Celtic

Lennon Miller tells Celtic and Rangers his non negotiable as Ibrox trump card named amid £4m Motherwell transfer race

Published

4 days ago

November 18, 2024

Lennon Miller tells Celtic and Rangers his non negotiable as Ibrox trump card named amid £4m Motherwell transfer race

Dad Lee regularly runs through scenarios with the Steelmen starlet and it’s good news for the Fir Park club

Celtic and Rangers have reportedly been told to stump up £4million to snap up Lennon Miller from Motherwell.

But the Glasgow giants may already know the answer from the wonderkid about where he sees his future – with dad Lee already dropping a major clue. The Fir Park talent continues to impress weekly under Stuart Kettlewell and recently took on the armband at Hampden in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final in a major show of faith in the 18-year-old.

Reports now suggest that both Celtic and Rangers are considering moves for the youngster – but the Steelmen are looking to smash their record sale if the 18-year-old leaves Lanarkshire in the January window. The Steelmen bagged £3million from the Hoops for David Turnbull in 2020 and look set to surpass that figure for Miller – who has a contract at the Premiership club until 2026.

But ex-striker Lee – who played for the likes of Aberdeen, Hearts and Middlesbrough during his career – told PLZ Soccer in September that the youngster was focussed on a suitable environment to develop. Detailing how he turned down the Old Firm before, he said: “There has always been talk of Rangers and Celtic being in for Lennon, since he was 10 or 11 years old. We have always maintained ‘look, you are in the right place, you are thriving’ – and I think playing on a smile on your face and having people you trust and enjoy playing football with is really important.”

He also noted that first-team minutes was the most valuable thing to Miller at this stage of his career: “He’s not interested in going anywhere else right now in terms of he wants to rack up as many games as possible. Yeah, that time will probably come, and he wants to play at the highest level, Lennon.

“But I go through different scenarios with him all the time. ‘Think if this happened, this could happen’ in different situations. And he’s got ambition, he’s got massive ambition, he wants to be a Scottish international, play at the highest level. The way he’s going just now he will do that, but there’s no rush for that, and he understands that as well.”

He told Go Radio: “Lennon Miller has had a fantastic season and currently I think he could walk into the Rangers midfield area and continue to play there for his development [which] would be ongoing. Interesting time for Lennon Miller in terms of the decisions.

“There has got to be a lot of interest. It’s not just from Celtic and Rangers there are likely to be a lot of other interested clubs.

“But I think the benefit of playing games has been really crucial for him and he will look to find a similar situation where he is continuing to play matches. Motherwell are going to cash in at some stage whether that is January we will find out soon enough.”

‘Such Pressure’ – Celtic Out-on-loan Star Feeling Benefits Of Bhoys Move

Celtic out-on-loan centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke has insisted that his time at Celtic Park has helped him hugely, due to being at a big club and playing under pressure.

The Bhoys loaned out the Swedish defender in the summer transfer window, sanctioning a temporary exit to Dutch club FC Twente, as he sought game time.

At Celtic, Lagerbielke struggled to win over boss Brendan Rodgers, who preferred Liam Scales and Cameron Carter-Vickers ahead of him, while Auston Trusty was also added to the mix in the summer.

He is not willing to declare his time at Celtic a mistake though and believes that he has benefited from being at such a big club, where there is pressure and expectation.

Lagerbielke recalled pre-season with the Bhoys, with games against some of the top sides in the world.

“It was instructive to play at such a big club under such pressure”, Lagerbielke told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen.

“During pre-season we also faced teams like [Manchester] City and Chelsea.

“It’s been great to be part of such a big organisation.

“It has helped me a lot when I came to Holland, to deal with it.”

Regular game time has so far been tough for Lagerbielke to secure in the Netherlands and he has played just 124 minutes of football for Twente in the Eredivisie.

He did get a run out in Twente’s Europa League visit to Manchester United in September, a game which ended 1-1.

Top News: Ronaldo and Messi agree on one thing when it comes to Celtic – 20 A-listers rave about a Paradise without compare

The Hoops’ home is regarded by a gallery of the finest players of this generation as the best in the world

Celtic Park

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have tasted defeat there. So have Paolo Maldini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andres Iniesta – the list goes on. But regardless of the result they have all come to the same conclusion once the adrenaline wore off – Celtic Park is truly special.

Once the Champions League anthem hits the airwaves, the supporters draped in green and white become completely different animals. The Bhoys grow 10 feet taller as the Hoops fans’ roar shakes the stadium down to its very foundation while the famous song reaches its heavenly crescendo. The players spread to all corners of their half, bathed under the sharp floodlights. The pulsating atmosphere has created memories to last a lifetime for both home fans and visiting rivals.

The house Fergus McCann built has overtaken many famous grounds, including the likes of the San Siro, Anfield and Camp Nou as the zenith of footballing fever pitch for many of the world’s greats. Record Sport has delved into the archives to recall the ultimate recognition for one of European football’s most iconic grounds.

Celtic’s iconic atmosphere in quotes

Xavi

“The atmosphere generated by the fans in Celtic’s stadium for our visit was the most impressive I’ve ever witnessed. The grounds of Liverpool and Manchester United are good and the hostile feeling of playing against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu is also excellent, but the atmosphere against Celtic was the best.”

“When you step out at Celtic Park, the atmosphere they create for their team is incredible. It doesn’t matter how many big games you have played in.

“Walking out into that atmosphere is always intense. I don’t think I have seen anything like the Celtic fans in all the stadiums I have played.”

Paolo Maldini

“Every professional footballer should seek to play at least one game at Celtic Park. I have never felt anything like it.”

Paolo Maldini of AC Milan at Celtic Park in 2007. SNS Group. (Image: GLPDUnknown)

Lionel Messi

“I’ve been fortunate to play in some great stadiums in Europe with Barcelona but none compare to Celtic. The atmosphere their fans create make it a very special European night of football.”

Nemanja Vidic

“Every game I have played in Turkey stands out for passion created by the fans – but the best has been at Celtic Park.”

Oliver Kahn

“The atmosphere here tonight was unbelievable and it’s an honour to play in such an arena.”

Cesc Fabregas

“Celtic has great commitment and those supporters behind them gives them a chance against anyone. We knew what we were coming into and what we would be up against. For me it is always special to play in that fantastic stadium and to experience that atmosphere. We were privileged to be there.”

Gianluigi Buffon

“Playing in the Champions League allows you to experience the most exciting venues in Europe. And when you are young, you take it for granted because many other experiences lie in front of you. But the older you become, you understand that there are things that you may not experience again.”

“The incredible thing was the people, for an opposition player it is quite incredible, I have not seen a better atmosphere from the grounds I have visited.”

Owen Hargreaves

“When we played at Celtic Park for Bayern in the Champions League it was unbelievable and I think all our players said the same thing afterwards. The atmosphere was just totally unique. I’ve played in lots of big games and stadiums but I’ve never witnessed fans making that much noise in 90 minutes.”

Santiago Canizares

“The Celtic fans are amazing in the way they get behind their team.”

Gerard Pique

“The atmosphere at Celtic Park is the best in Europe.”

Karl-Heinz Ruminegge

“That was a football experience of pure culture. Throughout the night we felt goosebumps. It was an atmosphere that felt a bit like the old days. It was a terrific night.”

Toni Kroos

“I was being asked several times which (away) stadium is my favourite. And there is a new number one, I can tell you, Celtic Park. It has been just crazy! We came out, and the atmosphere was good. The Champions League anthem started, and I thought the stadium was going to collapse. Unbelievable, I had never experienced anything like that.”

