“I think the team is amazing, and I am very happy.” Alex Valle promotes Celtic

“I think the team is amazing, and I am very happy.” Alex Valle promotes Celtic

Alex Valle in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Alex Valle yesterday collected his first medal of his career in senior football and admits that the has improved as a player working under Brendan Rodgers at ‘spectacular’ Celtic…

Alex Valle in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

However the 20 year-old left back, currently on a season-long loan from his boyhood club Barcelona, remains coy about what the future might hold for him come the summer.

Assist for Goal of the Season Contender

Valle has impressed at Celtic, earning seven starts and played in 13 matches and while he has yet to score he has contributed to the attack with four assists most notably at McDiarmid Park for Adam Idah’s Goal of the Season contender against St Johnstone.

Speaking to on the Spanish radio station Cadena SER (via Mundo Deportivo) Valle had this to say about Celtic after yesterday Premier Sports Cup Final against theRangers at Hampden Park.

Alex Valle in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

‘I am very happy and I think the team is spectacular’

“Both I and the team in general are in very good dynamics. I am very happy and I think the team is spectacular. It is a great prize to end the year,” Álex Valle said.

“Barça has always been my home. This would be my eleventh season, so I have a special affection for it. In the end they are football circumstances and everyone does what they can.

“I am very grateful for everything that has happened to me and I is happening in life. I follow the present and I enjoy it, what happens next will be what has to happen,” Valle said, also noted that his game has improved at Celtic.

Improving working under Brendan Rodgers 

“I consider that I have improved and I will improve in other aspects in these coming months in the Scottish football.”

Alex Valle in action for Celtic at Fir Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

Valle signed a one year contract extension at Barcelona ahead of his loan move to Celtic going through.

It remains to be seen whether he is going to be part of Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s plans for next season and if there’s nothing positive there then Celtic could be able to snap up the player who has apparently a low buy out clause in his deal.

Sensibly Valle is keeping his options open

Brendan Rodgers will be well aware of Valle’s position and will have to assess whether he wants to retain the player on a permanent contract for the next number of years. Valle, like so many players currently at Celtic, are clearly improving working under the Celtic manager and Valle now has a taste of the glory of playing for Celtic domestically and also competing at the highest level in the Champions League.

Raoul Bellanova of Atalanta BC competes for the ball with Alex Valle of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Sensibly Valle is keeping his options open, after all both clubs will have to show their hand before he has any decision to make. After collecting a League Cup medal and with Celtic enjoying a healthy lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, more silverware glory and medals around his neck should be coming Valle’s way in the coming months.

Hopefully  he’ll get a taste for it as the Barca Boy is a keeper….

Celtic in the Thirties 

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

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

With five losses and a tie in six games versus Celtic, Clement’s record is broken.

Celtic supporters during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

Philippe Clement insists his side’s dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park was a ‘big blow,’ as the Hoops once again found a way to lift yet another trophy…

Celtic celebrations after the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

It is now Clement’s fifth loss to the Hoops in six matches since arriving in Glasgow in October last year. His dreadful Glasgow Derby record comes as his opposite number Brendan Rodgers won his 16th game from 20 in this fixture over his two spells as boss at Celtic.

Speaking post-match, the Belgian manager lamented the match officials for not awarding theRangers a penalty in the first half of extra time when Celtic’s half-time substitute Liam Scales pulled back Vaclav Cerny as the Czech winger was making his way into the box.

Clement said: “I don’t know if you saw the images back, but my phone is overloaded with the penalty situation with Cerny. I get hundreds of messages now about that. That’s also a really decisive moment in the game.”

“Of course, he [John Beaton] cannot see that moment. But he didn’t get the communication from the VAR to come to watch the screen, which for me is a really weird situation. At least there’s no look about that kind of situation in this kind of game, about the situation that the referee can make a decision in that way.

“I didn’t see it at the time because I still have quite good eyes, but I cannot see that much distance if the foot is outside or inside or on the line.

Auston Trusty celebrates after the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“So no, but my phone is full of messages from everybody. I don’t know. So those are things I cannot control.”

He added: “I know that all of you like to dig deep into things. So maybe it’s also a very important moment to dig into that, about why there’s no communication in that moment about a big decision like that, because it’s clear for everybody it’s a game-decisive decision. I hope that you guys really dig in to things. I hope.”

When asked about Cameron Carter-Vickers crucial tackle at 0-1 minutes before Greg Taylor’s important equaliser, Clement reckoned his team’s missed opportunity was undoubtedly a decisive moment in the match.

“It’s a massive one and that’s a really disappointing one that we made the wrong choice there because on the left side we had two players free,” he said. “So that’s also for sure a crucial point in the game but we grabbed a lot of moments in this game.

Celtic celebrations after the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star

“We’re getting better and better and that’s our ambition now. It’s a big blow not to have this trophy, clearly, but it’s now important that it doesn’t stop the hunger and desire that’s in the squad to become better and better because we’re going to work on that.”

Meanwhile, Celtic maintained their unbeaten run across the league and Scottish League Cup this season courtesy of their dramatic victory in the southside, and win a third consecutive domestic trophy putting themselves in a strong position to deliver a truly memorable season.

Celtic now have a few weeks where it’s back to one game a week and that will give Brendan Rodgers some time to work with the players at Lennoxtown with less of the grind of playing, resting and recovery on repeat with no real time to work on things in training. Hopefully we’ll see our form picking up again, as we start to look towards the game at Ibrox on 2nd January.

For Clement and theRangers, it is yet more deja-vu as their rivals inflicted another painful day at the national stadium and the excuses are coming thick and fast.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties 

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

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

During a dismal season, a forgotten Celtics player experiences an injury “setback” while aiming for a 2025 comeback.

The player is still contracted to Celtic but isn’t there currently.

A Celtic loanee has provided an update on an injury he sustained recently.

Marco Tilio is the forgotten man at Parkhead. He arrived in the summer of boss Brendan Rodgers’ return but cut a periphery figure before heading back on loan to Melbourne City, who he originally signed for Celtic from.

Head coach Aurelio Vidmar has revealed that the winger has suffered a setback in a comeback from a hamstring blow he picked up in November. He said: “Tilio started also this week and having some issues again. He’s had a little setback this week. Nothing major but might push him back four or five days.”

Now the Celtic loanee himself has responded to the blow while also providing insight on what a pro’s rehab from injury looks like. He is aiming to be back on the field in early 2025 which is now only a few weeks away. His spell at City has been dogged by injury since he first left Celtic in January earlier this year.

Tilio said: “It was tracking well. Got back into team training this week which was good. Then felt a bit of tightness in the area. So just taking precaution with my recent history. Just go week by week at the moment. Hopefully in the New Year I’ll be back.”

“Usually just activating the area that’s injured then going out on to the pitch and slowing progressing in terms of jogging and sprinting. Then back into the gym again. There’s a lot of gym work trying to strengthen that area.”

Rangers’ ‘numbers through the sky’ plaudits for the hero only made Celtic’s victory sweeter

Celtic captain has say on Premier Sports Cup final victory

Celtic captain Callum McGregor is welcoming the challenge from an improved Rangers after admitting it only made Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final success all the sweeter.

A Hampden classic saw six goals shared between the Glasgow rivals and the momentum shift back and forth throughout 120 captivating minutes before finally being decided on a penalty shoot-out.

Celtic were not at their best but showed mettle to emerge victorious, reclaiming the only trophy won by Rangers last season and taking the first step towards their goal of winning a fifth treble in nine seasons.

McGregor, who drew level with legendary Celtic skipper Billy McNeil by winning his 23rd major honour, insisted the manner of their latest triumph only added to the satisfaction and left him hungry for more silverware.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor with the Premier Sports Cup after the penalty shoot-out win over Rangers at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

“That’s the thing about playing for this club – it demands success,” he said. “We go into the game and probably everyone thinks we’re favourite to win. So straight away you’re on a hiding to nothing. If you win the game, everybody goes, okay, up the road.

“But it’s not easy. You’ve got to keep turning up and turning up. And making it happen as well. Over the years we’ve won a lot of cup finals and we’ve done it in different fashions.

“This is one that was a lot harder than some of the other ones, but that makes it even more pleasing. Listen, Rangers are a good side. You see them in Europe and they’re playing really well.

“They’re starting to gain momentum in the league as well. So you know that when you come to a cup final you have to do a lot right to win the game.

“In the second half we did. Rangers also did a lot right as well. So it made for a really good game. Like I say, when you’re in these moments, the most important thing is winning.”

Celtic goalkeeper Kapser Schmeichel saves from Rangers’ Ridvan Yilmaz in the Premier Sports Cup final penalty shootout. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

McGregor stepped up to the plate in the shoot-out as all five Celtic takers converted their penalties with Kasper Scheimchel’s save from Ridvan Yilmaz proving decisive.

“I thought Kasper would save one,” he revealed. “I don’t want to do him a disservice because it’s hard to save penalties. But I did fancy him to save one and that’s another clean sweep for us in terms of scoring penalties.

“We all know we’ve got quality and we all trust each other, and the way that we work. We’ve shown that time and time again. So in those moments it was just about keeping your nerve and using your technique to get the outcome that you want.”

McGregor revealed there was no harsh words or raised voices in the Celtic dressing room after a first-half where they were second best to a Rangers side who led through a Nedim Bajrami effort before turning the game around after the break with goals from .

“At half time it was more about trying to calm the group down,” he said. “The gaffer gave us a couple of tactical things that he thought could help us. We were a wee bit safe in the first half. But once we were less safe on the ball and played through the press a wee bit better, you could see we were a threat in the second half.

“So it was actually more the other way in terms of trying to stay calm. It was about trying to get something more out of the players that way. He’s always very good in pressure situations and that was the same again.”

Daizen Maeda’s winning penalty nestles past a helpless Jack Butland. | SNS Group

McGregor described matching O’Neil’s record as a “proud moment” but deflected individual praise onto Japanese winger Daizen Maeda who netted his 11th goal of the season to put his side 2-1 up in the match before stepping up to score the decisive penalty.

“Daizen has been unbelievable,” he said. “He’s come up with so many big moments this season. But not only that, the whole time he’s been here he’s been a mainstay in the team and so important for us.

“His energy is infectious. He’s so robust for being a winger. His numbers are through the roof and he’s contributing with big moments, which is what being a Celtic player is all about.

“Daizen always turns up when we need him. To have someone like that at the top of the pitch, where we’re blessed with so much talent, we’re obviously delighted to have him.”

Rangers supporter Billy is “scunnered” and wants a repeat of the Cup Final when Celtic wins yet another trophy, ruining the family get-together.

He cut a bereft figure as he fumed over the decision for VAR not to intervene and upgrade John Beaton’s free-kick call

Rangers fans display reads ‘eyes on the prize’

A heartbroken Rangers fan has caused a stir after phoning in to confess Celtic’s dominance ruined a family birthday as he desperately pleaded for a Premier Sports Cup Final replay.

Ibrox diehard Billy, a regular on Superscoreboard, cut a bereft figure as he fumed over the decision for VAR not to intervene and upgrade John Beaton’s call for a free-kick on the edge of the box on Vaclav Cerny from Liam Scales to a penalty. Philippe Clement branded the incident “weird” as Celtic outlasted Rangers on penalties after a 3-3 thriller at Hampden. But Billy caught the Clyde 1 panel on the hop by stating “this match should be played again.”

But that was only the start of poor Billy’s strife as he admitted Brendan Rodgers’ side and their serial winners had put a dampener on pre-planed festivities. Celtic now lead Rangers in the all-time trophy list with 119 – one more than their rivals. Billy added: “We were meant to be having a family party last night and it was terrible… All of us are scunnered!”

After Celtic defeated Rangers on penalties, Anthony Ralston gave his colleagues instructions, which are captured by Celtic’s unique angle.

Celtic’s League Cup win has dominated the headlines over the last 24 hours.

Admittedly, players like Daizen Maeda, Kasper Schmeichel and Nicolas Kuhn will nab the headlines after they played a massive part in Celtic beating Rangers.

Saving a penalty, Kasper Schmeichel turned into a Celtic hero and scoring the winning spot-kick has put Daizen Maeda in a special place in Celtic fans’ hearts.

However, it was what Anthony Ralston did immediately after Maeda’s penalty hit the back of Jack Butland’s net that the Celtic fans will love.

Anthony Ralston’s superb Celtic fan gesture immediately after beating Rangers

No sooner had the Japanese winger’s penalty rested in the Rangers goal, Ralston did this:

The Celtic fullback immediately told his teammates to make their way up to the Celtic End of Hampden to celebrate with the fans.

And the scenes that preceded that were superb. Ralston kicked off the celebrations between the fans and the players and that is something that will be appreciated by the Hampden support.

Anthony Ralston’s impressive Celtic trophy haul

Despite being a relative bit-part player at Celtic, Ralston’s trophy haul is extremely impressive.

After Celtic beat Rangers in the Hampden final, Ralston picked up his 12th winners medal during his Celtic career.

Here is a complete list of honours the Celtic defender has won during his career in the Hoops first team:

Six Scottish Premiership titles

Three Scottish Cups

Three League Cups

Ralston also has 12 international caps with Scotland to his name plus a goal for his country after he helped Scotland beat Armenia in their qualification for Euro 2024.

Ralston may not be the first-choice pick for Brendan Rodgers at Celtic but one thing is for sure, he holds the club and the fans dear to his heart and his actions yesterday at full time proved that.

London’s Best Rangers Troll by CCVs

Less than 24 hours after lifting the League Cup at Hampden Park, Celtic’s victorious squad swapped the pitch for the oche, celebrating their triumph at the World Darts Championship in London. For a team that thrives on precision and pressure, it felt fitting to unwind in the high-stakes, raucous atmosphere of a night at the darts.

Celtic’s dramatic win over Rangers on Sunday not only secured the first domestic trophy of the season under Brendan Rodgers but also etched the Hoops into the record books. With 119 trophies now to their name, Celtic have edged past on major trophies ahead of the Ibrox club.

CCV, a pillar of Celtic’s success, led the charge in making the statement clear on his darts sheet, reading 119 Celtic’s major trophy count.

The night was a well-earned breather for several first-team stars, including Carter-Vickers, Greg Taylor—fresh from his goal in the final—Liam Scales, and Stephen Welsh. Joining them were Belgian youngster Arne Engels and Adam Idah.

This brief respite comes after a gruelling schedule that has seen Celtic juggle domestic and European commitments with aplomb. Rodgers, ever the pragmatist, is likely to appreciate the balance his squad are striking between recovery and morale-boosting celebrations. With a rare midweek off, he’s given the mall a breather.

15th December 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Premier Sports Cup Football Final, Celtic versus Rangers; Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic and Adam Idah of Celtic jump in celebration with Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic and Daizen Maeda of Celtic

Celtic face a tricky away fixture against Dundee United at Tannadice this Sunday. Rodgers will know that the league remains the club’s primary focus, with consistency the key to ensuring Celtic remain on course for another title.

In that regard, the timing of Sunday’s win—and the manner of it—couldn’t be more significant. A penalty shootout triumph over Rangers at Hampden has delivered not just a trophy, but a psychological edge as Celtic move forward in their pursuit of more glory.

Ibrox defender Robin Propper believes the Hampden loss was a LOTTERY, and he sees Rangers’ lead over Celtic narrowing.

The defender was gutted to miss out on a winners’ medal in a spot kick defeat to their arch rivals.

Nicolas Raskin and Robin Propper (Image: Getty Images)

When Rangers and Celtic met at Parkhead back in September the visitors lost by a lot. At Hampden on Sunday, Robin Propper insists the Ibrox side only lost in a lottery.

And he reckons the character that his team mates showed to fight back twice and take Celtic to penalties can be just the ticket to bigger and better things. Rangers may have lost the final and their grip on the League Cup to their fiercest rivals but, while they’re well off the pace in the league, Propper says the evidence from the national stadium proved there’s not much of a gap between the two when they’re on their game.

Philippe Clement is still searching for his first Old Firm victory after six attempts but former FC Twente stopper Propper is adamant they are getting closer.

Three and a half months have passed since Celtic rinsed the Light Blues 3-0 at Parkhead on their way to building up their current 11 point gap between the sides at the top of the Premiership table. But for 120 minutes on the neutral ground of Hampden yesterday they matched Celtic’s energy levels, cancelled out the Hoops’ previous midfield dominance and produced their own threats going forward to net three times.

And it gives Propper huge confidence as the clock ticks down to the next clash of the Glasgow titans at Ibrox on January 2. He said: “Of course it was disappointing. On the other hand, it was a really nice game to play. We had moments to lead, to win that game. So, yeah, it felt, of course, in the end, really disappointing. But I think as well, we had some character today. We stayed positive as a team. We tried our best.

“In the end, you want to win. But I think if you see the whole game, we can be proud of ourselves. It’s one game. And you want to win this game because then directly you have a cup and a medal. So, in this game, there was not that big of a gap. It’s 3-3 in the end. It’s a lottery and penalties.

“So, the gap today wasn’t that big. It’s a game we want to win in our team, of course. We want to show it every game. If that’s possible, we try our best. It was a 50-50 game.

“We showed some character twice. We had moments we could win, overtake Celtic. We have that in our team. So, we have to be focused on that to show that every day.”

Hotline Live: Tune in and have your say



In case you haven’t heard, we’ve launched a new Hotline Live show, airing at 6pm every day, with the exception of Fridays and Saturdays.

Join our panel for a laugh, a moan and a look at all things Scottish football, as well as having your say on the biggest issues in the game.

The pressure on Clement and his players hit boiling point just three weeks ago after a 1-1 draw at home to Dundee United saw them fall 11 points behind the Hoops in the Premiership. But since then they have won three times without conceding in the league, thumped Ligue 1 giants Nice away from home and produced a superb Euro performance to draw at home to Tottenham on Thursday night.

Propper, who has been thrust back into the heart of defence due to an injury to John Souttar, insists the tide is turning after the ropey start to the campaign. And he reckons anything is possible if they can keep standards as high as Hampden.

He said: “Yes, of course. We are confident in what we are doing. The last couple of weeks, we are getting better. We win our away games. We win points in Europe. In the competition, we are doing better. Of course, we have confidence to be better and to improve. You see today as well, everything is possible.”

Cup glory would have been possible if the Gers had held their nerve from 12 yards. Ridvan Yilmaz was ultimately the fall guy after seeing his penalty – Rangers fourth in the shoot out – saved low to his left by Kasper Schmeichel. It was a cruel blow for the Turkey international who had climbed off the bench in the second half having only come back from injury in the last three weeks.

But there was no finger of blame in the Ibrox dressing room as his team mates rallied to console the left back. Propper said: “Of course, he stepped up to take a penalty. You know that this is part of the game. He has to keep his head up and he will do that. Yes, it’s small margins. In the end, what is it about penalties? It’s a lottery. You hope you’re on the good side of the story. That was it today.”

Rangers have to recover from their heartache quickly with a home clash against Dundee up next. Propper was paired with Leon Balogun at Hampden but finished the game beside Dujon Sterling after the Nigeria international hobbled off injured.

He’s now had three different partners in central defence in the last week. But the Dutchman won’t be phased by the shuffling of the back. And he said: “No, of course it doesn’t bother me. We play a lot of games. Sometimes, you have to switch. It’s very sad that John is injured. The next game is coming up. You have to be together as a team and talk to each other. For me, it doesn’t matter who I’m playing with. In the end, we have all the quality to play there.”

Additional Rangers vs. Celtic referee dispute as more Beaton mistakes surface

Kasper Schmeichel was inside the box for two Celtic penalties during the shoot-out (Image: PA)

Further refereeing controversy has emerged from the Premier Sports Cup final between Celtic and Rangers after outrage over a penalty call.

Furious Philippe Clement was left bemused as his side were not awarded a spot-kick in extra time for a foul on Vaclav Cerny, which was deemed to be outside the box.

Replays appear to show Cerny’s foot on the line of the penalty area and therefore meaning a penalty should have been given – according to IFAB rules.

However, no VAR review was called with John Beaton’s decision to award a free-kick on the edge of the area allowed to stand.

Now, it has emerged that there were two Celtic penalties during the shoot-out in which Kasper Schmeichel was inside the box before it was taken.

The Danish keeper, 38, walked into the area as Arne Engels stepped up to take his spot-kick and earlier Schmeichel had been inside the box as Adam Idah stroked home the first penalty for Celtic.

According the Laws of the Game, goalkeepers (of the takers) must be positioned outside the box and on the goal line when a penalty is being taken.

The rules read: “The goalkeeper of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line.”

For Idah’s penalty, Schmeichel was stationary but inside the box – this would not constitute encroachment as he did not have a material outcome on the spot-kick which was scored.

However, the Celtic goalkeeper should have been warned over his positioning by match officials.

Then, Beaton should have halted Engels before he took his penalty with Schmeichel well inside the box. As it was a second infringement, Schmeichel should have been shown a yellow card.

IFAB laws state: “If the goalkeeper commits an offence and, as a result, the kick is retaken, the goalkeeper is warned for the first offence and cautioned for any subsequent offence(s).”

(Image: Premier Sports)Commenting on the incident, Behind The Whistles account posted: “John should stop the penalty being taken and booked Kasper.”

A second post added: “Normal encroachment Laws would apply so his encroachment would have to have a material outcome on the kick.

“While he shouldn’t be there he’s not having a material impact so no disadvantage from his encroachment.

“But John Beaton should have told him after the first one to stay clear and when he did again he should have carded him.”

Rangers “Pressure” Officials, Neil McCann Demands in Sportscene Meltdown…

Former Rangers winger and BBC Sportscene pundit Neil McCann complained about referee John Beaton’s decision not to award a penalty to Rangers at Hampden this afternoon.

With VAR not awarding a penalty, it was clear that the foul from Liam Scales on Václav Černý on the edge of the Celtic box did not warrant a penalty.

McCann made sure to focus on the incident which led to a yellow card for Scales, rather than praise the Hoops for a hard-fought win that showed their character and winning mentality.

With Sportscene host Jonathan Sutherland asking McCann what he thought about Bobby Madden’s post-match comments, that it should have been a penalty.

McCann said: (BBC Sportscene), “Totally agree, we said it at the time, if you’re on the line, you’re inside the box. There’s an attempt to tackle, Cerny’s right foot is on the line.

“The point I’m making is that the foot is on the line, and therefore it should be a penalty. I’m amazed that the Rangers players are not going berserk there and putting pressure on the VAR to take a look at that.

“Maybe they have, and they’ve just said to John Beaton that there’s nothing to see here. There’s plenty to see there, that should have been a penalty.”

Football – Celtic v Falkirk Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League – Celtic Park – 8/4/09
Celtic’s Andeas Hinkel (R) in action with Falkirk’s Neil McCann
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
Livepic

McCann’s comment that Rangers players should have put pressure on officials is clearly something that he learned during his time at the club under Dick Advocaat and Alex McLeish.

Putting pressure is certainly something that Rangers players tend to do during Glasgow derbies.

However, McCann looks to take this to a whole new level of embarrassing, rather than focusing on what was a great win for Celtic.

Prediction, team information, and lineups for FC Twente Women vs. Celtic Women…

FC Twente Women and Celtic Women will play their final European game of the season when they face off at Sportpark Schreurserve in Tuesday’s Women’s Champions League encounter.

Chelsea and Real Madrid have already sealed quarter-final berths, leaving Twente and Celtic to play for pride in the final round of group games.

Match preview

After negotiating their way through qualifying, Twente have found life difficult in their first group-stage appearance despite the fact they began the main draw with a 2-0 win over Celtic.

However, that result was soon followed by a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea, before they suffered back-to-back UWCL defeats against Real Madrid, losing 7-0 in the Spanish capital before falling to a narrow 3-2 defeat in the reverse fixture.

They were then outclassed in last week’s trip to Stamford Bridge, with Kayleigh van Dooren‘s first-half penalty proving fruitless in a heavy 6-1 defeat against Chelsea.

While they have been eliminated, Twente will still be determined to claim their first home win in the UWCL main draw when they play host to Celtic on Tuesday.

The hosts will head into the European fixture off the back of a victory after Jaimy Ravensbergen netted a brace to guide her side to a 2-1 home win over PEC Zwolle, extending their winning league run to three matches.

Celtic are at risk of losing all six group matches after finding it tough going in their first-ever appearance in the UWCL main draw.

After losing to Twente on matchday one, Celtic went on to lose 4-0 away to Real Madrid before losing back-to-back European games against Chelsea.

Elena Sadiku‘s side gave up a narrow lead to lose 2-1 in their home meeting with the WSL champions, before falling to a 3-0 defeat in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge.

Celtic suffered another 3-0 loss in last week’s home game against Real Madrid, ensuring they will enter matchday six as one of three teams yet to pick up a point in this season’s group stage.

After failing to find the net in their first two away group games, the visitors will travel to the Netherlands with hopes of showing the sort of goalscoring form that has seen them score at least two goals in five of their six league games this season.

FC Twente Women Women’s Champions League form:

W

W

L

L

L

L

FC Twente Women form (all competitions):

L

L

W

W

L

W

Celtic Women Women’s Champions League form:

W

L

L

L

L

L

Celtic Women form (all competitions):

L

L

L

W

W

L

Team News

Wales international Olivia Clark is set to replace Danielle de Jong in the Twente goal after dropping down to the bench at the weekend.

Nikee Van Dijk was also taken out of the side for Saturday’s win over PEC Zwolle, but the forward is likely to feature in Tuesday’s lineup, having started all five of Twente’s UWCL group games.

Ravensbergen will be looking to continue her impressive form in front of goal after scoring five goals in her last five competitive appearances.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the services of Chloe Craig, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.

Midfielder Natalie Ross is pushing for a starting spot after coming off the bench to play around half hour against Real Madrid.

Having scored Celtic’s only goal of the group stage, Murphy Agnew will lead the quest for more European goals when she lines up against Twente.

FC Twente Women possible starting lineup:
De Jong; Vliek, Knol, Carleer, Tuin; Van Ginkel, Peddemors; Ivens, Van Dooren, Hulst; Ravensbergen

Celtic Women possible starting lineup:
Daugherty; Lawton, Clark, Hayes, Barclais; McGregor, Ross; Cavanagh, Gallacher, Ashworth-Clifford; Agnew

Both teams have struggled to compete with the quality at Chelsea and Real Madrid’s disposal, but Twente proved they have the edge over Celtic when they faced off in October, and we expect the Dutch side to claim another victory in Tuesday’s return fixture.

In ruthless jibe, Commentator slaughters Rangers fan disappearing act 

Rangers supporters quickly exited the national stadium (Image: Celtic TV)

Celtic TV commentator Gerry McCulloch slaughtered the full-time disappearing act from Rangers supporters after their defeat in the Premier Sports Cup final.

The commentator passed comment on the empty seats in one half of the stadium as Philippe Clement’s side trudged up to collect their runners-up medals at Hampden.

Celtic claimed the trophy with a 5-4 victory in a penalty shoot-out in a final for the ages but Rangers supporters couldn’t stomach watching the trophy presentation with fans quick to exit the national stadium.

“ It’s good to see that the Rangers supporters have waited behind to cheer them….. they’re all dressed as seats now “

😂😂 Gerry McCulloch I wasn’t familiar with your game

— C (@_CM_67_) December 15, 2024

McCulloch – who was covering the match on Celtic channels – couldn’t resist making a reference to the emptying Rangers end as he poked fun at rival fans.

He said: “It’s good to see the Rangers players will go up…it’s good to see their supporters have waited behind to cheer them…they’re all dressed as seats now.”

McCulloch made the comment as James Tavernier led his team-mates to shake the hand of Neil Doncaster and collect medals with no Rangers fans visible in a large portion of their allocation.

The trophy presentation was slightly delayed after delighted Celtic supporters spilled onto the track at Hampden.

Premier Sports host Emma Dodds broke the news and said: “The Celtic fans have held up the trophy presentation because they have come out of the stands and you can see them there on the track by the pitch.

“Until they go back to the stand, the trophy presentation can’t go ahead. They are clearly are fans of Premier Sports because they have taken our boards home with them. So it’s an early Christmas present for somebody so that’s why there’s been a delay.”

After the Celtics’ penalty shootout victory, their supporters reveal a hilarious banner.

Celtic supporters made sure to poke fun at the Rangers post-match following the Hoops’ dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory in the Premier Sports Cup final.

With the Hoops now sitting on 119 trophies compared to Rangers’ 118, Celtic have firmly established themselves as ‘simply the best’ team in Scotland.

The Rangers will be left ‘greeting’ again after the game, with both supporters and players aware that their club is still on the slide.

With the Rangers historically tied to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose famous slogan is ‘Make America Great Again,’ the Hoops support made sure to poke fun at both the Rangers and the political figure a number of their supporters look up to.

The defeat for the Rangers is not just a cup final loss, it represents a shifting of the guard that has been over 20 years in the making.

From Fergus McCann rebuilding Celtic in the 1990s to years of smart financial management, the Bhoys have laid the foundation to build great teams in recent years.

The future for Celtic is bright, with a strong squad and a great manager in Brendan Rodgers.

Across the city, however, the Rangers lack the winning mentality that has defined Celtic over the past 12 years.

From Neil Lennon securing the league title in 2012 to Brendan Rodgers lifting the Premier Sports Cup this afternoon, Celtic’s 119th trophy marks another significant achievement in the club’s ongoing success.

James Tavernier’s instructions to the Rangers players right before Celtic won the League Cup

Celtic made it difficult, but they got the job done!

After a six-goal thriller after extra-time, Celtic beat Rangers 5-4 on penalties to lift the League Cup at Hampden.

Daizen Maeda netted the winning spot-kick and, rightly so, the thousands of Celtic fans reacted with pure elation and relief after the final kick.

Like all great champions do, they fought, fought and fought until the end and helped produce one of the great Glasgow derby showdowns.

For the Bhoys, it’s a familiar feeling again, another victory over Rangers and another win in such a showpiece final.

Whilst Philippe Clement has only been in Glasgow for a small period to witness Celtic’s dominance, one man who has seen it all has been James Tavernier.

But the Rangers skipper’s reaction post-match was rather interesting.

James Tavernier tells Rangers players to watch Celtic lift the League Cup trophy

As per, the Rangers players went up first to collect their runners-up medal, before the main event of Callum McGregor and Co. lifting their winner’s medals.

Premier Sports presenter Emma Dodds then stated that ‘some Rangers players’ proceeded to go down the tunnel.

But Tavernier then stopped them in their traps and asked them to ‘stay out there and watch’ Celtic lift the trophy.

“The green and white ribbons on it,” said Dodds. “Rangers lifted it last year, but they couldn’t retain it here this evening. It is Celtic who will go on to lift this trophy after Rangers have been given their runners-up medals.

“Some players staying out there to watch Celtic get the trophy. Some of the players have opted to go up the tunnel and captain James Tavernier has asked the players to stay out there and watch.”

What the Celtic fans did as Rangers collected runners-up medals

It was a touch of class from Tavernier to tell his teammates to stand and appreciate the champions because it’s a sign of respect.

When the Rangers players themselves went up for their runners-up medals, they were applauded by some of the Celtic fans, as those on the other side made a quick exit.

Nobody left their seat during the 120 minutes, plus extra time, but when Maeda was wheeling away in celebration, Hampden quickly emptied on one side.

Uncovered News Rangers vs Celtic LIVE team news and build-up from Hampden

Rangers face Celtic today in a monumental League Cup Final and the Rangers Review has you covered every step of the way.

Philippe Clement is aiming to get his first win in the fixture four days on from an impressive 1-1 draw against Spurs.

Our team will be live when the teams drop to build up to the fixture. You can keep up to date with us using the player below.

The line-ups for both teams are below the player.

Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier, Balogun, Propper, Jefte, Raskin, Diomande, Hagi, Cerny, Bajrami, Igamane.

Substitutes:  Kelly, Barron, Dessers, Dowell, Sterling, Ridvan, King, McCausland, Danilo.

Celtic XI: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, Kyogo.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, Engels, Ralston, Forrest.

Ten minutes of the first Rangers match, Adam Idah wanted to leave, revealing Celtic shock. He is now looking for a repetition of Hampden.

The Irishman netted a dramatic late winner in May’s Scottish Cup Final and now wants the same in Premier Sports version

Idah nets the 2024 Scottish Cup Final winner

Adam Idah admits his League Cup baptism of fire was one to forget at Norwich after scoring an own goal as Crawley Town pulled off a memorable giant-killing act.

The Celtic striker delivers a wince when recalling his Canaries debut at Broadfield Stadium – a second-round 1-0 Carabao Cup loss that proved to be a bittersweet experience. That memory from 2019-20 is a far cry from Sunday afternoon’s Old Firm final at Hampden. The 23-year-old is licking his lips at the prospect of creating more history in Mount Florida.

Idah endeared himself to Hoops fans by scoring a Scottish Cup Final winner against Rangers last season so he insists he’s seen both sides of the coin in completions in both England and Scotland. He said: “I had a shocker of a game when we lost to Crawley. I scored an own goal but it was a good experience. The atmosphere was decent and it was my debut, so it was a big day for me, a special moment.

“These cup games are magical. You see it all the time and it makes a great day for everyone. That’s what I’ve experienced in these cups. I’ve had it previously with Norwich when we’ve beaten the likes of Tottenham. These cup days are special. And it will be special again especially against Rangers. A big derby, a tough game – so it’s exciting.”

Adam Idah on his Norwich debut in defeat at Crawley Town

A return to the national stadium will rekindle happy memories of Idah’s 90th-minute intervention against the Light Blues last May. He can’t wait to try and repeat the feat to help the Hoops land the Premier Sports Cup and the first silverware of the season.

Idah said: “It’s exciting. This is my first final in this competition so I’m looking forward to it.

“The Scottish Cup Final was obviously an amazing day. It was a tough game, and we probably didn’t play to our best. But the way the game ended was probably the best way you could win. Overall it was fantastic and the experience was great.

“That’s what our group is really good at. We’ve experienced games before where we’ve probably not played our best but we’ve dug deep and managed to get the win. We’re looking forward to the challenge again.”

Idah admits he always kept a keen eye on Celtic’s fortunes while at Norwich. And a Hoops win against their Old Firm rivals would always be an opportunity to get one up on some Canary team-mates, Kenny McLean and Grant Hanley.

He said: “I’ve watched all the games. There were a couple of Rangers fans at Norwich. We’d sit and watch the games together. Me and Shane Duffy would be celebrating in front of them. These games are special and I’m sure everyone will be tuning in. It’s a big day for everyone and the atmosphere is unbelievable. In my first game at Ibrox the biggest shock was the intensity.

“I remember after 10 minutes I wanted to come back off. I couldn’t breathe. But I scored and it was a great day. The derby is a huge game and watched all over the world. When you’re playing in them, you can tell it’s a different class.”

“THE HUMBLING OF LEEDS” is the first part of THE UNFORGETTABLE BERTIE AULD.

