances for his new club, Kasper Schmeichel has kept 11 clean sheets for Celtic across all competitions, satisfying supporters with his show-stopping saves and clean distribution.

Despite turning 38 earlier this month, the former Leicester City man is showing no sign of decline. Last weekend, Schmeichel’s heroics against Kilmarnock helped the Bhoys record a vital shutout and three points at Rugby Park in a match where he was worked on six occasions without faltering.

Now, the Celtic goalkeeper has opened up on how he is finding life in Glasgow alongside addressing his contractual situation.

Kasper Schmeichel on time at Celtic and his contract situation

In an interview with Tipsbladet, summer signing Schmeichel admitted he is relaxed about his Celtic contract situation. The veteran’s current terms expire in the summer, but he has an option for an extra year at Parkhead.

He explained, firstly on life at the Bhoys: “I’m very happy. I’ve been playing really well and I love being part of the team. It’s a great style of play that we have and it suits me really well.

“We’re off to a good start, but it’s not about how you start. I can’t complain. We are playing really good football.

“The last week has been characterised by our team. In pre-season we beat City and Chelsea, and then we’ve taken it further and beat Leipzig in the Champions League. We’re in a good place and we can play many different types of games.”

Later, he added: “Anything other than a win is a failure. I feel great about that. It’s a completely different type of pressure than what I’ve been used to in my career. It’s a new experience.”

On his contract, Schmeichel ended by stating: “One thing at a time. It’s an option for another year, but we’ll decide at some point next year.”

Celtic will sort out Schmeichel’s contract when the time comes

Although Celtic supporters are delighted by what they have seen from Schmeichel, it would be illogical to read into his contract situation too much until later down the line.

Strictly speaking, he isn’t even half of the way through his year at the club, so you suspect the decision will be taken at some point next year.

However, the matter will be a seed in the back of Brendan Rodgers’ mind. Both have enjoyed an excellent reunion after their time at Leicester City, which is something everyone is keen to see continue for as long as possible.

Regardless, any decision beyond this campaign will require input from both player and club. Let Schmeichel continue to thrive for now before he decides on his own future.

Opinion: Coote’s Outburst Stokes Scottish Referee Debate

PGMOL has suspended Premier League referee David Coote after a leaked video surfaced showing him using expletive-laden language about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. The 42-year-old’s derogatory comments about the German tactician have left English football reeling, raising serious questions about neutrality within the officiating ranks. With the video spreading rapidly online, it has sparked a heated debate over whether referees can truly keep their personal feelings out of their professional decisions.

The implications for the Premier League are considerable, but Coote’s outburst has also cast a long shadow over refereeing closer to home in Scotland. Here, the likes of Willie Collum and his colleagues have repeatedly defended the integrity of Scottish officiating, insisting they remain immune to personal biases or preferences. Indeed, even the mere suggestion that a Scottish referee might harbour personal grievances or partialities is met with outright dismissal. This, despite the fact that Scotland has seen a judge retire early over accusations of football-related bias [THE TIMES] – yet our part-time officials are supposedly above reproach.

Fans may feel they’re in the dark about what goes on behind the curtain, but Coote’s indiscretion offers a rare and unsettling glimpse into the unseen dynamics at play. Only days ago, English fans might have scoffed at the idea of a referee publicly slating a manager; today, they’re left to ponder whether bias and preference have affected past decisions. Could referees – who are, after all, only human – be swayed by personal feelings towards certain players, managers, or even clubs?

Human nature dictates that everyone carries biases, conscious or not. It’s perfectly plausible for a referee to hold a grudge against someone who’s insulted them in the press, publicly embarrassed them, or clashed with them behind closed doors. Coote’s record in games involving Liverpool has already come under scrutiny, with fans now wondering if grudges or personal animosities may have played a role in certain decisions.

In a profession that demands impartiality, this scandal raises the uncomfortable question: can referees be trusted to set aside their personal opinions, or are we naïve to assume they do? In an era when every decision is dissected by millions, Coote’s comments have left many wondering just how far biases truly reach.

Neil Lennon disgusted by the cause of Celtic ‘paranoia’

Neil Lennon (Image: SNS)

Neil Lennon has told the Celtic mole they’re doing Brendan Rodgers nor the club any favours.

The Northern Irishman insists the current boss will suspect everyone until they discover who is leaking confidential team news.

Rodgers was outspoken against the mole that has been leaking his starting XI the day before matches in recent times.

Ahead of their Scottish Premiership game against Dundee and the Premier Sports Cup semi-final versus Aberdeen, the team line-up was shared online.

Rodgers is determined to get to the bottom of the situation.

Lennon – who went through a similar situation during his final season as manager of the club – has lifted the lid on the damaging impact it can have.

“It’s something I faced at the club as well as Brendan Rodgers in his first spell, it’s really disappointing,” he told OLGB. “You do all your preparation and you name the team the day before the game, and then somebody’s leaking it.

“That can give the opposition the upper hand or some sort of advantage, you have to go a long way to get an advantage over Celtic at the minute, but that still hurts.

“Knowing that somebody within the building or within the club is wanting to leak the team for whatever reason, whether that be financial or not, it’s very disappointing.

“When you’re working hard behind the scenes, you want some privacy especially at a big club like Celtic, it causes mistrust and paranoia sometimes. You’d subconsciously be looking at innocent people and not wondering if it’s them, and it creates a bit of an uncomfortable atmosphere which is totally unnecessary.

“Especially when the team is going so well at the minute and there’s a connection at the minute between the supporters and the team that everyone’s enjoying. It’s disappointing.”

Rangers icon in teasing reveal over I’m a Celebrity offer after dropping Celtic one-liner in making decision

The Rangers legend has been linked with taking part in the reality TV show.

Ally McCoist has dropped a Celtic one-liner into his response over negotiations about becoming part of this year’s I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here cast.

Producers were in talks with the Rangers legend about appearing on the reality TV show this year, having failed to lure him into the Jungle during the 2019 and 2022 runs of the ITV programme hosted by Ant and Dec.

The cast for the show has been released and there is one sporting legend who will be taking part in the show, Barry McGuigan. This season’s first episode of I’m A Celebrity will be broadcast on Sunday with the likes of Coleen Rooney, Maura Higgins and Tulisa coming on.

Rangers icon McCoist – who has broadcasting commitments with the likes of TNT Sports – was chatting about the show on the radio this week. And he raised a wry nod and wink to the his possible participation in the programme.

He told TalkSPORT: “It will be brilliant this year. It could have been better… but it will be brilliant.”

When pushed by his co-hosts on the airwaves for an answer on the talks, McCoist said of them recently: “No, there’s your answer.

“It’s brilliant, my wee mate Durranty [Ian Durrant] phoned me, he says, ‘What a decision you’ve got to make.’ Sitting on the half way line in the best seats in the house, at the San Siro watching Inter Milan vs Celtic or Inter Milan vs Arsenal or eating a bag of spiders. It’s not bad, is it?”

Scotland squad rally round struggling star – ‘he’s around good people who help him’

John Carver backs striker to rediscover scoring touch

Scotland coach John Carver says “everyone is in full support” of goal-shy striker Lawrence Shankland ahead of the national team’s upcoming matches against Croatia and Poland.

The Scots require at least one victory to avoid finishing bottom of Nations League A1 and will be without the services of Che Adams, who started the 0-0 draw against Portugal last time out. The Torino hitman has a hamstring issue and withdrew from the squad on Tuesday along with Lewis Morgan as Stuart Armstrong was drafted in for the first time since the Euros. It leaves Shankland to fight out the striking berth with Lyndon Dykes of Birmingham City and Middlesbrough’s in-form Tommy Conway.

Shankland has struggled badly for goals at club Hearts this season, scoring just once across all competitions with the Jambos sitting second-bottom of the Premiership. However, Carver has been impressed with the 29-year-old’s all-round play and believes the goals will come sooner rather than later.

Lawrence Shankland during a Scotland training session at the City Stadium. | SNS Group

When asked who in the Scotland camp has been rallying around Shankland, Carver said: “Everybody, everybody, because we know what he’s going through. I’ve watched all the games. I’ve watched the game against Omonia, because it was my ex-team, and he had a couple of chances, and listen, when you’re a good player and you’re a goal scorer, eventually that barren spell happens, and he’s around good people who help him, and sometimes it’s a bit of a relief coming away from a poor spot, because you’re in a different environment.

