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Peter Grant shares what he thought was ‘terrific’ about Celtic’s friendly win over Sligo Rovers

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Peter Grant shares what he thought was ‘terrific’ about Celtic’s friendly win over Sligo Rovers

Celtic were able to give supporters some light relief from the international break during their midweek trip to take on Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Emerging as 3-2, Luis Palma’s hat-trick on Irish shores for Celtic has won the Honduran favour as he bids to work his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans.

Luke McCowan and Hyunjun Yang were also on song for the Bhoys on a night of celebration for their support across the water. Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki added to their minutes for the season.

All in all, Rodgers was pleased with Celtic’s outing in Sligo, as he told fringe players to look upon the clash as an opportunity to seize their chance, which some of them delivered on.

He wasn’t the only one happy with the night’s work. Peter Grant has now chimed in to offer some other reasons to be positive after the Hoops defeated the League of Ireland opposition.

Peter Grant on Celtic’s win over Sligo Rovers

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Grant lauded the ‘terrific attitude’ shown collectively by the Celtic’s senior players and young stars against Sligo Rovers.

He explained: “I thought all the senior players showed a terrific attitude. I think that’s the biggest thing when you go to these games because everybody is getting a break, everybody is going away and having a bit of time off; all the other teams and these boys went out there.

“I’m sure, in the back of their mind, they would like to spend this little bit of time (off) because even though they’re not playing, they’re travelling everywhere, they’re on the bench week in, week out, but all the senior players’ attitude was excellent. You expect that from the younger ones, but they have to show it first and foremost.

🤝 Thanks for having us,

Slán go fóill! 💚🤍🧡

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 9, 2024

“They went about their business proper; Palma got in at the back post a few times, and Yang was chasing back after if he lost possession, just small things. I know people say you expect that, but it’s easy enough to throw the towel in and think ‘well I shouldn’t be playing this’, but every one of their attitudes were excellent.

“The young boys stood up to it, they showed they could play and handle the ball in the middle of the pitch, there was a few of the young boys in there. Turley, I like him; I’ve liked him all through pre-season. He has a good understanding of the game and can play with good players.”

Celtic turn their focus to upcoming Aberdeen clash

Now that the dust has settled on the Sligo exercise, Celtic boss Rodgers has laid out his plan for facing Aberdeen next Saturday in a top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash.

The Irishman said: “A little bit of rest, but then, obviously planning ahead for that really exciting game. The first game back, so I’m looking forward to that and we will have a couple of days to recover now. It’s been a long period of games, seven games in 23 days.

“A little bit of recovery time and then we’ll look forward to get everyone back in preparing for the Aberdeen game.”

While 12 Celtic players are on international duty, the collective focus at Celtic will now be on claiming three points to kickstart their momentum ahead of a busy fixture schedule.

“Not thinking too far ahead” – Player has Celtic renewal talks on agenda, but not distracted by them

Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has told the Danish media his future will be sorted out in the new year.

With Ian Hart retiring at the end of last season Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers brought in the Denmark international during the summer window.

Ekstra Bladet have reported on comments Schmeichel made to their sport magazine Bold when asked about whether he will extend his stay with Celtic beyond this season. The veteran keeper said it wasn’t something he was thinking about at this stage, but in the near future it will be discussed.

“It’s something we’ll sit down and talk about at some point in the new year. For the time being, I am not thinking that far ahead. My focus is on the things that happen here and now,” said the Dane.

The 37-year-old joined Celtic on a one-year contract during the summer despite attention from Premier League sides like Ipswich Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

Schmeichel has conceded just one goal in Celtic’s opening seven league games this season as Rodgers’ side top the Scottish Premiership table.

However, it’s unlikely the Glasgow club will want a situation like last season after Hart announced he would be retiring from football, and they may move early to secure the services of Schmeichel for another campaign.

Scales keen to ensure Ireland develop a ‘winning mentality’ after Finland win

Liam Scales of Republic of Ireland Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Ireland’s Liam Scales admits that he doesn’t want Ireland’s win in Helsinki to become a one-off result and wants a winning mentality to come from it. 

The Ireland team ended their losing streak away from home by coming from behind to beat Finland 2-1 in Helsinki on Thursday. Goals from Scales and Robbie Brady ensured that Ireland, under Heimir Hallgrimsson, recorded their first win at the third attempt.

A lot has been said about the Ireland team because of the previous losses, and who knows—it may just have been a good day for the Boys in Green. However, Scales is keen to emulate their wins more often by creating a stronger mentality.

“We knew we had to show character. We knew the game was there to win, or at least to get a point, but we obviously wanted to win,” Scales said on Thursday night to the Independent.

“We want to make that a common occurrence—winning big games, winning games away from home, and winning at home as well. Hopefully, we can take that mentality into the next few games.”

Ireland’s next game will be against rivals Greece on Sunday, which will be a much tougher test for Hallgrimsson’s side. The Greeks beat England 2-1 at Wembley and will be very confident of defeating Ireland for the second time this Nations League campaign. They beat Ireland 2-0 in Dublin last September.

This guy 💚 pic.twitter.com/Y0axtegbnl

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 10, 2024

Scales is aware of the task at hand but admits that the high from the Finnish win will give the Ireland team more confidence when the sides meet. The Celtic star adds that beating teams like Greece will be key for qualification for major tournaments to come.

“Obviously, it’s a tough fixture; we have struggled against them in the past,” said Scales.

“But we are going in on a high now, and we need to make this a mentality—a winning mentality—that we can go away to tough places and take wins. That’s how you are going to qualify for tournaments, so that’s the way we need to look at this game.

“We have played them enough to know what they are like, and it’s just about going out there, being solid, and hopefully winning the game.”

Ireland’s game kicks off at 7:45 PM on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland Squad: Finland & Greece

Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool), Mark Travers (AFC Bournemouth), Max O’Leary (Bristol City)

Defenders: Festy Ebosele (Watford, on loan from Udinese), Andrew Omobamidele (Nottingham Forest), Nathan Collins (Brentford), Mark McGuinness (Luton Town), Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Liam Scales (Celtic), Robbie Brady (Preston North End).

Midfielders: Josh Cullen (Burnley), Jason Knight (Bristol City), Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Finn Azaz (Middlesbrough), Jack Taylor (Ipswich Town), Jamie McGrath (Aberdeen).

Forwards: Adam Idah (Celtic), Evan Ferguson (Brighton and Hove Albion), Chiedozie Ogbene (Ipswich Town), Kasey McAteer (Leicester City), Sammie Szmodics (Ipswich Town), Mikey Johnston (West Bromwich Albion), Troy Parrott (AZ Alkmaar).

UEFA Nations League: Fixtures

13/10 – Greece vs. Ireland, Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, Athens, 7.45pm (9.45pm local time)

Celtic kid scores first international goal with delicious dink to notch late winner

Celtic may be out of action with the international break in full flow, but there are several Bhoys featuring for their countries to tune into over the coming days.

Yesterday, Liam Scales scored the Republic of Ireland’s equaliser against Finland alongside Daizen Maeda making a cameo in Japan’s 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

Out of the 12 Celtic players on international duty, the two men in question have got the Bhoys contingent representing their nations off to a flying start. Adam Idah also came on to help the Boys in Green over the line, so there is plenty to be positive about despite club football remaining on the back burner for now.

Scotland and Denmark are in action over the weekend, which may see Celtic pair Anthony Ralston and Kasper Schmeichel in action. Further afield, Auston Trusty may also feature for the United States against either Panama or Mexico.

In among the seniors thriving at international level, you may have missed one of the Bhoys’ Academy prospects getting himself on the scoresheet.

Celtic prospect Mitchel Frame scores for Scotland Under-19’s

After making his senior debut against Feyenoord last campaign, Mitchel Frame hasn’t been seen at senior level since despite remaining an exciting prospect.

Nevertheless, the 18-year-old has now scored his first goal for Scotland at Under-19 level, latching onto a ball from Kyle Ure before slotting home to help the Tartan Army claim a late victory over Hungary, as provided by Scotland platform The Young Team on X.

An excellent second for Scotland u19, again assisted by Kyle Ure and this time scored by Mitchel Frame.

2-1 after 86 mins but there will be lengthy added time due to injuries.

— The Young Team 🏴󐁧󐁢󐁳󐁣󐁴󐁿 (@The_Young_Team) October 10, 2024

Scotland will face off against Hungary Under-19 again on Sunday, providing the second leg of a friendly double-header.

Josh Dede and Colby Donovan were also involved after being called up to feature. Meanwhile, Daniel Cummings made a late appearance from the bench.

Mitchel Frame’s Celtic first-team chances

Following his brief cameo against Feyenoord last year, Trevor Sinclair commended Frame for handling the occasion ‘superbly’ on the night. However, his appearance was fleeting, as he is now back involved with Celtic B under Stephen McManus.

Making 13 appearances across all competitions this term, the Drongan-born youngster has scored once against Tranent in a 6-0 victory, but Greg Taylor and Alex Valle may prove to be difficult competition regarding his first-team chances.

For now, showing what he can do in the B Team will have to suffice. Come January, the chance to gain some senior experience on loan would also help his case.

Developing by testing yourself against senior professionals of a decent calibre can work wonders for young stars; that may be the next step for him.

Forrest misses Scotland training prior to Croatia clash

Ryan Christie (L) and James Forrest (R) during a Scotland training session at Lesser Hampden earlier this week (Image: SNS Group)

Celtic winger James Forrest was a notable absentee during Scotland’s final training session before jetting off to Croatia.

It’s not known yet whether it was just a precautionary measure by the Scotland medical staff as they prepare to visit the Croats in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening and then host Portugal at Hampden Park a few days later.

