Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham Hotspur to Battle Barcelona for ‘Electric’ Forward

Fabrizio Romano: Tottenham Hotspur to Battle Barcelona for ‘Electric’ Forward

Tottenham’s Transfer Moves: An Insight into Spurs’ Summer Strategy

Tottenham Hotspur’s activities in the transfer market this summer seem to underline a robust strategy aimed at revitalizing their squad, with the club having already made significant moves. As reported by TEAMtalk and highlighted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs’ latest pursuits could very well dictate their Premier League campaign in the upcoming season.

Spurs’ Dynamic Acquisition Drive

Early into the summer window, Tottenham demonstrated their intent by acquiring Archie Gray in a £30 million deal from Leeds United and extending Timo Werner’s loan for another season. The arrival of Lucas Bergvall from Djurgarden further exemplifies Spurs’ commitment to bolstering their squad depth. These moves suggest that under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance, Tottenham is keen on a mix of both promising talents and experienced campaigners.

Evolving Wing Play at Tottenham

The departure of Ivan Perisic and Ryan Sessegnon, coupled with the expected offloading of Bryan Gil, has created vacancies in the wide attacking roles—a critical area for Postecoglou’s tactical setup. With the likes of Son Heung-min, Werner, Manor Solomon, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson already at the club, the need for fresh and dynamic wingers is apparent.

Recent reports indicate that Tottenham’s radar includes Desire Doue from Rennes and Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. However, the high costs associated with these players might shift Spurs’ focus towards more economically feasible targets within the Championship, where they have previously found success.

Focus on Jaden Philogene

Amidst these strategic manoeuvres, Hull City forward Jaden Philogene has emerged as a hot prospect. According to Romano, Philogene, who has been pivotal for Hull with 18 goal involvements last season, prefers a Premier League move over other offers, including one from Barcelona. This preference sets the stage for Tottenham, among others, to make decisive moves.

“Jaden Philogene prioritising a move to the Premier League over a potential switch to Barcelona is a significant indicator of the allure and competitive nature of English football,” Romano noted. This assertion underlines the pull of the Premier League and the strategic foresight of players looking to make their mark in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.

Competition Heats Up

While Tottenham seems poised to solidify their interest in Philogene, they are not alone in the chase. Everton, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich Town have also shown significant interest, with proposals already sent to the winger. This competition could potentially drive up the stakes, making it a testing period for Tottenham’s negotiation prowess.

Concluding Thoughts: Spurs’ Transfer Philosophy

Tottenham’s approach this transfer window, focusing on a blend of youth and experience, seems well-calibrated. As they look to build a team capable of challenging for top honours, securing a player like Philogene could be crucial. His addition would not only enhance their attacking options but also bring a fresh impetus to their ambitions for the upcoming season.

In conclusion, as Tottenham continue to navigate the complexities of the transfer market, their strategy reflects a clear vision for the future. The potential acquisition of Philogene, alongside their earlier signings, might just provide the necessary edge as they aim to make a significant impact in the next Premier League season.

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Man Utd Keen to Re-Sign Sergio Reguilon From Tottenham

Manchester United are interested in signing last season’s loanee Sergio Reguilon, with the player likely to leave Tottenham this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS.

Reguilon spent six months at Old Trafftord last campaign, starting just four Premier League games in what was a disappointing temporary spell that was cut short. However, the Spaniard enjoyed a fruitful second half of the season at Brentford, replacing the injured Rico Henry in the bees’ squad and managing 14 league starts and registering four assists having been called the “perfect” signing by Thomas Frank.

The defender is still contracted to Tottenham until 2025 having joined in a deal worth £32m, but he is expected to leave the north London club, with manager Ange Postecoglou deeming him surplus to requirements. Perhaps surprisingly, given how his loan spell went, United are interested in signing Reguilon permanently, but will face competition from West Ham United.

United Want to Sign Reguilon

The Red Devils are in the market for a left-back

Spending his youth years at Real Madrid, Reguilon failed to break into the Spanish giants first team on a consistent basis, and was ultimately sold to Tottenham in 2020 after an electric loan spell at Sevilla. Two underwhelming years at Spurs, where both Ben Davies and Ryan Sessegnon were often used over him, resulted in the player spending two consecutive seasons at temporary homes.

Stints at Atletico Madrid, United and then Brentford have seen the 27-year-old become the forgotten man at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. With one year remaining on his deal, the north Londoners are looking to find the player a permanent place to play his football.

While many may have thought a successful six months at Brentford would perhaps have been the catalyst for a transfer to west London, United have emerged as surprise candidates to sign Reguilon, who shares the same agent as another United target Joshua Zirkzee in Kia Joorabchian. The Manchester-based outfit are in the market for a left-back, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries, and have identified their ex-player as a potential candidate to fill this role.

According to AS, United would be willing to pay a fee for the player whose contract expires in 12 months, in order to bring him back to the north-west. It’s unclear whether this acquisition would see Reguilon elevated to first choice at Old Trafford, although the club are understood to be willing to supply him with a prominent role than what he enjoyed last campaign, which could tempt him to make the move.

Reguilon’s Premier League Statistics 2023/24

Stat

For Man Utd

For Brentford

Appearances

9

16

Assists

0

4

Expected Assists Per 90

0.13

0.18

Key Passes Per 90

1.74

1.61

Tackles Per 90

2.83

3.63

Interceptions Per 90

1.09

1.29

United Also Chasing Other Defensive Reinforcements

INEOS are keen to sign De Ligt

A left-back may be on the agenda for United’s new ownership group this summer, but the centre-piece signing could be at the heart of the Red Devils’ defence. The club are expected to move on from Jarrad Branthwaite, with their interest in the player getting ‘colder’ due to Everton’s £70 million asking price.

Instead, Matthijs de Ligt is closing in on a move to Old Trafford, with a deal expected to ‘happen quickly’. The Dutchman has fallen out of favour at Bayern Munich, and is thus keen on a potential move to United, in a deal that is expected to reach around €50 million.

Why Celtic’s Liam Scales wants the club to sign loan star

Everything the Celtic defender said to the media ahead of the Ayr United friendly tomorrow night…

Good to be back? Tell us how it’s been so far.

Yeah, it’s been good and enjoyable to be back. I’ve been looking forward to getting back to work after a nice little break. It’s been good, we’re working hard. Not everyone’s back because of the internationals and stuff like that but it’s been good. Tough but good.

Have you given yourself time during this summer period to take a breath and look back at what you achieved last season?

I did, the first couple of weeks I had a chance to do that. The last week or so I’ve been dying to get back in and push for more this year. I want to do better this year than last year. There’s always room for improvement and that’s the aim.

What was the single biggest thing you learned from last season?

Just the relentlessness of the season. I think with international games I played 50 games at a high intensity – I’ve never done that before in a season. I’ve learned how to cope with that over the last year. The plan is to play as many games as possible. I feel like I’ve learned a lot from last year about keeping my body right and being able to do that.

The way last season unfolded, the title race and everything that came with that, to get to the end with two trophies, does that make you more determined to make this season even better?

100 per cent. We have a lot to achieve this year. There’s obviously the three domestic trophies and then the Champions League is a bit different, but we’re looking forward to that and getting our games in. Hopefully, we can pick up more results and see how far we can go in that tournament. There is room for improvement, definitely. It was a disappointing start last season going out in the League Cup and we want to go all the way in that competition. That’s the first trophy we can get our hands on and that’s what we’re looking at.

The summer last year there was a bit of disruption with Ange Postecoglou leaving and Brendan Rodgers coming in. Now with the manager having a full pre-season and summer to work with alongside his players, is there confidence that you can bounce back even stronger at the beginning of the season?

Definitely. I think the manager coming in at the start of last pre-season needed time to get his message across and get us working the way he wanted us to work and away from what Ange was doing here. They both have brilliant styles, they’re just different. You have got to adapt. Now that he’s had that time we won’t have to work on that as much this year. That’s going to benefit us as we can go straight in and know what we have to do, and we know how to do it.

Has that manager changed anything in his message since you got back? Or is it more of the same and building on what was good from last season?

It’s been pretty much the same. We finished the season strong and we’ve carried on from that. He just wants the same intensity and the same sort of attitude. That’s what we’re going to try and do. Yeah, definitely. We’ll get a good pre-season in, we’ve got our tour and a few friendly games. We’ll all be fit and strong for the first week of August.

I want to ask you about your teammate here last season Adam Idah. A lot has been made about him joining the club permanently and what’s the view in the changing room? How would the boys like to have Adam back? 

We’d love to have him back. He’s a brilliant player but to have him in the changing room as well is brilliant. He’s a good guy and he’s funny and everyone got on well with him. We would all love to see him back, he was massive for us, and he scored massive goals and put in massive performances. We’d all love him back but it’s out of our control. Hopefully, it happens.

Idah scored massive goals in the five months that he was here, but what does he do differently? 

He’s obviously different to Kyogo. Kyogo is obviously brilliant, he’s an amazing player, but Adam’s got more physicality. Kyogo is better at playing off people’s shoulders, and he’s scored loads of goals doing that. But Adam gives you that option where you can hit his feet, and he can hold off the big Scottish defenders and that’s a great outlet for me as a centre-half and for the centre-midfielders. They can play into him, and we can get our creative players playing off of him as well. Apart from the goals he’s scored, that’s a strength of his.

Is having more players that can come off the bench where the team improves this season in the Champions League and goes on to win three trophies instead of two? 

Definitely. I think being able to adapt and change, especially in the Champions League. In most games domestically we can play the same way because we’re going to have a lot of the ball and a lot of teams sit off us. You can pretty much go out with the same game plan most weeks. There are obviously little bits and pieces that you need to change for certain teams, but it’s definitely good to have different options and different styles playing against Champions League teams because you might not have as much of the ball and you might have to defend more. For us to have different players for different options, that’d be great.

Adam Idah was such a difference-maker, wasn’t he? 

 I think that’s the thing. Adam was coming on after Kyogo had run the centre-halves ragged. He was coming on and he was a completely different threat, he’s bigger, he’s more physical, and that worked in our favour because he could come on physically challenging these defenders. A lot of the time he’d beat them, and score goals. He was quality and I don’t think it could have gone better for him.

With the new UCL format, you must be relishing playing so many different games through until January. 

Yeah, 100%. Getting the extra games, it’s two extra games, and you’re getting to play against a different team each time, it’s going to bring loads of different experiences. To have two extra games in the tournament guaranteed is brilliant. That’s the type of thing you look back on fondly at the end. And it gives us more chances to win games. Having won the last game we played has made us hungry to go on again and pick up points.

Does the new format work more in Celtic’s favour, is there a better chance of progression this year? 

It’s hard to tell. It probably is because you’re playing two from Pot 4 and two from Pot 3, but these are still going to be challenging games, and we won’t really know until next year when we’ve played a year in it. But it’ll be interesting and I’m looking forward to it.

Club To Confirm Signing Of Celtic Starlet On Friday

Celtic forward Rocco Vata will be announced as a new Watford player on Friday, with the Hornets holding off Italian competition.

Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish champions were hoping to keep hold of Vata, but the 19-year-old has been tempted south of the border to continue his career.

Celtic will be banking a training compensation fee from the move, which is expected to bring in £237,000 to their coffers.

Now Watford are on the home stretch of the deal and, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, will confirm Vata’s arrival on Friday.

He has already come through his medical tests with the Hornets and put pen to paper to a five-year deal.

Watford had Italian competition for Vata as Lazio and Palermo were keen on signing him after tracking his progress.

Vata will depart Celtic having made just six senior appearances for the club.

The Irishman will be looking for more opportunities to make an impact at senior team level over the course of next season, this time with Watford.

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The situation surrounding Celtic and Adam Idah took a couple of twists and turns this week as the Bhoys look to kick-off their summer transfer window.

Celtic have yet to make a signing ahead of the new season but Brendan Rodgers has been clear since May that he was keen to get Idah tied down to a permanent contract.

The club officially made their move for the striker this week per reports from multiple outlets in Scotland and England, only to see their initial advances rejected by Norwich City. [Sky Sports]

However, the path to an Idah move to Glasgow is open, in part because of the wishes of the player himself. If the latest update on the matter is to be believed, he’s intent on forcing through a move.

The Daily Record reports that talks between Norwich and Celtic are at an ‘advanced stage’ after ‘significant progress’ was made.

Adam Idah expected to get permission on Celtic move

It’s stated that there’s now an expectation Idah will eventually be given permission to travel to Scotland and undergo a medical after he made it clear to the Canaries he wants the transfer.

Norwich are believed to want a fee above £6m for the player. Celtic are reported to have made an initial offer below £5m.

There still a way to go then but it seems this situation is now all boiling down to negotiation rather than offers and outright knockbacks.

Norwich will try to maximise value but if Idah truly doesn’t want to play for them next season it’s hard to see the club not cashing in.

Idah has earned Celtic investing in his future

After nine goals in 19 appearances for the Bhoys last term – including crucial winning efforts and two derby blockbusters – Idah has shown has the talent and mentality to come up big for Celtic.

You never quite know how a player will perform in the cauldron of Scottish football. It takes personality as well as ability. Rodgers managed to tap into a new confidence within Idah to spark excellent form.

That’s worth a chunk of money. Rodgers will be getting a known quantity in the door to play a huge part in what he is building at the club. He wants his man and, with a bit more back and forth, it seems he’ll get him.

Sky Sports: Celtic in talks to sign £8m ace who Sutton called “sensational”

Celtic have opened talks to sign an £8m-rated player for Brendan Rodgers, with the target in question being praised by former Hoops striker Chris Sutton earlier this year.

Celtic transfer rumours

Those at Parkhead are yet to make their mark in the transfer window, despite reports earlier in the year suggesting that Celtic want to sign a new goalkeeper, winger and striker ahead of the 2024/25 season. Rodgers did admit shortly after the January transfer window closed that the club could be “braver” with their signings, looking to bring in “another level of player” who is “ready-made”.

“I would go with supporters thinking we could maybe be a little bit braver in terms of bringing in another level of player. But that’s up to me to try and fix that over the course of my time here. You look at the strategy here and you have to be careful because in some ways it has worked. You bring in players for a minimal fee and then they go out and make the club a lot of money.

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

That may come at a cost, though, but there have been plenty of rumours when it comes to transfer targets. For example, it was mooted that Celtic had a £7m+ offer accepted for Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who represented Croatia at Euro 2024.

In attack, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden has also been linked with a move to Glasgow, with loanee Adam Idah also “very keen” on returning to Celtic Park on a permanent basis. Now, there has been a now update regarding the Republic of Ireland international.

Celtic open Adam Idah talks

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have made an approach over a move to sign Idah on a permanent deal, however, following initial talks, the two clubs remain far apart when it comes to the forward’s valuation.

It is stated that the Hoops have offered £4m, with previous claims suggesting that the Canaries want around £8m for the striker’s services.

Whether or not Celtic go back in with an improved offer remains to be seen, but should a deal materialise for the striker, Rodgers could be a happy manager.

The 23-year-old, called “sensational” by Sutton, helped the Hoops to a league and cup double last season, scoring nine goals in 19 appearances. Rodgers praised Idah after signing him in January, saying:

“Adam, I’m really excited about having seen him play and now seeing him for a few days, working with him and speaking with him. The ability he has is incredible, really; he has every tool that you want to play at the highest level. He’s obviously doing that internationally, and it’s been a wee bit hit-and-miss for him at Norwich.

“But when I assess him, and we see him in training, we see the finishing; we see the speed, we see the touch; I’m excited by what he can bring us over these next remaining months.”

lack of Celtic transfers a concern and how big a problem is Rangers stadium cock up? Saturday Jury

The Record Sport team discuss the big domestic talking points and where it all went wrong for Scotland in Germany.

How big a problem is the Ibrox construction cock-up to Rangers’ Premiership and Champions League hopes?

CRAIG SWAN: It’s not a disaster, but not ideal, especially in Europe. The Ibrox atmosphere has powered on those nights and not having it is a blow for qualifiers.

SCOTT BURNS: There is no doubt it will have an impact on and off the park. It will prove costly to the club having to rent another ground in the short-term and the atmosphere won’t be as intimidating as it would be at Ibrox.

FRASER WILSON: It’s huge. Rangers really can’t afford to lose any games in August if they’re to avoid the false start that ruined their chances last season. In terms of Europe then the Ibrox atmosphere has carried the players to some huge results in recent years and it’s hard to imagine that intensity being replicated at Murrayfield or Hampden.

Is Celtic’s lack of signings a concern with the new season fast approaching?

CRAIG:Celtic have to shop wisely. It’s quality over quantity and there’s two months to go in the market. No cause for concern at this stage.

SCOTT: I’m sure Brendan Rogers would have liked to get new faces in for the start of pre-season. The issue is with some of the players targeted that they are under contract to other clubs and it is a case of seeing if the right deal can be struck.

FRASER: It’s still early days and while Brendan Rodgers would no doubt like his squad in place for the pre-season trip to America, the reality is that the most important signings can often be made in the final few hours of a window – like Cameron Carter-Vickers three years ago.

Scotland’s Euros campaign is already a distant memory but where does the blame lie for such a poor showing?

CRAIG: It’s not about blame, it’s about learning lessons, understanding why as management and players we didn’t play as we can and making sure it’s better next time.

SCOTT: A lot of parties have to take their share of the blame. Steve Clarke made some major blunders tactically and with his team selection because there is no doubt this squad was good enough to get out of the group.

The players also have to look at themselves as lot of them never played to their potential and the SFA also have to look at the run of friendly games that Scotland had in the build-up.

FRASER: Steve Clarke will surely have regrets about some selections especially in the last game where we really had to get after Hungary. But it’s the big players who should be expected to drive the team forward on the pitch and our main men in the forward areas simply never turned up.

Now the groups are over who is your tip to go and win Euro 2024?

CRAIG: France remain the tip, but they didn’t do themselves any favours by not winning their group and going into the tougher half of the knockout draw.

SCOTT: I backed France before the tournament and although they haven’t hit the heights I still think they can come good. Spain also look like they can go far in the tournament.

FRASER: Germany. There’s no doubt Spain are looking strong while the fear is that England can only get better. But the Germans on home soil seem to have the right balance and goals coming from all over the place.

Brendan Rodgers has earned Celtic taking transfer risk that could see him blow Rangers away for title 55 – Chris Sutton.

The former Hoops hero, writing in his latest column, says his old club have a golden chance this summer.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Kyogo Furuhashi celebrate

Brendan Rodgers had a gulf between him and Rangers first time around.

If Celtic get it right this summer having been pushed for a spell by the Ibrox club last season, he has a big chance to create another chasm. Stage two of Rodgers’ second spell is fully underway with the team returned for pre-season training and the manager in a far-better place than 12 months ago. It couldn’t have been easy for him last summer. He knew some people didn’t want him back, but he promised to be back at the stadium in May with the title trophy and duly delivered it along with a Scottish Cup.

He backed his words up and, having conjured that Double, there’s no need for him to say anything this summer. European progression was also on his agenda and, although I’m not sure there were as many advances made in the Champions League as some people would have you believe, it remains a real motivation.

If Rodgers and Celtic make the right moves over the next couple of months, they have a real chance to both blow Rangers away and also make that elusive mark again when facing the continent’s elite. Let’s get it right, you should never look over the fence. What Rangers are doing isn’t Celtic’s concern. They have to mind their own business and they will. But, to those of us on the outside, it seems there’s a golden opportunity to hammer home an advantage over their biggest rivals.

Winning that title last season has whacked another £40 million into the Parkhead coffers and, at the same time, kept it out of the Ibrox piggy bank. That has a serious effect on what the respective clubs can do in this transfer market and gives Celtic a huge chance to stride further ahead. Philippe Clement needs to rebuild his squad and he’s not being helped by the fact that his bosses don’t seem so clever when it comes to rebuilding parts of the stadium.

Rangers fans aren’t interested in shipping containers and absent steel. Not being able to see their team play games at Ibrox is a ridiculous state of affairs. Listen, Rangers should be beating Motherwell and Ross County in the first month if they have to play them on the moon, but it’s not the point and it also has to have some effect on Clement’s chances in the Champions League qualifiers.

Transfer news LIVE as Rangers and Celtic plus Aberdeen FC, Hearts and Hibs eye signings

Ibrox has been a powerful ally in Europe in recent seasons. Not having it for qualifiers and failing to make the competition’s new-look league phase could easily see another £40 million jackpot disappear. Celtic are already in there. Rodgers can budget for it and he has to be given the chance to get some of the ones on his wishlist, even if it means pushing the boat out.

I was interested to see John Kennedy speak again about European impact during the week and the desire for it because it hasn’t been good enough from Celtic in recent seasons. Some of the performances on the continent have been dreadful and it’s something that needs to be fixed. No-one seriously thinks Celtic are going to compete for the trophy. That’s not possible in the modern world.

But getting some big results and trying to get beyond the groups has to be a target. Finally getting a home win, dead rubber against Feyenoord last season or not, got that monkey off the back for the upcoming term and being at this Euros, it’s been encouraging to see how underdogs such as Georgia can have success by having a go against better sides.

Ange Postecoglou wasn’t shy in stepping forward in Europe, even if it got him a bloody nose. The template for Celtic is the first-half they produced under Rodgers against Atletico Madrid at home last season. Fast-paced, full of intent and flowing. To get that happening on a regular basis, Rodgers knows he needs to add quality to his ranks and, with the expanded competition and more section games meaning more revenue again, the board should be able to go a bit further in the market.

I’m not stupid. I realise there is a limit to what Celtic can do. But they can take a risk or two with the money in the bank.

Rodgers has earned that surely with his work. Getting things done quickly, especially for the top targets, is no easy task and I understand that you need to be patient in some deals. But I maintain that Celtic didn’t do enough last summer and went too late in that regard.

Players were still bedding into the club when they played their first-group game in Rotterdam and that was simply not good enough. It’s hard enough to compete without tying your own hands behind your back. Given there had been a change of manager during the summer from Postecoglou to Rodgers, you can cut them some slack for not having all ducks immediately in a row back then, but that’s not an excuse this time.

Celtic should always be ready when it comes to recruitment and targets and they, where they can, now have to strike sharply and with conviction if the right opportunities arise. If they make those right transfer moves, that cherished European impact could be realistic and, domestically, they can leave Rangers trailing way behind.

Celtic joined their city foes on the overall trophy mark when beating them in the Scottish Cup Final last season and, having heard all the noise from Ibrox about getting title 55 during Steven Gerrard’s reign, Rodgers can lead his club to title No.55 in the season ahead. He has the opportunity to take Celtic beyond their great rivals in the overall silverware count. And also sail them far away into the distance.

The long wait for Celtic to return is finally over, as players begin to descend upon Lennoxtown ahead of another exciting campaign.

EURO 2024 and Copa America have both been welcome distractions to see some of the Bhoys in action over the summer; nevertheless, there is nothing like the real things the Bhoys get to work on the training field.

As usual, a busy pre-season schedule awaits for Celtic. Next Friday, Brendan Rodgers’ men travel to Ayr United before heading to Queens Park the following midweek, building up to their three-match tour of the United States where DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea lay in wait.

Now, a few Celtic stars have been spotted filtering back into the building, amplifying excitement for the new season to officially commence.

Celtic stars spotted making their way into Lennoxtown

Per PLZ Soccer’s official X account, a handful of Celtic players have been spotted arriving at Lennoxtown before being put through their paces in pre-season training.

📸PICTURED: Celtic players arrive back at Lennoxtown for pre-season training ahead of 24/25 campaign

Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Scott Bain were amongst those spotted this morning#SPFL | #football | #Scotland pic.twitter.com/eXDiBKsIG6

— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) June 27, 2024

Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, Scott Bain and Gustaf Lagerbielke were all captured heading into the base following some time off in the close season, and more will be set to join them over the coming days and weeks.

Some of the Bhoys who were on international duty will be given an extended break, something Luis Palma confirmed he would be subject to while discussing his aims for the 2024/25 campaign last week.

Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Greg Taylor and Anthony Ralston are likely to be granted a grace period due to EURO 2024 involvement with Scotland; meanwhile, Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers are currently both at Copa America, signifying the same will apply to them.

Either way, it is great to see the wheels are in motion for the new campaign. It has been a long summer, but having Celtic back will come as a major boost for everyone.

Celtic Take Hilarious Dig at Graeme Souness

Graeme Souness, former Rangers player and manager, recently found himself in hot water after a controversial critique of Celtic captain Callum McGregor. Souness faced backlash for referring to McGregor only as the “Celtic captain” during his post match analysis, a move seen by many as a subtle jab. In an attempt to cover his tracks, Souness claimed that he had genuinely forgotten McGregor’s name in the heat of the moment.

“I couldn’t remember his name,” Souness explained. “But I knew he was captain of Celtic.” As he pored over the disappointing defeat to Germany.

Whether Souness’s explanation is genuine or a convenient excuse remains a point of debate. But in a delightful turn of events, Celtic seized the opportunity to mock the pundit with a clever tweet.

Soccer Football – Euro 2024 – Group A – Germany v Scotland – Munich Football Arena, Munich, Germany – June 14, 2024 Referee Clement Turpin talks to Scotland’s Callum McGregor and Jack Hendry REUTERS/Leonhard Simon

During Scotland’s clash against Switzerland on Wednesday night, Callum McGregor played a pivotal role in setting up Scott McTominay for the opening goal. Celtic’s official Twitter account couldn’t resist the chance to poke fun at Souness, posting, “The Celtic Captain sets up the opener!” The tweet was a direct and humorous nod to Souness’s earlier comments.

Celtic’s quick-witted response delighted fans and added a touch of levity.

Forgetting a player’s name, especially one as prominent as McGregor, can be seen as a significant oversight. Souness’s attempt to downplay the incident by attributing it to a momentary lapse seems to have fallen flat, especially with Celtic’s humorous but pointed dig.

Celtic’s work in the transfer window has not even begun yet but already the club are set to land a tidy financial windfall.