LISBON LION Bertie Auld and his good friend Bobby Murdoch were a formidable midfield double-act in Jock Stein’s all-conquering Celtic side.

CQN are celebrating the life and incredible times of the club legend in an EXCLUSIVE series with extracts from his best-selling autobiography, ‘A Bhoy Called Bertie‘, co-authored by his friend and writer Alex Gordon.

The remarkable life story continues with Bertie’s memories of two epic European Cup semi-final encounters against Leeds United.

BIG Mick Jones wasn’t happy with me the night we overwhelmed Leeds United 2-1 in the European Cup semi-final in 1970 at Hampden. I couldn’t blame him – I had just ‘done’ the Elland Road striker minutes before half-time.

As we came out for the second-half the aggregate score was level at 1-1 after we had beaten them down on their own patch in the first leg. Jones was a giant of a man, a huge physical presence and, to be honest, I was getting more than a little fed up that he was getting away with all his barging and bumping of my team-mates.

He was racing around like an angry bull elephant. That was his game, of course, and he was built for it. He liked to soften up opponents and I thought it would be a reasonable idea to give him some of his own medicine. I saw my chance nearing the interval.

It was a 50/50 ball and Jock always insisted we should win these challenges. He never told us how he expected us to win them, we just had to make sure we got the ball. I flew into the challenge and I caught Jones. He squealed and went down in a heap.

I didn’t have much sympathy for him. If you dish it out, you have got to anticipate that you might get some back in return.

So, Jones came over to me as we trooped onto the pitch for the second-half. He sidled up to me and said, ‘Hunter’s going to get you. He’ll sort you out, you little bastard.’

I laughed in his face. I’ve knocked bigger men out of the way to get into a fight. ‘I hope it’s The White Hunter,’ I said, making a reference to a television programme at the time about some bloke who wandered around jungles blowing away all sort of wildlife with an enormous shotgun.

Jones, of course, was referring to his so-called hardman team-mate Norman Hunter, who rejoiced in the nickname of Bites Yer Legs Hunter. Well, that terrified the hell out of me! Threats on a football field never bothered me. There was always some tough guy who was going to ‘sort you out’.

I don’t know what the Leeds defender promised his team-mate at half-time about the retribution that was about to come my way, but I’m still waiting.

Before the matches Leeds were already as good as European Cup winners, according to the English media. We were dismissed out of hand and that got right up my nose. Jackie Charlton should have known better, but he, too, was conned into believing it would be a walkover for his team.

It rankled with me when I was watching television and the England international central defender announced, ‘The next time we beat Celtic, I’m going to put them on my mantelpiece.’ Wrong thing to say, Jackie.

Celtic and Leeds had played several friendlies around that period with respective managers, Big Jock and Don Revie, fairly pally. Now please note the word ‘friendlies’. Jock would try new things in such games, move players around and so on. Leeds did okay in these encounters and maybe that lured them into a false sense of security.

They hadn’t realised they hadn’t witnessed the REAL Celtic on these occasions. That was all to change over the two legs of the European Cup semi-final. We won them both, home and away, and it was ‘Goodnight, Leeds – thanks for the memories.’

Charlton was so incensed afterwards he admitted in a sports show that he had a little black book and there were two names in it. He vowed to get revenge on these characters – one was Peter Osgood, the former Chelsea striker, the other was me! At least, I was in good company because Peter was some player.

Ironically, I met him just before his death a few years ago and we had a wee chat about Charlton’s Book of Bad Guys. It seemed to bother Peter as much as it bothered me.

We knew Leeds were a physical team. They bossed a lot of teams in England just by their sheer bullying presence. Revie had assembled an excellent outfit, but they could put it about, too. They had my wee pal Billy Bremner as skipper and he was afraid of nothing. They also contained players such as Paul Reaney, Johnny Giles, Paul Madeley, Charlton, Hunter and Jones.

There wasn’t a shrinking violet in sight, but if they thought they could intimidate us, they were terribly misinformed. How do you put the frighteners on guys such as Davie Hay, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Murdoch, Billy McNeill, Jinky Johnstone and Willie Wallace? I was never going to be famous, either, for running for cover when the going got tough. Leeds were about to discover this to their cost.

They should have heeded the warning when George Connelly scored in the first minute in Leeds. He got a second, but it was ruled out for whatever reason. As I recall, George was well onside, but Jinky might have strayed offside. We contained them quite well and our goalkeeper, Evan Williams, wasn’t exactly overworked.

We came back up by train and even I was astounded at the reception committee that awaited us at Glasgow’s Central Station. Thousands of Celtic fans were there to welcome us home. I believe we all had to pile into a police van to escape to safety. If our wonderful support were happy then, it was going to get better in a fortnight.

Actually, we were stunned fairly early on at Hampden where the game had been switched to deal with the incredible demand for tickets. A crowd of 136,505 crammed into the stadium and that is still a record gate for a European Cup game. Bremner scored a screamer for them in only fourteen minutes and I have to accept the blame.

I wasn’t picking him up and considering he was on the right of their midfield and I was on the left of ours, I should have put in more of a challenge to prevent him from taking aim.

He was about thirty-five yards when he looked up and walloped this effort at our goal. I can still see that shot flying in to this day. It seemed to pick up momentum as the ball hurtled towards Williams’ top right hand corner. It was in the back of his net before our keeper could move and I had to put my hands up and accept responsibility.

Funnily enough, although that tied the score, I didn’t think for one second we would lose and I am not saying that out of bravado now the result is in the history books. We knew there would be a winner that night and I just happened to believe it would be Celtic. My team-mates were in complete accordance.

We moved the ball around crisply and we could see Big Yogi, John Hughes, was giving Charlton problems with his powerful style. Jock had seen Yogi score two goals for the Scottish League against their English counterparts at St.James’s Park, Newcastle, one night and kept it in mind. The opposition centre-half on that occasion was the aforementioned Charlton.

Yogi could play on the left wing or directly through the middle and our manager knew his presence in leading the attack would unsettle the man who put my name in his little black book all those years ago. Maybe he should have added Yogi’s, too!

As I said earlier, Jones was rampaging around and getting away with it. I decided to let him know we would not accept his antics and, I readily admit, I did him. I still say, though, that it was a 50/50 ball and the challenge, fierce though it may have been, was not a foul. But I was determined to put down a market to let him and his mates know that we would not tolerate such behaviour. I think I got the message across. So, I was hardly shaking in my boots when he made his threat at the start of the second period.

Actually, they had also tried to intimidate Jinky throughout the game with the same level of success. Our wee outside-right was absolutely immense that evening. He turned their English international left-back Cooper, rated one of the best in Europe, inside out as he darted around, weaving this way and that as only he could.

Hunter was heard shouting at Cooper, ‘Kick him!’ Cooper roared back, ‘You try and kick him!’ Hunter tried and failed before retreating to his normal berth beside Charlton.

That second-half was to become among my most memorable in my entire career. Hampden was rocking to its foundations, the atmosphere was electric, the fans’ ferocious vocal backing was inspiring and we couldn’t possibly let them down. We didn’t.

I thought it was only a matter of time before we levelled and I’m glad to say I went at least a part of the way to atoning for allowing Bremner to score when I helped set up the equaliser.

I worked a one-two with Davie Hay on the right, flicked over a neat cross and Yogi threw himself in front of the hesitating Charlton to bullet a header past the helpless Gary Sprake.

Leeds were on the ropes, to use a boxing term, and, in the same parlance, we were about to deliver the knock-out blow. Sprake went off with an ankle injury and Revie threw on substitute David Harvey, who was to become a mainstay in the Scottish international team a few years later. He had happier times to come at Hampden.

We put together a sweeping move down the right flank and Jinky placed the ball to the edge of the box where my midfield mate Chopper Murdoch was arriving with his usual immaculate sense of timing to wallop an unstoppable right-foot shot low past the despairing Harvey. Game over. Where was Norman ‘Bites Yer Legs’ Hunter when you needed him!

I will always remember Chopper running away after scoring that goal. His chest seemed to be getting bigger and bigger as he took the salute of the delerious Celtic fans. It looked as though it was being pumped up and I thought it was going to burst through his shirt.

I really liked Chopper – it would have been impossible not to – and I was so happy for him. He was always so proud to wear those Celtic colours and I realised just how much that strike meant to him. That enduring image of him at that particular moment in time will be with me forever.

It says a helluva lot about their skipper Billy Bremner that he came into our dressing room at time-up to congratulate us on a ‘phenomenal performance’, as I recall. He must have been dreadfully disappointed and no-one would have blamed for him from going away to hide in some dark corner of Hampden. But that wasn’t his style.

Actually, we all knew Billy was a massive Celtic fan and he was a fabulous talent. But where would we have fitted him into that side?

We had been promised a bonus by the Celtic directors if we reached the European Cup Final and a few days later we were all handed a cheque. Normally, the club would pay you in readies, but on this occasion they gave us cheques. Our reward for reaching Milan was £1,500 each – the same payment we had received for winning the European Cup three years previously.

We weren’t greedy, but none of us thought that was an adequate sum of money for what we achieved. The players met in the dressing room to discuss what we were going to do next. We decided to place our cheques on a table and tell Jock we weren’t accepting them. We thought we deserved a little bit more.

The Big Man came in, looked at this pile of cheques and asked, ‘What’s this? Don’t you want your bonus money?’ One of the players told him we weren’t too happy with the sum of money. Jock stared back at all of us and then glanced at his watch. ‘Oh, well, do what you want – the cleaning lady will be arriving in a few minutes’ time’.

He then just walked out of the room. The players looked at each other. Quietly, we all moved to the table and picked up our respective cheques. That was the end of the matter.

Although it all went pear-shaped that ill-fated night in the San Siro Stadium, it must be said that the run to the final was nothing short of exhilarating. I will always remember our quarter-final tie against Fiorentina at Parkhead where, I believe, I had one of the best games of my career. It was one of those evenings when everything simply fell into place.

We won 3-0, I scored one goal and set up the other two, one netted by Wispy and one put into his own net by the unfortunate Luigi Carpenetti. My goal was one of the sweetest strikes I have ever hit; a low left foot drive from the edge of the box that swept past their keeper at his post.

Big Yogi knocked it down, I controlled it in an instant and then hit it perfectly. A photographer, Eric Craig, of the Daily Record, came over to the park the following day to see if I could re-enact my effort. I was still on a high and there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity to show the thousands of readers of his newspaper how it was done.

Eric got his snaps and I was plastered all over his paper the following day. We lost 1-0 in Florence in the second leg, but we were never in any danger of going out of the tournament.

Actually, our European Cup campaign got off to a blank start when we drew 0-0 with Basle in Switzerland and Harry Hood and TG got the goals in the second leg to give us a 2-0 victory. Next up was Benfica, Eusebio and all, and what amazing encounters they were, in Glasgow and Lisbon.

TG and Big Jock had had a bit of a fall-out after our left-back was dropped for the League Cup Final against St.Johnstone where I got the only goal of the game. TG had demanded a transfer the following day and it looked as though he was on his way out.

But everyone knew he was a big-game player; the more important the occasion, the better TG played. He was absolutely nerveless and a match against the Portuguese champions was one we all knew he would welcome. Jock realised that, too, so no-one was unduly surprised when TG took the field that night. What an impact he made, too.

I think the game was barely two minutes old when we were awarded a free-kick about 35 yards out. There was only one man for the job – Tommy Gemmell. He raced up to the ball and gave it an almighty clatter. The thing just took off and the keeper hadn’t an earthly as it rocketed into the roof of the net. TG was back – and how! Harry and Wispy got the others as we took a three-goal lead to Lisbon and we thought the job was done. Not quite!

With Eusebio in devastating form, the Portuguese gave us one hell of a fright. They were 2-0 up nearing the end of a fairly frantic encounter and searching for the equaliser that would take it into extra-time. The minutes were ticking by agonisingly slowly as we tried desperately to keep them at bay. Eusebio had netted just before the interval and Garca piled on the pressure with a second after the turnaround.

The game was deep in injury time when Diamentino got their equaliser. I have to admit it was deserved. They really put us through it in front of their own fans. There were no more goals in the extra half-hour and in those days the tie was decided on the toss of a coin. Caesar was called into referee Louis van Raavens’ room and asked to make a call.

Thankfully, our skipper got it right and, naturally enough, we were elated. I felt a bit for Benfica, too. They had put so much into the game and, in the end, got nothing because of the flip of a coin.

Fiorentina were duly despatched and then it was the turn of Leeds United. They were taken care of, home and away, of course, and we were racing certainties and massive favourites to lift our second European Cup in three years.

What could go wrong? Well, just about everything!

ALEX’S ANGLE: WARN OF QUICKSAND AND CROSSFIRE

CELTIC dozed off in Dortmund and were involved in a colossal Champions League car crash.

At the beginning of October, it wasn’t easy on the eye – or the nervous system – to witness Brendan Rodgers’ side capitulate so alarmingly and dismally to an admittedly strong Bundesliga club.

That bewilderingly awful performance from an overrun and, dare I say it, outclassed Parkhead outfit was made even more stupefying because no-one saw it coming.

Celtic went into the match on the back of nine successive victories and only three days after a fine, free-flowing six-goal triumph over St Johnstone in Perth while all indications were Borussia Dortmund were struggling for any semblance of reasonable form.

So far, so good. And then the game kicked off.

Only those blessed with eternal optimism – and one day hope to find sunken treasure at the bottom of their bath – reckoned there was a way back as Rodgers and his players, united in bowed heads, trekked to the sanctuary of the dressing room trailing 5-1 after being pulverised for the bulk of a terrifying first-half.

It had been an excruciating and wholly unwelcome intrusion upon the hopes and aspirations of everyone associated with Celtic. Thankfully, the hosts settled for seven on an evening when only one visiting player could get close to passmarks and that was keeper Kasper Schmeichel who prevented the contest from descending into total farce.

As wake-up calls go, it was fairly thunderous.

Thankfully, an entire assortment of players reacted to humiliation and embarrassment in a positive manner.

Since that emphatic drubbing, Celtic have gone 14 games without defeat, including two away games in Italy and Croatia in Europe’s elite competition without the loss of a goal.

And, without being condescendingly dismissive of the standard of our opponents, I can’t see that sequence hitting the buffers at Hampden today, can you?

From where I am sitting, Celtic have the superior manager and the better quality of player.

I don’t buy into any of the hooha that is emanating from across the Clyde. Yes, there has been an overall improvement in recent weeks and the draw with Big Ange’s Spurs side was creditable, but let’s not go overboard.

For whatever reason, the London club seemed to function at half-pace and were bossed in the middle of the park by a Belgian pitbull in the shape of Nico Raskin and an equally aggressive Ivorian in Mohamed Diamande.

They’ll snap and snarl today, especially in the early stages, and the onus will be on referee John Beaton to put a quick halt to to any excessive aggression. We can but hope.

There are a few x-factors among the ranks of our rivals and three arrivals this summer, Vaclav Cerny, Hamza Igmane and Nedim Bajrami, seem to be creating a stir down Govan way.

I doubt very much if any Celtic player was tormented by a sleepless night at the prospect of coming face to face with Clement’s recruits at the national stadium today.

On the other hand, James Tavernier must feel like the condemned man who has just been handed his last cigarette. It’s clear on past evidence, the Ibrox right-back does not thrive when Daizen Maeda is in the vicinity.

They won’t admit it, but the thought of Kyogo Furuhashi dashing hither and yon around the danger area must terrify the hell out of their back lot.

Nicolas Kuhn could put his stamp on this occasion and if the real Reo Hatate turns up, the astute and aware midfielder could also revel on the expansive areas at the stadium. Callum McGregor, of course, has been there, seen it and got the medals to prove it.

As a matter of fact, dear reader, you can tick off the boxes of each Celtic player and, without being unnecessarily disdainful, there is no-one I can see in the opposition’s squad who would be in Brendan’s starting line-up this afternoon.

So, there is every reason to be confident, but, despite this being the season to be jolly, I am afraid I have to cast myself in the role of Scrooge for a bah-humbug moment.

Celtic fans of a certain vintage, including your humble scribe, can look back to four consecutive silverware showpieces in the same trophy as the seventies kicked off in another century.

Quite rightly, Jock Stein’s men were favourites as they went into all four – with Rangers, Partick Thistle, Hibs and Dundee providing the opposition – and contrived to lose the lot.

I was at Hampden to watch the quartet from hell. It was like witnessing your worst nightmare unfold on a slow-motion loop.

It’s way too easy to get caught between the crossfire of complacency and the other team merely making up the numbers before the honours are dished out.

Inevitably, that will lead to disaster and I doubt if Brendan will allow any of his performers to veer anywhere near that particular psychological quicksand.

A triumph this afternoon will throw open the gateway to more domestic success as the crusade continues.

Trebles all round, methinks!

Celtic might regret selling. The Scottish celebrity who was likened to Moravcik

Weeks do not come much bigger than this for Celtic.

On Tuesday night, the Hoops went in search of three more precious Champions League points when they took on GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian capital, having lost all three previous visits to Stadion Maksimir, beaten 2-1 in 1963, 3-0 in 1998 and, most recently, 4-3 almost exactly a decade ago to the day. This time, however, they came away with a 0-0 to show for their efforts.

Next up on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers‘ side are massive favourites to beat fierce rivals Rangers in the League Cup Final at Hampden, aiming to hoist aloft a 20th piece of major silverware, out of a possible 25, since Rodgers first arrived in Glasgow.

Celtic’s success throughout the decades, including in modern times, has been built upon a bedrock of home-grown Scottish talents.

Captain Callum McGregor has been sensational this season, scoring six Premiership goals already, each of which has come from outside the box, and made his 486th appearance for the club in Zagreb, on course to become just the 14th man to feature 500+ times for the Hoops.

One player who’s already reached that milestone is James Forrest, last Saturday’s half time introduction against Hibernian was the 516th occasion the winger has represented the Bhoys, with the 33-year-old an increasingly uncommon one-club-man.

Left-back Greg Taylor too is an important cog in the Celtic machine, but the Scottish champions don’t always get it right when it comes to hoovering up the best domestic talent.

Mixed results for Celtic’s domestic signings

Throughout their history, Celtic have been able to cherry-pick the best young Scottish talents from other Premiership clubs.

Simply looking at the last decade, after Dundee United made a strong start to the season in 2014/15, the Hoops paid a combined £2.25m for the Tangerines’ two best players, Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven, quelling any title talk that was beginning to brew at Tannadice.

Ryan Christie (Inverness Caley Thistle; £500,000), Scott Allan (Hibs; £250,000), Jack Hendry (Dundee; £1.2m), Lewis Morgan (St Mirren; £300,000), Greg Taylor (Kilmarnock; £2m), David Turnbull (Motherwell; £3.25m), and Luke McCowan (Dundee; £1m) are all subsequent examples of Celtic buying up the best young Scottish talents, paying fees their domestic rivals simply cannot turn down, the latter arriving as recently as late-August.

So why do this? Well, there’s of course the Bayern Munich-esque aspect to it of asserting your domestic dominance by weakening your rivals. But, more tangibly, Celtic require both “club-trained” and “association-trained” players for their UEFA competition squad, required to have at least eight domestic players, hence why the likes of Scott Bain, Anthony Ralston and Stephen Welsh are still in the squad, despite ever featured very often.

The list of Scottish players above outlines a pretty mixed bag, and there is one player on that list who didn’t achieve much at Parkhead but has gone on to star across the pond.

Lewis Morgan’s post-Celtic career

Lewis Morgan arrived from St Mirren in July 2018, but made little impact at Celtic, scoring just two goals in 31 appearances, these coming against AIK in a Europa League qualifier in Stockholm and during a dead-rubber group stage victory over Stade Rennais.

When he arrived, Morgan discussed how he prided himself on his ambidexterity, saying that he idolised club-legend Ľubomír Moravčík, but fair to say he did not earn the same cult-hero status as was bestowed upon the Czechoslovakian midfielder.

Morgan actually spent the second half of his debut campaign on loan at Sunderland, before being sold to MLS expansion club Inter Miami in January 2020 for just £400k.

His two seasons in Fort Lauderdale were chaotic and largely disrupted by Covid-19, scoring just seven times in 58 outings for the Herons, but he must’ve caught the eye of some impressed onlookers in New Jersey because, in January 2023, Morgan joined New York Red Bulls, who paid a not insubstantial $1.2m in General Allocation Money for his services.

The Scotsman has certainly found a home in the Big Apple, scoring 31 goals in 79 matches for RBNY, named MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2024, the award given to the player “who showed impressive improvement after overcoming a serious injury… or after a previous slump in their career”.

Morgan was a key figure as New York reached the MLS Cup for only the second time in franchise history, their sole previous appearance coming in 2008, narrowly beaten 2-1 by LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Remarkably, rhe former Celtic winger was one of the best-performing attackers across all of Major League Soccer.

Lewis Morgan’s MLS 2024 statistics

Statistic

Morgan in 2024

MLS rank

Goals

13

=20th

Goals + Assists

18

=23rd

Expected goals

12.5

=15th

Shots

90

11th

All statistics courtesy of FBref.

To achieve this for a generally mediocre Red Bulls team, who finished seventh in the Eastern Conference, becoming the lowest-seeded side to ever reach the MLS Cup, is not bad going for a player who showed very few glimpses of his full potential during his brief time at Celtic.

Morgan has even worked his way back into Steve Clarke’s Scotland plans this year, including in the Euro 2024 squad, earning his first caps for six years, also featuring off the bench during three UEFA Nations League A fixtures in the autumn. Perhaps the Hoops may rue letting him leave all those years ago?

There won’t be a Celtic pardon if Brendan Rodgers commits the most serious offense and Arne Engels’ call is presented as proof.

Hugh Keevins expects the £11million man to be starting these type of games as benching him and losing will have recriminations

One of the character flaws my wife detected in her husband a long time ago is a form of financial illiteracy.

“You think a pound is a lot of money,” is the observation she frequently makes to substantiate her allegation. Guilty as charged, your honour. But, if it please the court, only to a point. I also have the financial acuity to know that £11million is an awful lot, especially when it is spent to bring a player to a team who already have a superiority over their domestic rivals that’s as long as it is broad.

Arne Engels obliterated Celtic’s record transfer fee in the summer when he joined from Belgium. He was immediately impressive, proving the wisdom of the old saying ‘You get what you pay for’. On that basis, I don’t think it’s outrageous to suggest a player of his calibre might be thought an automatic starter in the first showpiece of the season, the Premier Sports Cup Final against Rangers.

But Engels has started to cut a puzzling figure. His manager Brendan Rodgers was moved to publicly defend Arne when the player’s performance level visibly dipped.

His point about the slow, but sure, transformation of Nicolas Kuhn into a contributor of high standing was well made. But days like this are surely the precise reason why you break the bank to sign a game changer.

Extraordinary money, by Scottish standards, is put out on extraordinary talents and not bit-part players. And that’s what Engels was when Celtic played Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League tie in Croatia on Tuesday night.

Paolo Bernardo did well in the Balkans. Reo Hatate was hit and miss in the midfield. Luke McCowan is ineligible for the cup final, Callum McGregor, the captain, is undroppable.

Celtic’s Arne Engels celebrates scoring

Engels was first pick, and first goalscorer, against Hibs in the Premiership last weekend. His goal celebration, if that is the appropriate word, was to act as if nothing had happened, prompting dismay among the students of body language.

Engels had the demeanour of someone who was wondering if he had done the right thing by coming to Scotland. Whatever is the case, Arne is due to remind us of what all the fuss, and financial outlay, was about in the first place. And that is from the start of games as opposed to coming off the subs’ bench.

Having looked at it from all Engels, so to speak, if an £11m player is not a certain starter on cup final day then you run the risk of questions being asked if anything goes wrong. Nothing will mitigate against mayhem if Philippe Clement manages the losing team today. But Rodgers won’t get a free pardon if Celtic are defeated, no matter how far in front he is in the title race.

Artistically, Rodgers has a side capable of suggesting they’re from a different level to their rivals. Realistically, they will not be allowed to forget it if Celtic lose.

Clement’s Strategic Celtic Remarks on the Night of the Cup Final

Rangers boss Philippe Clement has continued his efforts to manage expectations ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final against Celtic, making a pointed comparison between the two squads.

After already raising eyebrows earlier this week by claiming Rangers were not in Celtic’s league financially, Clement has now shifted his focus to his players, suggesting they are less equipped for the occasion than their opponents.

Speaking to the media, Clement acknowledged Celtic’s squad depth and continuity as key advantages, while highlighting the changes in his own team since the two sides last met in a cup final.

“This will be a different game with different players,” Clement told SunSport. “A lot of different players on our side — on Celtic’s not that many different.

“But they have a bigger squad, more depth in their squad than they had last season, so they have been better than last season — that’s a reality we know. So we need to be better also, but we have a totally different squad than that game. With this squad, it’s about getting the best out of them.”

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 11, 2024 Rangers manager Philippe Clement before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Lowering the Pressure

Clement’s comments come across as a calculated attempt to deflect pressure away from himself and his squad. By openly acknowledging Celtic’s perceived advantages, he seems to be setting the stage for a no-lose scenario. If Rangers lose, Clement can point to the challenges he outlined, but if they win, he can position it as an overachievement and a testament to his managerial ability.

Clement’s clearly keen to frame Celtic as the favourites, allowing him to manage the fallout if the result doesn’t go Rangers’ way.

A Focused Celtic

On the other side of the divide, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has taken a contrasting approach, showing confidence in his squad while emphasising the team’s hunger to reclaim the League Cup. Rodgers highlighted the advantages of playing at Hampden and his side’s ability to exploit the big pitch, suggesting that Celtic are fully prepared to rise to the occasion.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 1, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Rangers manager Philippe Clement Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Clement’s attempt to downplay expectations may reduce the pressure on his players, but it also risks handing Celtic the psychological edge. With the Hoops flying high in the league and buoyed by their strong performances at Hampden, they’ll be focused on letting their football do the talking.

Kick-Off Looms

The League Cup final kicks off at 3:30 pm on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Hampden Park for what promises to be another enthralling Glasgow derby. While Clement continues to downplay his side’s chances, Celtic will look to seize the moment and add another trophy to their cabinet.

Rangers vs. Celtic: Who will win? For the Premier Sports Cup final, our authors provide their opinions.

Our writers reckon it’ll be a tight one – and one is even sitting on the fence

Celtic vs Rangers in a major cup final. It simply does not get any bigger.

The nation will stop in its tracks on Sunday for the biggest domestic game since the last time these two met at Hampden back in May. Celtic were the narrow winners that time, Adam Idah scoring the only goal in the dying stages to lift the Scottish Cup and sealing a double to round off Brendan Rodgers‘ first season back at the club nicely.

But the one feather the boss didn’t manage to add to his cap last season is the only one his Ibrox rival did. Philippe Clement knows all about the importance of this trophy, and lifting it this time last year is one of the main reasons he’s been given this long in the job. Some improved recent form is starting to make fans standing by him believe it was the right decision – a win this time and the doubters will really start to be convinced. It’s an all-conquering Celtic against a resurgent Rangers and here’s how our writers see it going.

Keith Jackson

If this final was three weeks ago it would have been a matter of how many Celtic would win it by. It doesn’t feel that way now. But Brendan Rodgers has gone the course and distance in this derby and his managerial expertise will see his side get over the line. Just.

Celtic 2 Rangers 1

Andy Newport

A month ago you’d have given Rangers no chance but there seems to be real momentum growing at Ibrox. Recent history shows that no matter the contrasting fortunes of the teams, these derby affairs are always tight, with only three of the last 15 head to heads boasting more than a goal between the sides. With that in mind, I’m going to sit on the fence and say it will go down to the lottery of penalties – and only Mystic Meg can predict that kind of outcome!

Celtic 1 Rangers 1 (if it goes to pens, take your pick!)

Fraser Wilson

A much closer contest than might have been predicted a month ago as Philippe Clement is getting a tune out of his Rangers side at last. They have more threat going forward now and could push Celtic all the way. But the Hoops are still on a different level in an attacking sense and I fancy them to sneak it – and maybe with another late Hampden winner.

Celtic 2 Rangers 1

Graeme Young

Anything can happen, that’s the old saying, but that hasn’t been the case in recent times when these two collide. Brendan Rodgers dominates this fixture come rain or shine – one defeat in 19 against Rangers can attest to that. Then factor in the Celtic manager’s undefeated 12-game run at Hampden. It makes the case for Clement and Co a hard sell. But while Igamane and Cerny offer a fresh danger, Celtic boast game-changers in abundance.

Celtic 3 Rangers 1

Mark Pirie

Momentum has slowly been building for Rangers after a lacklustre start to the season. Philippe Clement promised we would see the best of his new look squad by November, although they are behind schedule the holders could be peaking at the right time. Celtic’s domestic juggernaut has to stop at some stage, and it could be at Hampden in a close encounter.

Celtic 1 Rangers 2

Robbie Copeland

Let’s face it, they’re favourites for a reason. Rangers have improved recently but Celtic are just too strong. It will be tighter and cagier than recent league meetings – as cup finals always are – but the Hoops have a clear advantage in quality, and a proven stomach for these types of fight.

Celtic 1 Rangers 0

Rangers icon makes bold selection call for cup final as Club chief confirms interest in £4m Celtic man

The latest stories from Celtic and Rangers ahead of tomorrow’s Scottish League Cup final.

Scottish Premiership action is to be put on hold in Glasgow this weekend with Celtic and Rangers going toe-to-toe for the first piece of silverware this season. An Old Firm derby at Hampden Park presents a mouth-watering Sunday afternoon occasion, with early-season bragging rights also on the line.

Celtic comfortably won the first and only derby so far this season back in September, and Brendan Rodgers’ side have been far superior in the league. But a neutral ground and the unpredictability of a cup final mean this will be no easy task and what better way for Rangers to kickstart a late title push than derby-day victory and the claiming of a trophy. It’s set to be a big weekend and as preparations continue, Glasgow World has rounded up some of the latest stories from both clubs.

Bernabei latest

Internacional president Alessandro Barcellos has reaffirmed his intent to sign on-loan Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei on a permanent deal. Bernabei has been a regular feature since joining the Brazilian outfit on loan in March and was recently named the best top-flight left-back over there.

The 23-year-old struggled to make such an impact with Celtic but is clearly impressing in South America, with recent reports citing interest not only from his loan club, but also Corinthians and Cruzeiro. Talks are expected to commence in January and Internacional chief Barcellos has made no secret of his desire to sign the defender permanently.

“It depends on the Scottish club’s interest,” he told Radio Gaucha. “It may be a new lending [loan] or a price that we can pay. It is a worthy investment to pay for a loan. In the first loan, the price was low.”

Rangers selection call

Former Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson insists James Tavernier has done enough to keep his place at right-back for Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final. Tavernier has struggled this season with many supporters expecting the 33-year-old to move on in the summer.

There have been calls for the younger Dujon Sterling to get his shot at Hampden Park but recent displays from Tavernier have impressed. The right-back has often struggled coming up against the likes of Daizen Maeda at Celtic but Ferguson believes experience should be backed for the all-important cup final.

“I’ve got to be honest, Tavernier has been really good over the last couple of weeks,” Ferguson told the Go Radio Football Show. “Clement has a decision to make over whether it’ll be him or Sterling. If you ask for my honest opinion, I think he’ll stick with Tavernier.”

Celtic wants to sign a versatile international midfielder, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic are interested in signing a new midfielder, but face competition from clubs in both Italy and Greece, according to a new report from a Sky Sports journalist.

Celtic transfer news

Celtic are flying high nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but that hasn’t stopped the Hoops being linked with a number of new players ahead of the January transfer window.

Among those rumoured to be Glasgow-bound is Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old has found opportunities scarce this season under Enzo Maresca, failing to make the squad for any of Chelsea’s 15 Premier League games, and managing just five cameo appearances in the Blues’ other competitions.

AC Milan are also interested in the Englishman, but according to Calciomercato, the Hoops are in pole position to land him, with a loan move with an option to buy touted.

Another potential target is Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen. But while the Danish midfielder would no doubt be an experienced addition to Rodgers’ midfield, his current weekly wage is a huge roadblock. The playmaker currently earns £150,000-per-week at Old Trafford, which is over four times the amount Celtic’s top-earner, captain Callum McGregor, takes home.

Bhoys want Tahirovic

Another player understood to be on Celtic’s radar is Ajax midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic. According to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Bhoys are one of a number of clubs interested in the 21-year-old, with Lazio and Greek side PAOK also keen.

Tahirovic was a regular feature for Ajax last season, making 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting five more. This term, however, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has been capped 14 times by his country, has been limited to just 215 minutes of football.

Di Marzio claims that Tahirovic recently changed agents and now “wants to leave” Ajax in search of regular first-team action. Despite Celtic’s interest, however, the versatile midfielder would, according to Di Marzio, prefer a return to Italy.

Tahirovic’s career to date

Tahirovic began his professional career in Sweden with Vasalunds IF, before joining Roma in 2021. After just 13 appearances for the Italian club, however, he then moved to Ajax in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £6.2 million.

Upon joining Ajax, Tahirovic said: “I love to play as a six the most. I think that position fits my qualities as a player best. I am good when it comes to the technical aspect, have a good pass and play from ball possession.”

The club’s now former director of football Sven Mislintat, meanwhile, described him at the time as “one of the biggest talents I’ve ever seen in this position”.

A Chelsea player was called a “gamble” for a transfer amid whispers of Celtic, which is a major deterrent for Premier League clubs.

Celtic are one of the clubs said to have transfer interest in the Chelsea player.

A rumoured Celtic transfer target has been branded a January punt with his Chelsea future up in the air.

Carney Chukwuemeka signed for the Blues in 2022 in a deal from Aston Villa worth an estimated £20m. It’s been claimed that the Hoops and AC Milan are both keen on signing the star who has featured more than 30 times for Chelsea, with former scout Mick Brown now stating Premier League intrigue.

Formerly of Man Utd, Tottenham and West Ham, Brown says that clubs in England are concerned by his inability to hold down regular football, with the Chelsea man now labelled a gamble. He told Football Insider: “There is definitely interest in January, yes.

“But I’m told there are doubts among Premier League sides about whether he could make a significant impact given his lack of experience at the top level. That’s the thing with a loan move, which this would likely be in January, clubs want immediate impact.

“These teams have been tracking his progress and will have an idea about his current level. He didn’t cement himself in Aston Villa’s team, and hasn’t done in Chelsea’s team, but the only way to build that experience is if teams trust him to step up.

“He may be better suited going to Europe where I’ve heard there is some interest. It all depends on whether these clubs are willing to take a gamble on him being good enough at the moment to play regular football at the top level. There’s no doubt he’s got a lot of potential, but he’s hardly played since leaving Villa.”