Forrest, 33, has only recently got himself back involved with the national team following a strong end to the 2023/24 season at Celtic.

He was included among Steve Clarke’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer, yet failed to make an appearance at the tournament.

He was also called up for the September internationals but withdrew along side Celtic teammate Greg Taylor.

With Callum McGregor now focusing on club football, Forrest and Anthony Ralston are the only Hoops representatives in the Scotland camp this time around.


Ralston may end up being the lone soldier over in Zagreb though if Forrest isn’t deemed fit enough to feature and add to his 39 Scotland caps.

(Image: SNS Group/SFA)Manager Clarke is already left with a selection dilemma after the likes of Kieran Tierney, John McGinn, Scott McKenna, Angus Gunn, Lewis Ferguson, and Lawrence Shankland were all forced to remain at home due to injury.

That means there’s six uncapped players in the squad ready to grasp their chance.

Ange let “gifted” Celtic star leave for £0, now he’s outscoring Engels

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As Matt O’Riley packed his bags for Brighton at the climax of the window, those of a Celtic persuasion may well have been fearing the worst for the season ahead, with the Old Firm giants having lost such an influential figure in the heart of the midfield.

The former MK Dons playmaker had been simply masterful in 2023/24 after registering 19 goals and 18 assists in just 49 games in all competitions, taking his total tally for the club to 62 goals and assists in 124 outings.

A £25m talent such as that is hard to replace, not least for a fraction of the cost, but to the Hoops’ credit, they do look to have recruited effectively in order to fill that creative void.

To steal a phrase from Moneyball, Brendan Rodgers and co appear to have replaced the Denmark international ‘in the aggregate’, rather than with one sole purchase, bringing in three permanent additions in those attacking midfield berths in the form of Luke McCowan, Paulo Bernardo and Arne Engels.

Despite a shaky showing away at Ross County last time out – in which the Belgian was hooked on the hour mark as the visitors trailed – it has been a particularly solid start to life in Glasgow for that man, Engels.

Arne Engels’ start at Celtic

As stated, the former Augsburg starlet – who signed on a club-record £11m deal in the wake of O’Riley’s exit – was far from at his best last time out, having notably squandered possession on 15 occasions in what was a rather anonymous showing.

That said, from just seven appearances for the club thus far, the 21-year-old boasts a promising return of two goals and three assists in all competitions – a fine way to begin repaying that sizeable transfer fee.

That haul of five goal involvements places Engels alongside the likes of Alistair Johnston and Callum McGregor among the Celtic ranks, with the club captain notably also starring in the midfield, with four goals and one assist thus far.

Only Kyogo Furuhashu (six goal involvements), Daizen Maeda (eight goal involvements) and Nicolas Kuhn (14 goal involvements) have contributed to more goals to the side so far, indicating just how effective both Engels and McGregor have been in the centre of the park.

Their record is, however, being matched or bettered by a former Parkhead star who is currently shining away from the club, having been allowed to leave under Ange Postecoglou on a free.

Olivier Ntcham’s season so far

Described as “highly gifted” and a player who “has everything” by Rodgers upon his arrival at Celtic Park from Manchester City back in 2017, Olivier Ntcham went on to enjoy a successful four-year stint at the club, winning nine domestic trophies in all in that time.

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.

After chalking up 37 goals and assists in 124 games for the club across all fronts, the Cameroon international eventually opted to move in the summer of 2021, having previously spent a half-season on loan at Ligue 1 side, Marseille.

Despite Postecoglou’s suggestion that Ntcham wanted to stay put in Glasgow, the midfielder eventually departed following the expiry of his contract, moving on to Swansea City in England’s second tier.

That stint yielded 18 goal involvements in 82 games, although it is at current side Samsunspor where the 28-year-old has truly found his feet, after arriving in Turkey back in 2023.

Since then, the French-born maestro has registered ten goals and one assist in just 35 games, having particularly impressed in the early knockings of this season.

Much like McGregor, Ntcham has scored four times – and contributed one assist – in eight Super Lig outings, ensuring he has surpassed Engels’ return in front of goal.

As club legend Chris Sutton stated, the one-time Genoa man’s career was “on the drift” during his final days at Celtic, with it pleasing to see that he has now found his feet elsewhere.

Ntcham’s Super Lig stats

8 games (8 starts)

4 goals

1 assist

1 ‘big chance’ created

0.9 key passes*

85% pass accuracy*

0.3 interceptions*

1.3 tackles*

6.1 balls recovered*

1.5 successful dribbles*

52% total duels won*

11.8x possession lost*

Stats via Sofascore (*per game)

A player who could produce moments of magic in his pomp – including that winner against Lazio – Ntcham certainly had enjoyed a level of success in a Celtic shirt, albeit while enduring something of a turbulent end to his time in Scottish football.

Alas, he is now thriving in pastures new, while Celtic, meanwhile, look set to maintain their domestic dominance backed by a new crop of exciting midfield assets.

Player turned down 3 Premier League clubs for Celtic – Doesn’t care about the money

Turning down a move to the Premier League and everything on offer there isn’t something most players would do, so turning down three clubs from England’s top flight is even more unusual.

Friday’s edition of Ekstra Bladet reports that’s exactly what Kasper Schmeichel did in the summer. The Danish newspaper states the goalkeeper was wanted by Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town, but rejected all three to move to Celtic instead.

That’s partly because Brendan Rodgers’ side were able to offer Champions League football, and that aspect was a huge advantage for Celtic when it came to securing the Denmark international.

Ekstra Bladet quote the 37-year-old as saying: “Playing for the championship, as I am now doing at Celtic, and at the same time being at the highest level in the Champions League, motivates me.

“When I look back on my career, the moments I have enjoyed the most have been the few matches I have had in the Champions League.

“Of course the Premier League has a very special place in my heart, but for me it was an easy choice to go to Celtic, where I have come to a club that plays in the Champions League, must win every game and has 60,000 for everyone the home games. Those is exactly the challenges that really motivate me.”

Schmeichel won the Premier League and FA Cup with Leicester City, so he’s got England’s top honours boxed off already.

He could have gone further afield than Celtic, chasing money and a last bumper contract, but that was also far from his mind when choosing a new club in the summer.

On that aspect, the goalkeeper simply said: “When it comes to football, money has never been a motivation for me.”

Now his attention will be on adding to his trophy cabinet and perhaps securing a longer term stay at Celtic.

Preston North End star scores late winner for Republic of Ireland as Celtic man on score sheet in Finland

Robert Brady in action | Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images

Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Finland

Preston North End man Robbie Brady scored the 89th minute winner, as Ireland sealed a 2-1 comeback win over Finland.

It’s the first win of the Heimir Hallgrímsson-era for the Republic – as well as the first victory of their UEFA Nations League campaign. They had to do it the hard way in Helsinki, as Finland striker Joel Pohjanpalo capitalised on a Nathan Collins error and fired the hosts ahead – after just 17 minutes.

But, Ireland were level on 57 minutes as Brady provided a delightful set-piece assist. His free-kick delivery was met in the air by Celtic defender Liam Scales, who headed home his first Ireland goal. The game then looked to be heading for a draw.

However, with one minute of normal time to play, Watford man Festy Ebosele crossed to the back post for Brady – who brought the ball down and blasted it into the roof of the net, from close range, past goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky. It proved the winner, as Ireland won their first Nations League away game.

Post-match, Brady said: “You can see the hard work the lads are putting in every camp and the results weren’t going our way. You can sense something was coming. There is millions of pounds worth of talent in that dressing room.

“I’m just delighted to get the win tonight. Liam Scales has done unbelievable to get himself a goal and a bit of magic when Festy came on and I thought he was excellent when he came on. Pace and power and a great delivery for the second.”

Speaking post-match, Hallgrimsson said: “I think we can be happy with a lot of things today in the performance. I thought in the first half one mistake and we were punished and I thought we played pretty good, especially at the end of the first half.

“We built on that in the second one. It was not a perfect match, they got at least two chances in the second half and we could have been punished again. It’s always good to get a win, we talked about confidence and I think this game will help them in that area.”

Ireland come from behind to beat Finland and record their first away win in the Nations League

The Republic of Ireland boosted by this win now travel to face the Greeks who beat England 2-1 on Sunday night

Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo scores a goal past Ireland’s Caoimhin Kelleher

Dylan O’ Connell

Finland 1

Republic of Ireland 2

A late-late goal from Robbie Brady was the difference as the Republic of Ireland came from behind to beat Finland 2-1 at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night.

The full-back hit the roof of the net in the 88th minute, and decided a game that saw Joel Pohjanpalo scoring after a mistake by Nathan Collins and Liam Scales equalising with a header at the start of the second half.

They now travel to Greece to take on the Greeks on Sunday night, who will be boosted by their incredible 2-1 away win over England.

It was all about a performance after back-to-back defeats to England and Greece in September, and it looked like it was going to be more of the same after the Finland striker picked the pocket of the Ireland captain and slotted in passed Kelleher in the 17th minute.

Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic of Ireland in action against Topi Keskinen of Finland during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Finland and Republic of Ireland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Up until that point, Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team looked solid during this at both ends of the pitch, with some good work in the final third by Chiedozie Ogbene and Finn Azaz complimented by Collins and Scales controlling the penalty area and making sure shots from Topi Keskinen and Tomas Galvez caused no fuss.

Then Pohjanpalo scored and Ireland poured forward in search of an equaliser.

The chance to tie the game was chalked off after Collins broke down a Brady free-kick to Evan Ferguson.

The striker scored, but the offside flag went up as he ran away in celebration and it remained 1-0 to Finland in the 20th minute.