“We all know what he’s about. He’s a goalscorer, he gets between the posts, he plays inside the 18-yard box, and if he has to play for us, or start, or come on, that’s what we want him to do, and we’ll encourage him to do that, and the good thing is, he’s actually getting into those positions, to actually try and score goals.

“It’s just not coming off for him now, where it did last season and the season before that, so everybody’s in full support of Lawrence. We love him to bits, and the players around him understand it. You’ve got Dyksey in there, you’ve got young Tommy Conway, who’s just started his career, and everybody’s been supportive. They actually sit next to each other in the dressing room, before training, which is good, and the spirit’s good. I sat with Lawrence this morning, and had a good chat with him, and he’ll be okay.”

Don’t judge a book or certain players by its cover because that has been the case with Celtic this season.

Everything is rosy in the Celtic garden, you can’t have too much to complain about, either on the domestic circuit or in Europe.

Yes, well done to Aberdeen for keeping up with the pace, but Celtic are steamrolling nearly everyone in front of them and even put six goals past Jimmy Thelin’s side in the League Cup semi-final.

Added to that, Celtic are showing serious fight in the Champions League after that one game to forget against Borussia Dortmund.

Yet, only last season, you could argue that Brendan Rodgers’ return wasn’t plain sailing, even if he delivered two trophies, including another title.

There came one point during the winter period when there were chants of ‘sack the board’ because supporters weren’t happy with the recruitment.

The argument was that fans didn’t like the project-like signings that were brought in, but that didn’t stop the club from doing the same in the January transfer market.

And one man sums it all up.

James McFadden and Kris Boyd change their minds on Nicolas Kuhn at Celtic

Nicolas Kuhn arrived in January, with a lot of expectations and hope that he could hit the ground running, but that didn’t happen.

James McFadden touched upon how he wasn’t showing that ‘explosive pace’ and he was playing too ’safe’, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/11/24 at 5:15 pm).

Kris Boyd even claimed that, come this summer, Celtic fans would have ‘wished they had the receipt’ for Kuhn.

But, fast forward to the present, and everything has changed on its head, including how Kuhn is now being perceived.

“When he arrived, he was under pressure and he was brought in, everyone expected him, Jota had left, you are looking and thinking ‘he needs to perform’,” said Boyd. “It might have been the best thing to happen to him. He was getting a little bit of stick.

“Sometimes when you come in and everything is all rosy, you think ‘I have arrived’. Getting that criticism, then having to come back in summer and knowing ‘I have to work my socks off’. Probably not to get into the team, but back to a level of performance that have shown why Celtic wanted to bring him to the football club. You go back to pre-season when Celtic were in America, he was outstanding over there as well. He has come back and been unbelievable. He is at the top of his game right now. A lot of Celtic fans would have wished they still had the receipt in the summer, maybe send him back, they won’t now, that’s for sure.”

McFadden added: “He is a player full fit and fully confident. You think back to last season, we didn’t see that explosive pace we told he had, but we didn’t see it. He was coming back. His first touch was always back. It was safe. He didn’t look to be taking risks. I know he had a dental problem where he was struggling when he first came to Celtic. The pre-season has been exactly what he has needed because he is bringing the numbers, scoring goals and providing assists – he has shown he isn’t a one-trick pony. He was potentially showing that he was going to be that – the numbers he is putting up right now are really impressive. What’s that going to be come the end of the season? Because his levels don’t look like they are going down. They are going up.”

Kuhn’s stats last season compared to this season for Celtic

It has been well-documented that Kuhn had dental issues, which meant that he couldn’t eat right and that seriously affects your physical performance.

And let’s be honest, it’s not like Celtic were playing free-flowing football at the time, the performances were pretty scratchy.

So, as a player, you have to walk into that, plus the pressure cooker of a club like Celtic, that’s why he only had three goals and three assists to his name.

CompetitionGamesGoalsAssistsMinutes playedPremiership921484′Scottish Premiership Top Six Split5–1298′SFA Cup411196′

But after 17 games in all competitions this season, he has ten goals and 11 assists to his name.

And it’s scary to think about the levels Kuhn can reach because, at the same time Matt O’Riley scores a memorable debut goal for Brighton, the Bhoys have found their next superstar.

No Price Tag Set – Nicolas Kuhn Reports Refuted

Nicolas Kuhn has started the season brilliantly, racking up interest from the Premier League.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v RB Leipzig – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – November 5, 2024 Celtic’s Nicolas Gerrit Kuhn REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

After reports have emerged over the past few days about price tags, Celtic has refuted reports suggesting they’ve placed a price tag on winger Nicolas Kuhn.

The German winger has 21 goal contributions so far this season stirring speculation about a potential €30 million (£24.8 million) transfer fee. [Kronen Zeitung]

Kuhn’s standout performances, particularly his eye-catching display against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, have heightened interest. His contributions have made him one of Celtic’s most valuable assets, yet the club remains firm that no official valuation has been placed on him, signalling that they’re in no rush to part ways with the player.

Celtic signed Kuhn from Rapid Wien in January for just £3 million, a move now looking like a bargain given his rapid impact. Although the rumoured fee aligns with the club’s record sales—such as Kieran Tierney’s transfer to Arsenal and Matt O’Riley’s summer move to Brighton—Celtic’s stance indicates they intend to retain the winger at least through the season unless an extraordinary offer arises.

As the January transfer window nears, Celtic fans will be keeping a close watch on developments, and hopefully, the club can resist the lure of the Premier League and retain Kuhn’s services for at least the remainder of the season.

Chelsea face the Scottish champions at Celtic Park looking for a third successive victory in Group B; Celtic captain Kelly Clark wants to end Chelsea’s unbeaten run in Europe: “It’s an amazing occasion for us to enjoy“

Image:Chelsea’s Mayra Ramirez (left) scored in the win over Liverpool at the weekend

Sonia Bompastor revealed Millie Bright, Mayra Ramirez, Sjoeke Nusken and Kadeisha Buchanan have not travelled to Scotland for Chelsea’s Champions League match with Celtic on Wednesday.

The French boss, whose Blues side are currently unbeaten in the Women’s Super League, revealed she is rotating her squad in a bid to maintain fitness.

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Chelsea face the Scottish champions at Celtic Park looking for a third successive victory in Group B.

Bompastor said: “The squad is in a good place and we have a good dynamic and we are full of confidence. We have been playing a lot of games and this week we play three games so it’s important to manage players as individuals.

Image:Millie Bright has not travelled to Scotland for the game with Celtic

“We have some players who didn’t travel for this game. Kadeisha Buchanan, Millie Bright, Sjoeke Nusken and Mayra Ramirez didn’t travel.

“As you know, Chelsea have a good squad with quality and a good team will start the game and be competitive because we want to finish first in this group.”

Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between Liverpool and Chelsea.

Chelsea claimed a 3-2 win over Real Madrid in their first fixture and followed that with a 3-1 victory over Twente in the Netherlands.

Bompastor, who won the competition as both a player and manager at Lyon, added: “We’re focused on the games and the one that’s coming [next] is Celtic.

“The Champions League is important and we have ambition and we want to make sure we finish first in the group.

Image:Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor has her sights set on topping the group

“We have ambitions and if we want to go for all the competitions then you need to beat every team.

“It will start again in March and that’s when the really important games start, but right now we are focused on the group stage.”

Celtic captain Kelly Clark wants to end Chelsea’s unbeaten run in Europe.

“It’s an amazing occasion for us to enjoy,” she said.

“People look at the fixture and have one outcome in their head, it’s our job to make that prediction wrong. We know we’re against some of the best players in the world but it’s a challenge we will embrace.”

The Celtic USA experiment that was ‘very close’ as Dundee chief hints at bringing American dream back to life

John Nelms wants to try and take the Scottish top flight stateside again after suggested Hoops clash across the pond never happened

John Nelms

Dundee chief John Nelms has revealed he wants to have another crack at playing a Premiership game in the United States.

The Dark Blues and Celtic explored the possibility of doing just that in 2015. The idea was eventually abandoned two years later but Nelms insists the game was very close to going ahead. In May, FIFA set up a working group to look at the potential impact of competitive domestic matches being played abroad, and American Nelms admitted he would jump at the chance of playing a game in his homeland if the opportunity arose.

The Dundee managing director said: “Is it something we’d look at again? Yes, we’re open to all of these things. We’re in the entertainment business so anything we can do to entertain, we’d certainly do that. That project nearly happened, it was very, very close. It would have been fantastic for everybody, financially for the football club, for the eyes that you’d get on the game, everything we thought that that would be fantastic for.