Players will always come and go at the club but what Celtic have been extremely good at over the last decade or so is that when our top players leave, the club ensures they protect their investment by inserting a future sell-on clause.

Celtic are likely to benefit when players like Jeremie Frimpong and, before Arsenal set a price tag of £10m, Kieran Tierney move on to their next ventures.

We have also seen in the past where a sell-on clause inserted in Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk‘s contract meant that Celtic banked £6.2m when the Dutch superstar made his £75m move from Southampton to Anfield in 2018. [The Scotsman]

And now Celtic are set to benefit once more this summer.

Celtic cash in on Giorgos Giakoumakis’ Atlanta United exit

The big Greek striker left Celtic in February 2023 to join Atlanta United in a £4.3m deal. We discussed almost two weeks ago how Giakoumakis was set to leave the MLS side for Cruz Azul and now that deal has been done.

And now that he has completed the move, Celtic are set to bank a cool £900,000 after Inside Futbol reported that a 10% sell-on clause meant that Giakoumakis’ £7.3m fee earned the Parkhead club close to £1m.

The international forward was a popular striker at Celtic amongst the fans due to his no-nonsense, physical side of the game that notched him 26 goals in 57 appearances for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

Giakoumakis’ goal-scoring record for the MLS side was just as impressive as his Parkhead numbers.

24 goals in 43 appearances clearly caught the eye of the Mexican side and they will be hoping that the former Celtic star will help fire them to their first title since 2021 after finishing as runners-up last season.

Celtic transfer bulletin as vital Flavius Daniliuc decision made and new keeper target completes full house

The double winners have been linked a new central defender this summer and the 23-year-old appears to fit the bill.

Flavius Daniliuc

Reported Celtic target Flavius Daniliuc will not return to Red Bull Salzburg after the Austrian side turned down their option to sign him permanently from Salernitana.

The defender – ready to star for Austria at Euro 2024 – returned to his homeland for game time over the second half of last season. However, Salzburg decided against triggering the shot to land Daniliuc for keeps. Brendan Rodgers‘ double winners have been linked with a new central defender this summer and the 23-year-old appears to fit the bill.

Daniliuc brings big club experience with spells at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and briefly crossed paths with Nicholas Kuhn at the latter. The versatile defender – who can play at both centre and right back – is seeking a long-term home with his Salernitana stay nearing the end game. Their demotion to Serie B means he’s almost certainly for the exit door.

Meanwhile, Celtic are being linked with Yvon Mvogo – the 12th keeper to be namechecked with a move to Glasgow this summer. The need to replace Joe Hart is palpable but it’s almost turned into Wacky Races on the continent – with a host of publications talking up their local option to be next between the sticks.

Mvogo is another who is almost certain to be on the move with his club side Lorient relegated to Ligue 2. And Le Telegramme claim Celtic, Nantes and Parma are all possible destinations. Peter Vindahl Jensen, Martin Dubravka and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been linked but moves for Dominik Livaković and Altay Bayindir appear less likely.

Embarrassing’ England fan chant at Euros prompts Tartan Army comparison as trouble flares in Gelsenkirchen

England supporters defy warnings from German police over song

Musician and activist Billy Bragg has shared a video of England supporters signing the ‘10 German bombers’ song ahead of their opening match at Euro 2024 and insisted Scotland fans would not be heard doing the same.

German police had warned travelling England followers against singing the song – which mocks the death of German casualties during the Second World War – ahead of the tournament but admitted they are largely powerless to prevent it.

Members of the England Supporters Travel Club caught singing it have faced being banned from future matches since 2017, when it was sung during the team’s friendly in Germany. That was after England manager Gareth Southgate condemned the chant, stating: “It’s completely unacceptable. We’ve moved on from those times, or should have moved on.”

England fans sing their national anthem prior to kick-off ahead of the Euro 2024 group stage match against Serbia at Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Footage emerged on Sunday of the offensive soundtrack being sung by a group of England fans in the streets of Dusseldorf in the hours leading up to their match against Serbia in nearby Gelsenkirchen. This prompted Bragg, who released a 1991 song titled The Few condemning the behaviour of England fans during the 1980s, to hit out as he compared the unsavoury incident to the largely positive image portrayed by the Tartan Army at the tournament.

Sharing the video to his 321,600 followers on X, Bragg posted: “Despite Scotland’s industrial areas being a prime target for the German bombers in World War Two, you never hear the Tartan Army singing this embarrassing song.”

Scotland plan Euros renaissance as Germany boss assessment rejected

There were also violent clashes in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the match with seven Serbian supporters arrested. Videos circulating on social media show trouble brewing on a side street, with tables, chairs and bottles thrown before riot police arrived. Some people were injured, with former England striker Stan Collymore posting a picture of a man covered in blood on the social media site X accompanied by the message: “Police vans en masse in Gelsenkirchen centre now. Kicking off in tiny groups.”

Gelsenkirchen police confirmed that all the arrests were of Serbian citizens. A spokesman said: “There was a confrontation between Serbian and English football fans in the city of Gelsenkirchen. The two fan groups were separated. Seven people were taken into custody. There was also a complaint of grievous bodily harm. The background to this is still unclear.”

A spokesman for the UK Football Policing Unit added: “We are aware of an issue in Gelsenkirchen ahead of the England v Serbia match. Our German colleagues have made a number of arrests of what we currently believe to be Serbian supporters. At this stage we do not believe that any UK nationals have been arrested but enquiries are ongoing. Our officers are at the location speaking to German colleagues. Our investigation team is now reviewing footage of the incident and, if any UK nationals have been involved, football banning orders will be sought.”

Meanwhile, Hamburg police shot a man they say was armed with an “axe-like object” and a “Molotov cocktail” just hours before the city staged its first game of the tournament. The German city’s police force said officers were threatened by the individual and, after he refused to drop the incendiary device, he was shot in the leg. The incident took place near the city’s fan park in the St Pauli district around two-and-a-half hours before the Netherlands faced Poland at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion.

A statement from Hamburg police read: “According to current findings, a man came out of a locality around 1230pm (CET) and threatened police forces with a pickaxe/axe-like object. He was asked by them to drop this item. He also threatened the police officers with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, which he did not drop despite being asked and continued to walk towards the officers. The police then used their service weapon and shot him in the leg. This prevented further attacks and no emergency services or other bystanders were injured. The police officers immediately provided first aid, which was continued a short time later by medical personnel. The man is currently receiving further care in a hospital.”

Pictures on social media had earlier shown thousands of Netherlands supporters in the city enjoying the build-up to the Group D opener. The incident reportedly took place near to where a large crowd of Dutch supporters were gathered, however the police could not say whether the fans were being targeted. “A football connection cannot currently be determined, nor are there currently any insights into other motivations,” Hamburg police added.

Celtic ‘give’ new Matt O’Riley transfer price to Atletico Madrid with key sale lined up to fund deal

The Denmark international is in demand this summer – and the Parkhead chiefs are demanding big money for their key man.

Celtic have reportedly slapped a new bumper price tag on Matt O’Riley with Atletico Madrid and a host of suitors lining up this summer.

The La Liga heavyweights made their initial move for the 23-year-old in January but were rebuffed by the Scottish Premiership champions as Brendan Rodgers’ side focused on the end of season run-in. However, reports in Spain have stated that Atletico are “closely monitoring” the Denmark cap this summer and are keen to bring in the Celtic star this summer amid a major overhaul by Diego Simeone.

With the likes of Newcastle United and Brighton also being credited with an interest in the midfielder, the Hoops appear to be in no rush to sell – and AS report that the valuation of the star has skyrocketed this summer. It is claimed that Celtic value the player at €40million (£33million) as the club know he is a “sought-after player” who “may end up leaving.”

It is claimed that a deal may be put on hold until the La Liga heavyweights can sell Saul Niguez – which will reportedly allow Atletico to fund the deal. Boss Simeone has reportedly told Saul directly that he is not in his plans for next season.

Callum McGregor reveals the Scotland thought he COULDN’T share after Germany mauling as McGinn fronts up to gutted fans

The two Tartan Army heroes reacted to a sobering night in Munich that left the nation deflated.

Callum McGregor and John McGinn trudge off the pitch (Image: Getty Images)

Bruised Callum McGregor has admitted to feeling ‘embarrassed’ and ‘angered’ by Scotland’s feeble showing during the mauling in Munich, writes Keith Jackson in Germany.

McGregor was still hurting yesterday back at the Scots tournament HQ here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen as Steve Clarke and his players licked their wounds following that 5-1 thrashing at the Allianz. The Celtic skipper remains adamant that the national team can recover from this horror show of a start to Group A by taking out their frustrations on both Switzerland and Hungary in the remaining two matches.

He said: “The word ‘embarrassment’ is what I was thinking after the game. I didn’t say it to anyone because it was too raw at the moment. But that is the word I had in my head on my way off the pitch. You work so hard to get to this level and then we don’t do ourselves justice.

“That is what hurts the most. You can go and you can play well and still lose to Germany. Let’s make no bones about it, they are a top team and they will be there or thereabouts to win this tournament.

“But when you come off and there is a sense that we did not do ourselves justice and that you will probably have to live with that forever. People will remember that forever. You are a professional and you understand what has happened.

“Now it’s about trying to rectify that. You will never be able to rectify the result because what has happened, has happened. But if you can get yourself out of the group then it diminishes. Then, in 10 or 15 years’ time, people will say, ‘Yeah, but they got out of the group and they achieved something great!’. That is where the mindset has to be from here on because it was disappointing last night.

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Asked if there was also an element of anger over the abject standard of Scotland’s performance McGregor nodded: “There is, aye.” And he admits the Swiss and the Hungarians will now see Scotland as a potential soft touch in the group.

McGregor said: “This is where we have to be strong. Everybody will come at us and quite rightly after a poor performance. But we can’t let it derail us – we can’t let it pull us apart and have people start going into their little groups.

“You have to stay together, you have to stay strong and ultimately you have to prove people wrong. We had a poor performance last night and a poor result and people see that and start to smell blood. The two teams that we’re going to play next will smell blood.

“So it’s now about what you’ve got inside. You want to rectify that and put it right. So for sure the next 48 hours will be really important.”

And John McGinn admits Scotland’s players feel like they’ve let the country down. But the Aston Villa midfielder STILL thinks Steve Clarke’s men can recover to reach the knock-out stage. Clarke’s boys must now compose themselves before facing Switzerland in Cologne on Wednesday where defeat is unthinkable. McGinn knows the wave of optimism across the nation pre-tournament has been squashed by a poor display. But he’s convinced they can turn it around against the Swiss.

He said: “You see the massive support, the optimism around the whole country – and we feel like we’ve burst that bubble a bit. But we still have an opportunity to get through this group and we’ll do everything we can to achieve it. We know we need to find our levels again over the next couple of days. But we can talk about it – ultimately, there’s a lot of us in here who need to up it. We know that.”

McGinn is well aware that Friday night’s debacle was nowhere near good enough – and a long way from a brilliant qualifying campaign which included wins over Spain and Norway. Defensively, Clarke’s side toiled against the Germans who could have scored more than five.

Scotland will be without Ryan Porteous for the second game after a red card, which topped off a miserable night for the manager. While his backline will face criticism, McGinn held his hands up and said Scotland’s forward players must start scoring again.

He said: “It’s easy to talk about the goals we’re losing but myself and others are now in a massive goal drought. So it works both ways. Collectively, you can’t point fingers at one or two players. As a group, we need to improve. We need to concede less and create more chances.

“I don’t think we had a shot on Friday, which is worrying. But we know we can compete with these teams. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Spain and Holland recently.

“For a long time, Scotland wasn’t on the end of those types of shorelines so we need to get back to what we were doing. We have had bumps along the road, so it’s up to us now. The older ones in the group have to keep us going and get ready for Wednesday.”

Celtic launch bid for Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic

Kelleher signs, £8m star bought: What Rodgers’ dream Celtic XI could be…

A look at what the Hoops team could be next season if they have a successful summer transfer window.

The summer transfer window is officially open for business and Celtic have over two months to make moves to bolster their playing squad for the 2024/25 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers returned to Parkhead last year, to replace Ange Postecoglou, for his second spell in the dugout and enjoyed a respectable first season back at the club.

The Northern Irish head coach lifted two trophies last month as his side won the Scottish Premiership title and then the SFA Cup, with a 1-0 win over Rangers at Hampden Park.

He may now look to use the upcoming window to improve his team further to potentially add more silverware to the cabinet, along with more success in Europe, next season.

But what would the manager’s dream starting lineup look like for the 2024/25 campaign if the club goes on to have a fantastic transfer window? Well, here is our best attempt at it…

1Caoimhin Kelleher

Celtic know that they have to find a new number one over the coming weeks and months after Joe Hart retired from professional football after three years at Parkhead.

HITC recently reported that Liverpool number two Caoimhin Kelleher is tempted by a possible move to Paradise but Celtic may struggle to afford a £15m deal for the Ireland international.

He could be the dream signing between the sticks as the Reds titan has proven himself in the Premier League, with 0.40 goals prevented and a 72% save success rate in ten league outings this season, and still has plenty of years left to improve and develop at the age of 25.

This means that the Hoops could land a long-term number one who could be sold on for a profit in the future if he excels in Scotland and attracts interest from elsewhere.

2Alistair Johnston

At right-back, there is little need to source a replacement for Canada international Alistair Johnston as he was a terrific performer for Rodgers this term.

The 25-year-old dynamo showcased his attacking quality in the Scottish Premiership with 11 ‘big chances’ created and five assists in 32 starts.

3Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers should remain a key figure for the Scottish giants as he has been an outstanding defender in the league over the last three years.

The USA international, signed – initially on loan – from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021, was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2021/22 campaign, the 2022/23 season, and for the year just gone.

4Liam Scales

Alongside the American colossus, Ireland international Liam Scales could retain his position on the left side of the centre-back pairing for Celtic.

The former Aberdeen loanee formed a brilliant partnership with Carter-Vickers at the back, as shown by his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year alongside his teammate.

5Kieran Tierney

The second new signing in this dream XI could come at left-back with Kieran Tierney potentially making a return to Parkhead for a second spell at his boyhood club.

It was recently reported that the Hoops are keen on a deal to snap the Scotland international, who is currently at the European Championship, up and that the player is eager to make the move, although the report claimed that his wages could make a move complicated.

The left-footed dynamo assisted 37 goals in 170 games for Celtic during his first stint at Parkhead, which is a return of one every 4.59 matches and better than Greg Taylor’s 25 assists in 173 outings – one every 6.92 clashes.

6Callum McGregor

Callum McGregor led the team to another Premiership title as captain this season and there is no immediate need to replace him in the middle of the park.

The Scotland international ended the season with the highest pass success rate (91.8%) of any active player for the club in the Premiership.

7Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate missed a staggering 40 games for club and country during the 2023/24 campaign but did showcase his quality for the Hoops during the previous season.

The 26-year-old maestro chipped in with six goals and eight assists in 32 Premiership games in Postecoglou’s final season, and the Japan international will hope for an injury-free year next term to return to that form.

8Matt O’Riley

Matt O’Riley has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United, Southampton, and Leicester City for a fee in the region of £30m but Rodgers would surely want to keep hold of him in his dream XI for next season.

The Danish magician racked up an eye-catching 18 goals and 13 assists in the Premiership this season and the Hoops would have a match-winning midfielder in their ranks again if they can retain his services.

9Nicolas Kuhn

On the right side of the attack, Nicolas Kuhn could keep his place in the starting XI after an impressive start to life in Glasgow after his move from Rapid Wien in January.

The German forward scored two goals and created five ‘big chances’ in just nine Premiership starts for Rodgers, and could look to hit the ground running in his first full season in Scotland next term.

10Adam Idah

The third signing in this dream XI could be Ireland international Adam Idah, who spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead.

HITC recently reported that the Hoops want to spend £5m on the Ireland international but Norwich City are holding out for a fee of £8m for the forward.

Idah, who was hailed as “sensational” by Chris Sutton earlier this term, scored eight goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances and eight starts in the Premiership, with one goal every 76 minutes on average.

The 23-year-old star had a conversion rate of 27% in the league, whilst Kyogo Furuhashi’s was only 14%, and his effiency in front of goal could make him a dream signing to lead the line next season if he is bought for £8m.

11Daizen Maeda

Finally, Daizen Maeda could be a part of Rodgers’ dream starting XI for the 2024/25 campaign due to how much the manager values the winger’s work ethic.

The Hoops boss claimed having the Japan international in the team is like having ‘two players’ due to his exceptional work rate in and out of possession, which could seal his place in the lineup for another year.

Liverpool Journo Floats £7m Celtic Transfer Theory

After a standout season for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany where he won a domestic double, an intriguing summer lies ahead for ex-Celtic favourite Jeremie Frimpong.

The right-back is currently with the Netherlands ahead of Euro 2024, but transfer interest in him remains rife.

Soccer Football – Bundesliga – Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen – Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany – August 6, 2022
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong reacts REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO.

According to a report from Sport Bild in Germany, English Premier League giants Liverpool are one of several clubs looking to take advantage of his £35m release clause this summer.

Should the Reds shell out such a fee for the flying Dutchman, as of the Liverpool Echo, Celtic will be due £7m in sell-on money.

These funds, as per the same Liverpudlian report from journalist Tom Cavilla, could be used by the Hoops to sign previously-linked goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Available for £15m, the theory is that Celtic would put the Frimpong sell-on money towards signing the Irishman as their new number one.

While such a happening would be greatly welcomed by the Parkhead faithful, it is rather unrealistic. Transfer deals are so complex on their own that this kind of thing is unlikely.

Kelleher’s situation is one to keep an eye on for Celtic supporters over the coming weeks but perhaps attention should be turned to some more real reasonable Joe Hart replacements such as Peter Vindahl Jensen or Martin Dubravka.

Rangers were wronged twice by Celtic’s Yang purple card, which set off Rodgers’ tirade. The complete set of VAR blunders

Yang purple card for Celtic that sparked Rodgers rant proved RIGHT as Rangers wronged twice – VAR errors in full

The SFA have launched the full list of 10 errors according to an unbiased review panel.

CELTIC – LATEST NEWS FROM PARKHEAD

The officials branded ‘incompetent’ by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers during his side’s defeat to Hearts got TWO key choices incorrect according to an independent evaluation – but now not the controversial crimson card for Yang Hyun-jun at Tynecastle.

The Irishman was once hauled before SFA beaks and given a one-match ban for a scathing attack on the guys in black, and he named VAR man for the day John Beaton in the course of his rant. Rodgers was left raging after Yang’s yellow card for a excessive boot on Alex Cochrane was upgraded to a crimson through referee Don Robertson after being sent to the monitor to overview the flashpoint by means of Beaton.

Yet the incident ISN’T one of ten blanketed in the latest VAR Independent Review Panel (IRP) which takes the tally for steeply-priced blunders for the season to a whole of 26. But included in the double digits are two other controversial calls during the incident-packed match in March with Celtic and Hearts seemingly both benefitting. The first used to be when the Hoops were awarded a penalty after Yang used to be tackled in the container by Alex Cochrane with Adam Idah lacking the resulting spot kick. And the second was a penalty award for the Jambos, who won the healthy 2-0, for a handball by way of Tomoki Iwata which got here after VAR intervened when they mustn’t have received concerned with Robertson’s on-field choice deemed correct in the review.

Rivals Rangers have two incidents listed amongst the 10 with Dujon Sterling wrongly pink carded for a project on Jack McKenzie in opposition to Aberdeen at Ibrox with Robertson again involved, sticking by way of his choice to brush aside the Englishman notwithstanding being sent to the screen – and a penalty for Kilmarnock against them for handball ought to have been overturned after referee David Dickinson awarded the spot kick, ruling John Lundstram had handled a go into the box.

But it was St Mirren who had each proper to sense most aggrieved with THREE choices deemed flawed going towards them. Here is the list of errors in FULL:

Rangers v Aberdeen (6/02/24): VAR intervention used to be right but ultimate outcome have been yellow card to Rangers’ player. Referee retained his on-field selection of a purple card.

St Mirren v Dundee (7/02/24): VAR intervention was once right but final result ought to have been yellow card to St Mirren player. Referee retained his on-field selection of a red card.

Ross County v St Mirren (27/2/24): VAR should have encouraged an on-field review. Final result ought to have been penalty awarded against Ross County for handball.

Hearts v Hibs (28/2/24): VAR intervention right however penalty decision should have been overturned – no foul and no penalty need to have been awarded to Hearts.

Kilmarnock v Rangers (28/2/24): VAR need to have advocated an on-field review. Final effect have to have been penalty decision overturned – no handball offense in opposition to Rangers.

Hearts v Celtic (3/3/24): VAR must have recommended an on-field review. Penalty decision should have been overturned – no foul and no penalty must have been awarded to Celtic.

Hearts v Celtic (3/3/24): On-field choice correct, no penalty to Hearts. Handball ought to not have been awarded.

Motherwell v Aberdeen (16/04/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Penalty to Motherwell ought to have been awarded for handball.

Hibs v St Johnstone (6/4/24): VAR have to have advocated an on-field review. Penalty have to have been awarded to Hibs for foul with the aid of St Johnstone goalkeeper.

St Mirren v Hearts (6/4/24): VAR intervention correct but penalty need to have been awarded to St Mirren.

Kieran Tierney is apparently surplushttps to necessities at Arsenal and a return to Celtic is usually floating

Kieran Tierney has been linked with a return to Celtic after dropping out of favour at Arsenal.

Tam McManus predicts Tierney will finish his career at Celtic due to his coronary heart being with the club.

Despite Greg Taylor’s success, bringing Tierney back to Celtic would be a rare possibility that should not be missed.

Kieran Tierney’s switch from Celtic to Arsenal in 2019 left followers heartbroken at the departure of one of their finest-ever formative years products, and each yr there appears to be a hyperlink for the Lennoxtown graduate to come back to Glasgow. But having been on the peripherals of the Gunners facet – which has resulted in him shifting on loan to Real Sociedad and reputedly out of Mikel Arteta’s plans – Tam McManus and Alan Rough trust that a return ought to be in the offing faster than first thought.

Tierney, who has been labelled as ‘exquisite’ during his time in Spain, burst onto the Celtic first-team scene as a 17-year-old, and making 170 appearances for the Hoops via the time he had grew to become 22, it used to be continually going to be a extremely good career for the Isle of Man-born star, as he used to be a key phase of the aspect that dominated Scottish soccer underneath Brendan Rodgers.

Moving to Arsenal in 2019, Tierney has made 124 appearances for the Gunners; but with Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and even makeshift left-back Jakub Kiwior all coming into the starting XI whilst Tierney has been taking part in lifestyles in Spain, it seems to be that he is surplus to requirements. As a result, links to Celtic have emerged; and McManus says that Tierney will come back to the east stop of Glasgow – even if it isn’t this season.

McManus: “Tierney’s Heart is at Celtic”

Kieran Tierney has been tipped with a return to Celtic for a variety of years

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, McManus made his prediction that Tierney would come again to Celtic, albeit now not in the coming months. The former Hibs man said:

“I assume he will finish his profession at Celtic. I don’t when it will be. Whether he wishes to come again now in the height of his career, I am now not sure.

“His coronary heart is at Celtic. He had to go, of course Arsenal and the cash that was once on offer, but I suppose he will come again at some factor and finish his career at Celtic.”

And he was once backed up through former Hoops keeper Alan Rough, who stated that regardless of Tierney’s harm woes, he would have “no issue” deciding on the Hoops over staying at Arsenal if the opportunity arose. He added:

“I just fear for the boy himself, the amount of injuries he choices up. I think he is one of these players who do pick up unlucky accidents and places him out the recreation for a wee while. I hope this one he has got gets cleared up very quickly. If he had the choice… I don’t suppose the money would be an problem for him at all.”

Kieran Tierney Should Be Signed at All Costs

Tierney’s spell in La Liga has proven he can nonetheless feature at an elite level

Greg Taylor hasn’t been a bad alternative at left-back seeing that Tierney left, with the diminutive full-back providing in 166 games for the Hoops in that time.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kieran Tierney won eight trophies at Celtic as they commenced their ‘Quadruple Treble’ domination

Having won seven trophies from a viable 12 for the Hoops on the domestic scene considering the fact that his move from Kilmarnock, the membership should be better off focused on different positions to enhance earlier than opting for an upgrade for the Scotland worldwide – however any hazard to convey Tierney lower back ought to be a one-time solely situation.

With Celtic fans reminiscing about the probability to deliver back one of their high-quality homegrown abilities in decades, any snubbed move for Tierney with the membership nonetheless having a lot of money in the bank could be the wrong decision.

Giants from Europe are scouting for a “intelligent” Celtic celebrity throughout the summer.

He additionally attracted pastime in January.

Gearing up for the remaining run-in for the Scottish Premiership title, Celtic are still in control of their crown and are on route to enter the summer transfer window as champions. But that may suggest nothing if one European massive comes calling for one of Brendan Rodgers’ best players.

Celtic transfer news

It hasn’t been the simple title push that some would have imagined at the begin of the marketing campaign when Michael Beale had Rangers struggling, but Celtic appear set to come out on top towards their Old Firm rivals nonetheless. A title win would be an best platform to take into the switch window and ought to go a lengthy way in convincing reported aims such as Charles Pickel and Caoimhin Kelleher into moves this summer.

The key will also be to hold preserve of essential players. The Bhoys ought to do nothing however watch on as superstar man Jota and supervisor Ange Postecoglou jumped ship in a scenario that those in Scotland will be desperate to keep away from a repeat of. That said, reviews do not exactly seem to be promising in that regard.

Celtic lining up pass for in “prime” star who’s a dream Begovic alternative

According to Corriere Dello Sport, Inter are retaining Matt O’Riley below observation ahead of the summer season switch window as they potentially appear to flex their title-winning muscle groups for the first time considering the fact that sealing their latest Serie A crown.