Ireland renewed their quest in the dying seconds of the first half, and the best they could do during a flurry of activity around the penalty box was a tame Finn Azaz shot which went straight into the hands of Lukas Hradecky.

The goalkeeper also came out to deal with a set-piece routine by Ireland after the restart that involved Scales breaking down a Brady corner to Sammie Szmodics at the back post.

It was a positive moment, and it was followed by a free-kick on the right wing after Ogbene was pulled back. Brady sent this to Scales and the defender headed in the equaliser in the 56th minute.

It was almost followed by a second as Ferguson tried his luck from distance and hit the ball straight to Hradecky.

The travelling supporters were suddenly delirious, and they were brought back down to earth with a shot from Glen Kamara that went just over in the 63rd minute.

This was the start of a prolonged spell in possession for the home side, and the best they could do was an attempt from Tomas Galvez that flashed wide.

Ireland kept their shape and took the three points when Festy Ebosele dribbled through and crossed to Brady for a stunning strike at the back post that hit the roof of the net.

Robbie Brady of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between Finland and Republic of Ireland at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Finland: Lukas Hradecky; Tomas Galvez, Robert Ivanov, Arttu Hoskonen, Glen Kamara, Robin Lod, Rasmus Schüller, Adam Ståhl, Joel Pohjanpalo, Topi Keskinen, Leo Walta.

Subs: Matti Peltola for Schüller (65); Oliver Antman for Keskinen (65), Benjamin Kallman for Pohjanpalo (78), Teemu Pukki for Leo (78), Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher; Liam Scales, Dara O’Shea, Josh Cullen, Sammie Szmodics, Evan Ferguson, Robbie Brady, Finn Azaz, Jason Knight, Chiedozie Ogbene, Nathan Collins.

Subs: Jamie McGrath for Azaz (70); Troy Parrott for Ferguson (70), Festy Ebosele for Ogbene (80), Adam Idah for Szmodics (80).

‘Big-time leadership’, ‘Standout’ – Preston star earns rave reviews after ‘dramatic’ Republic of Ireland win

Robbie Brady scored the last minute winning goal | Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images

A first win of the Heimir Hallgrimsson-era for Ireland

Preston North End star Robbie Brady was the hero for the Republic of Ireland, as they beat Finland 2-1 in the Nations League.

Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side trailed one-nil at half-time, in Helsinki, but Brady played a key hand in both of Ireland’s second half goals. His free-kick delivery was headed home by Celtic’s Liam Scales, on 57 minutes.

And, with one minute of normal time to play, Brady was picked out at the back post by Watford’s Festy Ebosele. The PNE man, making his 67th cap for his country, brought the ball down and rifled it into the roof of the net – to spark wild scenes. Brady was Man of the Match and earned three 8/10 ratings in the Irish national media.

The Irish Times wrote: ‘Seemed like a dead end in possession for much of the first half, but roared into it after the break. Brilliant ball in for the Scales goal and then popped up at the back post to lash home the winner. Big-time leadership from the veteran.’

The Irish Independent agreed with their rating and weighed in with: Standout shift from left-back. Set piece deliveries were good, most notably to assist Scales’ equaliser. Performed his defensive duties well too but stole the headlines with a fantastic strike for the winner.’

Balls.ie, meanwhile, commented: ‘Brighter than he was against Greece or England, and also better acquitted himself physically. His final ball in attack did leave much to be desired, though his set-piece delivery was solid as expected. Pushed the Irish play forward down the left consistently, and his impact spread across the field early in the second half.

‘His superb whipped free-kick delivery led to Ireland’s equaliser. Even better was his wonderful finish from Festy Ebosele’s cross to secure a dramatic late win for Ireland and inject life into the Hallgrímsson era. After two shocking displays last time out, this was a night to remember for Brady.’

And former Ireland international, Stephen Kelly, post-match said: “Robbie Brady in the second half has shown exactly what we needed. The passion, determination, making tackles and doing something special in the game. He puts the cross in for the goal before coming up with the sensational winner.”

Revived Scotland ace opens up on learning thirst, those Rangers links and club’s right path

Midfielder says coaching badge courses and new manager are helping him at 32

Kenny McLean is a strong example of how footballers are increasingly defying the notion that a career declines the ‘wrong’ side of 30.

The 32-year-old is enjoying something of a renaissance at club level with Norwich City, who are motoring along nicely under new Danish coach Johannes Hoff Thorup. And with Scotland, McLean has started the past two matches in central midfield and looking to cement his place in the team now that Callum McGregor has retired from the international scene.

McLean is set to win his 45th Scotland cap on Saturday in the Nations League A1 clash with Croatia in Zagreb. He looks forward to such a scenario with relish. Eager to keep learning, he believes players become more attentive to new styles and outlooks the older they become.

“It’s been pretty good to be fair,” is McLean’s assessment of the 2024/25 campaign so far. “We had a slow start with the new manager. We were still adapting to a lot of stuff that he wanted us to do. The last few games have been really good actually. We’re in a good place and I think it’s set up for a good, exciting season for us.”

Kenny McLean is enjoying life under Johannes Hoff Thorup at Norwich. | Getty Images

Is McLean enjoying his football as much as he has ever done? “Aye, even at the young age of 32 I’m feeling good,” he replies. “We’re playing really good stuff. the way the manager wants to play. That’s what everybody wants to be involved in. So if there’s a chance of success there then we’re going to do everything to do that. As I say, we’re improving all the time and long may that continue.”

Norwich needed to reset after the agony of losing to Leeds heavily in the Championship play-offs last term. A large number of the team has moved on, with Thorup looking to lower the average age of the squad. Such a summer overhaul led to suggestions McLean may move back north, with Rangers a potential destination. The 32-year-old is coy on those Ibrox links.

“Not too much that needed spoken about, to be honest,” he smiles when quizzed on Rangers. “The manager was in the door for a couple of weeks and had a conversation with him. He’d made it quite clear publicly that he wanted young players and I didn’t quite fit that bracket!

“But when I spoke to him he knew he needed some experience about the place and I’ve been there a long time. He told me I was still a big part of the plan. So for me that was me secure and getting my head down at Norwich and not really focusing on elsewhere. It was something that was resolved pretty quickly.”

McLean sees his medium-term future in Norfolk. “I’ve got a few years left down there, so unless they boot me out the door or something else happens,” he says. “You never know what happens, but right now as I say we’re on the right path to hopefully success. Because the club’s going in the right direction. We’ve got good people in charge of the club. We’ve got new owners and stuff like that coming in. And a new manager who’s been a breath of fresh air.

McLean has started Scotland’s past two matches. | Getty Images

“It’s a really exciting time for the next few years. Obviously you won’t see it too much but the fans are really getting onside with it. They can see the way the club’s going. Obviously we’ve not been in the Prem for the last couple of years but that’s always been the ambition at the club. And that’s definitely what we’re after.”

Like all model pros though, McLean does have one eye on the day when playing comes to an end. He is taking his coaching badges alongside some other Scotland players, but reveals that it can still be of benefit in the shorter term.

“I think you actually learn more when you’re older to be honest,” McLean says, “because you take more in and you want to understand. You do understand the game more and you realise why things are being done a certain way. I’m doing my coaching badges now so I’m kind of taking information on, probably more than others.

“Obviously being one of the older players the manager relies on me to get the message across with him. So I need to buy into it really quickly and take it on board really quickly to then relate to the other boys as well as him doing what he’s doing in the meeting rooms, on the training pitch and stuff like that. I think the older I’ve got I’m taking more in and I’m learning the game more. I think it’s getting better. I’m not saying I’m getting any younger – but I think I’m definitely improving in terms of that side of the game and understanding it.”

The next couple of days allow McLean to focus on Scotland and put club football on the backburner. With so many injuries and withdrawals, McLean is one of the senior citizens in the squad for this double-header against Croatia and Portugal. He still believes the group has more than enough to succeed despite stellar names such as John McGinn being absent.

Scotland will be without John McGinn in Zagreb. | Getty Images

“I think we’ve got enough personality, enough quality, enough character here,” remarks McLean. “When the new boys come in, yeah obviously the first day is going to be a bit different in lads settling in but it’s an easy squad to come and settle into and these lads, they’re here on merit, they’ve worked hard to get here so they’re going to come away and they’re going to enjoy themselves and try and impress.

“So again it’s not going to be a case of missing a couple of players and thinking ‘I wish he was here’, it’s not like that at all. It’s about helping the lads that are coming in and encouraging them to do what they’re doing back at their club and what got them here.”

“You Could Sense Something Was Coming” – Robbie Brady Ireland’s Hero Again In Helsinki

Ireland have come back from a 1-0 deficit to record their first win of the Hallgímsson beating Finland in Helsinki. Second-half goals from Liam Scales and Robbie Brady proved the difference in The Boys in Green’s 2-1 win over the hosts.

It was Finland who struck first, with a sloppy Nathan Collins mistake gifting the Fins an early 1-0 lead against the run of the play. However, it wasn’t long before Ireland and Robbie Brady were back on top of the hosts with goals looking inevitable.

From the moment he re-emerged from the tunnel, Robbie Brady was a man with a mission. As well as driving Ireland’s attack throughout the half, Brady delivered a sensational freekick to set Liam Scales up for his first international goal and draw the score level.

With the game in deadlock, Fest Ebosele’s introduction made all the difference, with the substitute delivering a fantastic cross to set Brady up for an 87th-minute winner and leave Irish fans reminiscing about Lille.

