Arsenal
Rangers great Kris Boyd remarks, “That’s just no longer you,” as Brendan Rodgers participates in Celtic galleries.
Rangers great Kris Boyd remarks, “That’s just no longer you,” as Brendan Rodgers participates in Celtic galleries.
Sky pundit Boyd has been unimpressed by way of some of Rodgers’ remarks considering that returning to the Parkhead hotseat
Kris Boyd has accused Brendan Rodgers of taking part in to the galleries this season as he instructed the Celtic boss: ‘That’s simply now not you’.
Serial trophy-winner Rodgers can put one hand on the Premiership title if he masterminds some other Old Firm win at Parkhead on Saturday. But Rangers legend Boyd has been unimpressed with the aid of the Northern Irishman’s habits throughout his 2d stint in Glasgow and claims Rodgers has been desperately making an attempt to appease the followers who in no way wanted him back in the first place.
Without referencing any specific comments, Boyd reckons Rodgers “changed his tune” when Philippe Clement overturned a seven-point deficit and moved Gers into the using seat in the title race. And whilst Rodgers now has Celts on the brink of three-in-a-row, Boyd believes the 51-year-old has proven a special aspect to him. By the equal token, Boyd says he is additionally been left baffled with the aid of Ibrox gaffer Clement’s response to his dugout rival’s remarks about “having some fun” in this weekend’s powderkeg derby.
The Sky pundit told the Scottish Sun: “We have seen two aspects to both Old Firm managers in this title run in. In his first spell as Celtic boss, Brendan Rodgers was once sincerely a classification act. But this season he’s been taking part in to the galleries a ways too a whole lot for my liking. We’ve also seen Philippe Clement exhibit signs that he’s feeling the warmness for the first time. Now we’ll see which boss handles the strain at Celtic Park — and gets their palms on the Premiership title in the coming days.
“Rodgers had a degree of type about him with the way he performed himself ultimate time. He was once never one to gloat. He’d by no means rub anybody’s nose in it when he received a game or lifted a trophy either. But with the pressure on? The Parkhead boss has been definitely determined to inform the club’s supporters what they prefer to hear.
“He’s going to get away with it, too. Barring a very dramatic collapse, Celtic will be champions this season, and Rodgers will be lifting that Premiership trophy for a 1/3 time. The fans he wanted to appease will stand and applaud. But I’ve listened to things Rodgers has said and thinking to myself quite a few times, ‘That’s just now not you’.
“He wasn’t like that when he first got here back. Rodgers was once courageous enough to say he didn’t have any regrets over the way he left Glasgow for Leicester in 2019. But when followers commenced to ask questions about results and performances, he changed his tune. When Rangers clawed their way again into the title race, he confirmed a distinctive side to him.
“Rodgers tried to create the narrative that Celtic weren’t getting almost ample savings from the press and pundits alike. Some supporters sold it — but the smarter ones could see it for what it was. Rodgers generally succeeded in currying favour with the followers who refused to welcome him again to the membership with open arms, though.
“It’s been a disgrace to see him behave that way however pressure does distinct things to specific people. Clement didn’t put a foot wrong when Rangers have been winning. But the defeat to Ross County and draw with Dundee added bizarre feedback from him which raised eyebrows too.
“OK, he didn’t want to throw any of his gamers beneath the bus, I get that. But in the cold light of day the Belgian must recognize what he said was once incorrect and didn’t cowl him in any glory. The way Clement reacted to Rodgers’ comments about “having some fun” in today’s Old Firm derby was once additionally alarming for me.
“I can recognize why he was once irked. But managers on occasion want to take the ethical excessive ground and absolutely ignore tries to rile them. For me, that’s what Rodgers used to be doing remaining week. You can now see what’s going to happen. Whoever comes out on pinnacle at Celtic Park this lunchtime will discuss about how it was once all simply a bit of fun. I didn’t assume Clement seemed too clever over-reacting in the way he did. The remarks from Rodgers and the Gers boss are simply tit-for-tat, though.”
Rangers except HALF a crew for must-win Celtic Park time out as 7 absentees revealed
Philippe Clement’s squad has been depleted ahead of Saturday’s title showdown at Parkhead
Rangers will miss the flair and creativity of Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo (Image: SNS Group)
Rangers are except greater than HALF of their team for Saturday’s do-or-die title showdown at Celtic Park.
Philippe Clement’s squad has been decimated by way of accidents this season and the Belgian will be except some of his big weapons for the must-win conflict against Celtic. Brendan Rodgers’ squad has additionally been ravaged by way of accidents this season with the likes of Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers enduring lengthy spells in the cure room.
But while the Hoops now have a smooth consignment of health at the commercial enterprise end of the campaign, Gers are down to the naked bones as they combat to keep their title and Treble goals alive. Here, Football Scotland looks at the SEVEN crocks who will in all likelihood play no phase in tomorrow’s powderkeg.
Neil McCann quizzed on ‘supporting’ Celtic as Rangers hero exhibits how close he came to Parkhead transfer
5 Philippe Clement Rangers presser takeaways as he rejects Celtic ‘must win’ and nips Brendan Rodgers comments in bud
Leon Balogun
The veteran Nigerian defender, 35, will be assessed after picking up an injury final week in opposition to Kilmarnock. Considered a predominant doubt.
Ryan Jack
Injury-prone Jack hasn’t kicked a ball since the start of March and the out-of-contract midfielder’s seven 12 months spell at Ibrox seems to be coming to an end.
Abdallah Sima
Sima scored in ultimate month’s six-goal Old Firm thriller at Ibrox but the on-loan Brighton big name might not be accessible on Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
Rabbi Matondo
Matondo’s last-minute equaliser against Celtic gained him the PFA Scotland Goal of the Year award. The crocked Wales international is anticipated to return to action over the next week however this weekend will come too soon.
Odsonne Edouard sends a happy Celtic message following the release of the Parkhead statement.
Odsonne Edouard sends a happy Celtic message following the release of the Parkhead statement.
Odsonne Edouard sends joyous Celtic message after Parkhead announcement released
The twentieth instalment of the Celtic Player of the Year Awards will take area this weekend.
Celtic are making ready for the twentieth version of the club’s Player of the Year awards ceremony and excitement is constructing in advance of the one-of-a-kind evening. The Hoops will host the 2024 awards this Sunday at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro and have promised the event will be ‘bigger and better than ever’.
Current Celtic stars as nicely as past icons will come together for the brand new annual ceremony, and greater than 11,000 followers will also be given the possibility to revel in the tournament in character for the first time.
Rangers and Celtic receive Champions League update beforehand of next season as UEFA make sparkling decision
Comedian and radio star Des Clarke will host the awards, alongside journalist, broadcaster and presenter Shebahn Aherne. A range of former Hoops stars and managerial figures will also make an appearance on Sunday, inclusive of Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, and Neil Lennon among many others.
Former Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard is one of the state-of-the-art names to be announced on the visitor list, and the Frenchman has shared his excitement in advance of the awards on social media.
“Honoured to be present with these legends,” Edouard wrote on Twitter, which has already attracted remarks from supporters.
The 26-year-old, affectionately nicknamed ‘French Eddy’ through Celtic fans, made the go to Glasgow returned in 2018 in a in a club report transfer of £9 million, following a successful spell on mortgage from Paris Saint-Germain.
Édouard’s profitable loan spell at Celtic earned him a everlasting go in 2018. He left the club in 2021 in a £14 million go to Crystal Palace, the place he nonetheless is today.
Edouard notched an amazing 87 desires and 38 assists in 179 total appearances for Celtic, earlier than he eventually moved on in 2021. The forward used to be snapped up by Crystal Palace for £14 million, seeing the Hoops pocket a healthy earnings via his sale.
The 26-year-old will be reunited with former players and his historical fans this weekend at the Player of the Year awards ceremony. Celtic will donate a portion of the proceeds from the tournament to assist the work of the Celtic FC Foundation.
Rangers versus. Celtics: Who will win? While Sutton and Ferguson offer their opinions, our writers forecast the championship matchup.
Who will win Celtic vs Rangers? Our writers make their predictions for title showdown as Sutton and Ferguson weigh in
It’s a game the place the Hoops may want to all however make it three in a row with a win however the Ibrox side will have different ideas.
CELTIC V RANGERS – SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP PREVIEW
Legendary Lisbon Lions boss Jock Stein famously stated only a idiot would try to predict the scoreline in an Old Firm clash – but what about the experts?
We’ve bought TEN predictions for Saturday’s blockbuster at Parkhead together with the Record Sport writers as well as two men who be aware of the fixture inside out – former Celtic strike hero Chris Sutton and legendary Rangers captain Barry Ferguson. And we’ve invited their fellow columnists from throughout the M8, ex Hearts man Ryan Stevenson and former Hibees celebrity Tam McManus, to supply their view on how the recreation between the pinnacle two in the Scottish Premiership will pan out.
There’s so a good deal at stake in this one with just three factors separating the pair at the top of the table. A win for Celtic would all put wrap up a 1/3 consecutive league title while Rangers are looking for their first win of the season towards their fierce rivals. In the era of teams playing each different 4 instances a season, neither of the Old Firm have received the league title except beating the other at least once. So can Gers muster up that much-needed victory. Or ought to they make records via escaping with a draw and nevertheless going on to win the league title. Or will the Hoops justify their odds as favourites to file every other win?
Celtic and Rangers players shake hands
Chris Sutton
The previous encounter between the sides used to be a high-scoring affair and I’m waiting for more of the same this time around. Celtic to area a five-goal thriller.
Celtic three Rangers 2
Barry Ferguson
Rangers have to throw the whole lot at this ninety minutes. This is the remaining danger saloon. I wouldn’t care if I played like I had two left boots on so lengthy as we took all three points. Just preserve the title alive at all costs.
Celtic 1 Rangers 2
Keith Jackson
If it’s as rapid charged as the final one then there’s no logical way of predicting the outcome. And, with even more at stake this time, it ought to be the ultimate one on steroids. Commonsense says Celtic will make the most of home gain but considering the fact that when did that practice to this fixture? The necessary component for the champions is that they keep away from defeat. That’s why every other draw feels like the most likely outcome.
Celtic 2 Rangers 2
Craig Swan
Celtic have momentum and all of their key gamers returned in the line-up. With home advantage brought to that mix, Brendan Rodgers’ side may want to well prove too sturdy for Rangers.
Celtic 3 Rangers 1
Scott Burns
Celtic have the benefit in the title race and I anticipate them to do enough to keep themselves out in front after this game. A can see it being some other tight stumble upon but I can’t see Celtic losing it, specifically with home advantage.
Cameron Carter-Vickers grabs Rangers’ Leon Balogun
Rangers need to win however I am not sure if they are defensively strong enough. Callum McGregor v Todd Cantwell have to be fascinating.
Celtic 1 Rangers 1
Tam McManus
The only hope for Rangers is Celtic go down to 10 men. Brendan Rodgers’ aspect have too a whole lot best in the last 0.33 to punish Rangers and with a full residence on their aspect it should be convincing.
Celtic three Rangers 1
Fraser Wilson
Everything factors in the direction of a Celtic victory however it won’t be comfortable, none of the conferences this season have been. Rangers have no choice however to go for a win and that freedom of thought should see them pose the Hoops problems. But Celtic are hitting pinnacle gear at just the right time and will side it to spark a Parkhead party.
Celtic 2 Rangers 1
Gavin Berry
Nothing that Rangers have proven in derby games this season or even in any game in the last month suggests they have either the mentality or the best to win at the home of their competitors who are now looking like they are finding their pleasant structure at just the proper time. An away win would go down as one of the most not likely outcomes in this fixture for some time.
Celtic 3 Rangers 1
Graeme Young
There used to be actual gusto in the Rangers sides who decked Betis and drew away to Benfica however – even amongst their most ardent followers – true trust is low. But Celtic triumphing easily and all-but securing yet any other title feels too blissful in a season the place the everyday has been whatever however normal. Celtic won’t lose however Rangers will bare their enamel in enemy territory.
Celtic two Rangers 2
Ryan Stevenson
The Hoops have all the threats whilst Rangers are out of sorts right now. I can see Kyogo and Matt O’Riley getting on the scoresheet to all but seal a 0.33 title in a row for Celtic.
Celtic 2 Rangers zero
Incredible” goalscorer “very keen” to sign for Celtic as talks planned
What a boost this would be for Brendan Rodgers.
An “incredible” player is believed to be “very keen” on signing for Celtic in the summer transfer window, with transfer talks now being prepared for an imminent move.
Celtic transfer news
The Hoops will want another strong summer when it comes to new signings, with Brendan Rodgers well aware that Rangers are posing more of a threat under Philippe Clement even if the Hoops pip them to the title.
One player who will definitely need replacing at the end of the season is Joe Hart, who has decided to bring an end to his long and illustrious career. A new target to be his successor is reportedly Aston Villa goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo, who has been on loan at Exeter City this season, starting 45 matches in League One and winning two Man of the Match awards.
He is far from Celtic’s only target between the sticks, however, with Liverpool stopper Caoimhin Kelleher a more high-profile option. The Irishman is always going to play second fiddle to Alisson when the Brazilian is fit, and he may feel that this summer is the right time to be a No.1 elsewhere.
It is also important to retain the services of the most influential players at the club, and star midfielder Matt O’Riley has been linked with a move to Serie A champions Inter Milan. Meanwhile, Adam Idah is only on loan at Parkhead currently, and there is no guarantee that he will extend his stay yet.
Celtic plotting imminent Idah talks
According to a fresh report from Football Insider, Idah is however “very keen” on joining Celtic on a permanent basis at the end of the season, with “all parties keen to make the deal happen over the coming weeks”.
The 23-year-old is currently on loan from Norwich City, but he appears to see his future with the Hoops, having shone there to date, scoring seven goals in just 12 appearances in the Scottish Premiership. The Canaries want £5m for the services of the striker, and negotiations will now take place.
Celtic signing Idah permanently this summer is a no brainer for them, considering the impact he has made, as highlighted by his aforementioned goalscoring statistics in a short space of time. Rodgers is a big fan, too, waxing lyrical over him upon his arrival earlier this year: “Adam, I’m really excited about having seen him play and now seeing him for a few days, working with him and speaking with him.
“The ability he has is incredible, really; he has every tool that you want to play at the highest level. He’s obviously doing that internationally, and it’s been a wee bit hit-and-miss for him at Norwich.”
Idah has proven his big-game mentality by scoring away to Rangers last month, and it would be just like him to have a major influence on proceedings against Celtic’s rivals when the pair face off at Parkhead on Saturday lunchtime.
With a prolific superstar who would be valued £21 million in 2024, Celtic struck gold.
Celtic struck gold with prolific superstar who’d be worth £21m in 2024 money
The Hoops hit the jackpot when they signed the astonishing centre-forward for £3m.
Celtic have made a habit out of selling their high-quality stars for large cash over the years as they have nurtured and developed talent before cashing in on them.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, French striker Odsonne Edouard, Kieran Tierney, and many others have been bought through the Hoops after profitable spells on the pitch in Glasgow.
Brendan Rodgers may now be cautious that some of his present day stars, along with the likes of Matt O’Riley and Cameron Carter-Vickers, should observe in their footsteps.
This vogue is some distance from just a recent one, though, and one instance of them placing gold on a young superstar in the previous was once prolific striker Mark Viduka.
How an awful lot Celtic paid for Mark Viduka
According to The Guardian, the Scottish giants agreed a deal really worth round £3m with Dinamo Zagreb, though the Croatian aspect were only due to get hold of £900k as the participant and his former club, Melbourne Knights, had been due a reduce of the fee.
That was once in January 1999 and the Australian forward went on to score five goals in 4 games in all competitions for the membership at some stage in the 2nd 1/2 of that season.
He struggled to get many minutes on the pitch, as proven by him making simply four appearances, as the striker jetted away from Glasgow days after signing for the club, citing depression and being unfit to play as the motives at the back of his exit.
The Australia international, however, in the end returned to Parkhead and showcased his high-quality with five rapid strikes in four suits to get supporters excited for the following campaign.
How much Celtic sold Mark Viduka for
The prolific famous person in the end had the risk to play regular first-team football for Celtic throughout the 1999/00 season and caught the eye with his gorgeous degree of manufacturing in the front of aim in all competitions.
1999/00
Mark Viduka (Celtic)
Appearances
34
Minutes played
2,904
Goals
26
Assists
1
Yellow cards
2
Stats through Transfermarkt
As you can see in the desk above, the former Zagreb starlet showcased his capacity to discover the back of the net on a regular groundwork with 26 desires in 34 matches, which included 25 desires in 28 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.
The Hoops finally sold Viduka to English Premier League aspect Leeds United in a deal Totally Money claim was worth £8.24m at the time, in the summer time of 2000.
Per Totally Money’s transfer index, that £8.24m would be worth a whopping £21m in modern-day (2024) money, based totally on the inflation of soccer switch expenses over the subsequent years for the reason that the Whites snapped him up.
This suggests that Celtic struck gold with the prolific forward as he racked up 31 desires in 38 games for the membership in all competitions and was then sold for a massive profit, that would be worth a giant charge in brand new market and was once £5.24m worth of income at the time.
Rodgers have to drop Celtic man who lost possession 25x for Old Firm
Therefore, the Scottish giants benefitted on and off the pitch, with his excellent as a goalscorer and his soaring market value, from the £3m they paid to signal the striker from Dinamo Zagreb at the start of 1999.
Celtic planning to accept provide for “tremendous” ace Rodgers would not want
His time with the Scottish giants ought to be unexpectedly drawing to a close.
Celtic are now gearing up to receive an provide for one member of their squad after it emerged that Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers was joyful for them to leave.
Celtic shut in on silverware
After what has been a lengthy and at instances inglorious campaign, it finally seems as though Celtic will stop it with the aid of lifting the Scottish Premiership, furnished that they maintain their nerve thru the ultimate games of the season.
Brendan Rodgers’ side lead Rangers by three factors and still have to welcome their Glasgow opponents to Celtic Park, the place anything but a defeat will keep the title in Celtic’s hands, with wins towards Kilmarnock and St. Mirren in their final two video games confirming them as champions.
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Celtic wasted £3m on “disappointed” signing who used to be determined to leave
They will have the risk to add any other to their series after the season too, when they as soon as once more face Rangers in a duel for the Scottish Cup, with the pair meeting in the final.
Even if they have been to lose narrowly to Rangers in their subsequent game, the title would stay in their arms courtesy of a barely improved intention difference, although it would in reality be an uncomfortable quit to the marketing campaign had been that to happen.
Scottish Premiership as it stands
Played
Won
Drawn
Lost
Goal Difference
Points
Celtic
35
26
6
3
58
84
Rangers
35
36
3
6
53
81
But modifications for the summer time are already being planned after a less than vintage season, and one man can also not start the new campaign in Celtic colours.
Defender free to leave
That participant comes in the shape of younger defender Adam Montgomery, who has seen damage ruin his season. The 21-year-old joined League One aspect Fleetwood Town on mortgage at the opening of the season, however accidents noticed him make just six appearances before the turn of the year, and he was recalled by Celtic in January.
He then joined Motherwell on loan for the remainder of the campaign, however after a bright start he once more picked up an injury, this time a hamstring pressure which noticed him return to Celtic early. Now, he may want to depart permanently, with Football Insider revealing that “Celtic will hear to offers” for the defender this summer, with the 21 year-old down to the remaining 12 months of his contract.
“The 21-year-old doesn’t have a long-term future with the Hoops and is now not phase of Brendan Rodgers’s plans shifting forward”, it is added, that means that the club would as an alternative cash in than let him depart for free in a year’s time.
Though truely no longer favoured through Rodgers, Postecoglou supplied up unique reward for the teenager during his time at Celtic, dubbing him an high-quality talent and hailing his “tremendous” composure.
“We knew it was once going to be tough going for Monty this year. We had some challenging opponents. They have been physical and we had to put in a bodily battle, but you see the first-rate in the the front 0.33 and he showed brilliant composure.
“It was a easy omit throughout the goal, but at the cease of the recreation when you need to win he showed that composure. He is a very talented younger player and with any luck he continues to do that.”
Given his injury problems, a sparkling start could nicely be quality for all parties, whilst Celtic will be hoping that any money raked in can be utilised to beef up Rodgers’ ranks ahead of the new season.
SPFL subject new broadcast bids with Celtic set for extra money and TV time
SPFL subject new broadcast bids with Celtic set for extra money and TV time
Despite Sky Sports signing a deal with the SPFL to broadcast Scottish Premiership video games till 2029, the TV panorama ought to quickly exchange for Celtic and Scottish football.
The new phrases of Sky’s agreement with the SPFL kick in this summer time with the broadcaster able to show up to 60 stay Premiership fits every season from 2024/25 onwards, expanded from 48.
However, new channels are set to come into the combine after the league body put any other package of matches out to tender, as is their proper per the new deal with Sky.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster has shared that a couple of bids have been acquired over the last few weeks for the 20-league-game bundle.
It means that there’ll be greater income for Celtic and the Premiership, with Bhoys fits set to be included.
Neil Doncaster on new SPFL broadcast agreement
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland over the weekend, Doncaster said: “We have the capacity to take a in addition 20 games to market. We’re presently in that system at the moment. We issued an invitation to tender, that’s long past out to various broadcasters and we’re working via the responses.
“It went out two weeks ago. We’ve had a couple of rounds of bidding and we had a closing date yesterday. We’ll be working thru that over the subsequent couple of weeks.
“They’ll be first rate games. There are a number of Celtic and Rangers video games and the Edinburgh derby. There are games that in an best world Sky would take but they’ve received a limit. Sky will have the first picks. Sky, who currently have forty eight games, from the summer will have up to 60 games. They’ll have the first pick in every fixture round.
“The market has changed – they’ve now offered over a thousand English Football League games, they’ve elevated massively the quantity of English Premier League video games they take. Sky are awash with football content in the UK so I would expect that if the programs are delivered then they’ll be sold by any other broadcaster.”
The achievable bidders for Celtic matches
Asked who is in the combine to make a new deal, Doncaster continued: “We’d love for Apple and Google to be bidding aggressively for our rights but we’re not quite in that space.
“Amazon are going to be out of the English Premier League market, they didn’t succeed in the current Premier League auction. Other doable bidders – you’ve received DAZN who with the aid of quantity are one of the biggest sports activities broadcasters in Europe. You’ve acquired Premier Sports who presently have the cup rights. You’ve received the likes of TNT/Discovery. There are genuinely humans out there who may additionally be short of football content who may have an interest.
“These will be appealing games. There will be a number of Celtic and Rangers games, doubtlessly an Edinburgh Derby, probably a Dundee derby – so I would hope that we are in function to have more video games on tv next season.”
For Celtic followers cost of guide continues to increase
With every other upward shove in season ticket prices for the coming campaign and now potentially every other subscription provider hoovering up game rights, following Celtic just continues to get extra and extra expensive.
It would be accessible for followers if TNT or Premier Sports took these new rights because several Celtic fits are already on there each season in Europe and the cups.
However, with Doncaster suggesting Amazon and DAZN are in the hunt, it might also no longer be that convenient. An interesting couple of months are ahead.
Joe Hart on his time at Celtic have been pleasantly amazed the complete way
“I’ve been pleasantly amazed the complete way,” Joe Hart on his time at Celtic
As Joe Hart approaches his retirement from playing, The Celtic Star along with numerous different fan media stores had the risk to communicate with the legendary goalkeeper. Joe Hart answered all our questions brilliantly, telling us whether he will turn out to be a train indue course, and talked about his odd love for the Livingston away fixture, this is the entirety that Joe had to say to the Celtic fan media a few nights ago…
Q: A thank you on behalf of the fans for not over-celebrating the previous day [vs Aberdeen at Hampden], consoling the opposition, to show a bit of classification etc. due to the fact that’s what Celtic’s all about.
Joe Hart: “I don’t assume I’ve been in many penalty shootouts however I’m well aware of what it takes to get to that position. It’s a unique moment but at the identical time, it’s an important moment. I suppose Aberdeen were superb, they truly were. They had been on their ultimate legs. They went thru the pain, but somebody’s obtained to lose.”
Q: Are you fascinated in going into goalkeeping coaching?
Joe Hart: “No, I haven’t taken any coaching badges. That used to be pretty a mindful decision. I be aware of that the coaching line, or the management, is ingrained in a lot of people however it doesn’t necessarily do it for me. I favor to help, I want to give back, however I feel like there are exclusive approaches I can help. I’ll continually be accessible to Celtic if they ever want to lean on me for anything I can help with. I’ve made the manager aware of that, I’ve made the membership aware of that but physically, coaching a precise group isn’t something I’m searching to do.”
Q: Are there any standout moments that come to mind in a Celtic jersey?
Joe Hart: “I hope there’s a few extra moments to come, I definitely do. Last year was tremendously special. Stood at the give up of the season with all three trophies, that was a unique day and some thing that I truely enjoyed but genuinely, there’s been so many, I’m a man who lives in the moment. Yesterday [at Hampden]was a one of a kind moment, it was once a bit of a journey however like I say, hopefully, I’ll be in a position to have this dialog in a couple of months and I’ll have a few extra to select via and figure out from.”
Q: When it came to Celtic, used to be it about first-team soccer coming toward the quit of your career?
Joe Hart: “No, it wasn’t simply necessarily about first-team football. I’ll be honest, I’ve said it before, at the point of coming here, I didn’t comprehend if I wanted to carry on in professional football anymore. That’s now not due to the fact I was once feeling sorry for myself, now not due to the fact I didn’t suppose I used to be capable, I simply didn’t think there was once a area for me to do what I love to do. And what I love to do is play soccer for anybody I can supply my all to.
“You know, soccer is a business and I likely felt that for three or four years when I was once dotting round and kind of being at clubs and type of not. I used to be likely willing to go away it. I thought ‘you comprehend what, I’ve finished the whole thing I need to do and been established for as lengthy as this’. But then the probability to come to a club like this was once slightly unknown however what I did recognize definitely appealed to me.
“It’s a club that you play for, you don’t work for, and you integrate, and I wanted that opportunity. Especially because I have a young son who hasn’t always seen me play an awful lot football. When he was about three years old, everywhere we went, people knew who we were, but he didn’t comprehend why. I wanted to dance in front of 60,000 and strive to show him what I can do.”
Q: What advice would you give your self looking back?
Joe Hart: “Nothing. Don’t overthink it. I’m no longer massive on looking back, I wouldn’t supply myself any. I suppose that’s been the best factor about being here, mastering and developing into it.”
Q: You’ve had a long profession however if you may want to convey one participant from one previous squad you’ve performed with into this modern Celtic squad, who would you bring?
Joe Hart: “You recognize what, I wouldn’t, and that’s simply due to the fact I’m so shielding of my group. The groups that I’m in, I love them. Especially being the age that I am, I’d feel wrong saying a participant due to the fact I’d be separating a position in the team. I’ve been lucky enough to play with some mega gamers throughout my career and some truely proper people.”
Q: Not Balotelli then?
Joe Hart: “It wouldn’t be him! If I had to be pushed, it wouldn’t be him. But no, I in all likelihood couldn’t say due to the fact I care too tons about the boys round us. We’ve bought so tons chance coming up in the subsequent couple of weeks and we’re going to be counted on everyone, and I favor everybody to be as confident as possible. So, I’m not going to say.”
The Celtic Star: How do you experience now that the season’s coming to an cease and your retirement’s approaching?
Joe Hart: “A query that I’ve been asked a lot, however I don’t feel any different. I sense like for doubtlessly a couple of months or maybe even a couple of years, I’ll nevertheless feel the identical after I’m finished. I’m so programmed to be in the moment that I’m in that I don’t suppose I can just flip it off. I think it’ll take a lengthy time. I suppose I’ll still experience like a participant in two or three years time. Maybe, I don’t know. I’m no longer inclined to ease off. I desire to be 100% and then deal with the insanity after.”
The Celtic Star: Are you confident you can etch your self into Celtic history one final time?
Joe Hart: “I’m going to try. I’m going to do the whole thing I per chance can and depart it all on the line. That’s what I’ve performed my complete career and on occasion it’s worked, from time to time it hasn’t.”
Q: You came into Celtic having played at a lot of huge clubs. Is there something that, in hindsight, that’s taken you by means of shock via becoming a member of Celtic?
Joe Hart: “Not via surprise, I’ve simply been pleasantly surprised the whole way. The boys that I spoke to, everyone associated to Celtic, when I was trying to get up here, the essential line that I kept hearing used to be ‘you don’t know what it is until you’re there’. And about the fourth time of someone I absolutely recognize pronouncing that I was like ‘you know what, I’m simply going to give up thinking and do exactly that. I’m going to locate out for myself’.