Celtic target already has January transfer ‘priority’ set as Rangers hero wanted by Premier League trio

A Celtic transfer target reportedly has a January wish as a Rangers hero is wanted down south.

It’s going to be a quick turnaround but don’t expect that to dampen the hype when it comes to Rangers and Celtic.

The tense rivalry in Glasgow is at fever-pitch on the calmest of occasions but that cranks up a few notches this Sunday with silverware on the line. Holders Rangers are looking to hold onto their Premier Sports Cup crown when facing the Premiership champions at Hampden.

After Champions League excursions against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday, Celtic have had a couple of days extra to work on this game opposed to Rangers, who had Tottenham to contend with in the Europa League on Thursday.

With atmosphere building, here are a couple of headlines with Rangers and Celtic flavours ahead of it.

Kent in-demand

Part of the Rangers squad that won the Premiership in 2021 and made the Europa League final a year later, Kent earned hero status during his time at the club. He has been a free agent since leaving Turkish giants Fenerbahce earlier this season.

Fichajes claim that the former Ibrox winger has been approached by Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Crystal Palace over a possible move to the Premier League.

Ajax man linked to Hoops

Benjamin Tahirovic has been rumoured as a Celtic transfer target ahead of January. The Bosnian midfielder may have only featured a couple of times this campaign, bu took part in 26 league games last term, scoring 2 goals and providing 4 assists. Lazio and Fiorentina are said to have interest as per Di Marzio, with the ‘priority’ a Serie A move. That said, Celtic and PAOK in Greece are both believed to be interested.

Winning strategy: With just one loss in 19 Old Firm derbies, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will continue to use his tried-and-true strategy in an attempt to win the season’s first trophy.

Since he first took charge of a Celtic team against Rangers back in 2016, Brendan Rodgers has viewed the days immediately preceding such clashes as a delicate balancing act.

Acutely aware of the heightened tension within Glasgow, the Northern Irishman has never wasted his breath by claiming the derbies are just another game. To do so, he contends, would do his players no favours.

He also sees a danger in over-egging the pudding. Individuals can easily become too tense about the consequences of what they do or do not do across 90 minutes. An anxious mind is rarely conducive to them performing at their optimal level.

After suffering just one defeat in 19 derbies, by some distance the best managerial record in the history of the fixture, it would be a brave man to take issue with his tried and trusted approach.

‘That’s what I’ve always done and it’s worked out okay for us,’ he said with some understatement.

‘I would say it’s not any other game. It’s an iconic game. It’s an amazing game for everyone to be involved in. But then there comes a point when you have to really focus in on the process because that’s ultimately what allows you to win such a great game.

Rodgers is used to winning silverware at Celtic having tasted victory in all six of his finals

The Celtic manager isn’t a fan of trying to play down the magnitude of an Old Firm encounter

Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates after making it 2-0 to Celtic in September’s Old Firm victory

‘So, that’s more what the slant is on. The game’s special. The game’s an incredible game to be involved in. The atmosphere, the tension. People want tickets from everywhere to go to the game, so that’s not lost on me.

‘But, from a coaching and managerial perspective, what allows you to perform and what allows us to perform is to stay calm, to look at our tactical idea within the game and how we then pitch that to the players so they can go and play. And, in the main, I feel we’ve done that pretty well.’

The 15 victories Rodgers has presided over across two spells has made a mockery of the old cliché about the form book going out of the window on such occasions.

The dominant side in Scotland this century, Celtic’s results over Rangers in one-off matches have largely been reflective of the times.

Which is not to say that the Ibrox club aren’t capable of striking a blow for the underdog at Hampden. Philippe Clement’s side ran Celtic close in last season’s Scottish Cup final and have played their way back into form. Rodgers is wary of the outcome being decided by small margins.

‘There’s always something that can go against you,’ he warned. ‘So, it’s preparing and expecting that.

‘But, going into these games, it’s never so much about who we play, it’s about how we play and that’s always been a real focus. So, going in and playing how we want to, that’s always put us in a really good place.’

Rodgers was able to watch Rangers empty the tank in their draw with Tottenham from the comfort of his sofa having returned from Zagreb in the early hours of Wednesday.

Hamza Igamane celebrates his goal against Spurs for Philippe Clement’s side

With two days fewer to recover from Europe, the preparation of Clement’s team isn’t ideal, but Rodgers won’t let his players fall into the trap of believing they’ll be weary.

‘We’ve done it before ourselves,’ he said. ‘We played with very limited time to recover and played very good games. So, it doesn’t really come into it.

‘It’s one where we, of course, have had an extra couple of days. But it’s the final. Every team that arrives in the final will give everything to pick up the trophy.’

If anything, Rodgers feels the fact Rangers were annoyed at not having taken the scalp of Spurs should act as a warning. As maddeningly inconsistent as Clement’s players have been, they unquestionably have big performances in them.

There was certainly no gulf in class when the sides last met at Hampden, in the Scottish Cup final in May. Celtic’s late winner that day came through fresh legs coming off the bench — Paulo Bernardo’s run and shot leading to Adam Idah scoring.

Having taken their eye off the ball in the last 16 of this competition at Kilmarnock last season, Celtic could only watch on from afar as Clement’s side beat Aberdeen to take the cup out of their hands.

Celtic skipper Callum McGregor goes through his paces in training

If any added motivation is needed, it’s provided by the empty space in the trophy cabinet.

‘Well, we don’t have it,’ said Rodgers. ‘It is something that we didn’t take last season, and clearly, it’s the first trophy of the season.

‘We’ve had a brilliant season up until now, and this would be a great way to have something tangible to show for that. But you have to earn it and that’s what we’re ready for.’

Rodgers’ sides saw off Aberdeen and Motherwell in League Cup finals in his first spell in charge. Should he come out on top again, a win over Rangers would be his tenth trophy as Celtic manager.

‘I’ll look back on that once I’m finished and once I’m done,’ he stressed. ‘Going into these games, the wins at Hampden and everything else, it doesn’t really count for much, really. Just because you’ve won before doesn’t mean you can’t turn up and not prepare.

‘I know what it means to people, this game. You never get tired of them or bored of them. They’re incredible games to be involved in. It’s such an iconic fixture throughout the world.

‘So, to have the possibility to have maybe four, five, six of them in the season is absolutely amazing. Like I said, they’re all challenges, but I think this is what we’re built for. The tougher the challenge, then that is what we relish.’

Kuhn 2.0: A player with “incredible potential” is being courted by Celtic.

Celtic have been in fantastic form so far this season and have an opportunity to win their first piece of silverware with a League Cup final clash at Hampden Park on Sunday.

The Hoops are set to face off against Glasgow rivals Rangers in the final and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time since his return to the club last year.

His side were knocked out by Kilmarnock in August of 2023 and Philippe Clement went on to win the competition, beating Aberdeen in the final, as Rangers boss.

Rodgers now has a chance to put things right and secure the trophy this time around, and his team’s domestic form so far this season suggests that he has a good chance of doing so.

Celtic have won 14 and drawn one of their opening 15 matches in the Scottish Premiership, and have already beaten Rangers 3-0 at Parkhead in the division.

The Hoops have also only lost one of their six matches in the Champions League so far this season, which shows that they have been strong across all competitions.

Despite their fantastic form domestically and in Europe, Celtic are still, reportedly, active ahead of the January transfer window that is set to open for business next month.

Celtic interested in Ajax youngster

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, as relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are one of a number of clubs lining up a swoop for Ajax central midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic ahead of the second half of the season, as Rodgers looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

The report claims that Greek giants PAOK and Serie A teams Fiorentina and Lazio are also keen on snapping up a deal for the 21-year-old talent next month, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his services.

It states that the former Roma gem turned down a move to English Championship team Coventry City in the summer transfer window, which frustrated Ajax and has led to restricted minutes this season so far.

The outlet adds that Tahirovic is now keen to move on from the Dutch giants and is looking to seal an exit from the Eredivise side when the January transfer window opens for business, although there is no mention of how much Ajax would demand in order to sell him.

However, it reveals that the Bosnia international, who recently changed agents, is hoping to secure a move back to Italy to play in the Serie A, which means that the Hoops will need to convince him to abandon that dream to come and play in Scotland.

Transfer Focus

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

Rodgers could repeat the masterclass he played with Nicolas Kuhn by beating the likes of PAOK, Lazio, and Fiorentina to his signature next month.

Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn masterclass

The Hoops swooped in to sign the German forward from Austrian side Rapid Vienna for a reported fee of £3m, shortly after his 24th birthday in January at the start of this year.

Kuhn had played for RB Leipzig, Ajax, and Bayern Munich at youth level before, as he put it, taking a step back in order to take two steps forward by moving to Austria.

The left-footed winger produced seven goals and ten assists in 51 matches in all competitions for Rapid Vienna, including two goals in 16 league outings during the first half of last season.

Kuhn was then snapped up by Celtic in January and was given time to settle into life in Glasgow, with just two goals and two assists in 14 matches during the second half of the Premiership campaign.

24/25 Premiership

Nicolas Kuhn

Appearances

13

Goals

5

Big chances created

7

Assists

6

Key passes per game

2.3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the German ace has already produced three more goals and four more assists in one fewer appearance in the league this season, which shows how much he has thrived since having a few months to adapt to the league.

Rodgers bringing Kuhn in during the January window meant that he could have that settling in period and the forward is now thriving, with 11 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this term, as a result of that.

The manager could now find his next version of the ex-Bayern Munich youngster by bringing Tahirovic in to follow a similar path at Parkhead next year.

Why Celtic should sign Benjamin Tahirovic

At the age of 21, Celtic would be signing a young player with potential to improve and he could benefit from going through the same experience that Kuhn had, by playing a bit-part role in the second half of the season to adjust to the country and league.

That could, then, allow him to hit the ground running with a pre-season under his belt when the 2025/26 campaign rolls around, as he would already be used to the Premiership, Rodgers’ tactics, and his teammates.

During his time at Roma, Jose Mourinho claimed that the youngster had “incredible potential”. This speaks to the kind of talent he has as the Portuguese manager has worked with some great players, including the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, and Eden Hazard, among many, many, others.

The 21-year-old gem has only played once in the Eredivisie this season but his form last term suggests that the quality is there for him to be a promising signing for Celtic.

23/24 Eredivisie

Benjamin Tahirovic

Appearances

26

Pass accuracy

89%

Assists

4

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.3

Ball recoveries per game

5.1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Tahirovic, who was 20 for most of the campaign, was a regular for Ajax in the Dutch top-flight and showcased his quality as a box-to-box midfielder.

He was reliable with the ball at his feet with a pass accuracy of 89%, which placed him within the top 4% of midfielders in the division, which suggests that the youngster is suited to playing in a dominant Celtic team, that requires midfielders to be comfortable in possession.

Tahirovic has the potential to combine fantastic passing with creativity and a presence defensively, which could make him a brilliant all-round midfielder if he can develop and gain consistency in his performances.

Rodgers in trophy swipe at Rangers as Celtic boss claps back at Clement over cash claim

The Glasgow rivals go head to head at Hampden with the Premier Sports Cup up for grabs in Mount Florida

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic have earned every penny of the gap which separates them from Rangers ahead of Sunday’s League Cup Final.

The Hoops manager was responding to his Ibrox counterpart Philippe Clement’s comment earlier this week when he bracketed the Scottish champions with Spurs as “financially out of our league” when he looked ahead to the challenges facing his team in the Europa League on Thursday night and then at Hampden.

Rodgers was quick to point out that Celtic’s dominance over their Old Firm rivals in recent years has been as a consequence of the efficient boardroom management and successful transfer model which has eluded Rangers for so long. He said: “Listen, Philippe will have whatever he feels he needs to look at within ourselves I’m only interested in Celtic, really. Where Celtic has come to over a number of years, this is a club that’s been organically grown. We haven’t been handed money.

“This isn’t something where we have had someone coming in from the Middle East and giving us a load of money. This is something that’s been grown.

“The leadership from the very top of this club to the bottom is why we have had the successes that we’ve had. We’ve grown that, developed that, and that has allowed us then to win. When you win, that brings more success.

“For us, that is all I’m interested in – the greater good of this team and the club. The club’s in a brilliant position, but it’s all been earned. It’s not been handed to us.

“Everyone has the possibility, certainly teams up towards the top, will have the possibility to earn the finances. And if they don’t, then okay. We have to worry about ourselves and that’s my only interest, really.”

Rodgers was also dismissive of the sub plot to Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final which sees Celtic and Rangers go into it having both won 118 major trophies in their history. The Ibrox outfit have long taken pride in declaring themselves as the ‘world’s most successful football club’ and Celtic have not been ahead in the head-to-head trophy count between them since 1938.

But Rodgers insisted those statistics are of no interest to him and aren’t something which require to be relayed to a wider audience. “Not really,” he said. “Not for me. For me, it’s about the game. It’s about winning the trophy.

“We want to win as many trophies as we can. We don’t necessarily have to tell everyone. But we just want to win and win well, and then hopefully get into our next game and look to the next trophy.”

Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement will meet at Hampden on Sunday

As Celtic look to claim the only piece of domestic silverware which eluded them last season, Rodgers has been boosted by the news Alistair Johnston will be fit to start against Rangers.

The Canadian international right-back limped out of Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League with a quad injury but was able to take some part in training at Lennoxtown on Friday.

Rodgers added: “The squad is healthy. We expect Ali to be healthy and he will be out on the pitches this afternoon.

“Hopefully we have everyone fit and available. We just gave him an extra bit of recovery on Friday morning. He has been an outstanding player for us and has been instrumental in our work. Speaking to him today, he was fine. So we expect him to be okay.”

Brendan Rodgers corrects Clement after the Rangers manager’s Celtic allegation is answered with a message about money from the Middle East.

The Celtic boss has responded to comments by his Rangers counterpart.

Brendan Rodgers has responded to a claim made about Celtic by Rangers boss Philippe Clement.

The Old Firm takes place in the Premier Sports Cup final this weekend as both clubs eye silverware. Speaking in the build-up to the game, Clement has said that Celtic are “financially out of our league” when it comes to Rangers.

Rodgers has issued a stern response to that and insisted it’s all been because of the hard work Celtic have put in over a number of years. He said: “Listen, Philippe will have whatever he feels he needs to look at within ourselves. I’m only interested in Celtic, really. I think where Celtic have come over the numbers of years…

“This is a club that’s been organically growing. We haven’t been handed money. This isn’t something where we’ve got this, you know, someone coming in from the Middle East and giving us a load of money.

“This is something that’s been growing. The leadership from the very top of this club to the bottom is why the successes that we’ve had. And we’ve grown that, developed that, and that has allowed us then to win.

“And when you win, that brings more success. So for us, that is all I’m interested in. The greater good of this team and the club. The club’s in a brilliant position. But it’s all been earned. It’s not been handed to us.

“Everyone has the possibility, or certainly teams up towards the top will have the possibility to earn the finances. And if they don’t, then OK, we have to worry about ourselves. And that’s my only interest, really.”

An angry statement from a former Celtics player who was disgusted by what he witnessed during Rangers’ match against Tottenham

A former Celtic player has launched his ire after witnessing something during Rangers vs Tottenham.

A former Celtic player has been left sickened by what he saw during a Europa League clash between Rangers and Tottenham.

The Light Blues pushed their foes from North London all the way at Ibrox. A 1-1 draw played out ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final with Celtic as momentum builds within Rangers ranks, but a banner before kick-off has proven a talking point.

As the atmosphere levels reached fever pitch, home fans unveiled a banner that read ‘make Rangers great again’ in direct reference to President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign slogan in the USA. This enraged Marc Crosas, who spent three years at Celtic between 2008-2011.

In four words, he summed up his disgust on X and also posted an emoji of someone being sick. He simply put in all capital letters while tagging Rangers in the tweet: “COULD NOT BE WORSE.”

Crosas has not hidden his Celtic connection since his exit. A former Barcelona youngster, he previously said of the Hoops: “My friends and family know my dream was always to play for Barcelona but Celtic took over my life in a way that is hard to describe. It was more than just a football club to me.

“The day I arrived at Celtic my life changed forever. I may not have played as many games as I wanted but I never fell out of love with the club. If anything, I fell more in love. I learned about the history and became a real fan.

“There are thousands like me and they will understand what I mean about Celtic when I say I don’t have words to describe how special it is. I’m one of the lucky ones, I lived their dream and will never, ever forget it. I’ve left Celtic but the club won’t leave me.”

Kenny brace boosts Shamrock Rovers to Conference League triumph against Borac

Stephen Bradley’s side earn 3-0 win at Tallaght Stadium

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Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring his second goal for Shamrock Rovers against Borac. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Daire Walsh

Conference League: Shamrock Rovers 3 (Kenny 12 & 64, Farrugia 56) Borac Banja Luka 0

The outstanding Johnny Kenny bagged a brace of goals at Tallaght Stadium last night as Shamrock Rovers bolstered their chances of achieving automatic qualification into the Uefa Conference League round of 16 with a magnificent win over Borac Banja Luka.

Currently in his second loan spell at Rovers from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic, Kenny found the net either side of Neil Farrugia’s 56th-minute goal to move the Hoops all the way up to sixth in the competition’s standings. With the top eight teams progressing straight into the last 16 at the end of the league phase, Stephen Bradley’s men will go into next Thursday’s final round encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge knowing this remains a realistic target.

Even if they fall short of achieving this goal, Rovers will at the very least be seeded in the two-legged Conference League knock-out phase play-offs set to take place in February.

Rovers boss Bradley opted for the same starting 11 that earned a 1-1 away draw against Rapid Vienna a fortnight ago.

However, there was a strong look to the home team’s bench as Danny Mandroiu, Graham Burke and Aaron Greene all shook off injury issues to join Jack Byrne among the reserves.

The Hoops had come under some early pressure against Rapid Vienna and it was a similar case at Tallaght Stadium. With a little over 60 seconds on the clock, Rovers goalkeeper Leon Pohls was called into action to turn away a low effort by opposition winger Stefan Savic. But the hosts quickly settled and subsequently got the Hoops faithful off their feet with a magnificent breakthrough goal.

Courtesy of goals in successive games against Larne, The New Saints and Rapid, Kenny came into this showdown as one of the Conference League’s most prolific strikers. His equaliser away to Vienna arrived via an enticing delivery from Josh Honohan, but the Cork native couldn’t quite pick out the Hoops centre-forward after he raided down the left-wing on 12 minutes.

Neil Farrugia celebrates scoring Shamrock Rovers’ second goal. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

But his fellow wing back Darragh Burns was ideally positioned to keep this particular attack alive and his delicate cross was met by the head of Kenny for his sixth European goal of the campaign.

There was a slight worry for Rovers either side of the half-hour mark as both Honohan and Dylan Watts picked up yellow cards, while Borac defender Sebastian Herrera also found himself in the notebook of Austrian referee Stefan Ebner.

It was anticipated that Borac would step up their performance after the restart, and midfielder Dino Skorup lashed over in the opening minute after a wayward pass from Rovers defender Lee Grace landed at his feet.

Borac applied further attacking pressure as the action progressed, but it was the Hoops who ultimately had more of a cutting edge in the final third. Eager to show the creative side to his game, Kenny raced past a retreating Borac defence on 56 minutes before playing the ball across the goal for Farrugia to deliver a simple finish into an empty net.

This left Rovers on the brink of a third victory in the league phase and any notion that Borac might forge a dramatic comeback were effectively dismissed in the 64th minute.

Racing on to a precise through ball from Estonian midfielder Markus Poom, Kenny chipped the advancing Filip Manojlovic for his second goal of another memorable European night for the Hoops.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Pohls; Cleary, Lopes, Grace; Burns, O’Neill, Poom (Noonan, 77 mins), Honohan (Clarke, 66); Watts (Byrne, 66), Farrugia (Mandroiu, 77); Kenny (Greene, 66).

BORAC BANJA LUKA: Manojlovic; Vukcevic (Hrelja, 70 mins), Meijers, Carolina, Herrera; Grahovac, Skorup (Skreckovic, 70); Kulasin, Ogrinec, Savic (Vranjes, 81); Despotovic.

Referee: S Ebner (Austria).

Rangers injury sweat for Celtic’s John Souttar and Hamza Igamane, as the prognosis is “too early to assess.”

The worried Belgian boss says time will tell over the duo with the Premier Sports Cup Final just days away

John Souttar was forced off for Rangers

Proud Philippe Clement insists his resurgent Rangers are heading to Hampden full of energy and belief after leaving Spurs shell shocked at Ibrox.

Former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou was back in town on Thursday night and was relieved to escape with a 1-1 draw after being more than matched by a supercharged Light Blues side on an electrifying evening. Gers left the Premier League big guns stunned as they stormed ahead thanks to Hamza Igamane’s sumptuous strike 90 seconds into the second half.

Swedish star Dejan Kulusevski dragged the North Londoners level but the knackered hosts found a second wind and almost stole it at the death through substitute Cyriel Dessers. The point – which secures Rangers place in the Europa League play-offs with two games to spare – now sets Clement’s holders up nicely for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.

His team have been left trailing in the Premiership by the Hoops but the Ibrox gaffer reckons anything is possible this weekend. The buzzing Belgian said: “We’re going to recover as fast as possible and best as possible and we’re going to throw all our energy into that game at Hampden to give our fans again the good feeling that they had last season in this League Cup.

“And it’s good in that way also, this good performance that players can have the next couple of days, also a lot of belief in what they are doing individually and also together to play a really good game against Celtic. I’m very proud about the performance because it’s the way we want to see football being played.

“Also if you see where this group of players is coming from, from scratch a few months ago and making performances like this now. So it’s a big big step forward. To dare to play in that way against Tottenham without belief is impossible. If there’s one player on the pitch who doubts about it, everything falls apart.”

Rangers boss Philippe Clement

But Clement admits he was gutted to see his side denied a famous win as Fraser Forster’s last-gasp heroics foiled Dessers before the Nigerian saw a second goal chalked off for offside. He said: “Yeah, it was a really good action of him. I think it was a good save of the goalkeeper also. I’m also disappointed that we didn’t take the three points.

“That would have been even better and would have been the result that we deserve today with the performance. It’s about having this hunger and desire every time with the squads and people are buying into that.

“They’re starting to understand it, the movements we want to make in every situation, what to do together. Not in every situation yet, but it’s getting better and better and that’s what we want.

“Football is about wanting to win. This club is about that. And I saw the same thing in my dressing room and there I’m happy about.

“I felt that they were not satisfied with the draw and with the performance, but they wanted more and they deserved also more today. So that’s the right spirit and that’s the spirit we’re going to need the next weeks, the next months, to grow as a club, to grow as a team and to develop more.”

The only downer on a remarkable night was a first half-knock that forced John Souttar off midway through the first half. Hero Igamane also looked to be suffering as he was replaced with 10 minutes left.

Clement is now sweating on both but will have Danilo and Ianis Hagi available. The worried boss said: “I cannot say anything for the moment, it’s too close after the game. I wish I could because that would ease my mind towards tomorrow but it’s not the case so we will see in the next two days how it is with them.”

 

“Not what you want”: Rangers have a serious injury scare in a crucial team area before the Celtic final.

Defender goes down injured in match against Spurs

Rangers have suffered a major injury concern ahead of Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic.

Just three days before the Old Firm clash at Hampden, defender John Souttar limped off in the 35th minute after appearing to injure his groin in Rangers’ Europa League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

With nobody in close proximity to him, centre-half Souttar went down on the Ibrox turn near the halfway line after playing a pass out to his right. He was immediately attended to by medics on the pitch before trudging off and sharing words with Rangers manager Philippe Clement.

 

Rangers defender John Souttar is tended to by medics. | SNS Group

Souttar was replaced by Leon Balogun, who partnered Robin Propper at the heart of the Rangers defence. The score was 0-0 at the time.

If Souttar was to miss Sunday’s final against Celtic, it would be seismic blow for the Ibrox side. Souttar has been in excellent form for both Rangers and Scotland this season and has become a first pick for both club and country.

“That doesn’t look good,” said pundit Ally McCoist on TNT Sports. “That’s not what you want ahead of a cup final.”

Souttar is likely to be assessed by Rangers’ doctors in the coming hours ahead of Sunday’s first chance to win silverware this season.

The Champions League Team of the Week includes a Celtic star.

Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has received recognition for his Man of the Match performance against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday by being named in UEFA’s Champions League Team of the Week.

Carter-Vickers, who was a standout in securing a clean sheet for the Hoops in Zagreb, joins the likes of Andy Robertson, Bukayo Saka, and Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans in UEFA’s Team of the week.

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 12, 2024

With Celtic now having secured back-to-back clean sheets away from home in the Champions League, the Hoops’ defence is certainly as strong as it has been in recent memory, with much of this down to the excellence of CCV.

Having scored an own goal in the Hoops’ previous Champions League home game against Club Brugge at Celtic Park, it was some fightback for Carter-Vickers to not only be awarded Man of the Match but also to be rewarded with a place in the Champions League Team of the Week, highlighting just how impressed Europe is by what Celtic supporters see from CCV week in, week out.

He will likely go down as one of the best defenders Celtic have had in recent years.

Rarely putting a foot wrong, he reads the game expertly, and his ability to stop goals with last-ditch tackles is one that many defenders could only dream of.

CCV will look to continue on from Tuesday against the Rangers at Hampden on Sunday in the Premier Sports Cup final.

Jozo Simunovic, who looks to Brendan Rodgers for guidance, reveals a Celtic link that has endured.

Simunovic was in Zagreb to watch his two former teams face on Tuesday night

Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic

Jozo Simunovic believes the advice of Brendan Rodgers can help him to become a boss. And the former Parkhead star is thrilled to see his old gaffer’s guidance also cement Celtic as a competitive Champions League team.

Simunovic was in the Maksimir Stadium to see his two former clubs go head-to-head at Europe’s top level. The ex-defender also spent time in the morning of the game with Rodgers’ assistant John Kennedy at Celtic’s Zagreb base as he caught up with old friends. Simunovic hopes to become a gaffer is his own right down the line as he currently works as assistant at Dinamo’s Under-19s. He said: “One day, yes. I had good coaches, so I could learn a lot. That gives me hope!”

Rodgers is a regular source of assistance as Simunovic explained: “Yes, always. Every time, we speak together, spending time. He’s been great for me personally and for the team. John is a top, top guy, so every time when I come over, or in this case he came here, we have a chat and it is good to spend time with the guys.”

Simunovic was a Celtic Invincible under Rodgers, but says it’s impossible to judge if this term’s unit will repeat the feat. He said: “It is hard. It is many years gone already (since then), so some things have changed as well. The structure of the play has also changed, so it hard to compare.”

Simunovic does, though, believe Celtic are genuine Champions League material these days as he added: “Yes. With this new format, it works really well. So many teams and so many games. Hopefully, that’s definitely what Celtic likes. But also, we can say format and blah, blah, but the team is also in good shape, it is looking good, playing good, so that’s the most important part of all.

“I believe in (getting past) these group stages as well. They are doing good in the league as well. Of course, it is always hard to play away games, it is not the same (as Celtic Park) in terms of atmosphere with the fans and everything. But, at the end of the day, a point each was well deserved.”

Callum McGregor’s quest for Rangers revenge due to his lingering Celtic agony as a serial winner is out for blood

The Celtic skipper insists he’ll never lose his hunger for silverware as he heads to Hampden on Sunday

Callum McGregor admits the hurt of last season’s League Cup loss is driving him to beat Rangers in the Final.

The Celtic skipper insists he’ll never lose his hunger for silverware as he heads to Hampden on Sunday looking to add to a phenomenal medal haul. McGregor can snare his 23rd major honour and also an eighth triumph in the competition with a win over their city rivals. Brendan Rodgers’ side missed out on the silverware last season after losing in the last 16 to Kilmarnock and the captain admits the desire to get the trophy back offers huge motivation.

McGregor said: “Yes, of course it does. The ones that slip away from you are the ones that you remember. Every tournament that we play in we want to win it, we want to do the best we can. And this is the first one up for grabs. Our approach doesn’t really change, although maybe a little bit because we didn’t win it last year.

“The expectation is to win and the players know that. We have to recover well from the game against Dinamo and, when we go to the Final, we have to give everything we can to make sure it’s a positive afternoon.”

McGregor is a serial winner, but says there’s no secret formula as he stated: “I think probably because I just want the next one. And when that’s happened I park it again and go again. The hunger’s still there. At this club you have to keep proving yourself time and time again. It doesn’t matter how many you’ve won, the next one is the most important.”

Celtic have made an excellent start to the campaign both domestically and in Europe. As well as moving to the brink of the Champions League play-offs, Rodgers’ side have a nine-point lead in the Premiership.

Major trophy success would cap the first-half of the term with a statement victory as McGregor said: “I think it gives you that clarity of all the work you’ve been doing up to that point. If you can cement that with a trophy then it’s great fodder for you moving forward as well.

“The first one of the season is always big, it can set your season up as well. We know how big a game it is. The players know, they understand what the expectation is.”

McGregor has a staggering Hampden Final record with 13 senior cup wins adding to success in the youths and the excitement of the build-up never leaves. He said: “Yes it is and that’s because every one you go into you have to win, you have to be successful.

“That gives you the pressure, it keeps you sharp between the ears. It doesn’t matter how many you’ve won, the next one becomes the most important and that’s how the group will treat it.”

On his outstanding current 22-medal top-team haul, McGregor admits he doesn’t think of landmarks or topping all-time charts as he said: “I don’t think so. Of course, you’re aware of everything that’s there. But, you don’t get to where you’ve got to by chasing the numbers and chasing that type of status.

“I am humble enough to know that I’m very lucky to play for this club and to have had the career that I’ve had. I’ve done that by hard work and trying to be the best I can every single day.”

Instead, McGregor retains that drive to keep pushing as he added: “Nothing changes for me. Every day I come in and try to do my best, I try to help the team, I try to get better as a player. Every time I go on the pitch I look to get better as a player. And when we arrive in finals or semi finals I just want to get through and try to deliver as much success as I possibly can.”

Three Champions League teams are interested in signing Celtic’s striker, according to Anthony Joseph.

A day after scoring against Dinamo Zagreb Daniel Cummings is reported to be attracting interest from Bologna, Club Brugge and RB Salzburg.

The striker made it six goals from six appearances in the UEFA Youth League, including one against Brugge, but is out of contract at the end of this season.

With that sort of form the teenager is likely to receive a number of offers next month when he can sign a pre-contract deal to leave for a token Development Fee calculated by UEFA.

Why are we building this academy at barrafield? What’s the point of it.

— Mordecai67 (@Stuporousfunk67) December 11, 2024

There is a familiar feeling to this case with Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly both leaving Celtic in the summer to join English Championship clubs.

Kieran Tierney in 2015 was the last player to step up from the Celtic Academy to become a first team regular, asked at the recent AGM to name the last Academy player to start a first team match Michael Nicholson was unable to give an answer. Owen Moffat, December 2021 away to St Mirren.

In similar circumstances you’d expect Celtic to be showing interest in any out of contract striker that had scored six goals from six UEFA Youth League appearances.

After learning that Celtic had won the Champions League, Jamie Carragher and Kate Scott cheer.

Celtic have kept up their hopes of securing a top 24 spot in the Champions League.

Yes, there would have been a section of the fanbase that would have been dreaming of a possible top-eight spot, but after Celtic’s draw against Dinamo Zagreb, you sense that moment has slipped by.

Three points separate Brendan Rodgers’ side in 19th and Bayern Munich in the final automatic spot – this is without Wednesday’s games being played, so that gap could extend.

Looking at the positives, it’s another clean sheet for Celtic on the road and that should be recognised.

The simple reason is that the Bhoys conceded seven against Borussia Dortmund on matchday two and they have since then kept back-to-back clean sheets.

Kasper Schmeichel joined Celtic in the summer and it has been quite an eventful start for the experienced shot-stopper – one defeat in all competitions and a few days away from his first trophy in Glasgow.

But he isn’t the only one who has had to endure that ride because his legendary footballing father – Peter – has also been through all the emotions and he was in Croatia’s capital to watch his son secure another clean sheet.

Jamie Carragher and Kate Scott love Peter Schmeichel’s analysis of Celtic’s clean sheet v Dinamo Zagreb

The conditions in Zagreb just made the game look and feel a lot worse, as this was backed up by Peter Schmeichel who was ringside for the event.

The 1999 Treble-winner noted that Zagreb ‘only had one chance all game’ and how that chance was saved because ‘Celtic have a good goalkeeper’, without jokingly naming his son.

Listening and watching on in the background, Kate Scott and Jamie Carragher cheered and applauded in the background by stating ‘yes love that’, as they told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (10/12/24 at 7:45 pm).

“It was one of these games, really, really cold,” said P.Schmeichel. “Literally, only had one chance all game. It came from a header from Pjaca. And Celtic have a good goalkeeper. To keep a clean sheet. That would be his fifth clean sheet in a row.”

Jamie Carragher then clapped and shouted in the background: “Yes, love that, Peter. Love it.” And host Kate Scott added: “We love to see it. I like that.”

Kasper Schmeichel tells his dad about Celtic’s difficulties in Zagreb

From a defensive standpoint, Celtic didn’t have much to worry about and they had their opponents under control by dominating the ball.

But there will be an element of frustration that they didn’t provide or bring enough attacking bite to proceedings.

Kasper was very honest about how Celtic just need to look at themselves for not being good enough in the final third, as he told CBS Sports.

“As you said, it was a difficult game,” said Kasper. “We couldn’t really get our creativity at the top of the pitch going. There are lots of reasons for that. No excuses. But difficult game and an opponent that played man-to-man all the way through.”

WHOLESOME INTERVIEW ALERT 🚨 interviews his son  who reacts after keeping a clean sheet for , talks the new  format and gives  an early Christmas gift and his dad a hug 🥺

— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) December 10, 2024

The ‘ridiculous’ European aspect Celtic must contend with

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 07: Celtic’s Callum McGregor during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park, on December 07, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) (Image: Rob Casey – SNS Group)

Everything Celtic captain Callum McGregor said to the media after his side’s 0-0 draw with GNK Dinamo in the Champions League…

How does it feel to have reached 100 European appearances for Celtic?

It’s obviously a huge milestone and to play this many games for this club, especially in Europe, is tough to do. It’s an amazing achievement with such an iconic club. I’m proud.

The only thing was, could we match it with a performance and a result? Maybe that was the only disappointing aspect. But we still took another point from the game and it keeps us moving in the right direction.

The game model’s still there; controlling the ball, controlling the game and it was just maybe needing a bit more quality in the final third. It’s a big ask to play for this club and you have to have the temperament to do it. You also have to have the quality to do it too.

To get a hundred games in Europe for this club is obviously special. I just want to keep doing it and try to get as many appearances as I can.

Is your first game in Europe still clear in your mind? (Reykjavik)

I still remember the game and, of course, it was a memorable one. There are maybe a few in-between that are not so clear.  It was an amazing achievement.