Frank De Boer

“It’s up there with Madrid and Camp Nou. They are an example how to run a club.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

“Then when I got out on the pitch and the match began, I tried to communicate with my team but I heard nothing. The audience had such a mood. I did not hear what my teammates said if they called me because it was such a beautiful and awesome atmosphere. It’s probably the best I have seen on the pitch.”

Cristiano Ronaldo

“The Celtic fans are incredible. It is always great to play there.”

Celtic versus Manchester United in November 2008. PIC: CRAIG HALKETT (Image: CRAIG HALKETT)

Andres Iniesta

“The Celtic fans are very special and the club and players can be very proud of them. They are the best I have ever heard.”

Wayne Rooney

“It is inspiring and intimidating. It’s a stadium with a particular atmosphere you want to experience as a player.”

Eidur Gudjohnson

When I signed for Bolton they presented me to the crowd before the Jimmy Phillips testimonial. The Celtic fans made an impression on me because there were more of them than Bolton supporters at that game. Celtic are popular for testimonials because everyone knows they will fill the stadium – and I’ve always had great admiration of them. Their fans have a reputation as one of the best and that’s on merit because of the great atmosphere they create.”

Samuel Eto’o

“This place makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, there is nowhere like it in football, and I can see how the people love to play here and speak so highly of it.”

What the Celtic XI could look like if Rodgers changed every player as frightening squad depth on full show

Celtic have plenty of players on their books – and an alternate XI still looks frightening.

They have bulging squad depth but just what would a Celtic XI look like if you swapped out every player from their last team?

Brendan Rodgers’ side have set the standard alongside Aberdeen in the Premiership this season, winning all but one of their league matches, a draw against the Dons. They are into the final of the Premier Sports Cup where they will meet Rangers and have seven points from four games in the Champions League phase.

The likes of Nicolas Kuhn has hit form after arriving in January while Arne Engels and Adam Idah arrived for big money in the summer. Then there’s the reliable stars like Callum McGregor and Greg Taylor still at the forefront of Rodgers’ plans.

Last time out, Celtic won 2-0 against Kilmarnock thanks to goals from the captain and Kuhn. This was their starting XI on the day at Rugby Park…

Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Taylor, Engels, McGregor, Hatate, Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.

So what does it looks like you change the entire team? In goals is Viljami Sinisalo, a young talent brought in from Aston Villa. Anthony Ralston is a Scotland international and fills in at right-back, while Carter-Vickers comes in for Auston Trusty. A regular starter, he wasn’t risked on the astro.

Alongside the American is Stephen Welsh with Barcelona loanee Alex Valle in for Taylor. So impressive have his performances been that Barca are said to be considering a potential recall in January. Paulo Bernardo is in for Engels and McGregor is out for Luke McCowan, who has been a bargain signing from Dundee so far.

Finally, Hatate would be replaced by Odin Thiago Holm in our hypothetical team, so the Norwegian’s calf injury isn’t applying here. Kuhn comes out for constant trophy winner James Forrest, talisman Kyogo is selected through the middle ahead of £9.5m Adam Idah and Luis Palma is replacing Daizen Maeda. In truth, their second XI on this evidence could be enough to mount a title charge, a scary thought for teams far and wide in Scotland’s top flight.

Chris Sutton makes big Nicolas Kuhn prediction as Celtic warned about ‘inconceivable’ scenario

Nicolas Kuhn has become Celtic’s main party trick this season as he continues to put on a series of excellent displays on the right flank.

Initially, the 24-year-old took time to ignite at Parkhead after joining from Rapid Vienna in a £2.8 million deal back in January, but it is safe to say Brendan Rodgers will now be delighted with his progress.

Coming to the fore after a strong pre-season, Nicolas Kuhn’s fantastic Celtic form has seen the former RB Leipzig man net ten times and lay on 11 assists in his opening 17 appearances of the campaign.

His most notable contribution was a double against his old employers in the Champions League. Still, in truth, there has been no real downside for the tricky winger over the last few months as he becomes the latest to emerge from the conveyor belt of intelligently identified Bhoys’ talent.

With his form attracting attention, Chris Sutton has made a big prediction involving Kuhn and also moved to warn Celtic about a scenario he feels can’t be allowed to happen.

Chris Sutton makes big Nicolas Kuhn Celtic prediction

Writing in his column for The Daily Reco rd, Sutton warned Celtic that they cannot allow any notion of a Kuhn departure in January, while he also ‘wouldn’t be shocked’ if he eventually became the Bhoys’ most expensive sale of all-time.

He stated: “Kuhn will know there will be a time when Celtic will cash in and agree to let him go. He only needs to look at the Matt O’Riley situation. O’Riley may have been tempted by the likes of Atletico Madrid and Atalanta but Celtic remained firm in their valuation and the player kept his head down and kept working hard for the side.

“Eventually he and the club got their rewards. It’ll be the same for Kuhn. The way he’s going, he’s a cert for player of the year in Scotland and he’s going to be competing for silverware and against the top sides in Europe. There’s no need for him to jump ship right now. Sit tight and keep progressing and the big move will come.

“It’s still early days, but Kuhn already looks destined to become the next record-breaking transfer fee, and while I’d be stunned if he left in January, I wouldn’t be shocked if he does eventually go for even more than O’Riley, Jota and Kieran Tierney’s £25m fees. Big money is on the way for the German – but just not yet.”

Celtic won’t entertain any bids for Nicolas Kuhn

Celtic have Kuhn under contract until 2029, so any interest in his services will likely be given the cold shoulder in January by the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.

Eventually, his time will come in that respect if his form continues, but the Bhoys are in the frame for silverware and flying in the Champions League. How many of his potential suitors could offer him the same at this point?

You already know the answer to that. Kuhn has turned out to be a fantastic addition, and long may his exploits continue.

Reinaldo Rueda shares what he told Celtic’s Luis Palma that inspired big Mexico performance

Luis Palma is the man of the moment at Celtic right now after his two goals for Honduras took down Mexico today.

The Celtic winger has been struggling for minutes under Brendan Rodgers and started Honduras’ CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final against the Mexicans on the bench.

However, brought on for the second half with the scores tied at 0-0, Palma opened the scoring with his first touch of the ball and then sealed the first-leg win with a beautifully placed shot past Guillermo Ochoa.

Palma drew the plaudits from the Honduran media for his goals and his manager Reinaldo Rueda shares what he told the Celtic winger before the big Mexico fixture.

Reinaldo Rueda praises ‘noble’ Celtic winger Luis Palma

The Honduras boss shared a conversation he had with the Celtic winger and explained why he was left out of the last Honduras national squad.

Rueda told Deportes TVC, “Yesterday I had a conversation with Luis and Justin [Arboleda], aware that we had to keep the scoreline and how they could come in to come back in the game. I’m happy with the result thanks to their characteristics.

“The challenge is to know how to assimilate this result. The Mexican national team is a very competitive team. Let this help us to keep believing, to keep growing, we have to support them, without shunning them.

“Luis (Palma) is a very noble guy, but he values his participation in the national team very much. That’s why I preferred that he didn’t come last time and today he came in with a great disposition.”

MORE CELTIC STORIES

[Translated with DeepL.com]

The problem for Luis Palma at Celtic

Luis Palma has the ability. Many Celtic fans don’t doubt that. He has already proven that he can be a very fine footballer on his day.

The problem for the Honduran is that despite that, he has two very fine wingers ahead of him in the pecking order in Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn.

So that means when he gets the chance to impress Brendan Rodgers he has to take it and cannot afford an off day.