“I do strongly keep in mind the Champions League anthem. When I was once at City, we had some awful relationships with UEFA so for a lot of my time, the Champions League anthem was once booed, and you’ll hear it booed now for reasons. I assume we had been right, I assume we had been difficult completed by, there was once something with Yaya [Touré] and with Moscow. But then, the Champions League anthem when it first received played when we played Real Madrid, my total body shook. Electricity went through me, and my eyes welled up. The pure exhilaration and ardour of the area all the time simply makes me smile, makes me completely happy and makes me grateful to be here.”
Q: Was there a precise moment that you can recall in the course of your time at Celtic when you in reality started to fall in love with the club?
Joe Hart: “I suppose being part of the rebuild after Covid, in terms of the allocations in the stadium. It was 30%, then 60%, then when we in the end had one hundred percent in the stadium, understanding that could’ve been crammed so many times over used to be simply humbling. And I can’t get away from Livingston away. For everything it is, it’s a plastic pitch, it’s a tough game. But the fact that there are 4/5 Celtic followers and the atmosphere is electric. This brilliant area [Celtic Park] speaks for itself, however Livi away will live lengthy in the memory, absolutely fondly as well.”
Q: Does Celtic top Manchester City in terms of a mental feeling?
Joe Hart: “I obtained a lot of love and recognize in all places that I’ve been. They’ve constantly been specific factors in my life. Even the moments that were tough, they have been nonetheless moments that I lived and enjoyed. I’m never going to compare due to the fact like I said, I’ve bought too much appreciate however mentally, it’s nevertheless a ride. You see someone very assured and certain in what they’re doing however I’m just a ordinary guy. I understand I’ve acquired a lot of weight on my shoulders, from time to time 2d guessing myself, now and again feeling like I can’t do wrong, I’m all of it so mentally and emotionally, I’ve cherished that trip and I experience that feeling. There’s been a lot of highs and I’ve loved them.”
Greg Taylor acknowledges that the Joe Hart controversy is “written in the stars” for Celtic MOONWALK to emerge from penalty duty.
The Hoops megastar feared he used to be going to be thrust into the spot mild in the dramatic Scotttish Cup shootout win towards Aberdeen
Greg Taylor joked he was doing the Moonwalk when it got here to the shootout after Saturday’s Scottish Cup Thriller.
But the Celtic ace is serious when he says the massive characters in the Hoops dressing room won’t be taking a backwards step in the race to the Premiership ending line. Taylor knows there was remedy around the National Stadium at the weekend. Relief to get via an epic semi-clash in opposition to an Aberdeen aspect that performed out of their skins. And comfort he managed to avoid the significant stress of taking a sudden demise strike in that wild shoot-out.
Celtic survived a big scare to maintain the Scottish Cup dream on tune and Taylor is satisfied the eventual win simply proved this aspect have the chops to cope with something drama is coming their way in the last 5 league clashes. The Scotland full lower back said: “It was Cameron (Carter-Vickers) then me in the shootout. I was down there near the bottom.
“It is nerve-wracking. When we took penalties all through the week the wellknown was high. I had without a doubt scored a couple and I felt confident. It is just the strain of the situation.
“You know what is on the line and you care so much. You want to take the penalty however I used to be doing the Moonwalk out there! I used to be grateful that a few others stepped forward.
“We have some massive characters in the team. That can never be questioned. It used to be even shown in the penalty shoot-out. All the boys stepped up.”
It took a few days for the dust to settle round Lennoxtown but it was once rapidly lower back to business. The Cup has been stuck on the returned burner however the semi-final barnstormer added some Celtic followers lower back down to earth after some acquired a tad carried away on the back of Rangers surrendering their slim gain at the top.
It’s the Hoops that have their noses in front not with a three factor lead going into the ultimate straight, with the final Old Firm showdown of the season scheduled for Celtic Park in a few weeks – with no Gers fans in the ground. Taylor knows nothing has been won yet.
And if there was once any lesson to take from Hampden on Saturday then it’s to count on the surprising in the coming days and weeks. He said: “Yes we are in a right position however the subsequent game is constantly the most important.
“The semi-final was a proper reminder that there is a lot of football nevertheless to be played. We recognize if we are not at our first-rate then teams can definitely motive us issues and Aberdeen confirmed that. We weren’t proper there for a few of the moments and it was once a well timed reminder that there is a lot of football left in this season.”
It was also a stark reminder about the risks of snoozing off at the returned at this time of year. Celtic had been caught bloodless early on at Hampden and then again towards the give up of regular time and extra time and can’t have the funds for a repeat at Dundee this Sunday against a side with a swagger after securing a spot in the pinnacle six.
Taylor said: “It wasn’t for the faint-hearted, was it? I must have aged about 10 years. It used to be bonkers. It wasn’t how we would have desired it in phrases of making a poor start.
“We took manage rather soon after that and the aim used to be to get to the remaining and that is what we managed to do. Both dreams we lost have been very similar. We could have defended matters higher as a team, definitely. They were disappointing, however in cup games it is about making sure you are the team who goes via on the day and we have managed to do that.”
Joe Hart
Taylor talked about large characters – and he is one of them. The 26-year-old had to deal with some doubters in his early days at the Celtic however over the past four-and-a-half seasons he’s emerged as one of the key men at the club, on the pitch and in the dressing room.
So tons so, it used to be something of a shock when he printed there’s been no new contract talks as yet as he enters into the remaining 12 months of his contemporary deal. It’s greater probable that there’s no panic. Taylor is settled and cherished via boss Brendan Rodgers.
No doubt some left again competition is required in the summer after several pretenders have been seen off. But securing the Scotland man on a longer deal looks a no brainer to all parties.
Taylor is coming into his peak years and has plenty more to attain in his time at Parkhead. Unlike his massive friend Joe Hart, who is going into the last chapter with Celts. The keeper is an tremendous presence at the club and Taylor admitted his teammates have greater motivation to make sure Hampden hero Hart enjoys the best send off at the give up of the season.
Taylor said: “I think it was once written in the stars for the huge man to put us through at the weekend. He is a strong-willed personality and a credit score to himself.
“I am buzzing for him. He deserves it. It is super that we comprehend his closing sport will now be the Scottish Cup final. We prefer to make certain it is a becoming end.”
It will take one ultimate push even though and Taylor is adamant there is lots left in the tank, even after the physically and mentally draining afternoon in Mount Florida.
This is no time for weary limbs and the defender said: “No, I wouldn’t say so. I am hoping we will get better as we go on. I felt exact in the course of the one hundred twenty minutes. I wasn’t feeling leggy and I used to be equipped to go. I am hoping we are in our top and can sprint over that finishing line.”
Incredible family dynasty comes to an end – Patsy to Jinky
Charlie and the Bhoys: A step lower back in time with two unsung Celtic heroes
Part 9: From Patsy to Jinky – an splendid family dynasty eventually comes to an end
The cease of the Nineteen Thirties delivered the cease of an technology as Celtic Park Head Groundsman Will Quinn passed away on 24 June 1939 at the age of sixty four years, having misplaced a six-month fighting with backbone cancer. Will had been involved in either a teaching or groundstaff capability at the club for the reason that the autumn of 1911, so the satisfactory phase of three decades. The household link would continue, though, as Will’s eldest daughter Margaret was married to some other of the team looking after the Parkhead pitch, Charlie Doherty, himself now nearing a decade in that role.
Despite the onset of a 2nd unthinkable global conflict, which commenced a few months after the loss of her father, the circle of existence would continue on a happier be aware for Margaret and Charlie as their own three youngsters walked down the aisle. Those marriages produced the subsequent generation of Dohertys, inclusive of my ‘Celtic Pal’ Charlie, the man who inspired this series of articles about his grandfather and great-grandfather.
His dad and mom were the first of the three Doherty siblings to take the plunge, Dominic Doherty – Charlie and Margaret’s eldest son – marrying Margaret Mary Farrelly at Holy Cross RC Church in Glasgow’s Gorbals on 21 December 1944. Heating engineer Dominic was 22 and generally lived with mother and father Charles Doherty (Football Club Groundsman) and Margaret Doherty, nee Quinn at eight Delburn Street, Parkhead, Glasgow. However, the marriage certificates shows at that particular time he was once ‘engaged in warfare service’ as a Gunner with the Royal Artillery.
His new bride Margaret Mary Farrelly used to be a 24-year-old Engineer’s Machinist living at 362 Govanhill Street, Glasgow. Her deceased father Patrick Farrelly had been a Tramcar Driver, even as her mother Bridget Farrelly’s maiden identify had been Crossan. The witnesses were Patrick Tracey of 159 Mathieson Street, Glasgow and Bridget Farrelly of the above tackle in Govanhill Road, the latter most likely Margaret Mary’s sister rather than her mother.
Dominick and Margaret Mary Doherty would be blessed with 4 children, Margaret Veronica Doherty (born in 1948), Patricia Doherty (1950), Kathleen Doherty (1955) and, finally, Charles Patrick Doherty (Charlie), who was once born on 1 July 1958 at St Francis Nursing Home, Govan. He was named after each his Grandad Charles Doherty and a positive Charles Patrick Tully, following the 7-1 game which took region 9 months earlier!
In the interim, each of Charlie and Margaret’s daughters had also tied the knot. On 18 November 1947, Clerkess Catherine Dalton Doherty married Spirit Salesman Edward Joseph Hutchinson at St Michael’s RC Church in Salamanca Street, Glasgow. Catherine was once 23 and lived with her parents Charles Doherty (Football Park Groundsman) and Margaret Doherty, nee Quinn at 8 Delburn Street, Parkhead, Glasgow.
Edward was once 24 and lived nearby, next to the church at 23 Salamanca Street. His dad and mom are listed as Edward Joseph Hutchinson (Brewery Labourer) and Mary Hutchinson, nee Brennan, each deceased. The witnesses have been Francis Cullen, 291 Tollcross Road, and Moira Doherty, Catherine’s 16-year-old sister, who also resided in the household domestic at eight Delburn Street, Glasgow.
The historical St Michael’s Church at the corner of Salamanca and Nisbet Streets. A new church would be formally opened on the Gallowgate in 1970.
Moira would take that identical stroll to the altar at the old St Michael’s church seven years later, when she married James Donaldson in 1954. That would be only one of a number of celebrations around that time for her father, as his loved Celtic clinched a first League and Scottish Cup Double in 40 years, on account that the time of Willie Maley, when her grandfather Will Quinn used to be first-team coach and watching at first hand the magic of Patsy Gallacher and Jimmy Quinn.
By then, Moira’s father Charlie Doherty was once 65 years historical and drawing close a quarter of a century’s provider to Celtic himself. He had arrived as a Groundsman at the start of the 1930s, as a new Celtic Park stand modified the east cease skyline, and he had watched a wonderful young Hoops team upward push simply as proudly earlier than being cruelly cut down via fate by means of the cease of that decade, a heartbroken Willie Maley then taking walks away from his own life’s work early in 1940.
The length that observed had been tough, Jimmy McStay’s five-year managerial tenure failing to add a great deal to the trophy collection, bringing calls for the return of every other of our heroes. Jimmy McGrory’s taking part in career had been great to say the least, however the Prince of the Garngad would experience his personal lows in his new job, most incredibly a short flirtation with relegation in 1948 before the introduction of a group of gamers who are revered to this day sooner or later added the glory and the trophies again to the Grand Old Team.
The names roll off the tongue. Charles Patrick Tully, Bobby Evans, Sean Fallon, Bertie Peacock, Neil Mochan, Willie Fernie, and the man who lifted the Coronation Cup, Scottish League Championship and Scottish Cup in 12 splendid months, Celtic’s captain Jock Stein.
By 1957, Jock’s ankle damage had pressured his retirement and a new opportunity in a coaching role, starting a bond with the youthful Billy McNeill and Bertie Auld amongst others which would see its zenith on a beautiful spring nighttime in Portugal a decade later.
That would all be beyond the goals a long way less expectation of all and sundry with Celtic in their blood at that point. Charlie Doherty would convey in his 70th birthday on 17 November 1958 still taking part in his function as Celtic’s Head Groundsman, working alongside some other Docherty, Hugh, albeit no relation.
Charlie’s superb devotion to Celtic would absolutely closing till the eve of his 75th birthday, as he ultimately retired in October 1963. That would give up a household employment link to the club which had begun with his spouse’s father Will Quinn in the autumn of 1911, some fifty two years previously. In Celtic terms, from Patsy Gallacher to Jimmy Johnstone. Quite incredible.
He would no longer be transferring far, of course, given that his Delburn Street domestic was once actually round the corner from Celtic Park, next to the historical A. G. Barr manufacturing unit gates. Charlie would nonetheless be residing there just over one 12 months later when his loved wife Margaret Doherty surpassed away at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on 29 January 1965, aged 70.
Her loss of life certificates records that she used to be married to Charles Doherty, Football Groundsman (Retired) and that her everyday location of residence is 8 Delburn Street, Glasgow. The causes of demise are given as cerebral haemorrhage and hypertension and the death is registered with the aid of her husband. Margarert’s parents are listed as William Quinn, a joiner, and Kate Quinn, nee Dalton, both deceased.
Margaret had surpassed away on Friday lunchtime and 24 hours later the gamers who Charlie had acknowledged and labored with for so long turned in a very one-of-a-kind performance which would no doubt have given him a much-needed lift. John ’Yogi’ Hughes used to be on fire, scoring five goals on the icy surface which had been Charlie’s work tapestry as the Hoops beat Aberdeen 8-0. And on the following day it used to be introduced that Hibernian manager Jock Stein would be returning to Celtic Park as manager. Nothing would ever be quite the same again at Celtic.
Charlie Doherty would live to tell the tale his late wife via a decade, though he would cross in with his daughter Catherine and her family, firstly at their home in Greenfield then Sandyhills. Charlie died at Foresthall Hospital, 657 Edgefauld Road, Springburn, Glasgow on 24 February 1975, aged 86.
His occupation is listed as Groundsman (Retired) and his marital popularity as Widower of Margaret Quinn. His everyday vicinity of house is 153 Killin Street, Glasgow, the home of his daughter Catherine Hutchinson. The reason of dying is recorded as broncho pneumonia, continual bronchitis and cardiac arythmia and the loss of life is registered through his son, Dominick Doherty, of 166 Gartcraig Road, Glasgow. His dad and mom are listed as Dominic Doherty, a coal miner, and Mary Doherty, nee Gallagher, each deceased.
There is a quite stunning footnote to this story, surpassed to me via his family, which indicates the high regard in which Charlie used to be held by means of Celtic long after his retirement, and indeed reflects well on the club.
Above – Watch given to Charlie on his retiral via Celtic in 1963
Charlie’s grand-daughter Kathleen choices up the story.
“Do you know that Celtic paid Charlie his wages right up till he died in 1975? It used to be despatched with the aid of registered post and arrived each and every Monday. £8.60. I only knew because he lived with us and mum would signal for it and then say, “Go and give that to Grandad. It’s his wages.”
By elevating a Celtic star whose value has dropped thanks to £10 million, Rodgers struck gold.
Rodgers hit the jackpot promoting Celtic star whose price has fallen with the aid of £10m
The Hoops hit the jackpot by way of cashing in on the centre-forward many years ago.
Celtic may have to battle to hold maintain of their first-class players in the upcoming summer season switch window, amid interest from somewhere else in their large talents.
Hoops star Matt O’Riley has already been touted with a viable exit from Parkhead before subsequent season, as English side Leeds have been linked with a swoop for the attacking midfielder.
Brendan Rodgers, who returned to Glasgow to change Ange Postecoglou in the dugout remaining summer, has already had to deal with dropping some key figures in the course of his second spell at the club.
Portuguese forward Jota used to be sold to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad and central defender Carl Starfelt left to join Celta Vigo in Spain, while Aaron Mooy retired earlier than the 2023/24 campaign.
The Northern Irish supervisor is, of course, used to this mannequin at Celtic as many gamers moved on from Paradise in the course of his preliminary spell in Scotland.
One player Rodgers hit the jackpot with at some point of his first time with the membership was French centre-forward Moussa Dembele, who was a huge hit in Scotland and has due to the fact viewed his price plummet.
How lots Celtic paid to signal Moussa Dembele
The Scottish giants took gain of the striker’s expiring contract with English side Fulham to snap him up on a ‘free’ transfer in the summer time of 2016.
However, due to his age, Celtic needed to pay a compensation fee to the Cottagers as they had developed him thru their academy and tried to pin him down to a contract extension, however had failed to do so.
The Hoops sooner or later paid a development rate of simply £500k to Fulham, which used to be a good deal on paper after his remarkable campaign in the 2d tier in England.
Moussa Dembele (2015/16)
Championship
FA Cup
League Cup
Total
Appearances
43
1
2
46
Goals
15
1
1
17
Assists
7
0
0
7
Minutes played
3,360
65
114
3,539
Minutes per goal
224
65
57
208
Stats by means of Transfermarkt
As you can see in the desk above, Dembele – who was once 19 in the course of the season – loved a magnificent breakthrough campaign at first-team level.
The French youngster, who had scored 12 goals in 16 matches for Fulham at U21 and U18 stage combined, had established himself to be a stable goalscorer in the second division in England at such a young age, which made him an interesting prospect for Celtic to sign.
Therefore, £500k used to be a steal for the Hoops and credit score need to go to the recruitment group for recognizing his expiring contract and structure in the Championship, as it went on to pay off huge time for the Scottish facet – who hit the jackpot with him.
How an awful lot Celtic bought Moussa Dembele for
After two seasons in Glasgow, Celtic decided to cash in on the prolific centre-forward as Ligue 1 outfit Lyon swooped in to sign him for a whopping £20m in the summer season of 2018.
Rodgers revealed at the time that the membership did now not prefer to sell the striker however decided that transferring him on would be in the fine interests of everyone involved, suggesting that the player was once eager to make the move.
His big-money switch to his home u . s . a . got here after two magnificent seasons with the Bhoys, as he proved his excellent as a lethal scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
His debut season in Scotland, as a 20-year-old variety nine, was a roaring success. He showcased his potential to locate the lower back of the internet on a regular groundwork in the league, the SFA Cup, the League Cup, and the Champions League – qualifiers and team stage.
Moussa Dembele (2016/17)
Premiership
Domestic cups
European matches
Total
Appearances
29
8
12
49
Goals
17
10
5
32
Assists
8
1
0
9
Minutes played
1,916
656
802
3,374
Minutes per goal
113
66
160
105
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Dembele racked up a incredible 32 goals in all competitions at some point of his first marketing campaign in Glasgow, with one each and every 105 minutes on common in all competitions.
He observed that up with 16 desires and 9 assists in 39 fits in the 2017/18 season for Celtic, which used to be nevertheless a stable return in the front of goal, even if it was once no longer as mind-blowing as the previous term.
His downturn in structure did now not dissuade Lyon, though, and the Hoops raked in a large £20m rate for the player they paid simply £500k for two years earlier.
Moussa Dembele’s modern-day market value
At the time of writing (24/04/2024), Transfermarkt values Dembele at €12m (£10m) and that is a whopping £10m much less than the quantity the Scottish giants secured for his services almost six years ago, which indicates that the club struck gold when they cashed in on him.
At the age of 27, the former France U21 international should be in the high years of his profession however his current market valuation is the lowest it has been on Transfermarkt given that his time at Celtic in 2018.
Dembele, who was once hailed as “clinical” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, presently plays for Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and has scored 11 desires in 22 games for the club, who he joined on a free transfer from Lyon last summer.
Instead of enjoying in one of Europe’s predominant leagues and kicking on to revel in a terrific career at the pinnacle level after his £20m exit from Celtic, the ahead is currently taking part in in Saudi Arabia and is well worth notably less – at the age of 27 – than he was as a 22-year-old teenager in Glasgow.
Moussa Dembele (Lyon)
Ligue 1 season
Appearances
Goals
Assists
2018/19
33
15
5
2019/20
27
16
2
2020/21
16
1
0
2021/22
30
21
4
2022/23
23
3
0
Stats by way of Transfermarkt
It has now not all been downhill for him in view that his pass from the Hoops, though, as he loved some first-rate seasons with Lyon in France earlier than his cross to the Pro League, as you can see in the desk above.
Dembele was once an inconsistent performer with Lyon, scoring 15 or more league desires in three seasons but also firing in fewer than 4 in two terms, and that might also be why a cross to Saudi Arabia came up in 2023.
He was coming off the lower back of a return of three desires in 23 Ligue 1 games for the French facet and finished a free switch to Al-Ettifaq, the place the gem has caught the eye this term.
Overall, Rodgers hit the jackpot with Dembele as Celtic loved his services for two years, made a large income on him, and have now watched on as his market fee has plummeted considering that leaving the membership – suggesting that they played a blinder to get £20m for him.
Barry Ferguson won’t agree that Celtic made the right choice at Hampden
Celtic’s progression into the Scottish Cup Final in May sees the membership contest the ultimate for a document 62nd time in their history.
With Celtic lifting the well-known trophy a file 41 times, Brendan Rodgers will seem to proceed to create records for the membership by using beating Rangers on the iconic date of the twenty fifth of May.
The semi-final against Aberdeen will go down as one of the best in the history of the competition. Not solely used to be Celtic coming lower back from 1-0 down to lead twice exciting, but Aberdeen additionally played their part in the exquisite recreation with the aid of scoring late-on twice to force the recreation into extra time and then penalties.
We all know what passed off after that and now Celtic can appear ahead to an end-of-season final to, hopefully, pull the curtain down to the quit of a profitable season.
However, former Rangers midfielder, Barry Ferguson, is nevertheless fuming about a choice in the Hampden game that went Celtic’s way.
Ferguson says the ‘game’s gone’ after right Celtic VAR decision
There were two incidents in the sport where VAR had to intervene and come to the correct decision. The Liam Scales handball and the foul on Alistair Johnston in the ultimate minutes of more time.
The healthy officers came to the correct choice on both as Scales was backyard the container and Johnston was once barged into by means of Junior Hoilett but three days later, Ferguson is still fuming about one of them.
Ferguson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “Oh I think it’s so soft. Honestly, I do.
“I don’t think it’s a free kick, I really don’t. He’s (Hoilett) going to strive and assault the ball aggressively, which I would want.
“I simply can’t see why it used to be given as a foul. I assume if there’s fouls given for that, the game’s long gone for me.”
How every person can see that as no longer being a foul is past me as the photos in reality shows Hoilett barging Johnston in the back to put the defender off-balance as he regarded to clear the cross. It appears Ferguson is a little bitter.
The Celtic fans won’t care though. Another final beckons and the possibility of a league and cup double and after the team’s rollercoaster shape this season, the supporters will be delighted that the crew are still contesting two trophies.
Celtic star Greg Taylor displays all over contract state of affairs as he admits he was once MOONWALKING down Aberdeen penalty order
The Scotland worldwide says there is been ‘no talks’ over his future
GREG TAYLOR is putting Celtic’s Double dream in advance of his personal future.
The left-back has one yr left on his deal — but published no method has been made through club chiefs to extend it.
But as they face a six-game chase for the title and a Scottish Cup, Taylor insists he’s cool about it.
The 26-year-old said: “I have one yr left however there have been no talks. I’ve simply been centered on ending the season strongly. We’ll see what comes of it.
“I simply want to do as nicely as I can for Celtic.
“There will usually be competition here, that’s the center of attention of being a Celtic player.
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“I just favor to take care of these next six games and then the whole lot else will take care of itself.”
Celtic shelled out £3.75million on Alexandro Bernabei with the aim of supplying stiff opposition for Taylor.
But the Argentine has flopped and has been sent on mortgage to Brazilian side Internacional for a year.
Celts boss Brendan Rodgers is keen to beef up his left-back options in the summer but knows Taylor is a reliable figure.
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Treble-winner Taylor — a £2m signing from Kilmarnock in 2019 — has played 167 video games for the Hoops and received seven trophies, such as three league titles.
He’ll return to the push for a fourth championship at Dundee on Sunday as the post-split fixtures start.
Once the league is settled, Celtic will face Rangers at Hampden in the first Old Firm Scottish Cup last for 22 years.
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And Taylor is additionally desperate to be part of Scotland’s squad for the Euro finals in Germany, with his hopes boosted through Uefa’s drawing close selection to hike enjoying swimming pools up from 23 to 26.
Taylor, who has 13 caps, said: “Hopefully it will be a lengthy summer. You favor to be worried in the biggest tournaments with your country
“Let the football take care of things simply now, though, and we will see what takes place come the quit of the season.”
Taylor, meanwhile, says he was once doing a MOONWALK to step out of the frame as Brendan Rodgers picked his Hampden penalty-takers.
But the Double-chasing Celtic defender promises he’ll be back on the the front foot in a interesting Premiership run in.
Left-back Taylor put himself as shut to the lower back of the queue as he ought to get in ninth spot — and properly at the back of keeper Joe Hart — when the responsibilities were being dished out for the shootout that noticed off gutsy Aberdeen.
In the end, he dodged a bullet with solely seven takers wanted for the 6-5 spot-kick triumph — however he insists he won’t duck his responsibilities against Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday.
Taylor, 26, said: “It wasn’t one for the faint-hearted, was once it? I need to have aged about ten years. It was once bonkers.
Aberdeen’s Duk in motion with Celtic’s Greg TaylorCredit: Reuters
“But we have some genuinely massive characters in the team. That can never be questioned.
“It used to be even shown in the penalty shootout.
“All the boys stepped up. Big Joe’s penalties had been exquisite all week. We had practised them and he struck them well. In fairness, he wasn’t far away.
“I assume it used to be written in the stars for the big man to put us through, though.
“He made the save we needed — and fortuitously we’re in the final.
“After that it was Cameron Carter-Vickers, then me. I used to be down there close to the bottom. It’s without a doubt nerve-racking. When we took penalties during the week, the wellknown was high. I had honestly scored a couple and I felt confident.
“It’s simply the stress of the situation. You be aware of what’s on the line and you care so much.
“You choose to take the penalty however I used to be doing a MOONWALK there! I was grateful that a few others stepped forward.”
star Taylor, who has won seven primary trophies with the Hoops, such as three league titles, is firmly on board with those who consider Celtic’s quest for three in a row is some distance from over.
Rangers’ slip-ups against Ross County and Dundee in their closing two Premiership games have left the Hoops three points clear at the top with five video games to go.
That hole has many followers and pundits sure the trophy’s destination is now sorted.
It’s in the Hoops’ hands and they already have the inexperienced and white ribbons fluttering from it on flag day.
But Taylor, echoing team-mate Carter-Vickers, is too clever to buy any of that talk.
He is aware of that at any point in every of their ultimate matches, starting at Dundee on Sunday, they ought to stumble and hand the initiative lower back to their Ibrox rivals.
Taylor said: “The subsequent recreation is always the most important.
“The semi-final was once a properly reminder that there’s a lot of football still to be played.
“We know if we’re now not at our great then teams can in reality reason us issues — Aberdeen showed that at the weekend.
“We weren’t proper there for a few of the moments and it used to be a well timed reminder that there’s still a lot of soccer left in this season.”
Taylor’s as consistent a player as there is accessible to Rodgers, starting forty of Celts’ forty six video games this term. He’s viewed it, achieved it and is better than a lot of Celtic fans supply him credit score for.
But he’s also grow to be a key dressing-room figure, one of the senior pros who helps set the tone for the relaxation with his professionalism.
Taylor regarded that for periods in closing Saturday’s semi-final triumph over the Dons, the champions have been badly exposed.
The goals conceded didn’t reflect properly on the defence.
And overall for Taylor and his team-mates the tie used to be a sharp reminder of how their fortunes could dramatically trade if they don’t pay heed to their failings on the day.
He said: “It wasn’t how we would have wanted it in terms of making a bad start.
“We took manipulate distinctly quickly after that and the purpose was once to get to the last — and that’s what we managed to do.
“Both equalising dreams we lost have been very similar. We should have defended things higher as a team, definitely.
“They had been disappointing however in cup games it’s about making certain you’re the crew who goes through on the day and we managed to do that.”
Taylor’s going to miss keeper Hart’s presence.
The former England No 1 introduced he’s placing up his gloves after the Cup ultimate on May 25.
Hart has demonstrated a notable signing for the reason that his £1million arrival from Spurs in 2021, liked by means of absolutely everyone at the club.