The day that I made my debut and scored, that’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

Some players think it’s an achievement to get 100 games for a club in any competition is special… but to be able to do that in Europe alone is remarkable, isn’t it?

It is, but the demand of this club is to be playing European football. But not only that, they want to try and be successful too. So, there’s a big expectation that comes with playing with this club and you have to manage it. You have to play into it, lean into it.

If you don’t and you don’t enjoy it then you probably won’t get to where you have done. It’s a big challenge, but it’s something I love doing.

How would it rank in your European career if Celtic were able to get through to the next round of the Champions League?

It would be right up there. The last few years have not been great. But it’s a big competition and there are a lot of teams spending a lot of money.

This is where the club wants to be and you’ve seen over the last couple of years we’ve made strides, which is good. To the point where you’re going to Zagreb and you’re a bit disappointed when you come off with a point. It shows the growth of the team and the squad and where the club wants to be.

It’s a big challenge but it’s something the players really do enjoy and want to keep getting better.

Where do you think Celtic is as a club now compared to when you first played in Europe a decade ago?

We’ve obviously had some good spells, Gordon’s team and then Lenny’s team got through to the last 16. It’s probably been a bit up and down in the time I’ve been here. We’ve had some good results, we’ve had some not-good results. But probably the gulf in finances has become just ridiculous, especially in this competition. But it is a big challenge and we know where we sit in that kind of bracket of teams.

The one thing we can do is try and play the right way and try to learn and develop to become a top team again. It takes time. We’ve had some good nights, we’ve had some not-so-good nights. But, we seem to have a group now that’s relatively comfortable at this level… can we push and try and maximise what we’ve got and the opportunity we’ve got?

League Cup final at the weekend – how much did it hurt to lose that trophy last season? Does that disappointment motivate you even more to get it back?

Yes, of course it does. The ones that slip away from you are the ones that you remember. Every tournament that we play in we want to win it, we want to do the best we can. And this is the first one up for grabs.

Our approach doesn’t really change, although maybe a little bit because we didn’t win it last year. The expectation is to win and the players know that.

We have to recover well from the game against Dinamo and when we go to the final we have to give everything we can to make sure it’s a positive afternoon.

Is Sunday a big chance to make a statement right away this season?

I think it gives you that clarity of all the work you’ve been doing up to that point. If you can cement that with a trophy then it’s great fodder for you moving forward as well.

The first one of the season is always big, it can set your season up as well. We know how big a game it is. The players know, they understand what the expectation is.

You’ve been to so many Hampden finals, and semi-finals – has it taken the shine off it or is the excitement in the build-up still there for you?

Yes it is and that’s because everyone you go into you have to win, you have to be successful. That gives you the pressure, it keeps you sharp between the ears.

It doesn’t matter how many you’ve won, the next one becomes the most important – and that’s how the group will treat it.

Do you ever look at the greats and think you want to be at the top of that medal list?

I don’t think so. Of course, you’re aware of everything that’s there. But, you don’t get to where you’ve got to by chasing the numbers and chasing that type of status.

I am humble enough to know that I’m very lucky to play for this club and to have had the career that I’ve had. I’ve done that by hard work and trying to be the best I can every single day. Nothing changes for me. Every day I come in and try to do my best, I try to help the team, and I try and get better as a player. Every time I go on the pitch I look to get better as a player.

And when we arrive in finals or semi-finals, I just want to get through and try to deliver as much success as I possibly can.

You’re a serial winner… what’s the secret?

I think probably because I just want the next one. And when that’s happened I park it again and go again. The hunger’s still there.

At this club, you have to keep proving yourself time and time again. It doesn’t matter how many you’ve won, the next one is the most important.

Champions League boost for Celtic as Young Boys are eliminated…

Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates with team mates after Hibernian captain Joe Newell turned Idah s header into his own goal to give Celtic a 2-0 lead. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 7 December 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Celtic face Young Boys of Berne in the next UEFa Champions League match at Celtic Park. The Scottish Champions were held to a 0-0 draw in Zagreb last night but go into the next game knowing that their opponents only have pride to play for.

Celtic go into Matchday Seven of the UEFA Champions League knowing that a win will secure passage to the knockout phases. However, after Young Boys fell to a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Stuttgart, the Swiss side know they cannot progress.

Young Boys’ defeat takes them to an unwanted run of seven consecutive UCL defeats, something that Celtic will wish to add to when the teams meet in January. Celtic will be eager to get the job done before the trip to Villa Park to face Aston Villa in the final game of the new-look group format.

Brendan and his team will not dwell too long on the Swiss side’s form but it will ease the anxiety of the supporters somewhat knowing that their opponents on the next occasion have little to play for.

The Ghirls lose to Real Madrid at home in the UWCL.

Women’s Football

By Lewis Laird

UEFA Women’s Champions League
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
New Douglas Park

CELTIC…0

REAL MADRID…3
(Bruun 30, 71, Ferrer 85)

Celtic FC Women slipped to a 3-0 defeat in their penultimate game of the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Real Madrid.

Despite another resolute performance from the Hoops, first half strike, followed by two late goals was enough to inflict defeat at New Douglas Park.

The game started off in a positive manner for the Celts who were looking to continue their positive performances in Europe.

Other than coming to collect a few crosses in the early stages, Celtic were looking to keep Madrid at bay and create some chances of their own.

On a few occasions, the Ghirls attempted to break on the counter, with Amy Gallacher looking to release both Murphy Agnew and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford.

In the opening stages, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford attempted to float a free-kick into the box, but it was well defended by the visitors.

Despite a spirited first half hour, the away side were ultimately able to open the scoring through Signe Bruun.

As the Spaniards had done in the reverse fixture, it was a stunning strike which would open the scoring, giving Kelsey Daugherty no chance.

After conceding, the Hoops looked to respond straight away as Murphy Agnew broke down the left, before firing the ball across goal. Her delivery looked to heading for Morgan Cross, but the goalkeeper got an important touch on the ball.

Heading into the second half, the Celts kicked it quick and looked to get back on level terms.

Celya Barclais saw a good-looking delivery into the box well cleared at the front post, whilst Morgan Cross was trying to use her pace in behind to expose Madrid.

Despite their best efforts it was the away side who would grab the all-important second goal of the game as Bruun added her second of the night.

After falling two goals behind, the Hoops still pushed forward and created some chances of their own.

Second half substitute Saoirse Noonan had the best opportunity after being introduced into the game, seeing an effort tipped round the post.

As the game entered the closing stages, Real Madrid were able to add a third, with a low finish inside the area.

It wasn’t to be for the Hoops on a cold evening against a strong Real Madrid side. But it was another performance that Elena Sadiku’s side can be proud of.

Next up for the Ghirls, they will look to bounce back as they go on their travels for their final UEFA Women’s Champions League game of the campaign as they take on FC Twente.

CELTIC: Daugherty, Barclais, Clark, Hayes, Lawton, Cross (Kerner 75), Ashworth-Clifford (Smith 75), Cavanagh (Ross 62), McGregor, Gallacher(M, Carstens 89), Agnew (Noonan 75)

Subs: Logan, Rodgers, Richardson, S. Carstens, Bruna, Luana, McAneny

Celtic hero receives a dire Rennes warning following Parkhead’s return commitment, sending Jota into a career nightmare.

The winger has seen his career falter again in France

Rennes’ forward Jota

Luckless Jota is facing the prospect of being frozen out by a second consecutive club after dropping out of the picture at Stade Rennes.

The 25-year-old brought the curtain down on a a nightmare spell in the Saudi Pro League last summer having taken the gamble of moving to Al-Ittihad for a mega-money contract as he left Celtic in the summer of 2023 for a whopping £25million. However, things didn’t work out for the winger in the Middle East and he was dropped from the squad for league games almost instantly after his arrival.

The forward managed to secure a return to Europe with Rennes and appeared to be reviving his career in Ligue 1 under boss Julian Stephen – but a dip in form sparked a change in the dugout with Jorge Sampaoli brought in last month. That has seen the £6.7million summer recruit drop to the fringes once again.

He made a 10-minute cameo off the bench in the first game in the Argentine bosses tenure before being handed another late run-out in the 5-0 rout of Saint-Etienne. He failed to make it off the bench during the derby clash with Nantes, and in the wake of the defeat Sampaoli has hinted the Portuguese star may not be in his plans.

Asked about the decision to cast aside the likes of Jota early in his tenure, the experienced boss explained his defensive focus to grind out results. He told L’Equipe: “It’s really very early to draw definitive conclusions. In the short term, there are choices to be made in relation to the need for results with criteria that can change depending on performance and competition.

“The priority is the defensive order so we can gain confidence. Everyone is in constant evaluation, we are always trying to understand why there have been so many problems in the past. I am looking for players capable of interpreting my idea of play and the choices will also depend on performance.”

Unbelievable, New Celtic centurion leads savvy side to cusp of European conquest

Celtic captain Callum McGregor in action against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia this evening

HE still has some way to go to overtake his close friend and Celtic mentor Scott Brown in the Parkhead club’s all-time European appearance list.

It would, though, be foolish to bet against Callum McGregor, who tonight became only the third player in the Glasgow giants’ history to become a centurion in continental competition, to eclipse the tally amassed by his predecessor as captain in the seasons ahead.

McGregor was his usual composed and commanding self in the middle of the park as the Scottish champions bossed long periods of the Champions League league phase match against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, ground out a 0-0 draw and edged a little closer to achieving their ultimate European ambition.

The statistics at full-time spoke volumes about how well Celtic had performed against Dinamo in the Maksimir Stadium – they enjoyed 69 per cent possession during the course of the 90 minutes, played 642 passes and enjoyed an 88 per cent accuracy rate.

The visitors’ captain might not have made any jinking breaks down the wing like Nicholas Kuhn, might not have slid in and blocked any shots on the line like Cameron Carter-Vickers, might not have given the hosts’ rearguard a torrid evening like Kyogo Furuhashi.

But where would Celtic be without the intelligence and assurance of their 31-year-old talisman? Not on the verge of reaching the knockout round play-offs, of progressing to the next stage of Europe’s elite club competition for the first time since 2012, that is for sure.

The former Scotland internationalist won the ball repeatedly, brought his team mates into the game, got upfield and supported attacks when play allowed and tracked back and mucked in with defensive duties whenever that was required. He did it all in his usual understated style.

Paulo Bernardo was once again preferred to Arne Engels alongside Reo Hatate and McGregor in midfield and the Portuguese, a £3.5m acquisition from Benfica in his homeland this summer, more than justified his inclusion.

The cynics will suggest the starting line-up shows that Belgian internationalist Engels, who Celtic lavished a record £11m on on the final day of the summer transfer window back in August, has been a disappointing acquisition.

But the Belgian internationalist, who came on for Bernardo as Luke McCowan replaced Hatate in the 65th minute, is still just 21 and needs time to adapt to the system which his new club play.

He has shown occasional glimpses of why it required such a substantial outlay to secure his services since arriving in this country and did so again tonight. He came agonisingly close to setting up Adam Idah for a winner with two minutes of regulation time remaining after making a perfectly-timed run and linking well with James Forrest. But he is very much a long-term project.

Joe Hart, who was on co-commentary duties for duties for host broadcaster TNT Sports, outlined what the former Club Brugge kid has to do to establish himself when he spoke before kick-off. “You have to learn to play with Callum McGregor,” he said. “Everything goes through him.”

Indeed it does. He won a free-kick on the edge of the Dinamo penalty box and picked out Auston Trusty with a pinpoint delivery to the back post in the first-half and then teed up McCowan for a shot in the second.

Zagreb are far from the most formidable European opponents who Celtic will face this season even though they have drawn with Monaco and beaten RB Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava in the past four months. They were missing a raft of first team regulars. Still, no away result in Europe is to be sneered at.

This was far from the best display by Brendan Rodgers’ side in the Champions League this term. They rode their luck at the back at times and failed to capitalise on the half-chances they created in the final third. A point was a fair return for their endeavours when the final whistle blew. But they are now undefeated in four outings.

Rodgers threw on Idah for Furuhashi and Forrest, who racked up his 117th European appearance, for Daizen Maeda in the closing stages. There was never any chance of the Northern Irishman removing his skipper from the field. McGregor is the heartbeat of his side.

The Scot has played more competitive football than any other top class professional in the world game in the past. But it has seldom affected the standard of his performances. Retiring from international football will ensure he can continue at this rarefied level for some time to come and add to his appearance haul.

The meeting with Young Boys next month is now of massive importance for Celtic. Parkhead will be filled to capacity and bouncing when the Swiss club visit. But Callum McGregor is sure to be calmness personified on what promises to be another night to savour in the East End of Glasgow.

Bad News: Brendan Rodgers offers ‘honest answer’ as he reacts to Celtic’s Dinamo Zagreb draw

Celtic played out a goalless draw with Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Brendan Rodgers’s side claimed a point in Zagreb

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that Celtic fell short of the mark in their quest for a statement win against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic couldn’t muster the performance needed to secure more than a point in their gritty 0-0 draw in Croatia.

The result leaves Celtic with nine points from a possible 18 and two games left to play, having missed the chance to clinch their first away victory at this stage since their 3-0 triumph over Anderlecht in Brussels back in 2017.

However, the Hoops’ aspirations of advancing to the knockout rounds remain intact, with the team expected to be favourites when they welcome Young Boys to Celtic Park in January, followed by an away fixture against Aston Villa to wrap up the league phase stage.

Speaking to BBC Scotland, Rodgers said: “That’s my honest answer on it, yes, we needed to do more. It was an opportunity for us but you have to show a little bit more in those moments.

“The positive is we’ve come away from the game defensively strong and didn’t concede. I thought we lacked quality in the final third. The pitch was a little bit tricky.

“We had great energy, good commitment. In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you’re not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed.”

This comes after Celtic managed to keep two consecutive clean sheets on the road following a heavy 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the competition and a goalless tie with Atalanta in Italy.

Rodgers gave his honest assessment of his team’s performance, noting: “It’s hard work. My teams will always be referenced for their attacking play, but we’re good when we press in the right moments and have that mentality to not want to concede.

“We had enough of the ball to create more opportunities, but to have that base collectively is very important. This group and team is gaining confidence at this level. The players gave everything.

“We needed to do more, but we know that. That’s cool. We know it was an opportunity for us, but you have to show that little bit more.”

Celtic couldn’t break down Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia (Image: Getty)

Celtic were worried as Alistair Johnston came off at half-time, but Rodgers provided a reassuring update: “It was his hip flexor, nothing muscular which is good. There was no need to risk it and all being well that will settle down in the coming days.”

Auston Trusty reflected on Celtic’s draw with mixed feelings. The American defender shared with TNT Sports: “We’ll take the point, but we came in for three points. I think we’re going to be pretty upset in the locker room.

“But to still get a point away from home, it’s still good, but I think we should have got three. We were aiming to win, of course, and it didn’t end up falling our way.

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“And I think we can take advantage of set-pieces a little bit more. I think we had 10 set-pieces. So an opportunity for us to get three points, but we got one point.

“It was a solid performance from the team. We set out for our goals to get points away from home, and we achieved that.

“We’re playing our game and every opportunity we get, we’re showing that we’re a good team and we deserve to be here, and we can play in this competition. And we have got two more games to go, and I think we’re confident. We just have to continue on.”

Alistair Johnston issues Celtic injury pledge for Rangers clash as bullish star has cup final ‘circled on the calendar’

The defender is facing a race against the clock after limping off against Dinamo Zagreb

Alistair Johnston insists he will fight hour by hour to be ready for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final.

The Canadian had to go off at half-time during Celtic‘s clash with Dinamo Zagreb having suffered a hip issue following a crunching first-half tackle by home ace Sandro Kalenovic. Johnston is now racing to be ready for the Hampden crunch against Rangers. The right-back is adamant he’ll do everything in his power to be ready as he explained: “Of course I will.

“It’s a match that’s circled on the calendar, it’s a match I want to be a part of. It’s a chance to lift a trophy, a big match. So, yes, Sunday’s not far away, but at the same time there’s just enough of a break where I feel like, listen, we’ll see how it goes and hopefully I’ll be ready for it. It was just an awkward one. We’ll do some tests on it and, hopefully, it’s nothing too serious. We’ll see how the flight goes, take it day by day, hour by hour.

“It’s games like these everyone wants, to compete for trophies, Finals at Hampden. It’s where you want to be. It will be a great match and everyone’s excited for it. It’s the first trophy of the season and we’d love to add it to our collection and really end this calendar year on a high note.”

On the decision to come off, Johnston said: “It’s just a weird one and I was glad I could make it to half time. But I didn’t feel 100 per cent and Tony’s a very good player, so it made sense. I didn’t want to do any more damage potentially.

“We’re not really sure what’s going on with it, so we’ll just get home and have a look at it. We’ll see. Hopefully we’ll be back out on the training pitch and get ready to go for Sunday.”

Johnston could secure a sixth Celtic winners medal at Hampden and added: “There’s plenty of reasons for wanting to be ready, firing and fit for that Sunday one. I think we’re in good shape. We do feel good, we’re fit and we’ve been really strong domestically. This is the first opportunity to go and lift a trophy. It’s something all of the lads are ready to go for.”

Celtic took a point from tonight’s Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb and moved on to nine points in the league phase.

Truthfully, there wasn’t a lot of standout moments in a game of chess between two sides who both kept their hopes in the competition alive.

Adam Idah arguably had the best opportunity at the end, but Kévin Théophile-Catherine produced a superb piece of defending to deny the Irishman a sure-fire winner for Celtic.

Nevertheless, objectively, a point for Celtic against Dinamo Zagreb on the road isn’t a bad result. They are almost there, even if the job of securing progression wasn’t completed tonight.

Now, Chris Sutton has offered his instant reaction after his old side picked up another positive result on the European stage, albeit with a sense that they could’ve taken a victory.

Chris Sutton’s instant reaction to Celtic draw vs Zagreb

Taking to social media platform X, Sutton shared mixed feelings on Celtic’s point in Zagreb, similar to how many of the support may be feeling at this moment in time.

Good point and clean sheet. Maybe feel in many ways though it was an opportunity missed. Dominated the ball but lacked a bit of quality in the final third. Shows how far the team have come feeling disappointed with a point maybe… thoughts? ☘️

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 10, 2024

He stated: “Good point and clean sheet. Maybe feel in many ways though it was an opportunity missed. Dominated the ball but lacked a bit of quality in the final third. Shows how far the team have come feeling disappointed with a point maybe… thoughts?.”

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There is a sense that Celtic have come a long way in the Champions League. Another clean sheet has been obtained, but Zagreb did an ample job of frustrating the Bhoys up the other end of the field.

Now, all focus turns to the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers on Sunday, which could cap a good week with the first trophy of the season.

Celtic find peaks and troughs in Zagreb stalemate

It wasn’t to be a deciding night for Celtic, who huffed and puffed but never really looked like breaching Zagreb’s resolve despite dominating possession.

Ultimately, they had Kasper Schmeichel to thank down the other end for saving a point thanks to a wonderful stop to deny Marko Pjaca.

Collectively, the side can be proud of how they performed against another tricky outfit, as they illustrated a steely resolve to claim a point on the road.

Nine may be enough to certify progression, but one more victory against Young Boys would put the scenario beyond all doubt.

Celtic’s UCL Financial Gain Laid Bare After Zagreb Draw – Report

Despite a frustrating night in Zagreb against Dinamo Zagreb, financially, the Hoops gained from another draw in the Champions League this season.

A win in the league stage is worth €2.1 million (approximately £1.8 million), while a draw earns €700,000 (around £583,100).

With Celtic having two wins and three draws, the Hoops will now have recouped approximately £5.35 million from their performance-based bonuses in the Champions League group stage, significantly boosting their financial standing.

To put this into perspective, in their two previous campaigns, the Bhoys earned a total of around £3.8 million combined from their results.

With Celtic on 9 points, currently sitting 17th in the table, if they can sneak into the top 16, the sides that finish between 9th and 16th will also receive a bonus worth £840,000.

10 points will all but guarantee a place in the playoffs. However, Opta gives 15 points a 73% chance of making it into the top 8, which comes with a £1.2 million bonus instead of £840,000.

Soccer Football – Champions League – GNK Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic – Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia – December 10, 2024
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts during the match REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

So, if Celtic can win their next two fixtures, it would put the Hoops in a great position, not only to gain more financially but also to reach one stage further, avoiding the knockout playoffs.

Exclusive News: Daniel Cummings nets Youth League stunner as in-demand Celtic teen’s red hot form continues against Dinamo Zagreb

The prolific teenager has continued his sensational form in the UEFA Youth League, but it wasn’t enough for the Hoops to avoid defeat

In-demand teen Daniel Cummings is still to confirm where his future lies. (Image: Getty Images)

Celtic youngster Daniel Cummings made it six goals in six UEFA Youth League games with a terrific strike against Dinamo Zagreb.

The 18-year-old, who is out of contract at the Parkhead club in the summer and has reportedly yet to be offered a new deal, continued his red hot form with a superb curling effort against Dinamo Zagreb – taking him to 23 goals in 21 games this season, as rumours continue to circle about his future. If no new deal with Brendan Rodgers’ side is agreed before January 1, Cummings will be free to speak to other clubs – with a host of English Premier League said to be vying for his signature.

He could be the latest talent from the conveyer belt at Lennoxtown to leave the club in recent seasons, following the departures of Rocco Vata to Watford and fellow teen Daniel Kelly to Millwall last summer. While Kelly joined EFL Championship side Millwall for an undisclosed fee, Celtic are known to have received around £237,000 in training compensation for Vata. The Premiership champions will also be entitled to a development fee if Cummings joins another club at the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

The 43 minute strike, that saw Cummings ghost in from the left before bending an effort from the edge of the area into the top corner ultimately counted for nothing, as the Young Celts were downed 2-0 by their Croatian hosts – after falling behind inside 30 seconds to Andjelo Sutalo’s effort, which was added to just after the half hour by Leo Rimac.

Previously Hoops boss Rodgers dismissed suggestions that youth players aren’t given a chance at Parkhead, saying: “I would like to think that I’ve been a coach, throughout my career, who’s always put in young players. If you trace my managerial career—and before that, my 15 years in youth development—I’ve given debuts to players as young as 16, 17, or 18. There’s so much involved in giving a young player the opportunity to play.

Directly commetning on hotshot Cummings, he added: “In terms of Daniel’s output, his goals in his games, he’s done very well. But there are a lot of factors I consider when bringing in a young player. Ability is the first thing I look at, but your attitude and application are just as important.”

Sport News: Brendan Rodgers drops teasing Celtic transfer hint as he sends direct response to ‘important’ Rangers question

The boss responded to a Rangers question and provided a transfer hint for Celtic fans to chew over.

Brendan Rodgers has dropped a Celtic transfer calling card in his latest press conference – and responded directly to a Rangers question.

The Premiership champions are in Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb as part of their Champions League campaign. Then attentions turn to Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final with Rangers at Hampden.

Rodgers has held his pre-match press conference in Zagreb and when talking up the quality of his squad, he sent a hint that yet more quality could be about to be injected into this team, with January’s transfer window looming. He said: “I think you can see from probably how I’ve been managing the team in terms of the rotation of the team that I have a real trust in our squad.

“The last time we played on a Saturday and played on a Tuesday night, we played RB Leipzig and we were brilliant on that evening. It was based around the players and what they give and the physicality that we can bring at this level plus the changes that we can make. I think it’ll be the same tomorrow night (Tuesday). We have a squad that I feel that I can pick any team and the quality is there.

“The cohesion is there, and the structure is there likewise if tomorrow night we need to make changes within the game, I know that I can bring players in and keep that intensity and keep the quality. I think we’re in a good place. We’ll always look to improve the squad as the windows go on but where we sit currently, I believe we’re in a good place.”

Celtic’s manager was then asked if Sunday’s game vs Rangers was more ‘important.’ He responded: “Oh, every game. Every single game is so important as a Celtic player and manager and that’s why and what we prepare for every single day. So we haven’t even thought about the Rangers game yet.

“No, we were very much focused on our game at the weekend. Straight away after that game we now really focus on this game because one thing that you can make the mistake of in football is that you can think of more than one thing and for me, I’m really focused and intensely on this game.

Rodgers offers glimpse inside talks with £7m man – Parkhead news bulletin as Rising Lyon star ‘targeted’ by Celtic

The Hoops are focused on Champions League action but there’s always room for some transfer speculation

Lyon star Mahamadou Diawara in action against Arsenal

Celtic are said to be keen on a permanent deal in January for rising Lyon star Mahamadou Diawara, who is frustrated at his lack of gametime.

Diawara was linked back in the summer but the deal didn’t come to pass, the 19-year-old staying at Lyon while Brendan Rodgers pivoted to other targets like Arne Engels and Luke McCowan. But L’Equipe say that his ‘demands’ for regular first-team football haven’t been met since – and that’s led to a frustration among the teenager who could look to force a move.

They say he has spoken to the club multiple times about it and that he is ‘annoyed’ he isn’t playing more. And they add that the idea of a permanent exit in January is ‘gaining ground’ – with Celtic well-placed to offer him more gametime than he is currently getting, albeit he would be far from first choice with the impressive midfield depth currently available to Rodgers. On Celtic’s end, a six month loan with an option to buy appears the most likely scenario, especially since the France U19 cap still has three-and-a-half years to run on his deal.

Rodgers meanwhile has offered a glimpse into a chat he had with £7m defender Auston Trusty shortly before the defender signed for Celtic. The boss was speaking ahead of Tuesday’s massive Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb and was discussing their ambitions in the competition, knowing three points would almost certainly be enough to guarantee a playoff spot with two games to spare.

And he said: “The ambition is here. I’ve said to Auston Trusty when I spoke to him before joining here, when you come to Celtic, everyone wants to come to Celtic to play in the Champions League and win trophies and that’s our job.

“I have been here for a long period of time, the players that have been here for a long period of time, we get that and what we understand by that is you can never have a rest as a Celtic player. Every single day of your life, you’re improving your game and that’s the culture that’s created at Celtic.

“So the players come in, they will feel that they want to be a part of that and then they join the ambition of the club which is to produce the best standard of performance consistently that we possibly can and that’s your day-to-day job. That’s how we work, our mentality, our focus and like I said you see the mental toughness within this team and that’s something that obviously you want as a coach, you want to have players that can adapt to your style, that have a winning mentality, that are hungry to learn and want to win and that’s the environment that we have.

“I think you can see from the rotation of the team that I have a real trust in our squad. The last time we played on a Saturday and played on a Tuesday night, we played RB Leipzig and we were brilliant on that evening and that was based around the players and what they give and the physicality that we can bring at this level, plus the changes that we can make.

“We have a squad that I feel that I can pick any team and the quality is there, the cohesion is there, the structure is there. If we need to make changes within the game, I know that I can bring players in and keep that intensity and keep the quality. We’ll always look to improve the squad as the windows go on, but where we sit currently, I believe we’re in a really good place.”

‘Doesn’t like’ Philippe Clement’s Celtic comments ex-Rangers ace ‘doesn’t like’

Philippe Clement on the touchline in Dingwall

Philippe Clement‘s assertions about Tottenham and Celtic being in a ‘different league’ financially compared to Rangers have been taken apart by Andy Halliday.

The Motherwell midfielder insists he ‘doesn’t like’ what the Belgian was trying to put across, as he pointed out that footballers will use ANY excuse when presented with the opportunity.

The Ibrox side face Spurs in the Europa League on Thursday night before taking on their arch-city rivals in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday afternoon at Hampden Park.

After his side defeated Ross County 3-0 in the Highlands yesterday, Clement addressed what is a huge week for the club and commented that the matches are against teams in ‘a different league’ in terms of spending power.

“I don’t go along with it, I don’t like it,” the 33-year-old said. “Especially when, five days previous at the AGM, you’re talking about building this winning mentality, and you’re expecting to win trophies and win every single week.

“Then you listen to the post-match after Ross County and he’s talking about a financial gulf.

“One thing I’ve learned in football is if you give footballers any excuse, they’ll take it. So he’s already planted that little seed of doubt (in their heads).

“You’re telling them ‘You’re coming up against teams on Thursday and Sunday, they’ve got a lot more money than us.’ It wasn’t a comment I particularly liked.

“Managers will sometimes come out with this when it suits them.

“But when they come up against Celtic at the weekend, I don’t think they’re worlds apart financially, at least in terms of the wage bill.”

Celtic will regret losing incredible star who’s now compared to Bellingham… Report

Celtic have had a sensational start to the 2024/25 campaign across all competitions and Brendan Rodgers will surely be delighted with how his team have performed.

They are sat at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and have won 14 of their 15 matches in the division, whilst they have also only lost once in five outings in the Champions League.

The Hoops have a League Cup final clash with Rangers at Hampden Park to look forward to on Sunday, when they can lift the first piece of silverware of the season with a win.

Celtic have been fantastic across all competitions, domestically and in Europe, and are competing to improve upon the two trophies won by Rodgers in his first season back at the club last term.

The only negative, and it is only a negative if you perceive it to be important, is the lack of homegrown talent in the squad. No British player or academy product under the age of 26 has played more than one minute in the Premiership for the Hoops this season, with Francis Turley playing one minute.

Celtic, however, could rectify that in January by swooping to sign Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Celtic’s interest in Lennon Miller

The Boot Room reported last month that the Scottish giants are one of the teams interested in signing the Scotland U21 international when the January transfer window opens for business.

Rangers and Celtic are both hoping to keep the talented 18-year-old gem in the Premiership ahead of the second half of the season, amid interest from a host of teams from England and Italy.

Bologna, who signed Lewis Ferguson from Aberdeen, and Atalanta are both looking to swoop for the teenage gem, whilst Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Liverpool are among the English teams in the race for his signature.

The report added that Motherwell, however, are looking for a fee in the region of £5m for the young midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are willing to shell out that kind of money for his signature.

His performances in the Premiership for his current club suggest that the quality is there for him to come in and be the only Scottish teenager playing regularly for Celtic this season.

24/25 Premiership

Lennon Miller

Appearances

15

Goals

2

Big chances created

7

Assists

5

Key passes per game

2.0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.9

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Miller has offered a regular threat as a creator in the middle of the park for Motherwell, with 30 key passes in 15 games.

He has coupled that with defensive nous, as shown by his 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game – more than any Celtic midfielder has averaged, and this shows that the 18-year-old has delivered quality all-round performances in the top-flight.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Whilst Miller appears to be a big talent, given his performances at such a young age, Celtic already lost an even bigger talent in the form of Ben Doak, who had come up through the academy at Parkhead.

How much Celtic lost Ben Doak for

In the summer of 2022, the Scottish teenager opted to move on from Glasgow to sign for Premier League giants Liverpool for a compensation fee of just £600k, as he had not signed a professional contract with the Hoops.

He had come up through the youth ranks with Celtic and eventually made his first-team breakthrough under Ange Postecoglou in the 2021/22 campaign, with 25 minutes across two Premiership matches.

That early exposure, at the age of just 16, was not enough to convince the left-footed sensation that his future was in Scotland, though, and he decided to try his luck down south for Jurgen Klopp.

The teenage whiz made five first-team appearances for Liverpool in the 2022/23 campaign and a further five in the 2023/24 season, despite missing a whopping 43 matches through a meniscus injury.

Doak was then sent out on loan to Middlesbrough in the English Championship by new Liverpool boss Arne Slot this term, and he has thrived for club and country.

Why Ben Doak is a bigger talent than Lennon Miller

Despite being less than a year older than Miller, the Liverpool youngster has already been capped six times by Scotland’s senior team, whilst the Motherwell gem is still awaiting his first cap.

All six of his caps came in the UEFA Nations League and the teenage starlet caught the eye with six key passes, two ‘big chances’ created, one assist, and six completed dribbles, starting four of those matches.

This shows that Doak has emerged as a regular starter, with four starts in six caps, for Scotland at the age of 19, whereas Miller is yet to make the step up from U21 level.

After his showing against Croatia, pundit Ally McCoist claimed he gave Man City star Josko Gvardiol a “going over” and described him as a “fearless” star who is similar to Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham, in the sense that both young players play with freedom in their games.

That is not to say that he is as good as Bellingham, who has scored 28 goals in 60 matches for Real, but both players thrive at first-team level at such a young age because they are not afraid to express themselves and their quality on the pitch against more experienced stars.

The Liverpool loanee’s form in the Championship for Middlesbrough, who are fighting for promotion to the Premier League, also shows that he is able to shine domestically.

24/25 Championship

Ben Doak

Appearances

14

xA

3.29

Key passes per game

2.4

Assists

5

Successful dribbles per game

2.1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Doak has averaged more key passes per game and recorded the same number of assists as Miller in fewer league appearances this season.

Whilst it is difficult to compare the two players directly, given Doak is a winger and Miller is a central midfielder, the former Celtic ace’s emergence for club and country suggests that he is the bigger talent of the two of them, and the Hoops lost him for just £600k.

Former Celtic player made Wrexham captain as he turns leader for Hollywood-backed club building a mean streak…

The defender is formerly of Celtic but is now at Wrexham.

A former Celtic defender has taken on additional responsibility at Hollywood-backed club Wrexham.

The Red Dragons have been put into the mainstream football discussion amid investment from Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. They were in action again at the weekend as they looked to continue a push from League One to the Championship, winning 1-0 away from home.

Leading them into that match as captain for the first time during his stint at the club was Eoghan O’Connell. He came through the academy at Celtic and made senior appearances in the Hoops but has since forged a good career for himself south of the border at EFL level.

Wrexham is his latest stop after time at Bury, Rochdale and Charlton Athletic. He was handed the armband for the game against the Brewers and helped Phil Parkinson’s men towards another clean sheet, building up a mean defensive streak with just 11 conceded in 19 matches.

Overall since joining the club, O’Connell has appeared 66 times in red. Speaking pre-match, the former Celtic man believes defensive solidity has provided Wrexham a platform to build off in recent matches. He said: “That gives the team a good base to build from.

“We work really well together. We have had some changes at the back and in goal, but it just shows the ethos of the team – we want to do it for each other, we want to defend, we want to run. I think the clean sheets are a mark of that for everyone.”

Extraordinary Celtic continues to threaten Rangers’ season as a Pittodrie power outage leaves Clement in the dark – Hugh Keevins

Supernatural Rangers season still haunted by Celtic as Pittodrie power cut keeps Clement in the dark – Hugh Keevins

Our man suspects Gers otherworldly turnaround is in spite of Belgian boss rather than because of him

Rangers boss Philippe Clement arrives at club AGM

There have been elements of the supernatural about the progress of Rangers ’ season so far.

And if they beat Ange Postecoglou’ s Spurs at Ibrox on Thursday night in the Europa League that will definitely come under the heading of unexplained phenomena. Similarly, where did that six-goal dismembering of Kilmarnock come from at Ibrox on Wednesday night? It was other-worldly compared with the kind of earthly debris that had accumulated in the league and led to Ibrox being many thousands of seats under capacity in midweek.