“The NFL are doing it just now, they were in Germany last weekend. They see the benefits in doing that. Now, with benefits also comes the negative side of it which is making sure that your national identity and the league’s identity is there.”

Nelms admitted the American MLS sides were wary about allowing foreign teams to play league games on their soil because of the huge interest in Mexican football in the US. Nelms added: “In the United States, their concern was the Mexican League potentially playing a lot of their games because of the loopholes that we found and how we could make it happen.

“In the US, especially in the southern states, the following for Mexican football is huge. If you put the two games up against each other, an MLS game versus a Mexican League game, you’d have a big group of people that would choose the Mexican League game in certain states in the US. So I understand what the fears were.”

“But if it ever arose again that we’re able to do that, we have a little bit more of an understanding of how it works now and we’d certainly be up for something like that.

“The question is how it would affect the MLS and I understand that. If we had English Premier League games being played up here, I think we’d be a bit concerned that our stadiums might be empty that week because Man Utd are playing Man City at Hampden.

“We’d all have a little bit of a fear of that so I understand it.”

Matt O’Riley tells Brighton ally why Celtic are just different as he has answer ready for the million dollar question

O’Riley was asked if he missed Celtic and had an honest answer ready

Matt O’Riley reckons most people can’t even IMAGINE what it’s like to play for Celtic – let alone hack it under the Parkhead pressure.

And he made sure Brighton legend Glenn Murray knew it when he appeared on the club’s official podcast this week. O’Riley is off and running in the Premier League at last after an injury-hampered false start, and came off the bench to score the winner against Manchester City to sign off for the international break.

It was the first real return on his £25m transfer fee and he’ll be hoping for more moments like that now he’s finally motoring down south. His rise since joining Celtic from MK Dons for a bargain £1.5m almost three years ago has been startling and his two-and-a-half seasons at Parkhead certainly left their mark on O’Riley.

Speaking on the club’s regular podcast, hosted by broadcaster Paul Hayward and legendary frontman Murray, he was asked what it was like to play for Celtic and dominate Scottish football. And while the hosts might have expected an answer indicating the Premier League has been a step above, he said: “Respectfully, the pressures of playing at Celtic are for most people unimaginable. It is not easy to win every game of football regardless of who you are playing against.

“If you have 11 men behind the ball who are well-organised sometimes it is difficult to score. The longer the game goes on, the anxiety bulids up in the crowd. And you just need to learn to be able to accept that but also just somehow block it out and stay focused.

“To do that every single game is really tiring, you know – mentally and physically – to sustain it as well. Anyone who is able to play at Celtic for a long time, like James Forrest and Callum McGregor, to have that kind of relentless mentality .. it is genuinely tiring. I have so much respect for them to do it over and over again, 60 games a season.

Celtic player jokes he’s surprised manager hasn’t broken hand from slamming table

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has spoken to the Danish media about his thoughts on recently installed Denmark manager Brian Riemer.

Signed by Brendan Rodgers in the summer to replace Joe Hart, Schmeichel’s performances for Celtic have helped him keep hold of the No.1 jersey during the last two international breaks.

Speaking to Tipsbladet, the Celtic stopper was asked about the Riemer’s character after he played under the Dane whilst at Anderlecht.

Seen in the Danish media as a mellow manager, Schmeichel revealed Riemer can be hard with his players at times. The Celtic man said there were a few occasions at Anderlecht when the former Brentford coach would lose it with players if his instructions weren’t be followed.

“I remember several times that during breaks and after games, he spoke with big words. As a coach, you have to be able to do both, and he certainly can. There are a couple of times that I have not been able to understand that he has not broken his hand from slamming things,” said the Celtic keeper.

Schmeichel will be looking to win his 110^th cap when Denmark face Spain this week and will be hoping to replicate the form he’s shown since signing for Celtic in the summer.

The 38-year-old has let in just three goals in eleven league games this season and is also yet to concede in the UEFA Nations League.

Peter Lawwell likes to get bang for his buck and is known for digging his heels in during negotiations.

The chairman has a tight fist around his cash as Celtic fans have learned over the years.

When it comes to selling players, too, the experienced campaigner knows what it takes to get the best value for money and recent transfers such as Matt O’Riley, Jota and Kieran Tierney can attest.

So it was perhaps somewhat unexpected to hear that back in 2014/15 the 65-year-old had agreed to let one Hoops player leave on a free transfer.

And it was even more baffling to learn that the manager of the other club rejected the offer in the end. Only to wind up regretting doing so.

Former Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson has recalled the moment his old club were offered the chance to sign Jackson Irvine from Parkhead on the cheap.

It came after then-manager Jackie McNamara had also opted against signing a young St Mirren talent by the name of John McGinn for a pittance for him to then become a Scotland and Premier League superstar via Hibs instead.

Not the best forward planning by the man now credited as agent to Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan and Ben Doak among others.

Dundee United rejected the chance to sign John McGinn and Jackson Irvine

Thompson blames McNamara for those big calls which would coincide with relegation from the Scottish Premiership the following year.

And he still questions whether or not those players could potentially have made a difference in the battle against the drop.

Speaking to BBC’s Off the Ball show, Thompson recalled: “I was sitting in a hotel with Peter Lawwell and Gordon Strachan and I got a call from a guy who works for me saying we had an offer of £60,000 in for John McGinn and do we want to up the bid?

“I said, ‘To what? About £150,000?’ But I needed to phone the manager. I told the manager, and he said no, we didn’t want him any more. So, I didn’t up the bid.

Jackie McNamara is Luke McCowan’s agent and took him to Celtic from Dundee

“At the same meeting, Peter Lawwell said we could have Jackson Irvine for a 30 percent sell-on and, again, I phoned up and it was, ‘No, we don’t want him.’

“This is the summer before we got relegated and Jackson Irvine is the captain of Australia now.

“There were a lot of decisions that happened that summer that defined us getting relegated that season.”

McNamara, a Celtic legend, had the Tangerines playing some sublime football during his time at Tannadice.

He did go on to lose Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic in what came as a major blow to his hopes of building a strong United side and they would be relegated without the pair.

Matt O’Riley ‘misses’ Celtic as Brighton’s £30m man recalls ‘unimaginable’ experience

The midfielder marked his Premier League debut with a winner against champions Man City

Brighton star Matt O’Riley celebrates his winner against Man City (Image: Getty Images)

Matt O’Riley climbed off the bench to score the winner against Man City on his Premier League debut.

But Brighton’s £30million man admits he STILL misses life at Celtic. O’Riley capped a dream return from injury for the Seagulls at the weekend by netting the goal that condemned Pep Guardiola’s superstars to a fourth successive defeat. Competing against Europe’s elite every week is why O’Riley decided to call time on his trophy-laden two-and-a-half years in Glasgow in the summer.

And while the Denmark international has set his sights on making his mark in England after a nasty injury stunted his start at the Amex, the 23-year-old insists nothing will compare to the pressures of playing for the Hoops. So much so the playmaker works with a life coach to help improve his mental strength.

In an interview with Brighton’s official podcast, he said: “Respectfully, the pressures of playing at Celtic are for most people unimaginable. It is not easy to win every game of football regardless of who you are playing against. If you have got 11 men behind the ball who are well organised sometimes it is difficult to score.

“The longer the game goes on, the anxiety bulids up in the crowd. And you just need to learn to be able to accept that but also just somehow block it out and stay focused. To do that every single game is really tiring, you know – mentally and physically – to sustain it as well.

“Anyone who is able to play at Celtic for a long time, like James Forrest and Callum McGregor, to have that kind of relentless mentality .. it is genuinely tiring. I have so much respect for them to do it over and over again, 60 games a season.”

He said: “Of course [I could block it out] but I was also aware that whatever I did on the pitch contributed to so many fans’ happiness, you know. They are so mad up there. To the point that I know when they’re at their daily jobs they are having banter with their Rangers pals all week if the result isn’t good.

“I think for me as a player in terms of preparation to go somewhere else it is perfect just because the demand is so high. I really enjoyed the pressure of it, though, the responsibility of it. You really test your limits every single week, you’ve got to do it again and again and be better.

“If you don’t then they’ll let you know about it, the fans. It is only because they care so much. In that sense, that is why you don’t take it personally. They just care about their team doing well. “

Asked if he missed Glasgow, he said: “Yeah, a little bit. I miss the people, I think the people are really friendly up there, I grew up down south in London so I know what the people are like but people up north are super friendy which is quite nice.”