Joe Hart was once the centre of attention
Taylor said: “He’s a massive character. He showed what he was once all about in the semi-final.
“He is strong-willed and an absolute deposit to himself. I am buzzing for him. He deserves all the praise.
“It’s exquisite that we know his last recreation will now be the Scottish Cup final. We want to make certain it’s a becoming end.
“We have 5 games left and a cup remaining and optimistically we can finish the season strongly for the club and for Joe.”
It’s the Hoops’ title to lose with their lead however Taylor desires them to energy their way to sparkling glory.
On their advantage, he said: “Yes it’s there, however it doesn’t actually change matters too much.
“We nonetheless recognize we want to win five league video games to win the title. Right now our focal point is on Dundee.
“I’m hoping we will get better as we go on. I felt top in the a hundred and twenty minutes.
Alistair Johnston sends elegant message to the Celtic guide after semi-final triumph
Alistair Johnston sends elegant message to the Celtic guide after semi-final triumph
Celtic fans loved a six-goal thriller at Hampden as their facet edged out Aberdeen to progress to the Scottish Cup final.
Joe Hart ended up being the hero all through the shootout, saving from Dons midfielder Killian Phillips to ensure the Bhoys recorded a 6-5 margin on spot-kicks after nothing could separate the aspects in open play.
Brendan Rodgers shared his remedy at being capable to guide his aspect to their first home final of the marketing campaign in spite of a nervy display, humorously claiming that a remedy session may additionally be on the playing cards help calm his nerves.
He stated post-match: “I need a therapy session after that. What a game for neutrals watching. Credit both teams, Aberdeen did great – they had nothing to lose but got here and played absolutely well – we had to dig in after a sluggish start. I’m just glad to be in the final.”
There will be Celtic supporters who additionally feel like a duration of serenity in the wake of a tight affair that could’ve gone in both direction; nevertheless, we now have some other date at the country wide stadium on May twenty fifth to appear ahead to.
The Bhoys will now focal point on convalescing and planning ahead. They travel to Dundee subsequent Sunday for the first of their 5 post-split fixtures.
Alistair Johnston’s classy message to the Celtic support
Undoubtedly, the considerable Celtic assist at Hampden the day prior to this had a primary phase to play in hauling their side over the line against a spirited Aberdeen outfit.
Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston, who slotted home in the penalty shootout, agrees with that sentiment and sent a elegant message to the followers after our triumph in an interview with Sam North, otherwise regarded through his YouTube channel identify Footy Adventures.
He mentioned when asked about the position of Celtic’s help in the victory: “It was great; I’m now not sure exactly what the break up was, what the last quantity was in terms of the number of Celtic fans, however how we played, they clearly could’ve got a bit more anxious and we could’ve felt that energy, however they didn’t.
“Even going into the penalty shootout, they have been in the back of us; they stayed robust with us and made a massive difference because you may want to feel that excess energy.
“It’s already a challenging stroll when you’re strolling up to go and take a pen, but they did a exquisite job staying behind us and inclined us on to that victory.”
Celtic held their nerve the day gone by and now know that a large clash towards Rangers is in store at Hampden subsequent month for football’s oldest prize.
It doesn’t matter how you get to finals in the end; regardless, league obligation will take priority for now before we plot some other end result towards Phillipe Clement’s outfit.
Video: Brendan Rodgers rages at Celtic kit man before shoot out
Celtic sealed their passage to the Scottish Cup Final yesterday with a penalties win over Aberdeen. Brendan Rodgers’ side conceded in the last minute of normal time and of extra time forcing spot kicks.
As the team huddled around their manager for instructions, the Celtic manager raged at kit man Stevie Wright, who was speaking to Paulo Bernardo.
— Mon the good guys (@CE4EVER67) April 20, 2024
It was an uncharacteristic moment from Rodgers but showed how much he was invested in the team pushing into the final without any distractions.
Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.
McGREGOR DILEMMA
CALLUM McGREGOR lasted just over an hour against Aberdeen at Hampden the day before today before calling it a day.
The Celtic captain appeared a weary parent as Brendan Rodgers gave him a pat on his lower back whilst he trudged off with the Scottish Cup semi-final finely balanced at 1-1 with the result of an engrossing duel a long way from certain.
McGregor used to be simply dissatisfied after his fantastic efforts had failed to pave a course to the showpiece showdown at the national stadium on May 25.
The inspirational 30-year-old onfield chief was in no way going to be tasked with taking part in the complete ninety minutes towards a decided Dons aspect who had been up for the scrap.
There used to be an obvious grasp that the midfielder would play for a segment of the stumble upon earlier than making way for Tomoki Iwata, a greater than capable deputy in the anchorman role.
It used to be a gamble that got here so shut to a astounding backfire.
Please don’t accuse me of being smart after the event. I voiced my issues over McGregor’s fitness ranges in a pre-match article in CQN yesterday.
I had seen nothing in the player’s two brief appearances in the 3-3 draw at Ibrox and 3-0 win over St Mirren considering his remaining start in opposition to Dundee on February 28 when he was withdrawn at the interval of the 7-1 romp.
It emerged the skipper had been troubled with an Achilles trouble and I recognize these are accidents that need to be dealt with with a lot of respect.
McGregor neglected four games on the bounce – Hearts (0-2), Livingston (4-2 and 3-0) and St Johnstone (3-1) – earlier than getting simply over 30 minutes in opposition to Philippe Clement’s outfit in Govan.
It regarded a step too early for the Scotland worldwide whose wish to play in the fixture used to be understandably fierce with an ambition to match.
That look used to be observed by an 18-minute day trip in the victory over the Paisley aspect at Parkhead ultimate weekend.
I stated here the day prior to this that the much-decorated Celt had now not shown adequate in his short outings to be guaranteed a beginning region at the countrywide stadium in a contest with so a whole lot at stake.
I wouldn’t even presume to tell either the supervisor or the skipper how to go about Celtic’s business, however I admit I used to be more than a little surprised to see the captain lead out the crew on this occasion.
To be truthful to a competitive performer, McGregor put himself about with his regular verve and gusto, but there was no way he should sustain that level of commitment.
Now the influential talisman has a duration of rest and the opportunity to tailor his rehab at Lennoxtown before the champions take on Dundee at Dens Park a week today.
Like every person of a Celtic persuasion, I would welcome the sight of McGregor guiding the team to three greater factors in the quest for a twelfth title in 13 years.
However, my desire to see the influential performer in his rightful area is now not overwhelmed by using a failure to be aware of the consequences which should be dire if he is not totally match suit and prepared for action.
It’s a quandary that need to be confronted with frequent sense coming into play.
Obviously, it’s in everyone’s high-quality pastimes for the real Callum McGregor to lead from the the front as he has carried out so admirably over the years.
John Hartson sends a message to Celtic’s Joe Hart after Hampden heroics
John Hartson has despatched a message to Joe Hart after the Celtic goalkeeper’s Hampden heroics despatched the Parkhead club into the Scottish Cup remaining yesterday.
Hart is set to retire at the quit of the season and has, except a doubt, been one of Celtic’s excellent players under Brendan Rodgers.
Yesterday was Hart’s 147th look for Celtic since he joined the club from Tottenham under Ange Postecoglou.
In that time he has made sixty one smooth sheets and picked up five trophies. [Transfermarkt] And while Hart does have his critics and has made more than his truthful share of mistakes, no one can deny that he has been a pivotal cog in Celtic’s recent success.
And after his performance yesterday, John Hartson sent a message on social media to the 37-year-old veteran.
Hart silences critics
Hartson still remains an avid Celtic fan despite leaving the club nearly 20 years ago. And as Hart saved Aberdeen’s ultimate penalty, the former Celtic hero sent this message to the present day one:
How appreciation can change !! Well done Joe Hart 🍀
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) April 20, 2024
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In a season where Celtic’s form has been a bit of a rollercoaster, Hart has pulled off some extremely important saves to help keep us in the title race.
And at Hampden yesterday, his shop from Aberdeen midfielder, Killian Phillips used to be probably his most necessary of the season.
With Celtic conceding twice late in the second half and then in the closing minutes of extra time, it would have been convenient to have let their heads drop.
But now not Hart. Even when he neglected his personal penalty, the Hoops ‘keeper used to be calm and guaranteed and even let out a cheeky wink to the rest of his teammates before he made the match triumphing spot kick save.
It’s handy to see why Hart is cherished so a whole lot by the Celtic fans because his passion for the club has surely shone via in his time here.
One issue is for sure. Brendan Rodgers will have a hard job filling his gloves as the give up of the season due to the fact Hart is now not simply a big player on the big, he is such an important character off it too.
Joe Hart wishes ANOTHER Celtic penalty as keeper explains why he won’t apologise for Aberdeen miss
Hart ignored from 12 yards however he may not hesitate to put his title down for another one if he receives the chance.
Joe Hart insists he will have no hesitation taking a spot kick in the Scottish Cup Final – in spite of fluffing his traces from 12 yards in in the semi.
The Englishman will don the gloves for the last time in a stellar profession when Celtic run out at Hampden on May 25 against Rangers or Hearts. And who would put it past Hart to write the remaining fairytale ending ought to that tie go all the way simply like Saturday’s lovely chaos?
The keeper managed to be penalty villain and spot-kick hero to sum up the madness of the afternoon. After a exciting 3-3 draw with Aberdeen that ebbed and swayed for a hundred and twenty minutes there was plenty more action to come in the 14-penalty shoot-out. None greater so than when Hart stepped up to take his first penalty in professional soccer – Celtic’s fifth – understanding he could fireplace his facet into the Final.
But he hit the base of the publish to launch the drama into surprising death. From there he reverted to kind through saving Kiliian Phillips’s effort low to his left. And requested if he’d take one in the final, Hart said: “100 per cent. I’ll constantly put myself forward. I think for moments like that you need humans with clarity of thought and are confident in what they’re doing, that’s me.
“It sums me up as a player, I’ll always put myself on the line. I entirely lower back myself, the manager backs me, the team backs me. I went through my system and just pulled it too much. Fortunately I’m a goalkeeper and I was in a position to reprieve myself.
“I’ve taken one in a 21s tournament. I’ve not taken one in a expert recreation before. I’m gutted I didn’t score these days however we bought the win. I didn’t say sorry for lacking one to the boys. They trust in me. To have the courage and the self belief to take the penalty in that second will always be me.”
Hart subsequently had no apology to make after redeeming himself by maintaining out Phillips’ effort. Fittingly his name echoed round the good sized majority of Hampden after a sport that had considered Celtic fight lower back from losing a second-minute goal to lead via Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest solely to be dragged into greater time via a last-gasp Dons leveller.
Even then Matt O’Riley seemed to have netted the winner halfway thru greater time. But once more Aberdeen fought again to force penalties with a 119th-minute equaliser. Hart said said: “It used to be a tremendously wild game. We just couldn’t put the suit to bed, which is unfortunate.
“We simply had to play our football. I assume a lot of praise goes to Aberdeen. They’ve had a challenging season however they came here these days and made it a challenging tie for us. In all the right moments, we showed enough.
“I continually again myself to shop a penalty. I’m a maniac when it comes to penalties. I constantly sense I can store each and every penalty and I can rating each and every penalty. I don’t and I didn’t however happily our penalties have been top nice and it gave me adequate time to make the proper decision.
“We have in no way been at penalties. We ought to have put that recreation to bed. James scored in all likelihood one of my preferred dreams of the season and I was hoping that would win us the game. But we got it done, that used to be the most essential thing.”
Hart and his team-mates have a week now to recover from the bedlam and get their heads lower back on a title battle that has swung returned in their favour after Rangers’ double stumble in opposition to Ross County and Dundee remaining week. Next up for the Hoops is a outing to face Dundee next Sunday. Five wins would cement the title. Four might be enough. And the former Manchester City and England No.1 is adamant Brendan Rodgers’ squad are coming to the boil at simply the right time.
He said: “No doubt it’s on path for an thrilling finale however there’s nothing completed yet. They’re thrilling times ahead. All season I’ve simply desired to be a phase of everything and put myself forward.
“It was once disappointing that we went out early in the League Cup but different than that we’ve stayed in there in the other competitions, barring the Champions League. We’re going to go proper to the wire in the league and then we have a date at the quit of the season in the Final.
“We’re in a proper spot, we have a sturdy squad and we simply want to keep our focus. We have a true training week coming up and we simply want to appear forward to Dundee.”
Watch full highlights of Celtic’s nerve shredding Scottish Cup win
Having lifted the Scottish Cup forty one times Celtic’s hostory with the competition covers dozens of plots, sceanrios and twists. Yesterday a sparkling one was added as they got here via almost each and every drama imaginable to attain the 2024 Scottish Cup Final on May 25.
Nothing will ever surely do justice to what unfolded over 120 plus minutes that moved into penalties with Joe Hart rising as the hero as he extended his career by means of one more match.
A 2d minute intention from Bojan Miovsky served be aware that Aberdeen had left their SPFL shape at Pittodrie as they aggressively pressed at Celtic with the hoops unable to discover their current rhythm.
Therapy sessions- remedy for Rodgers
Relive today’s action-packed Semi-Final with the highlights from @AberdeenFC v @CelticFC ??#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/ZxDiFZjzOp
— Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) April 20, 2024
The match ebbed and flowed, Kyogo Furuhashi equalised, James Forrest got here off the bench to put Celtic in front however there was a sting in the tail when Ester Solker headed a again post equaliser.
A well worked goal in extra-time from Matt O’Riley have to have taken Celtic thru but in the 119th minute Angus MacDonald headed every other equaliser to send the healthy into a penalty shoot-out.
Joe Hart had the danger to win the tie for Celtic however hit the post, Alistair Johnston and Tomoki Iwata then transformed before Hart the Hero saved from Cillian Philipps to book a return to Hampden subsequent month.
James Forrest shares how he felt about being subbed off for Celtic vs Aberdeen
James Forrest has shared how he clearly felt about being subbed off for Celtic against Aberdeen the day before today after being delivered on as a second-half replacement himself.
The legendary Celtic winger replaced Hyunjun Yang at Hampden as Celtic toiled to get previous a dogged Aberdeen side.
Going at the back of to an early Bojan Miovski goal set the tone for the day for Celtic but as the scoreline sat at 1-1, Forrest was brought on to exchange Yang and he made an immediately impact.
Scoring in the 63rd minute, it seemed like Forrest had tied up the game and sent Celtic to the final. And as Brendan Rodgers looked to see the closing minutes out, the Celtic manager took him off for Maik Nawrocki.
That plan didn’t work out and we all comprehend what occurred next as Celtic subsequently went via on penalties.
James Forrest’s elegant response to ‘frustration’ Celtic question
Speaking post-match, Forrest used to be requested if the feeling of the win was blended with frustration after being taken off at the remaining minute for a tactical switch. The Celtic winger’s reply was first-class.
Forrest stated [Premier Sports], “No I assume all of us is aware all through the season the group has changed so much. People have started, come off.
“People have come out of squads, come again in. And I assume that if you don’t have a appropriate team then that can go in opposition to you.
“But I think we have received a lot of exact gamers right here and we’ve received a excellent mentality as you saw, we all dig in, we made all the subs and we managed to get through.”
For me, I agree with Rodgers took the choice to take off Forrest is due to the fact the winger understands what it takes to get a result for Celtic.
Celtic’s development in the event is tons better than any one player and Forrest knows that. So being subbed off to get a end result after being introduced on as one wouldn’t faze him.
No tantrums, no offence taken. Just an grasp that getting a result for the team is all that matters.
Celtic now have another Hampden date with destiny on the 25th of May and will find out who they will face in the Scottish Cup Final today after Hearts face Rangers.
Watch Brendan Rodgers’ full media conference as he explains Hart penalty
Brendan Rodgers has published that Joe Hart had usually been unique as Celtic’s fifth penalty taker against Aberdeen.
With Aberdeen lacking their fourth penalty Celtic had been given the possibility to seal their area in the closing by going 5-3 up in the shoot-out but it was once a shock when none of the outfield players stepped up.
Hart despatched his penalty off the post, the drama persevered till he saved from Cillian Phillips to e book Celtic’s return to Hampden on May 25.
Tomoki Iwata and Alistair Johnston netted after Hart’s omit however speakme after a lengthy afternoon in the solar Rodgers was clear about the order of his penalty takers.
1 minute 30 seconds
We looked at penalties for the duration of the week and Joe used to be always special to take the fifth. He noticed their keeper was once injured and he tried to get it as huge of him as possible, but it was simply a little too wide.
He confirmed his mentality as he let it go and came up and made the vital shop for us which is so important. He missed one, however he nonetheless ended up the hero. Joe’s labored a lot on the intellectual side of matters for a long time now. He’s a very positive, upbeat character. If he has the confidence and he suggests he can take them, you have to let him have a go and take the risk.
He is a very right penalty taker as we see it in training. However, he might also need a bit greater exercise before next time. It was a first-rate game and I stated to the gamers in no way mind soccer sessions over the subsequent couple of days we want remedy classes after that! It will preserve us in properly stead going forward.
After Saturday’s Hampden drama Rodgers will flip his focus entirely onto Dundee, the first of 5 SPFL fits before the Scottish Cup Final.
Winning the first three suits will put Celtic at least six factors in advance with two matches to play however after the ups and downs of Hampden nothing can be assumed.
Aberdeen highlighted troubles with the Celtic defence that every top six club will have noticed with Rodgers tasked with fixing these issues in time for Dens Park on Sunday.
Rangers handing Celtic title initiative quite the shock
If a week can be a short, sharp shock in politics, it can be pretty the slap in the face to the soccer narrative.
Events over the ultimate seven days have turned the story of both the male and female leagues on its head. If Rangers dropping floor in the Premiership beneath Philippe Clement used to be a surprise as the Ibrox side shipped 5 points from a possible six to Ross County and Dundee, it was quite the eyebrow-raiser to see Jo Potter’s Rangers hand the title initiative to Celtic on Wednesday night time at the Oriam.
For massive chunks of this season, a draw towards Glasgow City was once the only blemish on Rangers’ copybook as they set the tempo in the SWPL.
There still stays a feeling that the best-resourced squad in the league are the first-class group in the country and, of course, it may want to yet pan out that way. With six video games to go between now and the quit of the season with Celtic due to visit them at Broadwood subsequent month, it would be remiss to endorse that Potter’s aspect have fallen off course.
But after beating reigning champions 4-1 final weekend in a second-half showing where they in reality swatted Leanne Ross’ side away there is now a real query about Rangers response to unexpectedly discovering themselves chasing instead than leading as the last lap looms into view.
Celtic are now two factors clear, a function that would have been bitten any recipient’s hand off for in the deepest months of winter. Celtic captain Kelly Clark admitted that as rumours commenced to flow into about Fran Alonso’s departure the response within the dressing room to the speculation firstly went from outright dismissal to a quiet feel of foreboding.
The Spaniard’s exit to Houston regarded to suck the energy and belief out of a Celtic facet who looked as rocked by using the departure and its suddenness on the park as they did off it. Elena Sadiku acquired off to an inauspicious start, losing to Rangers and Glasgow City in her opening two games.
Since then, Celtic have yet to lose a league game. Oddly, the turning point seemed to come at Ibrox again in February when a 1-1 draw, a game that left them feeling as although they deserved to take extra was once the jolt their season needed. No followers inside the floor added an area to the occasion however it was the manner in which they felt they had been challenging achieved by means of on the pitch that regarded to be pivotal in reinstating a belief that had visibly wilted.
This afternoon they will be exceeded the keys to Celtic Park as they host a Hearts aspect who will be buoyed by way of claiming Rangers’ scalp on Wednesday night. Such has been the discord around Celtic and their aid this season that this used to be a hot theme after a reluctance on the board’s part to allow a repeat of closing season’s ‘Celtic End’ trial when the women’s aspect hosted Glasgow City.
The Green Brigade branded the move ‘vindictive.’ It remains to be seen if such pettiness is set aside this afternoon in a sport that will be pivotal to the outcome of the title race.
Celtic have never gained the SWPL. They came inside minutes of it last season when City snatched in the most interesting of circumstances at Ibrox with a closing gasp Lauren Davidson winner however it is now not a trophy that has been adorned with green and white ribbons before.
It is additionally really worth pointing out that nor has it been known, either, for both a male and a woman group to win the titles in their respective leagues.
Is there going to be history? The possibility itself might well be enough to have Celtic singing from the same hymn sheet.
AND ANOTHER THING
Fiona Brown will need each bit of the resilience and strength of personality after suffering a FOURTH ACL injury.
The 29-year-old Scotland internationalist returned to Glasgow City in the January switch window after a decade in Scandinavia and has been City’s satisfactory player throughout current months.
There used to be an immediate sense of foreboding when she went down in ultimate weekend’s defeat to Rangers at Broadwood with Hayley Lauder truly seen to be comforting Brown as the gravity of her damage was suspected immediately.
It is devastating for the players who had already been advised she would never play football again after 4 serious surgical procedures on her knees. This will now take that tally to five.
Brown is the modern-day Scottish woman participant to fall sufferer to the identical injury in simply the closing month; Scotland have misplaced Christy Grimshaw and Sandy MacIver in latest weeks whilst Caroline Weir and Emma Watson are deep into their return from ACL injuries.
Until there is sports activities science committed exclusively to woman physiology it will be not possible to get to the root cause of what may be more than a few one of a kind contributory factors.
AND FINALLY
Dundee United have been charged by way of the SWPL for fielding an ineligible participant in remaining weekend’s 2-1 defeat by means of Motherwell.
It will not be recorded as a 3-0 loss.
A disciplinary listening to on Thursday heard that there had been “mitigating circumstances” after the unnamed players performed for the entirety of the ninety minutes.
Sitting at the foot of the SWPL desk where they are three factors behind Hamilton Accies, the Tannadice membership would have been higher served looking for dispensation earlier than the sport rather than after it.
Philippe Clement’s Rangers mood swings in step with ‘bang average’ Celtic title race – Hugh Keevins
Hugh sees a extra prickly Ibrox boss with each passing slip up and reckons Belgian;s credibility is on the line towards Hearts.
The brutal truth of the matter, as exemplified and underlined by Rangers’ current fall down in form, is that the Premiership title is being contested through two bang average Old Firm teams.
But mundanity doesn’t minimise the bragging rights and the league winners will no longer be subjected to adverse comparisons with past, and superior, facets who have worn the equal shirt. You wouldn’t hear any debate on the rely for the sound of hysterical celebrations in the history in any case. Quality comes a lengthy way in the back of one-upmanship in today’s world.
A kingdom of thinking that will be audible and seen at Hampden today. There are no “moral winners” in Scottish Cup semi-finals. No attracts and no 2nd chances. You are both in or out of the competition. No laps of honour, solely the stroll of shame if you perish at the penultimate stage. If Rangers beat Hearts they get them to keep. Four conferences in the league and the Viaplay Cup with the Tynecastle aspect have resulted in quadruple wins for Philippe Clement’s side.
It would be hard to make a cogent case for Steven Naismith’s group rewriting the previous when the weight of records towards them is so oppressive. Except for one thing.
If what came about to Clement’s aspect towards Ross County in Dingwall final Sunday provided conclusive proof of anything, it was once of football’s capability for permitting the unpredictable to lead to the unexpected. There was once no viable purpose why the second- backside team in the league have overcome the one in second-top region after gifting them a goal of a start. But they did.
The sport in the Highlands, incidentally, fell on the 112th anniversary of the Titanic hitting the iceberg and sinking with all hands
on deck. A grisly omen for Rangers’ championship chances, given what then followed at Dundee on Wednesday, or an irrelevant coincidence?
Clement will say accident because he only offers in practicalities. Even if he has taken to being a less-than-reliable witness, if his post-match conduct is some thing to go by.
I had only simply completed writing here final weekend that the supervisor must face up to getting caught up in the madness associated with our game than he was once captured on tv while storming off to the dressing room barring shaking the hand of his contrary range Don Cowie. I comprehend he got here returned out later and apologised for his behavioural ignore – however his personality is now more prickly than it was when he first arrived here.
His studying of the recreation at Dens Park, for instance, have to actually have been an attempt to publicly reassure, and placate, the followers who are now in rebel over what they’re watching. But Clement’s announcement of Rangers’ dominance didn’t equate with the post-match response of a touring guide patently aggrieved by means of what they had seen.
Credibility is now on the line at the National Stadium the place Hearts have never overwhelmed Rangers, and where the creation of an exception to the rule turns into a situation beneath current circumstances. Clement’s temper swings will be put to the take a look at if something goes wrong, specially if Hearts’ captain Lawrence Shankland has whatever to do with souring the occasion for Rangers.
Clement was recommended regularly enough during the January transfer window that signing Shankland ought to tip the stability in the title race. But the supervisor showed no inclination by any means to make any go for a player he had considered at first hand when each had been working in Belgium.
This afternoon will inform if Clement’s indifference was justified or questionable. As things stand, he may want to do with it being the former and now not the latter.
Celtic is offered the league title by Kris Boyd.
Kris Boyd offers Celtic the league title.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has publicly conceded the title to Celtic following Rangers’ 0-0 draw with Dundee.
10th December 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; TV pundits and ex gamers Kris Boyd, James McFadden and Scott Brown chat before the match
This stop end result has placed Celtic three factors clear at the pinnacle of the table as the league heads into the split, with a crucial Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park yet to come.
Rangers’ latest shape has been a situation for them, securing actually one win in their last eight league matches. With upcoming fixtures toward St Mirren and Kilmarnock, as desirable as a Scottish Cup semi-final closer to Hearts this weekend, the stress is mounting.
The sentiment of Rangers’ dwindling title hopes used to be as soon as echoed on Sky Sports by pundits Chris Sutton and James McFadden, each of whom expressed believe that the league title is destined for Celtic Park this season. Boyd, confronted with the modern standings and the challenging route in advance for Rangers, admitted the subject of the situation.
“After the Rangers-Celtic sport at Ibrox, it was as soon as going to be a tough ask, but it’s more challenging now. Rangers can go to Celtic Park and win and there are nevertheless five dreams in it, I can’t see a way lower back for Rangers now.”
It’s pretty some thing for Boyd to admit that!
Watch: Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon’s moving conversation
Watch: Brendan Rodgers’ heartfelt dialog with Neil Lennon.
Brendan Rodgers was in terrific spirits after Celtic’s exciting 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Despite the pressure, Rodgers appeared upbeat and thrilled with his team’s performance, as they secured their vicinity in the final.
With former Celtic manager and participant Neil Lennon a part of Premier Sports’ coverage, they both joked about the toll the recreation had taken on Rodgers and his players.
“We’ve received therapy classes lined up.” 😂@CelticFC manager Brendan Rodgers after achieving the Scottish Cup Final in dramatic occasions 🟢🏆#ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/iXoxle9vKZ
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) April 20, 2024
Rodgers spoke nicely after the game, and however questions from some, this season has shown he has the heart and dedication to local weather storms.
This afternoon used to be however some other instance of his Celtic crew scuffling with in opposition to the odds after being 1-0 down in the recreation after surely two minutes.
The Irishman’s dedication to Celtic long-term used to be additionally questioned, however after many twists and turns this year, he has proven that he is right here to stay, regardless of what some would have you consider after his previous departure.
The clarification of Matt O’Riley’s purpose celebration
The reasoning in the returned of Matt O’Riley’s purpose birthday celebration for Celtic’s 1/3 goal has been revealed, with the Danish midfielder paying homage to one of his teammates who missed the sport due to injury.
With O’Riley giving Celtic the lead in extra time, the Dane paid tribute to Daizen Maeda, who overlooked the sport thru injury.
Maeda is currently sidelined due to a hamstring damage he sustained, inflicting him to omit last weekend’s 3-0 win over St. Mirren.
Brendan Rodgers previously expressed uncertainty about whether or not the Japanese worldwide would return to play as soon as greater before than the give up of the season.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – April 7, 2024 Celtic’s Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images by using Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
O’Riley’s gesture provides every other touch of type from the hoops midfielder, showcasing now now not simply the shut relationship between gamers alternatively additionally the empathy they share for each other when lacking video games via injury.
Maeda’s absence would surely be felt if he doesn’t return this season.
However, for O’Riley to gesture to Maeda in the crowd at some stage in his get collectively is an first-rate 2d for all Celtic supporters to witness.
Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes ends three-month scoring drought with fundamental purpose for QPR
Winner all but secures his club’s protection in English Championship
Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes ended his three-month goal drought with a critical strike in Queens Park Rangers’ warfare against the drop in the Skybet Championship.
