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Scotland’s latest recruit goes from Euros fan to squad member – but has passport issue to solve

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Scotland’s latest recruit goes from Euros fan to squad member – but has passport issue to solve

Devlin’s delight as he finally lands Scotland squad call-up

Nicky Devlin is having quite the season so far.

At Aberdeen, the right-back has won every match as the Dons sit joint-top of the league. And his exploits with the Pittodrie club have resulted in a maiden call-up to the Scotland squad for this month’s Nations League ties against Croatia and Portugal.

At 30-years-old, Devlin could have been forgiven for parking his international aspirations. A career that started at Dumbarton and has taken in Motherwell, Stenhousemuir, Ayr, Walsall and Livingston has ignited in the north east. Devlin is one of Aberdeen’s best players right now. With Scotland facing an injury crisis in his position with Aaron Hickey, Nathan Patterson and Ross McCrorie all out, his call-up is more than justified.

Nicky Devlin has been excellent for Aberdeen this season. | SNS Group

“I found out from members of the staff at the club before the squad was announced,” Devlin revealed. “A few of them told me it was a chance it could happen because they asked for my medical details before that to check everything was up to date. It was a bit of a surreal moment.

“For me, I just concentrate on myself and the team. I know if I am not playing well for the team and Aberdeen aren’t doing well then you are not going to be there. The first focus was can we start winning games again at the start of the season.

“We kept winning and winning and you obviously put yourself in the window where the manager can notice you. If I had said come September or October I want to be in the Scotland squad then I would be lying. When you start the season as well as we have, it becomes a possibility. I have managed to get in this time.”

Devlin is a Scotland fan and was out in Germany during the summer to support the team with son Josh. “It was a really good experience to be out there,” he said. “It was Josh and I to begin with and then we met a few people over there.

Devlin also played at Motherwell in a career that has taken him north and south of the border. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602

“It was the game against Switzerland when Scotland scored and to celebrate with him was a special moment for me. He comes to the games when I’m playing and I don’t get to celebrate with him. When I was over there it was phenomenal. It is a bit surreal that I might now be involved. “It is something I will tackle head on and embrace it.”

A rugged defender, Devlin is not scared of a challenge – although he will also have to tackle a potential passport issue. “It runs out in April,” he laughed. “I need to get a new one sorted and I had a panic last week because I knew it was expiring and you need to have at least three months on your passport. I will need to get on that just in case.”

If Aberdeen and Devlin keep up their form, you never know. For now, it’s full focus on Croatia and Portugal. “They are two difficult games,” he added. “I haven’t been involved in international football and I reckon every game will be difficult. I am looking forward to it. They are two fantastic games and hopefully we can get results.”

Exclusive Report: ‘Really good reference’ – why Celtic boss seriously impressed by 26y/o SPFL striker

County man caught countryman’s eye in match on Sunday

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers jokingly asked Ross County striker Ronan Hale after the game why he was scoring against his boyhood heroes – but the Northern Irishman has been seriously impressed with the forward’s impact in Scotland.

Hale was a regular scorer in both the League of Ireland and Irish League with the likes of Derry City, St Patrick’s, Larne and, latterly, Cliftonville, before moving to the Scottish top flight in the summer.

The 26-year-old has made a flying start and his penalty in a 2-1 defeat against Celtic – the team he has supported all his life – on Sunday took his tally to seven goals in 11 matches for County.

Ronan Hale has scored seven goals for Ross County this season. | SNS Group

The Belfast-born striker represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 and under-21 level but has begun the process of switching to Northern Ireland, such has been his good form, with national team boss Michael O’Neill is eagerly awaiting the finalisation of the process as he looks to add firepower to his squad.

“He’s made a great start to his life in Scotland,” Rodgers said. “He’s been a really good reference for the team. I’m glad they’ve got a boy from Belfast who Michael can call upon. Normally he can’t. It’s great for him.

“He’s obviously done great back home at Cliftonville, he’s come over at a good age with good experience. And he’s shown here, like we’ve seen his goal against Hearts, which is a brilliant finish, it shows he can score goals.

“And games like that will help him in his career. I’m delighted for him and Michael that he can call him up. And if you’ve got a finisher at an international level like him, then hopefully he can do really well.”

Celtic players urged to believe they belong in Champions League

Elena Sadiku

Elena Sadiku will lead Celtic into the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage for the first time in their history.

And the Swede has insisted that despite the prestigious nature of the tournament, it is vital her players remember that they are not there simply as a supporting cast.

“I think it is big thing for me that as a team we worked really hard to get here so the biggest thing for me is that the players need to enjoy it,” she said.  “They should remember that there is a reason why we are here and it is because we are a good football team and that confidence has to show.

“It doesn’t matter if we are playing Twente or Real Madrid or Chelsea – they will all have good players. But so do we.”

Sadiku has attracted a bit of attention in the aftermath of a successful progression through the qualifiers and into the last 16 of the competition. Celtic are the first Scottish women’s team to make it into the group stages since the tournament was radically reformatted in 2021 with the 30-year-old Swede set to become the youngest coach to manage in the Champions League.

If that has brought a little focus, she is keen to deflect it.

“It is a lot of talk about me right now and I think it is sometimes a bit too much because it is the players who are doing the job,” she said.

“I am the face because I am the head coach but for me the important thing is what they think about me and what we do together.  What we have done together so far has been amazing.

“The excitement was high when we got to the stage of knowing we were going to play in the Champions League but now it is about focussing on the game and what we need to do to win. Twente are a good side. It will be a tense game. It will be tough. But I am excited.

“This achievement is something we’ve never done before. And I think with all the games coming up and how busy our schedule is, it’s never been like that before and that’s something we need to learn from. And it’s good that we experienced this. The goal is always, when we enter a game, is how to win it. And that’s always going to be the game plan. We’re not going to be happy with going in to be okay that we lose. Like, it’s never going to be like that.”

Why Dortmund didn’t see Celtic’s ‘real face’ as Nicolas Kuhn reveals how Brendan Rodgers picked hurting Hoops up

The wide man was hurting even more after the Dortmund defeat as he was desperate to impress in his homeland.

Nicolas Kuhn hit Celtic’s winner against Ross County

Celtic were left red faced in the Rhineland last week and it was even more of a riddy for Nicolas Kuhn after being determined to front up in his homeland.

But the wide man insisted Celts can turn the other cheek after their Borussia Dortmund and show that wasn’t the real Hoops out there. Brendan Rodgers’s men bounce back from their battering with a battling win against Ross County on Sunday. Yet the scars from the Westfalenstadion will take longer to heal having gone to Germany with so much hope.

The 7-1 stuffing was a slap on the chops and Kuhn admitted he needed a sit down with his boss after being desperate to do the business in his own country. Rodgers turned his frown upside down and the attacker had Celtic fans smiling again with his late winner in Dingwall. Kuhn admitted it was vital to get back on track – and there is a huge desire to prove in the Champions League the Dortmund drubbing wasn’t a true reflection.

The former Bayern Munich and Ajax product said: “That was not our real face. We lost to the finalists of the Champions League and if you are not 100 percent on it they will take their chances. We talked a lot about it and it is done and we just focus on the games coming up.

“Yes, for me personally, it was really difficult as I wanted to have a good game there. It was not to be and that’s how it is now. I spoke to the manager about it and he told me to keep going and that’s what we did on Sunday.”

The Dortmund defeat was the kind of hefty hosing that provokes an existential crisis that has everyone questioning everything from Celtic’s ability to the level of Scottish football. Kuhn doesn’t think folk should dig too deep. It was a horrendous day at the office and there is plenty of scope to recover with Atalanta up next in Italy before another crack at German position when RB Leipzig head to Glasgow.

He said: “I think we showed it before in the Chelsea game in pre-season (the 4-1 win in the USA) that we are a better team than that. I think everything was against us in Dortmund and we have a lot of games to go and we need to do better.

“For a lot of the guys, it is their first experience of the Champions League. That’s a factor we are going to work on. We played a good team in a big stadium and if you make lots of mistakes then they will punish you.

“That is what happened and we have to bounce back from that and take and learn a lesson. At the end of the game, we just lost three points and we conceded too many goals that much is clear but we have six games to go. We have another German team with RB Leipzig. It is at home this time and we just have to do better.”

The Champions League can wait for now though as Celtic need to keep taking care of Premiership business with red-hot Aberdeen on their shoulders and Rangers putting a post Old Firm defeat run together.

Kuhn is keeping up his end though and is producing impressive numbers. He notched his sixth goal of the season on Sunday to go along with his eight assists from the campaign so far and he laughed off the suggestion he was a Fantasy Football player’s dream with those figures.

Kuhn like to play along too and he’s delighted his hard work is paying off. He said: “Yes, I do play! Of course that is good to get another goal. I have worked a lot on that in training. Pre-season was important for me as I had to get a connection with everybody in the team.”

Kuhn’s superb strike came from a deadly through ball from Alistair Johnston but the wide man was smart enough to take on the riskier option rather than play in pal Kyogo. It was the right call as his winner sparked wild celebrations – and fears he could be shown a second yellow card for going to the crowd.

The refs have the final say and didn’t deem it dangerous off the pitch – unlike Kuhn on it. He said: “So far it has been good. I enjoyed the goal. I saw Kyogo and I thought he had strayed offside.

“That’s why I didn’t cross it and it worked out well in the end. I really enjoyed it and it was amazing to celebrate with the fans at the end.

“Did I think I would get a red card? Not really. The first booking was not deserved. So I didn’t think about being sent off. I was just happy we got the three points in the end as it was really important to go into the international break with a win.”

It was an important one too on the back of Germany – and another test of this Celtic side’s resolve. Kuhn said: “It felt really good. It wasn’t a great first half but we got the three points in the end. It was nothing to do with the game in Dortmund. We were focused solely on this game.

“Our passing wasn’t good and we were slow and the final pass was missing. “We spoke about it half time and we did much better in the second half. The manager always tells us to focus on every game and that we just need to keep going.

“Yes, it showed the mentality, 100 percent. We all did a good job. The first half was not how we wanted it but we got the win at the end.”

Newcastle United and Celtic get financial update as combined £230m payout speaks volumes

Many supporters justifiably can’t stand the word, but Newcastle United and Celtic are two of the biggest ‘brands’ in British football. And their clout pays off financially.

Both clubs have been frustrated by the financial structures in place in domestic and European football, with Newcastle battling Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and Celtic struggling in UEFA competitions that effectively insulate the ultra-rich from failure.

Domestically, Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership for years, winning 12 of the last 13 titles.

But Scotland’s relatively small domestic TV deal has limited their ability to compete with the best in Europe, just as PSR has curtailed the stratospheric ambitions of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) on Tyneside.

Of late, both club are increasingly looking to commercial income to attempt to increase their revenue and their purchasing power.

Celtic, who recently lost commercial director Adrian Filby to Aston Villa, generated £30m from merchandise alone in the last financial year, while Newcastle made £47m from all commercial streams.

And the latest news from football’s commercial sphere suggests that both clubs’ commercial trajectories are set to continue.

Celtic and Newcastle poised to join ‘elite’ club

Both Newcastle and Celtic list German sportswear giants Adidas as their kit manufacturer.

Newcastle will earn £200m over the course of their five-year deal with Adidas, while Celtic’s equivalent deal will have been worth £30m by the time it expires at the end of the season.

Adidas are reportedly set to extent their deal at Parkhead, although the financial details of that arrangement are not yet known.

The £230m that Adidas are committed to spending on Newcastle and Celtic is emblematic of their prestige in football and their appeal as commercial partners.

Now, Footy Headlines – who routinely break exclusive stories in the football kit scene – have reported that both Celtic and Newcastle will be welcomed into Adidas’s ‘elite’ stable from next season.

Essentially, this means they will make ‘authentic’ versions of the two teams’ respective kits commercially available, as well as producing an Adidas Originals-branded third kit for each.

The added manufacturing costs that Adidas will taken on as a result again underlines Celtic and Newcastle’s appeal. It will also likely be reflected in the headline figures of their respective kit deals.

New PSR system set to impact Newcastle and Celtic

In the Premier League, Newcastle financial losses are limited to £105m over a rolling three-year period by PSR.

There is no comparable domestic PSR system in Scottish football, but Celtic are subject to UEFA’s equivalent set of spending rules.

This year, UEFA have capped spending on wages, transfers and agent fees at 80 per cent of revenue. That figure will be graded down to 70 per cent from next season.