Now that the international break is in full swing, Celtic fans will already be looking forward to when the domestic football starts up again.

Watching their team return to the top of the table after Celtic’s win at Kilmarnock, it does seem as though the challenge of Aberdeen is set to run for a little bit longer after Jimmy Thelin’s men beat Dundee 4-1 on Saturday night.

Brendan Rodgers has a tough run of Celtic fixtures coming up when the international break is over with Hearts, Ross County and then Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

After Celtic left Rugby Park with a win yesterday, Robbie Savage pushed Chris Sutton on what he thinks of the Aberdeen challenge and whether or not they can hold up the current challenge to Celtic’s title.

Chris Sutton delivers title verdict amid strange pushing by Robbie Savage

Speaking after the match, an English football fan called Sutton’s show and said that it doesn’t look like anyone else in Scotland can win trophies apart from Celtic.

And when Sutton agreed with the caller is sparked this exchange with Savage.

Savage said on BBC 606 [23m], “Aberdeen. You’re ruling Aberdeen out, Chris?”

Sutton: “Hey, what do you want?”

Savage: “You’re ruling Aberdeen out?”

Sutton: “No, no. It’s a great story, Rob.”

Savage: “Anthony [caller to the show] just said, obviously, no one else is winning anything up there. and you said, ‘Yeah, good point’.

“So you ruled Aberdeen out?”

Sutton: “I think that Celtic will win the league.”

Savage: “Oh, so you’ve ruled Aberdeen out? You’re a huge fan of Scottish football, so you’ve just ruled Aberdeen out, yeah?”

Sutton: “Of the title race? I think there’s a title race on, Robbie, you have to respect teams, but I think Celtic will win it.”

Aberdeen’s next three fixtures before the visit of Celtic

With Celtic heading to Pittodrie on the 4th of December, Aberdeen also have another three fixtures to worry about before then.

A tricky away trip to St Mirren is their first fixture after the international break as the Paisley club sits in the Scottish Premiership table in 6th place.

Three days later, Thelin heads to Edinburgh to face a struggling Hibs who are bottom of the league and in desperate need of some points.

And then on the 1st of December, another visit to Edinburgh with Tynecastle on the cards offers another tough fixture for Aberdeen as Neil Critchley’s men look to climb from second bottom in the league.

Aberdeen have some tough games ahead of them and Celtic will be the last team on their minds because if they do want to sustain a title challenge, the Edinburgh clubs could pose a huge problem for them.

‘Reo Hatate guilty of serious foul play’ – Fifa expert on Celtic controversy

Keith Hackett has admitted he hopes that Martin Atkinson’s skillset will help improve the overall VAR performance in Scotland following a new controversy in the Celtic match against Kilmarnock.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett admitted the referee “should have been encouraged to go and see the monitor” during Celtic’s 2-0 win against Kilmarnock on Sunday (10 November) with Reo Hatate then being shown a red card.

There was controversy when Hatate’s late tackle was only met with a yellow card, despite the fact his studs were up as he caught his opponent without getting the ball.

The referee opted to award a yellow card and there was no review of the incident from VAR, which caused significant question marks over whether or not the system is being used correctly.

Atkinson will become the new Scottish FA’s VAR manager in December, which will potentially open up some changes in how things are done.

Atkinson takes plenty of Premier League experience with him north of the border, and that is set to come with some pressure to help alleviate the accusations that the ‘big two’ are favoured over other teams in the Scottish Premiership.

Martin Atkinson will be under pressure to improve VAR in Scotland

Hackett told Football Insider, “It’s a red card.

“I cannot understand why, even with VAR operating, they didn’t see this as serious foul play.

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“The player has come in from a yard, yard and a half, his boot is high and he’s not made any attempt to withdraw it.

“He’s clattered the player and this is serious foul play.

“I understand the referee being close up on it and that created a degree of problem, but it should have been reviewed by VAR and he should have had a red card, I’ve no doubt this is a red card offence.

“I look at each individual incident and this player should have gone, he didn’t and it’s a clear error.

“In recent days, we’ve seen the announcement that Martin Atkinson, a long-standing Premier League referee, will now become the VAR manager in Scotland.

“Let’s hope he can add his skillset to improving the VAR performance.

“The VAR should have come in on this one, and the referee should have been encouraged to go and see the monitor.”

In other news, Rangers senior figure quits as new Ibrox hire made – official paperwork filed.

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

Aston Villa chances of Champions League progress ranked after defeat amid Celtic and Liverpool wins

Defeat in Belgium last week has had ramifications on Aston Villa’s predicted finish in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League.

Aston Villa are no longer being predicted to finish in the top eight of the Champions League following their defeat to Club Brugge.

The Villains suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Belgian side at the Jan Breydel Stadium last Wednesday. Tyrone Mings was penalised for a handball and Hans Vanaken made the most of it by scoring from the spot in the 52nd minute.

The latest league table has Villa still inside the top eight, ahead of Atalanta by a point. Villa are now halfway through the league phase, and are the second best performing English club following Liverpool’s 4-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester City suffered a shock defeat to Sporting in what was Ruben Amorim‘s penultimate match before he takes up the job at their inter-city rivals Manchester United. Arsenal were also on the losing side during their travels, as they lost 1-0 to Inter Milan at the San Siro, courtesy of a Hakan Calhanoglu penalty.

Nicolas Kuhn scored a brace for Celtic as they ran out 3-1 winners against Leipzig. They should join Aston Villa in the knockouts of the Champions League. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic had a good night though as they 3-1 against RB Leipzig. Nicolas Kuhn scored a first-half brace after Christoph Baumgartner had given the visitors the lead. Reo Hatate made sure of the victory and now there’s a feeling of optimism around Celtic Park.

After the latest round of results, Villa are now longer predicted to finish in the top eight, which would give them a bye. According to Foot Rankings with information provided by Piotr Klimek, they are now tipped to finish 12th, with Arsenal finishing ahead of them. They would advance to the knockout phase play-offs as a seeded team if the predictions are right.

Their position of 12th has them just behind Bayern Munich, but ahead of 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid who are the current holders. Villa are also being tipped to finish ahead of Italian giants Juventus and perennial French title winners Paris Saint-Germain.

Aston Villa have been given a 33.1% chance of finishing in the Top Eight, a 75.6% chance of finishing in the top 26, and then a 99.4% probability of finishing at least in the top 24, which would prolong their involvement in UEFA’s main club competition.

Predicted final Champions League table

xPts. XGD. Top8. Top 16. Top 24.

Liverpool – 20.01. 13.17. 94.5%. 99.6%. 99.9%

Inter – 18.18. 10.61. 83.7%. 98.2%. 99.9%

Sporting CP – 16.85. 9.16. 65.9%. 94.1%. 99.9%

Borussia Dortmund – 16.56. 10.68. 64.0%. 93.8%. 99.9%

Barcelona – 16.34. 13.06. 63.0%. 92.6%. 99.9%

Manchester City – 15.71. 12.45. 57.8%. 90.9%. 99.8%

Atalanta – 15.59. 9.26. 48.3%. 89.7%. 99.8%

Arsenal – 15.49. 7.87. 46.9%. 87.4%. 99.6%

—————————————————————-

AC Milan – 15.50. 7.45. 45.2%. 87.1%. 99.4%

Bayer Leverkusen – 15.16. 6.26. 38.8%. 83.2%. 99.4%

Bayern Munich – 14.75. 10.88. 36.7%. 83.0%. 99.4%

Aston Villa – 14.89. 5.71. 33.1%. 75.6%. 99.4%

Stade Brestois – 14.48. 3.94. 24.4%. 70.1%. 99.6%.

AS Monaco – 14.44. 3.62. 24.1%. 70.3%. 99.5%.