Dykes had no longer netted for membership or country considering that QPR’s 2-1 defeat by using Watford on January 14, however he used to be on target on Saturday nighttime as Marti Cifuentes’ men picked up a invaluable 1-0 win towards Preston at Loftus Road. Dykes pounced at the far post on 20 minutes after keeper Freddie Woodman spilled Chris Willock’s go to net his first QPR intention in 16 fits and only his fifth in the league this season.
Victory took Rangers to 50 points, six clear of the relegation region with two fits of the marketing campaign remaining, but their most suitable goal distinction capability they will be really positive of staying up if second-bottom Sheffield Wednesday lose at Blackburn on Sunday. Results some other place until now on Saturday intended Cifuentes’ side kicked off knowing that a win would successfully end fears of dropping into League One.
QPR’s Lyndon Dykes stabs the ball home as QPR defeated Preston 1-0 at Loftus Road.
The goal will be a welcome boost for Dykes, who has persisted a hard season in the second tier of English football. The 28-year-old former Livingston striker is competing with Southampton forward Che Adams, who has been in right form recently, and Hearts’ 28-goal forward Lawrence Shankland for a vicinity in Scotland’s beginning XI for Euro 2024.
The sixteen high-quality Scottish Premiership midfielders ranked consisting of Hearts, Hibs, Celtic and Rangers stars
The Scottish Premiership is about to enter its second segment with Hibs and Hearts in opposite halves.
Hearts and Hibs players are in the middle of a fortnight’s rest ahead of the Scottish Premiership’s second phase.
Edinburgh’s top two will compete in exceptional halves, with Hearts amongst the top-six while Hibs finished seventh.
Both golf equipment have key players at the coronary heart of their midfield and they will be known as upon between now and mid-May. Hearts and Hibs stars rank amongst the pinnacle 16 performing midfielders in the country, alongside a megastar who’s signed a Jambos pre-contract.
With the pre-split stage of the season now entire and gamers making ready for the closing few games, The Edinburgh Evening News has used records from WhoScored to rank the Scottish Premiership’s pinnacle midfielders. Take a seem to be below.
1. 16. Mark O’Hara – St Mirren
WhoScored rating = 6.62
2. 15. Caolan Boyd-Munce (St. Mirren)
WhoScored ranking = 6.62
3. 14. David Watson (Kilmarnock)
WhoScored rating = 6.64
4. 13. Beni Baningime (Hearts)
WhoScored rating = 6.65
Peter Leven displays Aberdeen FC penalty confirmation from fourth reliable as Joe Hart idea games work on Ryan Duncan
The Dons had been denied an extra-time spot kick due to an beforehand foul whilst Hart saved Duncan’s spot-kick in the shoot-out.
Don Robertson (C) speaks with Aberdeen’s Ryan Duncan (L) and Celtic’s Joe Hart
Aberdeen’s agonising Scottish Cup semi-final defeat proved they are ready to hit new heights underneath incoming boss Jimmy Thelin.
Interim manager Leven expressed pride in the Dons’ show after they went toe-to-toe with holders Celtic in a Hampden epic, drawing 3-3 after extra-time before dropping 6-5 on penalties. It has been a dismal league marketing campaign for Aberdeen whose Premiership protection is no longer yet entirely certain ahead of their bottom six post-split fixtures.
But Leven has no doubts the gamers can upward jostle to the undertaking as they look forward to the arrival of highly-rated Swedish coach Thelin from Elfsborg this summer. “I informed them at the cease of the game, that’s the requirements for them now,” stated Leven who collect the Dons squad in a post-match huddle whilst Celtic celebrated. “Pick your heads up for 5 massive league games. We refresh and we go once more on Monday. Jimmy texted me closing night wishing us good luck. I presume he’ll have been watching. He can see there’s a proper squad here with coronary heart and desire.
“I’m gutted because penalties is a terrible way to lose. But I thinking the boys were brilliant. We had been outstanding today, we created very true possibilities towards a very correct team.
“I’m so proud of them. They all gave everything. It’s close on our 50th recreation of the season because we have been in Europe and some of them haven’t been involved in that many before.
“You saw it, they have been cramping up. We misplaced Bojan Miovski that way, they all ran themselves into the ground. We had desire, a terrific attitude and at instances we had been proper at Celtic. Yes, in the first 20 minutes of the second half they pinned us back and we had to alter to deal with that. But to come returned time and again, to create the chances we did – well, it’s hard to quit up losing.
“When I took over at first, we went toe to toe with Celtic at Pittodrie and drew 1-1, so I knew what used to be possible. “The boys have replied well to me from the off. There’s continually been desire here, but inconsistency has killed us in the league. In the cups, we’ve been fantastic.”
Ryan Duncan
Ryan Duncan and Killian Phillips failed from the spot for Aberdeen in the shoot-out which saw Dons keeper Kelle Roos pull up with cramp in the midst of the drama. “When than happened simply before Ryan was once going to take his penalty, we tried to pull him again from the container due to the fact it looked like Joe Hart used to be making an attempt to get into his head during the delay,” said Leven. “In the end, Ryan overlooked but I have nothing however admiration for anybody who walks up and takes a penalty.”
Aberdeen seemed to have been denied a penalty towards the quit of extra-time when Cameron Carter-Vickers fouled Junior Hoilett. But Don Robertson and VAR noticed an apparent infringement by way of the Canadian on compatriot Alistair Johnston moments before.
Levein explained: “The fourth legitimate said it was once a penalty, however there would possibly have been a collision before it, which is what looks to have been given in the end.”
Brendan Rodgers lauds Celtic’s “absolutely brilliant” game-changer vs Aberdeen
It could take all people related to Celtic – players, personnel and supporters – a little whilst to procedure everything that passed off in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden on Saturday.
Finding themselves in the back of in the match against Aberdeen, then beforehand twice solely to be pegged back, before winning a dramatic penalty shoot-out – Celtic’s big day was once a amazing spectacle. But it wasn’t half of nerve-wracking.
Celtic had been far from at their fantastic however nonetheless got the job done and it was a interesting watch, ultimately. The ardour and pleasure of Scottish football is difficult to beat when it all receives so epic.
Brendan Rodgers was understandably delighted in the aftermath. Yes, there are troubles to tackle in advance of an upcoming six-game gauntlet – most exceptionally in defence – but he was once very proud of his players.
He had exclusive reward for one of them – James Forrest – who got here into the game as a second-half alternative and made an immediately affect with a sweeping goal from distance that gave Kelle Roos no chance.
Brendan Rodgers talks up James Forrest’s quality
Speaking in a post-match media conference, Rodgers said [Celtic Way]: “He used to be sincerely brilliant, he modified the game for us. It was once just his composure and his quality. We started to hold the ball in the final third, he got the goal.
“He’s simply a big-game player with big-game experience. Another massive plus was that when we took Callum off, Jamesie gave us another experienced head out there. I desired to carry anyone on with calmness and authority and James had that.
“He’s proven lately what a massive section he has to play in the closing section of the season, particularly with Daizen Maeda being out for us.”
Forrest has scored in an fantastic 15 consecutive seasons for Celtic and is already one of the club’s most embellished players in history.
He now has the chance to add a similarly two winners’ medals to his collection. From what Rodgers has to say, he’s set to get lots of minutes over the subsequent run of suits – even if it’s solely off the bench.
There’s little doubt Forrest is now not at his height anymore but, as proven today, he still has the potential to punish opponents. That shouldn’t be taken for granted when each intention will be quintessential between now and the quit of May.
Luis Palma’s Emotional Saturday Night Message After Celtic’s Dramatic Victory
On a day brimming with anxiety and exhilaration at Hampden Park, Celtic emerged effective over Aberdeen in a nail-biting penalty shootout to secure their spot in the Scottish Cup final. The match, a rollercoaster of emotions, ended in a dramatic trend after each teams have been locked at 3-3 following more time.
‘It’s St Patrick’s Day tomorrow!’ |…
Luis Palma, the Celtic winger, used to be amongst the players on the day, albeit with a overall performance he admitted was once not up to his private standards. Introduced in the second half, Palma struggled to make a big have an impact on at some stage in ordinary play. However, his moment to shine got here during the penalty shootout, the place he effectively converted his shot, contributing to Celtic’s triumph.
Following the emotionally charged game, Palma took to Instagram to mirror on his experience and the day’s events. His message was both candid and inspiring, acknowledging his modern-day form struggles while expressing dedication to overcome them. He wrote, “In my career, I have had many highs and lows but I have always been able to get up. I’m conscious that I’m no longer at the level that I would like due to many circumstances, but I’m working day via day to attain that stage that I comprehend I can reach.”
Palma also highlighted the collective effort of the team, stating, “Today was once an amazing job. I’m very proud of this group. We’re going ahead. See you in the last on May 25th.” He concluded his message by using thanking the Celtic followers for their unwavering support, a sentiment that underscores the deep connection between the players and fans as we go toward the closing 5 games of the season.
Celtic’s direction to the final was anything however easy. They twice regarded poised to seal the victory in normal and more time, only for Aberdeen to discover late equalisers that extended the suit and had Celtic followers pushed to the limited. The resilience proven by way of Palma and his teammates exemplifies the spirit of a team unwilling to relent underneath pressure.
Joe Hart sparks Celtic ‘one greater year’ whispers as lesser noticed Aberdeen moment has fans begging him for more
Hart used to be the villain and the hero of the story all rolled into one and fans prefer to see him hang around.
Joe Hart used to be residing up the ‘carnage’ in the wake of Celtic’s thrilling penalty shootout win over Aberdeen.
And one wink-and-you’ll omit it moment at some stage in the spot-kicks has followers begging him to shelve his retirement plans and dangle around for some other season. Hart was quickly the villain of the Scottish Cup show when he rather stepped up to take the fifth spot-kick, which would have gained the shootout for the champions, however hit the post. But simply moments later he saved from Killian Phillips to seal their development and it was a few minutes that perfectly encapsulated the chaos of one of the pleasant cup clashes in recent memory.
He says he’d take any other one in a Hart-beat and may well get the hazard with a remaining in opposition to both Hearts or Rangers coming up on May 26. That’s poised to be his last game in professional soccer after he introduced his plans to retire beforehand this season.
So when he posted to Instagram announcing he loved the ‘pure carnage’, fans were speedy to flood in. The feedback section used to be awash with messages like “Go on simply 1 extra year,” and “finish the story!” urging him to put pen to paper and shelve his plans to hold up the gloves for another season. One wrote: “We love ya, Joe. Fills me full of delight when I see players like yourself, who’ve executed so an awful lot in the game, pull on the jersey. Don’t leave us,” and every other said: “What a man! Please signal an extension!”
Hart’s antics immediately after his pass over also bought some attention. After hitting the post, cameras briefly caught Hart winking and smiling in the path of Aberdeen keeper Kelle Roos. It was wink and you’ll omit it however one eagle-eyed punter wrote: “That wink…” and some other said: “That smile and wink. You’re a madman, Joe.”
‘Pure Carnage’ Joe Harts Outstanding Saturday Night Social Media Post
On a sunny afternoon at Hampden Park, with the Scottish Cup on the line, Joe Hart, Celtic’s seasoned goalkeeper, played what might be one of the most memorable games of his career. The match against Aberdeen, which kicked off at 12:30 PM, took fans on an emotional rollercoaster, ultimately being decided by penalties. Hart, who is in his final season before retirement, transformed a potential low into a triumphant high in what was a pivotal moment for Celtic.
The game itself was a thrilling contest, with Celtic twice appearing to have secured their victory during regular and extra time. Each time, Aberdeen clawed back, tying the game and pushing it to the edge. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, a scenario that few could have anticipated would feature Hart as one of the penalty takers.
20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Joe Hart of Celtic saves from Killian Phillips of Aberdeen during the penalty shootout winning it for Celtic
In a shocking twist, Hart stepped up as the fifth Celtic player to take a penalty. A goal from him would have immediately secured Celtic’s advance, but fate had other plans as his shot hit the post, breathing new life into Aberdeen’s hopes. However, the drama did not end there. Joe Hart would make up for his miss by making the match winning save. In a display of nerves of steel, Hart made the crucial save, blocking Aberdeen’s attempt and cementing Celtic’s place in the final.
On Saturday night, Hart took to social media to express his feelings about the day’s events. His message was brief but encapsulated the intensity of the match: “Pure Carnage, Loved it!!” This succinct sentiment reflected the chaotic, heart-stopping nature of the game and his pivotal role in the dramatic conclusion.
20th April 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Semi Final, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Joe Hart of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after the winning save
As Hart prepares for the final six games of his professional career, his performance at Hampden was a clear message that he is not exiting quietly. He didn’t only secure Celtic’s spot in the Scottish Cup final but also added a legendary match to his storied career. Celtic fans will eagerly await the final on May 25th, where Hart will have a chance to conclude his professional journey with potentially another trophy, marking a fitting end to an illustrious career.
Why Paulo Bernardo desires to end the season strongly
Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Celtic’s Paulo Bernardo celebrates scoring the opening aim of the sport all through the Scottish Cup suit at Celtic Park on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan
What has occurred to Paulo Bernardo?…
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 27: Paulo Bernardo of Celtic arrives prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership healthy between Celtic FC and Ross County FC at Celtic Park Stadium on January 27, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo via Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
It’s honest to say that Paulo Bernardo has had a bit of a topsy turvy marketing campaign as a result far. The Portuguese teen at first observed it tough following his loan pass from Benfica. But unluckily he nonetheless seems to be under-performing and that shape he confirmed at the stop of closing 12 months has seemed to have disappeared.
Back then he steadily showed what he’s all about with a couple of stand out performances. Most relatively in the Derby win over theRangers at the give up of remaining yr in which he opened the scoring with a beautifully taken goal. But seeing that then his structure has seemed to dip and he found himself lower back on the bench until harm sidelined Callum McGregor.
Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Paulo Bernardo celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening intention in the Scottish Cup healthy at Celtic Park on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan,
That used to be Paulo’s danger to discover his structure once again and show he’s worth a region in the Celtic starting XI. Most Celtic supporters together with myself have been completely satisfied for the club to pay the alternative to purchase price that Benfica inserted in his loan deal. But that looks to be uncertain now due to Paulo’s dip in form. However it’s going to be a selection that Brendan Rodgers will take and there’s nonetheless time for Paulo to show himself valuable of a permanent cross to Celtic.
Hopefully even though he finds his form once again. He has the talent, that is not in question, however he’s bought to show it on a consistent basis. It’s additionally going to be even extra tougher for him as Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate are due to return after the worldwide break.
A cynic may reckon that he’s actually getting a risk to find his toes this season before he replaces Matt O’Riley in the summer season with some other £25m or so heading off to collect activity in the PLC’s bank account.
Will Paulo show he’s worth a permanent contract at the club? Time will tell. For me the jury is out.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic and Liam Scales ‘got away with one’ as Neil Lennon assesses Aberdeen penalty call
Lenny reckons his historic facet have been lucky now not to concede a spot kick
Bojan Miovski claimed for a handball
Neil Lennon reckons Celtic “got away with one” with Aberdeen’s penalty call at the cease of the first half.
The sides headed in level at 1-1 at the wreck after Bojan Miovski stunned Hampden with an early opener but then Nicolas Kuhn cancelled that out after Kyogo had robbed Angus MacDonald of the ball. The Dons persevered to give as top as they bought though and have been priceless of being level.
They even notion they may have a hazard of taking another lead right on the stroke of half-time with a large penalty shout. Miovski tried to nick the ball past Liam Scales at the area of box and noticed the ball strike the defender’s arm. The forward was once adamant in his claims to referee Don Robertson however a VAR check proven it truly passed off backyard the box.
Lennon reckons had it been inner the box, it would have been given.
At half-time, he said: “When we saw it stay we thinking it used to be a handball internal the box. You can see the debate for each ways. If it’s outdoor the box then it is no longer a penalty however if it is interior the box… You can sympathise with Scales but you can additionally see where Aberdeen are coming shape trying the penalty.
“When I noticed it stay because it is occurring in that split second, I’m wondering ‘that appears a penalty to me’. His arm is out, he’s tried to flick it previous him and it is caught his arm
“You see the contact is definitely simply backyard the box. I think Celtic acquired away with one there.”
Liam Scales Celtic handball penalty verdict splits pundits as Neil Lennon turns Aberdeen ally…
The former Parkhead boss notion Scales bought fortunate but Charlie Mulgrew had sympathy for the Irishman and officials.
Celtic’s Liam Scales handles the ball resulting in a VAR check, beneath strain from Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski
Liam Scales “got away” with not conceding a Celtic penalty at Hampden, even though the call now not to penalise the defender has cut up opinion.
The Irishman would have been a relieved man at half-time after his facet had bought themselves lower back on level terms with Aberdeen in their Scottish Cup semi-final clash. He tried to get himself between Bojan Miovski and the ball as the jump into the Celtic box, the North Macedonian tried to flick the ball internal and straight away screamed for a spot-kick, claiming the ball had struck Scales on the hand.
Replays showed that was the case, even though it came about JUST backyard the penalty area. Because play persisted without the ref or assistant giving anything, the sport resumed with a Dons throw on the a long way side, as an alternative than at least a free-kick in a risky position. But former Parkhead boss Neil Lennon feels Scales can count number himself fortunate he wasn’t punished.
“When we saw it stay we concept it was a handball inside the box,” he advised Premier Sports. “You can see the debate for both ways. If it is outdoor the container then it is no longer a penalty but if it is interior the box… You can sympathise with Scales however you can additionally see where Aberdeen are coming form trying the penalty.
“When I saw it stay because it’s occurring in that cut up second, I’m questioning ‘that looks a penalty to me’. His arm is out, he is tried to flick it previous him and it’s caught his arm You see the contact is really simply outside the box. I assume Celtic acquired away with one there.”
However, former Celtic and Dons defender Charlie Mulgrew had sympathy for Scales and the officials. He advised BBc Scotland: “These days you just in no way know. But I assume he was fully looking forward to a penalty to be given here. I don’t think it is – he can’t put his hand anywhere else and I’m no longer even certain it is interior the box. So I suppose they came to the right decision, but these days you simply never know.
“I have to say, VAR and referees have such a challenging job. They’ve taken so tons stick this year and are every so often the simplest selection have been made so hard. As player, when you’re under stress and feeling a lack on confidence, you can make some simple errors that are hard to understand.”
‘Had my suspicions’ – Neil Lennon Piles on Philippe Clement Misery
In a candid talk with PLZ Soccer, Neil Lennon, former supervisor of Celtic, expressed his doubts about the adaptability of Rangers’ current boss, Philippe Clement, to the high-pressure environment at Ibrox. Lennon’s remarks come in the wake of Rangers’ disappointing overall performance in latest Scottish Premiership matches, which has viewed them fall behind in the title race.
Lennon, who has large journey in the Scottish pinnacle flight and the stress that comes with it, highlighted Rangers’ current shape as a motive for concern. “I had my suspicions about Rangers after the game towards Celtic. I thinking in the first 1/2 they had been poor, mentally as well,” Lennon said. He stated that regardless of a spirited comeback in the 2d half, the normal level of overall performance used to be troubling. Celtic had been unlucky now not to win the recreation in the front of 50k Rangers supporters.
Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 30, 2023 Rangers manager Philippe Clement before the healthy Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
The previous three games, Rangers faced integral fixtures against Celtic, Ross County, and Dundee — video games that should have propelled them 5 factors clear at the top of the league table. However, effects fell quick of expectations with the group securing only two points from a possible nine in these encounters. The setbacks protected a draw with Celtic, any other draw with Dundee, and a surprising loss to Ross County.
These effects have passed a sizable benefit to Celtic who are three factors in advance with solely five games final in the season. Lennon believes the Hoops now have the impetus to go on and win the league, “They have totally handed the initiative to Celtic, and Celtic have been there and accomplished it.”
11th February 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Cup Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Ex Celtic supervisor Neil Lennon and ex St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin on TV duty
Clement, who took over Rangers until now in the season, has struggled to manipulate the expectations and strain that come with main a membership of Rangers’ stature. He lived a charmed life in the Scottish media, we got a glimpse of his fragility after Celtic received the new years Glasgow Derby the place he declared his crew had been better on the day.
Two wins from eight sees the Belgian a bit rattled to say the least. Celtic and Rangers have one greater date before the cease of the season, in a in shape that will have massive ramifications for the title.
Both sides can nevertheless win the title, and three points, whilst higher than being behind, doesn’t assurance anything.
Rodgers Big Starting XI Call: Celtic vs Aberdeen
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed his starting eleven to face Aberdeen this afternoon in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
With two massive adjustments from remaining weekend’s 3-0 win over St. Mirren at Celtic Park, supporters will be delighted to see two first-team regulars return to the beginning 11.
The significance of a cup semi-final is definitely evident in the Irishman’s questioning ahead of the match, as the Hoops seem to be to attain but every other Scottish Cup Final.
It’s clear that Liam Scales and Callum McGregor are each first-choice in their respective positions, with Tomoki Iwata and Maik Nawrocki per chance feeling tough carried out through no longer starting in opposition to Peter Leven’s facet after an remarkable display last Saturday.
With Daizen Maeda out injured, the majority of Celtic’s beginning 11 has taken form week in, week out, with 4 of the again five beginning consistently.
With his return from injury, Reo Hatate has completely displaced Paulo Bernardo and has looked terrific with a goal last weekend.
Adam Idah may additionally also experience aggrieved, having scored off the bench in opposition to St. Mirren and Rangers in the preceding two games.
However, with Kyogo Furuhashi also netting in opposition to St. Mirren, that is the purpose why he receives the nod upfront.
Today’s in shape kicks off at 12:30pm and is stay on BBC One Scotland and Premier Sports 1.
Celtic starting XI for Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy
Celtic take on Aberdeen at Hampden these days (Saturday) in the Scottish Cup semi-final, with the cup holders aiming to e book their place in subsequent month’s final.
Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed an fantastic report in the opposition to date, with 15 wins out of 15 cup-ties, and the Celtic manager will be looking for his aspect to proceed that high-quality run today.
The supervisor makes two adjustments from the aspect which beat St Mirren in the league remaining weekend.
Liam Scales returns to the heart of the Celtic defence alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers, while Callum McGregor also starts and captains the team as they look to enjoy a successful day at the National Stadium.
Kick-off at Hampden is 12.30pm and you can observe the build-up and all the motion on the club website’s Match Centre.
Sunday Boycott – The Green Brigade Has Got This One Wrong
Celtic Park’s surroundings and colour is in no small section down to the Green Brigade. Their vibrancy and unwavering assist have often been pivotal in elevating the atmosphere at critical matches. However, the current choice by means of these extremely groups to boycott the Celtic Women’s upcoming recreation in opposition to Hearts marks a significant, and perhaps misguided, departure from their typical fervour.
Last season, the initiative to create ‘The Celtic End’—a vibrant, designated full stand for ardent supporters—saw the last women’s video games performed at Celtic Park, a shift from the typical venue at the Excelsior Stadium. This pass no longer only more desirable the surroundings but also set a file for the highest attendance at a women’s game in Scotland. The success of these video games showcased the potential for growing women’s football, mixing enthusiastic support with on-field performance.
This season, the identical businesses supposed to replicate this success. However, worries raised by using Celtic’s administration related to safety—stemming from previous efforts—led to the refusal to facilitate ‘The Celtic End.’ the choice is framed as a indispensable precaution, albeit one perceived by way of the groups as punitive and dismissive of their contributions.
The response from the ultra organizations has been one of outright boycott, a decision that seems both counterproductive and disheartening. While their grievances with positive club choices would possibly be valid, using the women’s games as leverage in their ongoing disputes with the board undermines the very essence of what they purportedly stand for—unconditional guide for Celtic, irrespective of the gender playing.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Group E – Celtic v Lazio – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – October 4, 2023 Celtic fans interior the stadium hold up scarves before the in shape Action Images by using Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Celtic has indeed provided the Green Brigade their common standing area for the upcoming match—a compromise that have to have been met with the usual enthusiasm. However, their refusal, predicated on now not having their specified ‘Celtic End,’ suggests a prioritisation of agenda over support, casting a shadow over what may want to be a landmark moment for Celtic Women. This stance, particularly when the group goes top of the league and is loooking to clinch their first-ever SWPL title, should strip the players of the sturdy backing they deserve.
The choice via Celtic’s management may additionally be irritating for these who dream of a everlasting ‘Celtic End,’ but it should no longer disable the support from supporting.
While the Green Brigade and its cohorts have frequently been lauded for their passionate displays and commitment, this contemporary stance does little to support the women’s team. It inadvertently sidelines an possibility to promote and enhance women’s football—a reason they have previously championed.
As they get collectively for the men’s semi remaining and will once more show their dedication to the bhoys in a big way at Hampden, I’d like to see them put aside their grievances with the board.
As we method Sunday’s kick-off, there is still time for reconsideration. The hope stays that all supporters, together with the ultras, rally behind Elena Sadiku and the ‘Ghirls,’ making sure that the push for their first SWPL title is met with the full may of Celtic’s awesome support. For those still deliberating attendance, it’s a chance to be section of a doubtlessly historic run-in at Celtic Park. The actual victory lies in harmony and support, transcending disputes to cheer on from the stands—a proper reflection of the Celtic ethos.
Get your tickets, and let’s hold the aid undivided. Kick-off at 4:10 PM this Sunday in Paradise—don’t pass over it.
Celtic informed ‘there’s something wrong’ if Rangers stutter doesn’t do one component as Ibrox exit claim made…
All the state-of-the-art information surrounding Hearts, Hibs and their Premiership competitors as the FA Cup takes centre stage.
Clement and Brendan Rodgers these days met at Hampden Park at some stage in Scotland v Northern Ireland.
Hearts will now be placing the final touches on their preparations for a massive FA Cup semi-final clash with Rangers on Sunday. Steven Naismith’s men have enjoyed a exceptional season so far, and they will want to cap it with an FA Cup last appearance.
Meanwhile, Hibs have the weekend off following remaining week’s break up and will resume their Premiership campaign against St Johnstone, bidding the finish pinnacle of the bottom half. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the modern surrounding the Edinburgh sides and their rivals.
Celtic claim
Former Celtic man Frank McAvennie believes his historic membership will get a raise from recent twists in the Scottish premiership title race as they prepare for the FA Cup semi-finals. “Celtic need to feel genuinely confident heading into the semi-final in opposition to Aberdeen,” he told Football Insider. “If they don’t get a increase after Rangers’ current results, then there’s something incorrect with them.
“All of a sudden, it’s all returned in Celtic’s hands and they can’t let slip – they have to get the double. I would be very surprised if they don’t to be honest. It would be a big boost.”
Lundstram exit claim
Rangers megastar John Lundstram has reportedly informed Rangers he wishes to depart the membership this summer. According to Gunebakis, the 30-year-old needs out this summer season notwithstanding being desired at Ibrox going forward.
The document claims Philippe Clement needs to hand Lundstram a new contract to hold him as part of his squad going forward, however failure to agree new terms has led to the midfielder looking a ‘new adventure’. Lundstram has been at Ibrox due to the fact 2021.
Shankland on cup ‘regrests’
Hearts famous person Lawrence Shankland has spoken about the ‘regret’ of dropping to Rangers in the ViaPlay Cup semi-final as Naismith’s men seem to go one better at Hampden Park this weekend. “The feeling of remorseful about when you got here off the pitch was probably the biggest thing. We felt like we didn’t virtually give it a go. Whether that be down to our game graph no longer working or simply didn’t sense right or it was a wee bit off,” said the forward.
“I assume that is the first element we will seem to be to improve on. Try and put a bit of a stamp on the recreation and supply ourselves a chance of going through. We felt as a team we didn’t give ourselves the exceptional danger that day.”
Celtic v Aberdeen – Team news, match officials, KO time & where to watch..
Brendan Rodgers returns to Hampden today looking to extend his 100% winning record in Scottish Cup matches in general and also his perfect record as the Celtic manager at the national stadium. Having beaten Buckie Thistle and Livingston so far in this campaign things get tougher today against an Aberdeen side which has had to endure a difficult season but has enough quality to make it an uncomfortable day for the Hoops of we don’t bring our ‘A’ game.
By that I mean more like the second half performance last weekend and not like the way we played in the first 45 minutes against St Mirren.
But this is a Scottish Cup semi-final and the first visit of the season for the Hoops after our early cup exit in the League Cup back in August last year at Kilmarnock. For some of the players it will also be the first time playing at Hampden.
Aberdeen have only their hardcore support today, given the season they have had the fair weather fans are watching it on television. So Celtic will have a huge support in a packed Hampden and the atmosphere will be special.