As a club with ambitions of being regulars in European competition, Newcastle will also be mindful of UEFA’s cap, especially given that the Premier League are set to introduce a similar system from next term.

Kelly Clark Wants Celtic To ‘Embrace The Emotion’ In UWCL Group Stage

AIRDRIE, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Celtic’s Kelly [+]SNS Group via Getty Images

Celtic FC Women’s captain Kelly Clark says she is “massively excited” as she prepares to lead her side into the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League tomorrow.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against another group stage debutant, FC Twente from the Netherlands , Clark said she “can’t wait”. “It’s an emotion that we almost need to embrace. I just really want everybody to enjoy it so I will let myself get excited.”

“I quite often try and not let my emotions show but I think we deserve to be excited for tomorrow and I genuinely just can’t wait to wake up and for it to begin.”

Clark has been at Celtic for eleven years, a period in which local rivals Glasgow City have dominated the Scottish women’s soccer scene and been regulars in the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Yet tomorrow, it is Celtic who will become the first-ever Scottish team to play in the sixteen-team group stage since it was introduced in 2021, and Clark who will make her debut in the competition. The 30-year-old had doubted whether this moment would come in her career.

“I’m quite old, or I feel quite old. Potentially I thought I was running out of time. Once we won the league last year, it becomes a real possibility because we know the difference winning the league makes to the qualification route.”

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 19: Celtic Captain Kelly [+]SNS Group via Getty Images

Celtic had to negotiate two rounds of qualification to reach the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League but Clark says she was confident in the team’s ability to progress. “Once we got the Round 1 draw, I fully believed that we would come through that. Once we’d done the analysis on Vorskla, I knew we had the quality to come through that as well. So potentially about four weeks ago, I believed it.”

“I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to play for. It’s always something that you dream of doing, then if you get the chance you want to grab it. I’m grateful I’ve managed to grab it before I do hang up my boots eventually.”

Unlike the majority of players in the group stage, Clark is still juggling a sporting career with a job. She insists however that her employers have been supportive of her needs. “I actually didn’t have to go in and say anything because when I first went in, there was already a department email congratulating me on the qualification. So I didn’t have to go in and say, ‘by the way, I need time off.'”

Celtic’s opening home match will be played at a new venue for the team. Having come through the qualification stages playing matches at Airdrie, the club have been forced to relocate to New Douglas Park in Hamilton in order to meet UEFA’s stadium requirements to play at this stage in the competition.

Clark said playing home matches at an unfamiliar stadium holds no fears for the team. “I think that just adds to the excitement. We trained here yesterday, we got to visualise what it’s going to look like tomorrow night.”

“We’ve come in today and there’s Champions League balls in the changing rooms and Champions League bibs which is just genuinely something that six months ago, I would never have expected, but here we are, we’re ready.”

Maintaining focus for Clark involves avoiding letting the magnitude of the occasion overwhelm her. “To be honest, until tomorrow afternoon, I’m probably going to try and not think about it. The more we think about it, the more nervous or the more excited you get! so I will try and take my dog on a walk and switch off and stuff like that. When the time is right, I’ll make sure I switch on.”

Coach Elena Sadiku expects a “tense game” against the reigning Dutch champions. Last season, debutants Ajax and Brann both created waves by qualifying for the quarter-finals at their first attempt in the group stage. Sadiku told me “obviously that would be a dream if we can go that far, but we just need to focus on how to do it step by step. I think we have a good game-plan for tomorrow.”

CUMBERNAULD, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 03: Celtic Head [+]SNS Group via Getty Images

Sadiku is only seven months older than Clark and, a few weeks short of her 31st birthday, is the youngest female coach to lead a team in the group stage of the Champions League. She was however quick to dispel the notion that Celtic’s success is all about her achievements.

“It’s a lot of talk about me right now and I think sometimes it’s a bit too much because it is the players that are doing the job. Obviously, I am the face right now because I am the head coach but for me the most important thing is what (the players) think about me and what we do together and I think what we’ve done together is something amazing.”

Aston Villa tipped to sign £18m Celtic duo in stunning January raid

Celtic pair Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi have been suggested as January transfer targets for Aston Villa.

Former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov, who made a combined 523 appearances across lengthy spells at Villa and Celtic, believes transfer dealings should take place between the two teams in January.

Although the Villans are already succeeding in the Premier League and Champions League, Petrov reckons some extra firepower wouldn’t go amiss. Maeda and Kyogo, who have directly contributed to four and five goals respectively in Celtic’s opening seven Scottish Premiership matches this season, are two players Petrov thinks would suit Villa to a T.

Asked who Unai Emery should be looking at from Celtic, Petrov said: “There’s not one, there’s quite a few. Listen, Celtic at the moment are performing really well, but I would like to see probably two players, Maeda or Kyogo.

“Maeda with his pace, his energy, his ability to push full backs and to press, it’s incredible. Probably one of the best I’ve seen in football. And Kyogo is just a classy player, a great striker with so much ability, really clever and the main thing is he scores goals.”

Japanese attacking duo Kyogo Furuhashi (L) and Daizen Maeda (R) have been combining well for Celtic. | AFP via Getty Images

It’s unlikely that either forward would make it into Villa’s starting lineup at present as the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Jhon Duran are flying. That said, extra legs and goals probably wouldn’t be sniffed at by Emery, especially as the fixture list will be busier than ever with the new UEFA Champions League format.

Maeda, 26 and Kyogo, 29, have a current combined transfer value of €21.5 million (£18 million) as per Transfermarkt.

Hearts star’s ‘petty’ mind games towards Celtic £11m man addressed as penalty taunt leaves Hoops hero in stitches

Arne Engels celebrates his opener at Celtic Park. | SNS Group

Arne Engels has spoken for the first time about what Lawrence Shankland said to him as he prepared to take the spot-kick

Arne Engels marked his first Celtic start with a second half penalty against Hearts during a 2-0 Premiership win at Parkhead last month – and has since revealed what was said to him in the lead up to taking his spot-kick from opposing players.

During the match, footage emerged featuring Jambos skipper Lawrence Shankland attempting to put the Hoops record-breaking summer signing off while preparing to step up for the penalty. He appears to shout “big pressure” at the 21-year-old, while another individual, thought to be Craig Halkett, responded with a skeptical “£10? yeah, right” as Engels waited to take the kick.

Unphased by the background taunts, the Belgian coolly sent Hearts keeper Craig Gordon the wrong way to get up and running for his new club which helped provide the impetus for fellow new recruit Luke McCowan to double the Hoops lead late in the match to maintain the Parkhead side’s unbeaten domestic record.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’’s 2-1 comeback win over Ross County in Dingwall, Engels brushed off Shankland’s attempt to distract him as he addressed the Hearts talisman’s attempt to make him fluff his lines from the spot for the first time.

“I saw it in a video, actually, but I didn’t hear it in the stadium,” he admitted. “You’re in the zone and you don’t hear anything if you’re in the zone. Of course, it’s nice to grab a goal or an assist. This helps, but it’s not the most important thing – that was just that we got the victory in the end. That was the most important thing for the team and for the club. If you grab a goal, it’s always nice for the team.”

Shankland received criticism for his antics from some supporters on social media, but former Hoops star Chris Sutton saw the funny side of his childish mind games. Speaking on the ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ podcast last month, he said: “I love the sort of pettiness over in football. Engels – the big new signing for Celtic for £10million. As he is getting ready to take the penalty Shankland is screaming at Engels ‘£10million, £10m, big pressure, high right (sic) and all that’.

“Engels just strolls up and sends Craig Gordon the wrong way. Fair play to him. I wonder if he understood Scottish first and foremost. I sort of quite like what Lawrence Shankland was doing anyway. But it didn’t phase Engels at all.”

Andy Walker says 2021 Ange Postecoglou signing is now ‘fabulous’ at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers

Andy Walker believes that Celtic have a player in their ranks who now plays better for Brendan Rodgers than he did under Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou’s ability to spot a player and make them a success at Celtic was one of the Australian’s key strengths as Hoops boss.

The Aussie brought the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley to Celtic and all three have been integral to Celtic’s trophy haul that the fans have enjoyed over the last three seasons.

However, former Celtic striker, Andy Walker, says that there is another of Postecoglou’s recruits who he believes has made great strides whilst under the tutelage of current Bhoys boss, Brendan Rodgers.

Daizen Maeda is now an ‘even better player’ at Celtic under Brendan Rodgers

Daizen Maeda has been excellent for Celtic since he joined the club in December 2021 and has wowed the fans with his constant energy, drive and goals.

But Walker reckons that under Brendan Rodgers, Maeda is a far better player now than when he first signed at Celtic Park.

Walker told The Go Radio Football Show, “I think he’s an even better player now than he was when he first arrived.

“I think you could all see the energy, his level of commitment, his work rate for the team. I think his end product is beginning to improve.

“I think he can still be better, but he would be a fabulous teammate to have because he gives you absolutely everything.

“And if someone’s in trouble, you know that a player like Maeda has got your back, and he’ll try and fill in for you”

Daizen Maeda’s record at Celtic under Rodgers vs Ange Postecoglou

Maeda has that ability to wow and frustrate the Celtic fans in one full 90 minutes.

But looking at his numbers under Rodgers compared to Postecoglou, you can clearly see that Maeda is set to surpass both total goals scored and assists already this season under the Northern Irish manager.

Celtic ManagerTotal Games PlayedTotal GoalsTotal AssistsAnge Postecoglou611912Brendan Rodgers45166

Many fans recognise that Celtic is far weaker without the Japan international in it and it is little wonder Brendan Rodgers is delighted with Maeda at Celtic and the numbers he has pulled under his tenure.

If Celtic are to continue to dominate Scottish football and make progress in the Champions League, Maeda will be central to that as long as he stays fit and healthy this season.

Atalanta curse their schedule as Celtic see one thing go wrong for red hot Champions League rivals

The Hoops will come up against the Serie A outfit in Italy following the latest international break


Atalanta players celebrate after goal

Atalanta have been left cursing the latest international break with Celtic’s Euro rivals hitting red hot form.

Brendan Rodgers and his troops head for the Serie A side following the break in domestic football for matchday three of their Champions League league phase adventure. The Hoops got off the mark perfectly in the opening round of fixtures smashing Slovan Bratislava 5-1 at a packed out Parkhead, but they were handed a grim reality check about the quality of opposition at the top level as Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund inflicted a 7-1 hammering on the Scottish champions.

They bounced back to winning ways at the weekend – despite not being at the top of their game – as they came back from a goal down to secure the three points thanks to Nicolas Kuhn‘s late winner. They maintained their perfect record at the top alongside Aberdeen.

Atalanta themselves hit the goal trail at the weekend after the hammered Genoa 5-1 on their own turf. Mateo Retegui was a hat-trick hero in Bergamo in a major warning to the Scottish champions ahead of their visit later this month. Boss Gian Piero Gasperini has admitted the break comes at the wrong time for his side as they followed up a midweek 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League with the big Serie A triumph.

Speaking to DAZN, the Atalanta boss said: “Obviously, it was a great performance. We are in a good period of form, we beat Shakhtar, but we still see moments like against Como when we just fall apart. We are playing every three days, there’s going to be some dips in energy levels, but when we’re on it like this evening, we can fight it out with anyone.”

On the break, he added: “The timing isn’t great. Even before Como, we had some good performances against Arsenal and Fiorentina , so there have been definite improvements. The result often negatively affects reading of the performance.

“We have 10 new arrivals, it takes time to get them settled in. The more we play, the easier it will be for them. The best example is Retegui, but many others are doing well too.”

Dermot Gallagher shares ‘what saved’ Nicolas Kuhn from a red card for Celtic vs Ross County

Celtic’s win over Ross County ended the week on a high for the fans who were still reeling from the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

In a game that was devoid of any real controversy, Brendan Rodgers’ team picked up a crucial three points ahead of a two-week international break to send the Celtic fans home happy from Ross County.

However, there were two incidents in the game where Nicolas Kuhn could have found himself in hot water as the Celtic winger battled and scored the eventual Celtic winner against Don Cowie’s team.

The Celtic winger got into a small exchange with Ross County’s Connor Randall and both players were booked after VAR ruled out a possible headbutt.

However, it was Kuhn’s celebration with the Celtic fans that caused the biggest talking point at the final whistle yesterday afternoon.

Dermot Gallagher believes the Celtic support saved Nicolas Kuhn from a red card

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former FIFA referee, Dermot Gallagher, has delivered his verdict on whether he felt Kuhn should have seen red for his late celebrations with the Celtic fans.