This isn’t always the first time that O’Riley has been linked with a cross away, of course, with Celtic overcoming an method from Atletico Madrid for their midfielder’s signature returned in the January switch window. After coming out on top in that transfer tussle, it stays to be seen whether or not those at Celtic Park will have comparable success this summer.

“Intelligent” O’Riley stays integral for Celtic

Just like in January, Celtic have to win the hostilities to keep hold of O’Riley this summer if they are to hold their dominance in the Scottish Premiership. The midfielder is certainly the key to defending their crown as soon as again, and Rodgers will be conscious of that quality.

The former Leicester City boss was once full of reward for O’Riley earlier this season, saying by means of Glasgow Live: “I like him a lot. I suppose he is a sincerely clever footballer. He is a pinnacle professional. He prepares his body properly and he prepares his life well. He wishes to do well. He sets his standards excessive every day to be better.”

Matt O’Riley 23/24

Stats (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

44

Goals

14

Assists

16

It won’t be an easy venture when it comes to retaining keep of O’Riley, particularly when looking at the stats, but Celtic did it once and should have the self belief to at least attempt to preserve top European golf equipment at bay for a 2nd time in the space of six months. Whether it is Inter, Atletico Madrid or another club, O’Riley may not be besides suitors, it is for sure.

Unsuitable name that went to Celtic was determined by the VAR evaluation panel...

Contentious name that went towards Celtic deemed unsuitable by means of VAR evaluate panel

Celtic followers will hope the football can do the speakme across their remaining fixtures this campaign as an alternative than choices made with the help of VAR.

In wider footballing circles, refereeing selections have dominated the headlines this term, none more so than Hyunjun Yang and Tomoki Iwata’s involvement in two dubious offences away to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle ultimate month at some stage in a 2-0 defeat.

On a day when Celtic could’ve gone top of the Scottish Premiership with a victory, Yang was brushed aside for a excessive boot on Alex Cochrane after Adam Idah failed to convert a penalty of our own.

After deliberation, his assignment used to be upgraded from yellow to straight purple following an intervention from VAR.

Before the interval, Iwata was once penalised for a handball offence in the area no matter looking in the contrary direction, which wasn’t referred to as on the field by using Don Roberston and was only given as soon as the referee was once referred to as to the screen for a 2nd glance. Hearts opened the scoring from the resulting kick.

As we all remember, Brendan Rodgers was charged via the Scottish Football Association for citing ‘incompetence’ in the officiating on display, and he ultimately obtained a one-match ban for his commentary with some other suspended, main him to take in our 3-0 triumph away to Livingston from the stands.

Celtic knowledgeable of unbiased evaluate into VAR usage

Per BBC Sport, an SFA unbiased review panel consisting of former players, supervisor and coaches guided with the aid of refereeing specialists has ruled that 26 decisions made with the assist of VAR interventions have been deemed incorrect, with ten of the rulings now in the public domain.

From a Celtic perspective, the panel concluded that Iwata’s handball offence was once the wrong call, with an explanation noted by using the outlet reading: “Hearts 2-0 Celtic (3/3/24): On-field decision correct, no penalty to Hearts. Handball ought to now not have been awarded for spot-kick that led to opening goal.”

Yang’s dismissal was once seen as the right outcome; meanwhile, the evaluate also clarified that Celtic shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty for a task on the South Korean winger earlier in proceedings.

There is no point in dredging up the previous too much; however, inconsistency in refereeing and the usage of VAR continue to rear their head in Scottish football, growing speaking points for weeks on end.

Right now, it is uncertain what the answer is to amend deficiencies in the system. Either way, followers of all clubs would alternatively speak about football than debate the legitimacy of rulings constantly.

One Day Kieran Tierney ‘Will Come Back’ to Celtic…

Kieran Tierney is apparently surplus to requirements at Arsenal and a return to Celtic is usually floating

HIGHLIGHTS

Kieran Tierney has been linked with a return to Celtic after losing out of favour at Arsenal.

Tam McManus predicts Tierney will end his profession at Celtic due to his coronary heart being with the club.

Despite Greg Taylor’s success, bringing Tierney lower back to Celtic would be a uncommon probability that should not be missed.

Kieran Tierney’s switch from Celtic to Arsenal in 2019 left followers heartbroken at the departure of one of their finest-ever early life products, and each and every yr there looks to be a link for the Lennoxtown graduate to come back to Glasgow. But having been on the peripherals of the Gunners side – which has resulted in him transferring on loan to Real Sociedad and reputedly out of Mikel Arteta’s plans – Tam McManus and Alan Rough agree with that a return could be in the offing quicker than first thought.

Tierney, who has been labelled as ‘exquisite’ during his time in Spain, burst onto the Celtic first-team scene as a 17-year-old, and making 170 appearances for the Hoops by using the time he had turned 22, it was always going to be a remarkable career for the Isle of Man-born star, as he used to be a key phase of the facet that dominated Scottish football under Brendan Rodgers.

Moving to Arsenal in 2019, Tierney has made 124 appearances for the Gunners; but with Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko and even makeshift left-back Jakub Kiwior all coming into the beginning XI whilst Tierney has been enjoying lifestyles in Spain, it seems to be that he is surplus to requirements. As a result, links to Celtic have emerged; and McManus says that Tierney will come lower back to the east cease of Glasgow – even if it isn’t always this season.

McManus: “Tierney’s Heart is at Celtic”

Kieran Tierney has been tipped with a return to Celtic for a number of years

Speaking to PLZ Soccer, McManus made his prediction that Tierney would come again to Celtic, albeit not in the coming months. The former Hibs man said:

“I assume he will finish his career at Celtic. I don’t when it will be. Whether he needs to come lower back now in the height of his career, I am not sure.

“His heart is at Celtic. He had to go, needless to say Arsenal and the cash that was on offer, but I suppose he will come lower back at some factor and end his career at Celtic.”

And he used to be backed up by using former Hoops keeper Alan Rough, who said that regardless of Tierney’s damage woes, he would have “no issue” deciding on the Hoops over staying at Arsenal if the possibility arose. He added:

“I just worry for the boy himself, the amount of injuries he options up. I think he is one of these gamers who do select up unfortunate injuries and places him out the recreation for a wee while. I hope this one he has received gets cleared up very quickly. If he had the choice… I don’t suppose the money would be an trouble for him at all.”

Kieran Tierney Should Be Signed at All Costs

Tierney’s spell in La Liga has validated he can still characteristic at an elite level

Greg Taylor hasn’t been a bad alternative at left-back due to the fact that Tierney left, with the diminutive full-back proposing in 166 games for the Hoops in that time.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Kieran Tierney won eight trophies at Celtic as they began their ‘Quadruple Treble’ domination

Having received seven trophies from a possible 12 for the Hoops on the home scene because his move from Kilmarnock, the membership should be better off targeting different positions to enhance earlier than opting for an improve for the Scotland worldwide – however any chance to deliver Tierney again may want to be a one-time solely situation.

With Celtic followers reminiscing about the chance to carry returned one of their pleasant homegrown abilities in decades, any snubbed pass for Tierney with the membership nevertheless having a lot of money in the bank ought to be the incorrect decision.

Graeme Souness admits the Celtic championship, shocking the Parkhead supporters.

Three factors is all that separates Celtic and Rangers at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership and if the last few weeks have taught us something is that the complexion of this title race can alternate very quickly.

Celtic had a very healty seven-point lead heading into December and the iciness smash when results towards Kilmarnock, Motherwell and Hearts allowed Rangers to knick in and go top.

But as we witnessed over the closing 14 days, some thing can show up after Philippe Clement‘s crew lost the plot by losing to Ross Couty and drawing with Dundee which allowed Celtic to take a company grip of the title race heading into the top-six split.

And with another Glasgow Derby still to come, there is still lots to play for, albeit the recreation is at Celtic Park.

Graeme Souness admits Celtic are title favourites

Graeme Souness used to be requested about the upcoming derby between the two groups and whilst he refused to supply up on the title, he did make an admission that will surprise the Celtic fans.

Souness said [talkSPORT], “I went to the Old F*rm recreation at Parkhead a few weeks ago, ended up dropping 2-1 and I notion there was once nothing between these two teams.

“And then the consequences went their way and put themselves in the field seat. Losing to Ross County and drawing with Dundee has now made Celtic favourites.

“But you know, Rangers have to win each and every single game and score a lot of goals and what it boils down to is winning the rest of their video games scoring goals and having to go to Parkhead to beat them.

“And it’s now not an handy recreation going to Parkhead, for anyone.”

In fact, Souness made three factors that I felt were surprising. The obvious one is that he makes Celtic favourites.

Coming from a large Rangers man, I would have predicted him to remain bullish about his teams probabilities becuase he honestly was when he was accusing Chris Sutton of bias.

Secondly, it looks like Souness used to be hinting that getting a result at Celtic appeared out of this Rangers teams reach.

Again, even for Souness this is a surprise. Whilst Rangers haven’t beat Celtic in meaningful recreation for some time now, the derbies can go both way regardless of form.

And the 0.33 factor is that in the 2-1 defeat he felt there was once nothing between the two teams. I don’t know what recreation Souness used to be staring at but up till Tavernier scored that free-kick, Celtic were 2-0 up and cruising.

League obligation resumes on Saturday where Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that a win agianst Hearts will put six factors between us and Rangers and heap more pressure on the Ibrox club beforehand a elaborate Kilmarnock fixture in Glasgow.

Why Andy Walker thinks Celtics fans got the whole Greg Taylor thing completely backwards

Greg Taylor had the unenviable assignment of taking over from Kieran Tierney after the famous Celtic left-back joined Arsenal in 2019.

Signed for £3m from Kilmarnock, Taylor took a bit of time to settle at the club and it surely wasn’t until Ange Postecoglou came to the club that we saw the fantastic of him.

The inverted fullback position seemed to suit the younger Scotsman and he became a first choose below Postecoglou as picked up 5 winners medals beneath the Australian together with another treble.

However, under Brendan Rodgers, Taylor struggled to find that equal shape and it led to him getting some criticism from the Celtic fans for his performances this season.

But Andy Walker believes the Hoops support have it all wrong as he explains precisely why Taylor is so vital to Celtic proper now.

Greg Taylor’s ‘killer’ passing is important for Celtic

The former Celtic striker admits he likes Taylor and in spite of his protecting weaknesses, Walker says the fullback is an essential part of Celtic’s attack.

Walker said [The Go Radio Football Show], “I like him. I understand there is a section of the Celtic help that would a lot rather have just a one-of-a-kind name, a extraordinary left again and is no longer completely satisfied about his level of performance.

“I suppose he’s nonetheless got it. I assume he’s got a lot to offer and I assume he’s a kind of fullback that completes some real killer passes.

“And I’m now not speakme about a omit from the center of the park out huge to a winger. I’m speakme about a ball internal the box that a striker can run onto and finish first time.

“He’s obtained the ability. He’s played there at an until now stage of his career. He is aware of what it takes to play a killer pass. I think he does it often.”

Where I sense Walker has a point is that when Greg Taylor used to be out of the team, it used to be clear he was a miss.

And in part, that was once due to his backup being so poor. Alexandro Bernabei was used by Rodgers to get Celtic via a length where Taylor wasn’t available.

And it’s truthful to say that he is nowhere close to the excellent of the Scotland fullback. And at the same time as I agree that Celtic should seem to fortify that region of the team, Taylor nonetheless does have some thing to provide Celtic for the the rest of this season, at least.

Pat Bonner expressed shock at what Adam Idah did just before Dundee’s goal against Celtic.

Celtic’s win over Dundee was once a anxious affair after Tony Docherty’s men pulled a intention lower back with simply beneath fifteen minutes to play.

James Forrest’s double seemed to have put Celtic on convenient road and all Brendan Rodgers‘ facet had to do used to be hold out to ensure that a nervy ending wasn’t on the playing cards at Dens Park.

As it happened, Forrest was once taken off and for the 2nd week in a row, Celtic conceded right after the legend left the discipline of play.

Now, at the same time as I am now not suggesting taking Forrest off is the cause we allowed Dundee to pull a aim back, Pat Bonner is high quality he knows who is to blame for making the remaining 16 minutes of the sport challenging to watch for the Celtic supporters.

Idah ‘out of the game’ defending corners for Celtic

Whilst the huge Irishman has, rightly, been lauded for his goalscoring exploits since making the mortgage cross to Glasgow, Bonner was much less than impressed with Idah’s decision-making when defending corners for Celtic.

Bonner said [Scottish Football Podcast], “I favor to go back to the to the corner and the goal.

“I can’t agree with that Adam Idah has long gone into the close to put up area when he’s six foot anything and he’s obtained to be choosing up that six-yard field where the ball was touchdown in and he can deal with it.

“He used to be the remaining man coming out. He’s nearly out of the game for those corners.”

Defending corners, set pieces and any type of crossed ball has virtually been a weak point for Celtic this season beneath Rodgers.

Against Aberdeen, the deficiencies we have at the lower back were brutally uncovered by means of a team who have been hostilities relegation all season.

At the very least, we should have our tallest and most bodily players marking the opposition at these imperative intervals of the sport and, hopefully, Rodgers will perceive that as an location to improve over the subsequent four games of the league season.

After a fight with the Celtic package guy, Neil McCann makes an odd statement regarding Brendan Rodgers.

The title race has been, for Celtic this season at least, a rollercoaster of a experience underneath Brendan Rodgers.

From having a healthy lead at the pinnacle of the table to horrendous injury issues affecting our form and then a poor run of results allowing Rangers to trap up and ultimately overtake us, it has been a bit of a bumpy trip so far.

Now returned on pinnacle after Rangers’ two big slips against Dundee and Ross County, Celtic seem favourites to hold the title with simply 4 video games to go.

But it was in the Scottish Cup where Brendan Rodgers hit the headlines. His altercation with kit man, Stevie Wright, was once the discuss of the Celtic city after the Celtic manager misplaced it as he interfered at some point of an important team discuss prior to the Aberdeen penalties.

And what Neil McCann had to say about that was once pretty bizarre, to say the least.

Rodgers feeling the ‘pressure’ after package man blast

The former Rangers ahead used to be speaking about how Rangers manager, Philippe Clement, is dealing with the stress in reality well.

And rather of citing Clement’s lap of honour after the Ibrox Glasgow Derby or how he handled getting beat by using Ross County as an instance of Clement feeling the pressure, McCann used Rodgers’ altercation with the Celtic kit man to declare he was once underneath pressure.

McCann said [Scottish Football Podcast], “But what I will say is, there’s still a lot of football to be played. There genuinely is.

“And he [Philippe Clement] does hold a actual level of balance. And I understand every so often of late after games, he seems a wee bit more emotional than others.

“Football can do that to you. Playing for one of these golf equipment when you’re going for the title, whether or not it be Rangers or Celtic, you can see it.

“Look at Brendan Rodgers in the equal last closing week with the kit man. That’s an thing of pressure that from time to time simply seeps in.

“You can be as cool as you like, but it starts offevolved to get to you.”

So Clement is ’emotional’ and Rodgers is feeling the ‘pressure’. Wow. What a verdict that is.

What makes these feedback even greater weird is that Rodgers regarded calm and at ease when he had the assembled journalists in stitches when he was requested about the Hampden incident in his pre-match Dundee press conference.

It virtually used to be a bizarre take from McCann whose former club’s manager’s behaviour over the last week or so would have been a best example to use of a manager who is really feeling the stress of this title race.

Todd Cantwell Alleges Against Callum McGregor

Todd Cantwell has boldly noted that his power to win surpasses that of Celtic captain Callum McGregor.

20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic

The declaration comes in the wake of a heated 3-3 draw at Ibrox, the place tensions flared between the two competitors. The draw acceptable Celtic more than the home side, and after some poor outcomes from Rangers, Celtic are now in the riding seat for the league.

Cantwell expressed his ambition to accumulate trophies, plenty like McGregor, who has accumulated 20 titles with Celtic and is searching to add two more earlier than the cease of the season.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Cantwell reflected on the rivalry and the excessive want to be triumphant that each he and McGregor share.

“There’s a contention there, right?,” Cantwell said.

“Listen, there are matters which are stated on the pitch and things which are said off the pitch. And, as a player, I think you must respect. I desire to win in all likelihood just as a whole lot as he (Callum McGregor) does, probably a little bit more, to be honest, because he has been up right here a lengthy time. It’s a rivalry, it’s a competition. Both groups prefer to win, each teams need to win. It stops there, that’s all it is.”

Since Todd Cantwell has arrived in Scotland, he’s gained a League Cup and embarrassed himself with off-the-pitch antics while McGregor captained his group to a treble, and are chasing their 1/3 league title in a row while defending their Scottish Cup.

Now, Rodgers and McGregor must drop two out of ten Celtic megastars.

The Hoops boss need to take the attacker out of the beginning lineup against Hearts.

Celtic maintained their three-point lead at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table on Sunday with a 2-1 win away from Glasgow in opposition to Dundee.

The Hoops travelled to Dens Park after their opponents had received in the past in the game, leaving the two teams at the top of the division tied on points, and secured all three points to move clear at the summit.

A brace from James Forrest, who got here in to change Hyun-jun Yang in the beginning XI, gained the fit for the Scottish giants, as the veteran winger stepped up with an necessary double.

It was once some distance from a dominant performance through Celtic, though, as they were tied with Dundee for shots on goal (six) and corners (eight), which indicates that each aspects created a comparable number of chances.

Brendan Rodgers’ side now face the other two teams in the pinnacle three in their subsequent two suits at Parkhead and can also now not be capable to afford many gamers having off-days if they favor to pick out up imperative wins to invulnerable the title.

FFC have published an article suggesting that captain Callum McGregor may want to be dropped from the starting XI, however centre-forward Kyogo Furuhashi should also be ditched from the lineup alongside the skipper.

Why Callum McGregor have to be dropped for Celtic

The Scotland international lower back from an Achilles injury earlier this month and has but to prove that he is lower back to his ordinary self and prepared to start matches.

McGregor has accomplished 92% of his tried passes, 58% of his long skip attempts, and made 1.5 key passes per recreation in the Premiership across 31 appearances so some distance this season.

This indicates that he is typically a metronomic figure in the middle of the park who can hold possession at an fantastic charge whilst additionally creating probabilities for his teammates.

Callum McGregor

Vs Dundee (28/04/24)

Touches

55

Possession lost

11x

Pass success rate

82% (36/44)

Accurate lengthy passes

1/5

Key passes

0

Stats by way of Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, that was once now not the case towards Dundee as the 30-year-old dynamo lost the ball 11 instances from fifty five touches and failed to whole a single key pass.

The left-footed leader used to be not at his great and the Achilles harm may be taking part in a phase in his struggles, which is why Rodgers ought to drop him to the bench for now.

Why Brendan Rodgers should drop Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo should be dropped alongside McGregor after a mostly anonymous show in opposition to Dundee as the lone striker for the Scottish giants on Sunday.

The Japan worldwide did assist the opening purpose from Forrest, to his credit, but it did show up to be a free contact or ignore with his left foot that bobbled up to the Scottish winger, who brilliantly improvised to flash in a volley from the aspect of the box.

Football Insider author James Murray awarded him a match rating of 2/10 in their player ratings piece, declaring that the attacker needs to do ‘more’ if he desires to keep his location in the starting XI for Celtic.

Kyogo Furuhashi

Vs Dundee (28/04/2024)

Touches

10

Passes completed

2

Shots

0

Big possibilities created

0

Assists

1

Duels won

1/2

Dribbles completed

0

Stats by Sofascore

As you can see in the desk above, Kyogo supplied very little to the crew in and out of possession throughout his sixty two minutes on the pitch at Dens Park, with 39 fewer touches than goalkeeper Joe Hart (49) – illustrating his lack of work in possession.

Aside from his assist, which regarded to be as a substitute fortunate and owed greater to the end from Forrest, the 29-year-old lightweight did now not contribute much.

He lost possession 5 times from just ten touches of the ball and solely contested in two duels, which illustrates how sloppy the attacker was in possession and how hesitant Kyogo was once to put himself about to compete with opposition defenders.

The Japanese striker has also struggled in his last two matches against Hearts and Rangers, with zero goals, zero assists, six shots, and one ‘big chance’ neglected – along with a bypass accuracy of 58% in each games.

Therefore, Rodgers must brutally drop the forward, who has scored eleven goals and overlooked a spectacular 21 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership this season, to the bench for the upcoming conflict with the Jam Tarts this weekend.

The selections to Kyogo Furuhashi

The Celtic manager has Norwich City loanee Adam Idah, who joined the club on deadline day at the start of February, and South Korea global Hyeon-gyu Oh as choice selections to Kyogo.

It appears unlikely that Rodgers would abruptly turn to Oh, who has failed to even make the bench since the clash with St Johnstone on the 16th of March.

There has not been an damage replace on the 23-year-old centre-forward, which suggests that the supervisor has determined no longer to involve him in matchday squads for tactical or performance reasons.

23/24 Scottish Premiership

Adam Idah

Hyeon-gyu Oh

Appearances

11

20

Starts

4

3

Goals

7

5

Big probabilities missed

6

5

Assists

2

0

Stats through Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Idah has presented a long way greater to the group than Oh in the Premiership so a long way this season, with 4 extra direct goal contributions in nine fewer appearances.

This suggests that the Ireland global is the better option of the two, consequently why the South Korean dud has been excluded from the squad of late, due to his quality in the closing third.

Idah got here on with 28 minutes to go against Dundee and achieved greater passes (nine) and more dribbles (one) than Kyogo did in his sixty two minutes, even as also competing in extra duels (seven).

This indicates that the 23-year-old marksman, who has won 65% of his aerial duels in the Premiership this season, was once in a position to get concerned in the match, physically and technically, to supply an outlet at the pinnacle give up of the pitch.

Therefore, Celtic ought to benefit from dropping Kyogo, who has averaged a goal every 206 minutes in the league, for Idah, who has scored every sixty nine minutes on common in the division.

The Irishman, who scored in opposition to Rangers at Ibrox recently, ought to offer a larger aim threat at the same time as additionally providing extra physicality and link-up play with his willingness to get concerned in video games with passes and dribbles, whilst the modern starter had ten touches and made two passes in sixty two minutes on Sunday.

Daniel is an skilled football author and editor, having labored in the football media enterprise for almost a decade.

After at the beginning writing for Fresh Press as a volunteer for two years in 2015, supporting to construct and establish the Read brand, Daniel began a part-time job with Fresh Press that later became into a full-time writing and editing role.

Daniel then spent just shy of a yr writing and enhancing for Anfield Watch, which protected conducting and/or transcribing interviews with Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, former Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, and journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Since the summer of 2021, Daniel has worked for Snack Media and been a contributor to Football FanCast, on a freelance and full-time groundwork along the way, as a author and editor.

Daniel is additionally a big Norwich City fan and season ticket holder. He has been heard on BBC Norfolk and helped DAZN with research for their commentary due to his expertise of the club, alongside with being featured in numerous neighborhood papers across the country, consisting of the Coventry Telegraph and the Liverpool Echo, for Norwich-related content.

Video: Kris Boyd at Dens Park, hanging on by a thread with the Forrest winner…

Video: Kris Boyd clutching at straws with Forrest winner at Dens Park

Kris Boyd was clutching at straws once again yesterday afternoon when working as a pundit for Sky Sports Scotland. The former Rangers striker rarely ever gives Celtic or our players the appropriate evaluation when working for the subscription based broadcaster and his clear bias towards his old team and the contempt for ours is always on show.

It’s remarkable that he’s allowed to even call our games as you’d think the Sky Sports brand would want someone more adept at football analysis and less gibbering fool. The second goal for James Forrest yesterday was being put under the microscope by the panel, which included former Celt Charlie Mulgrew and Scotland international James McFadden.

Even they two were aghast that instead of praising Jamesy from the outset for his wonderful second goal, and the guile and work rate that was used to get in past the Dark Blues’ defence to tuck away a powerful low shot that left McCracken with no chance, he decided to make himself look more ridiculous (if that’s even possible) and question whether or not the Hoops attacker used his hand in the build-up!

After his favourite team managed to overcome Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren yesterday 2-1 in the early Sunday kick-off, he was clearly quite upset that a James Forrest renaissance had ruined what he thought was a golden opportunity for Celtic to drop points in the City of Discovery. Surely Sky Sports must be thinking of getting someone else to do the coverage of Scottish football soon?

Listen to this:

🗣️ “He definitely brings something different, he just gets on with his job.”

🗣️ “He put in a top performance today given he rarely plays… The other wingers are unpredictable.”

Charlie Mulgrew, James McFadden & Kris Boyd discuss James Forrest’s performance ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/4OxaoRH52g

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 28, 2024

Makes it all the sweeter!

Paul Gillespie

Surprise as Celtic player is the club’s audacious transfer target – Not even the local media is persuaded.

Surprise as club target Celtic player for bold transfer – Even the local media aren’t convinced

Turkish information outlet Aspor have these days claimed Fenerbahce are showing hobby in Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley beforehand of the summer switch window, and may additionally seem to take him away from Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Fener will be searching to beef up their squad ahead of subsequent season as it looks they will fall just quick in their quest to finish above Galatasaray in the Super Lig. It’s anticipated some gamers will leave this summer season and as a result they will be looking to carry in new recruits beforehand of next season.

Aspor report the Yellow Canaries are following the Celtic participant closely. The Istanbul side are stated to be looking to improve their midfield this summer season and the Denmark international is on their radar.

However, as often, there might also be some Turkish optimism here which has got. little carried away. Rodgers probably doesn’t prefer to lose the player, and when it comes to it there’s obtained to be doubt over whether or not Fenerbahce would pay up.

Aspor even say it’s a surprise that O’Riley is a target for Fenerbahce, so possibly even the Turkish media sense this one is a lengthy shot.

O’Riley has made 44 appearances for Celtic this season, scoring 14 goals. He’s gotten smaller to the Scottish champions until June 2027.