Last weekend when one up at Dingwall theRangers fans were chanting… “(sweary word) Celtic we’re gonna win the league.” To cut out the bad language and because it seems appropriate it would be nice to hear the Celtic support singing…
“THANK YOU RANGERS WE’RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE, WE’RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE”…
Team News
Kirk O Rourke/Shutterstock – Liam Scales during the match at Ibrox on 03 Sep 2023
Daizen Maeda remains sidelined but Liam Scales returns to the squad after missing out last weekend. Brendan Rodgers has a dilemma at outside left with Yang failing to impress last weekend. James Forrest is an option but the manager is more likely to start Luis Palma and maybe give the Honduran an hour.
Luis Palma celebrates during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian at Celtic Park on December 06, 2023 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The captain Callum McGregor must be close to returning to the starting line-up but caution could prevail and given the excellent job that Tomoki Iwata has done in recent weeks, Brendan will have no hesitation in giving the Japanese holding midfielder the nod.
Predicted Team
Celtic v St Mirren – Adam Idah celebrates scoring during the Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday April 13, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow
Joe Hart will of course have the gloves and with Liam Scales returning I expect him to play alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre of the Celtic defence. Alistair Johnston, who was excellent last weekend will be at right-back and Greg Taylor on the left side of the Celtic defence.
A midfield three of Tomoki, Hatate and O’Riley will have Kuhn, Kyogo and Luis Palma ahead of them.
Predicted Celtic Team…Hart; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; Tomoki, Hatate, O’Riley; Kuhn, Kyogo and Palma
Match Officials
Don Robertson after he awards that penalty to Heart during the cinch Premiership match at Tynecastle Park, Saturday March 2, 2024. Photo AndrewMilligan
Don Robertson will have the whistle and Graeme Stewart and Steven Traynor will run the lines at Hampden today. The Fourth official will be David Dickinson, and Greg Aitken is on VAR, assisted by Andrew McWilliam.
Kick-off Time
The Scottish Cup semi-final between Celtic and Aberdeen kicks off at 12.30pm
Where to Watch
The semi-final is live on BBC Scotland and also the subscription channel. You can also watch on Celtic TV as usual if you are a subscriber living outside of Britain or Ireland.
Predicted Score
Last weekend we told you that celtic would score three goals and Hatate, Kyogo and Idah would all hit the back of the net. Three for the Celts today with Aberdeen getting one.
Exclusive: Sunderland send ‘premium’ switch warning to Celtic over Hoops goal desired by using Liverpool and EPL giant
The Sunderland celebrity has been linked with making a pass to Celtic in the summer season transfer window, with Liverpool also keen.
Sunderland have warned Celtic and different suitors that the club’s top talent will solely be bought at top of the range prices.
It’s been a topsy-turvy season at the Black Cats, with Tony Mowbray let go as manager and alternative Michael Beale was because of this sacked after a calamitous tenure. Now Mike Dodds is in caretaker cost as the English Championship aspect hunt a new manager.
It had been claimed that goalkeeper Anthony Patterson used to be desired by means of Arsenal, Celtic and Liverpool, with reviews on Friday claiming that hobby is ‘genuine.’ The Hoops will be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer time as range one Joe Hart prepares to hold up his gloves at the quit of the season.
Scott Bain is an hooked up back-up at Celtic however is not likely to stake a claim long-term to become range one, whilst Benjamin Siegirst is out the picture. Jobe Bellingham, Jack Clarke, Dan Neil and Daniel Ballard are additionally attracting hobby alongside the Hoops and Liverpool target, however Dodds says Sunderland are in a sturdy role to financial institution huge bucks.
for the football membership and all those gamers are underneath contract. They have lengthy contracts and so the membership are in a strong position.
“So it’s virtually clear that if absolutely everyone needs to come and take a Sunderland player then they’re going to have to pay the top class because whoever it is, you’re speakme about a younger player who has already accomplished nicely however nonetheless has the viable to advance further.”
Neil Lennon makes fresh Philippe Clement claim as Celtic ‘eye’ new goalkeeper…
All the latest news surrounding Celtic and Rangers as they prepare for Scottish Cup action.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement
The Scottish Premiership season has now entered the final phase.
With the split having taken place, but attention has switched to the Scottish Cup this weekend, with both Celtic and Rangers bidding to reach the final. The Hoops take on Aberdeen on Saturday, while Rangers face Hearts on Sunday.
Rangers may be thankful for the break from league action, given the poor form they have shown, handing Celtic an advantage when it comes to winning the league. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest surrounding both clubs.
Lennon on Clement
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has claimed Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been ‘taken back’ by the expectations at Ibrox. He told PLZ: “I had my suspicions about Rangers after the game against Celtic. I thought in the first half they were poor, mentally as well. They put in a good comeback, but overall I was concerned about the level of performance. That is come to the fore. They have totally handed the initiative to Celtic, and Celtic have been there and done it.”
“I think the players know all about the expectations. I think Philippe is finding out all about it more than any of the players. A lot of the players have been there for a long, long time. Now all of a sudden he has come into this and everything was good for a while, but I think he has been taken aback by the scrutiny and the analysis of every facet of your performance.”
Patterson links
Celtic have reportedly set their sights on a new goalkeeper as Joe Hart prepares to walk away from the professional game. According to the Sunderland Echo, Brendan Rodgers has set his sights on Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.
Though, it’s also claimed Liverpool are interested in the keeper, with number two Caoimhin Kelleher reportedly likely to move on. Reports have claimed Patterson could cost between £10million and £20million, which would be a lot for Celtic to pay for a new goalkeeper.
Celtic Confirm Pivotal Background Shake Up
Celtic has employed contemporary B team train Darren O’Dea as their new Professional Player Pathway Manager, a move announced on the club’s professional website.
In this role, O’Dea is is tasked with boosting the progression of young gamers within the club, in a bid to consistently nurture brain up to first team standards.
He’ll be coordinating closely with the Head of Celtic’s Youth Academy, Chris McCart, while also working with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers. His predominant focus? To streamline the improvement of gamers ready to don the Hoops and manipulate mortgage opportunities that bolster their growth. It’s a very important position for the future of the Celtic first team.
Steven Paston Live pic
This appointment is part of a broader fashion of structural modifications at Celtic, modifications that have been ongoing considering the fact that Ange Postecoglou’s tenure and have persevered under Brendan Rodgers. It’s clear Celtic prefer to get extra out of their academy.
Darren new position has stirred some discussions, particularly concerning the decision to promote an internal candidate without apparently considering exterior ones.
Yet, having been deeply concerned with Celtic’s childhood setup, O’Dea brings a non-public contact to the role. His years of journey with the upcoming abilities and his robust connection with the management group are seen as treasured assets that align properly with Celtic’s imaginative and prescient for its players’ future. Darren has also got here through the Celtic gadget and made it to the first team, something that information his thinking.
Rodgers need to exchange Yang with Celtic “threat” who “causes havoc”
The Hoops head coach must subsequently unleash the 5 foot 10 wizard this weekend.
Celtic turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership this afternoon as they prepare to take on Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the SFA Cup.
The Hoops travel across Glasgow to take on the Dons in the semi-finals of the competition, as they seem to e book a area in the final subsequent month – where they would face either Rangers or Hearts.
Brendan Rodgers’ side come into this suit off the lower back of a 3-0 win over St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday, which prolonged their lead at the top of the division to four points – cut to three after their opponents picked up a point in opposition to Dundee on Wednesday night.
Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah all got on the scoresheet during the second 1/2 towards St Mirren, in what became out to be a blissful victory for the Bhoys after a goalless first half.
The Northern Irish head train may want to now make some changes for this cup clash, to supply different gamers with an possibility to impress, and should ultimately unleash Luis Palma from the begin in advance of Hyun-jun Yang, with Daizen Maeda out injured.
When Daizen Maeda is predicted to return
Earlier this month, Rodgers printed that the Japan worldwide has suffered an injury in the tendon of his hamstring, which ruled him out of the conflict with St Mirren.
The Hoops boss added that the right-footed winger will be re-assessed over the coming weeks to see whether or not or not he will be on hand to play once more before the give up of the season.
This suggests that there is no guarantee that Maeda will be healthy ample to feature in the course of the run-in, and Celtic supporters may additionally have to wait until the 2024/25 marketing campaign to see him in motion again, unless he can get better over the subsequent few weeks.
23/24 Premiership
Daizen Maeda
Appearances
25
Goals
5
Big chances missed
12
Assists
2
Key passes per game
0.5
Stats by Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old forward has been wasteful with his opportunities in front of purpose in the Premiership this season, and has not often created chances for his teammates to discover the back of the net.
However, Rodgers claimed – in September 2023 – that having Maeda on the pitch is like having “two players” due to the “unbelievable” work fee he puts in out wide, which shows that there is a ways extra to his recreation than just dreams and assists.
Celtic will need to discover a answer to his absence on the left flank and Yang put in a strong performance against St Mirren, but Palma must additionally be presented with an opportunity to shine.
Hyun-yun Yang’s season in numbers
The South Korean whiz, who was once signed from Gangwon FC last summer, has no longer had the easiest of first seasons in Glasgow as he has battled to modify to soccer in Scotland.
Yang is but to nail down a everyday spot in the beginning XI and inconsistent numbers in the ultimate 1/3 have followed, with 4 direct purpose contributions in 24 appearances and ten begins in the league.
In fact, the 21-year-old attacker has zero goals, zero assists, and one red card in his last 4 league outings for the Scottish giants, after two assists in the previous two fits – flawlessly illustrating his inconsistent season.
Of course, Celtic no longer have anticipated a participant to come to Europe for the first time at the age of 21 and hit the ground strolling with consistently first-rate performances, which is why Yang wants time and should be viewed as a super prospect for the future.
There had been promising signs from his display as a starter in opposition to St Mirren, with three key passes and one ‘big chance’ created, but he also misplaced 9 of his 15 duels and only finished three of his seven attempted dribbles.
He ended the suit without a purpose or an aid to exhibit for his efforts, and this upcoming conflict with Aberdeen affords Rodgers with a risk to replace him with Palma, who has the viable to provide greater at the top give up of the pitch.
Why Luis Palma have to start for Celtic
Signed from Greek facet Aris on a permanent deal closing summer, the talented megastar has confirmed himself to be succesful of scoring and helping desires on a everyday groundwork from a broad position.
Earlier this season, former Celtic man Peter Grant lauded Palma as a “real threat” and claimed that the winger “causes havoc” with his capacity to ship hazardous balls into the field to create probabilities for his teammates.
The Honduras international, who created one ‘big chance’ in just 19 minutes towards St Mirren, hit the floor jogging at the begin of the campaign, and his numbers back that up.
23/24 Premiership
Luis Palma
Appearances
24
Starts
17
Goals
6
Big probabilities created
13
Assists
9
Key passes per game
2.7
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 5 foot 10 magician has been directly involved in 15 dreams in 17 league starts offevolved for the Scottish giants this season.
Only Matt O’Riley (11) has assisted greater goals in the division for Celtic, and no participant has created as many ‘big chances’ as Palma’s 13 so far.
This speaks to how influential the 24-year-old wizard has been at times for the Hoops, as there are few players as good as him when it comes to developing possibilities and assisting desires within Rodgers’ squad.
His remaining start came against Kilmarnock in February and the forward has scored one goal and created one ‘big chance’ in three alternative appearances since then.
He has furnished satisfactory off the bench and the supervisor should now eventually unleash him from the begin nowadays in the hope that his first-rate at the pinnacle stop of the pitch, as a scorer and a creator of goals, can fireplace the Hoops to the last of the SFA Cup.
It will be an interesting combat to nail down the left wing spot in the absence of Maeda, and the possibilities will be there for Palma and Yang to each nation their case for a normal location in the beginning XI between now and the give up of the season.
Scott Brown names toughest opponent he faced playing for Celtic
Scott Brown was speaking to talkSPORT recently and was asked about various things regarding his career and general time in the game. The former Hoops captain was stalwart at Celtic Park for years and had the pleasure of playing against some of the best players in the world whenever he played in European competition.
Usually the UEFA Champions League group stages more often than not, Broony has played against some of the most talented individuals you could think of with a football. However, during his Q&A with Jim, Ally McCoist and Andy Townsend today at Ayr Racecourse, the midfield engine-man was prompted to answer on who his toughest opponent ever was that he faced when he was in the game.
Brown, who is the one of the most decorated Celtic players of all time and who was no shrinking violet by anyone’s estimation, said: “I ran into this one guy in the middle of the park. We’re playing Celtic-AC Milan, Seedorf in the middle of the park, and oh my God, it was like running into a brick wall.”
One of the co-hosts, Republic of Ireland cap, Andy Townsend, replied: “It’s amazing Scott that you’ve said that. Because I played in a game with Clarence Seedorf in a play-off game – Ireland against Holland at Anfield trying to qualify for Euro 1996. I ran into him and I thought I had done my [anterior]cruciate ligament.”
The former Celtic captain gave a laugh of approval and revealed how during a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Italian giants AC Milan, the young and powerful ex-Hibee ran into the Dutch international and couldn’t believe how hard and physical the midfield maestro was. He remarked: “I swear, I thought I had a bit of power and pace, and he was just standing! Oh my God. He was fantastic.”
James Forrest is congratulated by teammate Virgil van Dijk after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Group match between Celtic and Ajax at Celtic Park Stadium on October 22, 2013 (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
McCoist then probed his former foe during his time as Rangers assistant manager to Walter Smith, on who out of his teammates he rates highly, and without hesitation the Ayr United manager answered: “Virgil. He played in cruise control up here, he literally had a cigar out every game. He was like [Cameron] Carter-Vickers at the back, we could leave him one-v-one and the rest of us just ran forward. It was too easy for him! He was so good.”
Embarrassed Rangers gets truthful after he fumbles Celtic prediction…
Celtic supporters are having a lot of enjoyable this week and for properly reason.
While absolutely everyone acknowledges no silverware has been won yet, the turnaround in fortunes for the duration of the ongoing title race has left the Bhoys in pole function to impenetrable another Scottish Premiership trophy.
Brendan Rodgers’ side sit down three factors clear at the pinnacle of the table after Rangers badly messed up their two video games in hand with a defeat at Ross County and a draw away to Dundee.
Philippe Clement and his team have had a horror week. It’s left their supporters wondering where it’s all long past wrong and their big-name pundits strolling returned smug predictions made before the recent 3-3 derby at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson is one such pundit. He claimed that Celtic would be five points in the back of his ancient membership at this stage – a laughable eight-point swing from where matters currently sit. But he’s at least been trustworthy in the aftermath and it’s clear he is certainly gutted.
Barry Ferguson on events in Celtic and Rangers title race
The former Ibrox captain told The Daily Record [19/04 print edition]: “No one enjoys having to admit when they’ve obtained it wrong. So what I’m about to write won’t be easy. But a couple of weeks in the past I didn’t just make a mistake in this column – I unnoticed all my instincts and threw warning to the wind when I predicted Rangers would go into the post-split fixtures five factors clear at the pinnacle of the table and on their way to the title.
“In my own defence, I did add that football does have a dependancy of biting you on the bum if you start taking anything for granted. So now right here I am, with teeth marks all over my backside, attempting to work out what the hell has simply took place over the direction of the last fortnight.
“And the reality is it’s getting very difficult for me to strive to shield the indefensible the place my ancient club’s recent outcomes and performances are concerned. Let’s simply say I used to be nearly misplaced for phrases on Wednesday when I watched them lose every other two precious factors in Dundee and it left me feeling so down that I struggled to get a first rate night’s sleep.”
Celtic should keep eyes on the prize
It’s exact to see the swagger taken out of Rangers’ step. But Celtic have had sufficient of their twists and turns this season and nothing can be taken for granted.
Thankfully the message coming out of Lennoxtown is sturdy and purposeful. Rodgers was once flawlessly clear today that his staff and players have no longer been distracted by means of activities throughout the city.
All the noise round the title race must be ignored. No complacency, no let up, no letting the Ibrox lot off the hook. The title is there to be won and Celtic have to assert their dominance. Five games to go.
Brendan Rodgers delighted with “perfect candidate” as Celtic verify new behind-the-scenes appointment
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers these days spoke about the need for the club to have a extra coherent hyperlink between its Academy and the first team.
He’s keen to utilise the interesting young talent coming thru Lennoxtown and nowadays the membership created a new position to assist that happen.
Celtic have announced the introduction of a Professional Player Pathway Manager function inside the club, working to development younger gamers at the membership – each internally and out on loan.
Current Celtic B coach Darren O’Dea has been named in the new job reporting to the Head of Academy Chris McCart and working intently with Rodgers himself.
O’Dea will work with Celtic coaches across age organizations as well as develop and preserve relationships with different golf equipment in Scotland and abroad, also managing any mortgage possibilities that arise.
Brendan Rodgers on Darren O’Dea appointment
Rodgers said in a assertion [Celtic FC]: “Celtic has such a wealthy history of developing and creating its own players and is something which I am massively passionate about.
“This important new position will permit us to supply actual center of attention to making sure the very great feasible pathway and degree of support to bringing our younger gamers successfully into the first-team environment, so they too can create their very own records at the club.
Brendan Rodgers Delivers Celtic Injury Update; Maeda and Scales Latest
As Celtic prepares for their Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Aberdeen this weekend, manager Brendan Rodgers has furnished an update on the team’s harm status.
11th February 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Cup Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers
The center of attention is specifically on Daizen Maeda and Liam Scales, two key players who have confronted current health challenges.
Rodgers confirmed that there is no new progress on Daizen Maeda’s condition, putting forward previous statements that the winger’s season is probable over due to his injury. This information doesn’t come as a surprise.
On a extra advantageous note, Liam Scales has back to the fold, a welcome development highlighted by using his participation in coaching classes at Lennoxtown. This return may want to provide a great improve to Celtic’s protective selections heading into the critical tiers of the season.
Rodgers also referred to that there are no new accidents within the squad, a rare stroke of correct fortune for Celtic, who have dealt with numerous setbacks this season.
He said: [Celtic TV]
“Daizen is still out. We just have to see over the remainder of the weeks left to see if he performs any part, but certainly won’t be tomorrow. Lam scales lower back accessible in the squad, which is in reality proper information for us. Yeah, and aside from that, we’re enormously plenty the same.”
With a almost full-strength crew available, Celtic are in a sturdy position to handle the upcoming challenges in both home cup and league competitions.
Scotland team to play Netherlands: Rangers starter, midfield experiment, half every for strikers – expected XI
Alan Pattullo names his Scotland starting XI for the Euro 2024 warm-up in shape in Amsterdam.
As John Carver pressured on Tuesday when he sat down to supply his squad replace before the upcoming pre-Euro 2024 friendlies in opposition to the Netherlands and Northern Ireland: the countdown is firmly on.
The Scotland assistant supervisor has felt an acute experience of the growing exhilaration in boardrooms up and down the usa as he travels from game-to-game checking on players.
Officials are presumably fishing to locate out one thing: does so-and-so have a chance? Will our player(s) be on the plane? There are financial implications of route for: UEFA issue payments to clubs for agreeing to release gamers for the tournament. But in general it is about status.
John McGinn leads the squad in warming up in the course of a Scotland coaching session at Lesser Hampden on Tuesday. (Photo through Craig Foy / SNS Group)
All golf equipment favor to be represented by means of as many gamers as feasible at such a high-profile event. There are 24 players in the cutting-edge squad, with Grant Hanley having withdrawn due to an ankle injury. Fellow centre-half Scott McKenna additionally sat out of training on Tuesday.
Only 23 can go to Germany. There will be one player – at least – out of the current squad who will have to go through grave disappointment. Steve Clarke is no longer going to take four goalkeepers to Germany – so one out of Craig Gordon, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly and Zander Clark will want to be cut, although there is usually a possibility that an harm would possibly make Clarke’s decision for him.
Others will also suspect they may also have to do something very exceptional to e book their seat on the aircraft due to the fact they will be alert to the truth that house wishes to be determined for Callum McGregor, Celtic’s inspirational skipper, and Aaron Hickey, supplying he can prove his health in time. Ryan Jack is also angling for a place. He, too, is injured.
So the stress will be on some of these surpassed jerseys at the Johan Cruyff Stadium on Friday, where Scotland take on the Netherlands in the first of four games pre-Euro 2024.
The final friendly, in opposition to Finland, takes vicinity on June 7 at Hampden and doubles as a send-off event. It is possible players might be reduce from Clarke’s plans at late as following that match, with Scotland required to be at their base in Germany by way of June nine – 5 days earlier than they kick-off the event against the host country.
Carver has already noted that the time for big experimentation is over. As for those players not currently with the squad, the clock, he added, used to be ticking. Similarly, no one will be parachuted in, persuaded to change eligibility, from England to Scotland for example, through the carrot of a threat to play at a foremost finals. So no Harvey Barnes.
It’s possibly clever for the Scotland administration group to get this message out now. Those currently involved at least be aware of they will now not be the sufferer of a mugging similarly down the line due to the fact someone quite fancies a bit of the Euros action.
So all to play for, then, on Friday and Tuesday, when Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland are due at Hampden. And here’s my crew to face Ronald Koeman’s side in the first of these fixtures later this week.
Angus Gunn – he’s the likely No 1, supply him games – and some necessary ride of taking part in in a steep-sided stadium that will resemble the Munich Arena. Craig Gordon in second half.
Nathan Patterson – badly in want of matches, having misplaced his region at Everton.
John Souttar – has impressed for Rangers recently.
Jack Hendry – Currently domiciled in Saudi Arabia, Clarke will prefer to see him in opposition to opposition whose first-rate can’t be doubted.
Kieran Tierney – his intelligence is now not in question, so clearly a question of needing games after recent injury absence for Real Sociedad.
Andy Robertson – hasn’t performed for the international team in view that injuring his shoulder in Spain in October, what a boost to have him back.
Billy Gilmour – Back enjoying typically for Brighton, will choose to wash the current 4-0 loss to AS Roma in the Olympic Stadium out of his hair.
Ryan Christie – been playing in a more withdrawn position for Bournemouth. If there’s going to be any experimentation, let’s see how this works out for the countrywide side.
Scott McTominay – On a high for his club after scoring for Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Liverpool.
Lewis Ferguson – Scoring desires in Serie A and skippering Bologna too, may want to play in the hole in the back of a striker.
Che Adams – As it stands, the Southampton player is likely first-choice forward, and he is on form. But Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland to be introduced on at half-time. He needs at least 45 minutes after recent cameos.
Scott Brown reveals one ex Rangers man he wouldn’t mess with after Celtic career
The former Hoops midfielder had lots of battles on the pitch but there is one man he’d never step to
Scott Brown had his truthful share of ding-dong battles on the pitch over the years at the same time as starring for Celtic against Rangers.
The former midfielder clashed with the likes of El-Hadji Diouf and Alfredo Morelos while there had been others he’d have no hassle stepping to if he felt the need. However the Ayr United manager admits there may be one man he wouldn’t dare having a go at whether it be on the touchline as bosses in the Championship or on the area of play.
Granted Broony and Duncan Ferguson in no way crossed paths at some point of their respective taking part in careers, however the 38-year-old printed to Ally McCoist on talkSPORT that he does not diagram on squaring up to the Inverness CT boss on the sidelines either.
“I wouldn’t get in his avenue via the way,” Brown stated of Ferguson. “That is one guy I’m now not arguing with on the sidelines. It’s like ‘alright massive man’.”
McCoist chuckled back: “Yeah – you would be preferred against most, but you might be 2nd favored towards him!”
NO, CELTIC DO NOT FACE “NIGHTMARE” SCENARIO AFTER “REMARKABLE” IBROX DEVELOPMENT
Celtic followers beware, if ever there used to be an article written that is a complete contradiction of reality, this brand new “headline spinner” from Football Insider has to be it.
Published yesterday, the article has the most deceptive headline you may want to perchance read.
This sincerely is the closing in clickbait garbage.
How all of us clicked put up on this article with a straight face is beyond me.
As usual, it’s pinned as an exclusive, with resident “football expert” Alan Hutton named as the author.
The irony of all of this, is that the article, which says Celtic are going through a “nightmare scenario” was once posted the morning after the Ibrox facet were left dealing with a real nightmare scenario.
You know?
THE SCENARIO WHERE THEY CLAWED THEMSELVES TO THE TOP OF THE TABLE, AND THEN BLEW IT ALL IN THE SPACE OF 10 DAYS, LEAVING CELTIC 3 POINTS CLEAR AT THE PINNACLE INSTEAD.
Culminating in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw away to Dundee. Which surpassed a serious benefit to Celtic.
I know I ought to actually skip these articles, but I seem at them virtually because I favor to see how unrelated the headline is to the article itself.
This one couldn’t be any more unrelated to it’s headline.
I these days wrote an article on the deceptive way many websites use bullshit headlines to draw readers in.
By deceiving you into believing it to be an “exclusive”, or that they have some story nobody else has.
In reality, they never have an exclusive, and the majority of their memories are regurgitated memories that you’ve possibly already examine 3 or 4 instances that same day.
But I have to hand it to Football Insider.
THEY DEFINITELY HAVE EXCLUSIVITY WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING UP COMPLETE AND UTTER BOLLOCKS STORIES ABOUT CELTIC AND THE IBROX SIDE.
The article I highlighted at the outset of this piece has to be study to be believed.
Actually, I’ll correct myself, you’ll have to study it in order to consider how bad it certainly is.
Now, I’m going to supply them the advantage of the doubt on this one.
I’m going to say that Alan Hutton gave his “expert opinion” earlier than the end result of the Dundee game.
It’s the solely way the contents of the article could maybe be plausible.
Otherwise it makes no rational sense whatsoever.
Here’s the opening paragraph:
Speaking completely to Football Insider, former Gers and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton claimed that the two last undecided competitions in Scottish soccer are the “biggest” and if both O** F*** side manages to clinch them both, they would have had the higher season.
I CAN ONLY ASSUME THE REASON ALAN HUTTON “SPEAKS EXCLUSIVELY” TO FOOTBALL INSIDER IS BECAUSE NO OTHER REPUTABLE WEBSITE WOULD PUBLISH THIS GARBAGE?
Stating something that is blatantly apparent isn’t a claim either.
You don’t have to be a genius to comprehend that the Scottish League title and the Scottish Cup are the “biggest” competitions, do you?
But the tour de pressure here, the icing on the cake, is the statement, if either O** F*** side manages to clinch them both, they would have had the higher season.
Really?
Go figure.
Now, I by no means concept winning these competitions may want to define a team’s season.
That just in no way would have crossed my mind.
I know, I know, after analyzing that paragraph, I should’ve simply said F£$% this, and X’d out of the article.
But I was intrigued.
Not intrigued because I concept I’d locate some thing awe inspiring in it, intrigued because section of me wanted to see how lots worse it should get.
I wasn’t disappointed.
It gets better.
Or worse.
Depending on your point of view.
Have a look at this:
Before the Belgian’s (Clement’s) arrival at Ibrox, many fans and pundits tipped Brendan Rodgers’ facet to declare some other domestic treble, however their neighbours’ “remarkable” resurgence has already scuppered that dream.
Remarkable resurgence??
Scuppered that dream?
For us Celtic fans?
Let’s outline that resurgence then.
CLEMENT’S RECORD IN THE LEAGUE IS IDENTICAL TO THAT OF SERIAL SPOOFER, MICHAEL BEALE.
Now, that’s some resurgence, isn’t it? Yes, us Celtic fan’s goals have been nicely and genuinely scuppered. No doubt about it.
Hutton’s subsequent announcement makes me ask myself if he clearly said this. Could he in reality be this thick?
If Celtic win the league and the cup, then they would have had a better season than Rangers, they’re the two largest competitions out of the three – even if Rangers have had a correct season.
The turnaround that Rangers have had considering that Clement has come in has been remarkable, so if Celtic nonetheless go on and win the league, they will see that as a genuinely precise season. Talk about mentioning the blindingly obvious.
This is in fact a double whammy of garbage, and a repeat of what the opening paragraph stated.
But seriously, the place is the smart “exclusive” evaluation from a “football expert” in that statement?And then, in all it’s “exclusive” glory, the “remarkable development” is revealed!
The “nightmare” state of affairs is published in all it’s gory detail: The flip facet to that is that if Rangers do go on to win both, it would be a nightmare for Celtic. They’ve been so used to prevailing trophies every year, so it will be a difficult one to take. But there’s nevertheless a lot to play for and the trophies should nonetheless be anybody’s. And there you have it.