🇫🇮 1-2 🇮🇪

Ireland lead! Festy Ebosele does so well to fashion the chance and it’s lashed home magnificently by Robbie Brady. ☘️

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Robbie Brady triumphant after heroic performance

Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance in Helsinki, a proud Robbie Brady struggled to contain his praise for his teammates telling Tony O’Donoghue of RTÉ that he could sense the result coming.

It was up there (with that goal in Lille). You see the hard work the lads are putting in every camp and the results are not going our way.

You could sense something was coming, there’s millions of pounds worth of young talent in that dressing room and just delighted to get the win tonight.

Modest as ever, Brady waved compliments away from his own incredible free kick to the goal scorer Scales, hailing his ability to get a goal out of it.

Scalesy done unbelievable to get himself a goal there and Festy with a bit of magic when he came on, I thought he was excellent.

Pace and power and a great delivery for the second. I think I heard some of them ‘try a cross’ but as soon as it sat up I thought I’d hit it, lucky enough it went in.

Heimir Hallgrimsson and player of the match Robbie Brady reflect on a sweet win for the Republic of Ireland in Helsinki

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport)

The sensational effort from Brady spanned much of the ninety minutes, with the Irish veteran leading the country’s attack for much of the second half and doing more than his fair share of work to earn the man of the match award.

Match Report | Finland 1-2 Republic of Ireland – Brady late winner

The Republic of Ireland secured their first away win in the UEFA Nations League campaign with a late strike from Robbie Brady, who fired home late for a 2-1 win against Finland in Helsinki.

Ireland went behind with Pohjanpalo scoring for the home side in the first-half but second-half goals from Liam Scales and Sky Player of the Match Brady secured the win for the Boys in Green.

Ireland created the first chance of the contest with Azaz’s dangerous ball to Szmodics at the back post that was cleared in the area by Ståhl. Caoimhin Kelleher was called into action to make his first save in the 14th minute when a long-range effort from Walta saw the Irish keeper getting down at his near post to stop the effort.

Finland was to score in the 17th minute when a short pass from Collins was intercepted by Pohjanpalo who stuck a low hard effort past Kelleher to the bottom right-hand corner.

Ireland was to have a goal ruled out as a Robbie Brady free-kick saw Collins knock the ball back to Ferguson who did score from close range but it was ruled that the ball went out of play so it was disallowed. Robbie Brady had a shot blocked en route to goal by Hoskonen following a clever corner routine that saw the midfielders’ effort on the edge of the box cleared. This was followed by another opportunity for Pohjanpalo for the home side whose low effort was saved comfortably.

Azaz had an attempt on goal in the 41st minute following a good through-ball from Ferguson but the effort was saved by Hradecky. Ireland had their best chance to equalise with two chances in quick succession just before half-time when Szmodics’s cross to Ferguson was met nearly met on the second ball by Collins, following that Ferguson forced a great save from Hradecky with his low strike put behind for a corner.

Jason Knight forced Hradecky into a stop in the opening stages of the second half as Ireland upped the attacking tempo. The away side continued to press high and created their best chance of the night following a Brady corner; a Liam Scales header was latched on by Szmodics with his effort saved by Hradecky at close range.

Ireland was to pull level in the 57th minute when an inch-perfect cross from Brady was met by the on-rushing Liam Scales who beat Hradecky by placing the ball to the far corner, the first international goal for the Celtic defender.

Finland nearly put themselves back in front in the 62nd minute as Kamara latched onto a short Pohjanpalo pass but his curling effort just went wide. Kelleher was called into action once again as Ståhl sent in a dangerous cross into the Irish area with Kelleher having to get down low to save at his near post despite the best and close attention of Pohjanpalo.

Källman went close for the home side late in the second half as the Finnish striker rose highest at the back post to meet a free kick that saw his effort flashing across the face of the goal.

Almost immediately from that opportunity, Ireland was to take the lead in the 88th minute when a terrific cross from Ebosele was met by Robbie Brady at the back-post, who composed himself to take the ball down in the area and smash the ball to the top of the net to seal the win for Ireland.

This was the first time since 2011 that Ireland has come from behind to win away from home and now they will travel to Athens for the second match in this international window where they face Greece.

Finland: Hradecky (GK), Galvez, Ivanov, Hoskonen, Kamara, Lod, Schüller (Peltola 64), Ståhl, Pohjanpalo (Pukki 77), Keskinen (Antman 64), Walta (Källman 77).

Subs not used: Joronen (GK), Sinisalo (GK), Jensen, Suhonen, Tenho, Nissilä, Alho, Uronen, Källman.

Republic of Ireland: Kelleher (GK), Scales, O’Shea, Cullen, Szmodics (Idah 80), Ferguson (Parrott 70), Brady, Azaz (McGrath 70), Knight, Ogbene (Ebosele 80), Collins.

Subs not used: O’Leary (GK), Travers (GK), McGuinness, Omobamidele, Molumby, McAteer, Taylor, Johnston.

Booked: None

Sent Off: None

Player of the Match: Robbie Brady

Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (MKD)

Luis Palma thrown Celtic lifeline as Brendan Rodgers serves up major praise for new signing

The Irishman says the Honduran has an ‘energy’ that can help the champions’ fight on all fronts

Celtic’s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Brendan Rodgers insists the door is still open for Luis Palma to make an impact at Parkhead.

The wide man notched a hat trick for Celtic in their friendly win against Sligo Rovers on Wednesday to serve a reminder to his manager after struggling for game time in recent weeks. Palma has only made one start this season in the League Cup against Falkirk and been restricted to a handful of sub experiences.

The £3m Honduran international has been tipped to make an exit in January with several MLS clubs keeping close tabs. Rodgers remained tight-lipped on transfer talks but the Hoops boss insisted Palma is still part of his immediate plans.

He said: “It’s one of those ones where I think for all players, all players want to play. But I’m only really concentrating on this next period. We’ve got a really busy period until January. I know I’ll need all the players.

“We’ve just come off a game of a run there of seven games in 23 days and there’s going to be times where we’re playing every two or three days and we need that energy. Sometimes that won’t be there like we had against Ross County in the first half but that will be the case in some other games. We need players to come off the bench, bring that energy and Luis is definitely one of those players that can do that for us.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Palma looked sharp over in Ireland and Rodgers admitted the winger has been unfortunate to miss out due to the form of wide men Nicholas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda. The manager said: “I was really pleased for him the other night. He took his goals really well, especially the last two, where he really got into the areas at the second point where we want him to get into.

“He worked hard, but that’s not an area that there’s any doubt with. You have to do the work, but that was a nice exercise for him. He wanted to stay in the international break to get the work in and obviously playing this game and it’s been a nice reward for him.

“It’s just about not forcing it. I think sometimes the thing with wingers is, when other players are in the team and scoring and creating goals, you feel you really want to come in and force it a little bit. I think sometimes that’s what’s happened with Louis.

“He’s a very good technician and when he plays for the team and works hard and presses well then he can be a really good player.”

Rodgers will give some of his squad not on international duty a few days rest before getting back to work ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen after the break.

Full back Greg Taylor will miss the Dons clash through injury but Rodgers reckons borrowed Barcelona ace Alex Valle is starting to find his feet in Scotland. He said: “He’s a good player, now he’s settling in, he’s seeing how it works, strong, quick, serves it well. and the big thing with him is, which I really like – especially when he came on against Dortmund – was belief. He believes he’s a player and I’ve always said playing for Celtic you have to believe in yourself.

“It’s just going to be the case that there’s not going to be 11 players who will stake the claim to play in every single game, because games will be different and we’ll need different things. But as long as we’re getting performances from players that are coming in then that’s what’s important.”

Celtic had O’Riley’s replacement “in the door”, now he can’t get a game

Putting aside the last outing in Europe – best not to mention that – Scottish champions Celtic continue to fly high this season under Brendan Rodgers, having romped to seven straight victories in the Premiership, while conceding just once.

Despite having found themselves trailing to a Ronan Hale penalty away to Ross County at the weekend, there was a sense of inevitability that the Old Firm giants would come out on top in Dingwall. Cue Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn.

There were bumps in the road under Rodgers last season – namely the early exit to Kilmarnock in the League Cup – but it has proved a relatively smooth transition from life under Ange Postecoglou, with the Hoops’ domestic dominance over rivals Rangers only looking set to continue.

To Rodgers’ credit, he has maintained superiority over the Ibrox side despite having lost fleet-footed winger, Jota, back in the summer of 2023, followed by arguably an even more pivotal departure in the form of Matt O’Riley this time around…

Matt O’Riley’s record at Celtic

Few better deals spring to mind in recent memory than the signing of the Denmark international.

Plucked from MK Dons for a measly £1.5m in January 2022, the lesser-known “magician” – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – went on to cement cult hero status at Parkhead over the next two and a half years.

An effective creator under Postecoglou, it was the arrival of Rodgers, however, that truly brought the silky central midfielder into the limelight, going on to chalk up 38 goals and assists in just 52 games under the Northern Irishman’s watch.

Matt O’Riley’s Celtic record by coach

Postecoglou

Rodgers

Total

Games

72

52

124

Goals

8

19

27

Assists

16

19

35

Minutes played

4535

4561

9096

The undoubted talisman in 2023/24, like all good things it sadly had to come to an end, with a protracted summer saga seeing the 23-year-old belatedly join Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £25m fee at the tail end of the window.

Unfortunately for the London-born star, life on the South coast hasn’t got off to the best of starts due to injury, while back in Glasgow, Rodgers and co have set about filling the void with the additions of Luke McCowan, Arne Engels and former loanee, Paulo Bernardo.