Gallagher said, “I think what saves him is that the crowd runs into him as well. He doesn’t actually go across the hoardings.

“It’s a matter of do they think he’s incited as such like? In that case, they [the Celtic supporters] are already across.

“And in that case, it’s very difficult to say he had done that because the supporters are already there.”

✅ Red card for Rangers’ Hagi
✅ Scales handball & penalty retake
✅ No yellow for Kuhn celebrations
❎ Red card for Dundee’s Sylla
✅ Red card for Hibs’ Triantis
✅ Red card for Hearts’ Grant

A look back at some of the big decisions in the Premiership on Ref Watch ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/25w1CahDRZ

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) October 7, 2024

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The decision by the match referee, Kevin Clancy to not send off Celtic’s Kuhn was backed by former SFA referees Des Roache and Steve Conroy after they cited the IFAB Law that made it clear that celebrating with fans after scoring a goal is not a mandatory yellow card.

Brendan Rodgers plays down Celtic flashpoint

Celtic’s 87th-minute winner at Dingwall sealed a crucial three points and had the Bhoys found themselves a man down, that could have put that win at risk.

Brendan Rodgers was asked about the decision not to send off Kuhn and whether or not he was worried Celtic would have been reduced to ten men.

Speaking post-match, Rodgers simply said, “No, I never thought of it. I never noticed it.”

Celtic have been subject to a number of controversial VAR and refereeing decisions over the past few seasons and Rodgers will be happy that common sense, as well as applying the rules of the game, prevailed.

With a two-week international break now on the go, the Celtic boss can now focus on resting his team ahead of a crucial point of the season where a top-of-the-table clash with Aberdeen looms as well as crucial Champions League fixtures.

Celtic vs Aberdeen will NOT be televised – and here are the multiple reasons why fans are sick about it

The game of the day will be blacked out but those who love Scottish football can see clearly what has to change


Aberdeen’s Graeme Shinnie (L) and Ester Sokler celebrate

Forget the why, we’ll ruminate over that shortly. Instead, let’s zero in on the how surrounding an own goal which feels avoidable.

In a fortnight, two Premiership sides boasting unblemished records will lock horns in Glasgow’s east end as champions Celtic host an Aberdeen side who have won a remarkable 13 consecutive games under Jimmy Thelin. The super Swede has breathed new life into a team who, somehow, contrived to skirt the edges of a relegation dogfight before Peter Leven cleaned up the mess continued by Neil Warnock last season.

So how remarkable is this Granite City turnaround, you say? If Thelin masterminds a win against Celtic he will have equalled Aberdeen’s pre-split win total of eight in 25 fewer matches. So, how can the average dedicated follower of Scottish football tune into this can’t miss match? Well, er, there’s a wee catch, you won’t be able to watch the game live in Britain.

The long-running debate over big games in Scottish football being unable for live public consumption has bubbled to the surface on multiple occasions over the years. So, let’s park the how, or how the Hell, in this case, and delve into the why. The reason you won’t be watching the game live on your couch or in the pub is two-fold. Firstly, and it’s the unavoidable factor, is the controversial 3pm blackout rule – in place across the whole of British football. The premise is simple, you cannot kick off televised matches between 14.25 and 17.25 on Saturday’s bar Cup Finals. The rule, in place since 1960 and viewed as archaic by many, is in place to protect the sacred kick-off time which was the go to of a bygone era.

The Covid pandemic isn’t remembered fondly but it did allow football chiefs to get creative and think differently over kick-off times, scheduling and with every punter being reduced to becoming an armchair follower, it led to innovations which have not been maintained since the world returned to before.

It would be remiss to state the 3pm blackout rule is the only factor at play here, there is also Scottish football’s TV deal to consider. There are some clauses and buffers within Sky’s contract which are pertinent with the battle of the undefeated not being on the TV planner. The 48 televised games a season have become 60 and now Premier Sports have landed the ability to air a further 20 matches per season. PPVs are available to clubs but not on Saturday’s within the danger hours. Celtic’s thrilling 2-1 win over Motherwell in October 2023 kicked off at noon on a Saturday, so it fulfilled the criteria.

But, there’s a catch. You can only head to the same stadium to broadcast five times, up from one from the previous deal. Serial title winners Celtic have three locked in with flag day and their two fixtures against Rangers. And then, the hope for Brendan Rodgers and Co once again, is a return to see them in May for another trophy day for the team who have won 12 of the last 13 Scottish Premiership titles. Wiggle room is in short supply but the ability to adapt to an emerging title battle should be a given.
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So we know the how, and the why, but, for many, there is no logic or rulebook stipulations which will ever quell their anger that they can’t devour a contest which doesn’t come around often. Celtic hosted upstart Hearts back in 2005 as Gordon Strachan’s side, while not undefeated, were on upturn as they hosted George Burley’s then title pacesetters. It felt a unique game at the time.

Celtic and Rangers had both won eight consecutive games to start the season in 2010 before Walter Smith’s side reigned supreme in Glasgow’s east end. But these types of games, more akin to boxers putting their undefeated records on the line, are so uniquely fleeting, they can’t help result in a collective groan from those who won’t be inside Celtic Park.

There is, of course, a counter argument, where a certain fan enjoys the big game being blacked out, those who revel in the radio, love an, ahem, award-winning live blog without compare, to follow the game. But in an era when the crackdown on firesticks and illegal streaming looms large, there’s a sizeable contingent of football supporters who just want to watch the best games live. And, let’s not pretend here, punters who want to watch the game at home will find a way to do. Is that hell-bent desire to seek out the game of the day a bad thing? Legally, yes, but morally it’s an indication of what is at stake. The current rules offer an antiquated system which no Neil Doncaster soundbite will ever change the mind of diehards who demand better.

Will there ever be a happy medium? We live in hope.

Celtic reject the memo as they eventually wake from Dortmund nightmare after comfy old jammies don’t slip on

After crubling in front of the yellow wall, the champions banged their head against one for majority of Ross County clash

Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn celebrates after scoring to make it 2-1 against Ross County

Celtic crumbled in front of the Yellow Wall but this time they smashed through a brick one in the Highlands.

Nicolas Kuhn’s late hammer blow bagged all three points when it looked like resilient Ross County were going to pull off the kind of rugged defensive display the Hoops could have done with a few days earlier in Dortmund. Brendan Rodgers’ men struggled to shake their Champions League hangover and the Staggies came closer than anyone to ending Celtic’s 100 per cent record. But a touch of quality and a whole lot of desire ensured the Parkhead men made a breakthrough after an afternoon banging their head against a wall. And it’s another reason why this side are going to take some shifting this season.

Celtic were miles off their best. The shellshock from the seven-goal battering by Borussia was still apparent in a low-key opening period when County sat tight and then sprung a surprise when Liam Scales was caught on camera using an arm to divert Michee Efete’s cross.

In-form Ronan Hale showed nerves of steel to beat Kasper Schmeichel from the spot after being ordered to retake his first miss for the keeper straying off his line. And by the time Rodgers was forced into making several subs, it looked nailed on for a day when points were dropped. Yet his side refused to accept the memo. Even a point wasn’t going to cut it when Alistair Johnston managed to smuggle an equaliser as the chase was on for a winner.

It wasn’t quite like the famous Tony Ralston 96th-minute one in these parts a couple of seasons ago, but Kuhn’s finish with two minutes left caused a similar explosion in the away end. Getting the job down when not quite firing on all cylinders is the mark of champions. But it was cruel on County after holding firm for so long. Hale – who has now scored seven for the season – was superb and wasn’t far off a sensational second.

Plenty of his pals weren’t far behind and on this form the Highlanders shouldn’t need to worry too much about what’s going on towards the foot of the table. Celtic will just be glad to get out of town with their unbeaten run intact. There were a few signs of post-BVB PTSD, mind you. Returning to Premiership duty is usually like slipping on a pair of cosy old pyjamas compared to a night spent in the Champions League iron maiden. But this turned out to be another uncomfortable experience for Celts.

Man Utd star’s actions in his first training session spoke volumes about his character

There wasn’t quite the usual break-neck start but more a slow and steady stream of constant pressure built on possession. Celts were chasing shadows at times in midweek but it was a role reversal against County. Rodgers’ men knocked it around for fun but it wasn’t so straightforward against Cowie’s organised outfit.

It shouldn’t have come as a surprise. County were unbeaten in three games going in and it would have been three wins from three if not for a late Hearts leveller last week. The Staggies were solid in their shape – and it was the Highlanders who carved out a cracking chance midway through the first half when danger man Hale wriggled free into some space.

His low drive was beaten out by Schmeichel before Noah Chilvers drilled the rebound just wide. It was a warning to a Celtic side who’d only threatened with a couple of near sniffs until that point, with Daizen Maeda and Alex Valle blasting over. By the time Maeda nodded over Johnston’s ball there was some mild frustration setting in.

And it rose a notch a few minutes before the interval when VAR stepped in after Efete’s cross was diverted off the arm of Scales and ref Kevin Clancy was convinced by the replays. That wasn’t the end of the shenanigans as Hale’s original spot-kick was saved by Schmeichel – only for the official to order it to be retaken for the keeper coming off his line.

This time Hale superbly held his nerve to drill low into the corner and give the Staggies something to hold on to. Which was something Schmeichel couldn’t do soon after when Josh Nisbet’s low 25-yard dig squirmed just wide of the post.

And the scares kept coming after it as the Staggies sensed the chance to pounce when Celts got sloppy. Like when Hale latched on to a poor square ball from Johnston and spotted Schmeichel off his line. The cheeky lob from miles out would have been sensational, but the audacious attempt dipped just over the bar.

Celtic raised the tempo before Rodgers made his major alterations. Callum McGregor wasn’t far off when he waltzed into the box before snagging his effort just wide.

Moments later Ross Laidlaw superbly spread himself to deny Maeda after a slick one-two with Hatate, with the latter volleying over before being replaced along with Engels and Idah. The subs tried to find a spark and Kyogo’s delicious back flick almost got Nicholas Kuhn through until Kacper Lopata intervened in the nick of time.

But the Hoops skipper found a way through with 16 minutes to go with a ton of pressure and a hit of good fortune when the ball broke to McGregor from a corner and his drive smashed off Johnston and spun into the net.

Celtic went on the charge for a winner and there was an inevitability in its arrival with just two minutes left. Johnston was supplier with a ball to split the Staggies backline and Kuhn was lethal as he cut on to his trusty left peg to drill into the bottom corner and break County’s strong resistance.

Celtic and Aberdeen secure late wins

Round-up of Sunday’s SPFL matches

Celtic remain top of the William Hill Premiership on goal difference after coming from behind to beat Ross County 2-1 in the lunchtime game in Dingwall.

Ronan Hale’s retaken penalty gave County the lead before half-time but Alistair Johnston equalised and Nicolas Kuhn struck the winner with just two minutes left.

Aberdeen also made it seven league wins from seven with a dramatic 3-2 victory against bottom club Heart of Midlothian at a sold-out Pittodrie.

Topi Keskinen opened the scoring inside two minutes but Frankie Kent and Blair Spittal had Hearts in front just past the hour mark.

Nicky Devlin quickly equalised and Ante Palaversa was the hero when he found the net in 88 minutes as the Dons took advantage of a red card for Jorge Grant with 15 minutes remaining.

In the evening kick-off at Ibrox Rangers – who had Ianis Hagi sent off late in the game – saw off St Johnstone 2-0 thanks to a Vaclav Cerny double.

The dressing room message that sparked second half Celtic fightback

Brendan Rodgers punches the air after Celtic’s win over Ross County in Dingwall today (Image: PA)

BRENDAN Rodgers has revealed how telling his Celtic players they could not afford to “feel sorry” for themselves during his half-time team talk in the William Hill Premiership game against Ross County in Dingwall today had sparked their fightback.

The Scottish champions, thrashed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund in their second Champions League league phase match in Germany on Tuesday night, were far from their best in the opening 45 minutes of the top flight encounter.

The visitors fell 1-0 behind when Ronan Hale converted a penalty – which referee Kevin Clancy ordered be retaken for Kasper Schmeichel coming off his line before he struck his first attempt – two minutes before the break.

However, Callum McGregor and his team mates were much improved in the second half and secured a narrow 2-1 victory thanks to an Alistair Johnston goal and a late Nicolas Kuhn strike.

Rodgers – whose men are still level on points with Aberdeen, who beat Hearts 3-2 at Pittodrie yesterday, at the top of the table entering the international break – confessed some harsh words had been spoken at half-time.