Atletico Madrid – 13.52. 0.19. 11.6%. 51.1%. 95.4%

Lille – 13.16. 2.15. 11.0%. 51.7%. 95.9%

Celtic – 13.34. 1.22. 12.0%. 50.7%. 94.2%

Real Madrid – 12.83. 4.88. 10.3%. 47.5%. 96.1%

Juventus – 12.80. 2.44. 11.1%. 46.9%. 92.%

PSV – 12.25. 5.20. 7.3%. 41.6%. 91.8%

Stuttgart – 12.39. 2.45. 5.2%. 41.7%. 92.4%

Benfica – 10.78. 0.825. 2.5%. 19.1%. 75.6%

PSG – 10.17. -0.79. 1.2%. 13.5%. 66.1%

Feyenoord – 10.51. -5.36. 0.6% 9.5%. 63.4%

—————————————————————-

Dinamo Zagreb – 9.72. -7.79. 0.5%. 5.8%. 50.0%

Club Brugge – 9.19. -6.86. 0.2%. 4.0%. 40.8%

Sparta Praha – 6.93. -7.73. 0.1%. 0.7%. 15.1%

Girona – 6.71. -7.25. 0.0%. 0.4%. 13.3%

Leipzig – 5.74. -4.91. 0.0%. 0.0%. 8.8%

Bologna – 5.37. -7.07. 0.0%. 0.0%. 8.8%.

Shakhtar Donetsk – 5.72. – 11.03. 0.0%. 0.1%. 3.9%

Salzburg – 4.66. -15.75. 0.0%. 0.0%. 1.2%

Crvena zvezda – 2.95. -17.00. 0.0%. 0.0%. 0.6%

Sturm Graz – 2.39. -11.57. 0.0%. 0.0%. 0.0%. 0.3%

Young Boys – 2.69. -15.96. 0.0%. 0.0%. 0.3%

Slovan Bratislava – 0.92. -24.40. 0.0%. 0.0%. 0.1%.

Heartwarming message from Tony Mowbray as ex-Celtic boss looks for management return

Celtic’s manager, Tony Mowbray watches his team play against Hamburg during their UEFA Europa League, Group C, football match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, on October 22, 2009. Photo GRAHAM STUART/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Celtic manager Tony Mowbray has issued a heartwarming message about the importance of family after a horrible year. The experienced manager was diagnosed with bowel cancer, which prompted a surprise departure from Birmingham City.

In a clip that was posted on Twitter/X, Mowbray spoke about his family have supported him through this ordeal, while offering some comic relief.

This message from Tony Mowbray is as lovely as it is important.

He’s always struck me as one of the most likeable and humble people in the game; hopefully he’s back working soon. ❤️

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) November 11, 2024

Mowbray confessed his love for chocolate while in the middle of a press conference with Sunderland, not realising that the cameras were rolling. The 60-year-old will be keen to get back into football but he is doing it at his pace, not wanting to overdo it.

Mowbray made 94 appearances for Celtic as a player from 1991 to 1995. He was a central defender and even captained the team during his tenure. Mowbray joined Celtic from Middlesbrough and became known for his leadership and solid defensive performances. He left an indelible mark on the club by introducing The Huddle to the club’s prematch routine. After leaving Celtic, he continued his playing career at Ipswich Town before eventually moving into management.

Mowbray was appointed Celtic manager in 2009, replacing Gordon Strachan. The experienced manager had helped West Brom to the Premier League but failed to really make an impact at Celtic, despite some free-flowing football. After a 4-0 defeat at St Mirren, Mowbray parted ways with Celtic but has always spoken positively about being Celtic manager.

Celtic have changed their fortunes around in the Champions League.

It wasn’t so long ago that Celtic’s morale was on the floor and Brendan Rodgers was being heavily criticised again.

To be fair, Celtic’s 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund still stings, but it has proven to be a blessing in disguise because it has brought something out of the players.

Go back to the draw at Atalanta, how the team defended was a joy to behold because Rodgers had shown a side many had never seen from his team before in Europe.

And then, under the lights of Parkhead, the Bhoys produced a masterclass against RB Leipzig to prove to the world that they have many gears to their game.

There aren’t many teams who can match Celtic on European nights, it’s perhaps the best atmosphere out there.

And James McFadden shared what he was telling people before the Leipzig match.

James McFadden labels Celtic Park’s Champions League atmosphere as ‘mental’

It’s the halfway stage of the Champions League and Rodgers has four more games to deal with in Europe’s elite competition.

Celtic fans eviscerated by ex FIFA supremo for ‘desecrating’ Remembrance minute’s silence – ‘The meaning is being lost’

Jim Boyce hasn’t held back on the Hoops’ supporters who caused controversy at Rugby Park

Former vice-president of FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has hit out at Celtic fans for interrupting the minute’s silence against Kilmarnock.

The actions of away supporters at Rugby Park has dominated the headlines post-match after Killie the Hoops joined clubs across the country in holding a minute of contemplation ahead of kick-off for Remembrance Day. However, the tribute was disrupted by singing and booing from sections of the Hoops’ support forcing referee Nick Walsh to bring the silence to a close after just nine seconds before starting the Scottish Premiership clash.

And former Cliftonville chairman Boyce – who is ex-FIFA President and Honorary Life member of the Association – has called out the Celtic support for their actions before the game. He told the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s very sad that in this day and age we still have people who can’t respect a minute of silence no matter what it’s for.

“It’s very sad we haven’t moved on. From when I was a child, Remembrance Day was to remember the people who lost their lives in two world wars. People are now trying to make it out to be something it shouldn’t be.

“I think the real meaning of Remembrance Day is being lost by many people. Desecrate people from this whole island of Ireland, irrespective of whether they were Protestant, Catholic or anything else, lost their lives in world wars. And what saddens me is a lot of that meaning has been taken out of it.”

Sky Sports reporter says Premier League clubs make contact over standout Celtic star

Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has said that two Premier League clubs have made enquiries over Nicolas Kühn’s availability. The German winger has been a standout this season, catching the eye in the recent Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

Taking to Twitter/X, Plettenberg has stated that Brentford and Fulham are monitoring the situation of Kühn.

🚨🆕 Fulham and Brentford have already inquired about Nicolas #Kühn and are monitoring his situation.

This season, the winger has scored 10 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions for #Celtic. Most recently, he impressed with strong performance in a 3-1 victory…

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal)

Celtic are unwilling to entertain any bids for Kühn, especially given he’s under contract under 2029. The club will look to continue developing the player before moving him on for a sizeable fee.

Kühn has scored ten goals and assisted on eleven occasions in 17 appearances so far this season. The £3m arrival from Rapid Vienna struggled to hit the ground, scoring 3 goals in 18 appearances. It later emerged that Kühn had suffered from a dental issue, which had impacted upon his ability to really kick on in the early stages of his Celtic career.

The 24-year-old has been Celtic’s standout this season, which is saying something as the level of performance across the first team has been excellent. Kühn has made the right winger role his own, working well with Alistair Johnston on the right and creating chances in attack.

Celtic transfer interest in €5m striker emerges again as Hoops send scouts to run the rule over Euro club’s talents

Celtic have gone into the international break on the back of a win

Celtic have been credited with an interest in Brondby attacker Mathias Kvistgaarden and have sent scouts to watch him in action, according to a report by Tipsbladet. The Scottish Premiership side have been linked with a move for the forward again ahead of the January transfer window.

The Hoops have the chance to bolster their ranks this winter ahead of the second-half of the season. They are currently sat at the top of the Scottish Premiership table level on points with Aberdeen following their 2-0 away win at Kilmarnock over the weekend and are nine points ahead of Rangers in 3rd.

Celtic could see Kvistgaarden, who is valued at €5million on Transfermarkt, as someone to add more competition and depth to their attacking department. They have a couple of players at their disposal in his position already such as Adam Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi as they chase down another title under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.

Kvistgaarden has been in fine form for Brondby so far in this campaign and has scored 12 goals in 19 games in all competitions, nine of which have come in the league. At the age of 22, he would be a useful long-term addition for the Hoops if they were able to land his signature.

The Denmark youth international played for Skjold Birkerød and Lyngby before joining his current club in 2015. He has since become a key player and they will face a battle to keep hold of him with the way things are going.

Pundit Alan Hutton said earlier this year, as per Football Insider: “You’re always looking for different options – we know what Kyogo brings and what they had with players like Adam Idah. They’ve tried different avenues and different profiles – and I think that’s what you need, and it’s what clubs are always searching for, something different.

“To bring in someone like [Kvistgaarden] is ideal for them, but paying that sort of money, you’re hoping he’s going to be an absolute star. Let’s not kid ourselves, up in Scotland that’s a huge fee, so they’d be putting a lot of faith in him. But every squad needs these ‘different’ types of players and I believe he fits that bill.”

When asked about Celtic’s links to him over the summer, Kvistgaarden said: “Well, I’ve read the headlines. I’ve read the same headlines as you – you’ve probably made some of them. I didn’t read the articles. They just popped up when I scrolled through social media.