The acquisition of that creative trio should be more than enough to ease O’Riley’s exit, with the club successfully dipping into the market to solve that problem, rather than turning to an in-house solution…

The man who was meant to replace O’Riley

In truth, O’Riley’s exit had long been in the works, with Celtic reportedly fielding interest from elite clubs across during the 2023 summer window, with Leeds United among those to have reportedly made a bid.

That speculation – which never seemingly burdened the one-time Fulham product – allowed the club the time to plot potential replacements, hence having moved efficiently to bolster their ranks with McCowan, Engels and Bernardo.

For some, the belief was that Rodgers actually already had O’Riley’s heir ready and waiting at Celtic Park, with writer Ryan McGinley insisting in November 2023 that they will “have his replacement already in the door to step up in Odin Thiago Holm”.

McGinley went on to claim that Holm – who is still just 21 – would be a “mainstay” in the midfield by the age of 22, although on current evidence, he will be lucky to still be a part of Rodgers’ ranks by then.

Having been signed from Valerenga on a £2m deal last summer, the promising Norwegian was tipped for big things, amid perhaps somewhat lazy comparisons to his compatriot Martin Odegaard, having also been nominated for the prestigious “Golden Boy” award in 2023.

Over a year on from arriving in Scotland, however, and Holm now appears at the bottom of the pile with regard to Rodgers’ midfield options, having made just 16 first-team appearances for the club, scoring only once and providing just a solitary assist.

Excluded from the Champions League roster last month, the youngster has also failed to even make the matchday squad for the last four league games, having made just three late substitute cameos in the top flight prior to that in 2024/25.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

That lack of game time has come amid criticism from Rodgers during pre-season, with the former Leicester City boss stating that both Holm and now ex-teammate Bosun Lawal “need to be a much higher level“:

“I think the two boys (Holm and Lawal) that you mentioned have talent. But I want more. A lot more. Talent not just enough. You can play in teams, but not in our team.”

Holm’s 2023/24 Premiership stats

9 games (2 starts)

0 goals

1 assist

2 ‘big chances’ created

0.4 key passes*

83% pass accuracy*

0.2 interceptions*

0.7 tackles*

0.2 successful dribbles*

46% total duels won*

Stats via Sofascore (*per game)

Having also referred to teenager Francis Turley as a glowing example of what Rodgers is looking for, it could be the case that Holm has been bumped down the pecking order even further, with work to be done to even get back on the bench moving forward.

Of course, there is still time for the £4.8k-per-week starlet to turn things around, but a goliath of a club like Celtic waits for no one. If you don’t take your chance, be warned that someone else – be it a McCowan or an Engels – certainly will.

Former Premier League star labels stint at Celtic ‘Mickey Mouse’ amid civil war inside Lennoxtown

Carlton Cole playing for Celtic. | SNS Group

An ex-Celtic player has had some harsh words for his former club.

Former Celtic forward Carlton Cole has lambasted his former club in a recent interview, branding them as ‘Mickey Mouse’ and blaming their medical staff for his below-par performances for the Hoops.

He claimed that Celtic’s duo of separate medical teams during his time at the club, who he said ‘couldn’t really agree’, left him being forced to ‘pick a side’. additionally, he also said he was not ‘mentally prepared for these things’.

Speaking on the Let Me Be Frank podcast on YouTube, Cole said: “From the outside at the time, Celtic looked like a massive club but when you go in and you see it, it was a little bit Mickey Mouse. It wasn’t great.

“For me, the medical team was essential to keep me going and keep me fit. But there were two – it was divided. There was the old faithful, the Scottish medical team and there was the Norwegian medical team as well. They couldn’t really agree, the two medical teams.

“So when you went in, you had to pick a side as a player. It was just really weird for me. That was just one of the things. But I’m not saying it was just that. But I’m just saying I was mentally prepared for these things. And it culminated into me not performing.”


During his brief stint at Celtic, Cole made four Scottish Premiership appearances, failing to score a single goal along the way. He did, however, score a goal against Stranraer in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Outside of Celtic Park, Cole played for clubs such as Chelsea, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa. He is perhaps best known for his time at West Ham United, for whom he made 256 appearances and scored scored 55 league goals across the Championship and the Premier League.

Watch Report: Duo of Calamitous Scott Bain Errors Against Sligo

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain was suspect for two goals this evening as the Hoops beat Sligo Rovers 3-2.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group E – Atletico Madrid v Celtic – Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – November 7, 2023 Celtic’s Scott Bain reacts before the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

The Bhoys headed across the Irish Sea to take on the Rovers in a mid-season friendly at the Showgrounds tonight.

Manager Brendan Rodgers fielded a team mixed with senior fringe players and exciting academy prospects.

Although Luis Palma put the visitors ahead early doors with a back-post-tap-in, strikes from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power turned the game on its head. Palma, though, scored twice late on to give the Celts a dramatic win.

The Honduran winger will undoubtedly take acclaim for tonight, but focus will surround stopper Bain, who was at fault for two goals.

Barlow’s shot from inside the box, which looked like a simple effort for Bain to deal with, ended up in the back of the net to draw Sligo level in the first half.

The third-choice Celtic ‘keeper fumbled the ball in, much to the delight of the home fans:

Secret How Luis Palma saves Celtic from Sligo embarrassment as Brendan Rodgers left with creeping fringe men issue – 5 talking points

The winger netted a hat-trick as the Hoops ran out 3-2 winners in Ireland


Brendan Rodgers admitted beforehand it felt like a crime he couldn’t give some of his fringe men more first team game time.

The Celtic boss needed Luis Palma to get his side out of jail as the Hoops nicked a 3-2 win against Sligo Rovers when it looked like the Irish outfit were going to them red-faced. Rodgers’ men got a result in the end but he might not feel quite so guilty as several his back up brigade don’t look like threatening to break into the first team any time. Palma gave it a go and has a better chance than most as Celts got off to a flier.

But a couple of shockers from Scott Bain turned the friendly clash on its head and it could have been worse for slack Celts in an alarming opening period. Rodgers gave run outs to the likes of Maik Nawrocki and some of the club’s kids, while Alex Valle got another 45 minutes under his belt and Luke McCowan put in a shift trying to help out the youngsters alongside him. The Showgrounds was bursting at the scenes for the friendly clash between two clubs with historic links.

But the future still remains uncertain to some of the players at Celtic Park. Rodgers’s men probably expected a stroll when Palma pounced to drive it from Yang’s deep cross after just eight minutes against a full strength Rovers side. But a couple of howlers from Bain put Celtic on the back foot for the rest of the first half.

Some slack play in the middle allowed Kailin Barlow to curl an effort from the edge of the box. Bain seemed to be caught between catching it or pawing it over the bar – but did neither as the ball squirmed through his hands and into the net.

Sligo Rovers’ Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Worse was to follow when he was slow down at his near post to allow Simon Power’s 20 yard trundler in for number two. In fairness, Bain redeemed himself a tad with some smart stops as Rovers threatened to leave Celts red faced.

There was improvement in the second period and by the end Rovers were hanging on for grim life as the Parkhead men piled on the pressure. It looked like they were going to do it before Palma popped up twice at the in stoppage time to tuck in from close range and spare some blushes.

Aye or Naw

He’s become one of Celtic’s great enigma’s. Unfortunately, the £4m puzzle that is Maik Nawrocki was no clearer to being solved last night.

In fairness to the Polish defender, he was probably rustier than an old gate given his lack of game time. There were some nice passes out from the back but he was caught out too many times for comfort against the side sitting sixth in the League of Ireland. It’s a hard one to work out as it wasn’t so long ago, the former Legia Warsaw man was part of the Poland squad and almost went to the World Cup in 2022. Nawrocki has fallen well down the centre back pecking order at Parkhead and don’t bet on a recall any time soon.

Palm door

Luis Palma has landed in a similar boat to Nawrocki – and the wide man also faces an uncertain future. Palma’s old man insisted this week his boy is going to knuckle down to get back into Brendan Rodgers’s good books.

He did look determined to do the business in Ireland. He took his early goal well and was in the right place at the right time to secure the win. He got his reward at the end but whether he is any closer to getting back into the first team – or hanging around behind January, is still a major doubt.

Happy Valle

The borrowed Barcelona youngster got another run out after impressing against Ross County at the weekend. Valle looked a class act against the Irish outfit, comfortable on the ball and with a burst of pace going forward. He’ll be tested more defensively in the weeks to come but he’s got a big opportunity to stake his claim to be the main left back with Greg Taylor likely to at least miss the Aberdeen game after the break. Taylor has been superb in recent seasons and will be a big miss – but Valle now provides solid competition.

Production line

Rodgers wanted to test some of his youngsters and while there are a few prospects in the ranks, it looks like there’s still a bit to go for some of them to trouble the first team.

The manager has high hopes for Francis Turley and the kid showed some neat touches. Lenny Agbaire has the power and physique at the back, but is still pretty raw, while the likes of Jude Bonnar and Lewis Dobbie will have learned a lot from their run out alongside more experienced players like Luke McCowan.

The Hoops have produced players such as Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Kieran Tierney, but the next batch have a lot of work ahead to follow in their footsteps.

Emotional journey

This was more than a kick-about for Celtic and for Sligo Rovers. It was a chance to reforge a link between the clubs and the area that goes back to the very origins of the club.

Founder Brother Walfrid hailed from these parts as did club legend Sean Fallon, whose dad helped secure the land for the famous Showgrounds almost a century ago. Son Sean junior was a guest at the game, along with Willie McStay, who was a player and treble winning manager at Rovers in the 1990s. Rodgers also got a huge roar when he addressed the crowd before kick-off. To say Celtic got a warm welcome would be a serious understatement – with 5,000 fans packing out the place – around double what they’d usually get for a League of Ireland clash.