Rangers have been more off a cliff than off the cuff since the domestic season began. If you watched Philippe Clement ’s team against St Johnstone on television last Sunday, followed by Liverpool against Manchester City, you would have understood it was evidence of one sport being played in two different ways. One was an exhibition of football and the other one was an imitation of football. I don’t think there’s any need to draw diagrams to demonstrate which was which.

At Perth, it looked as if Clement had assembled a team you would not pull back the curtains to watch if they were playing a game in your back garden. The question now is, are Rangers about to turn a significant corner in spite of, rather than because of, their manager?

The Belgian wasn’t exactly given a ringing endorsement from the top table at Rangers’ AGM on Thursday. Interim chairman John Gilligan said time would tell if the right decision had been made to appoint Clement in the first place, adding that they would “stand by” their decision. The time that will tell is starting now.

Ianis Hagi is in the team after Clement had publicly dismissed the player’s chances of ever making it at Ibrox. Until, that is, the manager’s back was up against the wall and he suddenly discovered a new regard for Hagi’s capabilities.

Similarly, James Tavernier was apparently surplus to requirements until bad results in the Premiership focused Clement’s mind on his captain’s leadership qualities. Clement also spoke about the effect that “new players” had on the emphatic victory over Kilmarnock – but they weren’t new players at all. They had all been there for months but it was the first time the manager had lined them up in the right order.

Rangers James Tavernier

But Wednesday night was, intentionally or otherwise, a good one where Clement’s short-term future was concerned. Talk about Derek McInnes being the natural successor to the Belgian will abate after a going-over for the visiting manager and the need for him to contemplate what to do with a team who look to be in freefall.

Today begins the rest of Clement’s season and starts a period of games that will decide if he is right for this world or lives in a parallel universe. Dingwall is the place where Philippe forgot his manners last season and left behind his prospects of winning the title after forgetting to shake hands with his rival manager Don Cowie at time-up.

Can Rangers have two high-scoring, high-adrenaline league games on a back-to-back basis? The last time they scored six goals in the Premiership, coincidentally against Ross County in August, they lost the next by three clear goals.

The main problem being that loss was against Celtic. The Rangers fans might have hoped for a chink of light in what we shall call, until further notice, the title race when their side was six up and Celtic were goalless with Aberdeen on Wednesday.

But Reo Hatate’s belated winning goal at Pittodrie was the equivalent of a power cut. Clement will need to forget about the team from the “other side of town,” to use his expression, until next Sunday in the Premier Sports Cup Final.

His priority in the meantime is to develop momentum in the form of creditable performances before getting to Hampden.

And if the stars align against Spurs it will be Ange’s job in danger rather than anyone else’s. The idea of a team from England’s Premier League losing to the team in third place in Scotland’s Premiership will be an alien concept for those in charge at Tottenham.

The prospect of a side, described by one shareholder at Rangers’ AGM as the “premier club in Scotland”, slipping up in the Highlands or succumbing to Spurs is what Phil must avoid. If he hasn’t got that message after the fans’ grilling then he really is from another planet.

Celtic-Hibs reaction: Arne Engels due date, Greg Wallace praise, Rangers XI poser and the growing problem

Talking points after Celtic overcame Hibs 3-0 at Parkhead

Celtic were 3-0 victors over Hibs at Parkhead and we pick out some talking points from the match:

What is Celtic’s team for next week?

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers rotated his squad yet again for the visit of Hibs, making five changes to the starting XI. Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi were all named on the bench, although the latter two came on. They are the spine of this Celtic team right now, so it was no surprise to see them rested ahead of Tuesday’s crucial Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb and then next weekend’s Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers at Hampden.

After some chopping and changing over the past few games, Rodgers will want to settle on his best team for the next two matches. The stakes are so high: Champions League progression and landing the first piece of domestic silverware against Old Firm rivals. The performance against Hibs may have given the Northern Irishman some food for thought.

Arne Engels and Luke McCowan started and while the Belgian scored (more on him later), neither man played especially well. Paulo Bernardo added zip when he was introduced and it may be the Portuguese who gets the nod alongside Hatate and Callum McGregor.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers gives instructions to Paulo Bernardo. | SNS Group

Carter-Vickers and Furuhashi will surely be restored ahead of Liam Scales and Adam Idah, while Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn are set to be wide forwards. Kasper Schmeichel, Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston also have shirts in their hands. Left-back is perhaps the toughest call, with Greg Taylor battling with Alex Valle for that spot. Taylor, on experience, may just edge it.

Engels’ due date

Engels opened the scoring with a well-timed run early on against Hibs, but became a little subdued later in the match. The 21-year-old Belgian is not in the scintillating form of September, although given he is young and acclimatising to Scottish football, leeway ought to be given – even if he cost £11 million.

Rodgers certainly feels that way. “I think I won’t even begin to judge Arne until this time next year,” the manager said. “You know, maybe once he’s come in and had a year and settled into everything and seen how we play. Because it’s complex. There’s a lot of real technical ideas needed in the game. He’s received the ball in lots of tight spaces.

“Before, in the team he played with [Augsburg], he was more running into space. But it was great for him to arrive because that’s what we expect from Arne. It’s to get in the box, to be close to scoring. But Arne gets into the areas that we want him to be and finished it really well.”

Arne Engels scored the opener for Celtic. | SNS Group

Unsung heroes

With Celtic scoring from a corner kick, Rodgers wanted to make sure a couple of backroom staff were namechecked, given that Joe Newell’s own goal came from a nice delivery from McCowan and a flick on from Idah. Analyst Greg Wallace and first-team coach Gavin Strachan were the recipients of such praise.

“I also give credit as well to Gavin Strachan and Greg Wallace,” said Rodgers. “They do a lot of work for us in the set-piece department. And this year, we’ve been much more dynamic. And obviously, the second goal comes from the set-piece We were dangerous in that side of a game.”

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Serving up more of the same would go down nicely next week.

Celtic’s Adam Idah glances a header towards goal. | SNS Group

Hibs growing problem

Hibs head coach David Gray does not have his troubles to seek. His team played well at Celtic Park but they slipped back to the bottom of the Premiership table after Saturday’s fixtures. They have only won twice in the league all season.

Individual errors at the back and indiscipline with red cards have rightly been to blame. But there is another problem at the top end of the pitch that Hibs need to solve fast. They do not have a No 9 who scores goals regularly and can be relied upon to take chances. This Hibs team certainly creates openings – they had 14 shots, nine on target, at Celtic Park – so that is not a problem. It was the conversion of them.

Mykola Kuharevich is Gray’s preferred man up to but that status is surely under threat after Saturday. The on-loan Swansea forward missed not one, but two glaring one-on-ones with Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel. Yes, the Dane did well to save them, but he really ought to not have stood a chance.

Kuharevich has scored four goals all season, three of which have been bundled in from six yards out or less. Since missing a penalty at Ibrox against Rangers, his form has dipped. Confidence now must be low, as for all the good work he does in occupying defenders and making good runs, he misses too many chances.

It was not a good afternoon for Hibs striker Mykola Kuharevich. | SNS Group

With Kieron Bowie out until the middle of next month and veteran Dwight Gayle not deemed superior (yet) to Kuharevich, Gray needs to solve this problem for the rest of December. Elie Youan and Martin Boyle can play through the middle, yet most of their best work is done is out wide – and neither have been in great form this term.

A striker is almost certainly on the January shopping list – but there are four matches before then (Ross County, Aberdeen, Hearts and Kilmarnock). Somebody needs to step up to the plate.

Toe-curling Celtic fan chant lucky not to receive a UEFA fine for pure embarrassment but away record is no laughing matter

The fact it was doing the rounds in Dortmund could be grounds for instant ejection from the UCL given what came next

The Celtic supporters’ songbook is a pretty eclectic collection, with some catchy numbers and others that can cause some folk to get their knickers in a twist.

But there’s a ditty that does the rounds that is a real toe-curler. It only gets rolled out when Hoops punters dig out their passports. The ‘This is the day that we win away’ chant to the tune of the old church hymn. Honestly, forget about pyro and political banners, Celtic are lucky not to cop a UEFA fine for this one on sheer embarrassment levels.

The fact it was doing the rounds in Dortmund could be grounds for instant ejection from the Champions League given what came next. It’s meant to be a tongue in cheek tune that sends up Celtic’s brutal away record in this competition. But it really shouldn’t be a laughing matter. And it’s something that really needs to be put to bed in Zagreb this week.

The Champions League is tough. We get that. Yet two away wins in nearly 25 years is not good enough.

Brendan Rodgers steered the side to one of those victories – against Anderlecht in his first spell at the club – and he’ll see this as a big chance to get another. The Hoops boss has restored a level of credibility in Europe since returning to the club is summer 2023.

Even last season wasn’t the failure some made out. Celtic’s performances at home in the win against Feyenoord, the draw with Atletico Madrid and even the late defeat to Lazio were decent range finders.

Take away the Dortmund horror show and it has been pretty impressive this year. The rare clean sheet and point against Atalanta in Italy was superb, as was the Slovan Bratislava demolition job and that RB Leipzig thriller.

Even the home draw with Club Brugge was admirable as that was an encounter that could have slipped away in years gone by. Instead, the Hoops dug it out and they are now in prime position to bank a place in the play-off stage with a couple of games to spare.

The visit of struggling Young Boys after Christmas is a solid insurance policy with another win needed. No one at Celtic should want to go to Aston Villa needing to get a result in the final game.

The sooner Celtic hit the 10 points mark the better – and reaching it in Croatia would be another significant signpost of progress. Dinamo Zagreb look ripe for the plucking. They are without a win in five games, have injuries to key players and a manager who is seemingly on the verge of the dunt. But we’ve heard all this stuff before.

How many times has the chat going into a European game about rivals being in crisis and then it still all goes to pot? Far too many times, that’s for sure.

This will be far from a shoo-in for Celtic but it’s a huge opportunity to bury an unwanted record and put that brutal chant to bed once and for all.

I would start by telling him about Brendan Rodgers’ discussion about Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic future.

The Hoops No1 was in inspired form with some huge saves in the 3-0 win over Hibs at Parkhead

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Kasper Schmeichel

Brendan Rodgers only has to hit the button to extend Kasper Schmeichel’s Celtic stay.

The Hoops boss heaped praise on his No1 after a number of fine stops in the 3-0 win over Hibs. The visitors created some huge chances that they failed take with the Denmark international standing tall on more than one occasion.

The champions extended their unbeaten run in Scotland to 30 games and with that their advantage at the top over nearest rivals Aberdeen – who dropped points in a run that has seen them winless for five games. Schmeichel penned a one-year deal with an option when he arrived in the summer as Joe Hart’s successor and has been a top performer.

His future is simple for his boss, who he also worked with at Leicester City. He told BBC Sportsound : “I can trigger [the option for another year in Schmeichel’s contract] at any time; I wouldn’t tell you, I would tell him first.”

Arne Engels, Joe Newell’s own goal and a strike late on from Kyogo Furuhashi secured a 3-0 win over David Gray’s side – who slumped to the bottom of the league after a combination of the loss at Parkhead and city rivals Hearts winning – and Schmeichel delivered his views to Celtic TV post-match. He said: “Goalkeeping has evolved.

“It’s rare that you have games like that where you have a lot of saves. Everything is with your feet these days.

“I think that’s the role that I play here, but my job is to keep the ball out of the net and today was a good day. At the end of the day it’s all about winning. Clean sheets are nice but they’re not the most important thing.

“They’re not the end of the world, but it always gives you a platform to go and win. My job is to keep the team in the game and it’s up to this lot to go and finish the game off.”

Team News: Rodgers makes five changes as McCowan returns to favour

Brendan Rodgers has made five changes to the Celtic side that beat Aberdeen in midweek for today’s game at home to Hibs.

The hoops boss has been using his full squad over recent games as he prepares for vital fixtures in the Champions League followed quickly by the League Cup Final at Hampden.

Liam Scales and Greg Taylor come into the defence, Luke McCowan and Arne Engels join Callum McGregor in midfield with Adam Idah replacing Kyogo Furuhashi in attack.

With a seven point lead over Aberdeen the hoops will be looking to continue their almost flawless domestic form which has yielded 40 points from 14 matches.

Celtic beat Hibs in back to back matches in August, in the SPFL and League Cup but the Edinburgh side has shown recent signs of improvement, drawing 3-3 at home with Aberdeen then winning 3-0 away to Motherwell last Saturday.

CELTIC: Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor: McGregor, Engels, McCowan; Kuhn, Idah, Maeda

SUBS: Sinisalo, Kyogo, Valle, Yang, Carter-Vickers, Bernardo, Hatate, Forrest Ralston

Celtic player Rodgers ‘really, really’ wants to sign new deal. See who

Brendan Rodgers wants to sign Greg Taylor to a new Celtic deal (Image: SNS)

Brendan Rodgers is desperate to see Greg Taylor end speculation over his Celtic future by signing a new contract at the Parkhead club.

The Scotland internationalist, 27, is out of contract in the summer so would be free to discuss pre-contract moves away from Celtic in January.

Rodgers, though, has voiced his desire for Taylor to sign a new deal and remain part of the Celtic squad.

“He’s been invaluable. Just how he plays the game for us, his attitude, mentality,” Rodgers said when asked about Taylor on BBC Sportsound.

“He’s a played I really, really want to try and ensure we can keep here because he offers us so much in so many moments.

“You saw during the week how he settled the game for us, plays the role perfectly how I would want it to [be played].

“He can make those passes in the final third that make the difference, so he’s been good.”

Taylor was one of five changes for Celtic ahead of the Scottish Premiership match against Hibs on Saturday.

Adam Idah, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Liam Scales also came into the starting line-up after sitting out midweek with Rodgers rotating his squad.

But the Celtic boss has vowed all of the changes are representative of players capable of playing every week and not that he has any “cover” players.

“None of these are cover players,” he said. “They are all players who could start and they all respect that when they are on the side they need to be ready to come in or if they start they know they have got to perform.”

Watch Video: Arne Engels opens the scoring for Celtic

Arne Engels of Celtic before the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Dundee FC at Celtic Park on October 30, 2024 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Arne Engels has opened the scoring for Celtic after just six minutes. The Scottish Champions survived two early chances from Hibs with Kasper Schmeichel denying with two smart stops.

Alistair Johnston bombed forward and was fed in by right sided colleague, Nicolas Kühn, before the Canadian fired a drilled cross across the deck for Engels to slide in and convert.

Engels 1-0

— Celtic Goals (@celticgoalsreal) December 7, 2024

Celtic 1-0 Hibs

Engels 🇧🇪

Disnae look too pleased 😂

— Fitzy (@Fitzy__07) December 7, 2024

It was Celtic’s first foray forward and they’ll fancy a few goals today against an out of sorts Hibs team. With that said, Hibs showed that they can break forward at pace and will need to be watched.

Luke McCowan could have made it 2-0 shortly afterwards with a Daizen Maeda cutback coming off the bar and going out for a goal kick.

Good News: Deserved Start For Hoops Backup; Starting XI vs Hibs

Celtic have named their starting XI for this afternoon’s SPFL clash against Hibernian at Celtic Park. Brendan Rodgers has made a few notable calls as the Hoops aim to continue their unbeaten league run.

Here’s the team tasked with delivering the goods at Paradise:

Starting XI

Kasper Schmeichel

Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor

Callum McGregor (captain), Arne Engels, Luke McCowan,

Kúhn, Daizen Maeda, Adam Idah

A key talking point today is the inclusion of Engels in midfield. The player has endured a dip in form recently, but Rodgers has shown faith by handing him a start—an opportunity to regain his confidence and rediscover his rhythm in the heart of the park. Alongside him, captain Callum McGregor will look to lead by example and keep the team ticking.

23rd November 2024; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores from the penalty spot in the 94th minute to make it 4-1 to Celtic

Daizen Maeda, Kuhn and Adam Idah spearhead the attack, with their blend of pace and power expected to unsettle the Hibs defence. At the back, the reliable Liam Scales and Auston Trusty start with CCV being rested

Veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel remains a calming presence in goal, ready to guide the team through any sticky moments.

Celtic are unbeaten in the league this season and will hope to continue that today.

Rude Celtic squad health that means only Hibs are punished by the one player who can’t play

Brendan Rodgers can chop and change as he sees fit with everyone available and competition fierce

Luke McCowan during a Celtic training session

It’s a full strength Celtic squad that’s available for today’s Premiership clash with Hibs.

And the Hoops are in such good health that it’s the visitors who are affected by the only one of their players who is unavailable. Kwon, who is on loan to the easter Road outfit from the champions, can’t play due to the agreement that loan stars can’t face their parent clubs.

Such is the competition for spot in Brendan Rodgers‘ midfield and the quality available to him, that the South Korean has been shipped out to Leith after spending the second part of last season with St Mirren. Celtic having more strength in depth than the rest is almost a given when you consider the far greater resources available. But is’ especially noticeable this season as, despite being in the midst of a hectic winter schedule, Rodgers barely has an injury worry and can rotate with virtually no weakening of his starting XI.

It means club record signing Arne Engels can take a backseat while he continues to adapt to his new surroundings following his summer move from the Bundesliga. £1million man Luke McCowan can step in and step up, or Paulo Bernardo slots into the engine room.

At the back, Auston Trusty has dislodged last season’s regular starter Liam Scales. Alex Valle looks to have solved the left back depth problem for now, while up top, another big money addition in the shape of Adam Idah can ease the load on Kyogo while offering a different sort of threat.

Brendan Rodgers had plenty to smile about at Pittodrie as Celtic recorded a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen in midweek to extend their Scottish Premiership lead.

The Bhoys had to brave the elements against a stubborn Dons outfit, but Reo Hatate managed to settle the scoring with a wonderful caress and finish as his side claimed a statement result at their closest challengers’ home.

Now that the dust has settled on Celtic’s victory over Aberdeen, full focus at the club has now turned to seeing off Hibernian later today at Parkhead.

Brendan Rodgers has decisions to make on his line-up against the Hibees. Rotation is set to be a key element of his thinking, with a swift turnaround between this afternoon’s action and the trip to face Dinamo Zagreb next midweek.

Before that takes centre stage, some details of a brilliant exchange the Irishman had post-match have entered the public domain.

Ross Doohan opens up on exchange with Brendan Rodgers

Formerly of the Celtic Academy, Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan has admitted that he shared a moment with Rodgers after the match and detailed what the Irishman had to say during their exchange.

He stated [Daily Record]: “Brendan Rodgers came up and said, ‘Well done’ and then, ‘Best of luck’. I was happy with how it went.

“The result on Tuesday result was a bit disappointing but I got a good comment from Brendan and their goalie coach Stevie Woods so I just need to look forward to the game on Saturday.”

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Despite a polished performance between the sticks, Doohan was powerless to stop Hatate guaranteeing the visitors three points as they opened up a seven-point gap in the Scottish Premiership.

Celtc now keen to build on triumph over Aberdeen

Everyone connected with Celtic would’ve taken a second to bask in the glory of what was a pivotal result against Aberdeen.

In context, digging deep at Pittodrie could go a long way when looking back on achievements at the end of the season.

However, complacency has to be guarded against today. Hibernian will come ready to try and take the shine off the Bhoys’ unbeaten start, so composure is needed to see off David Gray’s men.

Nevertheless, this group have shown they can win at all costs. Hopefully, another three points can send the Celtic support home jubilant.

Transfer speculation involving Celtic has started to crop up in recent weeks, while Brendan Rodgers still has work to do in retaining key stars for the future.

Protecting assets has become part of the model at Parkhead over the last couple of years, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Cameron Carter-Vickers committing their future on long-term deals.

Recently, James Forrest signed a Celtic contract extension to tie himself to his boyhood side until his 35th birthday, prolonging his one-club-man legacy as he bids to overtake Bobby Lennox as the most decorated player in Bhoys’ history.

In his pre-match press conference before Celtic take on Hibernian, Brendan Rodgers addressed Kasper Schmeichel’s future and claimed he could look to play on with the 2026 World Cup in sight.

Hopefully, that can be in Glasgow’s east end. Now, Chris Sutton has paid some attention to the other elephant in the room at the moment.

Chris Sutton urges Celtic to keep hold of Greg Taylor

In his Daily Record column, Sutton has indicated Celtic should look to retain Greg Taylor and called out some of the unwarranted criticism the defender receives at the club.

He stated: “Then there was Greg Taylor. Alex Valle kept his place in the side at his expense but there’s no doubt it’s Taylor who is more comfortable in that inverted full back role.

“Valle had some moments in the first half but Taylor really helped to get to grips with the game in the second and then he popped up with the crucial assist for the winner. I would like to see him sign a new deal at Celtic. Taylor gets some undeserved stick at times from a section of the support and, okay, there are moments when the Champions League can be a stretch for him.

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“But he’s not alone in that and he’s more than shown over the years he’s a valuable member of the team and the squad. I don’t know if he’s holding out for more money or he fancies a change in scenery. But do know he’s worth keeping around – even if Rodgers does target new signings in that position.”

Celtic need to come to a solution on Taylor’s contract

It goes without saying, Taylor’s Celtic contract situation needs to be sorted one way or another, but supporters are still none the wiser on the direction he could opt to go in.

Starting the campaign strong, the Scotland international has lodged five assists in 18 appearances, with his midweek contribution against Aberdeen the most vital yet.

However, there is still uncertainty over his future, and he is weeks away from being able to discuss a pre-contract agreement elsewhere.

Hopefully, an agreement of some form can be found, ending speculation over his next move after months of silence.

Report: Celtic look to offer forgotten £20m Chelsea ace lifeline as Rangers boss forecasts a repeat of Abdallah Sima saga

Scottish champions Celtic have set their sights on a loan move for forgotten Chelsea starlet Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers is understood to be keen to bolster his squad depth in midfield to boost Celtic’s chances of competing both domestically and in Europe, and has identified Chukwuemeka as the type of profile that would hugely benefit the current dynamic he has in place. Chukwuemeka made a name for himself at Aston Villa after joining the academy from Northampton in 2016.

The former England Under-20 international thrived at youth level and was a key component in the team which became FA Youth Cup winners in 2021 while also picking up the Team’s Academy Player of the Season award in the process.

The 6ft 2in midfielder was fast tracked into the first team at Villa Park by Steven Gerrard and was described by Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson as someone that was destined to be ‘an absolute star’ after shining in a 6-0 victory over Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

Chukwuemeka made a total of 14 Premier League appearances before departing Aston Villa for an eyecatching fee of around £20m during Thomas Tuchel’s final summer at Stamford Bridge.

The youngster racked up 14 Premier League appearances and showed signs of promise in a chaotic season which was marred by a number of managerial changes and the team’s failure to qualify for Europe in 2022/23.

He also made a strong first impression on Mauricio Pochettino and started both of the opening two games last season before sustaining a serious knee injury which ruled him out for most of last season.

However, the 21-year-old is not thought to be a part of Enzo Maresca’s new-look team in West London and has so far been limited to two 15 minute cameos in the League Cup and Europa Conference League without getting onto the pitch for a single Premier League game.

Football Insider claims Chelsea are keen to cut their losses on Chukwuemeka with a permanent sale but adds that the Stamford Bridge side could be open to a loan offer from Celtic in January.

Philippe Clement makes honest Vaclav Cerny admission

Rangers boss Philippe Clement says that he hopes Vaclav Cerny will not be the latest Ibrox loanee that the club miss out on in the summer.

The Czech Republic winger has been a shining light this season with nine goals across all competitions, with his most recent coming in the 6-0 hammering of Kilmarnock.

Many supporters are keen to see the Wolfsburg man extend his stay beyond the end of the season. But as things stand, £6.5m rated Cerny looks destined to head back to Germany after Ibrox chiefs failed to negotiate a permanent option in the contract.

Clement is a huge admirer of the player but has hinted that the situation could prove to be similar to what happened with fan favourite Abdallah Sima last summer after his impressive loan spell from Brighton.

He said, via Daily Record :“Yeah, I had discussions with the board in June about the wages, which had to be lowered a lot. One of the points that we talked about is having players on loan, it’s something we need for the moment.

“We don’t have the money to buy Vaclav for the moment now and we didn’t have the money to buy Abdallah at that moment. But we need to to try every year to have one player less on loan and one player more that’s an asset for the club because we’re going to have a similar situation at the end of the season in that way.

“Abdallah wanted to stay here, loved to stay here. But of course other teams are also interested and in one moment he chooses also for his career, for his wages, for everything. So of course all the club wants to lower the amount of players on loan and that’s a strategy for the next couple of years, but you cannot solve all these problems in one transfer window.

“Vaclav loves it here clearly, he told me also last week that he never felt better in his career than now physically, mentally, in the team, in the dressing room, with the staff, in the club, with the fans, everything. But of course he has a contract with another club at the end of the season, so that’s negotiations again.”

Brendan Rodgers had 5 words for Aberdeen keeper following Celtic’s battle, and they told him all he needed to know.

Ross Doohan takes heart from what Rodgers told him after Celtic’s win at Pittodrie

Brendan Rodgers after Celtic’s win in Aberdeen (Image: SNS Group)

Walking off the pitch to praise from Brendan Rodgers gave Ross Doohan an idea of how well the Aberdeen keeper had done on his first league start of the season.

The 26-year-old put on an inspired display against his former club Celtic at Pittodrie during the week before he was finally beaten by Reo Hatate. The keeper, who will start at home to St Johnstone today, has had to be patient but has been plunged into the Dons’ firing line since Dimitar Mitov injured his hamstring during a 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Doohan said: “Brendan Rodgers came up and said, ‘Well done’ and then, ‘Best of luck’. I was happy with how it went. The result on Tuesday result was a bit disappointing but I got a good comment from Brendan and their goalie coach Stevie Woods so I just need to look forward to the game on Saturday.”

Doohan’s night was almost over before it got started as he was left floored after being caught by Kyogo Furuhashi. He was able to resume after some intense treatment. He added: “As soon as it happened I thought, ‘Just take a minute, compose myself’ and then we went through all the protocols with the doc and the medical staff.

“Everything was all clear but you need to put your body in to try and get the ball. Thankfully it was all right and we just move on to the next game.”

Doohan came through the ranks at Celtic and had loans at Dundee United, Ross County and Ayr. He then moved on to Tranmere and Forest Green before he returned to Aberdeen where he was understudy to Kelle Roos and now Mitov.

But he now has the chance in the next few weeks to stake his claim to become Aberdeen’s long-term No.1. Doohan said: “Obviously you won’t be playing every game but you just need to come in, work hard every day and prove yourself in training –put yourself in the manager’s eyeline.

Aberdeen’s Ross Doohan

“We’ve got a good goalie group that pushes each other on. Dimi’s been supportive the last week or so when he’s been injured with me playing and before that I was supportive of him. That’s just life as a goalie.”

After four games without a win the Dons are keen to get back on track at home to St Johnstone. Doohan said: “Listen, at a club like Aberdeen you need to win every game and we’ve been pushing to do that.

“We’ve been working hard on the training pitch, the team spirit from the start of the season to now has been absolutely brilliant, nothing’s changed. It’s just we need to get going and that starts again against St Johnstone. We’ve been great at the start of the season, we just keep going, keep going and believe in ourselves, that’s the main thing.”

Jimmy Thelin has been impressed with the job new manager Simo Valakari has started in Perth. The Dons boss said: “Simo Valakari has done very well and used the qualities of the squad in a very good way.

“Their manager changed some parts since our first game and they are doing well. It’s quite clear what he brings to the table with how they want to play and an identity is there. But it’s up to us to show the energy we did against Celtic in the last game. Then we need to find a way to use the Pittodrie atmosphere to make sure we take the points.”

Celtic cautioned Hibs that they are in a’much better place’ to face champions despite the enormous gap in league positions.

‘You need to carry a threat,’ says Gray as he preps balanced game plan

Celtic will face a Hibs team transformed in tomorrow’s contest in Glasgow, according to Easter Road boss David Gray. And the rookie head coach has told his players that, despite Hibs trailing the champions and league leaders by 10 places and a whopping 28 points just over a third of the way into the season, they must carry the fight to their hosts whenever possible, declaring: “You can’t just sit back and wait to be beaten.”

Hibs faced Celtic in back-to-back contests in August, losing 2-0 at Easter Road in the league and 3-1 at Celtic Park in the League Cup on consecutive weekends. Gray, whose starting line-up tomorrow is likely to show at least half a dozen changes from the previous visit to Parkhead, insists the Hibees are a much improved side heading into a hectic December.

“There are players who have joined the group since then, there were players who had just joined the football club and hadn’t played many games and were also working with me for the first time,” he said. “I know there are players like Joe Newell who have been here for a while but there are players who had just joined the club and my message, and the way we want to work was new to them. So naturally they’ll be a lot more understanding of what I expect from the players and the way we want to play.

“The players have got fitter and stronger as the weeks have gone on. I think the biggest thing was we went into both games against Celtic after a heavy defeat in our first league game (3-0 away to St Mirren). To have to play them back-to-back, Celtic Park is a difficult place to go and they’re a difficult team to play anyway, never mind back-to-back.

“So it was a real challenge for the players, particularly so for those just starting their Hibs career. But I believe we’ve progressed a lot since then, even just the players individually.

“We’re in a much better place now than we were then because it was such a new squad. The players have now had four or five months to work together.”

Gray, who watched Brendan Rodgers’ men grind out a hard-fought win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in midweek, insists any team visiting Celtic Park must carry some threat to hurt the hosts. Or risk simply being swept away.

“The message is always that you need to be on your guard for 90-odd minutes because if you’re not quite there, that level of opposition will punish you straight away,” he said, adding: “That’s something they’ve felt now in the two games against them this season, that any little mistake is punished because of the level of opposition.

“But then you also think about the moments in the game where we actually got success and caused them problems. We need to be mindful of that but at the same time, be very resolute in what we’re trying to do.

“And you need to be able to take your chances when they do come. You don’t get as many chances especially away from home against Celtic, so you need to be ready to do that.

“You need to carry a threat. You can’t just go there and sit in and hope for a result or wait to be beaten.

“We need to be on the front foot as much as we can in certain areas of the football pitch without being gung-ho. We need to be tactically right – but also we need the players to play the best they can.”

Why Hibs’ manager believes they’re better positioned to face Celtic

Head coach David Gray spoke to the media ahead of Hibs’ trip to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. Here’s every word he had to say…

Warren O’Hora said there was a really good feeling among the group before last weekend’s game. Was that something you felt as well? 

“Yeah, I think I did. The biggest thing I’ve been saying to the players relentlessly this season is believing in what we’re doing, keep doing the things we’re doing, cut out the areas where we’ve let ourselves down in. I’m trying to get the players to keep buying into that, and credit to them, because they have. They’ve always stuck by it. Even the way we started games during difficult periods – on the front foot. I’ve said numerous times about the togetherness and I think the equaliser against Aberdeen is a massive moment for confidence. They definitely took that into the game against Motherwell,  which is great to see. As a result of that, as you’d expect, everyone seems to be in a good place at the moment.”

Scoring goals can become a habit, is that something you want to get into them?

“Yeah, that was a big thing, taking the chances we had. We actually had a few other big chances that we missed within the game as well and as I’ve said a lot as well, I would have been much more concerned had we not been creating chances all season or, you know, we’re scrambling around wondering where a result was going to come from. We did truly believe it was going to turn but that’s not completely turned the corner.We know that we’re where we are. It doesn’t stop doing the things we’re working on. We continue to work hard at these areas and then we also go into a game at the weekend which is a real difficult test.”

Does four points in the last two games mean a release of pressure going to Celtic Park?

“You talk about pressure and expectation. I think Celtic are the team that are expected to go and win so they have to deal with that. We just have to look at ourselves and build on what we’ve done at the weekend, take the confidence from that and go and believe you can get a result. It’s a real difficult place to go. The players have already been there. Great side, top players, top coach.  It’s a daunting task, we know that, but it’s certainly one that if you believe you can go and get something.

Are there ways you can get at them?

“I think you just have to. As a team, for us, we need to concentrate on what we can do.We need every player to be at their absolute maximum and you need to hope that that’s enough. You need to have a good game plan, you need to be structured in what you do. At times you need to ride your luck, that’s what happens.But you need to have that confidence going there that you’re not just going there hoping, you need to go there and believe in what we’re doing and really back yourself in these situations. It’s also a really good test that the players can look forward to, testing them against Champions League players.. A lot of players who are in my squad at the moment have aspirations to go and play at higher levels if they can or they want to try and reach the highest level they can. So it’s a great opportunity for them to test themselves against a good side in a great arena to play football.”

Garvan Stewart has been confirmed as joining the club. Have you met him? What are your impressions of him and how is he going to help going into these next few months? 

“I’ve met him just once briefly. Obviously with experience, he comes with a vast knowledge and experience in that area and I think it’s a great addition for the football club. That’s an area that’s such an important part of the club. The work there never stops and at any time you can improve in that area and anything that can be done to strengthen the club is something that everyone’s on board with and it’s a good appointment.

How do you look at the window coming up?

“I think the work, I know the window closes but as soon as the window closes the opportunity. The work never stops basically in that department. Trying to always look to see if you can strengthen on ins and outs. It’s just natural with the window being open. We’ve got a lot of players that will attract interest as well so it’s probably about being proactive as much as you can.

In an ideal world what would you like?

We’ve always got plans in place of what we’d like to achieve but at the same time you can only do what we can do. If it’s possible and something that we feel is right for the football club we’d like to do it but at the same time I was heavily backed in the summer and I’ve got a really good squad of players here. My full focus between now until the window opens and I’m being asked questions about that is on trying to get to January in the best position we can be and trying to turn around our league position and then the hard work that’s been going on continuously will be looked at come January.”

What did you make of Celtic’s performance at Aberdeen? 

“It was obviously a really difficult night for both teams; a typical winter night in the north-east which means wind, rain – all the difficult elements.

“And then it was Celtic being Celtic – they always find a way, don’t they? They’ve got quality at the top end and take the ball incredibly well but Aberdeen were good in the game as well, they restricted them to a few opportunities and had chances themselves so for an away performance, I’m sure Celtic will be delighted to have gone up there in those conditions and come back with three points.”

What do you take from Aberdeen’s couple of performances against them this season? 

“They have done well. When I look at the two games we’ve had against Celtic already and the areas in which we struggled, in both games we started really slow – actually, we started really fast for the first two minutes which sounds mental but on a positive note it wasn’t as if Celtic got the ball right at the kick-off, we were positive in both games at the start, but we lost goals too early in the games and when you give Celtic early goals, it becomes a real challenge.

“The pleasing side from my point of view and the message to the players is from that point in both games after 15-20 minutes we were 2-0 down but were still very much in the tie, especially the second one until late on in the game, so we need to take the positives from that and how we went about our business.