Too often Palma looks like he’s disinterested which leads to frustration by the Celtic supporters from the stands and until he can find more consistency, the 24-year-old is going to spend much more time on the Celtic bench moving forward.

Martin O’Neill says Celtic fans ‘should have respected’ Remembrance silence and labels James McClean’s poppy stance ‘brave’

Wrexham’s James McClean during the Sky Bet League One match on Saturday November 9, 2024. Photo credit: Gary Oakley/PA Wire.

Former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill has said the club’s fans should not have disrupted a minute’s silence on Remembrance Day.

Some supporters booed and sang songs during the silence ahead of last Sunday’s game at Kilmarnock.

Suspected Green Brigade members at the fixture waved Irish and Palestinian flags, and let off fireworks.

Referee Nick Walsh called time on the minute’s silence after just nine seconds.

Supporters also sang a song about the death of Aidan McAnespie, who was shot and killed by a soldier at an Army checkpoint in Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, in 1988.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers later condemned the disruption, saying fans should have respected the minute’s silence.

“Yes, they should. If it’s a minute’s silence, it’s a minute’s silence,” he said.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers acknowledges his side’s fans at the final whistle after their victory at The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, Kilmarnock. Photo: Robert Perry/PA

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes also hit out at the ‘awful’ section of away supporters who jeered and chanted.

The matter was discussed by O’Neill and ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney on their Talksport radio show on Friday.

O’Neill, a former Northern Ireland captain from Kilrea, Co Derry, managed Celtic from 2000 to 2005.

He said others need to consider the historical reasons why some Celtic fans are uncomfortable about Remembrance events, but agreed the minute’s silence should have been observed.

Asked whether the same section of fans should be banned from travelling to certain games in the future, O’Neill said: “This is historical. Derek McInnes might have a point because I think there is an idea of having respect for a moment, and because it’s Kilmarnock’s home game.

“But this is historical. We’ve gone through this here before.. for a lot of Irish republicans and nationalists, the poppy does represent a bit of oppression.

“Way back, just after the First World War; in terms of the British Army; a group called the Black and Tans coming in and just running amok – these type of things have happened.

“And so that is historical, and that has had an effect.

“Young James McClean has taken a stance there, because of where he lives, and where he was brought up, and that’s completely understandable.”

James McClean of Wrexham stood away from his team-mates during Saturday’s minute silence before the game against Mansfield Town. Pic: Gary Oakley/PA Wire.

Asked should the section of fans have just remained silent, O’Neill added: “You should have respect for the moment… yes, just being silent. And I would go with that. But in terms of the wearing of the poppy, in terms of all of those particular things during it, there is that historical point.”

Deeney also discussed the matter, and was asked about McClean’s decision not to wear a poppy, while standing away from Wrexham team-mates while they observed a minute’s silence in their League One game last weekend.

Host Jim White said McClean made his point, without disrupting the silence.

Deeney said: “Everyone’s different. Those sections of people feel that they’re entitled to do what they wanted to do because of the arguments that Martin has just laid out.

“I feel that wherever I go in the world, I try and respect their religion or their ways of living.

“For literally one minute, I think you could hold your composure, but I can’t begrudge somebody because they think differently to me.

“I could just try and educate myself and understand why they think like that, and see if you can move to some form of resolution.

“But I’m 36 years old, these things are way before my time. I don’t know everything about it.

“I could speak to James McClean, because he gets dogs’ abuse for years now, and he still stands by what he believes in.

“He still, I think, shows a level of respect in terms of he doesn’t make any noise during the minute’s silence, and he does it in a way that I would consider is fair, but not everyone will believe that as well.

“So it’s difficult. It’s a difficult argument to have.”

McClean and O’Neill were together at Sunderland, where McClean’s decision not to wear a poppy angered some of the club’s fans.

O’Neill added: “James took the stance some years ago, realising that he was putting his career in jeopardy in the sense that he not only was going to be booed by away fans, but he was going to be booed by his home fans at Sunderland.

“And he went from, you know, from being a hero, where he did brilliantly, absolutely brilliantly, in his first season there to being booed at home. That’s very, very difficult to take, but he took that stance.

“I commend James for it. He’s a brave lad. He’s not only brave on the pitch, he’s brave off the pitch as well.”

Pundit points out why Brendan Rodgers will love working with Anthony Ralston at Celtic

Anthony Ralston is the gift that can’t be taken for granted at Celtic or with Scotland following another positive showing on the international stage against Croatia.

Despite only 232 minutes of action for the Bhoys this campaign, he continues to stand up during his country’s Nations League A campaign and has played every group stage game under Steve Clarke.

Last night, Scotland went into their penultimate clash knowing a win was the only option to keep their hopes of progression alive.

Ralston delivered a spirited showing against Croatia, forcing a clean sheet over the line as John McGinn’s late winner paid dividends.

With Scotland still having something to play for against Poland on Monday, Barry Ferguson has pointed out why Brendan Rodgers will love working with the Lennoxtown graduate on a daily basis.

Why Brendan Rodgers will love working with Anthony Ralston

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Ferguson believes managers will love having Ralston at their disposal due to the fact he leaves ‘everything’ out on the pitch for club and country.

He stated: “Every time he’s been called upon, I think he’s done a fine job. I think he’s one of those players that managers love. He knows he’s not going to be the regular starter.

“For instance, at club football, he’s not going to play. Johnston is going to play in front of him. International football, he’s got Hickey and Patterson probably in front of him, but he’ll turn up whenever he is called upon.

“I think he’s done a good job. You know what you’re getting from him; he’ll give you everything he’s got.”

Anthony Ralston is showing his reliability on all fronts

Whether it be deputising at club level or coming in to feature for Scotland, Ralston never lets the side down and deserves credit for sticking to his task.

His existence at Celtic into the present day is a byproduct of hard work. Before Ange Postecoglou came to Parkhead, it appeared a certainty that he would leave without fulfilling his potential.

However, the power of recovery is a powerful tool in football that Ralston is reaping the rewards of three years down the line.

Scotland dreaming of possibilities again as true burden of the Tartan Army laid bare

Renewed Scottish optimism as Nations League fate set to be decided in Poland

All it took was one swing of John McGinn’s boot to change the entire discourse around the Scotland national team.

The conversation still centred around figures and statistics as Friday night gave way to Saturday morning. This time, though, the numbers were being crunched more optimistically. No longer simply an update on Scotland’s long winless streak – much of the year has been spent extending the matches and months since a competitive victory – the mood switched dramatically in the aftermath of beating Croatia, thanks to McGinn’s late deflected strike, to one of renewed hope and belief.

Perhaps that is the true burden that the Tartan Army carry. For there can’t be a nation anywhere else on earth so willing to get carried away on the back of the slightest positive development, even one victory carved out after a first half spent under the cosh before the red card arrived that changed the game and, an hour later, the mood of an entire country.

In an instant, the debate about the team’s decline and whether Steve Clarke was still the man to lead it was forgotten. Now Nations League rules and league tables were being consulted with all the thoroughness of a forensic team arriving at a murder scene. From the prior resigned acceptance that Scotland would be relegated from League A without a competitive victory to their name all year, now a possible alternative outcome was emerging and Scotland fans were not slow to get behind it.

Scotland’s Ryan Gauld during the 1-0 win over Croatia at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Could we yet finish second in the group, earn a Nations League quarter-final spot and, remarkably, a place among the top seeds for the World Cup draw? This was all giddy stuff although, in the cold light of morning, not as straightforward as it seemed to many on Friday night as the euphoria of finally seeing Scotland win again went straight to their heads.