“So I couldn’t avoid seeing that occasionally there was a picture of me, and then something about Celtic. A couple of years ago I was bad at that. Back then, I read a lot about what was written about me. I’ve gotten much better at letting it go. It doesn’t help me to read such things.
He added: “The dream is obviously to go abroad at some point. It’s every player’s dream, but it’s not something I want to talk about now. I’m sitting here in a Brøndby jersey and have a season to play. So it doesn’t bother me at all

“It would be an extra bonus for me, having come all the way from the youth department. This club has created me as a football player, so there is no doubt that I would like to repay them with a good transfer fee.”

See Bad News for Adam Idah

Celtic forward Adam Idah has withdrawn from international duty with Ireland after sustaining a facial injury in Sunday’s match against Kilmarnock. The 22-year-old was initially set to join up with the Republic of Ireland squad on Monday but informed the FAI that he would not be available due to the injury.

The incident occurred during Celtic’s 2-0 win at Rugby Park, where Idah took a heavy elbow to the face, resulting in a nosebleed and requiring significant treatment on the pitch. Though Idah managed to finish out the game until being subbed for Kyogo Furuhashi, the knock appeared severe enough for him to reconsider playing through the pain for Ireland’s upcoming fixtures.

10th November 2024; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Adam Idah of Celtic bleeding from his nose on the pitch after a collision with Kyle Vassell of Kilmarnock

Celtic’s Hectic Fixture List

With Celtic’s fixture list packed following this final international break of the year, it seems likely that the striker is prioritising his club duties. The injury, if limited to his face, could see Idah return to the lineup in time for Celtic’s clash against Hearts on 23rd November.

The Hoops went on to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock, courtesy of goals from captain Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to have Idah fit and ready to go for the busy weeks ahead, as Celtic look to maintain momentum across domestic and European fronts — not to mention a Glasgow Derby Cup final.

The dreaded international break is upon us as Celtic go into storage for a week or so.

A number of key first-team stars will leave Lennoxtown to meet up with their international squads this weekend with the Nations League back in action.

Other players including Japanese trio Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate will also be in action outwith the European competition but supporters will have the same feelings heading into the break.

Punters will have their fingers and toes crossed that the players involved with their countries will head off and then come back to the fold injury free.

There are massive fixtures for the club on the horizon in the Champions League as well as in next month’s Premier Sports Cup Final and the New Year derby match.

Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images

That’s why Brendan Rodgers and the fans will hope to have a clean bill of health even after the break.

One player who won’t be heading away with his nation having had to pull out due to injury is striker Adam Idah.

The Republic of Ireland international seemingly picked up a knock in his side’s 2-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park and he had to go off to be replaced by Kyogo.

Adam Idah withdraws from Republic of Ireland squad with injury

And now the Irish FA has confirmed the striker won’t travel for the clashes with Finland and England this coming weekend.

Idah put in a solid shift against Kilmarnock as his side won 2-0 at Rugby Park and he was a pest all afternoon.

The big attacker cost the club a previous record fee of £9.5million when he signed from Norwich City earlier this year.

Squad update | A trio of changes as Seamus Coleman, Shane Duffy & Adam Idah are ruled out of the squad through injury

Ryan Manning, Jake O’Brien & Matt Doherty all join up for our two UEFA Nations League fixtures 🇮🇪

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) November 11, 2024

Idah’s Celtic goal scoring record since his £9.5million summer move

It came after a strong loan stint last term where he hit nine goals throughout his 19 appearances since January.

He has been reduced to coming off the bench in most games this campaign so far and has notched five goals thus far from 15 games including one against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League.

His crowning moment in a Celtic jersey came in last season’s Scottish Cup Final vs Rangers where he hit the late winner and he has earned 29 caps for his country.

Swiss Ramble has pored over Ibrox financial results which were rounded on by concerned onlookers

A leading football finance expert has lamented Rangers‘ inability to “run a tight ship” like their Scottish Premiership rivals as he seized upon the club’s sobering £17.3m pre-tax loss.

The Swiss Ramble has pored over financial results which were rounded on by concerned onlookers when they were released last month. And his biggest concern centres around the size of the loss compared to their peers. Rangers’ losses were £13m more than second worst Hearts – who aim to arrest their £4.4m deficit.

The revered expert underlined the scale of the task they face in unseating Celtic as the dominant force in Scottish football as he pointed to Celtic’s iron-clad £17.8m profit which leaves an eye-watering £35m difference between the fierce Premiership rivals. Rangers interim chairman John Gilligan is attempting to offer stability, however, fans’ concerns have escalated with Philippe Clement’s side sitting nine points adrift of Celtic and Aberdeen.

The top table at last year’s AGM

Both the club and manager have hinted at a correction at Ibrox to move on from older players and usher in a new era of younger talent. And that has been noted by the Swiss Ramble. He said: “Rangers are clearly making efforts to get their cost base under control, as wages reduced by £3m (4%) from £64m to £61m, while player amortisation fell £2m (14%) to £11m. However, they did book £2.9m player impairment, while other expenses climbed £4m (13%) to £32m.”

The under-fire board and Clement will meet their public at the club’s AGM on Thursday, December 5 with shareholders demanding answers over a litany of outstanding questions. Those who bleed Light Blue want answers on the direction of the club, who the next permanent chairman will be and when will James Bisgrove’s CEO role be filled.

Celtic had a very busy summer transfer window with record fees smashed left and right.

Adam Idah arrived for more than £9million while Arne Engels beat that a few days later in a deal worth around £11million to the club.

7 Best Footballers OUTSIDE Europe’s Big 5 Leagues

It was a sign for supporters that Brendan Rodgers had finally, seemingly, got through to the money-men at Parkhead and convinced them to speculate to accumulate.

There were no fewer than eight signings made – including Alex Valle on loan from Barcelona – and the recruitment team had been busy keeping on top of their main targets.

Paul Tisdale is now in the door as head of football operations and his primary role will involve identifying talent for the Hoops to target and he has just over a month to get his feet under the desk before the January window rolls around.

Photo by Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images

There is one player already on the shortlist – or should we say BACK on the list – having previously been targeted.

67 Hail Hail understands Celtic have had a representative at a handful of Brondby fixtures this season already with Mathias Kvistgaarden the main man being watched.

The Danish striker has been a target for the club for over a year with approaches made last season.

Celts submitted a bid of around £4million for the player but that was kicked into touch.

And with his form significantly improving this term – with 13 goals and five assists in just 20 outings this campaign so far – the attacker’s price tag has sky-rocketed.

Mathias Kvistgaarden asking price as Celtic scout transfer target numerous times in person

We understand that Brondby are looking for between €12m-15m for their star man who is still contracted until 2027. The Danish outfit made it clear they valued him highly last year.

The Glasgow giants are not the only club sniffing around Kvistgaarden. Atalanta of Serie A, Celtic’s Champions League foes, have also been in attendance to watch the striker.

Eintracht Frankfurt have also taken in some of his matches.

Kvistgaarden is believed to be on the cusp of a full international call-up with Denmark.

What Kvistgaarden has said about his Brondby future

Speaking to Danish outlet Campo, Kvistgaarden admitted previously when asked about the prospect of trying his luck in another European league: “There is no doubt about that.

“I think I have shown myself in a lot of ways, which means that I have shown that I can hopefully also play internationally at some point.”

“I am a soccer player. I meet here around 8:30. So I’m hired to play soccer. And then there are a lot of others who are employed to do what they are employed to do.”

Roy Keane turns Celtic party pooper as ‘fantastic’ Champions League moment blasted after Parkhead ‘madness’

The Man Utd icon was running the rule over a moment in a Celtic clash at Parkhead.

A brilliant Celtic moment in the Champions League has not won the full approval of Roy Keane.

The Man Utd icon and ex-Hoops midfielder was one of the onlookers last week as Brendan Rodgers’ side beat RB Leipzig 3-1. But he and ex-Man Utd, Everton and West Ham boss David Moyes took different views to the second goal of the night for Celtic.

They pressed Leipzig into submission, eventually winning the ball back near the 18-yard line before Nicolas Kuhn eventually converted a cutback. It moves them onto seven points from four games in the revamped league phase of the competition.