Brendan Rodgers’ attempt to assist Dundee in defeating the Rangers has been observed by Pat Bonner...

Pat Bonner has noticed Brendan Rodgers’ tactic to attempt and help Dundee beat Rangers

With just 4 video games left of the season, Celtic’s win over Dundee helped preserve Brendan Rodgers’ three-point lead at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership intact.

A double from James Forrest thrust the legendary Celtic winger into the highlight as the former Scotland worldwide grabbed all the headlines.

The 32-year-old has verified he nevertheless has a lot to provide Celtic this season after his aim at Hampden final week and his Dens Park goals in opposition to Dundee.

And as pundits and former gamers gushed over Forrest, Pat Bonner noticed a little tactic that Brendan Rodgers deployed in his post-match Dundee interview that should provide Celtic an part in the title race.

Rodgers ‘building up’ Dundee for Rangers game

This isn’t the first time that this tactic by Brendan Rodgers has been noticed over the last couple of weeks.

We instructed you in the past this season that Pat Nevin observed how Rodgers used his post-match Ross County feedback to put strain on Rangers and simply ultimate week, Neil McCann backed that theory up as well.

As it happened, Rangers dropped points in opposition to The Staggies and Dundee and gave Celtic a huge advantage at the pinnacle of the table. And Bonner believes the Celtic manager has simply executed it again.

Bonner said [Scottish Football Podcast], “And you’ve got to take care of it [the pressure of the title race]. And that’s what was once in all likelihood appealing for him, to a point, that they received away with it [Dundee win].

MORE CELTIC STORIES

“But he gave a lot of credit to Dundee and he’s in all likelihood maybe even wondering that Dundee have obtained to play Rangers but once more so he’s constructing them up a little bit.”

With Rangers now set to face Kilmarnock next Sunday, Celtic have the possibility to go six factors clear with a home win over Hearts on Saturday.

And if that happens, the quantity of stress under Philippe Clement will be massive and in front of a packed and nervy Ibrox crowd, some thing could happen.

The Glasgow Derby is next after that and then Rangers play Dundee on the 14th of May where, hopefully, Rodgers’ comments will nonetheless be ringing in Tony Docherty and his Tayside team’s ears to assist provide them the trust that they can get a result at Ibrox have to Celtic require it via then.

Brendan Rodgers’ team is projected to be led by his opponent, the Celtics.

Celtic opponent says his membership are on tune to project Brendan Rodgers’ side

Celtic continue to be on direction in their Scottish Premiership title pursuit following this weekend’s activities in the first spherical of post-split fixtures.

On Sunday lunchtime, Rangers’ victory over St Mirren meant that Brendan Rodgers’ men had to impervious three factors in opposition to Dundee to reclaim the three-point benefit they had built up at the summit.

The Irishman made one exchange for the trip to Tayside, starting James Forrest off the left flank, and his two goals had been adequate to fend off a late fightback from the hosts and warranty Celtic a worthwhile victory on a dry surface.

Four league fits and a Scottish Cup final continue to be as the Bhoys gear up for their ultimate collision path en route to a workable third successive title; however, they know accomplishing their aspirations won’t come smoothly, with Heart of Midlothian subsequent on the horizon this Saturday at Parkhead.

Steven Naismith’s outfit need two points to assurance 1/3 region in the Scottish Premiership table; nevertheless, even if they lose, results someplace else ought to rubber-stamp crew stage European soccer for the Edinburgh-based facet in 2024/25.

Either way, Parkhead will be packed to the rafters on Saturday as Celtic aim to take one step closer to claiming Scottish football’s best prize.

Cammy Devlin on Hearts’ chances of competing with Celtic

For all the tremendous drama produced in Scottish football, the pinnacle flight is a duopoly, with Celtic main the way with the aid of a landslide in the 21st century.

Despite this, other facets will continually sense they have an backyard danger of upsetting the apple cart in the Scottish Premiership via breaking the Glasgow divide aside in the league standings, or so Hearts midfielder Cammy Devlin believes his club can attain at some point in the future.

This season, Celtic recorded a solitary victory towards the Jambos remaining October at Tynecastle; meanwhile, Naismith’s aspect received the other two affairs, albeit in controversial fashion at domestic in the past this year.

Cited via The Edinburgh Evening News, Devlin is adamant Hearts can strive to compete with Celtic and Rangers in some form, as he explained: “It’s about getting there, as shut as we can, working as challenging as we can each single day. We go out with a recreation graph to win each single game.

“It doesn’t be counted who we play against. If we can do that, then brilliant. But they (Celtic and Rangers) are massive soccer clubs, aren’t they? So, it’s simply about trying to get as close as we can, and I feel like we’re on the right track.

Responding to a advice of their two triumphs over Celtic, he added: “Hey, that’s what I mean. It’s about trying to do that as a whole lot as we can as a soccer club. We’re a big club, so I sense like going and difficult these guys is some thing we must be doing.”

Celtic vs Hearts promises to be a feisty affair this weekend

No love is lost between Celtic and Hearts, who both have lots to play for as the 2d instalment of post-split fixtures begins to take shape.

For the Bhoys, a victory would open up a six-point lead at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership, which would follow predominant stress on to Rangers’ shoulders beforehand of their conflict towards Kilmarnock the following day.

Any win on Saturday afternoon will do for Celtic, with Rodgers’ men now firmly targeted on claiming silverware earlier than the marketing campaign attracts to a close.

Tom Rogic Shares Celtic Post on Social Media, Breaking His SilenceTom Rogic Shares Celtic Post on Social Media, Breaking His Silence

Tom Rogic Breaks Social Media Silence to Share Celtic Post

Former Celtic midfielder and fan favourite Tom Rogic these days made a uncommon submit on social media to have fun his former teammate James Forrest. The Australian, who retired from professional football after a storied career, shared a Celtic submit about Forrest’s triumph in Dundee, highlighting the strong bond and lasting friendships formed in the course of their time collectively at the club.

Rogic, who was once instrumental in Celtic’s successes underneath Brendan Rodgers the first time around, inclusive of an historic invincible treble season, has maintained a low profile given that putting up his boots. His selection to repost Celtic’s tribute to Forrest on Instagram highlights his ongoing affection for the membership and its players.

During his time at Celtic, Rogic grew to become a hero to many supporters, specifically after his memorable last-minute solo goal in opposition to Aberdeen in 2016 at Hampden Park. That purpose secured the invincible treble for Celtic and etched Rogic’s title into the hearts of the Celtic faithful. His dramatic strike, weaving through Dons defenders earlier than discovering the again of the net, is nevertheless celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in Celtic’s latest history.

Despite his retirement, Rogic’s engagement shows he remains related to Celtic and carefully follows the team’s progress.

James Forrest helped Celtic maintain their lead in the Scottish Premiership this weekend after his first start on account that November. The winger scored two amazing goals as he made the case for extra starts between now and the quit of the season.

With four video games to go in the SPFL, James should have a large say in how matters panned out.

The strategic decision made by Brendan Rodgers to assist Celtic overcome Dundee..

The tactical choice Brendan Rodgers made that helped Celtic over the line vs Dundee

Celtic had to show resilience to get over the line towards Dundee yesterday at Dens Park to reclaim a three-point benefit at the Scottish Premiership summit.

The Bhoys didn’t produce their quality performance on Tayside; however, James Forrest emerged as the hero, scoring two pivotal dreams in a suit otherwise bereft of great on a dry surface.

When Celtic seemed to have put the recreation beyond doubt, Antonio Portales thankfully struck for the hosts to pull one back, as his volley from a corner used to be sliced past Joe Hart by the unfortunate Adam Idah.

After proceedings concluded, Brendan Rodgers admitted his side weren’t their free-flowing selves but did a sterling job of navigating past Tony Docherty’s men, as he stated: “The pitch makes a difference. It was once dry and bumpy so that by no means makes for a fluid game, and you ought to see that in the play.

“There’s no doubt that Dundee have had a tremendous season. I’m so pleased for Tony Docherty and his staff. They can be a threat, so you have to overcome that.”

Now, Celtic have a beneficial run of three domestic suits and one away clash left in the Scottish Premiership, signifying Rodgers’ group will have a raucous backing at the back of them in their ultimate push to claim the league title.

The Irishman vowed the Hoops would ‘write our personal story’ in the midst of some tough moments this term, and they will be eager to live up to this declaration towards Heart of Midlothian this Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers’ tactical change to assist Celtic see off Dundee

Undoubtedly, Forrest will take the significant majority of the credit score for his match-winning exploits against Dundee, which is absolutely deserved, as it would’ve been tough to envisage Celtic emerging effective barring his presence yesterday.

MORE CELTIC STORIES

However, Rodgers additionally deserved plaudits for his decision to throw Tomoki Iwata into the engine room to shore things up on 62 minutes, giving Callum McGregor some respite, with the captain nevertheless working his way lower back to full fitness.

The Japan international didn’t do anything astonishing in his 28 minutes on the field; regardless, his potential to win the ball and recycle possession correctly helped to take the sting out of late strain from Dundee.

Per Fotmob, the 26-year-old executed 21 out of his 22 attempted passes in his cameo appearance, three of which entered the last third. He additionally solely had 25 touches, demonstrating his appetite to receive and distribute as a substitute than invite risk with the aid of retaining on to possession for too long.

From a defensive standpoint, Iwata gained 100% of his tackles, carried out one clearance, two ‘defensive actions’, and two ball recoveries, plus one profitable floor duel.

Injuries flattened the earlier part of Iwata’s campaign, even though he has now racked up 20 appearances for the Bhoys in all competitions this season, filling in as a squad player efficiently [Transfermarkt].

Nevertheless, he is a beneficial commodity to have round at Parkhead, and he might also have given Rodgers some food for concept towards Dundee with the relaxation of the title run-in on the horizon.

A conspiracy theory surfaces during the race for the Leverkusen man, so Brendan Rodgers is encouraged to demand a move from Celtic.

A Hoops hero has a intestine feeling about one iciness transfer at Celtic ahead of the summer.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Celtic choice makers have been entreated to hand Brendan Rodgers the keys to pressure Hoops switch enterprise ahead this summer.

The Hoops recruitment has come beneath fireplace this term, with simply two additions in the shape of winger Nicolas Kuhn and striker Adam Idah on mortgage from Norwich City made during January. In phrases of summer season recruits, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Odin Thiago Holm, Kwon and Marco Tilio have made confined impacts.

Paulo Bernardo has impressed in flashes but whether or not it’s enough to trigger a permanent go from Benfica is unknown, while Luis Palma is in the same inconsistent bracket. Maik Nawrocki has been stored out of defence with the aid of Liam Scales.

A new goalkeeper will be wished in the summer time with wide variety one Joe Hart retiring and Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Pentz has been linked as a possible option. He has spent the season on mortgage at Brondby and Celtic hero Frank McAvennie insists boss Rodgers must be allowed to make the signings he wants, as the former striker hatched a conspiracy theory.

He told Football Insider: “I think Brendan has bought to choose the goalkeeper, he can’t be forced into signing any extra gamers he doesn’t want. He has to pick the team and the transfers.

“I don’t think Nicolas Kuhn used to be his player. They have to find players who have the proper mind-set and can walk straight into the dressing room. Joe Hart has been a large success at Celtic – no longer simply because of what he’s achieved between the sticks, however for the dressing room too.

“He’s a huge identify and a huge player and he will be missed. So I hope this boy Pentz can deliver some thing like that.”

Celtic is accused of abandoning their pledge to South Korea about Yang.

South Korea under-23s manager Hwang Seon-hong has accused Celtic of breaking a promise they made about winger Yang Hyun-jun.

The wide-man was once set to head to Qatar for the under-23 Asian Cup, which additionally doubled up as Olympics qualifiers.

He remained in Glasgow, though, amid the Hoops’ necessary title run-in. The 21-year-old admittedly hasn’t set it alight in latest games but he has supplied an alternative no less.

25th February 2024; Fir Park. Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Hyunjun Yang of Celtic takes on Georgie Gent of Motherwell

A young player, Yang has a wealth of room for improvement and he may have had the threat to provoke this summer season in Paris at the Olympics had his country qualified. Their performance in the under-23 Asian Cup, which he missed, capacity they won’t be there for the first time in 40 years, however.

Gaffer Hwang used to be left upset at this and in response to his side’s penalty shootout loss to Indonesia which verified their fate, he revealed that Celtic amongst other golf equipment broke a vow they made involving the release of players.

He said: [RecordSport] “Firstly, I am the teach and I take full responsibility. However, there were circumstances past our control such as the failure of some European golf equipment to release players.

“I individually visited Celtic, Brentford and Stoke City and I was once promised the participation of Yang Hyun-jun, Kim Ji-soo and Bae Jun-ho. But when the tournament came, the golf equipment all refused to launch their gamers due to the fact all have been at a imperative stage at the quit of their season.

“What should I do? I visited all of them.”

Hwang’s fury is understandable however so too is Celtic’s predicament. The Hoops are worried in one of the tightest title races in latest years and Brendan Rodgers needs every body in shape and available.

James Forrest’s Wise Reaction To “Father” Remarks Made by Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic winger James Forrest set it alight for the Bhoys at Dens Park on Sunday afternoon, bagging a fine brace that proved crucial.

It was once a hard-fought victory for the Hoops at a key part of the season. Similarly to final week in the Scottish Cup, their overall performance perhaps wasn’t up there with the best, but at this stage, triumphing takes priority.

28th April 2024; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; James Forrest of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores in the thirtieth minute to make it 1-0

A man who is aware of that too nicely is Forrest. His ride and pleasant at instances like these is pivotal and after yesterday’s match, manager Brendan Rodgers labelled him one of the remaining fathers of Celtic’s current prosperity.

To these comments, the 32-year-old replied as modestly as his character.

He said: [The Celtic Way] “That does make me sense old. I don’t thinking that. At Celtic as a ahead participant – no longer just an skilled one – you want to be able to take the strain off the team but scoring dreams and having assists. That’s how it is, no be counted what age you are.”

The veteran is deep into his fifteenth season with the first team in the course of which time he has gained 22 trophies. He is solely 4 medals away from overtaking Bobby Lennox as the most decorated Celt.

Such an success would further reinstate his status as a club legend however he greater than every body will comprehend to maintain his center of attention on the present and this weekend’s huge conflict in opposition to Hearts.

Hoops Hero insists, “I want to keep doing more.”

JAMES FORREST has now not even began 10 games in the past two seasons, however the evergreen winger is emerging as key man as this present day marketing campaign reaches a thunderous crescendo.

The 32-year-old Scotland international was in at the kick-off for solely the fourth time in this crusade against Dundee at Dens Park the day gone by – and he repaid Brendan Rodgers with a double salvo in the vitally important 2-1 victory.

Amazingly, it was once Forrest’s first begin since the Champions League trip in opposition to Lazio in Rome on November 28 when two late desires from the hosts inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the visitors.

NUMBER ONE…James Forrest first-times a right-foot power past Dundee defender Antonio Portales for the opener at Dens Park.

But Forrest used to be celebrating his elevation to top-team popularity on Tayside with the strikes that maintained the Hoops’ three-point gain at the Premiership pinnacle with solely 4 league video games to play.

It was once a display from a reliable performer who made a mere 5 starts offevolved closing time period and his lattest contribution was once lauded by way of the Parkhead boss, as CQN reported beforehand today.

In ordinary understated fashion, Forrest mirrored on his two-goal show at Dens and said: “The first aim used to be a exact one and I used to be satisfied I contributed and helped the team to three points, which is the most important thing.

“We started out properly and had a few one-of-a-kind combinations, particularly down my side, and we bought in a couple of times and perhaps simply our ultimate skip wasn’t there. But as soon as we acquired the goal, we settled into it.”

It’s clear the 32-year-old prolific touchline ace desires to be concerned and, speakme to Celtic TV, admitted: “I assume there was a wee spell in January-February when I wasn’t in squad and it was once difficult.

NUMBER TWO…James Forrest fires in a left-foot power to double Celtic’s gain with team-mates Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah looking on.

“But you just need to hold working difficult and keep coaching due to the fact in football some thing can appear and it can trade quite shortly from game to game.

“So, you need to hold yourself on pinnacle of it in case you do get a chance. I’ve managed to do that and the closing six weeks have been good.

“I’ve been again in the squad and contributing to the team and, hopefully, I can do that with the ultimate video games of the season.”

Forrest added: “If I seem at my Celtic career, 90 percent of that and perhaps more, has been so positive. There have been so many high-quality memories and I’ve usually felt this season that I ought to nevertheless contribute and assist the team.

“So, it’s been remarkable coming here, getting the three factors and scoring a couple of goals.

“I’m simply searching forward to the next couple of games and I choose to preserve doing more.”

Highlights of the Dundee vs. match.. match..

First Team

By Paul Cuddihy,

Celtic maintained their three-point lead at the top of the Premiership with a 2-1 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.

And James Forrest was the Hoops hero, scoring each goals to supply three critical league points.

The opening intention got here in the first half of and was a super first-time volley from the edge of the area after he had been set up by Kyogo. The second purpose came after the break, when Forrest’s persistence, along with a slice of luck, noticed him latch on to a Reo Hatate skip and hearth domestic a left-foot shot.

With four league games remaining, starting with this Saturday’s home sport against Hearts, Brendan Rodgers’ side remain out in front at the top of the table.

You can watch the Unique Angle video from Dens Park (below) to relive another fantastic James Forrest performance.

Celtic player sidelined for season due to injury following Premiership membership to indicate ‘quality’ Hoops player

Celtic player out for the season with damage after Premiership membership open talks to signal ‘quality’ Hoops figure

The Celtic midfielder joined the membership remaining summer time transfer window.

Hyeok-kyu Kwon (L), Hyun-jun Yang and Maik Nawrocki (R) are three of Celtic’s summer signings so far.

Celtic midfielder Kwon is out for the rest of the season after choosing up a muscle injury.

The Hoops paid round £1m for the South Korean star last summer season from Busan IPark on a five-year deal. While he struggled to make an have an effect on under Brendan Rodgers in the first half of the campaign, he has shone in the 2d on mortgage in Paisley.

Stephen Robinson has afforded him treasured minutes in the St Mirren midfield, with the Buddies pushing for European football. Prior to Sunday’s defeat to Rangers, the Saints boss verified Kwon would play no phase in the remaining league fixtures due to a hamstring injury.

It comes after the Northern Irishman printed in February that talks were underway to carry the Celtic loanee returned to Paisley. Robinson previously said: “He’s someone we’d in reality like to keep. We’re speakme to Celtic about it, perhaps maintaining him for another season with ourselves.

“We’d be very keen to do that, but he isn’t our participant and that won’t be our decision. We knew he’d have an influence, it used to be about getting him game-time. He got here to the u . s . and hasn’t performed a lot.

“It’s getting him used to Scottish football, long throws and long balls at times that he perhaps isn’t used to. The physicality of our game.

“He’s delivered that bit of first-rate and composure. It’s some thing we’d be very keen to get done. It’s possibly a lengthy way off happening, however that would be in an perfect world for me.”

O’Rourke: SFA scores a “huge own goal” following Celtic and Rangers’ progress.

SFA score ‘huge own goal’ after Rangers & Celtic development – O’Rourke

Pete O’Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

The Scottish Football Association have scored a “huge own goal” by holding the Scottish Cup final on the same day as the English FA Cup final.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke slaughtered the SFA as many fans would want to be able to watch both cup finals but will be unable to due to their scheduling choice.

Both Celtic and Rangers won their semi-finals at Hampden Park last weekend to secure their passage to the final next month.

The Hoops had to go all the way to a penalty shootout after the game ended 3-3 against a struggling Aberdeen on Saturday (20 April) but they secured a win after Dons midfielder Killian Phillips missed his spot-kick.

SFA score ‘own goal’ with Celtic and Rangers cup final scheduling

The next afternoon, Philippe Clement’s side booked their place in the final after a Cyriel Dessers’ brace earned them a 2-0 win against Hearts.

However, the FA Cup and the Scottish Cup finals will both be played out at 3 pm on 25 May, meaning fans will have to make a decision on which game to watch.

Both finals will feature huge local rivals in the clashes, with Man United taking on Man City at Wembley Stadium while the fierce Old Firm sides will face off at Hampden Park.

The Manchester clubs last played against each other in the FA Cup final last season, with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens coming out on top with a 2-1 win.

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However, Rangers and Celtic have not played each other in the final since the 2001-02 campaign, where the Gers secured their 30th Scottish Cup win with a 3-2 victory.

The stakes are high in the Scottish final with Brendan Rodgers’ side keen to stop Rangers from winning a cup double – and potentially a domestic treble if they manage to overhaul Celtic’s three-point lead at the top of the league table.

After training with a club icon, a Celtic player is scheduled to have conversations about his future.

Celtic player set for talks over his future as ideal transfer destination named after working with club icon

The goalkeeper made a transfer move away from Celtic in January.

The talent has been out on loan in the second half of this season.

A young Celtic goalkeeper is said to be keen on a move back to the Scottish Championship after building senior experience in the division.

Josh Clarke has spent some of the second half of this season at Ayr United. Hoops icon and Ayr boss Scott Brown used his Parkhead contacts to bring the shot-stopper in on loan for the rest of the season in February, and he’s since played 12 times.

A Northern Ireland youth international, the youngster had featured in the Celtic ‘B’ team based in the Lowland League, but he has enjoyed the step up to the second tier. He kept a clean sheet on Saturday during a 0-0 draw with Partick Thistle.

Ayr United have one more Championship game to go this season, against Dunfermline at home, as they look to finish as high as fifth. According to the Scottish Sun, Clarke has admitted ‘he would love to extend his stay’ at Somerset Park after impressing on loan.

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He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time here, even though it’s been fairly brief.

“It’s been an amazing experience to get the amount of games I’ve had in the Championship. It’s great for my future development. I’ll speak to Celtic when my loan is finished here. They will decide what is best for me.”

It’s set to be a summer of goalkeeping change at Parkhead. Joe Hart is retiring at the end of the season which will leave the number one spot vacated. Scott Bain is another senior option but Benjamin Siegrist could also move on amid a lack of first-team minutes.

Ipswich Town earned a minimum of $3 million from the Celtic freebie: Examine

Daryl Murphy was once signed on a free from Celtic by way of Ipswich and was once offered on to Newcastle for a huge profit.

HIGHLIGHTS

Murphy used to be one of the great Ipswich players in the 2010s, specifically at some stage in the 14/15 playoff season.

After successful mortgage spells, Ipswich signed Murphy on a free transfer, later promoting him for a profit.

Murphy’s 27-goal season helped Ipswich to the playoffs, but he was sooner or later offered to Newcastle for a appropriate fee.

Daryl Murphy used to be one of arguably Ipswich Town’s best gamers in the 2010s even as they had been a Championship stalwart.

The Tractor Boys spent the majority of that length underneath the practise of Mick McCarthy, who used to be in cost at Portman Road from November 2012 till April 2018.

Ipswich would finish in the pinnacle 1/2 of the desk in 4 of his six seasons with the club. One of those was a sixth-placed end in 2014/15, attaining the play-offs, where they had been beaten by means of their biggest rivals Norwich City over two legs.

But McCarthy’s principal man throughout that season was Murphy, who Ipswich made a good quantity of profit on.

Murphy signed for Ipswich on a free after successful loans

Before Murphy’s successful spell with the club in the 2010s, he definitely spent the 2d 1/2 of the 09/10 season on loan at Ipswich from Sunderland.

It then led to his everlasting go away from the Black Cats to Scottish giants Celtic. His time at Celtic Park did now not begin as properly as it used to be hoped to, with him then returning to Ipswich on loan after just a season north of the border.

Murphy would spend the 11/12 and 12/13 seasons on mortgage at Ipswich, however was not the most prolific, scoring eleven desires across these two seasons.

But that did no longer give up Ipswich from making his pass permanent, signing him on a free transfer following the conclusion of his contract at Celtic in the summer season of 2013.

Murphy used to be offered on for earnings by way of Ipswich after a heap of goals

After transferring to East Anglia on a everlasting basis, Murphy observed his capturing boots.

The 2013/14 season would quit with him finding the internet 13 instances in 45 games, as he formed a super partnership with David McGoldrick, with 29 goals scored between them.

But it used to be the 2014/15 season, the play-off campaign, the place Murphy would have his excellent season of his profession – the Irishman scored 27 goals, helping six more.

December would be his great month with six of those dreams coming in that time, winning him the Championship Player of the Month.

His two goals in a 2-1 win away Fulham have been not solely decisive in the result of the recreation but additionally meant he grew to be the first Ipswich player to score 20 league desires in a season on the grounds that Darren Bent in 2005.

The season would subsequently end in play-off failure, but he would earn himself a area in the PFA Championship Team of the Year. Murphy also committed his future to the membership by extending his contract by a further two years.

The 2015/16 season was once now not as prolific for Murphy, scoring just ten goals in 35 league games as they narrowly overlooked out on back-to-back top-six finishes, ending seventh, 5 factors off.

Daryl Murphy’s Ipswich stats (league only, as per FotMob)

Season

Division

Appearances

Goals

Assists

16/17

Championship

4

0

1

15/16

Championship

35

10

4

14/15

Championship

48

27

6

13/14

Championship

46

13

0

12/13

Championship

40

7

0

11/12

Championship

34

4

3

09/10

Championship

18

6

1

Murphy would then go away but made the membership that helped bring up his career £3 million as he was sold to lately relegated Newcastle United.

That represented a best earnings on a participant signed for a free transfer but it bought even higher as they received every other £1 million when Newcastle were promoted returned to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Getting £4 million in profit for Murphy, who was once then 33 years old, was a brilliant bit of enterprise by means of the club.

Jim Duffy announces the winner of the Celtics’ “stand-out” Player of the Year award.

Jim Duffy provides verdict on Celtic’s ‘stand-out’ Player of the Year

As Celtic take a seat properly at the top of the Scottish Premiership with just 4 games left to play, there is nonetheless a lot left to play for this season. Especially with a Scottish Cup Final towards Rangers to come.