First of all, Clarke’s players now need to go to Poland and win if they are to stave off relegation. Even a draw wouldn’t be enough given the Poles’ win at Hampden at the start of this tumultuous campaign that gives them the edge in the head-to-head comparisons.

A victory in Warsaw would guarantee at least a relegation play-off in March against one of the second-placed Nations League B teams, but only a simultaneous Portugal win over Croatia in Split would keep all those other dreamed-of targets on the table. It’s a big ask but, after months of relentless misery, few could blame the Scotland supporters for electing to seize upon the rare chance to focus on something positive.

Not that the Scotland players were getting carried away, of course. Professional athletes have an innate ability to keep grounded while everyone else is espousing speculative scenarios, the overriding emotion instead something more prosaic.

“I think it was a bit of relief as it had been so long since getting a win,” as Ryan Gauld conveyed the mood in the dressing room at full-time. “Just getting over the line, maybe not in the prettiest way, but getting the job done and being in with a fighting chance of still staying in the top group.”

Scotland’s Craig Gordon celebrates John McGinn’s goal that sealed a 1-0 win over Croatia at Hampden. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

There was an undoubted irony that Scotland had finally won a game with one of their poorer recent performances, in the first half especially when Croatia had dominated until they had Petar Sucic sent off just before half-time. But given better displays earlier in the campaign had gone unrewarded, it was nice to see the tables finally turn.

“We’ve managed to grind out a win in the end,” said Craig Gordon who became the country’s fifth-most capped player after picking up number 78. “It wasn’t always pretty. I don’t think it was our best performance in the group. I think we’ve played better and lost matches. But it’s about winning.”

It was an achievement forged both out of robust, often unconventional, defending and a relentless commitment to attack. This was a second clean sheet in succession after also rebuffing Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the previous Hampden outing, a sign that a backline featuring a 41-year-old goalkeeper and Celtic’s second-choice right-back was starting to click.

“Two clean sheets is a good record,” confirmed Gordon. “We need to try and keep that going. It’s important we defend well because goals are difficult to come by at this level. It’s a really big test to score more than one goal. We’ve done it a few times and still not managed to get the win. Defensively, it needs to remain that way.”

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke embraces goal scorer John McGinn at full time. | SNS Group

Goalscorers tend to hog the headlines but one first-half save from Gordon, when he twisted his body to somehow get a toe to a goalbound shot, was just as important.

“The guy’s cut inside and the ball’s come through Soapy’s (John Souttar) legs,” he recalled. “That’s always the most difficult for a goalkeeper. Just as well I’m only 6ft 5. I managed to stretch out a long leg and the end of my big toe managed to slip it wide.”

An attack that grew in confidence the longer the game wore on was led by Ben Doak who tormented Josko Gvardiol down Scotland’s right in a virtuoso man-of-the-match performance.

“His pace is scary,” confirmed Lyndon Dykes, part of a second-half triple substitution that gave Scotland vital late impetus. “The experienced boys here have got him under their arm and he’s learning every day at training and working really hard. I’m sure he’s going to have a great Scotland career.”

The feelgood factor around the team could easily dissipate with a defeat in Warsaw tomorrow night but, finally, Scotland has earned the right to be optimistic once more.

“We’ve managed to get the first win in a while,” added Gordon. “And we want to try and back that up now. There will be a lot of talk of what the possibilities are in terms of the group. But we still need to win the match and see where that takes us.”

Ronaldo and Messi agree on one thing when it comes to Celtic – 20 A-listers rave about a Paradise without compare

The Hoops’ home is regarded by a gallery of the finest players of this generation as the best in the world

Celtic’s iconic atmosphere in quotes

Xavi

“When you step out at Celtic Park, the atmosphere they create for their team is incredible. It doesn’t matter how many big games you have played in.

“Walking out into that atmosphere is always intense. I don’t think I have seen anything like the Celtic fans in all the stadiums I have played.”

Paolo Maldini

“Every professional footballer should seek to play at least one game at Celtic Park. I have never felt anything like it.”

Paolo Maldini of AC Milan at Celtic Park in 2007. SNS Group. ( GLPDUnknown)

Lionel Messi

“I’ve been fortunate to play in some great stadiums in Europe with Barcelona but none compare to Celtic. The atmosphere their fans create make it a very special European night of football.”

Nemanja Vidic

“Every game I have played in Turkey stands out for passion created by the fans – but the best has been at Celtic Park.”

Oliver Kahn

“The atmosphere here tonight was unbelievable and it’s an honour to play in such an arena.”

Cesc Fabregas

Gianluigi Buffon

Steven Gerrard

“The incredible thing was the people, for an opposition player it is quite incredible, I have not seen a better atmosphere from the grounds I have visited.”

Owen Hargreaves

Santiago Canizares

“The Celtic fans are amazing in the way they get behind their team.”

Gerard Pique

“The atmosphere at Celtic Park is the best in Europe.”

Karl-Heinz Ruminegge

“That was a football experience of pure culture. Throughout the night we felt goosebumps. It was an atmosphere that felt a bit like the old days. It was a terrific night.”

Toni Kroos

Frank De Boer

“It’s up there with Madrid and Camp Nou. They are an example how to run a club.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Cristiano Ronaldo

“The Celtic fans are incredible. It is always great to play there.”

Celtic versus Manchester United in November 2008. PIC: CRAIG HALKETT

Andres Iniesta

“The Celtic fans are very special and the club and players can be very proud of them. They are the best I have ever heard.”

Wayne Rooney

“It is inspiring and intimidating. It’s a stadium with a particular atmosphere you want to experience as a player.”

Eidur Gudjohnson

“When I signed for Bolton they presented me to the crowd before the Jimmy Phillips testimonial. The Celtic fans made an impression on me because there were more of them than Bolton supporters at that game. Celtic are popular for testimonials because everyone knows they will fill the stadium – and I’ve always had great admiration of them. Their fans have a reputation as one of the best and that’s on merit because of the great atmosphere they create.”

Samuel Eto’o

“This place makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, there is nowhere like it in football, and I can see how the people love to play here and speak so highly of it.”

Electric’ Aston Villa vs Celtic request as match for the football romantic has Hoops diehard in Villans ranks

Celtic will play Aston Villa in their final Champions League group phase game.

A Celtic legend hopes there’s something riding on Aston Villa versus the Hoops when Champions League battle comes between the pair.

Currently, the Hoops are on seven points from four matches in the league phase. A 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig in a strong position to make it beyond the first stage of the competition, with a match in Birmingham with Aston Villa to come in early 2025.

Unai Emery’s side have nine points currently, so they are also on pace for qualification. Celtic hero John Hartson both clubs have something to play for when the game rolls around, with plenty of connections between the pair, including Aston Villa captain John McGinn.

He told Go Radio: “What a stadium to play it as well, Villa Park. It is one of my favourite stadiums in the Premier League. The Holte End and everything else.

“I used to play against players like Paul McGrath, Dean Saunders, Shaun Teale and Dwight Yorke. That was sort of my era when I was at Arsenal and West Ham. Villa Park was always a great place to play. It really was.

“Now that they are in the Champions League. I can’t imagine what the atmosphere is like. Some of the games I watched, Bayern Munich, for instance. The atmosphere was electric, so you put that in with the Celtic travelling away fans. It will be some night. You are just hoping that there is something riding on the game, then you have sentimental stuff.

“You have got John McGinn playing for Aston Villa, a Celtic fan. You have Martin O’Neill, who did so well as a Celtic manager, also Villa manager. There are little links and talking points.”