“We deserved to win the game,” he said. “But in the first half we were too slow and too passive. It wasn’t very good. We’re a team that can never look for an easy game. It just looked a little bit ponderous and a bit slow and then we didn’t create enough. In the second half, especially when the subs come on, we bring a new energy to the game.

“In the aftermath of the midweek game, I said I’ve got absolutely 100 per cent confidence in the resilience of this team. That’s all about grit and determination and fight and we had that in the bucket loads. We had to show that and the players did.

“We’ll learn from the game today because the new guys coming in will see that there’s no easy game and you can’t look for it either. You’ve got to do the work and over the course of the 90 minutes we did the work and got the result.

“We’re a running team, it’s a running game that we play. Once we start to do that, then the game looks different. Ross County have started the season really well, made it difficult for teams. We knew we had to work really hard to get through.”

Rodgers added: “It’s a Celtic tradition, isn’t it? It’s how the game is played at this club. We had thousands of fans turn up in Dortmund. They’ve seen what they’ve seen, which wasn’t great, but they give us great support at the end of the game.

“Now they’re having to come up here for a 12 o’clock kick-off. So the very least you can do is run your heart out right to the very end. That’s what this club’s about. It’s the fabric of this club. You keep going to the end.

“I said that at half-time. If you’re looking for an easy game or you’re feeling sorry for yourself, whatever it is, it’s not enough. We have to go and impose our way of playing and get the energy back into the game again. And then obviously the second half we were much better. It’s a great start for us, seven wins out of seven.”

Rodgers singled out match winner Kuhn, the German winger who took his tally for the 2024/25 campaign to six with his crucial effort, for special praise following the final whistle.

“The second goal was a fantastic goal,” he said. “Nicolas does really, really well. We encourage a lot of square balls for low finishes. But if he plays it to Kyogo (Furuhashi), he’s offside. So he stays on it, makes the right decision, has another touch and then finishes it so well.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant. I think his fitness has improved, he’s looking more robust now, which is important. He is churning out the games and looks a real threat for us. He’s contributing in a big way. And that’s what you need your wingers to do, create goals, score goals, but also do the dirty side of the game. He’s doing it really, really well.”

‘Report: Let’s Be Honest’ – Ex-PL Boss Gives Ange Postecoglou Home Celtic

Alan Pardew believes Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou must realise that his side cannot have the same carefree attitude that his Celtic outfit had.

Postecoglou was dominant in Scottish football with Celtic as his Bhoys side won plaudits for their swashbuckling style of play

The Australian has taken the same philosophy and approach to north London, but it is yet to pay dividends and the weaknesses were on display on Sunday when Spurs threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Brighton.

Tottenham have headed into the international break sitting ninth in the Premier League table with ten points and having won as many games as they have lost (three).

Postecoglou has regularly come in for criticism for his sides not being street-smart and Pardew thinks an approach similar to that at Celtic just will not do in the Premier League.

Pardew said on talkSPORT’s The Final Word“When you’re in a dominant side like he was at Celtic, let’s be honest, in a way you can have a bit more of a carefree attitude and get results.

“You can’t do that in the Premier League.

“The top teams can’t do that.

“Man City showed that yesterday because Fulham should have turned them over.

“They were a little bit lax and Fulham definitely should have done the job on them.”

Tottenham have two London derbies in the Premier League lined up after the international break when they take on West Ham United and Crystal Palace.

They then host Aston Villa, but not before a daunting EFL Cup tie against Manchester City.

Pat Bonner puts right what he’s heard people say about Celtic duo Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo

Celtic’s win over Ross County was probably the toughest victory Brendan Rodgers has watched in the Scottish Premiership this season.

The late winner had the Celtic fans talking about Nicolas Kuhn as the German winger kept Brendan Rodgers’ 100% winning streak going in the league.

But whilst the fans all laud Kuhn, Pat Bonner moved to address what he’s heard people saying about Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo at Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers dropped Bernardo to the bench in favour of Hatate for the Celtic win over Ross County this afternoon and the former Hoops hero felt he had to defend both players after what he heard being said about their roles at the club.

The ‘big talking point’ about Reo Hatate being a better defensive option than Paulo Bernardo

Speaking after the Celtic team was announced for the Dingwall clash, Bonner cleared up why labelling both Bernardo and Hatate as defensive players was just wrong.

Bonner told BBC Radio Scotland, “The other big talking point is Reo Hatate coming in for Bernardo. There was a discussion, I think yesterday somebody mentioned that Reo Hatate that it was not better to put him in instead of Paulo Bernardo, because he would be a little bit more of a defensive player.

“Reo Hatate is not a defensive player either. When I look at a defensive player, I look at somebody sitting alongside Callum McGregor, to give a real solidity to a midfield, especially when you don’t have the ball, and especially up against a really good team.”

Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo’s attacking qualities for Celtic

Whoever said that about the Celtic duo seems to have annoyed Bonner as the former Celtic goalkeeper moved to explain the attacking qualities Hatate and Bernardo bring to the Celtic team.

Bonner continued, “Reo Hatate is a brilliant player and he’ll move around the pitch and get on the ball, he’s a creative player and makes big passes. He’ll do all that.

“So from that perspective, that’s why that debate is going on. Paulo Bernardo is not a defensive midfield player, either.

“What he’s done well this year is counter-pressing, but that’s a different type of defensive mentality, counter-pressing.  That’s around the ball quickly when you lose it, but when you have to get into an organized defensive shape, which was missing midweek, let’s face it, from Celtic.”

Brendan Rodgers labelled Hatate as ‘outstanding’ after the Japanese midfielder’s performance against Kilmarnock at the start of this season.

And today, the Celtic boss lauded Bernardo as a game-changer in the win over Ross County.

Hatate has two goals and an assist and Bernardo has matched that with one less game played so far this season.

Where that particular debate has come from is unclear. Maybe it’s because as a unit, Celtic defend ferociously as a team.

And in doing that it may seem like both players are defensively minded but every fan knows and has also seen that when it comes to those big attacking moments in games, like in the case of Bernardo in last season’s Scottish Cup final and with Hatate’s goals against Rangers, both are attackers and are far from the defensively minded players that Bonner has heard them being labelled as.

Humble Jimmy Thelin shoots down Aberdeen v Celtic poser and has say on Duk impact

Jimmy Thelin applauds the Aberdeen fans. | SNS Group

Latest win over Jambos sets up showdown next against champions

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin refused to look ahead to his team’s top-of-the-table showdown with Celtic later this month, urging the club to enjoy the moment after clocking up a seventh successive Premiership win by beating Hearts 3-2 at Pittodrie.

Ante Palaversa netted an 88th-minute winner to seal victory in a pulsating match against ten-man Hearts, who competed so well yet suffered from the red card to Jorge Grant in the latter stages of the match. It means the Dons are locked at the top of the Premiership with champions Celtic, who they face on October 19 in the first game after the international break.

A near sold-out Pittodrie was rocking at full-time as Aberdeen celebrated their 13th straight win in all competitions under Thelin and the Swede basked in the glory of watching the Red Army celebrate another success.

“I think Hearts, like I told you on the press conference before the game, they are looking better and sharper,” said Thelin. “Things don’t go exactly what we planned. That’s football sometimes and you also have an opponent on the other side.

Jimmy Thelin applauds the Aberdeen fans. | SNS Group

“The team still stays together after these opportunities, they don’t get too stressed. We did some mistakes today. That’s football. Football is a game of mistakes. You have to reduce them but still be brave.

“But today I don’t think it’s the right day to analyse that. We have to think about the atmosphere, the substitutes and how they are going to make an impact inside the game. The whole of Pittodrie was bouncing and these good feelings and the character of the team sometimes when it’s not exactly as we planned but still find ways to win.

“And this hunger to try to find the winning goal, even if of course there were 10 men. But we try and we push and I’m so happy with that today.

“We don’t analyse anything today. Today we just need to grab this evening and now we have a little bit of a break and we’re going to train some parts next week, but also enjoy this night sometimes.

“Even if we have to go game by game, we have to enjoy these victories when we push so hard and the heart was so good and still find a way to win a goal and celebrate with the fans.”

Aberdeen celebrate their winner. | SNS Group

Asked about setting up the clash with Celtic perfectly, Thelin said: “Yeah, I’m going to focus on that a little bit further down the line, but now today. Like I told you, we’re going to relax today and then we’re going to prepare ourselves for this game. We have to keep our feet on the ground and stay humble and work week by week and then every training session.

“Celtic are good, but we have to prepare ourselves and we usually respect every opponent and of course you see how they play at home and these kind of things. But we have to prepare ourselves and try to have a really good performance and get a good result. So we don’t change our preparations or the way we work and then we’re going to reload and prepare for that game.”

Thelin hailed the impact of Duk, who came on as sub for the first time this season since returning from going AWOL. The Cape Verdian set up Palaversa’s winner and also brought about the red card from Grant.

“He has the team spirit,” added Thelin. “He’s arriving and he trains so well and today he also showed everybody else what we have seen on the training pitch. So we’re so happy for him. Ante [Palaversa] showed great composure with his finish as well.”

Celtic Ratings as Kuhn & Johnston apply the right stuff

Johnston and Kuhn (Image: PA)

Detailed player ratings from Celtic’s trip to Dingwall, as they faced Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium…

Kasper Schmeichel – Making a good early save to parry Ross County’s first shot on target, he would become a hero for 30 seconds or so after stopping Ronan Hale’s initial penalty with his hands. Unfortunately for the Denmark legend, he had stepped off his line, meaning the spot-kick had to be retaken, which Hale dispatched into his right-hand corner. Apart from this exchange, the keeper had nothing of note to deal with, as his attackers ensured his winning start to the domestic season continued. 6

Alistair Johnston – Shaking off his recurring back knock to be fit for this one, Johnston was solid enough in the first half, as he tried to find Kuhn further forward with both passes and crosses. He would be Celtic’s most important player following the restart, as McGregor’s shot hit off the Canadian and into the back of the net. He would then play a surging pass forward that found Kuhn, who scored the all-important winner with a great bit of individual play. Despite having a bit of an off day, he would be vital in Celtic achieving victory in Dingwall. A brilliant contribution. 8

Auston Trusty – Given a lot of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, the USA international didn’t really put a foot wrong, though his distribution could have been a bit quicker when passing to his teammates further forward. He was in the wars with a couple of crunching duels with the Ross County attack, though was undeterred and kept battling, keeping things tight at the back as Celtic pushed forward. 7

Liam Scales – An ever-present starter for Celtic, Scales started this game positively, with his distribution and defending sharp for the majority of the first half. Despite this, he would be the guilty party for the penalty, as his outstretched arm caught the ball from a crossing position, forcing VAR to intervene and award the hosts a penalty. Was spotless apart from this blot on his copybook – another win for Celtic with Scales in the team. 6

Alex Valle – Making his first league start since joining on loan from Barcelona, the left-back displayed his inverted positioning almost instantly – a key feature of Greg Taylor’s game, the man he replaced in the team due to injury. One of Celtic’s better attackers on the day – which says a lot – Valle got forward so much more in the second half, giving Ross County lots to think about on the left flank. Positionally a bit awry, but a solid first start in the Premiership for the young Spaniard. 7

Callum McGregor – The best of a bad bunch at the break, the captain tried his hardest to get Celtic forward at every possible opportunity, though that was easier said than done. Both Engels and Hatate were posted missing, leaving McGregor to drive forward on more than one occasion. He would prove to be the catalyst following the restart, as his shot deflected off of Johnston and into the back of the net. He drove his team forward – displaying a real captain’s performance – as Celtic got the win that their possession deserved. 8

Reo Hatate – Winning the battle to start over Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan respectively, Hatate was trusted to bring some creative spark in the middle of the park for Celtic. This was not the case in the opening half, as the Japan midfielder was largely anonymous in the contest, allowing the game to pass him by. Despite endeavouring after the restart to make something happen for his side, he was replaced by Luke McCowan for the final 30 minutes. 5

Arne Engels – After a dismal showing in Dortmund for the former Augsburg man, Engels was expected to bounce back in this one. Unfortunately for the Belgium international, he did the opposite, as the midfielder was extremely wasteful in both dead-ball situations and in open play. After being virtually non-existent for the opening 15 minutes of the restart, he was replaced by Paulo Bernardo. A bad week all in for the record-signing on the park. 4