With Hearts, Rangers, Kilmarnock and St Mirren nevertheless to play, just 4 wins will make sure the Scottish Premiership trophy stays in the Parkhead boardroom.

But whilst nothing is decided yet in terms of the title, there has been a bit of chat round simply who exactly ought to be named Celtic’s Player of the Year.

With injury making this season challenging in terms of gamers discovering consistency, Jim Duffy is no doubt who ought to be named Celtic’s nice participant this season.

Duffy hails Celtic ‘stand-out’ for end of season award

The former Greenock supervisor has named Matt O’Riley as the participant who has been excellent for Brendan Rodgers this season.

And while Duffy admits that he has been inconsistent, O’Riley is the man who should be recognised for his efforts for Celtic this season.

Duffy said [Superscoreboard], “He’s a player that’s fascinating on the eye. He glides throughout the sport due to the fact he doesn’t run about like a headless rooster careering into tackles.

“He’s a participant who’s obtained a bit of class about him. He’s received a innovative spark, he’s obtained lovely balance, he looks controlled and his consciousness is terrific. So he’s bought an awful lot in his game.

“The situation is, if you seem at last season for instance, and there had been in all likelihood four or 5 Celtic gamers you would have thought may want to be in contention for player of the year.

“But there has been inconsistency, there has been injuries, however O’Riley has been the stand-out player for Celtic.”

With 14 desires and 16 assists this season, O’Riley has without a doubt kicked on under Rodgers. [Transfermarkt]

Goals in the Champions Leauge and in opposition to Rangers have made O’Riley one of Celtic’s biggest purpose threats and it is simple that he has been pivotal in preserving Celtic in the hunt for trophies in a season where damage and inconsistency threatened Celtic’s domination of Scottish football.

To win the championship, Rodgers must daringly discard a five-star Celtic superstar.

Rodgers have to boldly drop 5/10 Celtic megastar to win the title

It would be a massive call for the manager of the Scottish giants to make ahead of the run-in.

HIGHLIGHTS

Celtic secured a 2-1 win at Dundee with James Forrest scoring both goals, moving nearer to another league title.

Brendan Rodgers may additionally want to bench Callum McGregor due to lackluster performance stats and possible influence on title race.

Tomoki Iwata’s strong midfield overall performance suggests he may want to be a better in shape than McGregor if contemporary shape continues ahead of Rangers clash.

Celtic took every other step in the right route to another Scottish Premiership title as they travelled away to Dundee to secure a 2-1 win on Sunday.

The Hoops wanted to report a superb end result after their rivals had received before in the day, and they stepped up to declare all three points on their travels.

Brendan Rodgers opted to carry James Forrest, who FFC urged the manager to start, into the beginning XI on the flank over Hyun-jun Yang and Luis Palma, and it was once a bold call that paid off for the box.

The Scottish forward scored each of Celtic’s desires to put them 2-0 ahead in the match, earlier than Dundee’s comfort goal, which speaks to his importance to the win on the day.

It may now take every other daring call from the Northern Irish tactician, who lower back to Parkhead for a 2d spell at the club ultimate summer, to win the league title ahead of Rangers this season.

After an underwhelming display in the center of the park in opposition to Dundee, Rodgers must boldly drop captain Callum McGregor to the bench to give his facet the exceptional risk of landing the trophy.

Callum McGregor’s performance towards Dundee

The Scotland international made his first league begin after returning from an Achilles injury, which stored him out for three league matches, and failed to exhibit that he deserves to hold his region in the XI.

McGregor performed the opening 62 minutes of the sport earlier than being taken off and failed to make a good deal of an affect with his lack of great in and out of possession.

Glasgow World’s Ben Banks exceeded the skipper a match ranking of 5/10 – the lowest out of the starting group – and described some of his movements as ‘laboured’.

He only completed 82% of his tried passes – 13% lower than Matt O’Riley’s 95% – and ended the healthy without a single hazard created for his teammates, alongside with a 20% long ignore accuracy.

The Scottish whiz also lost possession 11 times from 55 touches of the ball, which indicates that he gave the opposition a threat to get lower back on the ball at times.

McGregor recorded a Sofascore ranking of 6.7 for his display against Dundee, which is significantly lower than his seasonal common of 7.32, which speaks to how below par he was once in contrast to his normal self.

Callum McGregor’s Premiership season in numbers

The skilled midfielder was once currently named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, alongside with O’Riley, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Liam Scales, for his extraordinary exploits in the top-flight this season.

Prior to his latest Achilles injury, the Scotland international had been in wonderful structure in the Premiership with his sublime play in possession for the Hoops.

McGregor ranks third inside the squad for accurate passes per recreation (64.3) and joint-fifth for key passes per healthy (1.5), which illustrates his manipulate and creativity in the center of the park.

He is typically a metronome in midfield for the Scottish giants, which is shown through him topping the chart for passes made per sport within the midfield group, with his capability to find a teammate with his passes at an exceptional 92% success rate.

Callum McGregor

Vs Dundee

23/24 Premiership (per game)

Minutes played

62

82

Sofascore rating

6.7

7.32

Pass accuracy

82%

92%

Passes completed

36

64.3

Key passes

0

1.5

Long omit accuracy

20%

58%

Stats by using Sofascore

As you can see in the desk above, the 30-year-old superstar was miles away from being at his pleasant towards Dundee, with drastically worse information than normal in possession of the ball.

If the Achilles harm has triggered his overall performance tiers to drop then Celtic cannot afford to be sentimental or hopeful that his performances will turn around when Rangers are respiration down their neck.

The Gers are solely three factors adrift in second location and journey across to Parkhead for an all-Glasgow clash on the 11th of May, after the Hoops play Hearts subsequent weekend.

Therefore, Tomoki Iwata should be unleashed from the start in advance of the captain as his performances this season have been dazzling at the base of the Bhoys midfield.

Why Tomoki Iwata ought to begin for Celtic

The Japanese gem should start at the base of the midfield as McGregor’s performances given that his return from damage do not recommend that he is the man to appear to, unless his shape unexpectedly improves, to lead the team to the title.

That is no longer a large criticism of the Scotland international, as the harm has without a doubt had an effect on his displays, however it is a daring name that the manager may additionally have to make as his sluggishness – as evidenced via his dip in shape – may want to price them in the title run-in.

Iwata has taken his chance when it has come this season and showcased his capability to dictate video games in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants.

The upcoming conflict with Rangers is a practicable title decider, given how close the two teams are in the table, and the 27-year-old metronome was once relied on to begin the sport at Ibrox.

He won five of his eight ground duels throughout the match, as the 27-year-old big name stepped up to the mark from a bodily perspective, at the same time as McGregor – making his comeback from damage – was introduced on with Celtic prevailing 2-1 and the Hoops misplaced the 25 minutes he was once on the pitch 2-1 to give up the recreation 3-3.

It may, therefore, gain the Bhoys to start Iwata when the Gers come to Parkhead in May, if McGregor continues to seem to be rusty after his Achilles issue.

Tomoki Iwata

23/24 Premiership

Appearances

15

Starts

9

Pass accuracy

90%

Long pass accuracy

55%

Opposition half pass accuracy

90%

Duel success rate

51%

Stats through Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese maestro has the pleasant on the ball to replace the captain in phrases of his metronomic play in the middle of the park.

His 90% bypass accuracy indicates that he not often gives possession away to opposition teams, which potential that Rodgers’ side can manipulate the game through no longer making unforced turnovers to give facets a hazard to get back into matches.

This makes him an best replacement for the skipper, who only performed 82% of his passes against Dundee while Iwata completed 95% (21/22) of his off the bench.

That is why the supervisor ought to boldly drop the Scotsman to start the 27-year-old as it could be imperative in Celtic’s bid to win the title in advance of Rangers, mainly with the upcoming game between the two teams.

Daniel is an experienced football author and editor, having labored in the soccer media industry for nearly a decade.

After initially writing for Fresh Press as a volunteer for two years in 2015, assisting to build and establish the Read brand, Daniel commenced a part-time job with Fresh Press that later grew to become into a full-time writing and enhancing role.

Daniel then spent just shy of a year writing and editing for Anfield Watch, which covered conducting and/or transcribing interviews with Liverpool goalkeeping educate John Achterberg, former Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, and journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Since the summer season of 2021, Daniel has worked for Snack Media and been a contributor to Football FanCast, on a freelance and full-time groundwork alongside the way, as a author and editor.

Daniel is additionally a big Norwich City fan and season ticket holder. He has been heard on BBC Norfolk and helped DAZN with research for their commentary due to his knowledge of the club, along with being featured in numerous neighborhood papers throughout the country, inclusive of the Coventry Telegraph and the Liverpool Echo, for Norwich-related content.

Watch: Magnificent Video of Joe Hart with Celtic Supporters Following Dundee Victory

Watch: Outstanding Footage of Joe Hart with Celtic Fans After Dundee Win

A remarkable video circulating on social media has captured Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart fully immersing himself in the pleasure of victory with the Celtic supporters, highlighting his deep bond with the Celtic fanbase, in particular the away support.

The footage, taken by way of a fan in the away area at some stage in Celtic’s recent 2-1 victory over Dundee, suggests Hart now not simply as a player, however as a authentic fan of the club he’s served. In the video, Hart can be considered clapping, jumping, and singing alongside with the crowd.

As the season techniques its climax, each and every game is crucial, and the help from the stands is greater fervent than ever. With solely a handful of games left before he retires, Hart’s soaking up the whole lot before he walks off into the sunset.

28th April 2024; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Celtic fans with a banner after the win

When he first signed for the club, many fans thought we have been getting a brash, over the hill Englishman looking for a last payday. Instead, he’s been humble, tough working, committed and fiercely passionate. What a excellent signing he became out to be.

Michael Stewart looks at Celtic and informs Steve Clarke he wants to reconsider his three-year attitude.

Michael Stewart tells Steve Clarke he desires a rethink on 3-year stance after gazing Celtic

Michael Stewart believes it’s a “no-brainer” for Scotland boss Steve Clarke to choose James Forrest for the upcoming EURO 2024 tournament given his burst of shape at Celtic.

Forrest has netted four goals in his ultimate 5 appearances for the Bhoys, with the trendy double coming towards Dundee in his first start on the grounds that November.

The Celtic winger is showing type and composure in large moments for his club and has been lauded via manager Brendan Rodgers in many media appearances over the ultimate fortnight.

It’s led some to increase the factor of whether or not Forrest should be chosen in a 26-man squad for the summer extravaganza as Scotland face off against Switzerland, Hungary and hosts Germany.

Stewart is adamant he should be involved, regardless of Forrest now not prevailing a cap for his u . s . seeing that the summer season of 2021.

James Forrest’s EURO 2024 chances

The pundit stated on Sportscene: “I’d be questioning about it if it used to be a 23-man squad, by no means idea a 26-man squad.

“These are the kinds of moments he has quality. He has the give up product. He’s in these areas and can recognize where he can affect the game.

“There’s no nervousness, there’s no panicking, he gets into the vicinity and receives a slice of good fortune but it’s just in the again of the net.

“Brendan Rodgers is skirting around the trouble with Scotland speakme about the intensity of the game – I understand what he’s saying and Celtic is his center of attention however if we’re speaking about the national group in the summer, I suppose it’s a no-brainer that James Forrest would be in the squad.

“It’s now not as if right wing-back is his pleasant position and someplace you would prefer to be taking part in him. But with the issues we’re having at right wing-back at the moment, it’s somewhere that Forrest should cowl if he was in the squad. One hundred per cent I would be having him in the squad.”

Extra motivation for Celtic winger

Clarke has been rocked via numerous accidents of late and who makes his final listing is difficult to call at this point.

It would be a surprise to see Forrest come in from the bloodless in the Scotland set-up however if he’s taking part in like this then there’s no reason not to significantly think about him.

The motivation of a league and cup double is no doubt enough, however these types of discussions are absolutely an extra incentive for the Celtic man to continue performing at his peak.

If he can assist hearth the Bhoys to silverware with a regular run in the team, he ought to be on the aircraft to Germany.

Kwon’s absence from St Mirren against Rangers provided clarification.

Kwon’s St Mirren absence in opposition to Rangers clarified

Hyeokku Kwon of St Mirren St Mirren v Rangers, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Football, The SMiSA Stadium, Paisley, UK – 27 Jan 2024. Photo Shutterstock

Kwon Hyeok-kyu will be out for the the rest of the season. The South Korean midfielder was absent for the game between St Mirren and Rangers this afternoon.

As mentioned by BBC Scotland, Stephen Robinson validated the 23-year-old is out for the relaxation of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Kwon for the relaxation of the season with a hamstring injury.”

The protective midfielder has impressed in his time with the Saints. However, he will be hoping that he can get his health lower back up beforehand of pre-season, where he will look to provoke Brendan.

Robinson will possibly choose to see if he can bring the participant back to the membership for next season. This would probable tie in with Celtic’s plans for the 2024/25 season as Brendan is said to be in the market for a new midfielder to play in the deeper role.

Kwon’s compatriots Oh and Yang show up to be moving out of the first team photo at Celtic Park. Oh has not been protected in matchday squads for some weeks while Yang has struggled when he has been giving outings.

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic domestic and away and helps run his nearby Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a precise fondness for Tom Rogic among the cutting-edge Celts and each Lubo and Henrik structure his earliest Celtic memories.

Tartan Army activity is sparked by James Forrest’s heroics, while Joe Hart’s antics highlight Celtic tension.

Joe Hart antics underline Celtic tension as James Forrest heroics pique activity of Tartan Army

Celtic extend lengthy unbeaten document at Dens Park with 2-1 victory over Dundee

“Iwill see you here in May,” Brendan Rodgers had instead bullishly answered with reference to the doubters following a return he knew used to be not being universally welcomed via the Celtic supporters.

As the month when the honours are exceeded out hoves into view, his side are well positioned to make sure the supervisor won’t be left with egg on his face.

There is a lot of football nonetheless to be played, however with four league video games left Celtic ensured they kept their noses in front at the pinnacle of the Premiership thanks to the evergreen James Forrest’s double against Dundee.

James Forrest evades Dundee’s Jordan McGhee and Ricki Lamie to rating his and Celtic’s second. (Photo by using Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Of course, May is no longer constantly when garlands are presented – this sport fell on the anniversary of Dundee’s sole Scottish league title win on 28 April 1962. The Up Wi’ the Bonnets club song, name-checking the heroes of that afternoon v St Johnstone and played before each domestic match, held a one of a kind resonance. The central character right here was once a current day great. Sadly for Dundee, he was once wearing hoops.

Forrest, 32, is making a well timed return to prominence.

Steve Clarke cannot fail to have had his interest piqued with the aid of such performances as Scotland’s injuries worries mount prior to Euro 2024. All the veteran winger can do is keep doing what he’s began doing, even though he would possibly argue that he could have been doing this a lot quicker had he been given greater of a chance.

He used to be the difference here in solely his first league begin since November.

Celtic’s James Forrest celebrates after scoring the first of his double in the 2-1 win over Dundee. (Photo by using Ross Parker / SNS Group)

A win over Dundee would possibly now not be considered a statement result, especially in view of Celtic’s document at Dens Park. But they were stretched at times with the aid of the Luke McCowan-inspired hosts and were relieved to hear the ultimate whistle.

It is no longer often in recent times that Celtic have been compelled to waste time in this stadium, the place they are now unbeaten in 35 games stretching again to 1988. However, this is what they had been doing in the ultimate moments as Joe Hart played the fool with the Celtic fans in the Bob Shankly Stand in the back of him.

The goalkeeper twice very deliberately waited for the supporters to return a ball when there was once already one sitting in his six-yard box. After the second of these occasions referee John Beaton brandished a yellow card in his face.

His antics underlined the anxiety and the excellent margins as Celtic are seeking for to keep Rangers at bay. Two 2-1 wins for each title rivals ability it’s as you had been at the top.

“You play for us and we’ll sing for you,” promised the away followers at the quit via a large banner. They had been simply authentic to their phrase – they barely let up all through the ninety minutes. But whether or not the gamers were usually deserving of this electricity of help is a moot point. Still, at this stage of the season no one is getting too hung up about performances on what was a dry – yes, surely – pitch.

The underfoot situation have been of little final result for Forrest’s first goal, volleyed into the corner of the net in a flash after Kyogo Furuhashi’s instinctive lay-off at the edge of the box. Another opportunist end from Forrest after he robbed Antonio Portales earned Celtic some respiration space after sixty seven minutes, with the visitors hitting the publish rapidly afterwards thru Reo Hatate.

A 0-3 scoreline at that stage would have been particularly harsh on Dundee. The hosts decreased the deficit to simply one after Portales made up for his beforehand error with a hooked shot at a nook that wrong-footed Hart after hitting Celtic alternative Adam Idah.

19 Rangers and Celtics games remaining in the Premier League with two losses, plus a transfer decision involving the hoops hero

19 Rangers and Celtic faces currently in Premier League with 2 flops + Hoops hero facing transfer decision

Rangers and Celtic have played key parts in the careers of some men in the Premier League down south.

Rangers and Celtic are often viewed as a gateway to the Premier League for some stars – but who has actually managed to walk that path.

The English top flight is where stars of today want to be right now, with huge financial incentives plus many of the top coaches and teams. To get there, some need to prove themselves at other levels first, with the high-pressure environment of Rangers and Celtic an ideal development spot.

Some are out on loan to other leagues from their Premier League sides, while one Hoops hero in particular has a transfer choice to make, but they will be keen to show their worth come the summer. Others are bonafide regulars for their clubs.

Including first-team managers as well as stars who have featured for Rangers or Celtic, here are 19 of the men who have been at either of the Glasgow rivals at one point in their career, and are now EPL players.

1. Mikel Arteta (Rangers)

Current club: Arsenal (manager)

2. Kieran Tierney (Celtic)

Current club: Arsenal (on loan at Real Sociedad)

3. Virgil van Dijk (Celtic)

Current club: Liverpool

4. Andy Robertson (Celtic youth academy)

Current club: Liverpool

James Forrest proposes that Celtic’s stellar performance in games makes him a “no brainer” for Sportscene Scotland.

James Forrest suggests Celtic massive game credentials that earn him Sportscene ‘no brainer’ Scotland status

The veteran winger has netted three desires in his closing two matches, sparking calls for a return to the national group ahead of the Euros in the summer.

James Forrest’s stimulated shows for Celtic in the previous eight days have bought two pundits urging Steve Clarke to hand him a Scotland recall simply in time for the European Championships in the summer.

In his first begin on the grounds that lining up in a 2-1 win over St Mirren on November 1, the 32-year-old was once the Hoops healthy winner on Sunday, scoring both of his side’s goals in a 2-1 win against Dundee that maintained Celtic’s three factor lead at the top of the Premiership with 4 video games to play.

That brace came simply eight days after the experienced winger was once deployed as a alternative to devastating impact in remaining Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final assembly with Aberdeen at Hampden, with Forrest netting Celtic’s second goal in the exciting 3-3 draw that the cup holders finally came out on pinnacle in by using a penalty shootout. Since making his countrywide crew debut in 2011, Forrest has gone onto score 5 instances in 38 caps for Scotland, together with a memorable hat trick in a Nations League victory towards Israel in 2018.

The Lennoxtown formative years graduate last represented his usa at the delayed Euro 2020 finals in the summer time of 2021, however his lack of game time for the Hoops in latest seasons has viewed him fall down the pecking order. However, Sportscene pundits Stephen Craigan and Michael Stewart are in no doubt that the veteran should be on the plane to Germany next summer, with the former making reference to Celtic gaffer Brendan Rodgers’ latest declare that Forrest is nevertheless the pleasant wide man he has at his disposal.

Craigan said: “People are having the same dialogue around Steve Clarke having Craig Gordon as his 2d choice, even although he is not taking part in at Hearts, because of his big sport experience.

“James Forrest epitomises that. He is fresh and hasn’t performed a 50 game season the place he is gonna be flagging come mid-June.

Celtic’s James Forrest rankings to make it 2-1 in opposition to the Dons at Hampden

“He is feeling accurate about himself, scoring desires and feels like he’s an essential phase of Celtic. It nearly makes a mockery of Celtic, that they signed 4 wingers in the summer time but James Forrest is nonetheless the nice one.

Jim Goodwin names 5 Dundee Utd players who ought to join Louis Moult in Championship POTY contention

“He is the most embellished Scottish participant nonetheless playing and is aware of what it is like to play in and have an effect on huge games. If you are Steve Clarke chasing a purpose in the Euros and are thinking ‘who can I turn to? Who has been right here before and achieved it?’ James Forrest, a hundred per cent.”

Clarke’s choices at right-wing returned for the finals have suffered a massive blow with Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson both dealing with a race against the clock to get themselves in shape again, however four-time Scotland cap Stewart reckons Forrest would be more than capable of filling that role.

He added: “It’s a no brainer for me. With the troubles we are having at right-wing-back at the moment, it is someplace that James Forrest may want to cowl if he used to be in the squad. I would one hundred per cent have him in the squad. Even if it was a 23-man squad by no means mind 26.”

Tam McManus’ Doubting Celtic Remarks

Former Hibernian striker turned Scottish football pundit Tam McManus has spoken out against Celtic and Rangers.

With Celtic and Rangers both winning 2-1 this afternoon against Dundee and St. Mirren, McManus was highly critical of both sides of the Glasgow divide.

— TAM MCMANUS (@THE_TMAN10) APRIL 28, 2024

McManus does not give a set year for when to compare this current Celtic side, but to say ‘for a long time’ is questionable, considering that the current side is top of the league table with just four matches remaining and still in contention to win the Scottish Cup.

With Celtic having lost the league title by 25 points in the 2020/21 league season and failing to win a domestic trophy that season, Ange Postecoglou oversaw arguably the biggest rebuild in the club’s history.

While Rodgers took over a treble-winning team from last season, it is fair to say that the Irishman has not hit the heights of last season under Postecoglou, but the current team is nowhere near as poor as the 2020/21 side.

With Rodgers also masterminding Celtic’s first win in the Champions League group stage this season in over a decade, the Hoops were only a win away from European football after Christmas, in yet another sign that this is not the poorest Celtic side in a long time.

McManus appears to be using criticism of Celtic and Rangers as an opportunity to receive media attention and to discuss his name instead of actually providing any sort of real insight into how he feels Celtic or Rangers could improve as a team.

Joe Hart’s Wise Sunday Night Advice for Celtics Supporters

As the Scottish Premiership season nears its end, veteran goalkeeper Joe Hart is making every moment count. Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dundee at Dens Park, Hart took to social media to express his appreciation for his teammates and fans, showcasing his emotional journey towards retirement.

Celtic’s win, quintessential for retaining their three-point lead at the pinnacle of the table, used to be punctuated by means of Hart’s poignant posts on Instagram. His first story, “James Forrest…Love Him,” was once a tribute to his teammate’s performance, highlighting the camaraderie and appreciate that has typified his time at Celtic. Forrest, who scored Celtic’s two goals, acquired direct acknowledgment from Hart.

The winger who hasn’t commenced many games this season still has appreciate from the dressing room for what he’s done, but additionally what he can stilll do.

Hart’s second post, “got it done, we respect you,” was once a nod to the magnificent support of the Celtic fans. The fans’ vocal help at Dens Park used to be palpable, and Hart’s acknowledgment a humble nod to a relationship that has fuelled their pursuit of the league title.

With his retirement introduced for the quit of the season, Hart is visibly savouring each and every step of his final professional chapters.

The goalkeeper has solely 4 league video games left and will cap his illustrious career with a high-stakes Scottish Cup remaining against arch-rivals Rangers. This climactic Glasgow Derby guarantees to be a becoming conclusion for a player of Hart’s stature.

As Celtic pushes ahead under excessive strain to invulnerable the title, Hart’s leadership and journey are greater worthwhile than ever. His contributions on and off the area are properly documented.

Let’s hope he leaves a double winner!

It’s Important to Note the John Beaton Celtic Flashpoint

In a nail biting Scottish Premiership clash at Dens Park, Celtic edged out Dundee 2-1 to maintain their lead at the pinnacle of the table. However, the suit concluded with a contentious choice from referee John Beaton, who issued a yellow card to Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart for time-wasting, sparking a debate amongst fans.

As the game neared its conclusion, anxiety built with Celtic maintaining a narrow lead, courtesy of two desires from James Forrest. The suit took a dramatic flip when Celtic striker Adam Idah inadvertently scored an personal purpose while attempting to clear a corner, which added Dundee returned into contention. Despite the setback, Celtic managed to manipulate the game’s understandably tried slowing down the play closer to the end.

28th April 2024; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Referee John Beaton arrives for the match

Referee John Beaton’s selection to e book Hart after just two instances of delaying the sport has come beneath scrutiny. Typically, in Celtic games, opposition goalkeepers take as plenty time as they perchance can during goal kicks for the duration of a match besides reprimand beyond a verbal warning. This leniency has led to a method amongst groups dealing with the top sides like Celtic: deliberately slow the recreation to disrupt rhythm.

So it used to be galling for many Celtic fans after the obvious inconsistency in the enforcement of time-wasting rules. Perhaps Joe used to be greater overt about it and you want to ‘play the game’ more. Goalkeepers often taking the ball from one facet of the six-yard container to the other, taking long run ups, and from time to time pretending they don’t see the ball in their eye line.

Despite the debate, Celtic’s victory keeps them three factors clear at the pinnacle of the league, with solely 4 video games remaining. The pursuit of the title is intense, and each and every second on the pitch is beneath scrutiny, as evidenced by way of the conflict at Dens Park.

As the season heads into its closing stages, the scrutiny over refereeing selections will solely intensify. The query stays whether or not this incident will prompt a more constant application of the rules or if it will be an isolated case. Celtic are at domestic to Hearts next week and you have to surprise if time wasting will be punished.