Alexandro Bernabei turns into transfer goldust as Celtic misfit eyed for stunning double deal with Sergio Ramos

The wing-back is currently back in South America after being bombed out on loan by Brendan Rodgers

Alexandro Bernabei

Celtic misfit Alexandro Bernabei is reportedly the subject of an ambitious swoop from Brazilian club Corinthians that also involves Real Madrid and Spain legend Sergio Ramos.

The Argentine left back was brought to Parkhead by previous Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou for £3.8million from Argentina’s club Lanus in July 2022 and made 19 appearances in all competitions in his first season. However Bernabei soon fell down the pecking order under the Aussie’s successor Brendan Rodgers, and returned to South America in a loan deal to join Brazilian side Internacional until the end of 2024 back in March.

Internacional officials have stated their intention to try and land the 24-year-old on a permanent deal, but sources in South America claim they will face competition from two other clubs in Brazil’s top-flight. Bernabei is reportedly on the radar of Corinthians, who also want to sign 38-year-old Ramos, a free agent after leaving Sevilla last season.

Brazilian outlet O Tempo also claim that Cruzeiro – owned by Selecao icon Ronaldo – are also keeping tabs on the Celtic loanee’s situation at Internacional. They add that the club will only make a move if Internacional opt not to take up their option to sign Bernabei permanently, which according to reports could cost them as much as £8million.

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Scotland reaction: Steve Clarke has say on Ben Doak, Croatia red card and makes worst display admission

Scotland manager reacts to 1-0 win over Croatia at Hampden

Steve Clarke stressed that Scotland were due a break after a first half red card for Croatia helped his team claim an overdue competitive victory with a John McGinn winner four minutes from time.

Midfielder Petar Sucic picked up a second yellow card after a high challenge on John Souttar two minutes before half-time. According to Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, the decision from referee Orel Grinfeeld changed the game.

Clarke was not going to disagree. “I think when you put two yellow cards together to get a red, I’m not sure it was strong enough to be a red,” he said. “If I’m being honest, if it had happened against us, I would have been just as disappointed as they were.”

Scotland fought hard to break down the ten men and finally did so with four minutes left through John McGinn, after more thrilling wing play from winger Ben Doak, who picked up the man of the match award aged just 19. Asked to assess the teenager’s performance in what was just his third start, Clarke replied that he had expected such a strong performance from a player he clearly has so much faith in.

“It was good but I thought he might be,” he said. “He’s come into the team, he’s shown a really positive attitude, he brings us something a little bit different to what we’ve had before. So I’m really pleased with Ben and he gets the assist for the goal with the run. He could maybe have had a couple more, could maybe have scored one himself. So that’s a contribution from a young player that we need to protect and look after but realise that he’s good for now and hopefully for a long time in the future.”

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke embraces goal scorer John McGinn at full time | SNS Group

Doak will certainly be vital if Scotland are to secure a win on Monday in Poland required to avoid automatic relegation from the top tier of the Nations League at least. There is still a possibility that they can finish second in the group and reach the quarter-finals, if they win in Warsaw and Portugal beat Croatia in Zagreb and these outcomes also involve a three-goal swing. Clarke is only concentrating on getting another three points in the first instance.

“We have to win,” he said. “First job is to go there and win, if we do that then we’ll count up the goals and whatever afterwards. But let’s take it a step at a time. It’s been a hell of a long time since we got a win, now we’ve got to get another one on Monday night. So it’d be nice to get back-to-back (victories).”

Clarke felt Scotland can play a lot better than they did against Croatia, who were clearly the better side in the first half and had their moments in the second half too. Indeed, the manager rated the performance as the worst so far in this section of the Nations League.

“We can play better,” he said. “I think we can be better with the ball, I think we can be more clinical when we get to the final third of the pitch. Obviously the sending off changes the direction of the game but we were due a little break.”

There was a nice moment at the end when Clarke made a beeline towards Croatia skipper Luka Modric, who had played superbly once more on what could be his last appearance on Scottish soil. Asked what he had said to the 39-year-old, Clarke said: “I just wished him well, good luck for the last game,” revealed the manager. “We had a little chat about the game-changing incident.”

Report: Belgian media react to Arne Engels performance in defeat to Italy

Belgium lost out in a narrow defeat to Italy last night in Nations League action.

The Red Devils faced off against Luciano Spaletti’s side and lost at home thanks to a goal from Sandro Tonali within the first 11 minutes.

It leaves Domenico Tedesco’s side in a spot of bother as they now sit back in third from their group with Italy top on 13 points and France second on 10.

One man who played the majority of the action was Celtic’s record signing Arne Engels.

The 22-year-old Engels is one of 13 Celtic stars on international duty but only won his first start on the night.

Yet his performance was praised by sections of the Belgian media who noted him as a bright-spark on a difficult evening.

The playmaker was singled out for doing the dirty work for his country as opposed to his usually creative and attacking style in the midfield for the Hoops.

Engels has shown he can do his defensive duties for Celtic – a clear role he took up in Atalanta during the goalless Champions League tie earlier this season – and he did the same for Belgium last night.

Arne Engels was praised by Belgian media for his defensive maturity

Media outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, as translated into English, applauded the player for his outing and credited him as being a mature presence in the engine room.

They wrote: “Engels showed maturity and precision in his passing, which was crucial for Belgium’s ball possession.”

Another publication, De Standaard, also lauded Engels’ defensive mind and his desire to win the ball back for his team for 90 minutes.

Arne Engels’ Celtic stats since he arrived from Augsburg on a record fee

They wrote: “Engels was tireless in winning the ball back and displayed impressive stamina throughout the entire match.”

The young man has been excellent since he joined Celtic from Augsburg with three goals and six assists from his 14 matches this campaign so far.

He was the club’s record £11million signing in the summer

Missed Opportunity: SFA Fails to Address Controversial Celtic Incident

The SFA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel has been under the spotlight this week, primarily for their ruling that Reo Hatate should have been sent off during Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock. However, an equally controversial moment from the same match has been entirely overlooked by the panel – Liam Donnelly’s elbow on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Late in the match, Donnelly appeared to deliberately stick out his elbow as he ran past Schmeichel, who was left furious by the challenge. While Donnelly’s attempt ultimately caught Schmeichel in the chest rather than the face, the intent behind the action was clear. Referee Nick Walsh opted to show Donnelly a yellow card, but many, including Schmeichel, believed the incident merited far harsher punishment.

Clear Violent Conduct Ignored

The incident wasn’t reviewed by VAR during the game, and the KMI panel has reportedly decided not to discuss it further. This decision raises serious questions about the consistency of officiating and post-match analysis. The panel’s focus on Hatate’s late challenge, while ignoring what could easily be classified as violent conduct, leaves Celtic fans scratching their heads.

10th November 2024; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Kyle Vassell of Kilmarnock gets a yellow card from referee Nick Walsh

The rules around violent conduct are clear – the intent to harm is punishable, even if the player does not succeed in doing so. Donnelly’s action was deliberate and reckless, with no attempt to play the ball. That such behaviour only warranted a yellow card on the day, and has now been brushed aside by the KMI panel, sends the wrong message about player safety and fair play.

Celtic Fans and Players Frustrated

Kasper Schmeichel’s reaction at the time said it all. The Danish goalkeeper was irate, and rightly so, given the nature of the challenge. For Donnelly to escape with only a booking will feel like a missed opportunity to address a clear act of aggression that could have resulted in serious injury.

This incident highlights the inconsistencies in how decisions are handled. While the focus has been on Hatate’s tackle, incidents like this need the same level of scrutiny to maintain the integrity of the game.