“You need to be able to take your chances when they do come – you don’t get as many chances especially away from home against Celtic so you need to be ready to do that; you need to carry a threat: you can’t just go there and sit in and hope for a result or wait to be beaten.

“We need to be on the front foot as much as we can in certain areas of the football pitch without being gung-ho, we need to be tactically right but also we need the players to play the best they can.”

You played them back-to-back early on. Do you think you’ve improved since then to be a better team? 

“There are players who have joined the group since then, there were players who had just joined the football club and hadn’t played many games and were also working with me for the first time.

“I know there are players like Joe Newell who have been here for a while but there are players who had just joined the club and my message, and the way we want to work was new to them so naturally they’ll be a lot more understanding of what I expect from the players and the way we want to play.

“The players have got fitter and stronger as the weeks have gone on. I think the biggest thing was we went into both games against Celtic after a heavy defeat in the first league game. To have to play them back-to-back… Celtic Park is a difficult place to go and they’re a difficult team to play anyway, never mind back-to-back so it was a real challenge for the players, particularly so for those just starting their Hibs career but I believe we’ve progressed a lot since then, even just the players individually.

“We’re in a much better place now than we were then because it was such a new squad and the players have now had four or five months to work together.”

How do you strike a balance between the temptation of parking the bus for the first 15-20 minutes, and having a go?

“It’s definitely a bit of both. The message is always that you need to be on your guard for 90-odd minutes because if you’re not quite there, that level of opposition will punish you straight away.

“That’s something they’ve felt now in the two games against them this season, that any little mistake is punished because of the level of opposition but also the moments in the game where we actually got success and caused them problems.

“We need to be mindful of that but at the same time, be very resolute in what we’re trying to do.”

Brendan Rodgers is set to give Johnny Kenny a first-team shot.

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Richmond Park, Dublin 21/4/2023 St. Patrick s Athletic vs Shamrock Rovers Rovers Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring the first goal of the game Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring the first goal 21/4/2023 INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Johnny Kenny set to be handed an opportunity in the Celtic first team…

Shamrock Rovers v The New Saints – UEFA Europa Conference League – League Stage – Tallaght Stadium Shamrock Rovers Johnny Kenny right celebrates scoring their side s first goal of the game during the UEFA Europa Conference League match at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin. Thursday November 7, 2024. Photo Brian Lawless

Johnny Kenny, remember him? The Irish under 21 international who joined the club in 2022 from Sligo Rovers? Yes that Johnny Kenny who is currently showing fine form in a loan spell with Shamrock Rovers back in his homeland.

Johnny never made a first team appearance for the club and was quickly loaned out to Queen’s Park, but failed to score in his 12 appearances with the Spiders.

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Richmond Park, Dublin 21/4/2023 St. Patrick s Athletic vs Shamrock Rovers Rovers Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring the first goal of the game Johnny Kenny celebrates scoring the first goal 21/4/2023 INPHO/RyanxByrne

However following a loan spell at Shamrock Rovers, Johnny has pushed himself back into contention by scoring 21 goals in 69 games including a couple of strikes in the Irish sides impressive performances in the UEFA conference league that has took them on the brink of a play off spot.

 

Johnny is still contracted to the club until 2027 and according to the ever reliable Stephen McGowan at the Scottish Daily Mail, he will be given a chance to prove himself in Glasgow when his current loan deal ends in January.

Kyogo scores. Hearts v Celtic, 23 November 2024. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

With only Kyogo and Adam Idah as our current strikers, it would make sense to give the Irishman a chance to see if he can make the grade and save the club forking out for another striker come January.

Adam Idah shoots at goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park on November 30, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr, Volumes One & Two, Published by Celtic Star Books

More suffering for Dinamo Zagreb before the match against Celtic..

More misery for Dinamo Zagreb ahead of Celtic clash

Ahead of facing Celtic on Tuesday, Dinamo Zagreb have held to a 1-1 draw at home by Slaven Koprivnica.

New boss Nenad Bjelica goes into the Champions League match without a win in five games with the current Croatian champions in third spot this season, trailing leaders Hadjuk Split by six points having played a game more.

Despite that worrying form Dinamo do have seven points from their five Champions League matches and face Celtic knowing that a win would give them a very good chance of being involved in the February Play Offs for a place in the last 16.

Midway through the first half of today’s game Dinamo opened the scoring through Lukas Kacavenda but the visitors equalised 11 minutes into the second half through Alen Grgic.

Despite their recent form, wins over Salzburg and Slovan Bratislava and a draw at home to Monaco have Dinamo in a strong position going into the match against Celtic.

While their recent form is poor Brendan Rodgers won’t be fooled, knowing that Celtic will have to be in top form to add to the eight Champions League points that have been collected so far.

Potential postponement of Celtic vs. Hibs due to Storm Darragh fears

Celtic are in action against Hibs this weekend, but the erratic Scottish weather can often complicate matters at this time of year.

For those currently unaware, parts of the UK are to be exposed to the elements this weekend due to Storm Darragh, which is set to pick up on Saturday.

At the time of writing, southwest Scotland appears to be the area that will be most affected.

Winds could reach up to 80 mph, and an amber alert has been placed on the region that could potentially cause damage to homes and buildings.

Where Celtic are concerned this weekend, there is the small matter of the Hoops’ home clash against Hibernian on Saturday afternoon in the Scottish Premiership.

With Brendan Rodgers looking to prolong his side’s unbeaten league start, could Celtic vs Hibernian be influenced by Storm Darragh?

Celtic vs Hibernian and whether Storm Darragh could interfere

67 Hail Hail understands there are NO plans right now to delay or postpone the clash at Parkhead tomorrow.

It is understood the SPFL do not have intentions of calling any top flight games off right now, however the Scottish weather can change, dramatically, in an instant.

Storm Darragh has impacted some games across the UK and Scotland

Celts will be hopeful of having the game on with Rodgers’ troops in the midst of some strong form following their hammering of Ross County last week.

They followed that up with a statement win at Aberdeen.

Only Forfar vs Stranraer has thus far been impacted in the SPFL while the Merseyside Derby down south is currently under pressure of being called off.

 

Alastair Johnston causes an INEOS frenzy and the crowd is horrified by Cantwell and Co fees. These are the six Rangers AGM takeaways.

The club’s annual shareholders meeting took place on the banks of the River Clyde – and the waters weren’t as choppy as predicted

Rangers switched their AGM venue to the Clyde Auditorium after last year’s was too cramped at their own New Edmiston House – and the Ibrox hierarchy were given plenty of wiggle room.

Despite sitting third in the Scottish Premiership behind Aberdeen and trailing Celtic by 11 points, crashing out of the Champions League at the first hurdle and an almighty construction cock-up that saw them temporarily flit to Hampden for the early part of the season it wasn’t as stormy as had been predicted.

It is often the case but that didn’t mean those who took to the stage, including boss Philippe Clement, weren’t made to feel too hot under the collar. But there were still some fascinating nuggets at the Armadillo. Here’s six takeaways from the annual meeting…

Boardroom shake up

Perhaps the most significant news to come out of the AGM was the fact that the board will be “reconfigured and refreshed”. It will now including non-shareholders and non-executives, having been made up entirely of investors. Asked how the club ensure decisions aren’t made based on personalities at club and instead on process, Gilligan, who will welcome new CEO Patrick Stewart later this month, said: “Every decision made by the board is made in best interests of the club. You can question use of cash and results. I have to admit sometimes it’s not been good enough. But we’re now going to create a board that is Scottish-based that will have much more advice and help from people in west of Scotland.” George Taylor and Julian Wolhardt are both based in the Far East but stood for re-election for one year only. It means all directors will be up for re-election in 2025.

Cash for Cantwell and Co gobsmacks audience

When it was listed in the accounts that Rangers received just £800,000 in combined in fees for Todd Cantwell, Scott Wright, Sam Lammers, Connor Goldson and Robby McCrorie fans thought there had to be some sort of explanation. It turns out there WASN’T. There were gasps all around the Clyde Auditorium when chief financial officer James Taylor confirmed that was in fact the case.

Todd Cantwell of Rangers celebrates with teammate Sam Lammers (Image: Getty Images)

He admitted: “Player trading hasn’t been working for a number of years” and that players must be brought in on “more sustainable” levels. The likelihood is they did receive higher fees but had to pay the players off. Newly-promoted technical director Nils Koppen added: “We always go into talks trying to get best possible deal but we also have to deal with market reality.” Rangers fans could point to some of the cash raised for Celtic fringe men as a counter argument.

A Nice little partnership on the horizon?

This is one that was open to interpretation. Former chairman Alistair Johnston, in a lengthy answer when asked for his take on what’s gone wrong, dropped in the fact he was chewing the fat with some influential figures while in the south of France for Rangers’ Europa League clash with Nice.

Former Rangers Chairman Alastair Johnston

He said: “I come from an American sports business where it’s all about entertainment. You don’t have to win. I know there is interest. I was in Nice and had lunch with several friends and directors there and the owner there is Jim Radcliffe. We’re looking at whether club formations can be an option for us. We’ll look for Patrick Stewart to provide advice on that. I want the new chairman and new CEO to look at the big issues. Why do we get such poor media money. Why do club finishing in bottom of EPL get 28 times more than we do?” The obvious conclusion to jump to is Man Utd co-owner Radcliffe’s INEOS which wholly owns FC Lausanne-Sport in the Swiss Super League and boasts a minority interest in Nice. Could Gers become part of a stable?

Steel not happy as true cost of shambles revealed

The Copland Road construction cock-up was always likely to be a hot topic given it’s had such an impact on the Rangers both on and off the park and particularly for fans. First of all, in financial terms, how much did it actually cost? “It runs to six figures and will be in next year’s accounts,” said Gilligan.

Construction equipment is pictured at Ibrox Stadium (Image: SNS Group)

“It was an inevitability but we had no choice.” Gilligan had earlier apologised on behalf of the club but said the eventual end result was vastly improved facilities for disabled fans that rank among the best in Europe while they will think carefully before committing to similar work in the Broomloan Road stand. Work on the sports bar was also paused while they focused on the Copland so it was a hefty price to pay. But who picked up the tab? Chief financial officer Taylor couldn’t discuss penalty clauses but said the club were exploring all options on project management. “From my perspective the steel was ordered when we were told to order it by our professional advisors,” he says. “Look, it was an ambitious project. Overly ambitious.”

Belgians backed

A question from the floor asked why both Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen, despite bringing in the meagre fees for the aforementioned players, were given new deals when many felt the jury was still out. But Gillian referred to that rinse and repeat of sacking managers that former chairman John Bennett vowed to put a stop to. Gilligan said: “We have history of making decisions under duress mid season. We wanted the manager to have comfort that he had time to bring in younger players. Time will tell if it’s right decision but we stand by it.”

Gilligan’s steady hand

Given the feeling around the club right now it is an unenviable task to address the shareholders and take on the role of club chairman. But Gilligan being that man probably helped in bringing down the temperatures in the Clyde Auditorium. Having been managing director of Tennent’s he is undoubtedly a shrew businessman but it’s his affection for Rangers that allows fans to relate to him. This is a guy who postponed his engagement to his future wife after using the money he had put aside for a ring to watch the Light Blues lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup in their finest hour.



Rangers interim chairman John Gilligan (Image: SNS Group)

Having seen so many charlatans hold positions of power, fans see Gilligan as one of their own and that can only help. He’s only in interim charge after John Bennett stood down for health reasons but he made sure order was kept. He appealed for calm before the Q&A section, saying: “I understand the mood. If I was sitting where you were I’d be itching to ask a question. You will get total respect from the stage. All I ask is you show the same respect to us,” and in a rousing closing speech said: “All I can say is thank you to supporters. It’s Rangers then, Rangers now, Rangers forever.”

Ange Postecoglou speaks out on the intense Spurs altercation.

Ange Postecoglou downplayed the furious confrontation (Image: PA/social media)

Ange Postecoglou has downplayed his furious confrontation with Tottenham Hotspur supporters after the loss to Bournemouth.

The former Celtic manager exchanged words with angry fans at the Vitality Stadium after the 1-0 loss in the Premier League.

Postecoglou had walked over to the away section at the conclusion of the match where he was met with a chorus of boos from the travelling support.

“I got some pretty direct feedback…”

Ange Postecoglou on the reaction from Spurs fans to their defeat to Bournemouth…

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 5, 2024

However, Postecoglou downplayed the exchange with fans after the match as he opened up on the “pretty direct feedback”.

“I wasn’t having a word,” he told Amazon Prime Sport. “They are pretty disappointed and rightly so.

“I got some pretty direct feedback as to how we are going, and that’s fair enough.”

The Australian coach appeared to exchange words with a number of supporters before pointing at the Spurs badge on his jacket.

As supporters continued to vent their frustrations, Postecoglou then quickly applauded fans before walking back across the pitch.

The loss leaves Tottenham in 10th place in the Premier League with six wins, two draws and six losses in their 14 outings so far.

Postecoglou later added in his post-match press conference: “They are disappointed, rightly so. They gave me some direct feedback which I guess is taken on board.”

On what was said, he stated: “Yeah probably not for here mate.”

He continued: “I’ve got no issue with it. I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve got to cop it.

“I’ve been around long enough to know that if things don’t go well, you’ve got to understand the frustration and disappointment.

“They’re right disappointed tonight because again we’ve let a game of football get away from us.

“That’s ok, I’m ok with all of that.”

Undercover: Watch the fancam behind the goal as the Celts celebrate Hatate’s scoring.

Officially, there were less than 1,800 Celtic fans inside Pittodrie for last night’s top of the table clash in the SPFL Premiership.

Rod Stewart was spotted in the Directors Box before kick off but inside the Red Shed there seemed to be one fan with a very steady hand on his phone as Reo Hatate scored the only goal of the game.

Not only did the fan keep a steady hand throughout the move and goal but after the ball hit the net the focus switched to the celebrations in the away section of the South Stand.

The Red Shed is where the Aberdeen Ultras back their team but it seems that among their ranks there was someone fairly sympathetic to the visitors scoring to go seven points clear in the title race.

Video from the Aberdeen end for the Celtic goal ?

— . (@oranstorrie99) December 5, 2024

That goal from Hatate and the assist from Taylor were about the only moments of quality on a night when the elements killed off any hope of a match worthy of the billing.

Celtic never got close to playing their normal brand of football while Aberdeen rushed at the half chances created with Kasper Schmeichel barely tested.

Stand-in keeper Ross Doohan pulled off two great saves from Adam Idah  and Hatate midway through the second half but could do nothing to stop Hatate from making it eight away wins on the bounce for the league leaders.

See Reo Hatate sent Celtic into December in the best possible position thanks to his winning goal away to Aberdeen on Wednesday night.

It was a moment of brilliance from the midfielder as he controlled a Greg Taylor pass and drilled a low controlled shot beyond Ross Doohan for the only goal of the game.

Into the final the final 15 minutes of the game most league leaders would settle for a point away from home against their closest rivals but finishing his third year as a Celtic player Hatate knows differently.

A mix of his own natural talent alongside hard work on the training ground created the goal which gives Celtic a little breathing space in the title race.

Hibs at home on Saturday doesn’t look the most daunting of tasks before the SPFL is put on the back-burner for a fortnight.

Trips to Zagreb and Hampden will go a long way to shaping how Celtic go into the new year, Hatate and his team mates will be looking to book Champions League football into February and secure the first trophy of the domestic season.

For the 1,800 fans inside Pittodrie and the thousands watching on television last night set the month up brilliantly with Hatate getting into the spirit with the emojis added to Celtic’s Instagram post.

Rangers lost to Celtic in the race for my signature, but I quickly left after Neil Lennon’s “broken promise.”

The striker was at the centre of an Old Firm transfer tug-of-war in January 2012 but opted for a move to Parkhead

He was at the centre of an Old Firm transfer tug-of-war as Celtic and Rangers battled it out for his signature. But it’s fair to say he failed to live up to the hype during a miserable short-term loan spell in Glasgow.

Pawel Brozek was the man in-demand in January 2012 as Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist attempted to add some firepower to their ranks for the title run-in. A prolific goalscorer in Poland with Wisła Kraków, the 28-year-old was keen to kickstart his career after a sticky year-and-a-half with Trabzonspor. In the end, Celtic won the race to sign the striker on loan as the Pole opted to join fellow countryman Lukasz Zaluska at Parkhead.

However, the Polish international’s hopes of making the Euro 2012 squad suffered a heavy blow as he struggled to get a look-in at the Hoops. Brozek found himself rooted to the bench and third-choice behind lethal pair Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes. He slipped even further down the pecking order when he was hauled off in his only start for the club away to Motherwell for teenage prodigy Tony Watt, who marked a dream debut with a deadly double. After just three appearances in green-and-white, Brozek wasn’t seen again and packed his bags weeks before the curtain fell on Celtic’s title-winning campaign.

Rather than concede he simply wasn’t up to the job in Glasgow, Brozek opted to lay the blame at Lennon’s door by accusing the Irishman of going against his word. He lashed out: “Things did not work out for me as planned. I changed club as I wanted to play as much as possible. I do not want to complain about any of the other players or say that the coach did not like me and that is why he did not choose to put me on the pitch.

“But the facts are there that Neil Lennon promised me something and then another thing happened afterwards. I did not get many opportunities from him and I was left dry of games.”

Despite the fact he couldn’t hit a barn door at Celtic, the frontman was somehow handed an international lifeline by landing a place in the 23-man squad for the Euros. National boss Frantisek Smuda stood by the misfiring forward as he declared: “Brozek has been for years one of our most talented strikers. He has scored goals against Argentina, Mexico and hungary and, with three weeks to prepare, he will be able to enter the finals of Euro 2012 and show his class.”

Unsurprisingly, he made just a couple of cameos from the bench as he played second fiddle to Borussia Dortmund superstar Robert Lewandowski. Brozek’s career seemed to be fizzling out after another ill-fated year at Spanish second-tier club Recreativo de Huelva. But after returning to first club Wisła Kraków, he quickly rediscovered his shooting boots – plundering 65 goals across seven seasons before retiring in 2020.

As Neil Lennon’s decision pays off, Man City may be ready to give Celtic £7 million.

Celtic could bank a windfall from a Manchester City transfer.

Neil Lennon was Celtic manager when Jeremy Frimpong was sold to Bayer Leverkusen (Image: Getty)

Manchester City could be set to pay Celtic a bumper £7.3million if the Premier League club land Jeremy Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. The reigning champions are reportedly interested in a deal for their former academy star.

City sold Frimpong to Celtic for £300,000 in 2019, with the speedy wing-back failing to make an appearance for Pep Guardiola’s senior squad. He excelled in the Scottish Premiership and was signed by Bayer Leverkusen in a £11.75m switch in 2021.

The 23-year-old has since become one of the most in-demand stars in European football. His performances at right-wing-back were crucial as Leverkusen went unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season.

Xabi Alonso could face a major battle keeping hold of the Netherlands international. According to the Daily Mail, City have entered the race to sign their former player.

The report claims that Celtic will be due 30 per cent of any profit Leverkusen make in a future transfer, an agreement which was struck during Neil Lennon’s tenure. Frimpong has a £34m release clause, meaning the club that eventually buys him will owe the Scottish champions £7.3m.

City are in dire need of a refresh after a horrid run of form. Seven winless games, compounded by Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, is the worst run of Guardiola’s managerial career.

A deal for Frimpong would re-energise City’s right-hand side, where a 34-year-old Kyle Walker has struggled to meet his previously high standards. Rico Lewis can also play at right-back but the England teenager’s form has also suffered a drop this season.

Speaking last year about the possibility of a return to City, Frimpong said: “It would be great, but I don’t know. They have just won the Champions League and are the best team in the world. In the future we will see.”

Jeremie Frimpong has been linked with a return to Manchester City (Image: Getty)

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Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Frimpong. The Reds are looking at alternatives to Trent Alexander-Arnold should the academy graduate snub a new contract and accept a free transfer switch to Real Madrid.

Just like Alexander-Arnold, Frimpong is extremely prolific for a full-back and is known for his creativity. He scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions last season. This term, Frimpong has scored twice and assisted seven times.

The former Dutch youth international has the bonus of being versatile. He can also play on the left and has featured in midfield and attacking roles for Leverkusen.

Neil Lennon comments on the Celtic goal that was disallowed against Aberdeen as the referee sounds the whistle early.

Paulo Bernardo thought he’d given Celtic the lead against Aberdeen earlier this evening when his corner soared into the back of the net.

Referee Don Robertson, however, blew his whistle early to rule out the first-half “opener” for a foul inside the area.

Daizen Maeda was adjudged to have made unacceptable contact with goalkeeper Ross Doohan who attempted a punch at the ball only to see it nestle into the corner.

But by this time, whistler Robertson had called for a foul and the goal was chalked off without complaint.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ punditry duties, Neil Lennon had his say on the situation and he claimed it was the right decision from the ref to disallow the Celtic opener.

And he cited the laws of the game in his reasoning for the decision being spot on while criticising Maeda for the challenge on Doohan – one the Northern Irishman claims the winger did not need to make.

Asked by presenter Eilidh Barbour if it was the correct call, and if Robertson blew ‘rightly or wrongly’, Lennon said: “Rightly and the referee blew early, before the ball went in the net.

Neil Lennon says ref Don Robertson was right to rule out Celtic’s goal

🗣️ “There’s not a lot in that at all… I’ll tell you what, goalkeepers are overprotected”

Celtic have the ball in the net but it’s ruled out for a foul by Daizen Maeda on Ross Doohan

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 4, 2024

View Tweet

MORE CELTIC STORIES

“You hear the whistle go, it’s gone already and the referee made the decision early.

“When you look at it again, I agree with Chris (Sutton) on commentary, Maeda doesn’t have to go and make contact with the goalkeeper.

“He just needs to stand his ground and nine times out of 10 they’re given as a free-kick against the goalkeeper, whether us old yins think it’s soft or not. It’s the rules of the game.

Chris Sutton agreed with Lennon and claimed goalkeepers are ‘overprotected’

“Maeda doesn’t need to back into him. Just stand his ground and try to put the goalkeeper off.”

🗣️ “[Maeda] doesn’t need to back into him really”

🗣️ “[Doohan’s] got to stand strong and make sure he commands that area”

Neil Lennon and Kris Boyd on Celtic’s disallowed goal. Your thoughts? ⬇️

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 4, 2024

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VAR officials were called into action on the infringement but did not take long to come to the conclusion that Robertson was correct with his on-field whistle.

Lennon’s teammate, Chris Sutton, had also claimed it was the right decision but insisted goalies continue to be overprotected.

He said on comms: “I think Maeda interferes and he doesn’t need to. There’s not a lot in that at all, I think it’s weak goalkeeping. He doesn’t want to come for that.

“The fact that Don Robertson has already awarded a free-kick, he says he’s seen enough of a foul, but I’ll tell you what… goalkeepers are overprotected.”

Reo Hatate would be the man to win the game for Celts with a left-foot volley on 78 minutes.

It came, finally, after Doohan had kept out Celtic’s strikers with some smart stops.

Celtic and Rangers learn Scottish Cup opponents as fourth round draw made

Philippe Clement’s side will face a familiar Highland League opponent while Brendan Rodgers’ men have been handed an all Premiership tie.

Celtic and Rangers have discovered their fourth round opponents for this season’s Scottish Cup as the two Glasgow sides enter the competition next month.

Philippe Clement’s side will welcome Fraserburgh of the Highland League to Ibrox. It’s a side that Gers fans will be familiar with having previously faced them in this competition as recently as 2018 where a Josh Windass hat-trick secured the win at Bellslea Park in the north east.

Meanwhile, Celtic will also be at home but have been handed a much tougher draw against Premiership rivals Kilmarnock. It is one of three all Premiership ties to have been drawn as the top flight clubs entered the 2024/24 competition.

Other notable ties include a Dundee derby at Dens Park as well as Aberdeen making the trip to Elgin City and Falkirk facing Raith Rovers in an all Championship contest. Hearts will face Brechin City at Glebe Park, Hibs host Clydebank of the West of Scotland Football League and St Johnstone welcome Motherwell in other intriguing clashes.

Former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland and ex Jambos head coach Steven Naismith was the man who drew the balls live on BBC Scotland following Falkirk’s 3-1 win at East Kilbride as the Bairns became the final team to put their name in the pot. Here is the Scottish Cup fourth round draw in full:

Dumbarton v Airdrieonians

Cove Rangers v Forfar Athletic

Dundee v Dundee United

Dunfermline Athletic v Stenhousemuir

Falkirk v Raith Rovers

St Johnstone v Motherwell

Queen’s Park v Montrose

Ross County v Livingston

Hibernian v Clydebank

Rangers v Fraserburgh

Brechin City v Heart of Midlothian

Queen of the South v St Mirren

Hamilton Academical v Musselburgh Athletic

Elgin City v Aberdeen

Broxburn Athletic v Ayr United

Celtic v Kilmarnock

Ties are set to be played the weekend of January 18. A total of five live matches are expected to be broadcast across the weekend with both Premier Sports and BBC Scotland having broadcast rights

Who are Celtic’s fourth round Scottish Cup opponents?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 25: Celtic Manager Brendan Rodger lifts the Scottish Cup during the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park, on May 25, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) (Image: SNS Group)

Celtic have been drawn against Kilmarnock in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will begin the defence of their trophy at Celtic Park against Derek McInnes’ team, who they have already played twice this season – winning 4-0 and 2-0 home and away respectively.

Celtic defeated Buckie Thistle, St Mirren, Aberdeen and Rangers en route to their 42nd Scottish Cup triumph, with Adam Idah proving to be the difference in the Glasgow Derby cup final last May at Hampden.

The fourth round ties are scheduled for the weekend of January 18, 2025 – more information will be disclosed in due course.

Repor Holders Celtic face Kilmarnock…

Holders Celtic face Kilmarnock; Dundee host rivals Dundee Utd; Rangers face Highland League club Fraserburgh; Hearts visit Brechin City; Hibernian to welcome sixth-tier Clydebank; scroll down for details of every tie; matches will be played on the weekend of January 18/19

Image:All 16 Scottish Cup fourth-round matches will take place on the weekend of January 18/19

Holders Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Cup title against Kilmarnock.

All 12 Scottish Premiership clubs enter the competition in the fourth round, with city rivals Dundee being drawn against Dundee United and St Johnstone taking on Motherwell in the three all-top-flight ties.

Highlights of a dramatic Dundee derby draw that kicked off both club’s Scottish Premiership season

Philippe Clement’s Rangers have been drawn against one of the five non-SPFL sides – with Highland League outfit Fraserburgh heading to Ibrox after the fifth-tier club beat Annan Athletic 2-0. Highland League leaders Brechin City, meanwhile, will host Hearts.

Image:Philippe Clement’s Rangers will face Highland League club Fraserburgh

West of Scotland League leaders Clydebank – who are the joint lowest-ranked club left in the competition – have been rewarded with a trip to face Hibernian. Fellow sixth-tier club Musselburgh Athletic – who top the East of Scotland League – will take on Championship side Hamilton Academical.

David Gray’s Hibernian face the joint lowest-ranked club Clydebank

Elsewhere, Broxburn Athletic of the Lowland League – Scotland’s fifth tier – will face Ayr United, plus St Mirren are away to Queen of the South, League Two leaders Elgin City welcome Aberdeen and Ross County host Livingston,

The ties will take place on the weekend of January 18-19.

Scottish Cup fourth-round draw in full: ​​

Image:Celtic won the Scottish Cup after beating Rangers 1-0 at Hampden Park last season

Dumbarton vs Airdrieonians

Scottish Premiership live on Sky Sports

Stream the Scottish Premiership on NOW

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Cove Rangers vs Forfar Athletic

Dundee vs Dundee United

Dunfermline Athletic vs Stenhousemuir

Falkirk vs Raith Rovers

St Johnstone vs Motherwell

Queen’s Park vs Montrose

Ross County vs Livingston

Hibernian vs Clydebank

Rangers vs Fraserburgh

Brechin City vs Hearts

Queen of the South vs St Mirren

Hamilton Academical vs Musselburgh Athletic

Elgin City vs Aberdeen

Broxburn Athletic vs Ayr United

Celtic vs Kilmarnock

Clement Delivers December Celtic Warning

Philippe Clement has delivered an early Christmas laugh for Celtic fans or a warning to us, depending on what side of the fence you sit on, potentially likening his Rangers side to Manchester City’s treble winners after their laboured 1-0 victory over a struggling St Johnstone. Despite being a daunting 11 points behind Celtic in the league, Clement remains adamant that “nothing is decided in December.”

Reflecting on his team’s slim win, secured thanks to an own goal rather than a moment of brilliance, the Ibrox manager looked to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City for inspiration. “I think Manchester City a few years ago was a really good example because everybody didn’t give them any chance in December and everything was bad,” he said. “But they won a treble.”

It’s a bold comparison, to say the least. Guardiola’s side had the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland at their disposal, while Clement’s Rangers outfit has struggled to put away teams sitting at the bottom of the SPFL. St Johnstone barely laid a glove on Rangers, but Clement’s team failed to impress in response, stumbling to victory.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 1, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Rangers manager Philippe Clement Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Clement is keen to downplay the growing gap between themselves and Celtic at the top of the table, insisting that his focus is solely on the immediate future. “I’m not counting,” he explained. “I want the mentality from my players that they look to the next game and put all their energy into that and not start calculating or whatever.”

This so-called “winning mentality” hasn’t exactly shone through in Rangers’ performances, but Clement remains steadfast in his belief. “Nothing ever in a season is decided in December about the season,” he told The Rangers Review, as if to reassure a fanbase that has seen Celtic dominate the league so far.

Fantasy Football

Clement’s words may be aimed at galvanising his squad, but they’re unlikely to strike fear into the hearts of Celtic fans. Comparing his side’s faltering form to the incredible feats of Manchester City feels like a stretch at best and delusional at worst.

Celtic, meanwhile, have been relentless. With Brendan Rodgers at the helm, the Hoops have barely broken a sweat while building their commanding lead. Rangers’ patchy displays, by contrast, have left their fans relying more on hope than expectation.

As Clement urges his players to “win every game,” the reality is that Celtic, even if they do go through a sticky patch will likely drop less points than Rangers have already this season.

Celtic and Rangers learn Scottish Cup opponents as fourth round draw made

Philippe Clement’s side will face a familiar Highland League opponent while Brendan Rodgers’ men have been handed an all Premiership tie.

Celtic and Rangers have discovered their fourth round opponents for this season’s Scottish Cup as the two Glasgow sides enter the competition next month.

Philippe Clement’s side will welcome Fraserburgh of the Highland League to Ibrox. It’s a side that Gers fans will be familiar with having previously faced them in this competition as recently as 2018 where a Josh Windass hat-trick secured the win at Bellslea Park in the north east.

Meanwhile, Celtic will also be at home but have been handed a much tougher draw against Premiership rivals Kilmarnock. It is one of three all Premiership ties to have been drawn as the top flight clubs entered the 2024/24 competition.

Other notable ties include a Dundee derby at Dens Park as well as Aberdeen making the trip to Elgin City and Falkirk facing Raith Rovers in an all Championship contest. Hearts will face Brechin City at Glebe Park, Hibs host Clydebank of the West of Scotland Football League and St Johnstone welcome Motherwell in other intriguing clashes.

Former Hearts, Rangers and Scotland and ex Jambos head coach Steven Naismith was the man who drew the balls live on BBC Scotland following Falkirk’s 3-1 win at East Kilbride as the Bairns became the final team to put their name in the pot. Here is the Scottish Cup fourth round draw in full:

Dumbarton v Airdrieonians

Cove Rangers v Forfar Athletic

Dundee v Dundee United

Dunfermline Athletic v Stenhousemuir

Falkirk v Raith Rovers

St Johnstone v Motherwell

Queen’s Park v Montrose

Ross County v Livingston

Hibernian v Clydebank

Rangers v Fraserburgh

Brechin City v Heart of Midlothian

Queen of the South v St Mirren

Hamilton Academical v Musselburgh Athletic

Elgin City v Aberdeen

Broxburn Athletic v Ayr United

Celtic v Kilmarnock

Ties are set to be played the weekend of January 18. A total of five live matches are expected to be broadcast across the weekend with both Premier Sports and BBC Scotland having broadcast rights.

Celtic have a heavy fixture schedule to contend with as Brendan Rodgers looks to defend his Scottish Premiership crown and make progress in the Champions League.

After Celtic’s draw with Club Brugge, the Hoops put themselves firmly in the driving seat to qualify out of the league phase for the first time since 2013.

However, it’s not Celtic’s Champions League results that have the Croatian media in a spin. It’s what Rodgers’ team are doing in the Scottish Premiership that has them all in a tizz.

Celtic labelled ‘a firecracker’ after Ross County win sets fear in Croatia

Brendan Rodgers set down a marker as he watched his Celtic team hammer Ross County on Saturday and it seems that that performance has made the Croatian media sit up and take notice.

Media outlet Sportske said, “Dinamo’s next opponent in the Champions League suffered a ‘firecracker’, in the first half.

“A new easy victory in the Scottish Premiership was achieved by Celtic, who defeated Ross County 5-0 at home in the 14th round.”

Telesport was equally blown away but delivered a scathing verdict on Don Cowie’s men, “Although the weak Ross County may not be an authoritative opponent, Celtic have already shown a handful of times this season that they have a serious attacking arsenal and a solid defence.

“In 13 games played, the team scored 40 and conceded only four goals. This is by far the best league ratio.”

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Celtic’s form vs Dinamo Zagreb ahead of Champions League clash

Celtic fans will be confident ahead of the big Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb. Brendan Rodgers has negotiated what is widely regarded as the Hoops’ hardest games with a defeat to Borussia Dortmund, a draw against Atalanta and a win over the Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig.

So with that in mind, 67 Hail Hail decided to take a deep dive into Celtic and Dinamo Zagreb’s form for the whole season before the two clubs meet next Wednesday night.

PlayedWonDrewLostGoals scoredGoals concededChampions League placeChampions League pointsCeltic211731641720th8Dinamo Zagreb231166453923rd7Stats from FCTable

So it seems that looking at the stats, Celtic are looking very good heading into the game with Zagreb not only leaking points domestically but also plenty of goals.

With the firepower Rodgers has at his disposal, Celtic have a great chance of picking up a positive result in Zagreb.

Pat Bonner Predicts Surprise Celtic January Signing

Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner thinks the Hoops will sign a midfielder in January.

Despite other areas of the squad looking weaker in depth – particularly the frontline – Irishman Bonner reckons manager Brendan Rodgers needs another player in the engine to help supplement Callum McGregor.

23rd November 2024; Tynecastle Park, Edinburgh, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Hearts versus Celtic; Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers gives the fans a thumbs up after the win

One has to admit, the Bhoys bringing in another centre-mid in January would come as somewhat of a surprise.

McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo, and Luke McCowan have all proven themselves to be more than ample options for Rodgers, and the boss has even given young Francis Turley minutes this campaign.