It seems as though the Bhoys had a few interesting parties watching on in the form of David Moyes and Roy Keane, as they discussed the match. While Moyes was left impressed by the rate of Celtic’s pressing, Keane was disappointed with how Leipzig lost the ball near their own box. The pair had the debate via The Overlap. Read their thoughts below

Keane: “I don’t think anyone has a problem with Manchester City doing it because they are brilliant at it. But when you see the other teams, and getting caught! You obviously lose it high up the pitch and then some teams, you are in on goal. That’s the issue I have.

“If teams can do it, then I love it. But, for me, the madness. You must come in as a staff on Monday morning and go ‘lad’s we lost again’. Someone must go, ‘Why do we keep playing out from the back when we get caught constantly and you are constantly under pressure.”

Moyes: “A lot will depend on the quality of players. I watched Celtic and I thought the players they had, several of them Japanese players, were fantastic at their pressing.”

Keane: “Weren’t they encouraged though by the opposition? That would be my point. Encouraged by the opposition taking the ball, a minute before half-time and they are giving the ball away. They are trying to beat players literally on the edge of the box. They lose a goal. it’s madness. Absolute madness.”

Rangers star opens up on return after club dispute as Alan Shearer turns fan of record-breaking Celtic hero

The latest headlines with some Rangers and Celtic flavourings.

Rangers and Celtic were both in Premiership action over the weekend.

First up it was Kilmarnock at Rugby Park for the latter, as both sides played TV games on Sunday. They weren’t at their best but did enough to win thanks to goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn.

It was then the turn of Rangers to try and reduce an already daunting 12-point gap Celtic have built. They did that with a 1-0 win but Cyriel Dessers’ sole goal handing victory did not please fans, who shared frustrations throughout the match,

Here are the latest headlines surrounding that have some flavourings from the Glasgow pair.

Hagi’s return

Ianis Hagi has opened up on his return to the Rangers team. He is now back part of Philippe Clement’s plans after a loan at Alaves in Spain last season, and a contract dispute that prohibited him from taking part in senior matches.

The Romanian playmaker told Rangers TV: “Well it was definitely different. Starting from the city, the country, weather. Just everything was different. I enjoyed my time in Spain just because I appreciate a lot how they think about football and how they coach you.

“But at the same time I found it quite hard to adapt to the mentality of not winning every single game and the day-to-day mentality which was definitely tough. With all due respect I think there’s different type of people out there, different type of football mentalities out there which people enjoy more, less you know, in different environments.

“At the age of 26, I’ve actually found a lot about myself up until now and I know what I enjoy and I know what environments make me a better person, a better player. I’m in a moment where I’ve discovered myself quite a lot and I just I’m really happy that I’m back. I missed everything about Rangers so, yeah, it’s just good to be back.”

Shearer a Celtic hero fan

Alan Shearer was left made up for Celtic hero Matt O’Riley at the weekend. After a record-breaking £30m move in the summer from Parkhead – the most expensive Scottish transfer – he suffered a long-term ankle debut on his debut in the Carabao Cup vs Crawley Town.

He made his Premier League bow on Saturday following that, scoring the winner against Man City. Newcastle United and England legend Shearer said on Match of the Day: “What a moment for Matt O’Riley, he got injured very early in his Brighton career. He got his goal and can celebrate with the fans.”

“It was a brilliant win for us. It was never going to be like last Saturday or Tuesday,” Brendan Rodgers

Nicolas Kuhn scores Celtic’s second goal against Kilmarnock. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media at Rugby Park after Celtic’s 2-0 win over a battling Kilmarnock side that sent Celtic back to the top of the league heading into the International break. Here’s what the Celtic manager was asked and how he responded…

Rodgers hails Schmeichel’s effort to block Kilmarnock scoring

Brendan Rodgers at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

Q: What did you think of the team’s performance and result today?

Brendan Rodgers: “It was a brilliant win for us. It was never going to be like last Saturday or Tuesday. You know, Kilmarnock and what they do. They do it exceptionally well. They are very direct. They get it forward. You’ve got to fight and for that, the players deserve a huge amount of credit because they showed another side to the team. I am so pleased. As I said, it’s a pressure game that Kilmarnock play and if you can’t stand up to it and you’re not strong enough and win you’re duels as a team, then you can come unstuck. So, it was a fantastic win for us.”

Greg Taylor in action at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Q: You talk about showing the other side of you. It’s a pressure game out there. When you win games like that, can it be just as rewarding for you as a manager, or a group of players, as the big wins on Tuesday night?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, because it’s still a game of football and I think the supporters want to see you stand up and be counted in games like that. The players did that very well.”

Q: Is that a game that maybe 12 months ago you wouldn’t have won?

Brendan Rodgers: “We would have suffered more. I think that we did lose them. That was the reality. We lost in that first six-month period. Now I think you see the difference in the team and the structure and the togetherness, the spirit, everything that you need to win a game like that because you come off the back of two absolutely brilliant wins. You’ve got to come here. It’s not going to be all about the football as much as you want it to be. It wasn’t, but it showed another side to our game, which is very important to have.”

Nicolas Kuhn scores Celtic’s second goal against Kilmarnock. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Q: They say goal wins matches, defence wins titles. You’ve got Nicolas Kuhn up top, you’ve got Kasper Schmeichel at the back. They were two big, important players for you today, weren’t they?

Brendan Rodgers: “Aye, Kasper made some great saves. You could see him with the ball as well, how he could play through the pressure, which is important. At times we could have held it up better to allow us to join in more. He was tested and had to make saves. I know that’s what he’s world-class at. His shot-stopping is unbelievable. So he was a big reference for us. The first goal came at a really good time for us. In the second half, we know that the next goal is important. Nic does what he’s done well. I think the goal itself was great because Cal comes into space that we like him when there’s pressure on the back line. That frees up Ali to get his touch, plays into depth and then Nicholas’s touch finish. space was so, so good. He was actually more annoyed. he missed the other one before it. That was when I spoke to him afterwards. He’s now starting to get numbers to his game and that was key for us.”

Nicolas Kuhn celebrates with Callum McGregor. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Q: That’s 21 goal contributions, 10 goals and 11 assists they are incredible numbers, aren’t they?

Brendan Rodgers: “It’s absolutely brilliant but that’s his job. That’s why the money’s in his bank every month. He makes that contribution and he’s been so good.”

Q: Is there a better player in the country right now than Nicholas?

Brendan Rodgers: “There are lots of really good players in the country but I think I’m only focused on what he’s doing for Celtic. He’s doing so well.”

Q: How pleased were you with the game management of your players after that second goal?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, well we had to manage it and break the game up a little bit. I just think naturally how it was as well. So then you’ve got to change the rhythm of the game and slow it down and at times look after the ball. It’s still when you don’t have it, it was coming direct. So you have to deal with that pressure. I thought how he dealt with it was so, so good. I wasn’t a great football guest. I wasn’t like Tuesday night or last week but that’s OK. It takes all different types. But you have to be able to play those different types of games and thankfully this team has come away with a great victory in that type of game.”

Brendan Rodgers at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

Q: Just in general how would you assess where the team is at this stage of the season?

Brendan Rodgers: “I think we’re in a really good place. I said to the players before the game that in life it’s really all about staying on your path. Sometimes that can be difficult but by staying on it you get your rewards in the end. I think this team is just consistently staying on the path, learning, developing, improving and playing some amazing football but also having the dig and the bite that you need to keep clean sheets. So I think we’re in a really good place. We have a little break now. Come back to the absolute ultramarathon spell where every single player will be needed. But it’s so exciting. I think that some of the play that we’ve seen, some of the fight that we’ve had today, I’m so pleased with that.”

Q: Ultramarathon? Is that the way you see it?

Brendan Rodgers: “Ultramarathon? There’s your headline. No, I think it is. Just look at the games between now and February. There is no rest. There’s no breather but we’re fit and ready for it. We’ll keep working, and keep developing the players. I think that’s what’s key. The games are great and the wins and everything but it’s developing the individual player because I always say it’s the individual to get better and then by a consequence, the team improves. So we’ll keep working on that. Lots of the players are going to get lots of game time over the course of the coming months and we will need it.”

Adam Idah celebrates the opener, which was scored by Callum McGregor. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Q: You did it on Tuesday and you did it on Sunday in terms of scoring just before half-time. How important is that for controlling the narrative of the game?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, it doesn’t change the narrative so much but it gives a different feel. It’s a challenge because either way you go in, okay it was 0-0, 1-0. We know the things we’ll have to do in the second half to win the game. Of course when Kilmarnock put so much into the game and physically put everything into it and then you’re still behind, then that’s a challenge. No, I thought it was a great time to score. We’re always alive from the first minute to the last, always looking to attack the game when we can. And we had a few little moments in that first half where we settled the game and nearly got in. Obviously, then we get a bit of fortune for the first goal. But it was always going to take another goal to settle the game for us.”