Expert, exclusive, intelligent, first-rate analysis. It will be a nightmare for Celtic if the Ibrox facet win the treble.
That, indeed, is a high-quality development, isn’t it? About as extremely good as a wet fart.
UNFORTUNATELY FOR ALAN HUTTON, THE REAL NIGHTMARE DEVELOPING HERE IS THE SAME RECURRING ONE HIS FAVOURITE SIDE SEEMS TO EXPERIENCE AROUND THIS TIME EVERY SEASON.
The fact that his team have woken up from the dream that they are some kind of world beaters.
And walked back into the nightmare that they are, and always will be, bottle merchants.
But hey, you bought the one of a kind on it from Alan Hutton, didn’t you? A delusional exclusive. But an unique nonetheless.
Football Insider, the quality internet site out there for up to the minute exclusives, and professional punditry.
I guess I simply pack it in. Being up towards competition like this, I’m truely wasting my time.Oh well….
Brendan Rodgers reacts superbly to the Celtic hole opened up over Rangers after horror week for Clement
Brendan Rodgers has been discussing the scenario Celtic find themselves in at the top of the Scottish Premiership with five suits to go.
The Bhoys are three factors clear of opponents Rangers after a horror week for the Ibrox side that resulted in a defeat away to Ross County and a draw at Dens Park against Dundee.
Inevitably today, Rodgers was asked about the new hole and what it skill for his group heading into these remaining suits of the campaign.
The Celtic manager isn’t celebrating anything yet. He knows there’s a lengthy way to go to invulnerable silverware and probably a few twists and turns to come.
He’s referred to as on his group to stay hardened against the stress of the title race – there’s no room for complacency regardless of a sturdy position.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic and Rangers title race
Speaking in a media conference on Friday, Rodgers stated [Clyde 1]: “Listen, we haven’t received anything yet. We can only do our work due to the fact you can’t soften up, in particular at this time, simply because some other group have drawn or lost or whatever. That’s irrelevant.
“You have to perform and get the result. If you come off it in opposition to teams that are prompted and organised then they can provide you a problem. For us, we have to continually focus on our personal performance irrespective of what happens elsewhere.
“We have to create our story and for that we have to work at it – with a bit of luck that will be the storyline come the quit of the season.
“It’s no longer how you start the marathon, it’s how you finish it. For us, we’re enhancing day by using day, looking correct on the area with still lots of improvements to make. Performances in the foremost have been good. There’s a long, lengthy way to go in the league – five games, 15 points is a lot of points to play for.”
Celtic boss nails the title race mentality
This is the actual message we choose to hear coming out of Celtic proper now. While others toil under pressure, for the Bhoys it’s commercial enterprise as usual.
The supervisor has to preserve these players at top motivation to come thru a five-game gauntlet that includes a large derby match at domestic to Rangers.
While Celtic fans are rightly buoyant this week, Rodgers is a hundred percent spot on too – nothing has been received yet. Until the silverware is secured, laser focal point is required.
Many players inside this squad – alongside the coaching staff – have been in this function before. They recognize the mentality required. They recognize what’s needed.
Unbelievable: Scott Brown says Celtic ‘magician’ gave him his quality moment at Parkhead
Earlier on we spoke about how Scott Brown addressed the query of him ever returning to manipulate Celtic.
Brown’s reply used to be very diplomatic but I think it’s honest to say that he would love to return to the club as the manager one day.
However, Broony used to be requested what his preferred reminiscence of picking up trophies for Celtic. Was it the ninth Scottish Premiership trophy? Or the Scottish Cup that sealed the historic Quadruple Treble?
Tom Rogic promises Scott Brown’s iconic Celtic moment
There were so many podiums Brown stood on and so many finals that the former Celtic captain appeared in and won.
But it was once what Tom Rogic did in the 2017 Scottish Cup Final that will live lengthy in the memory of the Celtic legend.
Brown stated [Scottish Football Podcast], “Tom does just what Tom does, doesn’t he? He’s just a magician with the ball. He’s managed to get on to his right foot and I was questioning scrap it, we’ll get a nook and we’ll be fine.
“Tom very not often uses his right foot. That’s for standing on as his different one is an absolute wand.
“Great end previous Joe Lewis. At the time it was once unbelievable.
“I consider leaping in with the followers however to have that opportunity to win the first treble, I had never performed it before as a participant and it was once incredible scenes with the fans going about the streets.”
I remember that day like it was once yesterday. The scenes of party as the realisation that Celtic had simply become Invincible Treble legends was just something special.
We will in all likelihood never see the likes again of that variety of season such was the magnitude of what Brendan Rodgers and his team achieved.
But for now, we can seem to be forward to this weekend’s Scottish Cup tie against Aberdeen and hope that one of the cutting-edge crop of players can produce a moment of magic simply like that to take us into the ultimate in May.
Watch: Jeremie Frimpong Silences West Ham Fans
After the beer bathtub he and his teammates underwent at the weekend after securing Bayer Leverkusen’s first ever German title, Jeremiah Frimpong was lower back at it and breaking hearts in London!
The former Celtic player, who nonetheless has a juicy percentage sell-on clause in his contract with the German club, scored the decisive goal for Leverkusen against West Ham in the Europa league to knock Davie Moyes’ guys out of the competition. Moyes also a former Celt! Leverkusen took a 2-0 lead to London, but West Ham had obtained again in the sport scoring first. While pushing for a second to take it to extra time, Frimpong pounced and scored the deadly blow.
Jeremie is one of the freshest homes in European soccer and is expected to make a huge money move some place else sooner as a substitute than later. The more he continues to shine, the larger and higher things should get for him, and Celtic, for that matter.
JEREMIE FRIMPONG ATONES FOR HIS EARLIER MISS 😮💨
BAYER LEVERKUSEN PULL OUT ANOTHER LATE GOAL TO PRESERVE THEIR HISTORIC UNBEATEN RUN!#UEL
📺 @TNTSPORTS
Plzen saviour nabbing Celtic automated Champions League spot as Czechs stop coefficient surge with loaded reminder
Boss Miroslav Koubek was eager to take the positives from a disappointing Conference League exit.
Viktoria Plzen boss Miroslav Koubek has refused to be downbeat after exiting the Europa Conference League at the hands of Fiorentina – after leading the Czech Republic to an computerized spot in the 2025/26 Champions League team stage.
The Czech Republic have overtaken Scotland in the rankings after thanks to Plzen’s 0-0 draw with Fiorentina in the first leg of the quarter-final conflict – seeing them nabbed the spot and taken 10th location in the UEFA rankings. However, they failed to growth in Europe or pick up any extra coefficient factors in Italy – with the Serie A facet going for walks out 2-0 winners towards the 10-man traffic after extra-time.
While it capacity that the Czechs can not pull in addition away from Scotland in the rankings it will be little consolation for Celtic – who have considered their automated spot in the Champions League disappear. While both the Hoops or Rangers will be assured a spot in a crew stage of Europe’s elite opposition for subsequent season they will then be difficulty the risk of the play-off path.
For Rangers, there is still hope that they can impervious an automatic spot in Europe’s elite competition thanks to their private club coefficient. Their person membership coefficient ranking potential they would tightly closed a spot thanks to the new Champions League format that comes into impact subsequent season, if the membership can end up the absolute best ranked champion in qualifying.
But following defeat for Plzen, Koubek couldn’t help searching again on the impact his aspect have had on the coefficient – with the boss in the past being noticed celebrating the fulfillment after the first leg stalemate. He said: “We wanted to convey a result to Italy that would give us hope of progression and continue our push.
“We managed to do that. We honestly additionally had the coefficient in mind, and that was once also executed and we helped typical Czech football.
“We have now not been able to no longer to finish it but we have to seem to be at it from countless angles. Fiorentina is recognized for being a definitely proper group in phrases of physicality and possession and confirmed that.”
A night time of Schadenfreude for Celtic supporters observing Sky Sports
Last night time was a welcome bonus to Celtic’s title hopes this year and the way theRangers have imploded the past two fixtures has been astonishing to see. The declaration of “can you see us now” and “we’re coming for you” has been heard ad nauseam all through the Scottish footballing universe on account that our pre-Christmas stumbles to Hearts and Kilmarnock respectively.
theRangers v Celtic – Brendan Rodgers arrives for the Premiership suit at Ibrox on Sunday April 7, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan
Supporters of the newest Ibrox outfit and their allies in the mainstream media have had Brendan Rodgers and this Celtic crew written off for pretty some time now. Admittedly, it hasn’t been a season of resplendent football from us, a some distance cry from it actually, however the reality that at times we couldn’t perhaps play any worse and they have been playing to their absolute maximum – with the aid of several officials in this united states of america understand – and we are now three points in advance once more with a decent goal distinction advantage, suggests the gulf between the two sides.
Celtic are now looking as if they are in pole position to win this Scottish Premiership title and emerge as Three-in-a-row Champions below Brendan Rodgers, after he replaced Ange Postecoglou in June of last year. Five games remain and we need to put our foot to the floor, the usage of all our character and collective electricity to get the job performed besides any hiccups like theRangers suffered at Dens Park final night.
John Lundstram with the unhappy face after the Scottish Premiership suit between Dundee and theRangers at Dens Park on April 17, 2024.
One of the most warming scenarios from that result last night time was once the sombre and despondent nature of Sky Sports Scotland’s resident blue-nose pundit, Kris Boyd. The wannabe shock-jock by no means makes any strive to disguise his blatant bias towards the Ibrox side and it indicates in the way he conducts himself, even on stay telly. Most of the time, he spouts absolute drivel, but even he was on point in the aftermath of his favourite team’s overall performance in opposition to Dundee.
theRangers ‘disappointed’ captain James Tavernier at full time. Scottish Premiership fit between Dundee and theRangers at Dens Park on April 17, 2024.
When the recreation ceased to be, he declared: “At this second in time, (the)Rangers have bought 99 issues however the pitch ain’t one.” A clear and concise message to the unabated rubbish which has emanated from theRangers manager and his membership the previous few weeks.
The strain has been cranked up a notch and they seem to be buckling underneath that sweltering heat of a title race. It’s just as properly Celtic have the bottle for it, having already received a shut contest a few years back under Postecoglou in his first marketing campaign at the club.
Although according to the media, it’s the first “real” title race in years…
🗣️ “At this second in time,
A night time of Schadenfreude for Celtic supporters observing Sky Sports
Last night time was a welcome bonus to Celtic’s title hopes this year and the way theRangers have imploded the past two fixtures has been astonishing to see. The declaration of “can you see us now” and “we’re coming for you” has been heard ad nauseam all through the Scottish footballing universe on account that our pre-Christmas stumbles to Hearts and Kilmarnock respectively.
theRangers v Celtic – Brendan Rodgers arrives for the Premiership suit at Ibrox on Sunday April 7, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan
Supporters of the newest Ibrox outfit and their allies in the mainstream media have had Brendan Rodgers and this Celtic crew written off for pretty some time now. Admittedly, it hasn’t been a season of resplendent football from us, a some distance cry from it actually, however the reality that at times we couldn’t perhaps play any worse and they have been playing to their absolute maximum – with the aid of several officials in this united states of america understand – and we are now three points in advance once more with a decent goal distinction advantage, suggests the gulf between the two sides.
Celtic are now looking as if they are in pole position to win this Scottish Premiership title and emerge as Three-in-a-row Champions below Brendan Rodgers, after he replaced Ange Postecoglou in June of last year. Five games remain and we need to put our foot to the floor, the usage of all our character and collective electricity to get the job performed besides any hiccups like theRangers suffered at Dens Park final night.
John Lundstram with the unhappy face after the Scottish Premiership suit between Dundee and theRangers at Dens Park on April 17, 2024. (Photo via Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
One of the most warming scenarios from that result last night time was once the sombre and despondent nature of Sky Sports Scotland’s resident blue-nose pundit, Kris Boyd. The wannabe shock-jock by no means makes any strive to disguise his blatant bias towards the Ibrox side and it indicates in the way he conducts himself, even on stay telly. Most of the time, he spouts absolute drivel, but even he was on point in the aftermath of his favourite team’s overall performance in opposition to Dundee.
theRangers ‘disappointed’ captain James Tavernier at full time. Scottish Premiership fit between Dundee and theRangers at Dens Park on April 17, 2024.
When the recreation ceased to be, he declared: “At this second in time, (the)Rangers have bought 99 issues however the pitch ain’t one.” A clear and concise message to the unabated rubbish which has emanated from theRangers manager and his membership the previous few weeks.
The strain has been cranked up a notch and they seem to be buckling underneath that sweltering heat of a title race. It’s just as properly Celtic have the bottle for it, having already received a shut contest a few years back under Postecoglou in his first marketing campaign at the club.
Although according to the media, it’s the first “real” title race in years…
🗣️ “At this second in time, Rangers have acquired ninety nine problems however the pitch ain’t one.”
Kris Boyd’s full-time reaction to the goalless draw between Dundee and Rangers… 🔽 pic.twitter.com/rkqbJOdJYZ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 17, 2024
Rangers have acquired ninety nine problems however the pitch ain’t one.”
Kris Boyd’s full-time reaction to the goalless draw between Dundee and Rangers… 🔽 pic.twitter.com/rkqbJOdJYZ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 17, 2024
MANCHESTER UNITED COULD OPEN DOOR FOR CELTIC TO SIGN A ‘WORLD-CLASS’ £7.5M ACE
Barely a window has long gone by way of in current years without the Celtic target being linked with one Britsh-based club or another.
Premier League giants Liverpool and Newcastle United had been mentioned around the time that he captained his club to league glory in 2022. HITC, meanwhile, understands that Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic are now looking at the title-winning skipper with one of Brendan Rodgers’ personal key guys on his way out of Parkhead.
Joe Hart‘s forthcoming retirement potential Celtic have little preference but to enter the market for a new shot-stopper. Now, finding a goalkeeper capable of offsetting the loss of Hart – who’s experience and enduring pleasant even at the age of 37 has come in so handy in the course of yet every other title cost – may additionally be simpler said than done. But it’s no longer impossible.
Celtic want a goalkeeper to change Joe Hart
While Liverpool’s Coamhin Kelleher remains Celtic’s first-choice to take Hart’s place, there is also interest in one Ugurucan Cakir.
Like Hart, Cakir knows how to thrive in the warmth of a title fight. He, as we cited earlier, was once the captain of the Trabzonspor aspect who ended their 38-year wait for Super Lig success a couple of seasons back.
Cakir has been labelled a ‘world-class talent’ through some returned home in Turkey too. And, at the age of 28, he should be coming into his prime. A conceivable good buy at a mentioned charge of £7.5 million, even if that stays a hefty sum indeed even for Scotland’s most deep-pocketed club.
But how do Trabzonspor sense about the prospect of losing a man who skippered them to their only league title due to the fact that the mid-1980s? Well, no matter the fact his contract is no longer due to expire till 2027, it appears that the crew from the banks of the Black Sea have few plans to stand in his way.
In fact, Turkish publication Internet Haber go as some distance as to propose that the selection has been made already, and that Cakir will be allowed to go. Trabzonspor have reportedly met with a plausible replacement, too. Altay Bayindir, Cakir’s essential rival for the starting spot in the Turkish countrywide team, ought to be set to take his location at Papara Park.
Manchester United may want to open the door for Celtic
Bayindir, the former Fenerbahce glovesman, only joined Manchester United closing summer.
But after providing solely as soon as – in opposition to fourth-tier Newport County in the FA Cup – and with United reportedly looking at Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte as a doable successor, it would now not come as a massive shock if Bayindir had been to depart, even if HITC is familiar with that the Red Devils are presently very glad with their seldom-seen range two.
Celtic, meanwhile, have also been linked with Bournemouth’s Kilmarnock loanee Will Dennis and Michael Zetterer of Werder Bremen. Cakir, however, possesses a confirmed song document when it comes to triumphing silverware, and ought to additionally be that little bit more affordable than Kelleher.
“Ugurcan is a world-class goalkeeper, in my opinion,” Trabzonspor hero Ali Kemal Denizci said after that Super Lig-winning campaign.
“The market value of Ugurcan Cakir (should be) no less than 50 million dollars. An normal provide can’t be accepted. If Ugurcan goes in a group in Europe, consider me, there will be an provide of 50 million dollars.
Celtic transfer target’s remarkable road to Hoops interest from stabbing horror to resuscitation
The goalkeeper has been linked with making a Celtic transfer this summer.
The Celtic transfer target has had to deal with lots of adversity in his career.
Etienne Vaessen has been linked with becoming the Joe Hart successor at Celtic – and the Dutchman has had a major fight to get to this stage in his career.
The 28-year-old is claimed to have attracted Hoops attention as number one Hart prepares to retire. He has spent his entire senior career at RKC Waalwijk but during his time in the amateur game back in 2014, Vaessen had a huge hurdle to overcome.
While working as a guard for MediaMarkt, the goalkeeper was stabbed while chasing a shoplifter and it left him in hospital with a drain in his lung. That occurred on March 22nd, with the 10-year anniversary close at hand, but Vaessen insisted back in 2019 it gives him strength.
He told BD: “That event has only made me stronger. I’m enjoying every moment now. I also do that during the play-offs in those full stadiums. I have only been in charge for six years and am the first goalkeeper at RKC for the second season. Then it’s great that you play the final of a play-off in front of a large audience. It feels like a childhood dream.”
The 18/19 season was also filled with personal trauma that had to be overcome, with a burglary in his apartment and his girlfriend’s dog was also run over. He said: “I am not ashamed to say that I was quite upset about it. I partly owe this to my grandfather and the Vaessen and Mulder families.”
After overcoming those hardships, Vaessen had another to tackle this season. In a match with Ajax earlier in the Eredivisie season, The game was immediately suspended after he came off his line and collided with striker Bryan Brobbey.
Fans were blocked from viewing what was happening and while there were no heart issues, RKC director Frank van Mosselveld confirmed resuscitation had begun. He said: “He regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital. Etienne was out for a while. A big compliment to the medical people who immediately followed the protocol and started resuscitation. It was a shock for the bystanders because then you immediately think it’s a heart problem. It doesn’t seem like that now.
“Etienne was knocked out for a while. The medical people immediately started resuscitation, but it does not look like a heart problem. When he was taken off the field, he was awake again, but he did not know where he was. Obviously this has a huge impact. It was quite a shock. It also looked serious with the sheets and shielding.”
With that game being abandoned on September 30th, the RKC keeper returned to action during a 1-0 defeat to Go Ahead Eagles on November 11th. Overall Vaessen has made 22 league appearances this term and is claimed to have now put himself in the frame for a possible Celtic shot this summer.
The remaining Aussie at Celtic who is desperate to pressure his way into Brendan Rodgers’ plans
Liam Bonetig joined the Hoops formative years academy from Western Sydney Wanderers again in September.
Ange Postecoglou, Aaron Mooy and Harry Kewell would possibly have left Celtic last summer, however there is still one Aussie attempting to make it massive in the east give up of Glasgow.
Teenager Liam Bonetig joined the membership from Western Sydney Wanderers again in September, and has considered motion in each the Hoops’ B team and Under-19 side. The 18-year-old has made eight appearances in the Lowland League, as well as five outings in the UEFA Youth League where he faced off in opposition to pinnacle children from Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord. The defender has yet to make an look for Brendan Rodgers’ men however has had the possibility to teach with the first team and reckons he isn’t too far away from getting an opportunity, having considered the likes of Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly make the step-up this season.
Speaking to FTBL, Bonetig said: “We see the first group every day, and there are times I’ve educated with them – it offers you a style of it and you understand you’re no longer that a ways off. A couple of the boys from the U-23s are getting minutes now under Brendan Rodgers and they’re constantly searching for the children to push on.
“It’s such a huge membership and the opposition is big with a first crew squad of round 35. When you train with the senior facet you see it: the stage is quicker, sharper and stronger. It’s the little small print like the passing, the communication – there are not often any mistakes. It’s been a precise check and top experience.”
Experienced midfielder Mooy impressed in his lone season at Parkhead, but the remaining Aussie to pull on the green and white prior to him was once playmaker Daniel Azrani, who made simply two appearances in an injury-ravaged two-year loan spell at Celtic between 2018 and 2020.
Australia U-19 international Bonetig is aware of he has a combat on his hands to attempt and make the grade in Glasgow but is hopeful he can make an influence going into subsequent season. He added: “Being at a membership this measurement the requirements are so high, a lot of it is off the discipline doing all the right things so you’re body is proper for coaching each day and the next game.
“Coming right here on trial originally opened my eyes to how massive Celtic are and I suppose I’ve settled in noticeably well. The way of playing for the duration of the membership is out from the back, and that fits me as a ball taking part in centre half.
“First I desire to get the ankle sorted, then have a good a pre-season as I can. Perhaps halfway thru subsequent season, if I can’t wreck into the senior squad right here possibly get a mortgage someplace else to journey some first group football. That’s what you frequently see appear here – it’s actually a stepping stone in the direction of the first team.”
“Great feeling” – Mulgrew Predicts Celtic Squad Mood Amid Results in Dundee and Dingwall
Charlie Mulgrew reckons the Celtic squad will have a wonderful feeling after the latest results of their title rivals.
Rangers lost via three dreams to two in Dingwall on Sunday before faltering to a goalless draw at Dens Park ultimate night.
Celtic now sit down firmly in the driving seat in the title race. With 5 video games to go, the Bhoys are three factors clear with the subsequent Glasgow derby taking place at Parkhead.
The squad will be feeling confident ahead of the remainder of the run-in, and Mulgrew believes they will have been mainly prompted by way of latest events some place else in Scotland.
Soccer Football – Euro 2020 Qualifier – Scotland Training – Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh, Britain – September 2, 2019 Scotland’s Charlie Mulgrew poses after coaching Action Images by means of Reuters/Lee Smith
He thinks the Celtic gamers will have been continually refreshing their phones when Ross County had been keeping on closing weekend. Mulgrew said: [PLZ Soccer] “I can simply imagine the players looking when Ross County were 2-1 up, and simply keeping looking at their phones, scared to refresh their app to see what the rating was.
“It’s a notable buzz. You don’t prefer to be relying on different groups of course, but if a favour takes place it’s a gorgeous feeling.”
Although results over the previous few days in the Highlands and East Coast have benefitted Celtic massively, they nevertheless have work to do.
Brendan Rodgers’ men need to maintain their heads down and proceed performing in the manner they have in recent weeks to make sure the title returns to Parkhead in May.
Scott Brown solutions the Celtic query ‘everyone’ has been asking
Scott Brown will go down in history as one of the most successful captains of the club due to the fact Billy McNeill.
Winning ten Scottish Premiership titles, six Scottish Cups and seven League Cups, Broony was a fundamental part of Celtic dominance of Scottish football that saw the membership rake in a 2nd nine-in-a-row and a Quadruple Treble.
To do that, however, Brown labored beneath managers like Gordon Strachan, Neil Lennon twice, Ronny Deila and Martin O’Neill.
So you should say he has learned from some of the first-rate and largest names in the game. So with his history with the club, does Brown now have ambitions to manage the wonderful Parkhead club?
Scott Brown wishes to ‘earn’ Celtic job
The legendary captain is presently slicing his teeth in the managerial game. Taken on as a instruct at Aberdeen after leaving Celtic, Brown then went on to manage Fleetwood Town where he had a diploma of success and he now finds himself at Ayr United.
Focused on the long-term goal of getting the south coast membership into the Scottish Premiership, Brown used to be asked if one day he would love to take on the Parkhead warm seat.
Brown said [Scottish Football Podcast], “Everyone says that. I think for me, I need to just fear about myself. At Celtic what I have accomplished and how I’ve played that’s all in the past.
“You don’t turn out to be the supervisor because you simply played at Celtic. You’ve not acquired the right to manage Celtic. You have to go and earn it.
“And you have to be certified because you’ve taken excellent exceptional players that have a proper good IQ about the game and apprehend that and you need to make certain you can make them better.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
“And you have to also have that passion to the fans. Yeah, I have got that understanding about what they desire and how the membership works however you have to drive them.”
There is no doubt that Brown has the passion to lead our club and he has additionally shown he has good managerial ability.
But could he certainly do a job for Celtic? It’s a question that’s been on the lips of the supporters for alongside time and if he was ever given that opportunity, I am sure that the followers would be one hundred percent behind him if that day ever comes.
Rod Stewart rides to Rangers boss Philippe Clement’s rescue as he slams Ibrox stars and predicts Celtic problems..
Stewart insists the Premiership title race is far from over with champions nevertheless to face Hearts and Kilmarnock in ultimate 5 fixtures.
Rod Stewart with his son at Celtic Park
Sir Rod Stewart believes the Rangers players let Philippe Clement down against Dundee but isn’t ruling them out of the title race.
The veteran rocker’s beloved Celtic are firmly in the driving seat after staring at their opponents drop 5 points against Ross County and the Dark Blues. Simply matching Rangers’ effects for the the rest of the season will see the Premiership trophy dwell at Parkhead for the third yr on the bounce.
But Stewart can see post-split troubles on the horizon for the Hoops. They are nevertheless to face Hearts and Kilmarnock in their ultimate five fixtures, with each facets having crushed twice already this season, the Jambos doing a domestic and away double in their ultimate two encounters with the champions. And while Stewart hopes to be facing Steven Naismith’s aspect in the Scottish Cup ultimate subsequent month, he’s properly conscious of the damage they and Killie ought to but do to his very own team’s championship dreams.
“I was once stunned,” he stated of the game at Dens. “I watched the entire suit and for sure wanted Rangers to come unstuck, but I never dreamt in a million years that they would. They looked very lethargic.
“Mind you, it’s now not ever yet. We’ve acquired to play Hearts, we’ve got got to play Kilmarnock and they’ve induced us trouble. But I absolutely didn’t count on them to come unstuck.
“But it can all flip around. There’s solely three points in it. Goal difference is exceptionally top now however whatever can happen. Hearts have given us troubles and they will again. Hopefully they give Rangers troubles on Sunday!”
Asked if he feared Clement was going to be the man to supply the title to Ibrox, Stewart informed talkSport: “I did, and I nonetheless think he is got it right. I hate to say it but I think the players have let him down somewhat. They looked worn-out and they lacked width. They do not seem to have any high-quality wingers like Celtic do.”
The remaining Old Firm conflict of the season on May eleven may want to be decisive and Stewart feels the Hoops have their rivals’ range going into that one. He added: “It would appear that way, in particular as we’ve obtained them at Celtic Park and it will be a sell-out crowd with a noticeably intimidating atmosphere. We went to Ibrox and I thinking we had been top notch in the first half. Then Rangers were wonderful in the 2d 1/2 so again, it is no longer all over.”
With “no money,” Lee Congerton takes a jab at Celtic’s recruitment, and Nkunku makes a claim.
Lee Congerton goals sharp barb at Celtic recruitment with ‘no money’ and Nkunku claim
Celtic and recruitment are two words that continually generate their honest share of discussion amongst the aid and in wider media circles.
Over current years, the Bhoys have adopted a approach of figuring out proficient gamers with room to increase with the intention of one day selling them on for tremendous profit.
Jeremie Frimpong, Jota, Kristoffer Ajer, and Odsonne Edouard are just some examples of this phenomenon, although there are additionally evident danger elements applied to this chosen mode of operation.
Undoubtedly, there has additionally been an underlying frustration from some followers involving Celtic’s relatively modest switch spend no matter having the financial capability to appeal to a high-calibre fine of individual.
With the globalisation of football enabling the European elite to widen the gap on the field, the Bhoys’ prospects of being able to make a fist of the Champions League group tiers have lessened in stature.
The club continue to be an fascinating proposition for players to showcase their brain on the biggest stage; nevertheless, we haven’t usually maximised our achievable from a recruitment standpoint either.
Head of First Team Scouting Mark Lawwell and Lead First Team Scout Joe Dudgeon will each leave Parkhead at the end of the season amid a patchy document of switch success stories.
Meanwhile, fans will also consider a similar story at some point of Lee Congerton’s spell as Head of Recruitment, coinciding with Brendan Rodgers’ first tenure at the club.
Lee Congerton makes sharp barb at Celtic’s recruitment structure
Congerton spent two years at Celtic earlier than departing for Leicester City in the summer time of 2019 and has on the grounds that spent time as Atalanta’s sporting director earlier than taking up a similar role at Saudi Pro League aspect Al-Ahli, the place he now works.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the 50-year-old has opened up on his time at Parkhead, making some very intriguing observations on running underneath Peter Lawwell.