Nicolas Kuhn – The early signs for Kuhn looked promising, as the German winger looked to have the beating of his marker right from the off. Inexplicably, Celtic then decided to focus on the left side through Maeda for the majority of the first half, leaving the right winger isolated. Kuhn would have his big moment – his 14th contribution of the season – as he was delivered the ball by his fellow right-sided player Johnston. Cutting inside, he had the chance to pass to Kyogo but elected to side-foot the ball past Laidlaw in the Ross County goal. Another massive moment from Celtic’s player of the season so far – he got the club out of a hole today. 8

Adam Idah – Picked over Kyogo Furuhashi for this one, the Irishman sent two headers over the bar in the opening 10 minutes – getting involved early doors on the attack. Despite these half-chances, the big man would be starved of service for large spells of this game, in turn getting very little of the ball in possession. He was replaced by Kyogo after an hour played. It was a disappointing afternoon for Celtic’s number nine. 4

Daizen Maeda – Celtic’s most dangerous player on the park in the opening half, Maeda had a number of opportunities to open the scoring. After being fed the ball through from wide, the Japan winger’s opportunity was saved by Ross Laidlaw. He then came close with a header that glanced just past the far post – Rodgers thought it was in on the touchline! Ran his race and was replaced by Forrest midway through the second half. 6

Subs:

Paulo Bernardo – Brought a drive and determination that was lacking in the middle of the park, alongside fellow sub Luke McCowan. Though he did not directly contribute, his efforts did not go unnoticed. 5

Luke McCowan – A calming presence in the middle, McCowan won his duels and got the team forward at every opportunity. He is already proving to be an astute signing for Celtic, as he keeps the tempo going whenever called upon. Was key in winning the foul that led to his side’s winner – here’s hoping he gets more game-time after the international break. 6

Kyogo Furuhashi – Endeavoured to get forward as much as he possibly could, the Japan striker had little service to work with for half an hour. Was offside for Kuhn’s winner – thank goodness the German winger did not pass to his teammate. 4

James Forrest – Came on for 20 minutes to support Valle down the left wing. A couple of nice runs, but nothing to really write home about. 2

Celtic hit by ‘dramatic’ financial blow – Stefan Borson

Celtic will always struggle to compete away from home in the Champions League against teams like Borussia Dortmund because of the difference in wage bills.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the “big disappointment” for the Scottish champions will be the scoreline against Dortmund as opposed to actually losing the game.

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

Brendan Rodgers’s side still have to make the trips to Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb and Aston Villa in the competition, while they will face RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Young Boys at home.

Celtic to continue facing issues in Champions League away games

Although Borson insisted Celtic should be able to compete in their Champions League home games, he believes they will continue to face problems on the road.

He told Football Insider“There will obviously be a big disappointment on the back of winning the first game convincingly to then have the issue that they had against Dortmund.

“But the numbers are dramatic. If you look at the wage bill, Dortmund’s wage bill is £270million, Celtic’s is £70million.

“They are always going to have an issue in these sorts of games.

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“Maybe at home they can deliver in these sorts of fixtures, but away from home, they are always going to have a problem.

“Their wage bill is the equivalent of some teams at the top of the English Championship. That’s the reality.

“Whereas if you are playing at Dortmund, they have got a wage bill that’s commensurate with Tottenham or Arsenal. There is just no comparison.

“Ultimately, we know the wage bill is a key driver.

“The only thing that’s disappointing from Celtic’s perspective is the scale of the defeat rather than the fact they have lost that game away from home against the finalists of last season’s Champions League.

“That’s just the way it works. It’s very hard to compete and there is no easy solution for it.”

The Celtic player who is back to 2021 form – but he is braced for lean period

Maeda feels back to his Marinos best

Daizen Maeda’s thoughts on his own form this season are ominous for the rest of Scottish football. The Celtic pocket-rocket terrorises defences with his energy, speed and high press and he has netted six goals so far this season. He feels he is back to the 2021 version of the Japanese that took the J-League by storm.

Maeda netted 23 goals for Yokohama F Marinos that year, a feat that persuaded then Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou to bring him to Glasgow. Utilised more as a wide player for the Premiership champions these days, Maeda has posted goal tallies of eight, 11 and ten in his past three seasons. Only in October, he is well on course to surpass those figures.

“When I was playing for Marinos, I was top goalscorer in that season – and I have a similar feeling compared to that,” Maeda revealed ahead of Sunday’s lunchtime clash with Ross County in the league. “Hopefully I can get as many goals as I can. There will, of course, be some period in the season when I can’t score. It will definitely come. I have to be patient in those moments and try to get opportunities to help the team.”

Maeda is a softly-spoken, humble individual. He has shown no signs of slowing down this term. It’s all about the team for the man who turns 27 later this month. “I’m not overly thinking about numbers in terms of goals or assists,” he continued. “The most important thing is to contribute to the team winning.

“But if my numbers go up, it would be great. The most important thing, though, is the team. I think if I keep playing like this, scoring and assisting in every game, the numbers will definitely go beyond what I have done in previous seasons here.

“The numbers have been few for me and I want to get as many goals as I can. If the team is playing well, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

There is a high chance Maeda will contribute in Dingwall. Celtic have won every league match so far by a combined score of 20-0. They will need to dust themselves down from Tuesday night’s 7-1 thrashing by Dortmund, but Maeda has already moved on from the clubs German disaster – although it must be noted that Maeda was Celtic’s most proficient player and scored at the Signal Iduna Park

“Everyone is focused on Sunday’s game already,” said Maeda. “We have started training and preparing for that game and we can’t carry the result from Tuesday with us. We always focus on the next game straight away.

“Regardles of what people say, we must focus on that next performance. We must try to be dominant again, the way we have been this season. We keep our feet on the ground and we’ll try to do our best again. But we know, as a team, that this will be a difficult game on Sunday.

“Obviously we have a tiredness as we travel a lot – but you can’t use it as an excuse. We need to perform well on Sunday, especially after Tuesday night. We know our supporters also travel in numbers to all of these games. We have a lot of supporters coming to game again on Sunday. We have to make them happy and make them smile.”

Maeda has been doing plenty of that lately, and Celtic are back in their happy place of the Scottish Premiership. County could well feel the backlash.

Things Go from Bad to Worse for Celtic Loan Bhoy

South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu, on loan from Celtic to Hibernian, is facing a tough start to life in Edinburgh as Hibs continue to struggle in the Scottish Premiership. The midfielder joined the Easter Road side with the hope of getting much-needed game time and adjusting to the demands of Scottish football.

His goal is clear: to impress Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and prove he’s capable of contributing to the Parkhead squad next season. However, Kwon’s progress has been hindered by Hibs’ poor form.

The Edinburgh club has managed to secure just five points from a possible 21, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the table. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Motherwell only compounded their problems. Kwon played the full 90 minutes but was unable to help turn things around for the Hibees, who are now winless in their last three league outings.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 3, 2023 Celtic’s Kwon Hyeok-Kyu during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Kwon’s performance on Saturday wasn’t disastrous by any means, but the challenge of thriving in a side that’s struggling for an identity is significant. Under manager David Gray, Hibs look a side lacking direction and consistency, which is making it difficult for players like Kwon to fully showcase their abilities. Gray, who stepped into the role this summer, is still learning the ropes as a head coach, and the team’s performances have reflected that uncertainty.

It’s a less-than-ideal scenario for Kwon, who had hoped his loan spell would be the perfect opportunity to adjust to the physicality and pace of the Scottish game after his short stint in Paisley last season.

Instead, he finds himself in the midst of a team in transition, with results hard to come by. For Celtic fans, the hope will be that Kwon’s talent isn’t overshadowed by Hibs’ current struggles, and that he returns to Parkhead next season ready to compete for a place in Rodgers’ plans.

With plenty of football still to be played, Kwon has time to adapt and show his worth. But for now, his development is being tested in a side battling for stability and form.

Scotland star suffers cruel injury setback just 26 minutes into first start in almost two years

Ross Stewart of Southampton leaves the pitch with a injury during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) | Getty Images

£10m striker breaks down again in first start in 615 days

Scotland striker Ross Stewart was cruelly forced off with an injury just 26 minutes into his first start for Southampton after almost two years on the sidelines.

The 28-year-old joined Saints for a fee of around £10million in the summer of 2023 after a prolific spell at Sunderland but injury restricted him to just four substitute appearances last season.

The former Ross County striker has been slowly building up his fitness at the start of this term with four outings off the bench culminating in an impressive 45 minute cameo against Bournemouth last weekend.

Saints manager Russell Martin handed Stewart his first start against Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday – and his first for any club in 615 days – but it would end in dejection as the front man pulled up in the 26th minute with a muscle injury.

Ross Stewart of Southampton leaves the pitch with a injury during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Southampton’s physios rushed onto the pitch to assess the twice-capped Scotland international but he was unable to continue and was replaced by Cameron Archer. The game was 0-0 at the time with Arsenal going on to claim a 3-1 victory.

Martin admitted afterwards he was gutted for the luckless forward, whose previous start came on January 28, 2023 when suffered an achiles rupture during Sunderland’s FA Cup match against Fulham. That setback came at a time when Stewart was banging in the goals in for Sunderland, earning him the nickname, ‘The Loch Ness Drogba’, as well as call-ups to Steve Clarke’s national squad.

Saints boss Martin said: “Ross has got a muscle injury, so we’ll scan that. I’m absolutely gutted for him, he’s worked so hard to come back.

Ross Stewart of Southampton receives medical treatment during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) | Getty Images

“We are honestly so disappointed for him. Everyone is. We just have to see how bad it is and then I know he’ll attack it in the same way he does everything. It’s hard for him to deal with but he has a huge resilience and character, so we’ll have to go again and see how long he’s going to be.

“I don’t think any of us will understand the level of frustration, hurt and pain he’ll feel right now. I just don’t think it’s ever easy. A footballer’s journey is never easy, whatever age you are. They have to have a certain level of resilience just to make it this far.

“His journey’s not been easy either, in the lower leagues and up in Scotland. So, yeah, we will help him, we will support him. Our job is to help these players, especially the young guys and the guys who have not been here long, on their journey. We’ll continue to try and do that.”

Ruthless Brendan Rodgers cuts 5 players as £16m worth of talent OUT after Dortmund – How Celtic line up for Ross County

The Parkhead boss has some big calls to make following the 7-1 mauling in Dortmund

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

It has been a testing week for Celtic – and Brendan Rodgers could shuffle his pack in a bid to spark a reaction after the Borussia Dortmund showdown.

Ross County are next up for the Scottish Premiership leaders as they look to take a step ahead of Aberdeen and Rangers before their kick-off later in the day. But after the miserable result in the Champions League the boss could find his ruthless streak and bench a host of stars that were given the nod in the starting line-up against the Bundesliga heavyweights.

Cameron Carter-Vickers remains sidelined and will be joined out of the picture by Greg Taylor after the Scottish international picked up a knock. Barcelona loanee Alex Valle is the natural replacement and will likely get the nod – while Auston Trusty will likely rack up more minutes at the heart of the defence alongside Liam Scales.

Alistair Johnston limped off in midweek and has pulled out of the Canada squad with international boss Jesse Marsch stating he is “rehabbing” a back injury. Rodgers could wrap the right-back in cotton wool by giving Anthony Ralston the nod.

Paulo Bernardo started ahead of Reo Hatate in midweek. However, the £3.5m summer recruit could drop out of the engine room to make space for the Japan international.

The Celtic player who is back to 2021 form – but he is braced for lean period

Maeda feels back to his Marinos best

Daizen Maeda’s thoughts on his own form this season are ominous for the rest of Scottish football. The Celtic pocket-rocket terrorises defences with his energy, speed and high press and he has netted six goals so far this season. He feels he is back to the 2021 version of the Japanese that took the J-League by storm.

Maeda netted 23 goals for Yokohama F Marinos that year, a feat that persuaded then Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou to bring him to Glasgow. Utilised more as a wide player for the Premiership champions these days, Maeda has posted goal tallies of eight, 11 and ten in his past three seasons. Only in October, he is well on course to surpass those figures.

“When I was playing for Marinos, I was top goalscorer in that season – and I have a similar feeling compared to that,” Maeda revealed ahead of Sunday’s lunchtime clash with Ross County in the league. “Hopefully I can get as many goals as I can. There will, of course, be some period in the season when I can’t score. It will definitely come. I have to be patient in those moments and try to get opportunities to help the team.”

Daizen Maeda has scored six goals already this season.

Maeda is a softly-spoken, humble individual. He has shown no signs of slowing down this term. It’s all about the team for the man who turns 27 later this month. “I’m not overly thinking about numbers in terms of goals or assists,” he continued. “The most important thing is to contribute to the team winning.