Regardless, Bonner thinks the Scottish champions could use a more physical, defensively minded midfielder, particularly for European games, to play alongside skipper McGregor in a double pivot: “Rodgers [is] here for the period,” said the pundit (Sportsound via RecordSport).

“He’s enjoying himself at the moment. He’s building a team. And I think there’s a little bit more to go on. I think he’ll go to the market again and try and find the player that could come in alongside Callum McGregor.

“Callum could play, actually, further forward for the team. But when it comes to Europe, where you’re looking for maybe two players to play in that number six, I think he could do with one, bigger, stronger, but still technically good player. And that may take a bit of money, but it could also be the one that would finish this team off.”

Celtic fans have long wanted a ‘destroyer’ type midfielder, but there would appear to be other priorities in January, and given the Hoops’ current engine room depth, rightly so.

Indeed, Stephen McGowan reported at the end of last week that the Celts are focusing on signing a left winger and a young, third-choice striker next month.

It doesn’t look like Luis Palma has a long-term future at the club, and given Adam Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi are the sole two natural centre-forwards in the building, attending to the aforementioned areas seems wise.

Celtic set sights on signing Mathias Kvistgaarden – sources

Celtic have set their sights on signing Brondby IF forward Mathias Kvistgaarden in January, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Celtic scouts are continuing to “keep tabs” on the 22-year-old.

The striker himself has suggested that he would be interested in a move away to a new league for a fresh challenge, and the Hoops are long-term admirers of him.

The striker has scored 13 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions this season which has seen him gain plenty of admirers around Europe.

If a deal isn’t possible in January then the Scottish giants are prepared to be patient and look at seeing if he could be signed next summer.

It is believed that Brendan Rodgers has a strong enough squad to compete on all fronts if there are no injuries between now and the end of the season, but further strength in depth is something he’s looking to secure.

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Celtic are aiming to strengthen their squad to be more competitive

Rodgers wants to enhance his squad if possible to give his team the best chance of succeeding on all fronts, especially in Europe.

The Scottish giants are currently 20th in the Champions League table after the opening five games.

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Another player that the Hoops are monitoring is Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller, who is catching the eye of numerous teams.

Celtic will be back in action in a top of the table clash against Aberdeen on Wednesday (4 December).

Celtic are in a strong position heading into the January transfer window.

Compared to last season, when there were chants of ‘sack the board’ during Celtic’s defeat to Hearts in November, the club enters this window in a far healthier manner.

Brendan Rodgers has stated that Celtic want to do business and talk about who could come in has already started.

Quite a lot of noise has centred around the midfield places, with some arguing that could be the strongest part of Rodgers’ squad.

From Motherwell star Lennon Miller to Burnley’s soon-to-be out-of-contract star, Josh Brownhill, many names have popped up.

But another name was discussed, in regards to the forward areas, especially after Rodgers stated he wants three strikers back in August.

As of this moment, Kyogo Furuhashi is Celtic’s main man, with Adam Idah, who scored during the thumping win against Ross County on Saturday, as the back-up option.

But how about a man who is expected to leave his current club and arrive, not in the winter, but perhaps in the summer of 2025?!

Andy Halliday says Lawrence Shankland would ‘go to Celtic’

The Scotland international isn’t hitting the high notes of last season, but that still hasn’t stopped noise around his future.

As Si Ferry touched upon on Open Goal, Lawrence Shankland ‘expects to leave Hearts’, with his contract expiring next summer.

Andy Halliday stated that Shankland would ‘go to Celtic’, but former Bhoys youth product Paul Slane shut it down by stating that he simply ‘wouldn’t suit’ Rodgers’ style.

“In the last few games, where I have watched Shanks, every part of his game, apart from goalscoring, has been great,” shared Ross McCormack.

“Shankland said he expects to leave Hearts and there is ‘no progression made on a new deal, he is free to talk to other clubs in January,” shared Si Ferry. “Would Celtic take him?”

Paul Slane responded: “No, I don’t think so.” And then McCormack asked: “Do you think he would go to Celtic?”

Andy Halliday then chipped in: “I think he would go to Celtic.” Before Ferry reminded the panel: “He did say he wanted three strikers at the start of the season, didn’t he, Rodgers?!”

Slane then claimed: “I don’t think he suits Celtic’s style. The way we press.”

Shankland’s stats v Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah

At the end of the day, it’s about the here and now, as Shankland simply isn’t good enough for the levels of Celtic.

Yes, he scored 31 goals last season in all competitions, but it’s December now and, as posted by Transfermarkt, he only has one goal for Hearts this term – Callum McGregor has scored more from just outside of the box.

Then you need to look at the competition facing Shankland, if Rodgers wants and gets that third striker, then he needs to have the ability to challenge what is ahead of him.

Shankland wouldn’t be able to do that, with Kyogo, not just levels above, but miles ahead of the Scotsman.

The Japan star has seven goals to his name this season, including five in the Premiership, with Idah doing better, in comparison to the minutes he is playing.

CONFIRMED: SAME AGAIN CELTS AS KYOGO LEADS THE WAY

BRENDAN RODGERS has given a vote of confidence to the Celtic starting eleven who beat Hearts on Saturday when he said same again for the Champions League encounter against Club Brugge at Parkhead this evening.

Kyogo Furuhashi will start the match after opening the scoring in the 4-1 win at Tynecastle before making way for two goal Adam Idah.

Arne Engels will take his place in midfield alongside Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate to face his fellow-Belgians with Paulo Bernardo starting on the bench.

TEAM: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda. Subs: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, Nawricki, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston and Welsh.

Earlier today, we asked how much you could remember about Celtic’s Belgian Connection in CQN‘s fun five-minute quiz to test your knowledge.

Now we repeat those questions and provide the answers.

QUESTIONS:

1: Martin O’Neill bought a Belgian international defender as he prepared for his Celtic managerial debut in season 2000/01. Can you name the player?

2: Ronny Deila signed Belgian centre-back duo Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer from which English club: A: Arsenal, B: Chelsea or C: Manchester City?

3: Brendan Rodgers enjoyed a 3-0 success over Anderlecht in Brussels in his first outing against Belgian opposition seven years ago. Scott Sinclair and Leigh Griffiths were two of the marksmen. Who scored the other goal?

4: Celtic have had one Belgian goalkeeper in their history. Can you remember the identity of the netminder?

5: Arne Engels cost the Hoops a record £11million when he joined from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg on deadline day. Can you name the previous Belgian to be signed by the Parkhead club? Clue: Neil Lennon paid £3million to Rapid Vienna for him in the summer of 2019.

ANSWERS:

1: Joos Valgaeren, £4.8million from Rhoda FC.

2: C: Manchester City.

3: Patrick Roberts.

4: Logan Bailly.

5: Boli Bolingoli.

Ten out of ten if you got all five correct. Go to the head of the class!

Football Meets Data updates Celtic’s likely Champions League final placing

Despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Club Brugge, Celtic are still on course for a place in the Round of 16 Play Off in the Champions League.

A top eight place in the 32 team format now looks very unrealistic but with three matches left to play Football Meets Data is projecting Celtic to finish in 20^th place of the eight match format.

That would comfortably ensure a place in the February Play Offs but finishing below 16^th would mean playing the first leg at home against a side finishing between ninth and sixteenth.

After five rounds of fixtures the modelling is getting more accurate but with their Pot 1 and 2 opponents already faced Celtic have in theory easier opponents that they’ve faced so far.

Matchday 7 at home to pointless YB Berne seems to be the ‘banker’ for many fans with the Swiss champions losing 6-1 at home to Atalanta on Tuesday night.

Next up on December 10 is an away match against Dinamo Zagreb who lost 3-0 tonight at home to Borussia Dortmund.

While that appears a winnable match Dinamo will be thinking much the same with seven points from their first five matches.

Celtic earned a crucial Champions League point in a 1-1 draw with Club Brugge after battling back from going behind for the second time in a row.

Brendan Rodgers’ team went behind midway through the first half after a Cameron Carter-Vickers mistake led to a horror own goal as he lost Kasper Schmeichel’s bearings with a backpass.

However, Celtic battled back to draw with Club Brugge after Daizen Maeda’s wonder goal pulled the Hoops level but the Bhoys just couldn’t find that winner to ensure the three points stayed in Glasgow.

Stop what you’re doing and watch this finish from Daizen Maeda 🔥

It’s all square at Celtic Park!

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024

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And speaking after the match, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers offered his thoughts on his team’s Champions League draw with Club Brugge.

Brendan Rodgers hails the ‘tough character’ of Celtic hero Cameron Carter-Vickers

The Celtic boss was asked about the goal that put his team behind and Rodgers’ reaction to Cameron Carter-Vickers’ mistake was just first-class.

Rogers told BBC Radio Scotland, “Well, listen, mistakes happen, and it was just unfortunate. He’s played that pass a million times and has gone back, and then we’ve been able to play forward. It’s just one of those unfortunate moments in the game that happened for you.

“But like you say, he’s a really, really tough character. He’s a great guy. He picked himself up. He was really strong and aggressive again in the game and got on with it and had real bravery in the second half because he was the one carrying the ball forward for us to start the attack.”

So Celtic earn a vital point as they keep their hopes of getting out of the league phase intact.

Where Celtic stand in the Champions League table after Club Brugge stalemate

A point leaves Celtic sitting in 20th place in the UEFA Champions League table as Rodgers’ hopes of qualifying remain on track.

Celtic are just two points off the automatic qualification places and just one point from the play-offs.

If Rodgers can nab a point from Dinamo Zagreb and then beat Young Boys in December, the Celtic boss will most likely be guaranteed a play-off fixture with the Hoops not too far from the automatic places.

With three games still to play, there is plenty left for Celtic to aim for and whilst there is disappointment at not getting another win, Rodgers remains in the driving seat to progress in UEFA’s premier tournament.

Revealed: Full-Time Celtic Dressing Room Anger

Celtic managed to secure a Champions League point after being 1-0 down at halftime at Celtic Park, but that clearly wasn’t good enough for the team.

As the full-time whistle blew, Celtic players on the pitch were fuming because they hadn’t managed to win, and that’s exactly what you want in a team.

It highlighted the winning mentality in the team, with the mindset at Celtic taking Auston Trusty by surprise.

He said: (Daily Record), “I’ve been in locker rooms when you get away from this kind of game and guys are excited, but you go back in the locker room tonight and see guys p***ed off and really, really upset and that shows a lot of the character that’s in the team.

“We weren’t happy with how we played in the first half, but we thought that we should have won this game and it was a real opportunity for us, not just to get one point but to get three points. Obviously, you take the point, but it’s good to see that guys are angry going into the locker room and sitting there just quiet.

“We just weren’t playing in our character in the first half, so I think we all felt it. Sometimes you need that little huddle to wake everybody up and say, okay, what’s happened has happened, now we can move on from it.

“So that was a moment for us to make some changes and get some momentum back in the game.”

With most supporters likely content with the draw due to the nature of the comeback, the Celtic team were upset with the draw, and this highlights the players’ demand for more from themselves.

Brendan Rodgers brings a winning mentality to the club, and a mindset to always strive for more and perfection, and this is clear to see from Trusty’s comments.

The USA international is learning from a dressing room that breathes success, and on a night like tonight, a draw is seen as below the standards required.

Club Brugge manager on ‘the hand of Brendan’ and Celtic style of play

Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen at Parkhead tonight (Image: PA)

CLUB Brugge manager Nicky Hayen is convinced the visitors can silence Parkhead when they play Celtic in the Champions League tomorrow evening – if they embrace the intimidating atmosphere the home supporters will generate.

The Belgian champions defeated Sturm Graz 1-0 in the Worthersee Stadium in Austria in their second league phase game and then gave AC Milan a serious scare in the San Siro in Italy in their next outing before being reduced to 10 men and losing 3-1.

Hayen, who was Arne Engels’ coach when the midfielder was a youngster at Club NXT, the Brugge academy side, is confident his charges can pick up all three points against Brendan Rodgers’ team.

However, he has acknowledged they will have to block out the noise the 58,000-strong crowd will make to replicate their previous displays on the road and come out on top.

“I think the first 35 minutes were really good in Milan,” he said. “Unfortunately, we got a red card and that changed the picture of the game. But that match was a good preparation for this game.

“We know the atmosphere is really amazing here and this is something that we have to embrace. You can’t fight against it and this is not what we want to do.
“Every footballer who wants to play football at the highest level wants to play in this kind of atmosphere.  If there are 60,000 people or 5,000 people, for us it doesn’t matter. You just have to perform on the pitch.

“We did that in Milan, but we also did that in the games we played at home against Aston Villa and Dortmund [they beat the English side 1-0 earlier this month and lost 3-0 to the Germans in their opening fixture back in September].

“Those performances were also a very good level. And this is the level that we have to perform at every single time. When you perform on that level, whatever competition it is in, then you can have a good result.

“I heard from people around the club hat the expectations here are really big, that the atmosphere will be crazy and that they are waiting for us. But, like I said, these are the games that you want to play as a player. We just have to stay calm, embrace those kind of feelings and perform on the pitch.”

(Image: Belga/PA Wire)Hayen added: “I think it’s a game between two teams who really want to play football, try to play dominant football with a lot of attacking options. I don’t think it will be a tight game. I think it will be open and there will be a lot of transition moments.
“You see that he [Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers] is a coach who really wants to play football, even from behind. He wants to invite the pressure and tries to always find the right solution. They’re complete as a team, but also with strong individual players.
“You see the hand of Brendan over here. You can say British football is more kick and rush, but here in Celtic you never see it. It’s always a clean build up from behind. And that’s exciting.”
Club Brugge centre-back Brandon Mechele has told his team mates they will have to improve on their showing in their 1-0 triumph over Aston Villa in the Jan Breydel Stadium earlier this month if they want to prevail.

Mechele said: “As long as we give it our best, we can do great things. It will be a difficult night and we have to be there to support each other and help each other in the difficult moments. Then if we can create and play our own game, then we can do something special.
“I think that the level we showed against Aston Villa will be the level at least that we have to bring against Celtic, maybe even more. We have to give our best, and then we will see what we can get.”

“It is my job to stop the attackers of Celtic. That’s my first concern. And if I do my job well, then we have at least one point. That’s what we must do.”

Why Bernardo will get the nod over Engels – predicted XIs

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo replaces Arne Engels during a UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, on November 05, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig (Image: Craig Williamson – SNS Group)

Celtic assumed the top spot in the Scottish Premiership table all on their own at the weekend with a convincing 4-1 victory over Hearts that moved them three points clear of early challengers Aberdeen and 11 ahead of rivals Rangers in the title race.

Now the focus of attention has switched to the Champions League as Brendan Rodgers’s men go in search of the perfect 10. A win over Belgian champions Club Brugge would put the Irishman’s side in dreamland on Matchday Five in the Champions League league phase and give the Scottish champions a massive shot in the arm and wonderful chance of reaching the knockout phase.

Celtic now need to show that the performance against RB Leipzig on Matchday Four was no fluke and a one-off.

The 51-year-old is determined to make Celtic a big noise in European football once again and the men in green and white could extend their unbeaten Champions League run at Parkhead to five matches.

Can Celtic take a step closer to achieving their Champions League dream of qualifying for the knockout stages? The Celtic Way’s Tony Haggerty and Ryan McGinlay each have their say…

Tony Haggerty

Celtic have set the bar in terms of the Champions League displays. The performance and result against RB Leipzig on Matchday Four was one for the ages. Rodgers even admitted that he had heard the RB Leipzig contest referred to as a ‘generational game’. He was not wrong.

That’s in the past and if Celtic can replicate those levels then they will be more than a match for their Belgian counterparts. A win would see Celtic edge closer to a play-off spot and possibly even automatic qualification for the last 16.

The Irishman went hard and strong at Tynecastle at the weekend and one would expect nothing less in the rarified atmosphere of Parkhead on a Champions League night.

Kasper Schmeichel will remain in situ between the sticks. He will be ably assisted by the excellent Alistair Johnston at right-back with an all-American central defensive pairing of Auston Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The duo have started to bond and form a solid partnership of late. Greg Taylor usually gets the call for the bigger matches but he won’t this time and Barcelona La Masia graduate Alex Valle will be asked to step up to the plate in the left-back berth just as he did in Bergamo against Atalanta. Valle’s style can be more conducive to European football.

In midfield, captain Callum McGregor is the constant and he will be joined by Reo Hatate who will be asked to produce another majestic creative performance just as he did against the Germans. The dilemma will come in the engine room concerning the third midfielder – is it, Arne Engels or Paulo Bernardo? The Portuguese under-21 skipper will get the nod for this one despite £11 million man Engels having local knowledge of his previous employers. The Belgian has suffered a dip in form domestically but has produced his best on the Champions League stage. However, this may be a night when Celtic need to dig deep to secure a result. Bernardo possesses drive, commitment and an eye for a pass and a goal whenever he drives forward and is impacting games to the point where his form simply cannot be ignored.

The attack picks itself, despite Republic of Ireland striker Adam Idah serving notice that he can still score big goals when it matters with his brace at the weekend against the Jambos. He will come off the bench at some point but Kyogo Furihashi will lead the line. Either side of the Japanese talisman will be his compatriot Daizen Maeda on the left and the irresistible and irrepressible Nicolas Kuhn. The German winger took his tally to a ridiculous 22 goal contributions in Edinburgh (11 goals and 11 assists). Kuhn is King and he is the man for the big occasion thus far this season.

Celtic to win a tight one by the odd goal in three.

Tony’s team: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Valle; McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda

Ryan McGinlay

Perhaps surprisingly, Celtic’s European campaign thus far has been very positive – but it could get even better if they do the business versus Club Brugge on Wednesday in Glasgow.

Perhaps the most even match of Celtic’s Champions League campaign on paper, Rodgers’ side will be looking to all but seal their place in the play-offs with a victory on the night – a result that many will expect the club to manage against the Belgian champions, despite their recent reputation.

Three points must be the aim – especially at home – which means the club need to name their strongest team to face Brugge. Because of this, a couple of changes will be made to the team that defeated Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday night in the capital.

In goals, Schmeichel will continue to ply his trade in between the sticks for Celtic, while three of the defence from four days ago will start in the shape of  Trusty and  Carter-Vickers at centre-back, as well as Johnston in the right-back slot. At left-back, however, there will be a change, as Alex Valle will replace Greg Taylor due to the latter’s poor first-half performance in Edinburgh. Valle gives Celtic a more expansive style with his running and dribbling on the left – he will get the nod ahead of the Scotland international.

In midfield, captain McGregor will sit at the base of the three, while Hatate will play as the furthest-forward middle-man. However, Arne Engels will have to make do with the bench for Wednesday’s proceedings, as Paulo Bernardo will finally get the start he has been waiting for against Brugge. Dig, commitment and drive are the orders of the day when it comes to Bernardo – Celtic will need that on the night to make it to 10 points in five games.

Up front, Kyogo will pip Idah to the number nine position, despite the latter’s two-goal showing versus Hearts off of the bench. The in-form Kuhn will play on the right, while Maeda will be called upon to bring both attacking drive and defensive grit when out of possession.

A tough game ahead, but I reckon Celtic will win by two clear goals – essentially booking their place in the play-offs as a result. Another big match at Celtic Park – you cannot beat it.

Ryan’s team: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Valle; McGregor, Bernardo, Hatate; Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda

THE TRAMPOLINE EFFECT My Bhoys bounced back from pain of Dortmund but we’re ready to suffer again at this highest of levels, admits Rodgers

Rafa Nadal finally brought two decades at the summit of professional tennis to an end last week.

Amid the tears and the tributes it was easy to overlook the fact that the 14-time French Open champion spent much of his career in agony. He wrestled with a chronic foot condition call Mueller-Weiss syndrome for years and spent most of 2023 nursing a hip injury.

The pain and the torment were the price to be paid for winning 22 Grand Slam titles. A masochistic streak ran through everything when he admitted: ‘I learned during all my career to enjoy suffering.’

Celtic have done their share of suffering in the Champions League. And enjoyable isn’t the first word which springs to mind.

When Scotland’s champions were thrashed 7-1 in Dortmund, they were savaged. Winning four points from six in the two games since, Rodgers can afford to be philosophical over the experience now, comparing it to a bounce on a trampoline.

Huge win over RB Leipzig helped Celtic consign Dortmund hammering to history

It was all a far cry from the night they were thrashed 7-1  by Dortmund in Germany

Rodgers shares a joke with scorer Reo Hatate after the Leipzig victory

‘Failure is a part of the journey,’ states the Northern Irishman

‘And I said it at the time, and I was probably looked at a bit funny, but it can be that trampoline effect and it can bounce you back even higher. But it’s how you deal with it which is important.

‘So dealing with the setback that we had that night, you can see where it’s trampolined the players and bounced them forward. It’s all in how you react to the difficult moments. This team have shown that and proven that – and I believe there’s still a lot more to come.’

In the euphoria following the 3-1 win over RB Leipzig earlier this month – Celtic’s biggest European win in years – it was easy to forget how edgy it had all become when the Bundesliga side claimed the lead with a cheap opening goal.

They should have scored from another effort moments later. Antonio Nusa then slashed a glorious chance high and wide as Celtic rode their luck. When Nicolas Kuhn equalised with their first shot on target, the hosts never looked back.

After a decade without a victory against Europe’s elite at Parkhead, the team have now claimed three on the bounce. For the first time in years, Celtic are now expected to win a home game in Europe.

The expectation ignores the fact that Club Brugge beat Sturm Graz away, Aston Villa at home and were unfortunate to lose 3-1 to AC Milan in the San Siro. Like the Leipzig game, Celtic won’t have this game tonight all their own way. They’ll have to suffer at times, no question.

‘As much as you want to dominate, you’re just not going to do it,’ said Rodgers. ‘You can’t do it at this level.

‘You’re going to have spells where the opposition, who have real quality in their team and are very well coached, will make you suffer. And it’s having that ability to suffer.

Kuhn was hero against Leipzig and will hope to score again in clash with Club Brugge

Cameron Carter Vickers gets up to speed for the visit of the Belgian champions

Rodgers is feeling cautiously confident ahead of the game with Club Brugge

‘I think that was the great thing with the Leipzig game. We suffered, we went behind after making a really good start. So we had to weather a wee bit of a storm for 10 minutes or so, but then we grew back into the game again and ran out very, very convincing winners. But you have to be ready for it and that’s something that we’re developing all the time.’

If any club have cracked this Champions League lark, it’s Real Madrid. In the biggest overhaul to the competition format in 32 years, however, even the 15-time winners are being asked to suffer like Rafa.

Like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain – the club bankrolled by the state of Qatar – Carlo Ancelotti’s team are finding the new single league unsettling. There’s the expectation that they’ll pull through in the end, because these teams usually do. That’s one of the reasons why Rodgers is reluctant to take anything for granted yet.

With seven points from four games and four more matches to come – against Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys and Aston Villa – a kind draw offers a real chance to reach the last-16 play-offs at least.

Little over a month since his managerial record in the Champions League was being battered from pillar to post, Rodgers won’t make the mistake of thinking he’s cracked it just yet.

‘You’ve always got to be on, you’re always learning,’ he said. ‘Things can be tricky. Never think you’ve ever got it sussed.

Rodgers conducts a final training session ahead of the Club Brugge showdown

Kasper Schmeichel is put through his paces as Celtic get ready for latest Euro game

Kyogo Furuhashi will be one of the main men in another big night at Parkhead

‘Especially, with the greatest respect, clubs like ourselves.

‘It’s always the case that we have to bring our ability at the highest level into every game if we’re going to have that opportunity to progress. It’s a brutal competition in terms of the level and the slightest mistakes get punished.

‘In the Leipzig game, we started the game really well and then we gave the ball away – once. It leads to a corner, you concede and then all of a sudden you’re on the back foot for 10 minutes.

‘But we all know that, I think we’ve all seen it enough. You have to be laser focused in your concentration, you’re bringing your performance level and then, like I said, you have to make it really difficult for the opponent.

‘We’re playing against a very, very good opposition and we’ll be ready to try and control as much of that as we can.’

‘Our objective is to get into the play-off phase first and foremost and then we just have to see what points total (we can get). But. for us, it really is focusing on this game and bringing the performance level.’

When the going gets tough – and it usually does at some stage – Rodgers preaches the need for calm.

That’s an easy thing to ask for and a good deal harder to deliver when 60,000 fans are functioning at their wits’ end.

Atalanta away and Leipzig at home showed promising signs of a team learning to keep their head when everyone around them is losing theirs.

‘When you can go away to Atalanta and keep a clean sheet, that gave us great confidence that -at the very highest level – we can be strong defensively. Then we took that into the RB Leipzig game,’ said Rodgers.

‘Same idea, but then we’ve got the home crowd behind us as well. So the level of our football then gets elevated and overall we produced a really consistent performance. ‘Along with some of the other performances we’ve had over the journey in the last 14 months, that has given us a real good hope that we can keep progressing and developing in this competition.

‘We want to make it really, really difficult for teams to play against us – and we know that we’re going to have to suffer at times. But that’s the level.’

Celtic and Rangers keen to take ‘special’ £60m Premier League star on loan, January deal possible

EXCLUSIVE with Graeme Bailey

Rangers need to do something special in January if they are to make up the current 11-point gap on Celtic.

Philippe Clement has overseen a woeful start to the 2024/25 campaign at Ibrox, winning only seven of 12 Scottish Premiership outings so far this season, with Celtic still unbeaten under Brendan Rodgers.

A gap of this margin will take some effort to make up, but TBR Football understand Rangers are motivated to do exactly that by bringing a top Premier League talent to Glasgow in Evan Ferguson – although Celtic are also keen.

Celtic and Rangers set to do battle over Evan Ferguson

Sources have now informed TBR Football that both the Bhoys and the Gers want to sign the Republic of Ireland international on loan this winter – after Brighton made him available for a January move.

Ferguson – who Jamie Carragher called a “special” talent – has struggled for playing time under Fabian Hurzeler at the Amex Stadium so far this season, making just one Premier League start.

TBR Football understand the £60m-rated Irishman has become frustrated with his lack of action, and the Seagulls have now given the green light for a loan exit in January.

Celtic and Rangers have both expressed an interest in Ferguson – who has been compared to Alan Shearer – while TBR Football are also aware that West Ham, Southampton, Leicester and Fulham are keen.

However, Brighton want assurances from whoever wins this transfer battle that the 20-year-old will play regularly during his loan spell.

Ferguson – who TBR Football have been told is still rated as one of the best young strikers around by Brighton – also has interest from clubs in Spain, France, Italy and Germany.

What Evan Ferguson has previously said about Celtic

Celtic and Ferguson actually have some history.

The Drogheda-born striker underwent a trial with the Hoops as a youngster, and has also expressed his admiration for Liam Scales.

When asked if Celtic had ever made a bid for him during his time with St Kevin’s Boys and Bohemians, Ferguson told Open Goal: “Nah I don’t think so, but I went on a few trials when I was younger. (When asked for his favourite Celtic player) I don’t know. At the minute I am going to say Liam Scales.”

If Celtic can make an enticing proposal to the Brighton No.28 this winter, he could well be a teammate of Scales for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

Celtic’s season continues to go from strength to strength.

That was proven at the weekend as Brendan Rodgers watched his team score four goals at Tynecastle to go three points clear at the top of the Premiership table.

Celtic weren’t even at their best, yet they walked away with all three points and it looks like no one can stop them on the domestic circuit.

The team that did come close was Aberdeen when they drew 2-2 at Parkhead in October, but then they got slapped up in the League Cup semi-final.

There have been occasions when the champions have just been too good, but when they are under pressure, like they were at Hearts, or previously before against Kilmarnock, then they are still winning the contest and sometimes comfortably.

One of the main reasons behind that is the devastating form of Nicolas Kuhn.

Nicolas Kuhn is the ‘best player’ in Scotland

Rewind back to January and Kuhn was being questioned in Celtic colours, but just like that, he has turned it all on its head.

That’s 22 goal involvements for the player, including scoring critical goals during, at times, very difficult moments.

Go back to his brace against RB Leipzig, the second goal against Killie when the team was under serious pressure and then the second goal against Hearts to provide his team with the cushion.

That’s why Marvin Bartley feels Kuhn is the ‘best player in the country’ and how he is a ‘real game-changer’ on the flanks, as he told The Scottish Football Podcast.

“I don’t think scorelines ever flatter you because you get out of the game what you deserve,” stated Bartley about Celtic’s performance at Tynecastle.

“I definitely think in the first half Hearts were very, very good, again, they would have gone in at half-time and been happy with their performance. But Celtic showed what champions do. They go out in the second half and score four goals. You come out of it and say ‘were they at their best?’ No, they weren’t.

“They have a man right now in Nicolas Kuhn, who is the best player in the country, no doubt about it. He is a real game-changer. We speak about Rangers not having a clear identity to what they are doing. Celtic have that. Celtic will wear you done by making the same runs. Underlapping runs.”

Kuhn’s stats for Celtic

This could be a record-breaking season for Kuhn because he is already on 22 goal involvements and there is still a lot of football to be played.

There are extra games in the Champions League and Celtic are heading towards the knockout stages.

Plus, the League Cup final is around the corner and you would back the team to reach the Scottish Cup final too. All in all more games for Kuhn to fill his boots.

That’s why WhoScored have rated his performances at a staggering 7.60 this term.

Ahead of a crucial Champions League clash tomorrow evening, Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen was clearly not underestimating Celtic.

The current Belgian champions head to Scotland full of confidence, having won their last league game 7-0 against Sint Truiden and having beaten Aston Villa in their most recent European game. However, they know that Celtic are a tough side to beat at home.

Hayen, speaking to the press ahead of the game, was highly complimentary of Brendan Rodgers and his side.

Hayen said ‘Celtic are a complete team, but individually they also have a lot of quality. It is not kick and rush. They build up well, and that is exactly what Rogers wants’. However, the sides head coach is also confident in his own side.

He went on to say that their recent performances have given him confidence that they can get something from their trip to Scotland.

Three points may be enough to get through to the next round, yet even a point would be a good return.

Club have a tricky final few matches, with Sporting, Juventus and Manchester City still to come.

Who will win Celtic vs Club Brugge? Our writers deliver their predictions for Champions League showdown

The Record Sport team have had their say on the big one at Parkhead with the Belgians the visitors to Glasgow

Celtic v Club Brugge – Champions League preview

Celtic are looking to make it three in a row at home in the Champions League with Club Brugge heading to the east end of Glasgow.

And another Hoops victory will push Brendan Rodgers and his men a step closer to securing their place in the competition beyond the current league phase. Celtic enjoyed an epic European night at Parkhead with RB Leipzig put to the sword last time out. Can the Scottish champions repeat that and move to the brink of qualification for the knockout stages? Or do the Belgian side pack enough of a punch to set them back and put a real dent in their European ambitions?

Record Sport’s top team are all in agreement when it comes to the outcome of the big showdown.

Craig Swan

This could be a classic. Celtic and Club Brugge both have goals in them and are in hot form in front of the target. Brendan Rodgers’ side will need to produce a Leipzig-level of performance to get the job done and can do it in a Parkhead thriller.

Celtic 3 Brugge 2

Scott McDermott

Celtic have Champions League momentum and the bit between their teeth in Europe after dismantling RB Leipzig last time out. The Belgians won’t know what’s hit them when they walk out at Parkhead and will struggle to cope with the intensity of Brendan Rodgers’ side. Expect Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo to get on the scoresheet.

Celtic 2 Club Brugge 0

Scott Burns

This Celtic team have now found their feet in the Champions League. Celtic Park is an intimidating place and one where Celtic are riding a crest of a wave. Club Brugge are a decent side but I think Celtic will have too much for them with Kyogo Furuhashi again proving instrumental.

Celtic 3 Club Brugge 1

Gavin Berry

This will be a different mental test for the Hoops players from the RB Leipzig fixture given the fact they will be expected to win this one following the stunning victory against the Germans.

Nicolas Kuhn is mobbed by Celtic pals after Champions League heroics

But it’s another examination Brendan Rodgers and his troops can pass.

Celtic 2 Club Brugge 1

Fraser Wilson

Strap in for another pulsating night at Parkhead but don’t expect the Belgians to be a pushover. They’ve already shown they can win on the road in the Champions League this season and their home victory over Aston Villa also serves as a warning. But Celtic have found a new gear in Europe especially at home and they should have enough quality to grab another three points.

Celtic 2 Club Brugge 1

Andy Newport

The Hoops are free-scoring right now and if they can plug into the Parkhead energy again, they can charge off towards another huge result.

Celtic 2 Club Brugge 1

Erin Cuthbert booed by Celtic fans as TNT Sports commentator forced to address awkward reception live on air

The Scotland international was given a frosty reception by travelling Hoops fans after coming off the bench in the Champions League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Erin Cuthbert before Chelsea’s clash with Celtic (Image: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Scotland Women’s star Erin Cuthbert found herself subject to boos after coming off the bench for Chelsea in their Champions League meeting with Celtic – leaving the TNT Sports commentator to awkwardly point out the reasons for the jeers.

The two sides were facing off on matchday four of Europe’s premier competition, with the Blues coming from behind to claim a 2-1 victory at Parkhead last Wednesday. And early in the second half with the WSL giants in cruise control at 2-0 up, Cuthbert – who started her professional career with Rangers before moving onto Glasgow City in 2015 – was introduced by Blues boss Sonia Bompastor to a chorus of boos from travelling Hoops fans inside the stadium.

And the jeers were noticed by TNT Sports commentator Jacqui Oatley during the coverage of the game, who quickly realised just why the away fans were not best pleased to see 72-time Scotland cap Cuthbert. She said with a chuckle: “If you did hear any boos from the Celtic contingent, that’s likely why, as we just heard a minute ago. The Rangers supporter from the south of Glasgow.”

Cuthbert saw the funny side of the boos and was visibly smiling as she entered the field of play. The Irvine born-midfielder – who has scored 27 goals for her country – arrived at Stamford Bridge seven years ago and has won seven WSL titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

Celtic Luis Palma special request to Honduras FA revealed

Luis Palma had limited involvement for Honduras during the international break (Image: SNS)

Celtic made a request to the Honduran FA to limit the minutes of Luis Palma because of concerns over their pitch in their international break, according to local reports.

And Honduras boss Reinaldo Rueda revealed he then had to sub Palma off at half time in Mexico because he couldn’t cope with the high altitude of the venue.

Palma has been lightly used by Celtic this season and has made just one league start and three substitute appearances so far this campaign.

He was on international duty this week in a rollercoaster few days where he netted a double after coming off the bench in the first leg of the Concacaf Nations League quarter finals.

But he played for only the first 45 minutes in the return leg where Honduras were crushed 4-0 and eliminated.

And reports from the Central American country state Celtic asked Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda to restrict the amount of minutes for Palma in the home leg because of the artificial surface at the General Francisco Morazán Stadium in San Pedro Sula.