As Celtic prepare for a busy run of fixtures, the lack of action on Donnelly’s elbow is likely to linger in the mind. We head back to Tynecastle in just over a weeks time where last time out we suffered some incredible decisions against us that put us up against it, ultimately losing 2-0. Celtic will hope for stronger officials in the capital this time around.

Andy Walker Exclusive Q&A Part One: Career Highlights at Celtic and Bolton

Welcome to part one of the Andy Walker exclusive. The former Celtic, Bolton, Scotland striker and now pundit and commentator talks exclusively to Last Word on Football about his career both North and South of the border.

A boyhood Celtic fan, Walker started his career at Motherwell before moving to Celtic and helping them win the league and cup double in his first season. Moving South of the border, Walker would become a hero to Bolton Wanderers fans due to his prolific strike rate. However, the lure of Celtic would see him return for a second spell at Parkhead.

Andy Walker Exclusive Q&A Part One: Career Highlights at Celtic and Bolton

Who was your favourite player as a youngster?

My favourite player as a youngster was Kenny Dalglish. I caught the last few appearances of Jimmy Johnstone at Celtic Park when my dad first took me to some games but Kenny had a grace & elegance about him that made him stand out.

You’re obviously remembered as a striker, is this where you wanted to play growing up?

All through my amateur days and with schools football I played in midfield or as a winger and didn’t really see myself as a striker. I was signed by Tommy McLean at Motherwell & without his influence I wouldn’t have had a career. I signed from junior football, playing in the middle of the park or wide but Tommy thought I could do a job up front. He made me understand what being a team player was and saw things in me that made me think where I could be more effective in the team. He was right.

You started your career at Motherwell; however, what was it like to get your dream move to Celtic and play at a ground where you used to stand and watch?

Playing for Motherwell was a dream and scoring against Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen brought me some attention. I could never have imagined I would be good enough to play for Celtic, my team. Davie Hay was the manager when I learned of their interest but he was sacked at the end of the season and Billy McNeil took over. My dad was Billy’s chartered accountant so he was a family friend and had given me advice on a couple of occasions. When he confirmed Celtic would go ahead and sign me it was a unique feeling. Finishing my first season as top scorer when we won the league and cup double was truly remarkable. I had been a fan watching Celtic achieve so much success, being part of a team that delivered the same memories was very special.

You won the double in your first season at Celtic and played for your country. Does it get much better?

I had a taste of international football when I played for Scotland U21s and scored when we beat Belgium and was also involved in a B game at Pittodrie when we played France but I didn’t get on. Being called up to the full squad and to make my debut as a sub against Colombia was a huge thrill. I travelled with the squad to Wembley to play against England but lost 1-0 to a Peter Beardsley goal.

How did your move to Bolton Wanderers come about?

After 4 years at Celtic, I knew my time was coming to an end, Billy had been sacked and Liam Brady took over. Initially, Liam was OK to deal with but became completely unreasonable towards me when I refused to go to either Falkirk or Motherwell, both of whom made efforts to sign me. A short loan to Newcastle Utd under Ossie Ardilles didn’t work out due to my stupidity. I went there carrying an injury thinking I could play through it and only played a couple of times. Bolton took me on loan in January ’92 and it was a great club with very good players. Phil Neal was the manager but was replaced by Bruce Rioch and he took the club to another level.

You formed a prolific partnership with John McGinlay at Bolton with David Lee supplying the ammunition from the wing. You gained promotion but also famously knocked out Liverpool in the FA Cup at Anfield, and you scored. You must have fond memories of your time at Burnden Park.

I have very fond memories of my time at Bolton. The people behind the scenes were lovely, very warm and considerate, especially to my pregnant wife at the time, people doing the shopping and just always being on hand to help when we were travelling away from home. Bruce put a team together that not only got promotion but we beat Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Southampton & Aston Villa in a couple of years of FA Cup wins when all teams played their strongest sides. Scoring at Anfield was wonderful but scoring at Highbury to beat Arsenal was pretty special too after almost a year out through injury.

You then returned to Celtic after around three years at Bolton. Did the return come as a surprise?

The opportunity of returning to Celtic came as a complete surprise. I was negotiating with Bolton for a new contract and was happy with the terms on offer but just wanted the security of a three-year deal rather than two years. Bruce said he would get it approved by the board but in the meantime, Lou Macari had been in touch asking if id go back to Glasgow. Given that my dad was suffering from cancer at the time and didn’t have long to live, it was an easy decision to make. I stayed at home with my mum and dad for a short time before he passed away in October. Those months being close to him at that time were priceless.

You played for your country; something to be proud of; however, do you feel you should have played more?

I have never felt as though I should have had more international caps. My contemporaries at the time were Frank McAvennie, Eric Black, Alan McInally, Robert Fleck, Ally McCoist and Mo Johnston. All of them were brilliant players, no complaints from me on that score.

Barry Dixon, LWOF Site Manager

Barry has been writing for LWOS since March 2015. He covers Sunderland as well as football in general. A passionate supporter of his hometown club, he went to his first game in 1987.

Two Celtic stars handed combined 66 minutes for Japan but one snubbed vs Indonesia

Celtic sent 13 players out on international duty this month with a number having already played their first matches.

Arne Engels made his full Belgium debut against Italy on Thursday while Liam Scales earned his eighth cap for the Republic of Ireland in their win over Finland.

Auston Trusty then played for the USMNT as a substitute in the early hours of Friday morning as they beat Jamaica.

Japanese trio Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi have now also navigated their first match of the week – but only two were introduced to the field of play.

Here’s how Maeda, Hatate and Kyogo fared as Japan thumped Indonesia 4-0 in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Daizen Maeda

Celtic’s flying winger has been sensational so far this season, so it may come as a surprise to hear that Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu decided to start Maeda on the bench.

But with Japan 2-0 up and coasting at half-time, Maeda was introduced to play out the second-half.

FotMob handed Maeda a 6.5 match rating as he delivered one shot on goal and completed 90% of his 10 attempted passes.

He had two touches in the opposition box but made also made five defensive actions and recoveries, which won’t come as a surprise to Celtic supporters.

Reo Hatate

Hatate was also named on the bench from the start and was only given the last 16 minutes of the game.

The 26-year-old’s pass accuracy of 67% wasn’t his best but did manage to create one chance in the dying embers of a brilliant win for Japan.

Kyogo Furuhashi

Now for Kyogo, who doesn’t perhaps get as much game time as he deserves under Moriyasu.

The Japan boss decided not to call upon the Celtic striker for this game as he remained an unused substitute.

Kyogo will be hoping for more of a central role when Japan next play on Tuesday away to China.

Scotland are back in business: John McGinn wound healer, unplayable Ben Doak, Steve Clarke’s match-winning tweak

How’s that for a first competitive win of 2024? Scotland made everything seem a lot better again to set up the opportunity to end an arduous year on a high.

The Scots might still have to defeat Poland on Monday in Warsaw to avoid automatic relegation from the top tier of the Nations League but that doesn’t seem so fanciful after a spirited second-half performance produced the goal that eventually saw the ten men of Croatia overcome. It’s even possible, if unlikely, that Scotland can still finish second in their group and progress to the quarter finals.

Steve Clarke wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea a few months ago. He might have been back in the firing line had Scotland failed to take advantage of Petar Sucic’s red card towards the end of the first half. But a teenager by the name of Ben Doak, who might have made a difference in Germany this summer had he not sustained an injury, has arrived on the scene in timely fashion.