“But if my numbers go up, it would be great. The most important thing, though, is the team. I think if I keep playing like this, scoring and assisting in every game, the numbers will definitely go beyond what I have done in previous seasons here.

“The numbers have been few for me and I want to get as many goals as I can. If the team is playing well, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

There is a high chance Maeda will contribute in Dingwall. Celtic have won every league match so far by a combined score of 20-0. They will need to dust themselves down from Tuesday night’s 7-1 thrashing by Dortmund, but Maeda has already moved on from the clubs German disaster – although it must be noted that Maeda was Celtic’s most proficient player and scored at the Signal Iduna Park.

Maeda netted for Celtic against

“Everyone is focused on Sunday’s game already,” said Maeda. “We have started training and preparing for that game and we can’t carry the result from Tuesday with us. We always focus on the next game straight away.

“Regardles of what people say, we must focus on that next performance. We must try to be dominant again, the way we have been this season. We keep our feet on the ground and we’ll try to do our best again. But we know, as a team, that this will be a difficult game on Sunday.

“Obviously we have a tiredness as we travel a lot – but you can’t use it as an excuse. We need to perform well on Sunday, especially after Tuesday night. We know our supporters also travel in numbers to all of these games. We have a lot of supporters coming to game again on Sunday. We have to make them happy and make them smile.”

Maeda has been doing plenty of that lately, and Celtic are back in their happy place of the Scottish Premiership. County could well feel the backlash.

Chris Sutton uses Arsenal example to advise Celtic boss after Champions League hammering

UEFA Champions League, Matchday 2, Borussia Dortmund Celtic Glasgow, Coach Brendan Rodgers Celtic Glasgow , Dortmund Signal Iduna Park NRW Germany. Photo Dennis Ewert/RHR-FOTO RHR-FOTO/DE

Brendan Rodgers yesterday outlined his commitment to Celtic’s playing style and confirmed that it would not change, even after the 7-1 defeat in Dortmund on Tuesday evening in the Champions League. Chris Sutton offers the Celtic manager some advice…

Celtic’s ambition should be applauded as the Scottish Champions went toe-to-toe with the Bundesliga side who reached the Champions League final last year. However at 5-1 down at the interval few Celtic supporters were appreciating the wisdom of Celtic’s attacking philosophy against all-comers.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea were beaten by Celtic in the summer tour of the United States and the likes of theRangers and Hearts have been easily swept aside in the Scottish Premiership. The Champions League opened with a brilliant 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava and next up was Dortmund. Could Celtic’s thrilling football rattle the German side packed full of star players?

Players of Celtic acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Well, the answer was as emphatic as the scoreline. Next up in the Champions League for Celtic is Atalanta away and Brendan Rodgers is determined to do it all over again, perhaps it will work against the Europa League holders, who knows?

Yet while there was optimism ahead of Dortmund, the Celtic support is perhaps looking for a more cautious approach against Europe’s elite sides and that includes Atalanta.

Today in his weekly newspaper column in Daily Record, Chris Sutton put forward an interesting proposal that should at least be worth of consideration.

Perhaps it will take one or more bad results before it filters through to Lennoxtown or perhaps Brendan Rodgers will be shown to be right in Italy and we can all put Dortmund down as a bad day at the office.

Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi has attracted attention from Liverpool (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“It’s not tough to understand why Rodgers would consider taking the risk at kick-off of trying to impose that on to Borussia,” Sutton wrote in Saturday’s Daily Record. “He clearly felt Celtic’s football could be better than Dortmund’s press. And vice versa. You can argue the rights and wrongs of that with hindsight.

Coach Brendan Rodgers Celtic Glasgow looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic Glasgow, SIGNAL IDUNA PARK on October 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany, Germany Photo by Ralf Treese De Fodi Images

“What can’t be argued is that, very quickly, it was apparent Celtic were not able to impose themselves and, indeed, the polar opposite was taking shape. That’s the moment when you have to address it because being adaptable in-game is crucial,” Sutton pointed out.

“Listening to him afterwards, I got the impression Rodgers did see it, but the players had lost their way in that painful first-period demise and the slide was irreversible, but someone had to sort it.

Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“I’ll use an example of Arsenal. Most of us would agree they are an aggressive, offensive team who are easy on the eye when things are working for them. But Mikel Arteta and his players seem quick to understand when a tide is turning against them. The most obvious example came this season when going down to 10 men against Manchester City.

“At that point, Arsenal changed their plan. They got ugly at the Etihad. Simply put everyone behind the ball as they devised in-game that it was their best chance to get a result. They were 30 seconds from winning by keeping out City a full half of football.

Callum McGregor of Celtic acknowledges the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“My point is that Celtic, when the waves started crashing against them and it became clear Borussia were in the mood, just kept doing the same things and kept doing them progressively worse. Players have to act sharper and smarter. Get streetwise, be mucky, break the game up, stop the opponents. Don’t just keep making the same mistakes.”

Maeda hopeful Celtic numbers will go ‘beyond’ previous seasons

Daizen Maeda is in red hot form (Image: SNS)

Daizen Maeda believes he’s currently amidst the best form of his career.

The Celtic forward has scored six goals this season, including finding the net in the past three games.

Maeda is arguably approaching what could be deemed his prime, so perhaps it’s no surprise that he’s already close to his previous tally’s from the past three year’s at Celtic, and we are only into early October.

He did finish the 2021 campaign with 23 goals from 40 appearances at Yokohoma F.Marinos. Form that evidently helped catch Ange Postecoglou’s eye to bring him to Parkhead shortly after.

“When I was playing for Marinos, I was top goal scorer in that season – and I have a similar feeling compared to that,” the 26-year-old said.

“Hopefully I can get as many goals as I can. There will, of course, be some period in the season when I can’t score. It will definitely come. I have to be patient in those moments and try to get opportunities to help the team.

“I’m not overly thinking about numbers in terms of goals or assists. The most important thing is to contribute to the team winning.

“But if my numbers go up, it would be great. The most important thing, though, is the team.

“I think if I keep playing like this, scoring and assisting in every game, the numbers will definitely go beyond when I have done in previous seasons here.

“The numbers have been few for me and I want to get as many goals as I can. If the team is playing well, that’s the biggest thing for me.”

(Image: PA)Asked if it was nice to help take the burden off striker’s Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah, the Japanese international replied: “I don’t know if my goals take something off the strikes. But other players think the same way as me – to help the team.

“I’m not really a player who provides leadership to the team, but I do try to lead in how I play. That’s the way I try to take responsibility on the pitch.”

Maeda was frustrated at the time to not have another goal beside his name during last weekend’s 6-0 win over St Johnstone after his spectacular volley was initially given before VAR intervened and chalked it off for a foul by Auston Trusty on Graham Carey.

That didn’t matter in the end as he showed his clinical touch once again to score his teams fifth.

“I was frustrated at the time, but I got a goal in the end,” the winger admitted. “Now I have the feeling I can score in every game. I can’t really carry the frustration of the goal being cancelled after I scored another one.”

Celtic are set for their third consecutive away match when they travel to Ross County for the Sunday lunchtime kick-off.

The Hoops have went from Perth to Dortmund and then on to Dingwall over the past week, but Maeda isn’t wanting to use that fact as an easy excuse for any below-par performances.

Brendan Rodgers’ men received heavy criticism for their humiliating 7-1 UEFA Champions League loss over in Germany on Tuesday, with the Celtic manager insisting throughout the aftermath that he wouldn’t pivot from the tactics that’s brought him success domestically.
Despite the negativity, the Glasgow giants sit top of the Scottish Premiership, having won all six matches without even conceding a goal.

And Maeda understands that the emphasis has got to be to keep that formidable league run going up in the Highlands.

“Obviously we have a tiredness as we travel a lot – but you can’t use it as an excuse,” he said. “We need to perform well on Sunday, especially after Tuesday night. We know our supporters also travel in numbers to all of these games.

“We have a lot of supporters coming to game again on Sunday. We have to make them happy and make them smile.

“We have started training and preparing for that game and we can’t carry the result from Tuesday with us. We always focus on the next game straight away.

“Regardless of what people say, we must focus on that next performance. We must try to be dominant again, the way we have been this season.

“We keep our feet on the ground and we’ll try to do our best again. But we know, as a team, that this will be a difficult game on Sunday.”

Maeda has been included among Hajime Moriyasu’s latest Japan squad alongside Reo Hatate, but Kyogo’s strange international omission continues.

He knows how much of an honour it is to represent his country and after netting during a recent 7-0 rout of China, and hopes that upward trajectory can continue against Saudi Arabia and Australia this month – especially since World Cup 2026 qualification is at stake.

Japan top their group with maximum points from their first two fixtures.

“If I look at my career, playing in a World Cup finals would be amazing,” he said.

“It’s all going to be down to how I play at club level. I need to do my best at Celtic in every single game.

“After that, it is my main focus. Can this Japan squad qualify for the World Cup? Yes!”

Chris Sutton cites Arsenal example as argument for what Brendan Rodgers must do at Celtic now

It’s been a long week for Celtic after their demoralising 7-1 defeat away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.

Thankfully, once the Bhoys get back on the pitch against Ross County in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, we make it an event entirely consigned to history.

A confident return to winning ways won’t have any fans forgetting about what occurred in Germany, but it will at least allow the team to put it behind them and move on with a positive outlook.

After the international break there are difficult challenges, none more so than the trip away to Atalanta in the Champions League on 23rd October.

There’s been much debate about how Celtic should approach that one. Manager Brendan Rodgers has taken a lot of criticism for his tactical approach in Dortmund, to which he has responded resolutely.

What’s the best path forward now? Atalanta are a team who present just as much danger to Celtic as Nuri Sahin’s outfit.

Chris Sutton weighs into Celtic Champions League debate

Former striker Chris Sutton reckons it’s less about how Celtic set up in the game from the start and, citing Arsenal, more about adaptability within the match when periods of play develop.

The outspoken pundit said [Daily Record]:”It’s not tough to understand why Rodgers would consider taking the risk at kick-off of trying to impose that on to Borussia. He clearly felt Celtic’s football could be better than Dortmund’s press. And vice versa. You can argue the rights and wrongs of that with hindsight.

“What can’t be argued is that, very quickly, it was apparent Celtic were not able to impose themselves and, indeed, the polar opposite was taking shape. That’s the moment when you have to address it because being adaptable in-game is crucial.

“Listening to him afterwards, I got the impression Rodgers did see it, but the players had lost their way in that painful first-period demise and the slide was irreversible, but someone had to sort it.

“I’ll use an example of Arsenal. Most of us would agree they are an aggressive, offensive team who are easy on the eye when things are working for them. But Mikel Arteta and his players seem quick to understand when a tide is turning against them. The most obvious example came this season when going down to 10 men against Manchester City.

“At that point, Arsenal changed their plan. They got ugly at the Etihad. Simply put everyone behind the ball as they devised in-game that it was their best chance to get a result. They were 30 seconds from winning by keeping out City a full half of football.

“My point is that Celtic, when the waves started crashing against them and it became clear Borussia were in the mood, just kept doing the same things and kept doing them progressively worse. Players have to act sharper and smarter. Get streetwise, be mucky, break the game up, stop the opponents. Don’t just keep making the same mistakes.”

Adaptability and balance are now key for Celtic

For me, Sutton hits the nail on the head here. It’s not about shedding Celtic’s identity, and it’s not about Rodgers setting out a 5-4-1 formation; it’s simply about having the tools to play the conditions of a match – whatever they may be.

Celtic must pace themselves in these big European matches. They must assess an opponent’s threat in the opening stages, work out how to exploit it, and, at the very least, show the humility to enact a game plan that best nullifies it.

The thing is, we’ve actually seen Celtic do this already this season. At Celtic Park, Rangers started the recent derby brightly, and the Bhoys actually sat off them for a period before brutally exposing them.

We need that kind of display, albeit against much tougher opposition. Nobody wants Celtic to be ultra-defensive by default; it’s about ensuring the players go out there with balance and adaptability built into their ethos.

Saturday events in the EPL show Celtic were shopping for the right kind of transfer this summer

Celtic were linked with players far and wide during the summer transfer window, but it was always clear that Brendan Rodgers was only prepared to pursue real quality.

For many fans, trading moved far too slowly during the off-season. This was even admitted by Rodgers towards the end of the window.

In the end, Celtic brought eight players to the club. Over £30m was paid out, and the incoming transfer record was broken twice, according to chairman Peter Lawwell.