See Report: Palma the hat-trick Bhoy in Sligo

Wednesday, October 9 2024

The Showgrounds, Sligo

SLIGO ROVERS…2

(Barlow 13, Power 17)

CELTIC…3

(Palma 9, 89 & 90)

It was an entertaining win for the Celts as Luis Palma grabbed at hat-trick at The Showgrounds in Sligo as Celtic reconnected with their Irish roots in a wonderful friendly against Sligo Rovers.

Brendan Rodgers’ team made the trip over to Sligo with a changed side hoping to get some minutes in the legs of youth players and  those on the fringes of the first-team.

Celtic started brightly at The Showgrounds, with Palma making an early impression by capitalising on a defensive lapse from Sligo. Driving forward, the Honduran’s clever effort just missed the mark.

Palma’s persistence paid off in the ninth minute when he opened the scoring for the Hoops. Luke McCowan and Yang combined superbly on the right, and Yang’s low delivery evaded the defence, allowing Palma to slot home at the back post.

However, Sligo responded quickly and decisively. Kailin Barlow levelled the score in the 13th minute after latching on to a deflected pass. His curling effort was parried by Scott Bain but ultimately found its way into the net.

Just four minutes later, Sligo took the lead through Simon Power, who cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful strike low to Bain’s right, sending the home support into raptures.

Celtic looked to regain control, but Sligo continued to pose problems. Bain was called into action several times, denying Power and Fitzgerald to keep the Hoops in the contest. Celtic’s best chance to equalise came in the 41st minute when Francis Turley’s deflected effort looped harmlessly into McGinty’s hands.

The Hoops came out firing in the second half and nearly equalised in the 49th minute. Good interplay between McCowan and Irishman Turley ended with a blocked shot, denying the Hoops an early breakthrough.

Palma, who had been dangerous all evening, almost found the top corner with a free-kick from 18 yards in the 52nd minute, but the ball crept just wide. Moments later, Lewis Dobbie had a golden opportunity to equalise from close range, but his header missed the target.

Wave after wave of Celtic attacks kept Sligo pinned back, with McCowan’s effort in the 75th minute cleared off the line by Charlie Wigan’s brilliant header. The chances kept coming, and the Hoops looked certain to equalise when Samuel Isiguzo nodded wide and Yang missed another clear opportunity soon after.

Celtic’s perseverance finally paid off in the 89th minute. Sean McArdle’s cross found Palma at the back post, and the Honduran calmly slotted it in for his second goal of the night.

Just two minutes later, Celtic completed the comeback. Isiguzo, who had been involved in much of Celtic’s attacking play, delivered a fantastic ball in and Palma finished at the back post to secure a dramatic 3-2 win for the Bhoys.

It was a spirited display from both sides, but Celtic’s late show ensured they left Sligo with a hard-earned victory.

Sligo Rovers: McGinty, Morahan, Denham, Wiggett, Hutchinson, Henry-Francis, Malley, Barlow, Fitzgerald, Pearce, Power.

Subs: Brush, Mooney, McElroy, Mahon, Radosaljevic, Malone, Muldoon, McDonagh, Reynolds.

Celtic: Bain, Agbaire (Bonetig 61), Welsh, Nawrocki, Valle (Robertson 45), McCowan, Turley, Bonnar (McArdle 61), Yang, Palma, Dobbie (Isiguzo 61).

Subs: Morrison, Rice, Robertson, Bonetig, McArdle, Dargie, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow, Isiguzo.

Celtic Fringe Players Evaluated in Sligo Rovers Friendly Win

It was a break from the competitive action as Celtic took a much-changed side to face Irish opponents Sligo Rovers. After ninety minutes of quality football in front of a packed-out Showgrounds, Celtic won by three goals to two. While there were many valuable minutes for youngsters on display, Brendan Rodgers used this to give an opportunity to those in the first team who have seen their chances limited. Here on Last Word on Football, with this in mind, we provide our Celtic fringe players analysis and the future implications.

Celtic Fringe Players Analysed

Scott Bain

Despite joining the club in January 2018, Bain has rarely nailed down a place as a number-one goalkeeper. He has played second, and sometimes third fiddle to Craig Gordon, Fraser Forster, Joe Hart and now Kasper Schmeichel.

Ultimately tonight showed why.

With the ball at his feet, he was comfortable, and at times he made some decent saves. Yet as always, there were some moments of madness.

Read MoreCeltic recruitment Analysed

Perhaps for the second goal you could cut him some slack, with an awkward bounce catching him off guard. For the first goal though, there can be no reasonable explanation of how a shot straight down the thirty-two year old’s throat ended up with him throwing the ball into his own net.

Ultimately though, it changes little. He wasn’t in Rodgers’ plans and functions as an admin tool for home-grown players.

Stephen Welsh

It will have been a special night for the Scotsman, captaining his boyhood club for the first time.

Individually he won his duels and showed great composure, although he was part of a dysfunctional structure in all honesty.

Read MoreA change to Football Transfers Forever?

You would expect Welsh to be a bit-part player this season. He has been around the squad long enough to step in aptly and is on a long-term contract. Plus, he fills the homegrown quota. It’s unlikely he will ever be a nailed-down starter but he only needs to look to Liam Scales as inspiration on how quickly the picture can change.

Maik Nawrocki

There were rumours of him heading out the exit door this Summer – although the Polish international has stayed fighting for his place. Although, it seems he is fifth in the pecking order with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh and Auston Trusty all getting more minutes.

Like Welsh, he barely put a foot wrong. The scoreline looks harsh thanks to two goalkeeping howlers.

There is talent and quality there, it is clear to see, but a lack of pace is evident. Particularly, on the continental stage, that won’t cut it. He’s a Rodgers signing from last season, yet he seems completely out of his plans.

Alex Valle

On loan from Barcelona, a trip to the Showgrounds may have been a culture shock.

He had a wonderful piece of defending to save Celtic from what looked like a certain goal with a one-on-one situation looming. In possession, he did well with the limited options he was given.

With Greg Taylor set to return after the international break the Spaniard will likely be relegated to the bench, however, in his few opportunities, he has shown promise, and should the Champions look to sign him permanently next season, there is the making of a future starter there.

Luke McCowan

He has made brief spells – since signing from Dundee, and the majority have been bright. Tonight, besides two inexperienced youngsters he had a responsibility to be a leader in the central areas. He was bright on the ball at times although lacked the quality connections beside him to get in a real rhythm. Late on he played a wonderful pass through to Yang, which was blazed over the bar.

The diehard hoops fan will be a squad player for the three-in-a-row champions. Should he take his opportunities well, there is potential for more. Only time will tell.

Luis Palma

Since an outstanding start to last season, the Honduran has seen game time hard to come by.

Although tonight, he will have done no harm, with a man-of-the-match hat-trick performance.

In the opening stages, his decision-making was questionable, however, the twenty-four-year-old stepped up in the second half and was Celtic’s main attacking outlet.

Considering the fee he was bought for, he has aspirations of fulfilling more than a squad role, yet it’s hard to see any other outcome at this moment in time solely down to Daizen Maeda’s influence.

Yang

Last season there were brief moments when Yang provided a spark, but with the improved form of Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest, the South Korean has found it tough to consistently make the bench.

He started on the right wing and had an impressive evening. For a brief spell, he swapped wings with Palma and got heavily involved although missed a guilt-edged opportunity.

He rounded off the night with a wonderful assist for Palma’s winner.

A loan move may be the best option for him, as minutes could be hard to come by. An injury or two though, and he will become necessary. Gametime elsewhere is what he needs, but the Champions cannot afford to let him leave, otherwise they would be incredibly short in depth.

Liam McBride

Liam writes for Last Word on Tennis and Last Word on Football as well as Sportingwrap.wordpress and Celticwrap.wordpress. He is soon to join Strathclyde University where he will study Journalism, Media and Communication

Exclusive News: Luis Palma takes Celtic chance with hat trick in Sligo friendly

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match 9/10/2024 Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Luis Palma was impressive as Celtic beat Sligo Rovers in a friendly match in Ireland. The Scottish Champions travelled to the West Coast for the game at The Showgrounds…

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma shoots to score his side s first goal of the match.Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Brendan Rodgers picked a team that was blended between experience and youth with first team players being supplemented by B Team players. Clearly the manager wanted to use the fixture to give his the players that have struggled for game time in the last few weeks the opportunity to have minutes on the pitch.

Bain’s Blunders 

Despite scoring early through Luis Palma, Celtic found themselves down 2-1 after two efforts evaded Scott Bain. The third pick Celtic goalkeeper will have been disappointed to have been beaten by both of the shots.

Celtic controlled the game for large periods and had a number of chances. However, there was no breakthrough. Brendan will have been pleased with first team players like Luke McCowan, Palma, Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Yang getting valuable minutes but he’ll have been equally delighted as his side pressed on and got the winner.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match with Luke McCowan 9/10/2024 Photo: INPHO/TomxMaher

Palma’s Treble 

In the last five minutes, Celtic finally managed to convert their chances with Palma the beneficiary as he completed a hat-trick.

McArdle did extremely well to work to to pen up a crossing position, which allowed the younger the chance to float the ball to the back post and let Palma pounce. Then, with two minutes of stoppage time almost up, Isiguzo slid a tantalising ball to the back post and the 24-year-old arrived to make it 3-2 to Celtic.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick 9/10/2024 Photo :INPHO/Tom Maher

Brendan started the evening by talking about a game in 1983 that he attended as a youngster where Celtic played Finn Harps. The manager said that he could remember that and he wanted his team to inspire the supporters. The fans will certainly remember this late show from Celtic, especially those that were able to take selfies on the pitch with the Celtic team.