Celtic players after the game at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

Q: You’re talking about progression and development and the team winning football matches and important ones as well. How enjoyable is this for you as a manager and your time as a career?

Brendan Rodgers: “It’s a great spell. I think everything from the adversity from last year, you’ve got to get through that, which we did do. And then we can settle and progress and develop. But I’ve seen it really from the first day of pre-season. I’ve seen it all map out. The key thing as the manager is always to make sure that the inner voice in the team is strong and the players then get on to the pitch, they’re there to learn and develop and then just continue with that sequence. It’s not just about one or two games, it’s that consistency So I think the players have been absolutely amazing. What physically they’ve given to games, how they’re coping with games and getting the results ultimately. We’re performing to a high level. Then today, like I said, we had to show a different side. It’s a great group to work with but it’s still early. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

Celtic fans protest at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star.

Q: Derek McInnes has spoken about the protest for the minute silence before the game. Do you have a thought on that at all?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, I think if it’s a minute of silence it should be a minute. That’s the reality of it. I think you guys know the script up here at this time of the year. It’s always a challenge but if it’s a minute silence, it’s a minute silence. I think we all want to respect that and we all understand that some don’t. So it can be a divisive one. I understand. But my chat is really for the football and that’s something else that’s outside of that, sadly.”

Celtic messed up with Rodgers flop who earned as much as Matt O’Riley

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers endured a busy summer transfer window at Parkhead for the second year in succession, since his return to Glasgow.

After replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout in 2023, the Northern Irish head coach had to deal with Jota and Carl Starfelt moving on, to Al Ittihad and Celta Vigo respectively, as well as Aaron Mooy deciding to retire.

The board did back him with a host of new signings, though, including the likes of Luis Palma, Paulo Bernardo, Maik Nawrocki, and Hyun-jun Yang, among others.

Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah were also brought in during the January transfer window to bolster the attack, and the former has registered 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 games for Celtic to date.

This summer, Rodgers was dealt another blow as attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley was sold to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, where he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Manchester City down south on Saturday.

It was a big blow to lose the Denmark international from the squad during the summer transfer window, because of his form for the club in the 2023/24 campaign.

Matt O’Riley’s form for Celtic last season

After Postecoglou moved on from Parkhead, Rodgers came in and helped O’Riley to find his best form at the top end of the pitch from a central midfield position.

In the 2022/23 campaign under the Australian boss, the Danish wizard only found the back of the net three times in 38 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, which shows that he was not a reliable scorer for the Hoops.

Rodgers found a way, with his 4-3-3 system, to get the left-footed ace more involved in the game in the final third, with O’Riley going from 1.8 shots per game to 2.9 shots per game in the Premiership.

The 23-year-old magician ended the 2023/24 campaign with a staggering return of 18 goals in 37 appearances in the division, 15 more than he managed in the previous season.

This shows that the Northern Irish boss unearthed a superstar by unlocking the midfielder’s goalscoring potential, whilst O’Riley also provided the team with 13 assists in the Premiership.

23/24 Premiership

Matt O’Riley

Squad rank

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international was the star of the show for the Scottish giants in the top-flight last season under Rodgers, with his ability to score goals, assist his teammates, and create high-quality opportunities.

Celtic got incredible value for money out of the central midfielder, who was sold to Brighton for more than £25m this summer, when you consider that he reportedly was only on £14k-per-week, the 14th-highest in the squad.

However, his performances whilst earning £14k-per-week also shined a light on how much of a blunder the signing of Gustaf Lagerbielke was for the Hoops.

How much Celtic paid for Gustaf Lagerbielke

In the summer of 2023, during Rodgers’ first transfer window back at the club, the Celtic head coach dipped into the market to bolster his options at the heart of the defence, following the departure of Starfelt to LaLiga.

Maik Nawrocki was brought in from Legia Warsaw and the club also swooped to sign Lagerbielke from Swedish side Elfsborg for a reported fee of £3m, as well as signing him to a wage of £14k-per-week – as much as O’Riley last season.

The young, right-footed, centre-back was brought in to compete for a starting position alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back for the Hoops, after Starfelt’s exit left a hole on the left side of the defence.

In the 2022/23 campaign under Postecoglou, the now-Celta Vigo star made 28 appearances in the Premiership and won 67% of his duels and completed 92% of his passes for the Scottish giants.

2023 Allsvenskan

Gustaf Lagerbielke

Appearances

16

Pass accuracy

81%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

Ground duel success rate

53%

Aerial duel success rate

64%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Lagerbielke had made 16 appearances in the Swedish top-flight in 2023 before his move to Celtic but had matched Starfelt’s showings for Celtic.

The Swedish titan won a lower percentage of his duels in comparison to the former Hoops colossus and completed a much lower percentage of his attempted passes.

Celtic’s Gustaf Lagerbielke blunder

The 24-year-old flop failed to convince Rodgers that he had the quality or consistency to play week-in-week-out for Celtic in the Premiership last season.

He ended the 2023/24 campaign with seven appearances and four starts in the Premiership, as Stephen Welsh, Nawrocki, Liam Scales, and Carter-Vickers all played more games in the division at centre-back.

This shows that Lagerbielke was the fifth-choice option out of the manager’s central defenders, which may not be what the aim for him was when the club decided to spend £3m and £14k-per-week in wages on him.

Celtic’s best player, certainly from an attacking perspective, earned £14k-per-week but the Hoops did not get anywhere near the same value from the central defender for the same price.

In the 2023/24 season, Lagerbielke, who was sent off against Feyenoord in the Champions League, made ten appearances and started six times in all competitions for the club, having cost £3.7m in transfer fees and wages – over £600k per start, which is why he has been a flop.

He was then sent out on loan to FC Twente in the Eredivise by Rodgers, who brought in Auston Trusty from Sheffield United on a permanent deal this summer, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

This showed that the manager did not trust him to be an option for him in the first-team this term, whilst the addition of Trusty is potentially an admission that the Swedish flop does not have a future at Parkhead – as he has already been replaced.

Lagerbielke is yet to start a league game for Twente, coming off the bench three times so far, and it currently looks unlikely that Celtic will make much of the £3.7m they have spent on him so far back, which means that the club have messed up and had a howler with the defender.

Celtic returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on Sunday by beating Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Only 24 hours before, Aberdeen continued their outstanding start to the season by putting four goals past Dundee.

After 11 matches, Jimmy Thelin’s side are neck and neck with the champions and, as of this moment, they are showing everyone that they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

But Brendan Rodgers’ side did what they do best and that’s return to the top of the table.

Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock wasn’t easy and the manager did make some changes to his XI following the gruelling, yet satisfying week for his side.

It all started with that semi-final thrashing of Aberdeen, before Celtic put on a show against RB Leipzig and, understandably so, that took a toll on the legs.

That’s why players like Adam Idah came into the XI, but he didn’t put in the performance he would have liked.

James McFadden critical of Adam Idah’s performance as Celtic beat Kilmarnock

The great thing about this Celtic side is that the competition for places is growing and there is some serious quality on the bench.

Even those from the Rangers side are scared of Celtic’s bench strength, but Idah couldn’t show it on a difficult afternoon against Killie.

McFadden highlighted what the player was doing wrong and how he was almost taking ‘four touches’ at times just to control the ball.

The former midfielder added that, when Idah tried to lay the ball off the first time, that didn’t work either and it was a poor performance overall, as he told Sky Sports Football (10/11/24 at 4:00 pm).

“It can happen,” says McFadden on Celtic struggling after the performance against Leipzig.

“I think they struggled because it worked before with Idah. They can beat the press, play up to Idah and he holds it in, and then they play from there.

“He’s not been able to hold it in. His touch has been poor. He has taken three or four (touches) just to get it under control. He’s trying to lay things off the first time and it isn’t working, so it stops Celtic from getting forward, in that sense.”

Idah’s stats for Celtic against Kilmarnock

There is no doubt that Kyogo Furuhashi is the main man for Celtic and he will play in the big games.

But that doesn’t mean Rodgers won’t turn to Idah because he did fairly well during that goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.

The difficult nature of playing at such a high level is that, as soon as your performance drops, it is felt and it can be seen.

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