After a successful stint away from Parkhead, a Celtic loanee sustains season-ending injuries.

Celtic loanee suffers season-ending harm after bright spell away from Parkhead

Celtic and accidents are two phrases that have been often mentioned in conjunction with each other this term.

Brendan Rodgers has wanted to shuffle his squad around this campaign amid health troubles involving Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda, to identify a few.

With the rising demand on gamers to play extra matches than ever earlier than on all fronts, accidents have elevated ten fold in the footballing world, so it isn’t a principal surprise that Celtic have been on the receiving quit given our hefty fixture schedule.

Unfortunately, they have turn out to be commonplace, and other Scottish Premiership clubs have additionally had mounting numbers on the therapy table.

That being said, St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson has revealed that Celtic loanee Hyeokkyu Kwon has been dominated out of his side’s ultimate fixtures this marketing campaign after succumbing to a hamstring issue [BBC Sport].

Speaking to the press beforehand today earlier than the Buddies took on Rangers, the 49-year-old broke the news, stating: “Unfortunately, we’ve lost Kwon for the relaxation of the season with a hamstring injury.”

Hyeokkyu Kwon’s shiny loan spell away from Celtic at St Mirren

South Korea Under-23 global Kwon arrived in January at the SMiSA Stadium and made 9 appearances in all competitions at St Mirren [Transfermarkt].

As per Sofascore, the 23-year-old has had a vivid impact in Paisley, triumphing around 1.6 tackles per Scottish Premiership in shape alongside making 5 ball recoveries.

Acclimatising to Scottish football swiftly, St Mirren manager Robinson has previously signalled his desire to prolong his remain at the membership for next season.

The Lisburn native stated again in February: “He came to the united states and hasn’t played a lot. It’s getting him used to Scottish football, long throws and long balls at instances that he maybe isn’t used to. The physicality of our game.

“He’s introduced that bit of exceptional and composure. It’s some thing we’d be very keen to get done. It’s maybe a lengthy way off happening, but that would be in an best world for me.”

It is unclear where his long-term Celtic future lies; regardless, Kwon hasn’t achieved his probabilities of making a wreck for the first group underneath Rodgers any harm.

For now, hopefully, Kwon can revel in a rapid recovery before we see if he will be integrated into the squad come pre-season.

Charlie Mulgrew Shares With James Forrest, “That’s His Worst Nightmare”

Charlie Mulgrew has printed that Celtic winger James Forrest would not have enjoyed the interest he obtained post-match after his brace towards Dundee this afternoon.

After the game, a quantity of Celtic gamers ushered Forrest to get hold of applause from the widespread wide variety of away supporters, with Brendan Rodgers himself even pushing Forrest to the front.

But Mulgrew furnished insight on Forrest, having played with him at Celtic for a variety of years.

He said: [Sky Sports], “That’s his worst nightmare, he hates the attention, he doesn’t even go on social media.”

Forrest is very actually a low-key man or woman who goes about his commercial enterprise quietly, meaning he is not spoken about enough as one of Celtic’s greats, which is unfair considering his contribution to the club.

20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Ex Celtic and Aberdeen player Charlie Mulgrew

The Scottish winger is a throwback from a special technology of gamers who did now not use social media, and Mulgrew highlighted this in that Forrest does no longer crave attention and reward via social media.

Instead, he likes to live a quiet life off the pitch, and undoubtedly, this is why his Celtic career has lasted so long at an extraordinary level.

A number of Celtic supporters would have been guilty of writing off Forrest and even questioning him at instances throughout his time at the club.

But ultimately, he has silenced critics.

However, that is now not to say that he listens to what is stated about him in the media.

It is clear that his non-public life and soccer life are respectfully balanced in a way that many different gamers ought to research from.

Dundee bumps Brendan Rodgers, the Celtics star’s injury is updated, and the ace is placed on Mount Rushmore by the hoops.

The Celtic manager was reacting to a big win over Dundee in the Premiership.

Brendan Rodgers lavished the praise on one Celtic hero after a key 2-1 win over Dundee.

The Hoops boss had reliable club legend James Forrest to call upon at Dens Park, as he netted either side of half-time. A clinical volley put them ahead and his pouncing on a defensive mix-up assured the points for Celtic, with Adam Idah’s own goal not enough to pull Tony Docherty’s hosts back into proceedings.

Rangers had reduced the gap at the top of the Premiership to goal difference with their win at St Mirren but Celtic have made sure it’s back at three points heading into the second game post-split. The Hoops face Hearts next while Rangers host Kilmarnock.

Rodgers put all the focus on his team post-match in Tayside. And his post-match team talk centred on the double-scoring hero at Dens Park, who he holds in the highest Parkhead status.

He said: “We pick up a vital three points. He’s a brilliant player. I said to the guys after, he is one of the remaining fathers of the success this club has had over the last decade or so in particular.

“His creativeness, mentality. His first finish is sublime. His second he makes look easy. He might not quite have the legs what he had a number of years but he does have the quality, that doesn’t diminish. I am so happy for him.”

Rodgers also allayed a fitness fear over Callum McGregor. The captain has just returned from an Achilles/calf injury and took a bump in the thick of battle.

Rodgers said: “Yeah he’s fine. He continued so hopefully he keeps building his fitness right the way through and then he does a good job for Scotland.”

Three years into the Celtic chief Peter Lawwell firebombed domestic investigation, there are still no new leads.

Probe into Celtic chief Peter Lawwell’s firebombed domestic has no new leads three years on

Three automobiles had been set on fireplace in Celtic chief Peter Lawwell’s driveway which then spread to his house in Thorntonhall. Police have admitted there are no new leads, three years after the incident.

Fire Crews and investigators at the scene of a furnace at Celtic Chief Peter Lawwell’s Thorntonhall home. (Image: Victoria Stewart, Reach PLC)

A hunt for the human beings who torched the home of Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell has no new leads, police have admitted three years on from the incident

Three automobiles have been set on fire in Lawwell’s driveway which then spread to his house in Thorntonhall, near Glasgow. The automobiles and a garage, above which Lawwell’s daughter and her four-month-old girl had been sleeping, were destroyed.

Lawwell, 64, and his household escaped on May 19, 2021, after being woken by way of a car exploding.

READ MORE: Scots mum who carries wheelchair-bound daughter, 10, up to cramped flat says household ‘live in hell’

READ MORE: Glasgow couple with three young people residing in mouldy flat with lavatory blanketed in damp

Officers have now proven that there are “no similarly lens of inquiry”, the Sunday Mail reports.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Extensive inquiries have been carried out into a fireraising incident which came about in the Thorntonhall vicinity around 12.50am on Wednesday, 19 May, 2021.

Celtic chief government Peter Lawwell. 

“There are no in addition traces of inquiry, on the other hand any further statistics will be examined thoroughly.”

CCTV footage of the incident showed a masked man pouring an accelerant on the cars.

A spokesperson for Celtic said: “This used to be a horrendous time for Peter and his family. Clearly, we hope a pleasant conclusion can be executed going forward.”

View: Leicester City: Despite Celtic plea, £800k signing remains renowned at the King Power

Leicester City: £800k signing stays famous at the King Power despite Celtic plea: View

Muzzy Izzet had some controversy in his Leicester career, however he is nevertheless well-regarded via fans

Muzzy Izzet is some thing of a hero among Leicester City fans following his eight-year stint with the club, and so robust is his legacy that a transfer request midway through his remain does now not appear to have dampened emotions in the direction of him.

The midfielder spent the sizable majority of his profession with the club and took Foxes followers on some superb journeys, so it is easy to see why he is so rather notion of.

Fans are by no means keen when one of their icons requests to pass to a one-of-a-kind club, but it appears Izzet built up sufficient goodwill to put the switch saga at the back of him.

The former Turkey global has seeing that been considered celebrating later Leicester success, in a showing that proves the bond between player and membership remains strong.

Muzzy Izzet proved an inspired purchase for Leicester City

Izzet originally joined the Foxes on loan in 1996 and was usually destined to end up a Leicester hero when he assisted the group in earning promoting to the Premier League in his first season.

It used to be ample to persuade then manager Martin O’Neill that a everlasting pass used to be required, and they tabled a bid to mother or father membership Chelsea well worth £800k, which used to be accepted.

Muzzy Izzet’s Senior Football Career, as per Transfermarkt

Team

Apps

Goals

Assists

Leicester City

300

44

21

Birmingham City

28

1

0

Although a giant sum of money to stump up for Leicester at the time, it would turn out to be really worth each penny.

In his time with the club, Izzet would go on to make three hundred appearances for the Foxes, scoring 44 goals and offering 21 assists, before his change to Birmingham City in 2004.

Leicester City hit jackpot with bargain £1.25m Leeds United switch raid: View

Muzzy Izzet’s Leicester City legacy may want to have been undone with transfer requests

With a music record that widespread for one club, it is handy to see why followers adore the midfielder, however his legacy was threatened throughout 2001 and 2002, opening with a transfer request that he passed to the hierarchy in October 2001.

Izzet made it clear that he was sad at the club after conversations with manager Dave Bassett and was quoted by using the Guardian at the time with words that no fan needs to hear from their preferred player.

“It was once a very hard decision for me and I have agonised over it for various months,” he said. “But my want is to be as profitable as viable and, though it hurts me to say it, I think it is in my satisfactory pastimes that I have a new venture away from Leicester City.”

It was reported at the time that both Aston Villa and Leeds United may be fascinated in his services, however neither cross transpired and Izzet remained with the Foxes.

Then, in the summer time of 2002, Izzet was once as soon as once more agitating for a move, this time naming his preferred destination. The manager that had introduced him to Leicester, O’Neill, was now with Scottish Premiership outfit Celtic, and Izzet was once involved in the switch.

He was quoted by the BBC as saying: “I do not be aware of what the state of affairs at Celtic is and what their budget is however I’m hoping Martin will be in touch because I will surely talk to him.

“I cannot say too a whole lot as Martin hasn’t been in contact however solely an idiot would not consider joining Celtic.”

Openly making an attempt to dictate your cross away from a club, especially for a key discern as Izzet was, will never go down too well with fans, however over 20 years on there is nothing to propose that his legacy used to be dented too a whole lot with the aid of it.

Ipswich Town were terrorised by using ex-Leicester City big name over the years: View 

Muzzy Izzet left Leicester City in 2004 with his legacy intact

In the end, Izzet would continue to be with the Foxes for any other two years, before departing at the stop of his contract in 2004 to go to Birmingham.

Despite his switch saga, he used to be given a heat send-off in his final domestic game earlier than he made the switch, with banners thanking him for the recollections displayed in the crowd and a presentation on the pitch to comprehend his contributions over the years.

When Leicester did the unthinkable over a decade later and received the Premier League, Izzet was once in amongst the celebrations, shocking fans on their doorsteps and being hailed as an idol.

It appears that his brief switch frustrations were now not held in opposition to him for too long, which shows the power of feeling closer to what he did for the membership in his time there.

His flirtations with Celtic and moving away may want to have destabilized a lesser man, but Izzet stays a hero at the King Power.

In an emotional farewell to Fleetwood Town amid the Celtic comeback, Bosun Lawal was “gutted.”

Bosun Lawal ‘gutted’ in emotional Fleetwood Town farewell amid Celtic return.

Celtic presently have a variety of gamers out on mortgage at the moment as fringe and growing stars seem to get first-team football.

With 15 players all temporarily plying their change elsewhere, they are all set to return to the membership this summer season when Brendan Rodgers will make a choice on whether or no longer they have a future at Celtic or not.

It’s clear the likes of Alexandro Bernabei and Sead Haksabanovic don’t have a long-term future at the club at the same time as others like Ben Summers, Marco Tilio and Tobi Oluwayemi possibly do.

But it’s the return of Bosun Lawal that will probable have the Celtic supporters excited.

Lawal ‘gutted’ at how loan spell ended

The talented Celtic defender/midfielder loved a amazing run in the Fleetwood Town first group even as out on loan.

Used a versatile participant for the majority of his time on loan, the Republic of Ireland u21 international made a staggering forty seven appearances scoring 6 goals and developing two.

Lawal played 19 games as a centre-back, 14 in central midfield, seven as a protective midfielder with the closing five as both a proper or left returned as Fleetwood boss, Charlie Adam, utilised the 20-year-old’s versatility. [Transfermarkt]

But now that Fleetwood has been relegated, Lawal returns to Celtic ‘gutted’ however excited to come again and compete for a area in the Hoops’ first-team.

MORE CELTIC STORIES

Taking to social media channel X, Lawal posted a farewell message to his mortgage membership thanking them for his time at the club.

Lawal said, “Thank you Fleetwood for making my time at this club special.

“Gutted things didn’t go as planned however no doubt this membership will be again the place it belongs.

“Thank you to my teammates, coaches, all the workforce and unique point out our fantastic fans. #OnwardTogether.

“Thank you.”

Lawal has solely ever made one first-team appearance for Celtic so far. He bought three minutes in the 5-0 demolition of Morton in the Scottish Cup closing season under Ange Postecoglou but did make the matchday squad on three different occasions.

No doubt the youngster returns to Celtic a far better participant for his experiences in England’s third-tier and he should provide Rodgers any other option heading into next season as the Celtic manager ponders his shielding issues.

Rodgers requires an capable deputy to step in beside Cameron Carter-Vickers and whilst it’s probably too quickly to see Lawal in that class simply yet, there is no doubt that with development, there is a player in there that may want to flourish into a best partner for the US defender.

Due to suspension, Dundee manager Tony Docherty will miss this weekend’s Celtic match.

Dundee boss Tony Docherty to miss weekend Celtic conflict via suspension

The Dark Blues gaffer will be a key absence on the touchline.

Dundee boss Tony Docherty. Image: SNS

Dundee head into the first post-split fixture of the season this weekend at home to Celtic.

It is the first time because 2015 the Dark Blues will function in the Premiership’s top-six after a stellar return to top-flight football this season.

They will be barring injured skipper Joe Shaughnessy and mortgage star Owen Beck.

But there will also be a key absence on the touchline.

Manager Tony Docherty is suspended for Sunday’s 3pm kick-off.

Assistant supervisor Stuart Taylor will be in charge on the touchline for Dundee towards Celtic alternatively of Tony Docherty. Image: SNS.

Instead of his typical area in the dugout, the Dens boss will be in the stands observing on as his side face the league leaders.

4th yellow

That’s after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season at Aberdeen beforehand this month.

Docherty was booked by means of referee Nick Walsh in the first-half at Pittodrie.

The early stages of the sport had considered three Dundee players cautioned for fouls on Dons winger Duk earlier than Graeme Shinnie hauled down Dara Costelloe in midfield.

A Graeme Shinnie foul sooner or later brought a booking for the Aberdeen man and the Dundee manager. Image: SNS

It initially seemed the referee used to be reluctant to deliver out a yellow for the Aberdeen man and Docherty made his emotions clear.

Both in the give up saw yellow.

Shinnie would later pick up a 2nd reserving in stoppage time and was once despatched off as Dundee secured a top-six berth.

Docherty’s previous three got here in opposition to Motherwell, St Johnstone and at St Mirren in February.

What does ban mean?

SFA rules state the one-match ban for a educate receiving four yellow cards comes into effect 14 days after the offence happens so Docherty used to be free to take the Rangers recreation earlier than the ban kicked in.

Dundee boss Tony Docherty won’t be in the dugout against Celtic on Sunday. Image: SNS

Suspension will imply the Dundee manager won’t be in a position to enter the taking part in region or dressing-room for the duration of the contest.

He can be in the dressing-room until seventy five minutes before kick-off and can re-enter 15 minutes after full-time.

For the relaxation of the time, Docherty will have to continue to be in the stands.

Player of the Year Award Finalist is a former Celtic Academy boy

It is awards season and various Celts have already been given acclaim for their efforts in the course of the season.

Indeed, final week, the PFA Team of the Year used to be released in which Liam Scales, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Callum McGregor, and Matt O’Riley had been all included.

20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Liam Scales of Celtic

The nominees for Premiership Player of the Year have not but been introduced however for the lower divisions, they have.

In Scottish League One, there is a name that will intrigue Celtic fans. Calvin Miller, who got here thru the academy ranks and made 5 first-team appearances, has been put up for the division’s Player of the Year by way of his colleagues:

CALVIN MILLER 🪄

SINCE SIGNING IN THE SUMMER, MILLER HAS 26 G/A ACROSS ALL COMPETITIONS FOR @FALKIRKFC AND IS THE RUNNING FOR PFA SCOTLAND LEAGUE 1 POTY ON MAY 5TH.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MILLER MOMENT?@CALVIN_MILLER7 | #PFASAWARDS

📹 @SPFL PIC.TWITTER.COM/4WWM4ZKRNK

— PFA SCOTLAND (@PFASCOTLAND) APRIL 25, 2024

Now at Falkirk, the 26-year-old has been vastly outstanding at some stage in 2023/24. Across all competitions, he has made 38 appearances, scoring 11 goals and registering 15 assists from the left facet of midfield.

Under John McGlynn, Miller is flying, enjoying a key function in the Bairns’ successful marketing campaign which has considered them win the third tier and thus gain promotion to the Championship.

He never set it alight at Celtic, but it is captivating to see the Scotland under-21 cap succeed someplace else and make a profession in the game after coming thru at Lennoxtown.

Before Sunday’s match, Celtic was warned about “dangerous” Dundee.

Celtic journey to Dundee this weekend in the first of their post-split fixtures in the Scottish Premiership.

This season, the Dee have been quietly impressing. Being the newly promoted aspect in the division, next to no one predicted the club to be in the top six after the split.

Tony Docherty, though, has completed an high-quality job at Dens’ Park and will be searching to increase his and his side’s credentials with a result when the Bhoys come to town this weekend.

26th December 2023; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Celtic huddle

Having currently drew 0-0 with Rangers at home, Dundee are a well-organised aspect who can show a pressure going forward.

The game on Sunday will in no way be straight-forward for the Celts and they will have to earn the proper to win.

Indeed, former Hoops right-back and now pundit Mark Wilson has warned his historic group beforehand of a game that he thinks won’t be plain-sailing.

The 39-year-old also outlined his opinion that each Celtic and Rangers will drop points between now and the end of the season.

He said: [Clyde 1 Superscoreboard] “I don’t suppose all people in Dundee associated with the club have been ever dreaming of having a European place.

“Of direction when it’s in front of them, they’ll favor to take it however it’s a one-of-a-kind stress that’s on them so that makes them a risky opponent for Celtic.

“I don’t suppose Sunday will be as simple for each groups (Celtic and Rangers) as every person thinks.

“I assume there’s nonetheless points to be dropped.”

Celtic legend is being hailed as a shock supervisor who’suits’ the Reds as a gaffer valued by Liverpool’s future boss chase.

Ange Postecoglou used to be formerly Celtic boss, Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has been touted as an ideal in shape for Liverpool – however a cross to Anfield from Tottenham has been firmly positioned in one category.

The Australian is a hero in Glasgow’s east-end, having won 5 out of six reachable home trophies at some point of his two seasons at Celtic. He was once previously at Yokohama F. Marinos. His first season at Tottenham in the English Premier League has attracted plaudits as Spurs rebuild in his photograph with high-octane attacking football.

A period of trade dawns at Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp on the way out. Feyenoord’s Arne Slot looks poised to come to be his replacement but former Tottenham defender Alan Hutton reckons Postecoglou is a fantastic Anfield healthy with his style of play. That said, it is not a cross he expects to see occur with the former Parkhead gaffer’s Tottenham assignment only at its start.

Hutton told Football Insider: “I can tell you this, I think in phrases of the way Postecoglou plays football, he would go well with a pass to Liverpool.

“We’ve considered what he’s been in a position to do at Tottenham in a quick duration of time, but I don’t think he’ll leave. Liverpool will have other selections and Ange is happy with where he is.

“He’s working on some thing and it’s definitely working nicely at this second in time. They’ve had blips, however that’s simply due to the style and the way Tottenham play. Postecoglou will favor to make his facet better and he’s had a massive first season. I simply don’t see Ange leaving, if I’m honest.”

A New Name Surfaces in the Chase for Celtic Academy Positions

It was once revealed earlier in the week that Celtic are on the hunt to discover a new under-18s manager, with former stars Jonny Hayes and Charlie Mulgrew being named as possible targets.

Now, a new title has emerged in Adam Asghar. Current manager of Southampton under-21s, the 29-year-old has his facet sitting pinnacle of Premier League 2 Division 2, the 2nd tier of youth football in England.

Previously, Asghar has enjoyed spells at Sunderland as an under-18s manager and at Dundee United where he was assistant to Tam Courts.

A  fresh, young, dynamic coach, the appointment of Asghar would probable excite supporters a lot extra than that of a Hayes or Mulgrew, and it appears he has a 50/50 threat of touchdown a position at Celtic.

As properly as a new under-18s manager, the club are additionally on the hunt for a new B crew boss following Darren O’Dea’s advancement to the role of Professional Player Pathway Manager.

Indeed, in accordance to RecordSport, the Hoops will appoint two from a four-man shortlist – inclusive of Hayes, Mulgrew, Asghar, and an unnamed inside candidate – to fill the two vacancies.

This academy restructure comes amid the quit of the season for Celtic B. The kids have simply two video games final in a marketing campaign the place they have constantly accelerated as time has progressed.

Celtic interest in The Rock is piqued by WrestleMania education and Parkhead love-in.

The Rock attracts Celtic interest as WrestleMania education comes with Parkhead love-in

The Rock’s Wrestlemania training has come with a serving of Celtic nods.

The wrestling icon has attracted Hoops attention

A crew of Scottish wrestlers earned a dream shot of education with The Rock constructing up to his WrestleMania bout – with a Celtic shirt on display.

The WWE icon used to be preparing for the 40th version of the iconic match throughout April 6th and 7th in Philadelphia. A team of NXT wrestlers were known as upon to help the 51-year-old get into form – Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey and Wolfgang. The trio who form The Gallus stable had been flown out to Los Angeles as the Scottish wrestlers have been surpassed the danger of a lifetime.

One of the Coffey brothers, Joe, is Celtic daft and shared a snap with The Rock in which he poses with a retro Hoops shirt. His tweet has gathered enormous attention, with eagle-eyed viewers noticing the well-known Hoops shirt subsequent to a wrestling icon.

“Final Boss CSC” was the comic story of one fan and “Hope he is gazing the Glasgow Derby on the 11th” is what any other said. “We want the rock in a Celtic top” has been demanded by a supporter and some other brought “Please inform me you gave him a Celtic top.”

Another WWE legend in Shawn Michaels, a senior determine in the back of NXT, says the training between Dwayne Johnson and the Celtic-friendly Scottish wrestling crew was a principal success.

He told talkSPORT: “He [Rock] wanted some of us to educate with, and obviously we’re talking about three guys who be aware of what they’re doing, been around the block – Understand each and every component of the business.

“You can have any individual out there younger to simply fly around however you need guys that are mature, professional, who can alter in the entirety to what Rock wants. Obviously I’m partial with these guys, they’re awesome guys however they’re so expert – they’re very dependable

Bosun Lawal rejoins Celtic while Rodgers searches for a defensive midfielder

Derby County v Fleetwood Town EFL League 1 19/08/2023. Bosun Lawal of Fleetwood Town at the Pride Park, Derby, on 19 August 2023. Photo PSI

Celtic are being linked with the signing of Charles Pickel as the Scottish Champions ramp up their preparations for next season. With six games closing of this season and two trophies to play for, the focus is completely on bringing the title and Scottish Cup returned to Celtic Park.

However, at the back of the scenes, the membership will be preparing for the 2024/25 season through scouting, figuring out and assessing attainable switch targets. One identify that has cropped up is Cremonese protecting midfielder Pickel.

Charles Pickel

The 26-year-old is a effective protective midfielder that can also fill in at RB or play further forward. His profile really suits the manager’s want to get pace and strength into the squad beforehand of the new season.

Notwithstanding the reality that it is promising that Celtic are already underway in their preparations for subsequent season, the membership ought to be thinking about whether or not Bosun Lawal can play a part in the first group subsequent season.

The Irish U21 star used to be a everyday starter in the Celtic B Team at centre back; however, after transferring to Fleetwood Town in EFL League One, the 20-year-old moved into the midfield.

09.07.2022, Allianz Stadion, Wien, AUT, Testspiel, SK Rapid Wien vs Celtic Glasgow, Vorbereitung für die kommende Saison, im Bild v.l. Bosun Lawal Celtic

Despite everyday adjustments in the administration at Fleetwood with Scott Brown, Lee Johnson and Charlie Adam all having stints in the ill-fated season, Lawal was once a consistent performer.

In all competitions, Lawal made forty six appearances, scoring six times and assisting twice, which drew praise from his managers for his composure in the centre of the park.

Brendan Rodgers will likely go want to see the participant again at Lennoxtown as he considers whether to mortgage him out once more or combine him into his first team. The Celtic manager has stated that he wants to have a geared up provide of brain coming through the ranks of the academy to complement and big name in the first group

Report:Man City extends an offer to  Joe  Hart

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart will cling up his gloves at the end of the season in an emotional second for the player, his club, and fans.

The Englishman has given his all in inexperienced and white over the previous three years, bringing actual stability between the sticks at a time of transition.

20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Joe Hart of Celtic

He has solely extended in the course of his time in Glasgow, and suggestions that he is Celtic’s Player of the Season for the cutting-edge campaign are a testomony to this.

Although he has no plans to go into teaching and hasn’t taken any badges, in accordance to the Daily Record, Hart will be presented a return to Manchester City this summer season in a non-footballing capacity, doubtlessly through an ambassadorial role.

Having made two shy of 350 appearances for City and triumphing five predominant trophies with the club, the 37-year-old is properly revered at the Etihad.

While a return down South would in all likelihood disappoint Celtic supporters, it is comprehensible given the ‘keeper’s records with the present day European champions.