Scotland starlet Ben Doak opens up on Euros blow, how he watched Hungary tie and social media relationship

Teenager reflects on past year – and what awaits him for exciting season

We’ve heard plenty about Ben Doak in Scotland since he burst on to the scene as one of the country’s most talented youngsters, but very little from the teenager himself.

Therefore there was an air of anticipation when the 18-year-old winger sat down to do one of his first major interviews with the Scottish press. “It’s just something you get used to,” Doak says of his media duties. “You’re nervous before it, but then as soon as I start talking, I’m alright.”

Doak is more than alright in a very candid and honest 15 minutes holding court. There is much to like about the dribbler from Dalry.

He’s experienced quite a 2024, returning to fitness just in time to be provisionally called up for last summer’s European Championships, before injury ultimately stopped him jetting off to Germany. With new manager Arne Slot in the door at his parent club Liverpool, Doak was farmed out to Middlesbrough on deadline day and has since won his first two caps for the national team. Included in the squad for the latest tranche of Nations League ties against Croatia and Portugal, he is set to add to that haul.

Ben Doak made his Scotland debut last month. | SNS Group

Doak could be forgiven for being in a hurry now. His past year has been punctuated by injuries and some 18-year-olds with less of a reputation have more senior appearances than him under their belts. “Some lads have been playing for two years already,” he says sagely. “Some lads might start playing next year, like other lads my age. But everyone’s got their own journey, and mine’s just starting now.”

Scotland should be the beneficiaries. Doak is establishing himself in the Middlesbrough first team. The English Championship is a gruelling league, but the former Celtic kid is already relishing the challenge. “It’s good to be starting games,” he smiles.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke had hoped to be giving Doak minutes at the Euros in Germany. Viewed as the team’s wildcard with the ability to unlock defences, his trickery and guile may have changed the direction of an ultimately depressing tournament for the national team. Doak mirrored the feeling back home, being cruelly denied the opportunity to star at a major finals.

Recalling his Scotland summer rollercoaster, Doak explains: “It was weird actually because I hadn’t played from December until May and I’d only just started training that week. I got the call up and I’m buzzing, I’m going to go away, I’m going to be training, I might make my debut at the Euros.

“I came back maybe a tad too early, but I was training shortly after so I was able to just put it out of my mind and get on to the next thing because all I could think about was getting picked again, even for anything.

“It was tough to watch just because I was like, even seeing the lads coming off the bench, I was like, that could be me coming on. It was obviously tough to watch, but I was desperate for the lads to do well.”

How did Doak end up watching the games he should have been involved in? “I was watching it with my mum and my family in the house,” he says. “I went out to watch the Hungary game with my mates and that ended up being a bit of a tough night. I think we all went home early, to be honest.

“But back to being a supporter rather than thinking you could have been out there helping, that’s quite difficult. To be honest, when I was watching it with all my mates and that, I just forgot that I was even picked for it in the first place. I just turned into that wee guy again that was watching Scotland when I was younger.”

Showing his maturity, Doak adds: “I can’t just go, I’ll get picked again, it’s fine. I can’t take that for granted. All I could think about was, I can set goals for myself. I knew there was another one last month, another international break. So I just thought, well, if I can get training and get playing again, I’m in with a good chance.”

And that hard work paid off. Doak was called back into the Scotland squad for last month’s internationals against Poland and Portugal, making his debut against the Poles in a 3-2 defeat at Hampden. He showed glimpses of what he can bring to the table.

“I didn’t really feel like anything, to be honest,” Doak says of his debut. “I came on at 2-1 down. All I was thinking about was trying to help us win the game.

“Obviously that didn’t happen. We got it back to two each, and then there was the penalty in the last minute. It was unfortunate, but after the game, because we lost, it wasn’t that same great feeling that you get.

“So all I was really thinking was, right, next one, next one. And that’s the way I’ve been with everything.”

Doak’s grounded nature comes from leaving his comfort zone so early. He was just 16-years-old when he was spirited off to Liverpool from Celtic. “To be honest, I settled in really quickly,” he says of life England. “I went down when I was 16. I went into digs with a host family. I stayed in one or two of them, and then moved into my own house. It feels normal now. I’m there to play football. As long as I’m looking after myself and living right, then I’ll be fine.”

His attitude towards social media also belies the normal mentality of a teenager. “I think when I first started playing games for Liverpool, coming off the bench and when I made my first start, it’s easy to fall into that and looking at social media and getting a bit too carried away,” he muses.

“The first time I realised it anyway was one game I wasn’t great, I wasn’t good, I wasn’t bad. The first thing you do, you go straight onto social media and you see everyone caning you. I think that was when I realised that these people aren’t your mates. They’ll big you up and then they’ll hit you down just as hard. I just don’t look.

“It’s the easiest thing to do, really, because it keeps you level-headed and you really know where you’re at when you don’t look at that. It gets exhausting reading all the good and the bad.

“What’s the point? What’s the point? The people that know what they’re talking about are in the building with me. If I want to hear any feedback, I’ll go to them, I won’t go to social media.”

The interview finishes with a question on what is his ultimate dream in a Scotland shirt. ‘The next one, anyway, is just to score and win that game,” he replies “I think just small targets for ourselves is the best way to do it.”

Doak may well get the chance to hit them over the next few days.

Brendan Rodgers insists that Premier Sports deal snub by Celtic is ‘reward’ for fans despite Aberdeen TV blackout

The Scottish champions ran out 3-2 winners in the friendly clash with Sligo Rovers

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic have put fans before finances as he backed Parkhead chiefs TV blackout.

The Hoops boss is fully behind the decision to knock back extra dosh from Premier Sports that will mean the top of the table clash with Aberdeen after the international break cannot be screened live. Celtic – who last night saw off Sligo Rovers in a friendly clash in Ireland thanks to a Luis Palma hat trick – will stick to their guns and hold on to the 3pm Saturday kick-off rather than pocket a potential £75,000 a game extra.

Rodgers said: “I think the club has shown they have really thought about the supporters. They could have easily taken the money. But they have kept it there for supporters who come and see the games. It’s a shame, it would have been a great game for television, but it’ s not to be. It allows us to get a good run into next week and a bit of recovery time before we play again on the Wednesday (against Atalanta in the Champions League).

“We will be ready to go. You can’t win really when it comes to this kind of thing. But the club have put the fans first – and that is important.

“Celtic get a lot of fixtures moved. That is why I was so happy for the supporters at Ross County. Thousands of the travelled every which way to get to Dortmund and obviously the result didn’t go our way.

“The come back and they have to get up for a noon kick off at Ross County, three or four hours away. People come in from all over the country, come in from Ireland, they get late flights, early mornings, you name it.

“So for us to have that support is so important of us, so it was nice to reward them with a win. We know Celtic supporters will go anywhere at any time, but it’s about offering that bit of respect to them when we can, when it’s something we can control like the kick-off times. So I think the club has made a very good decision.”

Sligo Rovers’ Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow (Image: ©INPHO/Tom Maher)

Rodgers took a fringe side to Ireland to face Sligo Rovers – and they were given a minor scare. Luis Palma struck twice in stoppage time to secure the win to add to his earlier opener, with the League of Ireland outfit ahead until late after a couple of gaffes from Scott Bain.

The Hoops boss was pleased with the work-out, with Palma making an impact along with some of the Parkhead young players. Rodgers said: “The objective for us was to bring Celtic bring to Ireland which is always important. It was about getting some minutes into the legs of some senior players who haven’t played a great deal so that was a good exercise.

“There was also the opportunity for the young players to come in and see how they played with a bit of a crowd against a good team. Obviously the chance to inspire young people here. I really enjoyed the game and you could see Sligo played some really good football.”

PALMA’S 3-GOAL REMINDER IN LATE, LATE SHOW

LUIS PALMA sent a timely three-goal reminder to Brendan Rodgers in new-look Celtic’s last-gasp 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers in an entertaining friendly at the Showgrounds this evening.

The Honduran winger, who has rarely figured this season, claimed an eye-catching hat-trick with two of his strikes coming in the fading moments to stave off a surprise defeat.

Rodgers took the opportunity to bring in a host of fringe youngsters while giving the likes of Palma, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh and Yang Hyun-jun some welcome game time.

Luke McCowan also made a start after looking lively in his substitute appearances since his deadline-day arrival from Dundee.

But it was international winger Palma who stole the show with a splendid trio with the first coming in the ninth minute.

McCowan and Yang combined on the right and the South Korean wide Bhoy’s low cross was superbly met by Palma at the back post and he tucked it away with ease.

However, the hosts stunned the Parkhead men with a swift one-two when Kailin Barlow levelled in the 13th minute and Simon Power netted No.2 just four minutes later.

Shortly after the turnaround, Palma came close to the equaliser with a cunning free-kick that just cleared the bar and then McCowan had an effort headed off the line by Charlie Wigan.

Yang was also just out of luck with a drive that flew off target and it looked only a matter of time before the visitors’ pressure would pay off.

Celtic left it late, though, before Palma whipped in a cross from substitute Sean McArdle in the 89th minute and, as the exciting friendly neared a conclusion, the touchline ace struck the winner after excellent service from Samuel Isiguzo.

TEAM: Bain; Agbaire (sub: Bonetig 61), Welsh, Nawrocki, Valle (sub: Robertson 45); McCowan, Turley, Bonnar (sub: McArdle 61), Yang, Dobbie (sub: Islguzo 61), Palma. Subs not used: Morrison, Rice, Dargie, Davidson, Cannon, Haddow.