Another who could have arrived at Celtic was Facundo Buonanotte. The Brighton talent, currently on loan at Leicester, was a player the Bhoys were said to have been contenders for having caught the eye of recruitment staff.

His start to the season and recent comments from manager Steve Cooper suggest he was exactly the kind of performer Rodgers should have been pursuing.

Summer Celtic target Facundo Buonanotte impressing at elite level

The Argentinian attacking midfielder is looking sharp at the start of the English Premier League season. He now has two goals and two assists in six matches, including the winner for Leicester in a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Cooper’s verdict is glowing, telling the BBC: “He’s a really talented young guy, I wish he was ours. I’ve worked with a lot of players his age and you really need to manage the programme, when they start games and when they don’t.

“He’s a brave player, in a good way he’s an aggressive player and he wants to take risks and make things happen and obviously he certainly did that today with the goal.

“We are really enjoying working with him and taking responsibility for his development for a year but he is grasping the opportunity as well which is the most important thing.”

He’d have fit the bill at the Bhoys, too, and it’ll be interesting to keep an eye on his progress as the season develops.

Celtic must keep the bar high on transfers

Celtic aren’t going to come out on top in player chases every time, but the pursuit of standouts such as Buonanotte and the completed deal for Arne Engels demonstrate that they are embarking on a more exciting transfer cycle.

Rodgers has ushered in a fresh approach to signings, looking to spend serious money on young talents who can still fit the remit of improving and being sold for profit but, crucially, can immediately make an impact in the Celtic team.

That comes with increased risk and requires even smarter scouting, but Celtic should not shy away from the challenge.

The Bhoys must pitch themselves as an elite destination for young players to earn regular minutes at, and ultimately improve until they are ready for greater riches.

8 forgotten Celtic paydays that can add to £40m Champions League bonanza and leave Parkhead coffers bulging

The cash is flowing at Celtic Park from the European campaign but there is more on the way

It has already been a bumper season for the accountants at Celtic with the Champions League profit ramping up.

Despite the heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund in midweek, the coffers at Parkhead are set to be boosted no matter the results as the Scottish champions will take home a share of the mega-money cash bonanza in Europe’s elite competition. A £40m payday looks to be just the start from the league phase – but that could be just the start for Celtic with a host of forgotten profits set to be banked in the near future.

The Premiership leaders flexed their financial muscle in the previous transfer windows with the record-breaking signing of Arne Engels – and that £11m move could be replicated in the upcoming January market if the club can finally cash-in on some savvy sell-on clauses as well as move on some fringe players for extra windfalls.

But where will they come from beyond the Champions LeagueRecord Sport takes a look at where funds could be generated.

Jeremie Frimpong sell on

Jeremie Frimpong is a player in demand this summer with Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid among a host of clubs linked with the Bayer Leverkusen full back. Celtic are expected to take home 30 per cent of the profit when the Bundesliga side cash in.

Johnny Kenny

The 21-year-old hasn’t made his mark on the Celtic top team since arriving from Sligo Rovers in 2022. Currently on loan at Shamrock Rovers, his Conference League appearances could tempt a club to splash the cash on a permanent deal.

(Image: PA)2 of 8

James McCarthy

Remember him? As is stands James McCarthy is still on the Celtic books and has a contract that will run until the end of the season. The Hoops’ will be keep to claw back any cash they can for the forgotten man in January.

(Image: SNS Group)3 of 8

Alexandro Bernabei

Currently on loan in Brazil at Internacional, the left-back is racking up regular minutes for the club. He looks unlikely to have a future in Glasgow’s east end – so a permanent exit and a payday for Celtic could be the best scenario.

Ross County v Celtic: Everything You Need to Know

Celtic travel to Dingwall this weekend, aiming to bounce back from their harrowing UEFA Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates with Liam Scales after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

It was a humbling loss for the Bhoys, but they are soon back in action as they face Ross County.

The Staggies are unbeaten in their previous three matches, but the Hoops have started their league campaign perfectly, winning every game they’ve played and failing to concede any goals.

They will look to continue such a record tomorrow, and ahead of the match, here is everything you need to know.

When and Where 

Celtic face Ross County tomorrow at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall. The action kicks off at midday.

Who is in Charge?

Kevin Clancy is refereeing this one, assisted by David McGeachie and Gordon McCabe. Nick Walsh is on VAR, with Alan Mulvanny offering a helping hand.

TV and Stream

Tomorrow’s match is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Fans outside the UK and Ireland can stream it via Celtic TV.

Team News

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday that defensive duo Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers will miss this one.

Right-back Alistair Johnston, however, trained yesterday and is available to play after coming off injured midweek.

Real reason’ for Celtic man’s omission from NT revealed – Player aims to be ‘more useful’ for Brendan Rodgers


Celtic’s Luis Palma has been reduced to a substitute role under Brendan Rodgers this season.

The Honduras international has clocked in 107 minutes from four games, of which 37 are in the league.

On Friday, Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda left the Celtic player out of the squad for this month’s international break.

El Heraldo claims the 24-year-old’s omission for the two matches against French Guiana and Jamaica was ‘one of the surprises’. They have now revealed the ‘real reason’ why the national team manager didn’t callup the Celtic attacker.

It’s claimed Rueda and his coaching staff agreed to take this decision in order to help the player. The break allows the forward to work at Celtic, on recovering his best form.

An earlier report from the same website stated the attacker has decided to move away from social media for his own mental well-being.

El Heraldo relay that and add that Plama remains hopeful that the next weeks will go in his favour. He aims to utilise the international break to his advantage to recover both his form and fitness.

Palma wants to be ‘more useful’ to Brendan Rodgers, and time will tell whether he’ll be successful.

“You can’t just turn the tap back off to play super defensive,” Brendan Rodgers

UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024 Brendan Rodgers Celtic, Head Coach UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024. Photo : BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov

Brendan Rodgers reflects on that difficult night in the Westfalenstadion with the Celtic manager dismissing the notion that there should be an overhaul to his approach to these games when coming up against top quality opposition in the Champions League…

Liam Scales during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“I don’t feel anything. I’m not really bothered, that’s my honest answer,” Brendan said at his media conference yesterday afternoon. “You can’t turn a tap on and off. I think if you analyse the game, you’ll see that we were trying to press the game in the static position and fall back into shape. That wasn’t to the level that we wanted on the evening.

“We play how we play, it’s the same plaudits that are commending our performances over the last number of months that allow us to get into this game with this incredible optimism that we can get a result,” Brendan Rodgers said.

“You can’t just turn the tap back off and say to play super defensive. It’s just not how we play. So what do we do? Sit back and have 15% of the ball and lose 3-0? 4-0? We’ve seen teams over six months that come to us and sit back and play five at the back or 4-5-1 with no chance to attack.

“Or, do you play how you play, but know that the mistakes you’ve got to sharpen your teeth in and you’ve got to be brighter and make quicker movements to close space? All these things are part of the learning process.

“I’d much rather do that and go down with my own vision than listen to someone saying that who has never coached a game in their life or played, or whatever. I respect the opinion, but I don’t listen to it and never have,” the Celtic manager added.

Rodgers understands that if his side can manage to eradicate those mistakes and get those tweaks right, then Celtic can actually be competitive in the Champions League against the elite sides.

“That’s the challenge. Like I said, I’m not a dreamer. We want to be competitive and I think we showed in our first game that if we’re at that level and do everything right then we have an opportunity.

“There are going to be games that are a challenge for us, but we’ll do our best to get the results that we want. We’ll be judged at the end of January and we’ll see where the points total takes us, but I have a real belief in the group, and how they’ve been working,” Brendan said.

“It was a sore one the other night, but like I said there’s lots of critique around it and how you play. That’s never bothered me, we have a way of working, that same way that excites supporters and has got them really excited.

“We’ll continue on that path, but you know and I know that we’ll bounce back to an even stronger position than we were before the game. Why? Because we’ll learn from it,” Brendan explained.

The Celtic manager also explained how he goes about lifting the players’ spirits after a night like that.

“I think it’s a reassurance with all of the players. I’m quite open with it, it’s not something we hide behind and pretend that it never happened. We speak about it and talk through it. The job of course is to stay calm and keep your poise and talk the boys through it. It’s learning and growth, and it’s horrible at the time,” Rodgers admitted.

“When you’re in that environment and you’re a player, then that’s the challenge, but this group has real resilience. We can lose games, but we’ll have a great resilience. That’s a mark of this team, we showed it last season and we will show it again this season.

“We will just stay on the path that we are on. We believe in how we work and play, and we learn from games like the other night against top opposition,” the Celtic manager concluded.

Celtic were on the road in Europe and little did the support know it back on this day in 1966 but we were actually on the road to Lisbon as the Celtic players give Jock Stein the perfect birthday gift…

5 October 1966, Zurich 0-3 Celtic. The first mission to Lisbon had been complete. The rest of Europe sat up and took notice of a stunning Celtic performance across two legs against the Swiss champions. When Jock Stein was asked by players what he wanted as a 44th birthday present, he replied, “give me an early goal and I will be happy for the rest of the year.” Gemmell duly obliged, netting twice on the night with Chalmers grabbing the other. Gemmell and Chalmers scoring on the same night in the European Cup? Maybe it was an omen.

Incidentally here’s a new photograph from the first leg at Celtic Park which Celtic won 2-0 on 28 September 1966, we were searching the Imago photo library for photos of the game in Zurich and came across this one which is always worth sharing.

28.09.1966. imago/United Archives International First Leg European Cup Match Celtic v Zurich A drive by Tommy Gemmell goes just inches past the post with Zurich goalkeeper, Itan well stretched out and Stevie Chalmers rushing in. 28th September 1966.

Born on this day in 1922, the immortal Jock Stein. Spanning a total of 19 years at the club, Stein won a total of 29 trophies at the Hoops as a player and manager. He spent six years a player from 1951-1957 winning three trophies which were the Coronation Cup in 1952/1953, and a League Championship coupled with a Scottish Cup a year later. As a manager it was just the 26 trophies between 1965-1978. This included 10 Scottish League championships, nine Scottish Cup triumphs, six League Cup wins and the finest trophy win in the clubs history, the European Cup. When it comes to Celtic legends, Stein will forever sit top of the tree.

36 years ago today, Celtic defeated Hungarian champions Honved 4-0 in the European Cup. Despite the Hoops entering the match 1-0 down on aggregate, Billy McNeill’s side were confident. By 1988, Celtic had only ever lost two European Cup games at home. The last side to defeat the Celts on home soil in the competition was AC Milan in 1969. Alan Rough kept a clean sheet on his European debut for Celtic. Interestingly, Rough had previously encountered Honved whilst playing for Partick Thistle in the 1971 UEFA Cup. Stark, Walker, McAvennie and McGhee were the scorers on the night.

Tony Cascarino scored then got sent off

5 October 1991, Celtic 3-1 Hearts. A day of controversy at Celtic Park. Tony Cascarino scored his first goal for the Hoops. However, it did not stop there for the Englishman. He was then sent off for elbowing Craig Levein in the face and giving away a penalty at the same time. From the resulting penalty kick, Pat Bonnar saved it. McNally and Nicholas got on the scoresheet as Celtic came from behind in the match to win comfortably.

11 years ago today, Celtic 2-0 Motherwell. Celtic moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership table above their opponents. Stokes and Commons punished Stuart McCall’s side. Notably, Fraser Forster had been called up to the England squad having performed excellently in the first two Champions League group stage games against AC Milan and Barcelona. Undoubtedly, the best spell of ‘La Gran Muralla’ career.

EPL star Evan Ferguson tells Open Goal who his Celtic hero is, once trialled with Bhoys

Brighton & Hove Albion star Evan Ferguson has shared that he once took part in trials with Celtic when he was younger before embarking on his career in England.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored 12 goals in 50 English Premier League appearances for Brighton and is still just 19, considered to have excellent potential to become a top player in the league.

Ferguson started his career at Bohemians before making the switch to England in 2021, with the Bhoys seemingly giving him opportunities to impress before that.

In a new social media video, the Brighton star tells Simon Ferry and Paul Slane at Open Goal that Manchester United and Celtic were his favourite teams growing up.

Evan Ferguson salutes Celtic compatriot

Ferry then asks Ferguson who his Celtic hero is, and the answer is: “Liam Scales.”

Scales is making fantastic progress with the Bhoys and has also established himself at international level alongside Ferguson in the Ireland squad.

So that may well have been an easy answer for the striker despite other more popular players in the Celtic team.