Clarke deserves praise for putting so much faith in the on-loan Middlesbrough youngster. This was his third successive start for the 19-year-old and while he of course exhibits moments of rawness, what a talent Scotland have at their disposal. Clarke can also take credit for the triple substitution just before the 65-minute mark that helped force the breakthrough. Lyndon Dykes replaced Tommy Conway, who had found the going tough on his first start.

Scotland’s John McGinn celebrates scoring the matchwinner against Croatia at Hampden Park. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group) | SNS Group

Ryan Gauld came on for Ryan Christie and was excellent while John McGinn replaced Kenny McLean and emerged as the match winner, scoring his 19th international goal to equal Ally McCoist’s tally. It came with four minutes of normal time left and with Hampden becoming more and more agitated.

Don’t panic. Doak, who was becoming almost unplayable on the right, evaded Josko Gvardiol for the umpteenth time, before firing in a cross that was only parried by keeper Dominik Kotarski into the path of super sub McGinn who steered the ball past a ruck of bodies. It was a goal that healed a lot of wounds, dating back to the European Championship finals, and perhaps even beyond. It secured Scotland’s first competitive win since September last year, remarkably.

Clarke wants Scotland to copy whatever it is Croatia do to maintain their position as one of the world’s top sides and this was a demonstration why the team in the red and white checked shirts ought to be envied. They are not perfect, however. Somehow they failed to score in the opening 43 minutes before the dynamics were significantly altered.

Croatia’s brand of possession football is all well and good with eleven men. It is a more challenging concept with just ten. Equally difficult can be playing against opponents who are a player down, as Scotland duly proved. There might have been a lot less anxiety had Billy Gilmour worn his shooting boots, with the midfielder blasting high over on a couple of occasions, including when the better positioned Doak was out wide screaming for the ball.

Scotland’s Ben Doak tussles with Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group) | SNS Group

There was a welcome sequel to the Gvardiol v Doak drama from Zagreb a month ago. Unlike the second instalment of Gladiator, this was not a disappointment. The winger, who has turned 19 since that evening, displayed both his thrilling talent and undoubted rawness. One thing’s for sure, his opposite man from Manchester City will be happy he won’t be coming up against Doak again for a while.

Not that it was all one way in the one-on-one battles. Gvardiol, indeed, even cheekily hoisted the ball over Doak’s head after a delicious touch from the defender left him contemplating his options near the byline after a sweeping delivery from Modric. ‘Bad move, old man,’ Doak might have said to the defender, who is three years his senior.

At the next opportunity, Doak got some revenge, turning Gvardiol inside out with cute nutmeg that recalled a similar incident in Zagreb before the youngster had the precense of mind to pick out McTominay. The Napoli player probably should have done better but his shot still brought off a save from Kotarski, hitherto desperately underemployed.

Referee Orel Grinfeeld (R) shows a red card to Croatia’s Petar Sucic. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group) | SNS Group

It signalled a burst of Scotland pressure that helped rouse a Friday night crowd eager to enjoy their evening. Are you not entertained? Well, no, not yet. Not everyone’s idea of entertainment is watching a 39-year-old pull the strings in the middle of the midfield but it was certainly a privilege to set eyes on Luka Modric again, perhaps for the last time on Scottish soil. We were treated to another Modric masterclass. He manages to wreak havoc with minimal industry. A flick here, a short pass there.

He was able to count on willing and talented support. Two of Croatia’s front four were aged 21 while another was 22. The dangerous No.9 Andrej Kramaric might have helped himself to a couple of goals before Scotland had properly warmed up. A misplaced pass from Kenny McLean gave the striker a chance which he pulled wide of Craig Gordon’s far post. The soon-to-depart Petar Susic then shot over after the ball had been delivered to him, with Kramaric again playing a prominent part, after a burst from Mateo Kovacic.

After dealing with the admittedly short period of pressure Scotland had managed to inflict, the visitors were pushing hard again for the opener before their world fell in. Sucic challenged for a ball he didn’t have to in the middle of the park and left more on John Souttar than the referee felt was necessary. He had already been booked for foul on Gilmour and a second yellow might have been a little harsh on the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder, who took an age to walk off. Even Modric, usually so unflappable, was aghast and picked up a booking for his complaints.

Perhaps one blessing for Croatia was how close it was to half-time. They were able to see out the half, including a couple of minutes of injury time, before re-grouping. They worked hard but left with nothing, a feeling Scotland know all too well.

Mixed emotions for Celtic star Arne Engels as he delivers honest full Belgium debut verdict

Arne Engels did his international future with Belgium no harm as he impressed on his first full start for his country against Italy.

Celtic’s record signing bought from FC Augsburg for £11m in the summer had already earned two caps for Belgium before Thursday night’s UEFA Nations League tie.

With no Kevin de Bruyne in the team, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco opted to start Engels on the right of a midfield three.

Belgium would go on to lose on the night as Italy won 1-0 in League A Group 2. It leaves Engels’ Belgium third in the group with just four points after five games.

But the 21-year-old put in a good individual performance which the Belgian media very much appreciated in this morning’s newspapers.

One outlet labelled Engels ‘tireless’ and ‘impressive’ while another claimed the Celtic star ‘proved that he is ready for the highest level.’

Celtic’s Arne Engels reacts to first Belgium start

But what did Engels himself have to say? As quoted in the Daily Record, Engels said: “I’m happy that I was able to show what I’m capable of.

“People may know me from my Champions League games with Celtic, but I’ve never played at the highest level in Belgium. So a lot of people here don’t really know who I am.

“I hope that with this game I’ve shown what I can do. It was nice to be in the starting line-up for the first time. But of course, it’s a shame we couldn’t win.”

Engels stats vs Italy

Engels was substituted on the 71st minute with Belgium still searching for an equaliser. He managed one shot on goal and registered a pass accuracy of 71 percent (12/17 successful passes).

Moreover, Engels made two key passes into the final third but was also on hand to help his side defensively.

He made three defensive actions and two successful recoveries, although it wasn’t enough to get anything out of the game.

Celtic’s Reo Hatate ‘should have been sent off’ against Kilmarnock

The SFA’s Key Match Incident panel says VAR should have flagged the challenge.

Flashpoint: Reo Hatate was shown a yellow card by referee Nick Walsh.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate should have been shown a red card for a foul on Kilmarnock’s Liam Donnelly, according to an independent review.

The Premiership champions won 2-0 at Rugby Park to return to the top of the table last Sunday, with Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn scoring the goals that secured three points for Celtic.

But much of the post-match discussion surrounded Hatate’s challenge, and whether referee Nick Walsh made the right decision to show the Japanese midfielder a yellow card.

The Scottish FA has now published the findings of the independent Key Match Incident panel, who review major decisions on a weekly basis.

The panel concluded that VAR officials should have asked Walsh to review his decision on the pitch-side monitor and that Hatate should have been dismissed.

The decision wasn’t unanimous though, with three of the panelists believing VAR should have intervened but two individuals saying it didn’t meet the threshold for a clear and obvious error.

The report read: “The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the onfield decision incorrect.

“The majority (3:2) believed that VAR should have intervened and recommended an OFR for a red card to be awarded as they believed that the challenge endangered the safety of the opponent.

“Two members of the panel highlighted that they didn’t think the potential foul was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and a caution sufficed.”

Panel Splits 3/2: Friday Evening Reo Hatate Verdict

The SFA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel has ruled that Reo Hatate should have been sent off during Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock last weekend.

The decision stems from an incident late in the match, with Hatate sliding in late on Killie’s Liam Donnelly. Referee Nick Walsh opted against showing the Japanese midfielder a red card, and VAR did not recommend an on-field review. As a result, Hatate completed the match without further sanction.