Furthermore, he additionally claimed he had a function in attempting to bring Christopher Nkunku (now at Chelsea) and Moussa Diaby (now at Aston Villa), who had been each in Paris Saint-Germain’s adolescence system at the time, to Celtic before leaving under a cloud.
He commented on Celtic’s financial fact and why he left the membership in addition, stating: “At Celtic, we had no money.”
Continuing on, he said: “Peter Lawwell is a fantastic man, he’s an accountant. Brendan spoke to me and stated we wanted tempo and power, speed. We all understand PSG has an remarkable childhood programme with gamers at the time who were never going to play for PSG.
“Two of the different players we tried to sign throughout my time have been (Moussa) Diaby, who is now at Aston Villa, and (Christopher) Nkunku, who is now at Chelsea.
“But there had been countless players I didn’t want to be somewhere near them, and that is why I left. Peter knows that, and so did Brendan. Atalanta is very different.”
Celtic fans have regularly been mystified at Congerton’s spell at the club, with signings such as Martin Compper, Youssouf Mulumbu, Oliver Burke and Jeremy Toljan, among others, coming in for stinging criticism during his period of employment in Glasgow.
Nevertheless, we have now heard some of his version of events, which make for fascinating analyzing a few years on.
Celtic followers favor to see a clear recruitment shape this summer
We don’t be aware of who will be in cost of Celtic’s recruitment this summer time yet, although followers will be clear about their demands regardless of what transpires in the Scottish Premiership this season.
The Bhoys need to goal to improve key positions swiftly, and discovering a alternative for goalkeeper Joe Hart is an urgent priority. We only have a quite short wreck between the off-season and pre-season, so it would make experience to acquire gamers early to furnish an acclimatisation period if needed.
On the other hand, if we are to lose the likes of Matt O’Riley, for example, it would make experience to habits a deal before competitive motion resumes in 2024/25, allowing Celtic time to supply a alternative and as a result fending off limbo over any individual’s future at Parkhead.
Trimming extra fat from the squad will also be imperative to facilitate incomings; however, Celtic can also want to speculate to accumulate on the transfer the front and shouldn’t be shy about doing so.
This is due to the restructured Champions League format, which will put more pressure on Rodgers’ men if we qualify for the group stages, both routinely or by qualifiers, depending on our final league function this term.
Rangers lose to Dundee, giving Celtic yet another championship race bonus.
Yet another title race bonus for Celtic as Rangers bottle it away to Dundee
Celtic’s grip on the Scottish Premiership table is strong heading into the final five matches of the season after Rangers blew a big chance away to Dundee on Wednesday night.
A victory for Philippe Clement’s side would have reduced the deficit to just one point behind league leaders Celtic but Rangers failed to win for the third successive top-flight fixture.
The Ibrox side were poor in the 0-0 draw at Dens Park. Both sides had opportunities to get that all-important opening goal but there was a real lack of quality and composure on display across the 90 minutes.
A draw for Brendan Rodgers’ Bhoys at Ibrox, followed by a Rangers defeat in Dingwall against Ross County and tonight’s result has completely transformed the complexion of the title race compared to just a couple of weeks ago.
Celtic – three points ahead – are now favourites to see out the final five matches and win the title for the third season in a row after two previous winning Premiership campaigns under Ange Postecoglou.
Celtic’s five-game title gauntlet
The Bhoys are in Scottish Cup action this weekend against Aberdeen at Hampden but will be back on league duty next Sunday 28th April away to Dundee.
There are then home matches against Hearts and Rangers to contend with. After that, we could have a much clearer picture of where the silverware is heading this season.
The final week of the season will see Celtic travel to Kilmarnock on Wednesday 15th May before hosting St Mirren last on 18th May.
Nothing is won yet, of course. There could well be more twists and turns ahead in this title race. But Celtic have it all in their own hands having watched their rivals succumb to real pressure over the last few days.
Rodgers needs to ensure his side stays motivated and hungry. Complacency can’t creep into performances as they have done on previous occasions this season. Let’s finish this off Bhoys!
Pictured at Dens Park for the Rangers match is the former Celtics tandem.
Photo: Ex-Celtic duo pictured at Dens Park for Rangers game
Celtic’s Barry Robson celebrates after scoring from a free kick to make it 2 nil all through their Europa League football in shape between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Celtic, at Celtic Park, in Glasgow, Scotland, on December 2, 2009. AFP PHOTO / DEREK BLAIR (Photo savings must read Derek Blair/AFP by Getty Images)
Former Celtic duo Barry Robson and Willo Flood have been pictured at Dens Park this evening. The pair have been in the Main Stand to watch Rangers play Tony Docherty’s Dundee.
In a snap shared on Twitter/X through Football Scotland, Robson and Flood had been taking in the game.
𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲 𝟬-𝟬 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘! 🇨🇷🔵
Former Aberdeen boss Barry Robson and Willo Flood watch on from the stands 📸 pic.twitter.com/LazeYrMiGK
— Football Scotland ⚽️🏴 (@Football_Scot) April 17, 2024
The recreation has added pressure for the Ibrox side as they should win to minimize Celtic’s lead at the pinnacle of the table to one point.
Both gamers arrived at Celtic Park from Tannadice, one year apart and performed below Gordon Strachan at Celtic. In January 2010 after Strachan had been changed through Tony Mowbray, they made the switch to reunite with Strachan at Middlesbrough.
Flood is an agent at the same time as Robson was manager at Aberdeen until the give up of January. Robbo will be hoping to get again into the recreation soon after showing bright sparks at more than a few points throughout his reign at Pittodrie
Chris Sutton sums up Rangers disaster flawlessly as Celtic experience Wednesday night.
Rangers’ dropped factors at Dens Park tonight has surpassed a Celtic a big advantage in the title race tonight.
The 3-2 defeat at Ross County has been accompanied up with a goalless draw at Dundee in a four-day flip of activities that has viewed Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, go from having a must-win Glasgow Derby in May to it now being a game the place we can find the money for to make sure we just don’t lose.
Brendan Rodgers will be buoyed by means of the 0-0 stalemate at Dens, the Celtic followers are ecstatic and Chris Sutton has given his instant response now that the Parkhead derby takes a complete new complexion.
Advantage Celtic as Chris Sutton fires Rangers shot
Celtic now sit three factors clear at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership with a some distance most efficient five goal difference and with eight extra dreams scored.
It is a far cry from the place we have been simply a few brief weeks in the past and former Celtic hero, Chris Sutton shares precisely what he notion of Rangers’ Dens Park surrender on social media channel X.
Deserved factor for Dundee👏👏 Not so long in the past Rangers had been cheered off the pitch…tonight jeered off…
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 17, 2024
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Celtic can now look forward to their final five fixtures knowing that they have a three-point cushion but the first game after the cut up is at Dens Park to face Dundee.
Tony Docherty’s men have proven tonight that they are no pushovers. But with Rodgers’ Celtic now hitting a first rate piece of structure the Celtic fans will be assured that they can go to the City of Discovery and pick out up every other three imperative points in the defence of the title.
Celtic now face Aberdeen on Saturday on the Scottish Cup and it will be a welcome distraction from the madness of the title race that we are now hot favourites to retain.
Kris Boyd awards Celtic the league championship.
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has publicly conceded the title to Celtic following Rangers’ 0-0 draw with Dundee.
10th December 2023; Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Kilmarnock versus Celtic; TV pundits and ex players Kris Boyd, James McFadden and Scott Brown chat before the match
This end result has located Celtic three points clear at the top of the table as the league heads into the split, with a integral Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park yet to come.
Rangers’ recent shape has been a difficulty for them, securing simply one win in their ultimate eight league matches. With upcoming fixtures towards St Mirren and Kilmarnock, as properly as a Scottish Cup semi-final towards Hearts this weekend, the stress is mounting.
The sentiment of Rangers’ dwindling title hopes was once echoed on Sky Sports by pundits Chris Sutton and James McFadden, each of whom expressed trust that the league title is destined for Celtic Park this season. Boyd, confronted with the modern standings and the difficult direction in advance for Rangers, admitted the subject of the situation.
“After the Rangers-Celtic sport at Ibrox, it was once going to be a hard ask, but it’s tougher now. Rangers can go to Celtic Park and win and there are still 5 goals in it, I can’t see a way lower back for Rangers now.”
It’s quite something for Boyd to admit that!
Andy Walker responds to a radio host’s ‘wild’ Celtic fan statement with a stern reminder about the Rangers
The title race now taking structure after Celtic’s post-split Scottish Premiership fixtures had been announced via the SPFL yesterday.
Celtic now know that they face Rangers on the 11th of May and depending on how the outcomes go from now until then, it could be a fixture that decides the title.
Celtic, clearly, have the benefit heading into the Glasgow Derby. At home with Parkhead packed with Celtic supporters will be a daunting prospect and with Brendan Rodgers unbeaten against our Glasgow rivals, confidence will be excessive that we can pull off a result.
Andy Walker’s Celtic reminder to Rangers
And it was once this train of idea that led to a conversation between Andy Walker and Paul Cooney concerning the effect of that match.
This is how the conversation went on The Go Radio Football Show:
Cooney: “I suppose a lot of Celtic followers concept they’ve got the measure of Rangers. That’s maybe a wild claim due to the fact they’ve received what, two games?
Walker: “I don’t think it’s wild due to the fact when have Rangers taken care of Celtic? When have they beat them when it simply mattered?
“I can’t see Rangers going to Celtic Park and winning.”
Like Walker, I cannot see how the Celtic followers wondering that we have Rangers’ card marked is wild by means of any stretch of the imagination. And I’ll inform you why.
Celtic vs Rangers recent history
Let’s take a respectable sample size. In the last twelve Glasgow Derby’s, Rangers have only crushed Celtic twice. Once over 90 minutes in a Scottish Premiership game that supposed nothing in phrases of the title race and in extra time in the 2022 Scottish Cup semi-final for the duration of Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild season.
Out of the rest of these fixtures, three have been drawn and Celtic have received the other eight.
To in addition compound the argument, Celtic have scored 18 dreams and conceded simply five in those eight wins. [Transfermarkt]
The Celtic followers have each right to go into the closing derby healthy of the season full of confidence. Especially when we have a supervisor who has misplaced simply as soon as himself in the twelve Rangers video games he has taken charge of.
How can Rangers beat Celtic to the Premiership and revive their Scottish title challenge?
SOME human beings are on the p***! They suppose it’s all over! But is it now?
There have been joyous celebrations in the East End of Glasgow as nicely as in Dingwall yesterday afternoon as Rangers crashed to an sudden and probably catastrophic cinch Premiership defeat to second-bottom Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium.
The 3-2 loss left the Ibrox club 4 factors in the back of cutting-edge leaders Celtic with six matches closing and gave – even even though they have a recreation in hand against Dundee at Dens Park, or McDiarmid Park if the pitch is waterlogged again, to play on Wednesday night time – the defending champions the higher hand in the title race.
If Philippe Clement’s men win all of their last league outings they will still finish first. However, they have to travel across the River Clyde to play their town competitors at Parkhead in the coming weeks. They have not won there because way back in 2020.
On that occasion, too, there were no supporters internal the stadium because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their opponents will have 60,000 of their followers roaring them on throughout the subsequent Old Firm derby. They will have none. It is very much benefit Celtic.
It is little wonder, then, that their jubilant followers had been uncorking the champagne, getting the beers in and ordering up trebles as Don Cowie’s plucky charges produced the shock result of the season at the weekend. Altogether now! Here we go to Three-In-A-Row!
Nobody who was present in Dingwall yesterday or who watched the action unfold at home on Sky Sports will fancy Rangers’ probabilities of coming from four at the back of with six to play and prevailing. They had been porous at the back, outclassed in midfield and toothless in attack. They were outfought in each and every place of the park.
James Tavernier and his crew mates had been lucky to solely concede three. Their hosts surpassed up a raft of gilt-edged scoring possibilities in the final third and Jack Butland pulled off a few quality saves throughout the direction of the 90 minutes. In stark contrast, the traffic solely netted because Jack 1st Earl Baldwin of Bewdley put the ball in his personal net early on and they have been awarded a late penalty after a VAR check.
Clement and Tavernier made all the right noises in their post-match interviews afterwards. The overall performance fell some way quick of the predicted standards. The supporters have been badly let down. There will be a response to the result.
But neither of them provided any insight into how Rangers can resurrect their faltering title challenge. So can they come from behind, leapfrog a resurgent Celtic and raise the Premiership trophy? And, perhaps greater importantly, how can they?
Getting Ridvan Yilmaz lower back in shape as soon as possible would help their cause. The Turkish left lower back used to be one of Clement’s most steady and influential performers earlier than he picked up an injury throughout the international break closing month. Dujon Sterling and Borna Barisic, who have deputised for him towards Hibernian, Celtic and County, have no longer made the identical impact.
Dropping Connor Goldson would be a huge name by way of the Belgian. The centre 1/2 is his vice-captain and has lengthy been one of the first names down on the team sheet earlier than kick-off. But the Englishman is presently on a desperately disappointing run of personal form.
Does his supervisor simply persevere with him in the hope that he comes proper again? Goldson has played an awful lot of football and would perhaps gain from a rest. Only Jack Butland, Tavernier and John Lundstram have featured greater in the first group this term. Maybe, though, renewing his partnership with Leon Balogun would allow him to get his mojo back.
Leaving Tavernier out of the Rangers facet is unthinkable. The skipper took his tally for the 2023/24 marketing campaign to 24 with his well-taken spot kick yesterday. He is the leading scorer and, no matter being a full-back, important attacking threat. Still, defensively he used to be suspect in opposition to County. He desires to have his responsibilities pushed domestic to him there in no uncertain manner at some stage in education at Auchenhowie.
Further forward, who is first-class positioned to accomplice Lundstram and Cantwell in midfield while Mohamed Diomande is absent? Kieran Dowell was underwhelming on Sunday. Tom Lawrence was once anonymous in the derby seven days before that. But Sterling shone in the center of the park when he was once given an extended run there because of accidents before this season. Could that test be really worth revisiting?
Would it, too, be worth giving Nicolas Raskin a chance? Players who are no longer starting on a weekly basis immediately emerge as far higher than they truly are in the eyes of supporters when the crew is not performing. But he impressed in the 2d half of closing season and has now recovered from the ankle difficulty which kept him out in November and December. He will certainly be fresh.
Up front, Clement has suffered from the absence of Oscar Cortes and Danilo. He has a wonderful lack of picks even with Abdallah Sima returning to the fray. But should moving Fabio Silva into his favoured berth via the center and deploying Rabbi Matondo on the left flank provide Rangers extra pace, invention and penetration going forward?
Cyriel Dessers, who squandered some true possibilities towards County, is another who perhaps desires removed from the front line. The £4.5m summer signing is a mercurial talent, great one minute, bloody lousy the next. A extremely good deal has been requested of him in the 2nd 1/2 of the season and it is showing.
Clement and his coaching personnel have a good deal to consider and many large decisions to make. Do they have the high-quality they need in the squad to catch and overtake Celtic? The coming weeks will tell onlookers a terrific deal about their mentality and ability. They have lots to do to show their doubters incorrect and complete the second leg of a manageable treble.
But one component is without a doubt certain proper now – they need to beat their sixth-placed opponents Dundee at both Dens Park or McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night time and get their Scottish title venture firmly returned on track.
If there is any repeat of the abject showing in Dingwall and any extra points are leaked then it honestly will all be over for Rangers and the birthday celebration in the inexperienced and white half of of the town can get underway in earnest.
Joe Hart reminds Celtic teammates what is necessary in the final push as he pursues league and Scottish Cup triumph
The Hoops take on Aberdeen at this weekend at Hampden whilst they are in pinnacle spot ahead of Rangers in the league.
Joe Hart insists serial winners Celtic are getting ready for a Parkhead exhibit of electricity in the remaining push for silverware.
The Hoops are bang in the hunt for the title following Saturday’s win against St Mirren and are gearing up for a crack at the Scottish Cup in this weekend’s semi showdown with Aberdeen.
Hart is relishing the fighting and he insisted the skilled campaigners in the Parkhead dressing room will be main the way for the new Bhoys in the bid to land extra medals. Hart – who has gained 5 trophies with Celts – said: “What will it take in the ultimate games? Just stay in our lane, continue to be focused. Drawing on the electricity of a club which is used to prevailing things and no longer being intimidated by that. Learning from that, with the boys who haven’t executed it getting to know from the boys who have.
“Just encouraging human beings that we have some easy tasks beforehand of us. We said it before the St Mirren game and we keep saying it, we don’t simply rock up on a Saturday.
“We work certainly challenging thru the week to have a way of playing, to have options when humans do make it challenging for us. So we simply need to rely on the hard work we have achieved all season and come good at the proper time.
“This is a massive week. We have the Scottish Cup and you don’t prefer any pressure off. It was hard now not being worried in the League Cup however we bought beat truthful and square at Kilmarnock and we had to pass on. This is a opposition we favor to be worried in to the very end. We prefer to be there on May 25.”
Hart used to be thrilled to tick off every other win in opposition to Saints at the weekend as Celtic determined a way to destroy down courageous Buddies in the second half. The former Manchester City shot-stopper – who turns 37 on Friday – insisted the Hoops’ squad are keeping a laser focal point on each project in their path.
Hart said: “Yes, 100 percent. There is no different way to do it, you simply have to keep it easy and take it sport by means of recreation and coaching session by means of education session. We have momentum however we are infrequently a crew that have had to go through a couple of draws or defeats in a row. We are a team that wants to win and needs to preserve winning.
“That kind of goes out the window in a scrappy first half when we have to draw on the reality we work damn tough to play a certain way and when we play it properly we are hard to stop.”
Celtic have been boosted by way of the current return to health of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Luis Palma. But boss Rodgers is going through a sweat this week with Daizen Maeda’s season in the balance.
The Japan megastar is being assessed through the club’s scientific group after suffering a hamstring trouble and the manager admitted he can’t warranty what part the winger will be in a position to play in the run in.
Maeda has been a man for the huge occasions with stand out shows in opposition to Rangers and at Hampden in latest years. But Hart insisted the Hoops still have the high-quality to get the job done.
He said: “It’s an extremely good squad with anybody fit. But we don’t stay in an perfect world. We have to be real. This is a excessive intensity job and humans get injured. We are doing everything we can to have as sturdy a squad as possible.”
Dermot Desmond ‘leads rebels’ as Celtic supremo in the centre of an explosive clash at ultra-exclusive golf club
The Irish billionaire is a member of the Queenwood membership and is reportedly main a riot towards extra members’ fees.
Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond is reportedly main a “group of rebels” after an almighty row broke out over members’ expenses for a new irrigation machine at an ultra-exclusive golf course.
The Irish billionaire is a member of Queenwood which boasts the likes of golfing legends Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Ernie Els among those who pay £13,000-a-year in annual costs – on top of an eye-watering £175,000 for a share in the membership and a one-off “playing privilege fee” of £48,000.
Despite the wealth of the contributors list, The Times say a row has broken out over a price of £1800 plus VAT that Gerard Tvedt, the chairman of the Surrey Club, wrote to members in January announcing was once wanted for a new irrigation project, at a complete value of £3.4million, to ensure the lawns, greens and fairways are saved to their common standard.
And the report states Desmond is the man who is main the fight. In reference to cash swirling around, the say: “In this context, an greater £1,800 a year for a new irrigation system might have regarded a trifling amount. Instead, it teed up an almighty row between Queenwood and its members. A crew of rebels led by way of the Irish billionaire Dermot Desmond laid siege to the board, demanding answers over Queenwood’s budget and modifications to the way it is run.
“Fred Green, its octogenarian founder, flew to the UK for disaster talks with contributors this weekend in an try to defuse the situation, promising to listen to all people ‘who would like to trade information and categorical their views on the modern talk that has consumed so a lot energy’. The spat offers a rare glimpse into the moneyed world of luxury golf and the extreme passions it arouses among the rich and effective who enjoy it.”
The row reached boiling point when member Aidan Heavey, founder of the energy large Tullow Oil pored over the money owed and sought legal advice on how to change administration – which resulted in his membership being cancelled. And that is when Desmond is stated to have stepped in. The report says: “Then Desmond swung into motion on the rebels’ side. The mustachioed 73-year-old former proprietor of London City airport emailed the board, copying in all 400 Queenwood members, pronouncing the administrators were ‘attempting to bully and intimidate anybody who dares to raise authentic concerns’.
“His observe used to be co-signed through 37 individuals consisting of the former McLaren boss Ron Dennis, former Liverpool FC captain Jamie Redknapp and one-time Chelsea FC striker Andriy Shevchenko. It concluded: ‘If we do not stand united towards this Putinesque regime, the integrity and standing of the club will be profoundly and completely compromised”.
Desmond is ranked is the ninth richest man in Ireland and has Celtic’s largest shareholder when you consider that the start of the century with 34.64% of the shares. His son Ross stated at the club’s AGM last year: “My father grew up a big Celtic fan. We don’t consider ourselves as shareholders, we are custodians. In his lifetime and mine, we will now not promote the club.”
Celtic could suffer more than Rangers from the Dundee tragedy, as Sutton fears the worst
One feasible scenario should play into Philippe Clement’s hands, according to Sutton
Chris Sutton fears it it may want to be CELTIC who lose out most from the complete Dundee-Rangers fiasco.
The Light Blues have been left perplexed by the second postponement of their Dens Park fixture with supervisor Philippe Clement bemoaning the lack of forward planning or effort to get some contingencies in place, for instance choice venues the recreation could have been held at.
Indeed, the Ibrox membership hit out at their Premiership competitors in a strongly-worded assertion which accused them of “negligence and unprofessionalism.” But the Hoops hero is concerned the complete scenario ought to surely work towards his historical facet and in favour of their title rivals.
Rangers are now due to try to play Dundee for a THIRD time subsequent Wednesday, April 17. That skill it falls AFTER the relaxation of the pre-split fixtures and the Dee might also already have secured a top six spot if they can get at least a draw at Aberdeen.
With less for them to play for, that could play into Philippe Clement’s hands, in accordance to Sutton.
Speaking in the Daily Record, he said: “There have been so many tears over this Dundee sport there is a real chance of Ibrox being simply as waterlogged as Dens Park.
“There’s no escaping the reality it is a shambles and big questions have to be answered about the nation of that surface. But spare me the talk this is solely horrific for Rangers. It could clearly flip out worse for Celtic. I understand they have the possibility of going four factors clear at the pinnacle of the table now and no guarantee Rangers will get this one completed subsequent midweek. But if if does take area on Wednesday and effects go Dundee’s at the weekend, the strain should be totally off them.
“They may want to already be certain of a pinnacle six location and alternatively than scrapping to get in, they would possibly feel the challenging work is done. There’s additionally talk of taking it to a impartial venue or in the back of closed doorways but it goes back to the ancient carrying integrity line, doesn’t it?
“The whole factor of playing at home is that there is intended to be some type of advantage. Look, Rangers hitting five up there in the past in the season suggests it’s now not much of an advantage, however it’s supposed to be a degree taking part in field – even if it is a mud heap.
“The complete situation is a mess. I don’t in reality blame Rangers for no longer taking part in final week. It wasn’t their fault the game went off at the beginning and whilst some human beings are panning them for now not playing it at the earliest opportunity, they have every right to do it when they see fit.
“This is all on Dundee. I had to snicker when I heard them blaming world warming. It would possibly be some microclimate up there when there’s a pristine floor 100 yards throughout the street at Tannadice.
“They may be calling in Greta Thunberg for returned up, but, both way, it doesn’t appear desirable for Scottish football.”
Simon Jordan rips Rangers apart on their Dundee stance with a poignant Celtic reminder
Simon Jordan has ripped Rangers’ strongly-worded assertion about Dundee’s pitch apart.
The profitable entrepreneur has branded the club’s behaviour as ‘ridiculous and hypocritical,’ questioning their ‘holier-than-thou’ approach.
Yesterday, the Ibrox club’s rearranged fit in opposition to Dundee was referred to as off for a second time.
This sparked an indignant response from Rangers, with the membership taking aim at the Dens Park facet for their ‘unprofessionalism’ in failing to make sure the sport went ahead.
The sport will now be performed on Wednesday, April 17, simply days earlier than Rangers will play in their Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts.
But Jordan did not have any moans from these of a Rangers persuasion, as he reminded anyone that there was once a risk to play the sport prior to the derby with Celtic, and he instructed the membership that they have to get their own house in order before having a go at others.
“This is a club that cannot get its act together to let followers in towards their biggest rivals,” the former Crystal Palace proprietor exclaimed. “They are probable breaching SPFL rules themselves by no longer permitting away fans for their biggest rivals.
“So there’s an irony behind that, I’m not positive why Rangers have felt the need to go so robust. They might also be taking part in to the gallery of their followers however it’s a bit ridiculous and hypocritical.
“I do not know why they’re being holier-than-thou. It sounds remarkably pompous and condescending. They don’t have their very own residence in order.
“If you are going to stand there and begin preaching to people, even if you’ve acquired validity in what you are saying, when you are pointing at different people, 4 fingers factor back at you. Because Rangers do not cowl themselves in glory. They should have performed this game final week but it did not swimsuit them.
“I like Rangers and I desire them to win the league. But I don’t understand why they had to be so vitriolic.
“They are standing on the mountain looking down on absolutely everyone else as if they are any one sincerely meaningful. They are a sizeable membership but it’s very high-handed and barely unnecessary. There’s in all likelihood a purpose other clubs don’t like the Old Firm, and this is in all likelihood it.”
Host Jim White then read out the opinions of some Rangers fans who had textual content in the show.
Conspiracy theories had been cited in this breath, and Jordan challenged this view.
He continued: “What’s the conspiracy concept then? What is behind this? Why did not Dundee choose it played? Is there something we’re missing in this conversation? Why are Rangers fans and supporters suggesting this is some form of conclusion? Are they now not going to play Rangers now? Of course they’re going to play them.
“If the pitch is waterlogged, the club could possibly do better. Yes, agreed. But possibly they simply don’t have the money or the means.
“If I was once Dundee, this is what I would say. ‘That’s wonderful, but I don’t give a monkey’s what you think. I will be judged with the aid of the SPFL, not you. Who are you? You cannot get your own house in order. You can’t even have fans coming from your rivals due to the fact you can’t behave yourselves. You get into line.’
“It wasn’t so lengthy ago that we have been gazing these golf equipment argue about the sponsorship of the league due to the fact it compromised the owner of the soccer club who had automobile garages. Let’s have it right.
“If you are going to get on your excessive horse and go all weapons blazing at every other club, you need to be perfect. I admire Rangers, I have an affection for them, and I choose them to win the league. But simply a moment.”
Philippe Clement responds to the Kennedy and O’Riley Ibrox Incidents
Philippe Clement never observed the coins thrown at the Celtic management group in the course of Sunday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
It has been claimed that Police Scotland are investigating the incident however so some distance there has been no on the report comment from either club, the SFA or SPFL.
Coverage from Celtic TV also confirmed that a bottle of Buckfast was thrown at Matt O’Riley after he scored a penalty, none of Sunday’s broadcasters noticed that incident.
Yesterday Clement staged a media convention to preview tonight’s suit at Dundee with the Glasgow Times reporting the former Monaco boss reacting to those incidents with the aid of saying:
I didn’t see that, I hear that. I don’t choose that matters are thrown on the pitch, no longer at Ibrox. We had it a few times at other pitches towards us so it is no longer a true thing. So the club is busy with that, to see who is doing that. It is no longer what we desire in our club.
Of direction the support we obtained used to be positive. And absolutely everyone desires that and no person wishes whatever else. I didn’t see it, however I hear that it happened. The membership is investigating this.
Pyro at soccer matches seem to be the massive problem at the moment however with more than 90% of fans attending matches Season Ticket holders a working CCTV device must pick out out the culprits.
Both clubs strive to play down these kind of incidents however with alocohol banned from soccer stadiums in Scotland safety needs to be stepped up to stop glass bottles being taken in and as a result thrown onto the pitch.
Philippe Clement confesses that he wasn’t thrilled with two Fabio Silva events against Celtic and that the Rangers show and tell
The Ibrox gaffer has had phrase over certain incidents however has took purpose at critics who branded his player a diver
There was once a whole lot discuss about tinted spectacles at Auchenhowie the day past as Philippe Clement fixed his glare on critics of his side’s behaviour at some point of and after Sunday’s Old Firm powderkeg.