When recently speakme to CeltsAreHere and other fan media, though, Hart did admit that he has let Brendan Rodgers and Celtic know that he is continually available. Keeping him at the membership in some ability this summer season would please many.

Video: Hampden’s Celtic End celebrations are captured in stunning views.

Celtic overcame Aberdeen in a frantic, dramatic Scottish Cup Semi Final on Sunday. As the dust settles on the basic encounter, the Scottish Champions return to focus on league motion before the May 25th showpiece at Hampden.

In two clips from at the back of the goals at Hampden, the Celtic End can be considered in all its glory for James Forrest’s intention that put the group 2-1 up in the 2nd half.

The Celtic End. pic.twitter.com/gdkgQjDBPp

— Luke O’Hara (@lukeohara77) April 25, 2024

Another cracking angle.

Got to love opposition followers posting the Celtic quit in all its glory. https://t.co/aCjxhCsJ2W pic.twitter.com/Hg5UESc1AA

— Luke O’Hara (@lukeohara77) April 25, 2024

The Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic have been campaigning for a Celtic End at Paradise. However, given a quick breakdown in the relationship with the club in the past this season, you would assume this is unlikely.

Hopefully a solution can be reached to get the ultras corporations together as they supply a special ride both domestic and away.

Born just as Celtic had been stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic domestic and away and helps run his neighborhood Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a precise fondness for Tom Rogic amongst the modern-day Celts and each Lubo and Henrik structure his earliest Celtic memories.

The Celtic’standard setter’ at the club is named by Joe Hart.

Joe Hart names the Celtic ‘standard setter’ at the club

Joe Hart and James Forrest

The information that Joe Hart is set to retire at the cease of the season has intended there has been a herbal center of attention on the veteran goalkeeper going out on a high. For that to happen, though, the Celtic quantity one says that another senior member of Brendan Rodgers’ squad may well be a key figure.

James Forrest put in a hugely incredible cameo from the bench on Saturday at Hampden, scoring inside minutes and showing the danger he nevertheless has to offer from the wing, prompting questions about why the 32-year-old has been used pretty so sparingly this season.

READ MORE: Replacing O’Riley: THREE players who can fill the inevitable gap in midfield

Hart feels although that Forrest can also properly have a pivotal function to play on the area but in the ultimate six fixtures of the campaign as Celtic eye up a league and Scottish Cup double, whilst his influence behind the scenes is past question.“I simply desire his intention [against Aberdeen] used to be the winner,” Hart said.

“He has been exceptional. I couldn’t suppose any higher of him as a person. James sets the standards. He’s been out of squads this season, and he has simply trained brilliantly each and every single day. We’ve had injury problems, and the club have made commitments to other players with contracts and matters like that, that’s life at the top end.But he hasn’t flinched. He has been magnificent every time he has been called upon. He is fantastic in training, he came on and certainly calmed us down, he used to be tremendous on Saturday.

“I just want we may want to have finished the sport at 2-1 in ninety minutes and then it would be James having the conversations afterwards.”

Forrest hasn’t always been the darling of the Celtic support, however history is probable to be kind to the winger, who is now one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. If he can add another couple of medals to his series between now and the stop of the season, he will solely add to that legacy, and Hart says that the players are aware that this is the time when heroes ought to be made. “It could,” he said.

“Everyone is healthy aside from the apparent difficulty we have with Daizen (Maeda), but with any luck we are going to get him lower back before the give up of the season. Everyone else is fit and available, and all and sundry desires to do their first-class to put us in the quality area possible. Nothing is done. We’ve just obtained to take care of our business and focal point on the subsequent game. It is a big opportunity this week to get a proper coaching week into us and go into a huge sport at Dundee.

“There’s a long way to go. Nothing is done, we’ve received a lot of difficult work ahead of us, however we’ve put ourselves in a suitable spot and we’re feeling good.”

That being said, Hart isn’t ignoring the deficiencies in the Celtic side that were laid naked at the weekend, which he says they will be doing their utmost to eradicate even at this late stage of the season. It is to their credit, he argues, that they have managed to locate a way to dig deep and put themselves in such an advantageous position, regardless of the campaign as a complete being far from perfect. “We’ve had warning signs and symptoms all season,” he said.

“There’s no excuse. It’s no longer been a ideal season, however we’re digging in. At the proper moments we are playing our stuff, however there are additionally moments when the video games are tight and tough and we are still managing to do our thing.

“We will see, we have set it all up however there is nonetheless masses of work to do.”

READ MORE: The writing is on the wall for Nawrocki at Celtic if Scales starts at Dens Park

On a personal note, there is no escaping the theme of Hart’s remaining bow, and he is delighted that – fitness permitting – he will now take that curtain call at the national stadium in the Scottish Cup Final. He was relieved that his penalty miss in the shootout in opposition to Aberdeen ended up a mere footnote to Saturday’s exciting contest, and he is hoping that the afternoon of May 25th against Rangers will be a day to bear in mind at Hampden, and a fitting way to call time on his career. “It should be, hopefully,” he said.

“I’ve bought a date now. I’ve received a date that I be aware of is going to be the remaining game that I am handy to be involved in. Who is aware of what is going to manifest in the subsequent 5 weeks? Hopefully, I’ll be suit and in shape and picked to play.

“It’s all set up though.”

Benjamin Siegrist of Celtics was spotted dining with Rebel Wilson, a Hollywood star.

Celtic’s Benjamin Siegrist Spotted Dining with Hollywood Star Rebel Wilson

In a surprising crossover between Scottish soccer and Hollywood, Celtic backup goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist was once considered taking part in a meal with actress Rebel Wilson at a famous Edinburgh restaurant.

Wilson, recognized for her comedic roles and vibrant personality, is presently in the town for her one-of-a-kind event, “A Night with Rebel Wilson,” as she promotes her book.

Siegrist, the Swiss-born goalkeeper who has spent lots of his Celtic tenure as an understudy to Joe Hart, determined himself in the agency of Wilson, sparking curiosity. Sources propose the connection between Siegrist and Wilson is attributed to Siegrist’s partner, Brittany Hockley, who reportedly has ties with the Hollywood actress. The dinner plans were apparently supposed to consist of Hockley, however she bought delayed on a flight.

Siegrist’s profession at Celtic has been particularly underwhelming with restrained first-team appearances. Initially signed as a potential first-choice under former manager Ange Postecoglou, Siegrist has because fallen to 1/3 desire underneath the leadership of Brendan Rodgers.

The goalkeeper’s future with Celtic remains uncertain, with rumors circulating about a potential move. It’s clear he’s not going to make an impact with the Bhoys.

The goalkeeper doesn’t appear too fussed by way of it all. His Instagram tales generally full of journey when he’s not education with Celtic. I suppose Celtic followers will be in a position to relate with the stopper hanging out with a Rebel!

Joe Hart’s astute remark to a journalist regarding Celtics’ retirement

Joe Hart’s brilliant message to journalist in response to Celtic retirement take

Joe Hart has six games left of his career as he prepares to retire from the recreation and go away Celtic at the give up of the season.

With ten winners medals to his name, Hart has received two English Premier Leagues, two English League Cups, and FA Cup, two Scottish titles, one Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups as well.

And with this season being his closing swansong, going for every other title and Scottish Cup may want to bring down a wonderful end to a profession that has spanned over 20 years.

Joe Hart rejects ‘fairytale’ Celtic claim

Daily Record journalist, Michael Gannon, has shared a private dialog with Hart in which he published that the Celtic goalkeeper rejected the thinking that this season is set up to be a fairytale ending to his career.

Gannon said [Record Celtic podcast], “Joe Hart is a humorous character. I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago for a piece and I put it to him that this is all set up for a fairytale ending for him.

“He basically said, ‘I don’t accept as true with in fairytales. You want to work to earn the whole thing that comes your way.’

“He’s not banking on the fates intervening and creating a state of affairs that he is going to go out on a high. He’s going to go and do it.

“And the guy has had a few bumps in his profession as well. He’s not had it all simple sailing. And he is aware of that football can chunk you in the bottom at any given minute.”

That reply simply epitomises Hart’s attitude. The 37-year-old has always been eager to be aware that hard work for his crew has always been his priority ever when you consider that becoming a member of Celtic.

It’s no longer about any one man. This will stand Celtic in proper stead as Hart has proven that he is not centered on attempting to locate the glory for himself, however his focal point is 100% on the crew as we seem to tie up a league and cup double.

Watch: Outstanding Celtic Scottish Cup Semi-Final Video Is Released

The jubilant scenes at Hampden Park were excellent as James Forrest, coming off the bench, delivered what seemed like a conceivable match-winner for Celtic in their Scottish Cup semi-final conflict against Aberdeen.

Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Quarter Final – Celtic v Livingston – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – March 10, 2024 Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring their fourth goal with James Forrest and Paulo Bernardo REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The roar that erupted from the Celtic fans when Forrest scored his team’s 2d aim was captured in a video which has simply made its way onto Twitter.

THE CELTIC END. PIC.TWITTER.COM/GDKGQJDBPP

— LUKE O’HARA (@LUKEOHARA77) APRIL 25, 2024

Forrest’s strike, which put Celtic beforehand following Nicolas Kuhn’s in the past equaliser, momentarily set the stage for a victory within regulation time. However, Aberdeen’s late purpose in the ninetieth minute extended the match into greater time, sooner or later leading to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

Celtic secured their location in the remaining via penalties after the fit concluded with a 3-3 draw.

After Sunday’s result, Celtic will face Rangers in the closing on May 25, after the league season is over. By that time, Celtic should be going for a cup and league double.

But, till then, it’s all center of attention on the league.

This season, Celtic now have the chance to create Scottish football history.

Celtic now have the threat to make Scottish football history this season.

It has been a particularly dramatic 12 months for Celtic. There have been highs and lows along the way, lots of discussions about the path of the membership and plenty of tendencies off the pitch.

Management changes, lacklustre switch activity, tough intervals of form and injuries have all presented huge challenges to overcome.

Now, with just a handful of games left in the season, Celtic have the hazard to do something that no other Scottish club has ever achieved.

The Bhoys take a seat three factors clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with five matches remaining and are hooked up as favourites to elevate yet another league trophy.

Celtic FC Women meanwhile additionally sit pinnacle of SWPL 1, two factors clear of competitors Rangers, with their very own five-game ending to navigate.

Celtic’s shot at history

If each the men’s and women’s groups raise the silverware, it’ll be the first time that a single membership has gained the country’s two league titles in the equal season.

The women’s side famously came so close to glory last term roared on by way of record-breaking bumper crowds at Celtic Park, only to be denied on the very closing matchday with the aid of a last-gasp Glasgow City goal.

Fran Alonso left the membership in the past this season and his replacement – Elena Sadiku – has the possibility to make an tremendous have an impact on simply months after taking charge.

If the two Celtic aspects now finish the job, it’ll be a landmark second for the membership and Scottish football – a actual signifier of dominance throughout both top flights.

Lots of challenging work beforehand for each Celtic sides

Nothing is guaranteed, of course, and there are massive fits in advance that can nevertheless alter the route these trophies are heading in.

Sadiku’s outfit picked up mind-blowing wins over Rangers and Glasgow City closing month but still have to play each teams – who have until now lifted this title – again over the coming weeks.

Brendan Rodgers’ facet can’t take something for granted both and have their very own large derby at domestic to Rangers on May 11th.

Still, it’s a tantalising prospect and something the club would no doubt make a huge deal of if it happened, and rightly so.

With each aspects also nonetheless gunning for Scottish Cup success, there’s even the danger of a double-double.

‘Modifications’ to the stadium are desired for Celtics vs. Rangers games

Stadium ‘modifications’ wanted for Celtic vs Rangers matches

James Bisgrove has noted changes are required at Ibrox and Celtic Park (Image: SNS)

James Bisgrove has published both Ibrox and Parkhead require stadium changes to host matches between Rangers and Celtic.

The Ibrox chief govt has defined adjustments will be made to the turnstiles at Ibrox earlier than the five percent away allocation comes into pressure subsequent season.

Celtic and Rangers agreed a deal to adopt a European-style allocation for derby fixtures. There will be no away fans for the ultimate suits this term.

And Bisgrove has now recommended a contributing thing to the absence of away followers for derby matches in latest season has been the need for tweaks at both grounds.

Speaking at a Rangers CEO Fan Forum, Bisgrove said: “One of the motives zero has been the number at the closing two Old Firm video games is that each clubs want changes to their stadiums.

“We will make changes to turnstiles, Parkhead will make modifications to ingress and egress to enhance the supporter experience.

“Time has been taken to get it proper for subsequent season.

“Feedback suggests our away aid experience is sub best and we hope to get improvement on that with the 5% allocation we will receive at Parkhead.”

READ MORE: Kick-off time of Scottish Cup remaining between Rangers

Martin O’Neill Announced by Celtic

Celtic Make Martin O’Neill Announcement

Celtic has announced that Martin O’Neill will be attending the upcoming Celtic Player of the Year Awards.

Soccer Football – Championship – Nottingham Forest v Bolton Wanderers – The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain – May 5, 2019 Nottingham Forest supervisor Martin O’Neill before the in shape Action Images/Peter Cziborra

O’Neill, who guided the club to multiple domestic titles and a UEFA Cup Final look during his tenure, will be supplying an award at the gala match scheduled for Sunday, May 12.

The ceremony is set to show up simply a day after a doubtlessly decisive Glasgow Derby when Celtic ought to perchance prolong their lead in the Premiership if they impervious a victory in opposition to Rangers. However, earlier than the derby, the team faces necessary matches in opposition to Dundee and Hearts.

🟢 MARTIN O’NEILL ⚪️

FORMER #CELTICFC MANAGER, @MONEILL31, JOINS A HOST OF ICONIC AWARD PRESENTERS AS WE CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF THE #CELTICPOTY AWARDS AT THE OVO HYDRO ON SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024! 🍀🏆

DON’T MISS OUT – LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE BELOW ⤵️

— CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB (@CELTICFC) APRIL 25, 2024

O’Neill will join a star-studded lineup of former Celtic luminaries slated to current awards, inclusive of Ronny Deila, Chris Sutton, Aiden McGeady, Shaun Maloney, Charlie Mulgrew, Stan Petrov, and John Hartson. The match promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating the season’s first-rate performances, with Des Clarke and Sebahn Aherne web hosting the festivities.

It’s looking set to be a properly night.

Celtic progress in Scottish Cup with comfortable win over Buckie Thistle

Celtic’s comfortable win over Buckie Thistle…

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024.

As expected Celtic eased into the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after a comprehensive win over Highland league side Buckie Thistle. Our reward is an away fourth round tie against St Mirren in the only all Premiership fourth round tie and what will be the tie of the round.

It took us twenty five minutes to get on the scoresheet, but the scoreline with all due respect to Buckie flattered them a little.

Paulo Bernardo’s third goal in four games got us off the mark, and it was an exquisite finish by the Portuguese midfielder. It was eerie similar to his fellow countryman Jota’s finish against theRangers last season. Ok it was against lesser opposition, but it was still a quality goal all the same.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 21: Odin Holm scores his team’s second goal during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Odin Thiago Holm opened his account for the club to make it two with a decent finish, before Kyogo struck to give the game the scoreline it more than deserved heading into the interval.

Luis Palma struck a fine finish to make it four, and then Rocco Vata hit his first goal for the club at first team level after fine work from Mikey Johnston to give the game the scoreline it deserved.

It was a more than deserved win despite the dogged display by the Highland League side, but in all honesty if it wasn’t for their goalkeeper and some questionable offside calls it could easily have reached double figures.

Kudos to all the supporters who braved the elements to flock to Paradise, and also to the healthy travelling support from Moray who backed their side superbly.

All in all it was decent days work for the players as they got some much needed match fitness as we get ready for some vital upcoming league fixtures.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Three talking points from Celtic’s win over Buckie Thistle

Reliable source confirms Celtic have opened contract talks with Carter-Vickers

Matt O’Riley catches Celtic gaffe by Neil Lennon as midfielder forces Parkhead hero into hasty backtrack

The star man was quick off the mark to catch out a misstep from the former Parkhead boss.

Celtic star Matt O’Riley with Parkhead hero Neil Lennon

He has been a standout for Celtic so far on the pitch and Matt O’Riley wasn’t willing to let anything slip by him off it – even former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon.

The Danish international was instrumental again as the Premiership leaders emerged from cold storage after the winter break to play a key part in the Scottish Cup rout of Highland League side Buckie Thistle.

O’Riley pulled the strings in midfield in the absence of captain Callum McGregor as the Hoops ran out 5-0 winners – but could have added to that total against the battling minnows had the offside flag not ruled out several other strikes.

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It’s these type of displays that have led to the likes of Girona and Inter Milan taking glances at O’Riley during the January transfer window – and Lennon joined his fan club before making a gaffe over the next fixture that Celtic will face. Lennon was full of praise for the playmaker and his contributions so far this season. He lauded him on Viaplay during a post-match debrief stating: “I don’t know how many goals and assists you have got this season. From a midfield point of view that is priceless.”

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The former Parkhead player and boss went on: “Next game is Hibs away…” However, O’Riley immediately struck a bemused figure asking: “Is it?”

Host Emma Dodds interjected: “Ross County?” Before O’Riley also noted “Ross County” as he pointed and pulled a face at the Irishman.

Lennon backtracked: “Sorry, sorry I got my fixture list wrong. It’s my age I think.” Just for clarity, it is Ross County who will be the next side to face off against Brendan Rodgers men at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers throws Celtic doors open to Buckie as dressing room speech goes down a storm with Graeme Stewart

The Celtic gaffer had some words for the Highland League men before inviting them across the corridor for signed strips and sushi.

Brendan Rodgers and Buckie Thistle manager Graeme Stewart

Beaming Buckie boss Graeme Stewart showered praise on his players after watching them go toe-to-toe with Scotland’s champions.

The Highland League minnows went down to a 5-0 thumping at Parkhead as their Scottish Cup fairy tale story came crashing to an end. But Stewart was left bursting with pride with the nature of his side’s performance – and thrilled that it took Celtic almost 25 first half minutes to score the breakthrough goal.

Stewart said: “We only had one training session to play in that shape, with five at the back because we’ve never played that before. Normally we dominate possession like Celtic did today.

So we had one training session Friday night and then a few meetings last night in the team hotel. I thought they were superb, though I don’t want to get carried away. When the draw came out I said we have to enjoy it but not get caught up in it, and I don’t think we did.

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“When you get to 25 minutes and it’s still 0-0 you think, ‘This is happening here!’. But overall, I thought the attitude was tremendous, in the dressing room the boys are out on their feet and cramping up.”

Buckie could have been punished even more brutally had Celtic not had four more goals chopped off for offside. But the boss insisted it was part of his plan. He went on: “Yes, that was part of the game plan – but more than we would have liked. I gave them too much information for one game, trust me. I gave them about four hours of stuff. I thought they handled it perfectly. They are all clever, intelligent players.”

And Stewart revealed how he was blindsided by Brendan Rodgers’ decision to give skipper Callum McGregor an unexpected day off. He laughed: “It certainly messed up my team talk because so much of it was about him.

“I guessed their team apart from him, but I was delighted with the respect shown. Brendan Rodgers came into our changing room after the game and was a class act. He gave a wee speech and said he was delighted with our attitude.

“The gave us so much respect and took it seriously and that was good. We would rather have played against that than a second-string team. Playing the full team the guys can keep that memory forever.

“None of the players were in our changing room after the game – they were all in the Celtic changing room. Celtic were brilliant, taking them in. Though I noticed Celtic had sushi and nicer food than us.

“Brendan Rodgers was brilliant. He told us to come in and gave us some signed strips. They didn’t have to do that. One or two even asked for our strips, which I’m not happy about. I said to the guys they are getting fined now because they cost us 50 quid!”

Exclusive: Celtic make decision on accepting offer for £20m-valued star

Sources: Celtic make Cameron Carter-Vickers transfer decision as West Ham news emerges

Celtic will block offers for Cameron Carter-Vickers this month amid interest from Premier League sides, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking to the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed the Hoops “wouldn’t consider” selling the centre-back, who they value at £20million.

The USMNT international is reportedly gaining interest from West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford this month, but Celtic are expected to knock back any offers in January.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have had issues in their backline this season and feel they can’t afford to depart with one of their best defensive options – even for a huge fee.

The 26-year-old has been a standout for the Hoops since his arrival, initially on loan, from Tottenham in 2021.

He arrived permanently for a reported fee of £6million, but the Hoops would expect to make a significant profit if interest remains in later windows.

Injuries have forced him to miss 12 games in all competitions this season, including Celtic’s most recent league games against Rangers and St Mirren.

Should Celtic secure their £20million valuation for Carter-Vickers, he would be amongst the club’s record departures – the top being Jota’s reported £25million move to Al Ittihad in the summer.

Celtic remain at the top of the league and have an eight-point gap ahead of second-place Rangers.

They are next in action against fifth-tier Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on Sunday afternoon (21 January).

In other news, Sources: Celtic ready to accept offers for six stars this month – including £30,000-a-week big earner.

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

CELTIC AND ASTON VILLA IN £2M BATTLE AS DIRECTOR ADMITS EXIT IS ‘GETTING CLOSE’

Elfsborg appear to have confirmed that Hakon Valdimarsson is ‘getting close’ to a departure with Celtic reportedly facing competition from Premier League giants Aston Villa.

With Joe Hart’s contract expiring, Celtic cannot ignore the need for a new number one for much longer. And with neither Scott Bain nor Benjamin Siegrist seemingly under consideration to make the step up, the Scottish champions are likely to pursue an outside hire.

Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin is reportedly one option. Though that has been complicated by the fact that the Ukrainian appears to have replaced Kepa Arrizabalaga as the Spanish giants’ first-choice in the injury-enforced absence of Thibaut Courtois.

Hakon Valdimarsson, then, is not just more affordable than Lunin – reportedly valued at around £2 million – but more attainable too.

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Aston Villa and Celtic like Hakon Valdimarsson
There is interest from Celtic, per the Goteborgs Posten. Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, believes that both Aston Villa and FC Copenhagen have submitted ‘formal bids’ in recent days for the 2023 Allsvenskan Goalkeeper of the Year.

And while Elfsborg’s sporting director would not be drawn on exactly which clubs are in the mix, he does appear to suggest that Valdimarsson is edging closer to a departure during Swedish football’s off-season.

“Hakon is really good,” Stefan Andreasson tells Fotboll Direkt. “And we have discussions with some clubs.

“We’ll talk next week about which options are available. Which are concrete. What’s good for Elfsborg and what’s good for him. Then we’ll see. It’s getting close.”

Andreasson, speaking after Elfsborg held an open training session on Friday, admitted that he is flattered to have caught the eye of Unai Emery’s Champions League-chasing Aston Villa outfit.

However, he also pointed out that the promise of regular game time would likely play a big role in choosing his next club. And the number one role at Villa Park looks beyond him unless Emiliano Martinez – the club’s World Cup-winning shot-stopper – departs first.

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“It is big. They are a top club in the Premier League and they are playing really well. It is huge to see that they are interested. It shows that I have done well,” Valdimarsson explains to Aftonbladet.

“That could be (a good move for me). It’s top players, it’s the highest quality of everything. Training with some of the world’s best players is good for your development.”

“FCK (Copenhagen) is a big club. They have played in the Champions League two years in a row and are probably Scandinavia’s biggest team. It is not as big as the Premier League, but it could also be a good step,” Valdimarsson adds.

“The goal is always to be able to play, if I move. Right now, I’m in Elfsborg and don’t know what will happen.

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Earlier this week, Celtic completed their first signing of the January transfer window with a £3m deal for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn, but Brendan Rodgers doesn’t intend to stop there. Before the deadline, the Hoops boss also wants to add a left-back and a striker to his squad.

One candidate for the latter position is Bologna’s Sydney van Hooijdonk, son of the former Celtic man Pierre, and one newspaper in Italy has even predicted that he’ll make the move to Parkhead in the second half of the window.

Another is Brondby’s Mathias Kvistgaarden. It’s been nearly a week now since we learned that Celtic were in talks with the Danish club over a transfer, and it seems as if there’s been an encouraging development in their pursuit.

Celtic take step towards Kvistgaarden deal
According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are “making progress” on a deal for Kvistgaarden.

If the Scottish Premiership leaders receive “encouragement” from Brondby, they could launch an offer.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
Meanwhile, the proposed move for Van Hooijdonk “has hit a stumbling block”, because it’s believed it would take at least £8m for Bologna to sell him – a fee that’s “too steep” for Celtic in the mid-season market. Crucially, Kvistgaarden is expected to be available “on more favourable terms”.

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21-year-old Kvistgaarden has been with Brondby since 2018, racking up 81 appearances for the club, but this is the year where he’s really come alive.

He scored six goals and provided three assists in his last six league games at the back end of 2022/23, a “crazy” run of form in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he’s carried that momentum into the current campaign with 14 direct goal contributions (seven goals, seven assists) in 21 appearances.

The youngster ranks second in the league for assists and fourth for overall goal contributions. If he keeps this up, be it at Brondby or at Celtic, it surely won’t be long before he graduates from Denmark’s Under-21s (for whom he’s played 16 games) to the senior team.

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In light of his exploits this term, you’d expect him to arrive in Glasgow full of confidence and in peak condition, but the same can’t be said for Van Hooijdonk.

The Dutchman has found himself down the pecking order at Bologna, starting just two of his side’s 20 league games and watching 10 matches as an unused substitute.

Given that Celtic’s joint-top scorer is a midfielder in Matt O’Riley (10 goals), and Kyogo Furuhashi is the only one of their forwards to score more than seven goals this season, they need somebody who can make an instant impact in whatever capacity as they battle for the title with Rangers.

There will be pressure on the new face to swiftly boost Rodgers’ firepower, and Kvistgaarden looks better-placed to live up to that task. As such, it may not be the worst thing that Van Hooijdonk is out of their price range.