And that’s why despite being Honduras’ star man, he wasn’t brought on until the 63rd minute.

Rueda also hooked Palma at half time in the return leg at Toluca, which is 2,600 metres above sea level.

The manager explained: “Luis had a hard time with altitude previously and it was always going to be hard for him here.

“Unfortunately, the full back had the better of him and we made a change because Mexico attacked us a lot on his wing.”

The change turned into a disaster for Honduras because his replacement, Juan Carlos Obregon was so impacted by the altitude, he needed oxygen on the pitch and had to be subbed off himself as Honduras crashed to a big defeat.

Luke McCowan’s move to Celtic in the summer is one that took the Parkhead support by surprise this summer.

Celtic were busy on transfer deadline day and the £1m capture of McCowan capped off a very good transfer window for Hoops boss, Brendan Rodgers.

Since then, McCowan has gone on and made an impact not only domestically but also in the Champions League with Celtic.

It seems that Dundee boss, Tony Docherty, is feeling the pain of losing McCowan to Celtic as he laments his current injury issues at Dens Park.

Luke McCowan ‘difficult to replace’ after big move from Dundee to Celtic

Docherty is looking ahead to Dundee’s fixture against Hibs on Saturday and speaking about losing two players to injury, the Dens Park gaffer shared how losing McCowan to Celtic has hit his team hard.

Docherty told The Courier, “On the back of losing my captain Joe Shaughnessy, my vice-captain Trevor Carson (both to injury) and then Luke (McCowan, to Celtic) – I’ve lost three captains. That’s difficult.

“Luke had a huge influence in the dressing room.

“It is difficult to replace that, but there are good, good ones there.

“The timing of it as well. At the start of the season we were absolutely flying, we’d scored the most goals in Scotland.

“Luke was a big part of that, so when you take that out of your team it’s hard to replace.”

What Dundee boss Tony Docherty has said about Celtic and Luke McCowan so far this season

Docherty is clearly hurting at losing a player of McCowan’s quality to Celtic but, to be fair to the Dundee gaffer, he has taken the loss well.

Docherty shared what he told the Dundee players after McCowan’s Celtic move as he credited his team for the part they played in getting the life-long Celtic supporter his dream move.

The Dundee boss also complimented Celtic after they beat his side 2-0 at Parkhead this season calling the Hoops a ‘top, top opponent’.

And Docherty even admitted that since moving to Celtic, McCowan has just got ‘better and better’ as he highlighted improvements in his movement and game intelligence.

There is little doubt that McCowan is going to be a big player for Celtic this season and the fans will be looking forward to watching him improve even more under Rodgers.

Celtic head to Tynecastle this week in what will be Brendan Rodgers’ first encounter with new Hearts manager Neil Critchley since his arrival in Gorgie.

Brendan Rodgers’ side looks to pick up where they left off before the international break, with tough challenges ahead in the congested fixture list heading into Christmas.

Although this will be Celtic’s first league clash with Hearts since Critchley’s appointment, Rodgers is familiar with the Englishman from his tenure at Liverpool.

Critchley worked in various roles in Liverpool’s youth set up in a seven-year stint in Merseyside before pursuing his own managerial career. It was here he grew an appreciation for Rodgers’ way of working.

Neil Critchley a fan of Brendan Rodgers after Liverpool link-up

The man in the Tynecastle dugout had glowing words of praise to give Rodgers from their time working together in Liverpool.

In a pre-match press conference before his Blackpool side played the Liverpool U23s in 2023, he spoke of his admiration.

Critchley said: “Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp were incredible at giving young players opportunities.”

He also drew similarities between his and the Celtic manager’s careers: “Brendan came through a similar pathway to me, in terms of his journey of working at U18s and U21s, so he was a believer of giving young players an opportunity.”

Critchley labelled the clear pathway to the first team set out by both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp as “inspiring”.

“Brendan came through a similar pathway to me, in terms of his journey of working at U18s and U21s, so he was a believer of giving young players an opportunity.

“Jurgen carried that on. He always wanted to have the young academy players training with him, and some of them are now playing in the team.

“It was inspiring for the coaches to know there was an opportunity at such a fantastic football club in a period when they were so successful.

Rodgers and Critchley face off in Saturday’s league clash

Any pleasantries exchanged pre-match between the pair will surely be gone when the first whistle is blown at Tynecastle on Saturday night, with a highly charged game on the horizon.

The Celtic boss will be looking to avoid a similar result to the one the Hoops suffered in their last game in Gorgie which saw Celtic suffer a 2-0 defeat which was marred by refereeing controversy.

They face a Hearts side that sits 11th in the Scottish Premiership, having only won two games all season, and will be desperate to cause an upset to start clawing their way back up the table.

Heart Of Midlothian

20:45

Celtic

Celtic ran out comfortable 2-0 victors in the previous fixture at Celtic Park and Rodgers will be hoping to emulate that result against his old colleague in their first clash.

Celtic player reveals 2 approaches from Barcelona – Has major dream for future

Since Celtic trounced RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League, Nicolas Kühn has been getting a vastly increased amount of attention in the German media.

That the 24-year-old scored two of those goals is obviously a big reason for that, however, that he’s got 10 goals and 11 assists for Celtic so far this season tells an even bigger story.

Kühn has made some interesting career choices, and there’s now a belief in Germany that the move to Celtic could turn out to be an inspired decision and lead the player to the German national side.

This week’s edition of SportBild has had a chat with the man of the moment, and he spoke about his dream to represent Germany at the 2026 World Cup.

Asked if manager Julian Nagelsmann has contacted him yet, the Celtic player said: “Unfortunately not yet. Every boy who plays football dreams of playing for the national team at some point. I have often said that the DFB team is a huge goal of mine.

“I know that I have the quality for the national team and make no secret of the fact that I dream of the 2026 World Cup in the USA. But there is no other way than to keep working hard, scoring goals and preparing. Then the rest will follow by itself.”

Asked about claims Barcelona have been interested in his development, Kühn said: “Yes, that’s true. Even before I moved to RB Leipzig’s boarding school at the age of 14, there was contact between Barça and my agent. And even before my time at Ajax Amsterdam (from 2018), they wanted to sign me. But I saw a better chance of making the breakthrough at Ajax.”

That was another good decision from Kühn, who will again be attracting interest from clubs if he continues the sparkling start to the season he’s had.

Should he achieve his goal of making it to the 2026 World Cup then Celtic will have a fight on their hands to keep him ahead of and beyond that tournament.

Luis Palma was the man of the moment for Honduras last week as the Celtic winger scored twice to sink Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final.

The 2-0 lead gave Palma’s Honduras a great chance of progressing to meet Alistair Johnston’s Canada in the semi-final after the Celtic winger was deadly against Mexico in the first leg.

Coming on as a substitute in that match, Palma scored with his first touch to put Honduras 1-0 up and then sealed the win with a late second goal to give Honduras a healthy advantage for the follow-up match in the Estadio Azteca.

However, after holding out for 42 minutes, Raul Jimenez opened the scoring before a late collapse saw Honduras concede a further three goals after Henry Martin (72 & 90+7) and Jorge Sanchez (85) sunk Palma and his teammates for the second year in a row.

Luis Palma’s lack of Celtic game time exposed for Honduras vs Mexico

After praising Palma for his first-leg Honduras performance, boss Reinaldo Rueda pointed the finger at the Celtic winger after he was exposed by the Mexicans as the weak link in the early morning defeat.

Rueda told Deportes TVC, “For all we know from the previous match at the Azteca, the altitude is hard for Luis when he comes with rhythm and today without rhythm it was going to be harder for him.

“He played a good half but the full-back he had overcame him and he was left alone with Rosales and that’s where Mexico attacked us a lot.

“We had Obregón, who is a striker, a goal scorer, and to stop that full-back and the offensive depth to accompany Yustin Arboleda, but unfortunately he didn’t get into the game and was unbalanced.”

Luis Palma’s Honduras stats have a familiar Celtic feel to them

Palma was hooked at halftime after being given the nod to start for Honduras against Mexico.

Rated at 6.2 by Fotmob, the Celtic winger was largely anonymous in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch.

With just 13 touches of the ball, Palma made just four passes with three of those finding a Honduran teammate.

However, defensively Palma won five duels, made one clearance and won two out of two tackles as he tried to keep the Mexicans at bay.

Unfortunately, the Celtic winger didn’t create any chances or had any shots on goal as Honduras crashed out of the CONCACAF Nations League at the same stage to the same team for the second season in a row.

Journalist Gives Update on Lennon Miller Situation Amid Celtic Interest

Mark Guidi has weighed in on the mounting speculation surrounding Motherwell’s young sensation, Lennon Miller, predicting a January move to Celtic for the highly-rated midfielder.

27th October 2024; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Celtic; Lennon Miller of Motherwell shoots on goal

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Guidi detailed the significant interest in the 18-year-old from top clubs across Europe, but believes Celtic are best positioned to secure his signature.

Miller has been a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership, and with just 18 months remaining on his contract, Motherwell face a pivotal decision. Guidi suggests that a fee of £3-3.5 million, with potential add-ons, would represent a strong deal for the Steelmen while fitting comfortably within Celtic’s transfer strategy.

“I’m sure there is interest from Italy because they do their homework; they now scour this market, Mark Guidi told Go Radio.

“I know 100% there’s interest from Germany and Spain and obviously down south.

“I’ve no doubt that Celtic and Rangers will have registered an interest, I’ve no doubt about that. I’ve got a feeling he will end up at Celtic; I think he’s definitely going to go in January, and I think he’ll be sold in January because for Motherwell, he’s hot, and he might get hotter, but you need to be careful you don’t run the risk with 18 months on his deal.

“If they’ve got a concrete guaranteed £3 million-£3.5 million with the potential for a couple of million in add-ons here and there, Motherwell have got to take that. They’ve got to; Celtic can afford that kind of fee all day long. For me, longer-term, getting someone like Lennon Miller the way he looks just now, I think £3 million to £3.5 million with add-ons would be a bargain.

“Right now if you’re asking me, I said it on Thursday night, he’s going to have four or five really good options in January, I think he’ll end up at Celtic.”

If a January move materialises, the teenager would join an already impressive group of players making their mark under Brendan Rodgers.

However, Celtic’s midfield is already stacked. Summer signing Luke McCowan is struggling for minutes despite impressing since his arrival. Reo Hatate and Arne Engels seem to have the position locked down at the moment, with McGregor sitting behind them.

It could be an option for Celtic to sign the player and then loan him out so that he can continue his development and growth while still playing consistent minutes at a high level.

It will be interesting to see what Celtic do in regards to their interest in January.

‘I Couldn’t Have Imagined’ – Star Indicates Why Summer Celtic Move Didn’t Happen

Switzerland and Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has indicated that the need to pay a transfer fee put Celtic and other clubs off signing him in over the summer transfer window.

Celtic needed to bring in a new goalkeeper in the summer after the retirement of Joe Hart and eventually ended up signing Kasper Schmeichel.

Swiss shot-stopper Mvogo was keen to move on from French side Lorient following their relegation from Ligue 1 and a host of sides were keen, including Manchester United.

No move happened though and the goalkeeper stayed at Lorient beyond the closure of the transfer window.

Celtic were linked with wanting Mvogo and the Switzerland international indicated that no move happened because clubs, including the Bhoys, did not want to pay a fee and he was under contract with Lorient.

“Yes, there were a lot of offers”, Mvogo told Swiss daily Blick when asked directly about offers from Celtic, Parma and Augsburg.

“They all came relatively early. At that point, I wanted to take my time with the decision.

“I couldn’t have imagined how difficult the market would be during the summer.

“Many clubs wanted free goalkeepers or ones that could be loaned out.

“But I had a contract with Lorient, which meant a transfer fee would have been due.”

Despite refusing to pay a transfer fee for the Swiss goalkeeper, the Bhoys ended up paying a club-record fee to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg.

Their work was made easier by the departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Michael Stewart loved ‘incredible’ moment from Rangers ace this week as Celtic hero hails international class

The Rangers star has been praised by the outspoken pundit and a Celtic favourite.

Michael Stewart and a Celtic hero have been quick to praise a Rangers star after their colossal Scotland contributions.

John Souttar made big blocks and crossed brilliantly to set up the winner in a 2-1 win over Poland. It means Scotland avoid Nations League A Group 1 relegation and will have a play-off to fight for their survival in 2025.

Stewart was on commentary duty for Viaplay and was piling on the praise for Souttar, who’s become a key player at the back for national team head coach Steve Clarke. Upon a block made by the defender in the opening stages of the second half, the pundit said “John Souttar, what a block that is. That is quite incredible.”

Then on his match-winning cross, where he lifted a brilliant ball for Andy Robertson to head home, Stewart added: “What a ball from John Souttar. Another outstanding performance from the defender. What a header, what a goal, look at this ball from Souttar! Incredible stuff.”

John Collins was also quick to jump on the Souttar hype train, and hailed the Rangers star with one key word. Collins signed for Celtic in 1990, and was the club’s first million pound player. The midfielder went on to score 55 goals in 273 Celtic appearances. He added on Sportsound: “John Souttar looks like an international centre-back now.

“Clarke’s change of system has brought more freedom. The players look more comfortable in possession and they have more options in front of them. To win the game in that manner is the perfect end to the campaign.”

The international break always brings out some weird and wonderful content for the Celtic fans and they also get to know a bit about players they might not previously have known.

For example, earlier today 67 Hail Hail discussed how Alistair Johnston said tennis icon Roger Federer’s career reminds him of the pressures of playing for Celtic.

The Hoops defender was speaking about his sporting hero as he said the amount of travelling and pressure to always win that Federer had reminds has ‘correlations’ of Celtic about it.

And now, Johnston has shared how Celtic winger James Forrest made a claim about Scottish tennis legend, Andy Murray after the Celtic defender said he’s one of the best tennis players in the Hoops squad.

Celtic hero James Forrest claims he could ‘have replaced’ Andy Murray on the tennis circuit

Johnston told The Official Celtic FC Podcast [11m], “Apparently James Forrest, he always tells me that I hope with some tongue and cheek, that he thinks that he could have broken into the big four.

“He could have replaced Andy Murray if he’d stuck to tennis. And I said, ‘I’m not sure there’s too many top tennis players in the world of the height of five foot eight’. But actually, I think about [Diego] Schwarzman.

“But other than that, no, there’s not really a lot of small tennis players. So I take that with a pinch of salt. He always tries to bring that one up.

“It winds me up a little bit. It’s hard for me not to nibble on that one. But yeah, I’d like to think I’m one of the best ones on the team.

“Yeah, I’d say my level’s okay.”

The four Celtic appearances where James Forrest has been ace this season

Forrest has made 16 appearances for Celtic so far this season and whilst the legendary winger has contributed in all his outings, there are four standout fixtures where he has made a material difference.

Celtic 5 v 1 Slovan Bratislava. Coming on as a second half substitute, Forrest created the assist for Adam Idah’s goal.

Hibs 0 v 2 Celtic. Forrest creates Nicolas Kuhn’s opening goal in the 2-0 win in the captial.

St Mirren 0 v 3 Celtic. Once again James Forrest creates Celtic’s opening goal with an assist for Callum McGregor.

Celtic 2 v 0 Hearts: The Celtic winger creates Celtic’s second to wrap up three precious league points.

So whilst Forrest hasn’t been prolific in the goalscoring stakes, his contribution to the team in big games when it matters has been so crucial for Brendan Rodgers this season.

Elena Sadiku makes Celtic red card vow after mocking gesture in Rangers defeat

The Swede saw red on Sunday for sarcastic applause after she had already been booked by referee Jamie Wilkie following the award of a Rangers penalty

Celtic manager Elena Sadiku has said that her red card against Rangers on Sunday is the “first and last” of her managerial career.

The Swede was dismissed for sarcastic applause after she had already been booked by referee Jamie Wilkie following the award of a Rangers penalty. It consigned Sadiku to the stand for the remainder of a game that Celtic went on to lose. “It was the first. And my last,” she said. “I would like to not speak about it. It is what it was and it is not how I want to be perceived. I am never going to do it again.”

Sadiku has also insisted that she has not had to lift her players since Sunday’s defeat. They face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as their mad schedule of games continues. And she believes the weekend defeat will act as motivation for the players to prove themselves.

“I think losing against Rangers and the way we did, I don’t think we felt that we were a bad team or anything like that,” she said. “It became the opposite. We became even more hungry and confident – I didn’t need to pick them up and the players are ready for this challenge now.”

Celtic are without a point in the Champions League so far following defeats to Twente, Real Madrid and Chelsea. The 2-1 defeat against the London club last week at Celtic Park has offered some encouragement to Sadiku.

“We have been growing into the competition,” she said. “Playing the way we did against Chelsea the last time will encourage us even more.

“What the players have learned the most has been to be braver in possession and that is something that we want to do again tonight. We will see how Chelsea line up but I think we know what to expect from them. But we want to do better and that is up to us.

“I know that Sonia [Bompastor] was not really happy with the performance in the last game and we were the happier of the teams. Chelsea will want to show what a good team they are.

“I think they may change some players and may change their shape. We are expecting a Chelsea side who want to prove that they are much better than us and obviously we are going to have the same mindset to produce another good performance.”

Rangers blow as £1.8m EBT recipient delivers great news for Celtic

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

You might remember Christian Nerlinger. He signed for Rangers from Borussia Dortmund in 2001 and stayed at Ibrox for three years, collecting an (ultimately unlawful) EBT payment of £1.8m from Sir(!) David Murray, presumably alongside his side-letter that never was disclosed to the Scottish FA…

David Murray (L). (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

16.09.2003 Photo: imago/Ulmer Stefan Klos and Christian Nerlinger (Glasgow Rangers); Champions League 2003/2004, Glasgow Rangers, Photo Randmotiv Personen

These days Christian Nerlinger is a football agent

These days Christian Nerlinger is a football agent and Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn is one of his prized assets or clients. Nerlinger has been speaking to Daily Record about the player amid speculation linking him with a big money move as one of the European football’s top performers this season, not only domestically but also in the Champions League.

Kuhn’s form has also attracted the attention of the Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann who this week admitted that the Celtic winger is very much on his radar.  For Nerlinger any speculation in not an issue and he predicts that in time Celtic will turn their £3m investment in Nicolas Kuhn back in January when he was signed from Rapid Vienna, into a £25m plus fee for the club’s latest hottest asset.

Nicolas Kuhn at Rugby Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

“We have found a home for Nicolas at Celtic”

“The speculation is not an issue for us. We have found a home for Nicolas at Celtic,” Nicolas Kuhn’s agent Christian Nerlinger said. “We are not, never, walking out on Celtic without being together with the club because this success story was created by Celtic.

“I know from my time at Rangers it was very hard to get something out of the television rights, so, of course, they need to find these success stories – identify a player, buy him for £3million and sell him for £20-£25million – but we will do everything together with the club.

“We are very grateful for how Brendan Rodgers developed the player,” Nerlinger said.

Nicolas Kuhn runs with the ball under pressure from Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 05, 2024. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Nicolas feels the power of this club”

“Nicolas feels the power of this club. I was in the stadium against RB Leipzig and you see the quality of the team. I know that Nicolas has total confidence in Brendan Rodgers in developing him and making him a better player, and for me as a business partner I have total trust in Michael (Nicholson, Celtic CEO) so we will take this step by step.

“Perhaps at some point there will be movement, but we will not pressurise things. It’s a massive season and we are really relaxed. We are just happy that Nicolas is at the right point, at the right time with the right manager who develops him. We are really grateful for that.

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

“We are more than happy with him at Celtic”

“It’s a good team. He is enjoying the philosophy of the manager and is enjoying Glasgow. We are enjoying the kind of things that are happening with Celtic and for me he is just at the right point with the right people He feels totally comfortable.

“We are more than happy with him at Celtic but we will always work and cooperate with Celtic about what is the next step. It’s a very exciting time.”

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr, Volumes One & Two, Published by Celtic Star Books, November 2024.

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

Nicolas Kühn’s agent breaks silence on winger’s future amid Premier League links

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

Nicolas Kühn is loving life at Celtic and is not looking to leave any time soon, according to his agent Christian Nerlinger. Fulham and Brentford have recently been touted as being interested with the 24-year-old’s signature as he impresses for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side.

The ex-Rangers midfielder told Record Sport that Kühn has found a home at Celtic and that he will only depart when it suits both parties.

“The speculation is not an issue for us. We have found a home for Nicolas at Celtic.

Nicolas Kuhn at Rugby Park.  Vagelis Georgariou for The Celtic Star

“We are not, never, walking out on Celtic without being together with the club because this success story was created by Celtic.

“I know from my time at Rangers it was very hard to get something out of the television rights, so of course they need to find these success stories – identify a player, buy him for £3million and sell him for £20-£25million – but we will do everything together with the club.”

After signing from Rapid Vienna back in January, Kühn took some time to adapt but really hit the ground running this season. The German has scored ten goals and assisted on eleven occasions in all competitions, including a brace against RB Leipzig.

Kühn was identified and signed by Celtic as one of Europe’s top creators, fitting the profile as being a youthful attacker with promising room for development.

Kühn was recently name checked by Julian Naglesmann as a potential future call up for the German National Team.

“Kuhn is also a good player with a lot of desire. He’s someone we’re keeping an eye on.

A call up would be astonishing for Kühn and it would be affirming for his efforts so far this season. Moreover, it would reflect that Celtic can attract, develop and retain top talents.

As another SPFL club heads for administration, the SFA continues to allow the Ibrox side to trade whilst insolvent. Imagine if it was Celtic?

Only a few short weeks ago, despite the best efforts of the club’s supporters, Inverness Caledonian Thistle entered into administration.

As a result, many people, including the manager, lost their jobs.

They were also hit with a 15 point deduction.

Which resulted in them plummeting to the bottom of League 1.

Today, they have been replaced at the bottom of League 1 by Dumbarton FC.

Dumbarton is one of Scotland’s oldest clubs, and has been trading continuously since 1872.

This morning, it was announced that they have also entered administration.

Their points deduction has pushed them below ICT as it has completely wiped out their tally for the 2024/25 season to date.

Late yesterday evening, the Record reported that Dumbarton were likely to enter administration.

That was followed by a report in the Sun this afternoon, confirming the news that administration was a certainty.

It’s deeply concerning that two clubs in the SPFL have entered into administration in such a short space of time.

Yet despite what has happened to Dumbarton, nobody bats an eyelid when the Ibrox club reports losses exceeding £17 million.

That’s all fine and dandy.

One rule for them, but the SFA applies the letter of the law to every other club in Scottish football.

Now, in a normal footballing landscape, you would think that a club that has recorded losses in the hundreds of millions would be taken to task by their football association, wouldn’t you?

As clubs elsewhere in the Scottish League pyramid struggle with miniscule debts in comparison, are hit with points deductions, and all the sanctions that go with entering into administration.

But no, it’s fine for the Ibrox operation to trade whilst insolvent.

Because there’s no other description for that kind of reckless behaviour.

Shouldn’t the SFA be asking themselves why clubs like Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Dumbarton are struggling the way that they are?

Are they not concerned that the very existence of one of Scotland’s oldest footballing institutions is under threat?

Remember how massively concerned they were when another club founded in 1872 went to the wall 12 years ago?

Despite their best efforts, they couldn’t save that club either.

The question is, why are clubs like Dumbarton and ICT going to the wall?

Is it down to bad governance at club level?

Or is it down to bad governance at the SFA’s level?

Well, I suppose if you allow a convicted criminal to pass a fit and proper person test to become the chairman of a football club, then that gives you an indication of what goes on in the halls of the SFA.

The simple fact is that two SPFL clubs have gone into administration within weeks of each other.

That’s not a good look for Scottish football.

Nor is it a good look that one club is allowed to post tens of millions in losses.

While all of the rest try to work within the constraints of the rulebook.

How many more clubs are going to go to the wall before someone in the SFA steps up and asks what the hell is going on?

I’ll put it this way, just imagine if Celtic were operating as recklessly as the Ibrox club?

Do you think that we would be allowed to do so without facing any kind of sanctions?

Think again, I’d say.

The SFA would use every rule in the book to make an example of us.

We are blessed to have excellent corporate governance at Celtic Park.

And I know I call out the board more than most when I feel they can do better.

But I cannot flaw the way our club operates in comparison to the basket case across the city.

There is no comparison.

And thankfully, because of that, we’ll never come close to a situation like the one we found ourselves in on a cold and bitter January day in 1994.

It makes you wonder though, how long will it be before the Ibrox club is in that kind of position again?

Will they get their act together?

Or will they go all Gung-ho and bring Steven Gerrard back if Clement leaves for Belgium, as I alluded to in this morning’s article?

We all know that Gerrard is a chequebook manager.

We also know they’re in the kind of financial position they’re in now as a result of his previous spending.

With each passing day, the idea of Gerrard returning to Ibrox grows on me more and more.

They think he’s the answer to all of their problems over there.

When in fact, he could be the one cause of even more.

Oh please, oh please, bring him home.

That said, spare a thought for the supporters of Dumbarton on this dark day.

They definitely deserve our sympathy.

Celtic’s future transfer endeavours have received airtime over the international break and Lennon Miller has cropped up as a name to watch out for.

Continuing his superb form for Motherwell this term, the 18-year-old has registered four goals and three assists in 18 appearances across all competitions.

In light of his rise as one of the most exciting talents in the Scottish Premiership, there is no surprise that Celtic have become a player in the race for Lennon Miller as his deal at Fir Park ticks down.

According to reports last week, Celtic will need to pay £4 million to land Miller as suitors start to circle for his signature. Rangers are admirers, and Liverpool could also enter the picture.

With his future the talk of Scottish football, Mark Guidi has shed some further light on what is an evolving situation.

Mark Guidi shares Lennon Miller latest amid Celtic speculation

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Guidi has shared that he ‘100%’ knows that there will be interest from Germany and Spain in Miller, though he expects the Scotland Under-21 international to end up at Celtic.

He stated: “I’m sure there is interest from Italy because they do their homework; they now scour this market. I know 100% there’s interest from Germany and Spain and obviously down south.

“I’ve no doubt that Celtic and Rangers will have registered an interest, I’ve no doubt about that. I’ve got a feeling he will end up at Celtic; I think he’s definitely going to go in January, and I think he’ll be sold in January because for Motherwell, he’s hot, and he might get hotter, but you need to be careful you don’t run the risk with 18 months on his deal.

“If they’ve got a concrete guaranteed £3 million-£3.5 million with the potential for a couple of million in add-ons here and there, Motherwell have got to take that. They’ve got to; Celtic can afford that kind of fee all day long. For me, longer-term, getting someone like Lennon Miller the way he looks just now, I think £3 million to £3.5 million with add-ons would be a bargain.

“Right now if you’re asking me, I said it on Thursday night, he’s going to have four or five really good options in January, I think he’ll end up at Celtic.”

Lennon Miller would fit Celtic’s long-term vision

In the short-term, it would be hard to envisage Miller getting in front of the likes of Callum McGregor or Reo Hatate at Celtic, but looking to the future has to be an optimal stance for the Bhoys.

The club captain isn’t getting any younger despite his glowing performances this term, while potential transfer movement in the opposite direction could occur at some point further down the line.

Having the next star ready-made and in position to step in has to be the priority for Celtic, and Miller certainly fits that bill with the added carrot of being a homegrown talent.

Speculation surrounding his next move will continue to heat up over the next few months, so his situation is worth keeping an eye on for supporters.

Player admits that he spoke to Celtic this summer – “Was very sad” he couldn’t get transfer

Switzerland goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo has admitted he spoke to Celtic in the summer, before eventually remaining at FC Lorient.

Blick have an interview with the goalkeeper this week in which he discusses the various transfer options which he had on the table this summer, and those options included Celtic.

The 30-year-old found himself in an awkward position with the French side after they were relegated from Ligue 1 at the end of last season.

He made it clear he would like to depart and had offers on the table, with reports putting Celtic firmly in the mix for him.

They were said to have positioned themselves at the beginning of May, with reports after that claiming he had accepted an offer to join Brendan Rodgers’ side.

That was later denied, although interestingly in the same week that Celtic completed the signing of Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer from RSC Anderlecht.

That removed their need for a new number one and a move for Mvogo, who eventually ended up staying at Lorient for this season.

He’s more than happy to admit there was an offer from Celtic, though, with Blick asking him directly about the Scottish champions, Parma and Augsburg.

“I’ll be honest, I was very sad about how things turned out,” he said.

“It wasn’t an easy time. I wanted to leave Lorient after relegation so that I could continue to compete and prove myself at the highest possible level. I knew it could be problematic if I played in the second division.

“Yes, there were a lot of offers. They all came relatively early. At this point I wanted to take some time with the decision. I had no idea how difficult the market would be during the summer.

“Many clubs then wanted free transfer goalies or those who could be borrowed. But I had a contract with Lorient, so a transfer fee would have been due.”

And that is perhaps why he didn’t end up at Celtic.

Kasper Schmeichel has become an almost instant fan favourite at Celtic after the Denmark international was signed to replace Joe Hart in the summer.

As one of 13 Celtic players currently on international duty, Schmeichel produced a wonder performance last night as the Hoops ‘keeper helped Denmark create history and qualify from the Nations League after a 0-0 draw with Serbia.

But it seems that Schmeichel is not without his critics in his homeland but after the Celtic star’s heroics for Denmark against Serbia, former professional players Mads Junker and David Nielsen have leapt to the defence of the 39-year-old after hearing what has been said about him recently.

Denmark can ‘count on’ Celtic ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel after heroics vs Serbia in Nations League

Junker was capped for Denmark seven times between 2006-12 and played for Brondby, Vitesse Arnhem and Mechelen.

And when he heard people question whether or not Schmeichel should continue to be Denmark’s number one, Junker dismissed moved quickly to dismiss that opinion of the Celtic goalkeeper.

Junker told Sport TV2, ” I still don’t think there is anything to indicate that Schmeichel should not be our first goalkeeper. He comes into action early when he has an early save on Andrija Živković at the post.

“There is also one from Dusan Vlahović. I think that time and time again he shows the security that is needed down there. We can count on him to take the balls he has to take.

“There are a lot of finishes of them against Serbia that he always takes, so it’s hard to say it’s a dazzling game from Kasper Schmeichel. But he takes what comes.”

Kasper Schmeichel ‘so important’ to Denmark as Celtic hero impresses vs Serbia in Nations League

David Nielsen never managed to earn a full international cap for Denmark despite appearing 50 times from the U16-U21 level.

His playing career stretched from almost 20 years playing in Sweden, England and Denmark coupled with a 13-year career in management and even he wasn’t having any of the ‘ridiculous’ chat about the Celtic goalkeeper.

Nielsen added, “It is too ridiculous that we have to stand and spend time discussing who should be in the goal for Denmark.

“It will be Kasper who will be standing. As long as he is fit, he will be our goalkeeper, and he will be until the World Cup in 2026. Then we don’t have to ask about it anymore. I’ve seen our team stand with a different goalkeeper once, and we didn’t look like ourselves.

“He is so important to have standing down there in relation to communication. The fact that we can change that backline and that they succeed, it’s because there is someone down there and communicating.

“And no one hears or talks about that afterwards. But his communication and the way he is in his body language, it helps these players to play the game, and when you as a back line make a clean sheet, you don’t do that without a good goalkeeper.”

With the Nations League quarter-finals set to take place in March next year, if Schmeichel continues his impressive form for Celtic both domestically and in the Champions League it would be very difficult for anyone in Denmark to deny him the No 1 international jersey

Everyone and anyone seems to have had their say on how serious Aberdeen’s challenge is.

Are they in a title race with Celtic? Or is second all they can realistically achieve? Can they even do that?

There seems to have been a range of opinions between all three of these points as a series of former players and pundits give their take.

For Pittodrie boss Jimmy Thelin not of that matters right now as he tries to ensure his players and staff simply focus on the job at hand.

12 May 1990: Brian Irvine of Aberdeen celebrates after he scores the winning penalty during the Scottish Cup Final against Celtic at Hampden Park …

Aberdeen can compete with Celtic

Brian Irvine knows all about going head to head with the clubs from Glasgow in the red of Aberdeen.

A cup double-winning centre half with the Dons in the early 90s, Irvine scored the winning penalty in a shootout victory over the Hoops to seal the second part of that, the Scottish Cup.

He also finished runner up in the Scottish top flight with the club five times, so knows all about ‘splitting the Old Firm’.

But he insists it is very difficult to predict what will happen with the current squad after their flying unbeaten start to the season. He does think the question over whether they can do what he did and split the Glasgow clubs is already redundant though.

Speaking exclusively to Not the Old Firm, the ex-Pittodrie defender said: “I don’t know what they’ll do. I think the main thing is just to enjoy while the team are doing well.

“Celtic are obviously a good team and they’re not going to suddenly become a bad team. There is competition there with Aberdeen with the two teams right up clear of Rangers. I think the question ‘can we split the Old Firm’… we’ve done that already.

“Rangers have got too big a gap to catch up overnight with us, so we’ve split them. Whether we’ve got enough to win the league time will tell, but just enjoy it while things are going well.”

Aberdeen managed a 2-2 away draw against the champions in the league already this season but the next time they met they were crushed 6-0 at Hampden in a Premier Sports Cup semi-final.

That obviously has no bearing on league prospects but Irvine answered whether it could have a psychological impact.

“The next game against Celtic will be a test,” he said. “It will be at Pittodrie which is a bonus. The team can play well at Pittodrie which is a fortress this season.

“Celtic are a really good team and you can’t take that away from them but you’ve got to compete and without a doubt we can compete.

“The next game being at Pittodrie gives us a really good chance to react to that defeat. Even though it was a heavy defeat there was no difference from a 1-0 defeat, you’re still out the cup.

“So there was no damage to the league position and it was just a cup knockout in the semi-final, which was no disgrace. When it gets to that stage it’s just who does well on the day.

“I know in my experience, I think we lost 5-0 once at Parkhead and in the next game without a doubt it’s in the back of your mind.”

Three key Aberdeen players

Irvine still does some ambassadorial work for Aberdeen and gets along to plenty of the games.

Like all of the Red Army, he has been enjoying watching the team play this season.

But he has picked out three who will be key to their ongoing prospects.

Asked if there were any standouts, he said: “Yeah, the goalkeeper (Dimitar Mitov).

“He’s made crucial penalty saves which…the Ross County one was a three-pointer and then against Dundee was a crucial save. So yeah the goalkeeper has been influential.

“I think the manager has made good signings that have played their part so the recruitment has been fantastic.

“Even Kevin Nisbet, his goals have been important. The £6.8million for Miovski that’s just money in the bank because we haven’t missed him for a minute.

“There’s a whole mix in there – stability, defensive solidness, good activity in the midfield with Shinnie driving on the team. And they’ve got the forwards to score goals.”