However, upon review, the KMI panel reached a 3-2 decision in favour of deeming the referee’s call incorrect. The majority argued that the challenge “endangered the safety of the opponent” and warranted a dismissal. The two dissenting panel members expressed doubts over whether the tackle met the threshold of being a “clear and obvious” error, highlighting the fine margins involved.

10th November 2024; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; Referee Nick Walsh yellow cards Reo Hatate of Celtic after a foul on Liam Donnelly of Kilmarnock

Our Verdict

Hatate’s tackle has sparked debate, with many questioning whether it truly merited a sending-off. While the midfielder appeared to pull out of the challenge at the last moment, the panel’s ruling indicates that intent was irrelevant given the perceived danger to the opposing player. In our opinion, we couldn’t have many complaints if he was sent off.

The match itself saw Celtic navigate a tough test at Rugby Park, where Brendan Rodgers’ side eventually secured a vital three points to reclaim top spot in the Scottish Premiership. Goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn sealed the win.

Celtic’s Packed Schedule Ahead

The Hoops are currently using the international break to recharge ahead of a gruelling fixture list. From November 23rd, Celtic face a relentless schedule, playing twice a week through to mid-January as they juggle domestic and European commitments.

With matches coming thick and fast, Rodgers will be keen to keep his squad disciplined and fully fit for the challenges ahead. Whether the SFA’s verdict on Hatate impacts Celtic in future decisions remains to be seen.

Mark Guidi says Lennon Miller could join Celtic

Celtic have been heavily linked with a move for Motherwell youngster Lennon Miller.

The Bhoys are reportedly expected to make a move for the 18-year-old midfielder in the January transfer window.

Scottish rivals Rangers and Premier League leaders Liverpool are also thought to be in the race to sign the highly-rated teenager.

Miller has become one of the hottest properties in the country after producing some great performances in the Scottish top flight.

Southampton are also keeping tabs on the Scotland U21 international, but Motherwell chief Brian Caldwell has made it clear that the Fir Park club are under no pressure to sell their prized asset.

Mark Guidi says Lennon Miller could join Celtic

Mark Guidi doesn’t think Rangers will be able to compete against Celtic to sign the youngster.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show Podcast, Guidi said that it wouldn’t come as a big surprise if Celtic win the race to land Miller.

He said: “It wouldn’t surprise me to see him at Celtic and to see a deal happening in January. Motherwell will be in a great position, and so will the boy. I can see him having five or six excellent options.”

Celtic have money to spend in January

Miller has progressed through the academy ranks at the club and has done incredibly well in the Scottish top flight this season.

Recently, he was handed the captain’s armband in the absence of injured Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell, which shows how much he is valued by the club.

Miller has a contract at the club until 2026, and Motherwell are expected to demand a fee of over £4 million.

They banked £3.25 million for selling David Turnbull to Celtic back in 2020, and they would not budge for anything less than a club record fee.

Celtic have done incredibly well in the summer transfer window, bringing in some quality players, and they will continue to do so in January.

The Bhoys are doing well in the Champions League, and they have money to spend.

There is a high chance that Celtic could move for Miller in January and submit an offer that Motherwell cannot refuse.

Auston Trusty draws Celtic and English giants parallel as defender makes ‘love or hate’ admission

The defender spent some time down south but is now loving life in Glasgow

Celtic’s Auston Trusty

Celtic defender Auston Trusty backed himself from day one in Glasgow and has praised the fans for helping him settle in.

The 26-year-old has started to cement his place in Brendan Rodgers’ starting line-up week after week and is forming a formidable duo with his central defensive pattern, and fellow countryman, Cameron Carter-Vickers. The summer signing, who arrived in a deal reported to be worth around £6 million, wants to give the young fans, in particular, someone to look up to as he continues his strong start at Celtic Park, racking up 13 appearances so far and shining on the European stage too in the Champions League.

When asked how big a club Celtic are, Trusty compared them to an English Premier League giant in Arsenal – a club he signed for a few years back but spent his time out on loan. Despite a lack of first-team action for the London side, he still sees plenty of parallels between the Gunners and the Hoops.

He told GOAL: “It’s a whole different realm, and the closest thing I can compare it to is Arsenal

“Think about Arsenal. We’re in London, so there are so many different teams. In Glasgow, it’s a big city, not as big as London, but it’s a big city. There are only two teams, so there’s a good chance that they hate you or a good chance that they love you.

“The welcome was amazing. Everyone there is super, super passionate, and I think they could see from the start the value that I could bring to the team, so I think that they were excited as well.

“I try to play every game and be that person for this team, for Celtic and for fans look up to me and to support me, and little kids who aspire to be professional athlete to look up to me. I think the fans can see that hopefully and respect that.

“They’ve got behind me, so it’s been really, really nice. Here and Birmingham City have been the best in terms of getting behind me to make me feel at home.”

Celtic’s next Champions League opponent Club Brugge rocked by ‘furious’ infighting

It is being reported that there is friction within the Club Brugge camp less than two weeks before they play Celtic in the Champions League.

The Hoops will return from the international break to face Hearts next Saturday evening in the Premiership before attention turns to Club Brugge.

Celtic face the Belgian champions on November 27 under the lights at Celtic Park with a fantastic opportunity to effectively guarantee a knockout play-off spot.

Club Brugge will have the same ambition but a recent report has stated that there is disharmony between chairman, manager and players at the club.

Club Brugge friction reported as Celtic take notice

After beating Aston Villa 1-0 in the Champions League, Brugge failed to follow that famous win up with a victory in the league.

They drew 2-2 with bottom of the league Beerschot and Belgian media have been reporting that the chairman Bart Verhaeghe wasn’t best pleased with the result.

In fact, it’s being claimed that a ‘furious’ Verhaeghe burst his way into the dressing room and ‘reminded the players of their responsibilities.’

Moreover, one player at the club has publicly expressed his disdain at not being handed enough game time by the Club Brugge boss Nicky Hayen.

The player in question is Belgium international Hugo Siquet who was brought to Brugge in the summer from Freiburg for a reported £3m.

As quoted by freelance journalist Mark Walker via The Celtic Way, Siquet has said: “The situation for me is not good and mentally it is very difficult.

“I try to give everything for the club and I will continue to do so until the last moment, but I get little in return.

“I have the right mentality, I think I show a lot of maturity and when I get my chance, I will be ready and seize it.”

What does this mean for Celtic?

Naturally, Celtic fans may be encouraged by the fact there is infighting inside Club Brugge – but it could deliver the opposite effect.

A rollicking from the chairman isn’t exactly commonplace and it might give the Brugge boys a kick up the backside with just 12 days until they meet the Hoops in Glasgow.

Club Brugge are third in the Belgian top-flight at the moment and have the chance to right the wrongs of the Beerschot result when they face STVV who sit eight places below them in 11th.

Then it’s a trip to Parkhead when Celtic will hope their struggles on and off the park have continued until the eve of the big clash.

Belgian media react to Arne Engels performance in defeat to Italy

Belgium lost out in a narrow defeat to Italy last night in Nations League action.

The Red Devils faced off against Luciano Spaletti’s side and lost at home thanks to a goal from Sandro Tonali within the first 11 minutes.

It leaves Domenico Tedesco’s side in a spot of bother as they now sit back in third from their group with Italy top on 13 points and France second on 10.

One man who played the majority of the action was Celtic’s record signing Arne Engels.

The 22-year-old Engels is one of 13 Celtic stars on international duty but only won his first start on the night.

Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images