Will Celtic keep Matt O’Riley and where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend? Saturday Jury…

The Record Sport team look ahead to a huge weekend of Scottish Cup fourth action and debate the latest big transfer debates.

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley celebrates

Where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend?
ANDY NEWPORT: St Johnstone’s trip to an Airdrie side going great guns under impressive young player boss Rhys McCabe looks like a real banana skin. And it would be no surprise to see Livingston fall to Championship contenders Raith.

FRASER WILSON: There’s no danger of a Darvel-esque upset but St Johnstone have a tough task heading to Airdrie while Livi could come a cropper against Raith – perhaps that wouldn’t go down as a shock though.

MICHAEL GANNON: The big boys can rest easy, this will be a shock free cup weekend.

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Can Celtic keep hold of Matt O’Riley until the end of the season?
ANDY: Yes and they have to. The title race is far from over and the Denmark international could be pivotal to their aspirations. Girona have cash to spend given their City Group tie up and should be told it will require a club record fee for Celtic to part ways.

FRASER: With three and a half years left on his contract Celtic are in the strongest of positions and unless someone arrives with an eye watering offer I’d expect the midfielder to be at Parkhead til at the very least the end of this season if not the following summer.

MICHAEL: Celtic don’t have to sell and the player is happy at Parkhead. But we need to be realistic, if a mega money £30m bid or something lands from England, the Hoops could be powerless to stop it.

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What does Philippe Clement need in the remaining days in the window to tool up for the title fight?

ANDY: A proper centre forward is the glaring requirement for this Rangers team. Cyriel Dessers simply isn’t the answer and Clement still doesn’t know if he’ll see Danilo or Kemar Roofe again this term.

Fabio Silva has come in but looks like he’s better suited to coming in off the left wing. Gers need an out and out No9 if they are to properly push Celtic.

Philippe Clement and his Rangers players (Image: SNS Group)
FRASER: The most important addition he could make with the next five months in mind would be a striker that guarantees goals.

MICHAEL: The Gers boss still looks a little short. He could do with nailing down the left back role and another attacker wouldn’t go amiss.

After his first round exit at the Australian Open, it’s it time for our Andy Murray to finally hang up the racquet?

ANDY: He’s earned the right to do what he wants. For me, the Dunblane ace is the nation’s greatest ever sportsman and if he wants to carry on swinging his strings around knowing he won’t compete for prizes then let him. It’s his metal hip and he can do what he wants with it.

FRASER: We’ve all had a brilliant ride watching Murray whose place among Scotland’s sporting greats is secured. But it looks like the latter stages of majors is now beyond him.

His heroic efforts to fight back from hip surgery deserve better but this year looks like being his last.

MICHAEL: Not quite yet. Our greatest sportsman deserves one last crack at Wimbledon and the chance to properly say goodbye to the game.

Nicolas Kuhn is a risky Celtic transfer but Brendan Rodgers says he is quality and buck now stops with him – Chris Sutton

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

New Celtic Signing Nicolas Kuhn

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

There’s no conjecture in those words. The manager wants a certain standard of player and, judging by his own comments, that’s what he’s been given in the German. The Celtic boss made a call on quality. Not projects.

I stated last weekend I felt Kuhn was one for the project list, but it is the opinion of Rodgers that counts when it comes to signings.

So now it’s up to Kuhn to prove him correct. Quite simply, Rodgers has to stand and fall by signings. Every manager does.

Kuhn is a wide attacking player and where he fits into it all will be fascinating.

The vibes are he plays off the right coming inside and that door is wide open at the moment with Daizen Maeda at the Asian Cup. Liel Abada returned from injury just before shutdown, but that lad has had plenty to deal with this season and it’s hard to know what he’ll produce on a consistent basis.

At £3million with plenty of starts for Rapid Vienna before arriving, Kuhn has to be oven-ready and deliver big displays from the minute he steps onto the park.

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Rodgers needs arrivals to boost his starting team. Not further bloat the squad. So Kuhn has to go in there and hit the ground running.

If he fails and ends up spending most time on the bench, he’ll join the dreaded category of fringe men and that’ll irritate fans. For all the criticism of the board over what’s being sought and what’s being bought, this one’s on the boss.

Recruitment staff are important to help whittle down the lists when a manager gives a description of the type he wants from a certain position.

But, once recommended, it’s dependent on Rodgers’ final judgment. That’s what will be under scrutiny here and that’s how it should be. Yes it matters to a degree how much a club will spend. It’s stupid to suggest otherwise, but the board works within the model and I have no qualms about it because Rodgers knows what it is.

He says he’s happy to work within it. So he’s got to get it right. I really don’t understand fans screaming for massive outlays when it’s been made perfectly clear this is the club’s strategy. And, I’ll say it again, if it is done properly, it can be hugely effective.

The interest this week that has emerged surrounding Cameron Carter-Vickers just got me thinking about how best Celtic can make it work. Evidence suggests the ones in the £2m-to-£3m bracket are risky in the sense you may end up with little in return. But Matt O’Riley, Maeda and Reo Hatate are examples that it can work, although you need to be either extremely shrewd or lucky to get that three for a sum total of about £4.5m, as Ange Postecoglou managed to do.

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Hand on heart, do you really see Celtic getting much of their outlay back on Kwon Hyeok-kyu, who has just gone on loan to St Mirren? You can never say never.

Stephen Robinson and Kwon
Kristoffer Ajer went to Brentford for a right few quid and he cost less than a million from Norway when Ronny Deila bought him.

Rodgers sent him out to Kilmarnock to learn his trade and got there, eventually. So maybe the move to Paisley will have a similar effect on Kwon and, at the same time, that Ajer story tells you that Odin Thiago Holm might turn out to be a good one in the end.

But Celtic also need performers for right now. I know price isn’t the only barometer of a player’s ability as the market where you shop often dictates the figures. Put it this way, if Hatate or Maeda were coming from the English Premier League with their exact same profiles, do you think they could have been snared at J-League prices?

Of course not. But there’s a balance and I can understand why fans would like to see just a little more spent on more proven quality to almost guarantee the win-win scenario.

AND ALSO

Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan

Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play

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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate

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Matt O’Riley Celtic transfer exit prospect earns firm Brendan Rodgers response amid Girona interest
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold
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What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit
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Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest
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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
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Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year

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Celtic next transfer target after Nicolas Kuhn emerges as Liel Abada resolve to be tested following ‘offers’

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Stressed Scots sub-postmasters say Horizon system still causing mystery shortfalls ruining businesses
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Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic transfer door opens as Rapid Vienna get honest over star’s ‘price’ amid Parkhead rumours
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6 left backs linked to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers eyes ticking off the next transfer priority

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The 3 Celtic linked goalkeepers rated and compared to Joe Hart as Brendan Rodgers faces key decision
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Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate
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Matt O’Riley Celtic transfer exit prospect earns firm Brendan Rodgers response amid Girona interest
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold
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What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit
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Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest
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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
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Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year
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Celtic next transfer target after Nicolas Kuhn emerges as Liel Abada resolve to be tested following ‘offers’
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Stressed Scots sub-postmasters say Horizon system still causing mystery shortfalls ruining businesses
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Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic transfer door opens as Rapid Vienna get honest over star’s ‘price’ amid Parkhead rumours
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6 left backs linked to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers eyes ticking off the next transfer priority

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The 3 Celtic linked goalkeepers rated and compared to Joe Hart as Brendan Rodgers faces key decision
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Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate
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Matt O’Riley Celtic transfer exit prospect earns firm Brendan Rodgers response amid Girona interest
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold

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What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit

Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest
Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year

Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year

The club had no issues paying £9m for Odsonne Edouard because they knew, barring a disaster, they were not going to lose money. In the end, they doubled their cash when Crystal Palace stepped onto the scene. Celtic had to spend £6m to get Jota signed. Paying that little more ended up netting them £25m when the Saudis came calling. In the same summer, Carter-Vickers cost the same £6m. If the English do come knocking in the summer, I’d say you are looking at another £20m.

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That’s really what the fans want to see. Chunky investments bringing even healthier returns. I’m fairly sure Carter-Vickers and O’Riley will stay until at least the summer, but they’ll go one day and their bumper transfer fees when departing will just push the narrative of pay higher, sell higher. Fans just want ready-made players who can go straight into the side and make it better.

Kuhn has to fall into that bracket. He’s back towards the riskier end of the scale if you are looking purely at transfer fee, but it’s about the quality and Rodgers says Kuhn has it. That’s the manager’s judgment. Not that of the board. So Rodgers has to have picked a good one, and keep finding good ones, because the buck stops with him.

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Celtic could land dream O’Riley partner after talks to sign 5 ft 11 ace

The Scottish giants are reportedly keen on a deal for the defensive midfielder.

Celtic-Matt-O’Riley-Leeds-Farke-Championship-transfer
The January transfer window is due to slam shut in just over a week and Scottish giants Celtic appear set to enjoy, or endure, a busy end to the month.

Brendan Rodgers has already made one signing so far this month as 24-year-old winger Nicolas Kuhn has joined from Austrian side Rapid Wien on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

That is expected to be the first of many before the end of the window as the Northern Irish head coach also has his eye on a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a striker, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
This means that Hoops supporters could have an exciting 12 days or so to look forward to if the club are able to land their top targets to bolster the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Alongside Kuhn, a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a centre-forward, Celtic are also reportedly attempting to land a new defensive midfielder for Rodgers.

Celtic have held talks to land South Korean talent
According to the Daily Record, the Bhoys have held talks with FC Gwangju over a deal to sign their talented enforcer Ho-yeon Jung before the end of the window.

The Scottish giants are eyeing up a swoop for the impressive midfielder to bolster their options in the middle of the park, which comes after Hyeok-kyu Kwon was allowed to join St. Mirren on loan until the end of the season earlier this month.

hyeok-kyu-kwon-celtic-premiership-jung-rodgers-transfer
It states that there is a ‘good’ chance that a move will progress between the two sides over a transfer for the South Korean battler before the deadline at the start of February.

However, there is no mention of how much Gwangju would demand for his services, how much Celtic are prepared to pay for him in January, or how the talks between the two clubs went.

The Daily Record do add, though, that the South Korean side would prefer Jung to depart at the end of the year. This suggests that they could put a deal off until the end of the season or ask the Hoops to loan him back to them until the 2023/24 campaign.

If Celtic are able to tempt Gwangju into a deal for the midfielder before the deadline, Rodgers could land a dream partner for Matt O’Riley in the middle of the park.

o’riley-palma-rodgers-premiership-celtic
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that Spanish side Girona are interested in a deal to sign the Denmark international ahead of the second half of the campaign.

However, the reporter stated that the club are in a strong position after the central midfielder put pen to paper on a ‘bumper’ contract, which means that they are in control of the situation.

O’Riley’s Premiership dominance this season

The 23-year-old magician has been in magnificent form so far this season for the Hoops and has proven himself to be one of the manager’s top performers in the division.

He has made the Scottish Premiership his playground with his ability to influence matches at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis for the Bhoys.

O’Riley has contributed with ten goals and seven assists in 21 top-flight matches as a central midfielder, which is more than one goal contribution every other game on average.

No Celtic player has scored more league goals than the Danish ace. He is the only ace who has made it into the double figures for Rodgers, with Kyogo Furuhashi (eight) and David Turnbull (seven) the closest to him.

Meanwhile, Luis Palma (nine) is the only Hoops star with more assists than O’Riley and the only player in the squad with more key passes per game (3.4) than the ex-Fulham prospect (2.6).

22/23 Premiership

Matt O’Riley (via Sofascore)

Appearances

38

Goals

Three

Assists

12

Big chances created

16

Key passes per game

2.2

As you can see in the table above, the impressive Celtic star has significantly improved his goalscoring output from the middle of the park in comparison to last season.

He has developed the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis whilst remaining a constant creative presence for his teammates.

Why Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley

Rodgers could now land a dream partner for O’Riley in midfield with a deal for Jung as he is an impressive defensive midfielder who is also super reliable in possession.

The 23-year-old caught the eye with his impressive displays in the top-flight of South Korean football throughout 2023 and could be an excellent signing for Celtic if the talented ace can translate those showings over to the Premiership.

Most recent performance for Gwangju

Vs Pohang Steelers (03/12/23)

Ho-yeon Jung (via Sofascore)

Minutes played

90

Sofascore rating

7.6

Duels won

Three

Pass accuracy

86%

Chances created

Five

As you can see in the table above, Jung is capable of having highly creative performances in midfield whilst also being a strong presence off the ball.

Jung made 34 K League 1 appearances throughout 2023 and provided his manager with a tough-tackling option, with 2.9 tackles and interceptions combined and 5.4 ball recoveries per match.

Meanwhile, no Celtic midfielder has managed more than 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, which suggests that the Hoops target could add a bit more steel to Rodgers’ options in that position.

The 5 foot 11 gem, who was once described as a “good prospect” by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, is also impressive with his work in possession.

Jung completed 90% of his attempted passes in the K League 1 last year and only Callum McGregor (93%) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (92.1%) have averaged a higher success rate in the Premiership out of every Celtic player with at least one start.

This suggests that the Gwangju star could retain the ball at an exceptional rate for Rodgers whilst also being a fantastic defender who can win possession back multiple times per game by cutting out opposition attacks.

Therefore, Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley as he could sit at the base of the midfield and recover the ball before using his efficient passing to find the Danish magician in dangerous positions, where he can then work his magic in the final third.

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Brendan Rodgers leaps to defence of Celtic player ‘who suffered from Callum McGregor syndrome’

Taylor can get it in neck from fans but manager is well aware of his credentials

By Andrew Smith

Celtic’s need to sign a left-back has become a mantra for the club’s support.

The faithful may be comforted that Brendan Rodgers sees the requirement for such an acquisition – and less so over the driver for doing so.

Greg Taylor has appeared to have a target on his back from the fanbase throughout his four-and-a-half years since his £3million move from Kilmarnock. In contrast, the Celtic manager goes out of his way to offer the most effusive pat on the back to the 26-year-old for what he has produced across the first six months of his second spell, even as he points to challenges for the player at Champions League level.

Taylor’s dependency and consistency is reflected in the fact he has started every one of the club’s 29 games this season, although there is some mitigation with Rodgers patently concluding that Alexandro Bernabei does not fit the bill of a reliable deputy. “I’ve got to say, Greg Taylor has been brilliant for me,” said Rodgers ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Buckie Thistle.

“Clearly there is a loading issue there we need to be mindful of if we don’t bring in support there. I know I’ve got Scalesy [Liam Scales] who can play there, in a worst case scenario. But Greg has been great for me.

Like some of the players, he probably took some time to adapt to what we’ve been asking them to do. But now with everyone in sync, you can see how much he’s improved from a defensive perspective and the football side of his game is very good. I really, really like him. Being at a big club is about competition and it’s my job to make the squad as good as it can be.”

Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.
Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.

It was put to Rodgers that the limited appreciation for Taylor from the Celtic stands could be labelled as ‘the James Forrest syndrome’ – a development where indigenous players, such as the pair, tend to be subjected to unwarranted scrutiny and stick because of their ordinariness set against the seductiveness of foreign imports.

He pushed that further. “It is a bit like that, probably like the Callum McGregor syndrome up until a couple of years ago,” continued the Celtic manager. “It’s just the nature of it sometimes, the Scottish boys might not get the same level of affinity as some of the others. When I was last here I saw Greg as a young player at Kilmarnock.

We had Kieran [Tierney] here, who was brilliant for me. But I went away and I watched him over these last few years. He’s done great. I love working with him. I see him every day, he’s a top professional who looks after himself.

“I remember seeing him in Dubai during one of the breaks a few years back, when I was at Leicester. I bumped into him in the gym and we said hello. But I watched him and from the minute he started working … he never lost focus on what he needed to do.

I remember coming away from that and thinking this was a young professional who is doing everything he can to look after himself and do things right.

“That’s what I’ve seen since coming back here. He’s a great guy who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s been brilliant. The Champions League is a challenge for a lot of players, [but] I really enjoy working with him. You always need these personalities.

Greg is a real voice on the pitch. He’s very respectful of everything and you need players with that spirit and mentality. [It’s just] my job is to bring competition to the squad in a number of areas.”

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

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

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

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

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

Tommy-conway-bristol-city

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TRANSFER RUMOURS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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At 31, his best days could be behind him, or may well be in the relatively near future, but he should be seen as a player who can contribute positively between now and May, potentially leaving at the end of the season instead.

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

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

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

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

Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Instant reaction to the burning issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cruel start for Elena Sadiku

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

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

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

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

Rangers get the job done

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

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

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

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

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

Incredible entertainment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great celebration time “But bad news” Celtic’s best player is seriously injured in…

What a great Win “But bad News” Celtic Top player is seriously injured during…

Glasgow Derby Injury Concern for Celtic

Celtic emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Livingston, a welcome relief following back-to-back defeats.

However, the triumph came with a tinge of concern as right-back Alistair Johnston appeared to suffer an injury towards the end of the match.

He looked to have pulled up injured, making him a concern for the Glasgow Derby next week.

The game saw Kyogo breaking his goal drought. Kyogo found the net, marking an end to his recent period without goals. This strike set the tone for Celtic’s dominance in the match.

Liam Scales doubled Celtic’s lead by heading in a corner from Palma.

Impressively, Palma also played a crucial role in setting up Kyogo’s goal, showcasing his ability to orchestrate key plays.

The Green Brigade returned to the stands for the win. The group made their presence felt for the first time in 13 games after being absent due to a ban.

Hopefully Brendan Rodgers can provide a positive update on the right back.

There’s a lot of frustration”-journalist react to “strange” involving Celtic star

Kyogo Furuhashi now in ‘strange situation’ at Celtic

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi looks to have been asked to play a different role under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has been “a bit strange” at Parkhead.

 The Japan international has been asked to play a different role, drifting wide and dropping back, affecting his goalscoring form for the Hoops.

 Celtic could look to trim their squad during the 2024 winter transfer window, with Nat Phillips and Alexandro Bernabei preparing for exits.

Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi’s lack of goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has is “a bit strange” and has caused “a lot of frustration”, as journalist Dean Jones considers his performances as a whole at Parkhead.

The Hoops have enjoyed a positive start to the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, but a recent wobble in results will have created a sense of unease around Celtic Park.

Furuhashi has been operating across the front three for Rodgers’ outfit but hasn’t been utilised as the out-and-out striker he has been used to over the past two seasons. Celtic hope to recover from their early European exit and storm to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s career at Celtic

In the summer of 2021, Celtic signed Furuhashi in a deal worth £4.6m from Vissel Kobe, as then-head coach Ange Postecoglou looked to develop a side capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops had been beaten to the post by Rangers at a canter during the 2020/21 campaign and needed a rebuild to topple their Glasgow neighbours.

The Japan international would score 12 Premiership goals in 20 appearances during his first season at Celtic, helping them win the league title alongside a Viaplay Cup triumph.

Having had issues with his fitness during his debut campaign at Parkhead, Furuhashi would find full fitness in his second, hitting the back of the net 27 times in 36 top-flight outings.

The 28-year-old’s goal contribution led to Postecoglou’s side securing a domestic treble during the 2022/23 campaign before the respected head coach departed south of the border to take the vacant job at Tottenham Hotspur.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Furuhashi has struggled to reach the same levels in front of goal. Before Celtic’s trip to Livingston on 23rd December, the centre-forward had scored eight goals and registered three assists in 25 outings for the Bhoys.

However, Furuhashi has been asked to drift into wide areas and drop back to retrieve the ball under Rodgers, operating differently from how he played under Postecoglou.

In November, Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Celtic would not be concerned by exit rumours surrounding Furuhashi after it emerged that Tottenham had sent their top scout to check on players at Postecoglou’s former club.

Kyogo Furuhashi – Celtic stats (23-12-23)

Appearances

109

Goals

62

Assists

13

Yellow cards

8

Stats according to Transfermarkt

Dean Jones on Kyogo Furuhashi

Jones has suggested that Furuhashi can play a different role under Rodgers but that his goalscoring form will suffer. The journalist claims “a lot of frustration” surrounds the change. Asked about Furuhashi’s form, Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“It is a bit strange. There’s a lot of frustration around this because you’d wonder why it hasn’t happened for him so far. But I feel like he’s being asked to play differently now. While he does seem capable in football in terms of being decent in the wide areas that he appears to be being forced into a bit more, it’s starting to reflect badly on his stats. That’s the first thing people will point out when looking for somebody to blame.

“I think he is a clever player and can play in the way he’s being asked, even though it might not be natural to him. But when you’re used to scoring or seeing someone score goals, it’s tough to accept a role change in which they’re not doing that as often.”

Celtic transfer news on Nat Phillps and Alexandro Bernabei’s future

 

With the 2024 winter transfer window approaching, Rodgers must consider the future of some of his squad members, who may feel they aren’t getting the opportunities required to stick around at Parkhead.

According to Football Scotland, centre-back Nat Phillips will return to Liverpool following his loan at Celtic next month.

The 26-year-old joined the Glasgow giants on a short-term deal at the end of August but has looked out of sorts, having built up his match fitness.

Phillips, now a fringe player at Celtic Park, won’t see his loan extended further, and another move away from Anfield could be on the cards in January.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Alexandro Bernabei is poised to make a winter exit from Celtic in 2024.

The 24-year-old has failed to establish himself under Rodgers and has attracted interest from Italian clubs and outfits from his homeland in Argentina.

The Hoops are keen on signing Estoril’s Tiago Araujo, valued at £4m, to offer competition to Greg Taylor, with Bernabei likely to be the victim in his arrival.

Meanwhile, Football Scotland claims that Celtic have enquired with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz about the possibility of signing former target Szymon Wlodarczyk. However, his value has sky-rocketed to £15m, making a deal financially unviable for the one-time European Cup winners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Whittingham(1846 Articles Published)

Harry is a football writer with multiple years of experience in the field, having worked as an intern at Port Vale Football Club whilst graduating with a BA Hons degree in Sports Journalism from Staffordshire University in 2021, before coming through the ranks at the O&O Academy at Snack Media.

Having worked as a freelance writer on This is Futbol from July-November 2022, he now works as a freelance writer for the Exclusives team at GIVEMESPORT, mainly covering Premier League football as well as Celtic and Rangers.

Harry has interviewed a range of footballer’s during his career, including ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt and Port Vale legend Tom Pope.

Football dominates Harry’s life and when he’s not writing about the sport, he is often found following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away, whilst also being an ardent follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CELTIC’S £1m MYSTERY MAN

MYSTIFIED Celtic fans are still awaiting their first glimpse of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeon-kyu in competitive action.

Lazio 2-0 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers press…

The anchorman arrived in a £1million move – an initial £850,000 plus add-ons – from K-League outfit Busan IPark in July along with winger Yang Hyun-jun.

Under-21 international Kwon, with the reputation of a determined ball-winner in the middle of the park, played for 45 minutes in James Forrest’s Testimonial Match against Athletic Bilbao at Parkhead at the start of August on an evening Brendan Rodgers utilised 22 players of his first-team squad.

NOW YOU SEE ME…new Bhoy Kwon Hyeon-kyu proudly holds his Celtic jersey on July 25, the day after his arrival.

The 22-year-old enforcer also came on for Matt O’Riley in the 61st minute of the 1-1 draw with Wolves at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium a few days earlier.

Apart from that, there has been no sign of the Hoops’ mystery man although he was named in last weekend’s matchday squad for the home match against Hearts. That was only the fourth time time he has been stripped for action, but has yet to play a solitary minute for the Hoops.

Rodgers also ommitted Kwon from his 25-man squad that was registered with UEFA before the Champions League Group B meetings with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.

It has become a bewildering situation without any likelihood of the midfielder, who signed a five-year contract in summer, edging closer to a first-team breakthrough.

Possibly next month’s transfer window will provide a solution.

BREAKING: Insane Russell Wilson News Has NFL Fans In Disbelief



Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been having an up-and-down season in 2023. Although his 2022 debut with the team was one to forget, he has shown promise this season and has Denver in the mix of the playoff picture.

However, massive news has come out about the veteran quarterback regarding his playing time for the rest of the regular season, and it has put the NFL world into complete shock.

Sources: The #Broncos are, in fact, benching Russell Wilson for the final two games, preserving their financial flexibility for the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham starts. pic.twitter.com/8sh7ORek5Q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023

NFL Fans React

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos have announced that Wilson will be benched for the rest of the 2023 season, and backup Jarrett Stidham will take the starting spot. This decision has already stirred up a ton of controversy amongst NFL fans, some saying that head coach Sean Payton is making a horrible decision, while others are saying that Wilson’s time in Denver is over.

That’s actually crazy lol I know they essentially blew their chance last week at the playoffs, but they’re still very much alive.

— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) December 27, 2023

What does that mean? How is the financial flexibility affected by this?

— Zak🔥🐬 (@ThaCreekFreak) December 27, 2023

This marks the end of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver

Broncos will release him prior to the 5th league day of 2024 and will take a massive dead cap hit

Broncos will then look for a new signal caller and Russ will have a similar treatment to Derek Carr last year

— FrontOfficePros (@FrontOfficePros) December 27, 2023

More like they’re trying to save themselves from paying Wilson his bonus 🤣🤣

— khani (@1khan09) December 27, 2023

Russell Wilson’s Career In Denver

Sean Payton needs the Denver Broncos to keep wide receivers for quarterback Russell Wilson

The veteran quarterback has had a drastic improvement in 2023 compared to his debut with the team in 2022. He has amounted to 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions this season.

In 2022, he went for 3,524 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Wilson has not been as productive in the last two years as he was with the Seattle Seahawks for the vast majority of his career. He has proven that he is an elite quarterback over the years, but his stint with Denver has many thinking his career is coming to an end.

The Broncos are 7-8 and in third place in the AFC West division. While their playoff chances this season are slim after their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots this past weekend, benching Wilson seems like a weird move by the team at this point in the season. Will the veteran quarterback be on a different squad by the 2024 season, or will he decide to hang up the cleats after being benched?