Claims Fabio Silva was guilty of simulation during the ferocious 3-3 draw had the Rangers boss accusing the accusers of seeing solely what they wanted to see. Likewise the flak directed at the Ibrox boss and his gamers for their so-called ‘lap of honour’ after failing to land a blow on their competitors at home had the Belgian narrowing his eyes in incredulity.
The sight of Rangers soaking up the acclaim of 50,000 fans at once after drawing Sunday’s derby blockbuster sincerely delivered scorn from punters normally wearing green-tinted glasses, as Clement would put it. The manager was captured roaring in front of the Union Bears in the Broomloan Stand moments after Rabbi Matondo’s stoppage-time wondergoal rescued a point in a brilliantly chaotic encounter.
The intention stopped Celtic carving out a four-point advantage at the top, having taken the lead in just 22 seconds and should nicely show to be the decisive moment in the most fascinating title race in years.
That’s what Clement used to be eager to center of attention on the day prior to this as he and his players prepared to head to Tayside for a clash with Dundee which, must it beat the weather, should see Rangers go pinnacle of the pile.
Not solely that however the fact Sunday was the first time in three many years that a facet had come again from two down to snatch whatever from the derby was once priceless of raising eyebrows he reckons.
Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon led the criticism of the celebrations afterwards claiming it “wouldn’t have took place in my day” whilst fellow ex-Celt and Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton also had a pop at the Ibrox boss for claiming a “moral victory”.
But Clement is adamant the celebration criticism misses the point. He said: “First, what occurs with the team? We go in the back of after 22 seconds. Then you go 2-0 at the back of in an Old Firm.
“It is more than 30 years in view that a team got here back in that situation. We rating in greater time with a very suitable goal. You can’t be comfortable with that?
“It would be a little bit weird. But I examine a lot of comments. It is a humorous factor is this town – all people has coloured glasses for sure round the Old Firm.
“There are a lot of remarks about everything, but I don’t care what human beings with colored glasses are saying. It is now not important for me. Yeah, we were comfortable that we ought to come returned in that scenario and that we showed resilience and we scored an exceptional goal at the end.
“But earlier than the sport we wanted to win and in the recreation we wanted to win also. After the outstanding intention we have been the team who nevertheless created a chance, we have been now not the group who had bee
“We get a proper danger still with Cyriel at the cease so we had been going full for the three points. We can be blissful after a well-merited point. It could have been greater however it used to be greater about the response after going behind.”
Rangers’ fightback started out with the VAR awarded penalty after Silva crashed to the floor underneath a venture from Alistair Johnston. Ref John Beaton, who had already warned the Portuguese over his antics in the first half, flashed yellow at the Ibrox ahead only for video assistant Nick Walsh to direct him to the monitor.
Beaton’s selection to overturn his choice and award the spot-kick was wrong in accordance to Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers who accused Silva of simulation. But while Clement printed he has had phrases with the Wolves loanee over being more desirable in some instances, he took goal at these who branded him a diver. And he insists the participant has the stud marks to show he was once a target.
Clement said of the criticism: “It is not justified in the whole thing due to the fact I see that some people, again with coloured glasses, throw the whole lot on the same pile.
“There were two movements which I was once now not happy with him about and I show him these days also about that. He should have been better in the duel and he was once not sturdy enough. In other moments he received absolutely kicked.
“He’s additionally acquired two simply deep marks in his calves after this game, cuts from the studs. There had been a few actions the place he ought to go down due to the fact there was once a severe address or duel, and two where there were not that I’ve talked to him about.”
Clement is adamant the penalty award was correct. He said: “It’s clear a penalty. Only if you have coloured glasses you say it’s now not a penalty. People who are neutral, or possibly even if they say they have colored glasses, they say a neutral thing.
“I see the ref watch in England and Dermot Gallagher, who is impartial – although perhaps human beings say he is extra a preferred of Celtic, I don’t know if it’s genuine or now not – however he definitely says it is a penalty.”
And the boss pushed aside guidelines the player’s footballing subculture could be the problem.
He said: “No. Don’t start to create now – and this is what people on the different aspect attempt to do – a sort of narrative round him, due to the fact he’s now not been doing that in different games. He used to be in the starting an emotional young guy. Yes, he’s 21, but it’s getting higher and better.”
‘I’ll be honest’: Pat Nevin makes Celtic title claim after witnessing the draw against Rangers
Celtic’s draw with Rangers on Sunday has now opened up the debate on who is the favourite to win the Scottish Premiership now.
With simply one factor isolating the teams, albeit Rangers do have a recreation in hand, the race to the ending line is promising to be a tightly contested affair.
For Celtic it’s all in Brendan Rodgers‘ fingers after avoiding defeat at Ibrox on Sunday however for Rangers that means the pressure has been ramped up on their outing to Dens Park the following day night.
So who has the edge? Who can now declare to be in the riding seat after the Glasgow Derby stalemate? Pat Nevin seems to know.
The ‘advantage’ Celtic have over Rangers
The BBC pundit used to be commentating on the game when he used to be asked to predict who would win the league.
And at the same time as he says he can’t separate the two, Nevin points out the benefit Celtic have over Rangers with simply six games left to go.
Nevin said [Football Daily], “In easy phrases and in merely mathematical terms, it’s in each their hands. If Rangers win all their games, they’ll win the league if Celtic win all their games, they’ll win the league.
“It all comes down to the recreation between Celtic and Rangers that’s going to manifest at Celtic Park when the cut up comes in a couple of weeks time.
“So if you’re Brendan Rodgers, even although if Rangers win against Dundee on Wednesday night, they’ll be two points ahead but Celtic have obtained the domestic benefit in the remaining game.
“However, today, both managers can walk away and say, we’re confident, we’ve obtained it. I’ll be truthful and I’m not sitting on the fence. You genuinely can’t call it. That’s all it is, you can’t call it.”
And that could show crucial. The final Glasgow Derby being held at Paradise with a stadium packed full of Celtic followers should be pivotal in Rodgers selecting up any other win over Philippe Clement.
We all recognize that when Celtic Park receives going in these games, the crew takes a huge elevate and go on and wins the tie.
If Celtic can do that and win their different five closing fixtures then the title is ours. Over to you Brendan.
‘Very strange’: Pat Nevin describes something “weird” that the Rangers supporters did while Celtic was winning at Ibrox
The extraordinary factor about the current Glasgow Derbies between Celtic and Rangers is that there are no journeying followers allowed to attend this historical fixture.
We all comprehend the motive for that so I won’t bore you with the small print but let’s simply say that if Brendan Rodgers didn’t sub on Odsonne Edouard back in 2018 then we would likely nevertheless have the complete Broomloan Stand to enjoy on these Ibrox days.
However, it is what it is and both Celtic and Rangers needed to face this season understanding that going to their largest opponents except the away aid was once the project in advance of them.
And yesterday used to be no different. But the beautiful factor that Brendan Rodgers will take from yesterday’s 3-3 draw was that his gamers have been no longer fazed via the occasion.
What Rangers fans did ‘en masse’ at Ibrox yesterday
In fact, it was what Rodgers’ players did that Pat Nevin seen had a ‘strange’ impact on the Ibrox crowd as Celtic ran rebellion in the first half.
Nevin said [Football Daily], “The solely time you ever get something like it is when you journey away to the huge European games you go to the San Siro or someplace like that and the way teams score a goal and there is variety of moment of silence.
“Well, it’s form of like that. But the other issue that was bizarre that occurred today, when Celtic had been 2-0 up and Rangers had been playing very poorly, the Rangers followers on masse turned on their team.
“And it used to be a very, very atypical scenario the place all the fans have been then under more strain than every person else. It was an odd, abnormal situation.”
The silence from the Ibrox crowd when Matt O’Riley buried that penalty honestly was once something. I mean, you may want to actually hear a pin drop.
But you do have to wonder, had Celtic had followers in the stadium yesterday, would that have made a fabric difference to the effect of the recreation when we went 2-0 up?
Unfortunately, we will never know. But at least from subsequent season onwards what we do recognize is that some fans will be allowed into each grounds for this fixture.
And that will be welcomed. Even though the ecosystem is nevertheless tremendous at Celtic Park, the fixture is not the equal as it is when each sets of fans are in attendance. And that is some thing we will all get to enjoy from subsequent season.
Kris Boyd’s comments on Fabio Silva’s theatrics against Celtic reveal what his game plan was all along
There are a lot of positives to take away from Celtic’s draw with Rangers at Ibrox this afternoon.
No dropped factors skill that Brendan Rodgers still sits on top of the league and it also potential that when it virtually mattered, Rangers could nonetheless now not muster a fine result in a Glasgow Derby when it simply mattered.
Make no mistake, Rangers had to win at Ibrox today and it appeared like they had been going to try and get that win by any skill necessary.
Fabio Silva performed a critical part in Rangers getting a draw at Ibrox today. His dive at the penalty award sparked a Rangers fightback when it seemed like the Ibrox membership were properly out of the game at 2-0 down.
But it was once earlier than that dive that former Rangers striker Kris Boyd had already marked the Ibrox attacker’s card for his ‘antics’ against Celtic in the first 45 minutes of the game.
Fabio Silva branded a ‘disgrace’ for Celtic antics
During the half-time analysis, Boyd made a factor of criticising the Rangers attacker and, to be honest, John Beaton need to have tackled it before it grew to become an issue.
The Portuguese winger appeared to fall with any contact from a Celtic player in the first half of and Boyd known as him out on it at some point of the Sky Sports analysis.
Boyd stated [Sky Sports], “I assume when you look at the way the recreation has gone, Celtic have definitely dominated and they’ve had the great chances.
“Rangers have Jack Butland to thank for nonetheless being in this game.
“Fabio Silva, who I think has been really, honestly poor. Some of his antics have been a disgrace as well, rolling about.”
Chris Sutton called Silva a ‘gold medal diver’ when the VAR test was going on at the penalty award and it appears like that was the Portuguese winger’s gameplan all along.
No one likes simulation in the game. It’s the bane of expert soccer and it have to be called out at every opportunity.
It’s simply a pity John Beaton wasn’t robust ample to stand by his original selection at the penalty because if he did then Celtic should nicely have walked away from Ibrox with all three points this afternoon.
Watch: Matt O’Riley makes it 2-0 from the penalty spot after VAR steps in
Celtic are 2-0 up at Ibrox thanks to an extraordinary penalty from Matt O’Riley. The Danish Internationalist was once passed the chance from the spot after VAR noticed a Connor Goldson handball. Nick Walsh known as upon his colleague to consult the screen after the ball hit Goldson’s outstretched elbow.
🗣️ “Ibrox is officially silenced!”
Matt O’Riley dinks his penalty down the middle to put Celtic 2-0 up vs Rangers – watch live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/tOTxejd788
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024
It was once a magnificent penalty from O’Riley, who just dinked the ball up the middle, leaving Jack Butland helpless. Brendan Rodgers’ aspect will look to close the 1/2 out and regroup while retaining their discipline.
Chris Sutton loses his mind after Rangers receive “embarrassing” penalty for Fabio Silva’s “dive” against Celtic
Chris Sutton did not hold back in his assessment of Fabio Silva (
Image: BT Sport)
Ex-Celtic ace and Sky Sports commentator Chris Sutton used to be fuming with the decision to award Rangers with a penalty during the Old Firm derby after an “embarrassing” dive
Chris Sutton used to be left seething after Rangers have been awarded a controversial penalty early on in the second-half of their Old Firm clash in opposition to Celtic at Ibrox.
The visitors took an extraordinarily early lead, with Daizen Maeda capitalising on some questionable defender from Rangers skipper James Tavernier. Just over half of an hour later and Celtic had been given a penalty of their own, which was once duly transformed by Matt O’Riley for his first Old Firm goal.
Rangers ahead Fabio Silva, on loan from Premier League outfit Wolves, used to be at the heart of masses of flashpoints throughout. The most doubtful used to be the one that surpassed his aspect a way lower back into the game, at the beginning yellow carded for diving, the Portuguese intelligence used to be sooner or later given the spot-kick after a VAR intervention.
Alistair Johnston clipped Silva with an outstretched leg, however replays seemed to recommend that the ahead went to ground particularly easily. That was surely the view of Sutton, who let rip at the Rangers ace.
“This would be embarrassing if a penalty is given,” the former Celtic celebrity said whilst on commentary duty. “Silva is already on his way down. Of course it’s no longer a clear and apparent error.”
Despite his protests, a penalty was given and Tavernier made up his early error by means of evenly dispatching from the spot. Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart dived the proper way, however stood little hazard of retaining such an correct effort out.
Just minutes later, it looked like Rangers had bagged any other and levelled things up. After some scrappy play interior the box, Cyriel Dessers lashed domestic from shut range, sparking wild celebrations internal of Ibrox.
They have been soon reduce short, as Tom Lawrence was once judged to have tripped Reo Hatate in the build-up. Rangers boss Philippe Clement should barely believe the decision and was once spotted mockingly laughing from his technical area.
The result of the derby is pivotal to the race for the Scottish Premier League title. Before kick-off, Celtic had been a point in the front of their oldest enemies, having played one recreation extra – a win would provide them some daylight in advance of the season’s final furlong.
Matt O’Riley acknowledges that the pressure to go from Celtic to Atletico Madrid taught him an important lesson
he Spaniards noticed a mortgage with duty to buy offer booted out by using the Bhoys in January after Champions League meetings.
Matt O’Riley admits he felt the switch warmness after seeing a bid from Atletico Madrid rejected.
Diego Simeone’s facet launched an attempted raid on Parkhead to land O’Riley on a six month mortgage with an duty to buy for a said £25million charge this summer. Atleti had truly been impressed via the Danish global after coming up against Celtic twice in the Champions League group stage, with the Spaniards prevailing 6-0 at domestic earlier than a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park.
But Brendan Rodgers proven that the provide had been booted out by the Bhoys, even though there are fears that the La Liga outfit, as well as others, should strive again during the shut season. And O’Riley says he felt some more strain in the aftermath of the transfer window closing, before giving himself a shake and refocusing on the venture at hand in Glasgow. And he mentioned that it is a lesson learned in case he’s the subject of anymore gives going forward.
“If I’m being absolutely honest, the first two or three video games after the transfer window mentally it was a mild assignment due to the fact I felt quite a bit of delivered stress on my shoulders, just slightly. But then I realised I didn’t sincerely know why I was inserting extra strain on myself.
“I did not in reality want to trade anything. I type of got here away from that and targeted on what I carry to the team it clicked again into location again.
“Each season, regardless of it going properly it will nevertheless pose a specific challenge. Of course bids are first-rate but it could nonetheless doubtlessly be a poor thing if you do not see it from the right way as properly so another factor to research going forwards.”
Keith Wyness calls the possibility of Celtic and Rangers joining the Premier League a “disaster.”
Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness has insisted there is “no urge for food in England” for Rangers and Celtic to be part of the Premier League.
Speaking on the new version of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had prolonged spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite golf equipment – insisted it would be a “disaster” with cities “under siege” from each club’s fans.
There has lengthy been a debate about Old Firm golf equipment becoming a member of the English soccer pyramid – with multiple proposals being rejected each north and south of the border.
Recent evidence has shown the clubs would preserve their very own in England with Uefa currently publishing their European Club Finance and Investment report, which indicates wholesome outcomes for both golf equipment in contrast to their European counterparts.
Both clubs are in the top 20 throughout the continent for gate income (in the economic year up to June 2023).
‘I don’t see it occurring at all’, says Wyness on Rangers and Celtic becoming a member of Premier League
With Fenerbahce’s threatening to exit the Turkish league system making headlines, debate has once once more erupted about the Old Firm transferring to England.
But Wyness has poured bloodless water on the idea, telling Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “In my days at Aberdeen, I was combat this battle.
“We resigned from the Scottish Premier League, leaving Rangers and Celtic alone. We won that hostilities in phrases of getting a fairer share of TV revenue.
“The chance was for them to go to the Premier League, and they tried. They have been searching for any different league in Europe to go to.
“I think that has been dampened down in latest years, and if they have been to attempt again – I simply don’t see it taking place at all.
“As the policies stand right now, they won’t be doing it. I don’t suppose there’s any urge for food at all in England.
“Personally, I think it would be a disaster. People don’t comprehend the problems the fanbases would have coming down here. Cities would be under siege for weekend games.
“It would be a actual problem.
“Never say never, however I surely can’t see them coming.”
Kris Boyd mocks Kyogo’s penalty allegation while Chris Sutton informs him he’s watching a different match
The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker.
Unimpressed Kris Boyd claims Kyogo’s declare for a penalty was a non-starter as he vehemently disagreed with sparring companion Chris Sutton.
The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker. Referee Don Robertson allowed the recreation to proceed and brief take a look at from his VAR official Alan Muir decided no in addition action was once wanted with the Japan worldwide left wincing in agony.
But Boyd and Sutton – as is regularly the case – landed on specific sides of the debate with fellow guest Robert Snodgrass siding with Sutton and viewing it as a penalty. Speaking to Sky Sports, Sutton said: “I think Celtic will feel difficult achieved by. I’ve had to seem to be at this severa times, myself. I am genuinely surprised Don Robertson wasn’t despatched over to the monitor to have a look. There is contact, Kyogo receives to the ball first, so I suppose it is a penalty.”
Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled by Livingston’s Mikey Devlin
Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled through Livingston’s Mikey Devlin
But Boyd wasn’t having it, and countered: “So, you had to seem to be at it numerous times, nonetheless couldn’t make your mind up, so it’s not clear and obvious. That’s never a penalty, he’s already down earlier than the contact is made. Watch him, already on the way down. He takes his leg and holds his ankle. It’s never been a penalty.”
A visibly dismayed Sutton told his sparring companion he looking at a exclusive recreation over his verdict on the spot kick shout. And talking from the commentary booth, James McFadden said: “He does kick him, he does kick him. I suppose Mikey Devlin would possibly be a fortunate boy. It’s now not heavy contact however he has kicked thru him to get to the ball.
Brendan Rodgers says he and his teammate have benefited from the Celtic star’s suspension
South Korea international ready to play large phase in title race insists Parkhead boss.
Yang Hyun-Jun’s season used to be grounded just as he commenced to take flight at Celtic after seeing purple against Hearts. But Brendan Rodgers insists being sent off in Edinburgh should in reality be the catalyst for the forward’s perfect take off returned in Glasgow.
Not only that but the Hoops boss hopes that controversial Tynecastle choice might simply have helped get two wing options flying in time for the commercial enterprise quit of the title race after Nicolas Kuhn replaced his fellow wide man and moved nearer to top tools following his January arrival from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers blew his top at the officials after Yang was once pink carded for a high boot in the 2-0 defeat to the Jambos. His outburst landed him with a disciplinary date at Hampden on Thursday and he’s nevertheless adamant the choice was wrong.
But the time between Yang’s two-game ban and worldwide wreck has been used accurately away from the highlight and the South Korea worldwide is now nearer to a stage of fitness that Rodgers believes can fuel a cost to the end line.
The 21-year-old is back accessible for resolution as Celtic head for Livingston on Sunday understanding a win is without a doubt necessary to retaining their title defence on course. And Rodgers hopes supporters are about to see the best of Yang. He said: “I can see his progress. He did brilliant towards Dundee and he has been progressing each day in training.
“We spoke to him (after the pink card). It wasn’t his fault, it was once unlucky and unluckily he has neglected a couple of games. He will be back and feeling outstanding and if something it gave us the probability to put Nicolas Kuhn in aswell.
“Now he looks like he has come onto his sport and searching stronger. He appears a unique player in coaching now. It’s been a top notch probability for him.
“So, if nothing else, after these couple of games what we received from that is sport time for Nicolas who has shown up genuinely well, then Yang comes lower back and we have two surely right gamers for that position.
“He (Yang) has been working on his typical game, his grasp out on the field. His analysis at the back of the scenes. Getting his higher physique strength because it’s a bodily recreation here and in Europe.
“Whatever league you are in in Britain it’s a physically demanding league. He has simply grown at some stage in the season and it’s so accurate to see.”
It’s been a stop-start campaign for the South Korean who has made 27 appearances seeing that signing a five-year deal at Parkhead from Gangwon in his fatherland remaining summer.
Voted K League Young Player of the Year the season before arriving in Scotland there were high hopes for the youngster and his exceptional has shone via in patches most quite in home and away wins over Aberdeen and that 7-1 thrashing of Dundee closing month.
Since returning from worldwide responsibility at the Asian Cup in January – the place he made two appearances off the bench against Australia and Jordan – Yang has taken home performances onto the subsequent level with his strong jogging and willingness to take his man on.
But one flick of his proper boot in opposition to Hearts at the begin of the month noticed his momentum all at once stall. Rodgers insists it’s only natural that younger players touring almost 1/2 the world for a new project in their profession take time to settle.
It’s a fact of existence the Parkhead manager fears some critics are too rapid to forget. He said: “People not only forget about it but don’t apprehend it, or don’t desire to understand it.
“You can’t just drop anyone in to a soccer membership from the other aspect of the world and anticipate them to adapt to the culture, food, training… all the a range of aspects it takes.
“Some do, for some others it takes time and you have to supply these players that time. Especially a younger participant to come into a club of this magnitude. You have to work with them and bring them through. We can see clear developments and with a bit of luck that continues.”
Yang, of course, wasn’t by myself in making the ride from his homeland to the east end of Glasgow returned in July. Kwon Hyeok-kyu used to be unveiled on the same day after agreeing a change from Busan IPark.
But if Yang’s shape at Celtic Park has been a slow burner, Kwon’s is nonetheless waiting to ignite. The 23-year-old protective midfielder has but to play a minute for the Hoops, as an alternative being sent on mortgage to St Mirren in January the place he has considering made eight appearances.
Rodgers insists he’s been completely satisfied with the reviews of the South Korea U23 international’s growth in Paisley beforehand of the subsequent selection being made on his profession in the summer. He said: “It’s an opportunity to go and play. We are sincerely pleased.
“I spoke to Stephen, he wished sport time with the squad being too massive here. He is a gifted player and optimistically he has gone and proven that and the guys are really delighted with him there.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers isn’t worrying about Scotland’s automatic Champions League spot which is putting precariously with all our facets out of Europe. Czech Republic will overtake Scotland in the co-efficient rankings if Viktoria Plzen draw even just one leg of their Conference League quarter-final in opposition to Fiorentina – meaning Scotland’s champions would be pressured to qualify again from season 2025-26.
But Rodgers said: “For us it’s about getting there alternatively which way we get there. The co-efficient we need to strive and work it as exceptional we can to get our teams in. Yeah you’d choose the place to be here however we shall wait and see.”
Angus Gunn is a “good” prospect for Celtic, but a Pundit cautions that there is one situation in which the keeper wouldn’t consider a switch
Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for a new no. 1 with Joe Hart set to retire at the give up of the Premiership season.
With Celtic looking for a new no. 1 this summer, they should do worse than seem to be to the current Scotland keeper.
Angus Gunn has taken over the gloves at some stage in Craig Gordon’s long damage absence, however now the veteran is lower back and combat to regain his region in times for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany this summer. Gunn endured between the sticks as Steve Clarke’s facet went down 4-0 to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night with Gordon on the bench.
Joe Hart will be hanging up his gloves in the summer, leaving Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new pair of palms in goal. Rivals Rangers had been in a comparable situation ultimate yr with Allan McGregor calling it a day. Despite most of his summer time recruitment proving disastrous, Michael Beale pulled a rabbit out the hat in Jack Butland and Rodgers has been advised to look in the same market.
However, Norwich are still in the playoff hunt and if the Canaries do end in the top six and win the ultimate cash prize at Wembley, then that would take Gunn into a distinctive stratosphere. However, failure to go up and former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson reckons Gunn ought to be on Celtic’s radar providing Norwich remain in the Championship
“It’s a desirable shout,” Ferguson advised Go Radio. “I didn’t suppose he had the best of video games the other night towards the Dutch. but he’s in reality impressed me given that he came into the global fold.
“He’s a appropriate goalkeeper enjoying at a top level down there. But it will all rely if they get into the playoffs, whether they get into the Premier League. If they do get into the Premier League, there is no way that it’s going to cross his mind to go away Norwich.
“But if they do not get promoted, then I assume it should be one that Celtic would without a doubt seem at. He’s a very desirable goalkeeper.”
Rangers suffer twin injury setback as Celtic and Hearts both qualify for Copa America – SPFL international round-up
How the Scottish Premiership gamers on worldwide duty fared throughout the weekend’s matches
Rangers double harm blow
Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz is facing a spell on the sidelines after choosing up an injury playing for Turkey. The 22-year-old gained his seventh cap in the 1-0 win over Hungary on Friday but used to be pressured off after simply 27 minutes with a thigh problem. Yilmaz has been ruled out of Tuesday’s upcoming fixture towards Austria and has been despatched returned to Ibrox for cure and diagnosis. The Turkish football federation stated in a statement: “A mandatory trade has been made in the candidate squad of our National Team, which will play in opposition to Austria in a unique match on Tuesday, March 26. Our defender Rıdvan Yılmaz used to be removed from the candidate squad due to the harm he suffered in his higher left thigh muscle in the in shape against Hungary yesterday.” In a in addition blow to Rangers, winger Ross McCausland has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s upcoming suit in opposition to Scotland. The 20-year-old neglected the 1-1 draw in Romania on Friday and manager Michael O’Neill admits he is not going to characteristic at Hampden on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, it looks like Ross McCausland won’t make it,” O’Neill stated of the 20-year-old. “It would have been fantastic to get Ross the opportunity.” Both Yilmaz and McCausland now show up in a race against time to match for the upcoming Old Firm conflict in opposition to Celtic on April 7.
Celtic and Hearts duo qualify for Copa America
Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Hearts attacker Kenneth Vargas will play tournament football this summer after helping their respective countries reach the Copa America finals.Johnston played 90 minutes as Canada advanced with a 2-0 play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago, which included St Johnstone’s Dan Phillips. Meanwhile, Vargas came off the bench to assist Costa Rica earn their place in the playoffs with a 3-1 victory over Honduras, who were missing Celtic winger Luis Palma due to injury. Canada, which includes Motherwell attacker Theo Bair, will face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on June 21.Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers might possibly play in the tournament after the United States qualified last year, however the center-back has been left out of recent squads due to injuries.
Celtic duo earn Ireland caps
Celtic pair Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston both got here off the bench to help Ireland claim a decent goalless draw with Belgium in Dublin on Satuday. Idah was once added as a seventieth minute alternative for Brighton ahead Evan Ferguson, who ignored a first-half penalty, whilst Johnston, who is presently on loan at West Brom, came on a minute later for Sammie Szmodics. Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath remained an unused substitute. Ireland host Switzerland on Tuesday.
No second cap for O’Riley
Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley used to be left on the bench as Denmark and Switzerland battled out a goalless draw in Copenhagen. The 23-year-old received his first cap against Northern Ireland in November and will hope to be involved when the Danes host Faroe Islands in a pleasant on Tuesday.
Other wonderful appearances
St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov kept a smooth sheet on his 0.33 look for Bulgaria in a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Friday. Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski netted the 75th minute for Romania in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in Bucharest.
How Rangers and Celtic players rated during Scotland against Holland, as Manchester United great gets 5 and Liverpool man gets 7
Players acquainted to Rangers and Celtic have been in motion against the Dutch side.
Scotland fell to a painful 4-0 defeat in opposition to Netherlands during a Euro 2024 warm-up match.
This may have been a pleasant but Steve Clarke’s men had been treating it as something but with valuable locations at the match in Germany this summer season up for grabs. And they commenced bright, with Lawrence Shankland going shut and Ryan Christie rattling the bar.
Tijani Reijnders used to be given space to hit a long-range strike and the AC Milan discovered the top corner, in a sucker punch after some neat play from the traffic in the first half. After a Memphis Depay hazard to double the lead was smartly stopped by way of Angus Gunn, John McGinn and Christie each spurned possibilities to get returned to level terms.
Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo was once subsequent to check Gunn between the sticks, as the largest risk after the opener fell to Hearts megastar Shankland. An error at the lower back allowed him to pick his spot however he should solely crack the bar.
Soon after the Dutch had doubled their lead, as Georginio Wijnaldum obtained across Rangers defender John Souttar and transformed into the net. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay then ignored a clear header from a pass via Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston as away probabilities refused to locate the net.
It was a brutal lesson in the end, as Wout Weghorst headed domestic and an offside entice gone incorrect allowed Donyell Malen to add a fourth in scientific fashion. Next up is a friendly with Northern Ireland on the 26th. Here’s how Glasgow World rated the Scotland players in Amsterdam, which includes stars from Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and more.
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