Sligo Rovers 2 Celtic 3 – Luis Palma’s hat-trick, Scott Bain’s comedy of errors

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick Luis Palma celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat trick 9/10/2024 Photo :INPHO/Tom Maher

Good run out for the Celtic squad players at Sligo…

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma shoots to score his side s first goal of the match.Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

With the international break upon us we had the chance to give a run out to some fringe players in a friendly in Sligo tonight. The big guns were either on international duty or back home putting their feet up for a well deserved rest, so it was the perfect opportunity for Brendan Rodgers to run the rule over his fringe players.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Sligo Rovers Kailin Barlow celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal of the match. 9/10/2024. Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Squad players and young hopefuls

Only Scott Bain, Alex Valle, Maik Nawrocki, Stephen Welsh, Luke McCowan, Yang, and Luis Palma, players you would consider first team squad members started the game. With youngsters Lenny Agbaire, Francis Turley, Lewis Dobbie, and Jude Bonnar completing the starting XI.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Sligo Rovers Simon Power celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal of the match with Charlie Wiggett and Kailin Barlow. Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

Hoops salvaged a 3-2 win

Without being spectacular, the Hoops salvaged a 3-2 win after coming back from 2-1 down thanks to a Luis Palma hat trick, something that will do wonders for his confidence. The young players would have also gained some great confidence playing in the first team while the likes of Maik Nawrocki would have benefitted from getting minutes on the park.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match with Luke McCowan 9/10/2024 Photo: INPHO/TomxMaher

Scott Bain blundered badly

As for Scott Bain though it’s a different story. He once again blundered badly for the two goals and showed why he is well behind Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo in the pecking order. It was like that dead rubber disaster at Easter Road in the dying days of the Ange Postecoglou era. Tonight’s disasters were just as bad, maybe even worse.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side s first goal of the match. 9/10/2024 INPHO/Tom Maher

All in all thought, it was a decent run out for our fringe players and a hard found win in the end. The Sligo Rovers boys gave it everything and were just a few minutes away from an historic victory over Celtic.

That embarrassment was saved by Palma’s second and honours even at 2-2 would have been a fair result. But Celtic play to the final whistle and Palma got his hat-trick right at the end to give Celtic the win.

Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9/10/2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic’s Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match Luis Palma is congratulated by teammates after scoring his side’s third goal of the match 9/10/2024 Photo INPHO/Tom Maher

In the end Celtic’s trip to Sligo will be remembered as Scott Bain 2 Luis Palma 3.


Mid-Season Friendly, Showgrounds, Sligo 9.10 2024 Sligo Rovers vs Celtic Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Hynun-Yang shake hands after the game Photo INPHO Tom Maher

Paul Tisdale ‘targeted’ for senior Celtic role as self proclaimed ‘football doctor’ in line to fill Mark Lawwell void

The former exeter and Stevenage boss is working as a consultant and has previously advised Crystal Palace and Fulham

Paul Tisdale

Paul Tisdale is reportedly being targeted by Celtic as the man to revamp their football operations, according to a report.

The 51-year-old, who branded himself a “football doctor”, has been working as a self-employed consultant since leaving Stevenage Town in 2022. Now the Daily Mail claim that he is in contention for a senior role with the Premiership champions. There’s a void to fill after the departures of head of recruitment Mark Lawwell – son of chairman and former CEO Peter – as chief scout Joe Dudgeon last March.

Tisdale, once dubbed “the most stylish man in football” due to his touchline attire while in charge of Exeter, sporting a variety of blazers, scarves and trilby hats, has previously acted as an advisor to both Fulham and Crystal Palace. He gave Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins his first team chance at St James’ Park. However, he missed Watkins’ Euro 2024 semi-final winner for his country, instead watching Celtic take on Queen’s Park in a friendly.

“I work as what I call a football doctor,’ he recently told a scouting podcast. “I go into football clubs and I try to find performance-improvement solutions using data and also my experience as a coach.

“I can translate very well from the boardroom to the pitch, and from the pitch to the boardroom, and also deliver CPD (continuous professional development) or coach mentoring. I’m currently into a period where I am doing a bit of a lot of things, waiting for one thing really to take off. (It’s) keeping me busy and I am self employed with my own business and really enjoying it.”

 

Aberdeen’s Celtic Park Allocation

Aberdeen fans are set to descend on Celtic Park for the crucial top-of-the-table clash on October 19. It’s now been confirmed that 1,150 Dons supporters will be in attendance, with Aberdeen selling out their full away allocation for what promises to be one of the most significant encounters between the two clubs in recent years.

The travelling fans will add extra spice to an already electric atmosphere, with Celtic also selling out their home tickets for this high-stakes fixture.

While Celtic sit at the top of the table on goal difference, Aberdeen’s resurgence has caught the eye, and their fans will no doubt believe their side can pull off an upset.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024
General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The packed Celtic Park crowd of nearly 60,000, including the loud Aberdeen contingent, will create an unforgettable setting for what’s shaping up to be the game of the season so far.

Given the form of both teams and their position in the league, this encounter feels bigger than your average fixture. With a healthy rivalry between the clubs, the presence of over a thousand Dons fans in the corner of Celtic Park will only add to the tension.

There could have been an argument for giving Aberdeen more briefs, but Celtic put out the last of their tickets late last week, so there’s no room to accommodate them now. Celtic will go into the game as favourites, but Aberdeen have shown so far that they never quite go away. Even when they looked like they might drop points they find the win.

Watch: Duo of Calamitous Scott Bain Errors Against Sligo

Celtic goalkeeper Scott Bain was suspect for two goals this evening as the Hoops beat Sligo Rovers 3-2.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group E – Atletico Madrid v Celtic – Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain – November 7, 2023 Celtic’s Scott Bain reacts before the match REUTERS/Juan Medina

The Bhoys headed across the Irish Sea to take on the Rovers in a mid-season friendly at the Showgrounds tonight.

Manager Brendan Rodgers fielded a team mixed with senior fringe players and exciting academy prospects.

Although Luis Palma put the visitors ahead early doors with a back-post-tap-in, strikes from Kailin Barlow and Simon Power turned the game on its head. Palma, though, scored twice late on to give the Celts a dramatic win.

The Honduran winger will undoubtedly take acclaim for tonight, but focus will surround stopper Bain, who was at fault for two goals.

Barlow’s shot from inside the box, which looked like a simple effort for Bain to deal with, ended up in the back of the net to draw Sligo level in the first half.

The third-choice Celtic ‘keeper fumbled the ball in, much to the delight of the home fans:

Scott Bain hahahahahaha

— Barry McCann (@Bazzinho9) October 9, 2024

Soon after they drew themselves level, Sligo took the lead. Power’s strike from a distance beat Bain at his near post:

Is Scott Bain actually serious

— Barry McCann (@Bazzinho9) October 9, 2024

If the 32-year-old’s position as a fringe player wasn’t already coherent, his performance this evening only reinstated it.

Granted, Bain hasn’t played much football recently, but he should have been doing much better with the two goals he conceded tonight.

Rodgers forced to dig very deep for Sligo squad

Brendan Rodgers will need to dig very deep into the payroll for tonight’s match against Sligo Rovers.

Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn, Luis Palma and Luke McCowan are available for the friendly match but beyond that there won’t be many familiar faces.

Goalkeepers Kasper Schemeichel and Viljami Sinisalo are both away with their countries, Tony Ralston and James Forrest are with Scotland, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda with Japan with Liam Scales and Adam Idah in the Irish squad.

Stephen Welsh, Maik Nawrocki and Odin Thiago Holm can step up with the B team the next port of call even if they are smarting from losing three goals in the last 10 minutes of Saturday’s match at Bo’ness United.

Three players from the B squad- Mitchell Frame, Josh Dede and Colby Donovan are in the Scotland u-19 squad for friendlies away to Hungary today and on Sunday.

Rodgers will lead the Celtic squad which flies out this morning to face Sligo who are sitting in sixth place in the LOI table, seven points behind leaders Shelbourne but with a game in hand, Sligo drew 0-0 away to Shelbourne in their last match, on September 27.

? Team news! ??

Here is how the young Hoops line-up to face Bo’ness United this afternoon ???#BONCEL | #CelticFCpic.twitter.com/TarzoikrYU

— Celtic FC B (@CelticFCB) October 5, 2024

Celtic could blow Rangers out of the water after ‘huge’ reveal – Stefan Borson

Celtic could start to outspend Rangers by a “huge” amount if they can consistently secure their place in the knockout rounds of the Champions League.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider a place in the knockout rounds could be worth up to £100million to the Scottish champions.

Celtic lost 7-1 against Borussia Dortmund in their second group stage game on the back of their 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their opening fixture.

The Glasgow giants still have to make the trips to Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Aston Villa in the competition, while they will face RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Young Boys at home.

But they are already likely to make significantly more than Rangers from their European exploits due to the difference in prize money on offer in the Champions League compared to the Europa League.

Celtic will increase financial gap to Rangers with European success

Borson insisted Celtic will continue to increase the financial gap between the two Old Firm sides if they can qualify for the knockout rounds of the competition.

He told Football Insider“Their focus will be ‘Can we win our home games, become a regular in the second phase of the Champions League, start to get £100million per annum and, if we can, then we can start to spend more money on the wage bill’.

“Their key focus then can continually be Champions League, and Rangers will find it very hard to keep up if they manage to do that.

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

“That’s the other side to the equation of course.

“If they are outspending Rangers by a huge amount because they have got Champions League, that clearly will give Rangers a problem.

“That won’t be Celtic’s concern, but it will be Scottish football’s concern.”

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