It’s great to see the defender get a shout-out regardless.

He’s a bit of an unsung hero in this team but played a considerable role in delivering silverware last season and has had an excellent start this term, helping the side keep six successive clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership.

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Evan Ferguson Names His Favourite @Celtic Football Club Player #fyp #foryou #brighton #brightonandhovealbion #celtic #celticfc #ireland #republicofireland #football

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Ferguson asked about any Celtic transfer interest

Slane then quizzes the striker about whether Celtic have ever come in for him to sign in Scotland.

Ferguson responded: “No, nothing. I went on a few trials when I was younger.”

The forward is likely well beyond Celtic’s transfer reaches now. After his lightning start as a teenager in the Premier League, he has a value in the tens of millions.

In May, the BBC determined his market value to be around a massive £68m. So, despite his admiration for the club growing up, he won’t be signing for the Bhoys anytime soon.

“If you dream in management then you won’t be here long,” Brendan Rodgers

UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024 Brendan Rodgers Celtic, Head Coach UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024. Photo BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov

Brendan Rodgers provided an insight into what’s been happening at Lennoxtown after the players returned from Dortmund on Wednesday morning at around 4.30am…

UEFA Champions League Borussia Dortmund v Celtic Glasgow 01 10 2024 Photo BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov

The Celtic party had the rest of the day off before returning to their training base on Thursday morning for the Dortmund post mortem. When that was done and dusted everyone moved on and looked ahead to the next challenge, which is at Dingwall tomorrow against Ross County in the 12 noon Sunday kick-off.

“Clearly, there was disappointment in the aftermath of it. It’s always emotionally challenging and difficult. You can’t dwell on it, you’ve got to look at it and analyse it, but very quickly you have to move on,” the Celtic manager said.

“That’s the nature of professional sports. You have that day to grieve, which is never nice, but always think that setbacks like that are a great opportunity to grow and bounce back – even to a higher level than you were when you started the game. We’re back on it, working well today, then we get ready for the game at the weekend.”

Head coach Nuri Sahin Borussia Dortmund , Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic Glasgow, Champions League, 01 10 2024 Dortmund North Rhine-Westphalia Photo: kolbert-press/Marc Niemeyer

Brendan was asked after a 7-1 mauling like that, if different players required a different approach with some needing an arm around the shoulder and if it’s easy for them to all bounce back in the same way.

“That’s the job of the manager and the leaders within the team. We got back at half four, and then we gave them a free day, which gave them a lot of thinking time.

“After the game, I was really disappointed for firstly the supporters, as the noise two hours before the game in the stadium was amazing. With the journey they had been on, we were disappointed that we couldn’t give them more,” Brendan admitted.

“I feel for the players because over these last seven months, the path we’ve been on and continue to be on of improvement and being an exciting team to play. Things went against us in the game and before we know it, we’ve conceded five goals in the first half, so it becomes a challenge in the second half.

Waldemar Anton  is challenged by Paulo Bernardo during the UEFA Champions League match between Dortmund and Celtic FC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on October 01, 2024. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

“Setbacks are there to grow from, you can dwell on it and become bitter with it but it’s not something that I like to do. This is when you lead, and we saw it last year in moments where we had to be resilient. When it’s tough, you have to lead in those moments. That’s our job, we made a brilliant start to our season, but it was a tough one,” Rodgers added.

“I’m experienced enough to know that when the stakes are high you have to sometimes expect defeat when playing high-level competition. If you don’t, you’re a dreamer, and if you dream in management then you won’t be here long,” Brendan Rodgers said.

“It’s great to dream and for critics to look and think what the score is going to be and what it might be, but as a manager and coach when you’re in the professional game, at times against the Champions League finalists you might expect that you might lose. We’ll learn from that and we’ll be better for it.”

Scott Brown Hilariously Revisits Alfredo Morelos Feud

Former Celtic captain Scott Brown has hilariously revisited his feud with ex-Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.

The pair enjoyed quite the rivalry while playing for Glasgow’s big two. Brown continually got the better of the Colombian striker, who eventually became somewhat of a laughing stock.

The 39-year-old shared the pitch with Morelos countless times, provoking and winding him up.

They have gone their separate ways since clashing heads in Glasgow derbies, but Brown has recently reflected on their feud.

The Celtic legend branded Morelos as ‘stupid’ given how easy he was to wind up.

“He’d always bite, he fell for it that much that, he was stupid to be fair,” said Brown (Let Me Be Frank Podcast via Football Scotland).

“Honestly, the amount of times I got him sent off… it was just stupidity from him. The game gets you, the atmosphere, it does get you. It does get everybody because it’s brilliant but some people fall into that.”

Brown relished playing in Glasgow derbies throughout his Celtic career.

Whether it be Morelos or El Hadji Diouf, he always seemed to be in a personal battle with an opposition player.

Now manager of Ayr United, though, Brown has matured considerably.

He is flying with the Somerset Park side, who one wouldn’t be surprised to see promoted to the Scottish Premiership by the end of this season.

It says a lot about Brown’s managerial credentials that he turned down the St. Johnstone job last week.

He could have been in the dugout for the Perth side’s clash with Celtic last Sunday although he opted to stay on the coast in a respectable show of loyalty.

“We will be judged in January to see where we finish,” Brendan Rodgers

UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024 Brendan Rodgers Celtic, Head Coach UEFA Champions League Press Conference, Celtic 30 09 2024. Photo BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov

Now that the emotion and dust have settled, Brendan Rodgers yesterday outlined the main points that Celtic could have done better against Dortmund on Tuesday night in the Champions League match in the iconic Westfalenstadion…

UEFA Champions League Borussia Dortmund v Celtic Glasgow 01 10 2024 Photo BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Buriakov

“In terms of our pressing, I thought that we went on our own a little bit. The early goal spooked us a little bit, so they then showed the lack of experience in the team.  Top players will find that space when you’re out of position. There’s always a little bit of work for us to do on that front, just pressing at the wrong moment and at the wrong time.

“With the ball, we could have been better. We were too rushed in our play at times, which gave those players the possibilities.  If you look at the first half and the second half, we conceded two penalties which were soft. Then we concede three goals – two of which are brilliant strikes – and one takes a deflection. Fantastic strikes from a top-level young player.

“Before you know it, it was maybe 3-1 going in at half-time, then you can regroup and go in at half-time, but then the next two quick-fire goals just before half-time put you to 5-1.

“Psychologically, it’s a very difficult place to be when you’re playing a high-level opponent, but that’s where I commend the players. In the second half, they played with courage and passion by keeping on fighting. They showed the spirit and resilience.

“Yes, the result wasn’t anywhere near what we wanted, but we will learn from it. We will be judged in January to see where we finish. The aftermath is that we were naturally disappointed, but we will pick ourselves up and show that resilience again,” the Celtic manager said.

Watch Brendan’s full media conference from yesterday afternoon at Lennoxtown below…

Liam Scales reveals the Dortmund threat that Celtic couldn’t handle but that WON’T force Hoops to abandon style

The Hoops defender insists the champions will have NO bother raising themselves from Tuesday’s nightmare in Germany

Liam Scales in action against Dortmund

Knackered Liam Scales was asleep before his head hit the pillow after returning late from a draining 7-1 defeat in Dortmund.

But the Celtic defender reckons his team will have no bother raising themselves from Tuesday’s nightmare for their early start in Dingwall. The Hoops haven’t had long to shake off their humiliating 7-1 Champions League defeat and will have to be up with the lark tomorrow as they head to Dingwall to face Don Cowie’s Staggies in a noon kick-off.

But Scales is confident his side will be wide awake to the chance to put their Westfalenstadion walloping behind them. The Republic of Ireland international said: “It was a long night on Tuesday because you’re flying back straight after the game and it was a late kick-off. I didn’t get in until half four. So I was straight to bed! I was exhausted so it didn’t affect my sleep.

“But it’s not easy to put games like that out of your mind. We had a day off on Wednesday because we got back late. It was on my mind on Wednesday but since coming back to train and working on what we’re going to do on the weekend, it’s in the past now and it hasn’t really been on my mind.

“If we can go and put it right on Sunday then we finish this little block of games between the international windows still unbeaten domestically. It’s one win in the Champions League and we’re still in the League Cup. All in all, you’d take that.

“You don’t want to get beaten and beaten well in Europe but we’ve also won a game in Europe and that’s a good start for us. If we can go and win on Sunday, if we reflect on that, it has been a good start.”

Celtic were terrorised in Germany as Dortmund punished a series of individual errors. But Scales insists there’s no way they will be traumatised into changing the style that has seen them sweep aside every one of their domestic opponents this season.

Celtic lost out 7-1 in Dortmund

He said: “We have an ethos to go and stick to our guns and that’s right. It’s more exciting. It’s the way we play. It’s what we want to be known for, like a high counter-pressing team.

“But the other night, they were better than us all over the park and they picked us apart. That shouldn’t scare us into completely changing what we do.

“It would be worse if we change what we do than it would be if we can fix a few things and get better. Because we already are good at pressing and counter-pressing.

“But if we can get a little bit better then it’s better than completely reverting to being defensive, which doesn’t really suit the squad we have. Is it about tweaking the individual things rather than scrapping the plan all together? Exactly, yes.

“Tweaking little bits and pieces to make us better. We wanted to be aggressive. We didn’t want to go there, sit in and hope for the best.

“We could have done that and we could have lost the game 1-0 or 2-0 maybe. Obviously, it’s not an embarrassing result but it’s not particularly good to watch.

“We wanted to go and play the way we play against everyone. That’s the mentality we have. Dortmund were a top side and they picked us apart. They were clinical and really ruthless.

“Whenever they turned over the ball, they seemed to have a lot of attacking runs and it was difficult to defend against. That’s really what killed us. I think a few of the goals were very avoidable.

“There were little errors that maybe we haven’t been making. It was just one of those nights where everything seemed to go in. But now we have a game on the weekend that’s big for us so we don’t have time to dwell on it.”

Brendan Rodgers in Defiant Message About Celtic’s Champions League Style of Play

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has sent out a defiant message about Celtic’s European style of play.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds fans after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The Hoops were hammered 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, leading many to call for the boss to set up his team slightly more conservatively versus bigger sides.

Even before midweek, Rodgers had taken several drubbings in previous seasons in charge of Celtic against Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid.

Nothing is changing, but Hoops fans are sick of seeing their team be embarrassed by big scorelines in Europe’s premier club competition.

Despite this, the manager tactically sets his team up for matches against elite teams as he does for regular domestic games versus SPFL cannon fodder.

Supporters want continual thrashings to become a thing of the past.

Rodgers, however, says he will implement his own game plan regardless of calls for Celtic to play more defensively.

“You can’t just turn the tap back off and say to play super defensive,” he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).

“It’s just not how we play. So what do we do, sit back and have 15 per cent of the ball and lose 3-0? 4-0?

“Or, do you play how you play, but know that the mistakes you’ve got to sharpen your teeth in and you’ve got to be brighter and make quicker movements to close space?

“I’d much rather do that and go down with my own vision than listen to someone saying that who has never coached a game in their life or played, or whatever.”

Rodgers seems set in his ways, but he needs to find the right balance to avoid continual embarrassment on the continent.

Seeing how Celtic set up against Atalanta in a few weeks should be intriguing.

The Italians deserve the utmost respect, having won the Europa League last season.

If the Hoops are as open as they were midweek, they could be in for yet another long night in Bergamo.

Celtic ‘not far off’ Euro elite despite Dortmund blip, claims Scales

Liam Scales backs Celtic to put their Champions League disappointment behind them (Image: PA)

Liam Scales reckons Celtic aren’t that far off the level required to be giving teams like Borussia Dortmund a good game.

Tuesday’s 7-1 defeat to the German giants raised plenty of eyebrows after Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had spent the previous months emphasising that he was building a squad capable of competing in the UEFA Champions League.

Scales was in the Celtic starting XI against Dortmund and knows the Bundesliga side were extremely ruthless on home soil, punishing every slight mistake anyone wearing green and white hoops made.

The 26-year-old was asked whether the gap between the opposition Celtic face domestically and in Europe affects their performances.

“It’s probably a factor, but we have quality,” the Irishman said during Friday’s press conference.

“We played better against St Johnstone than we did against Dortmund, and that was the difference.

“I’m not saying if we played better (vs Dortmund) then we would have won the game, far from it. It’s just about doing as well as we can and maybe being a little bit more secure at times and not as open.

“Tactically, they played well and the players they had were ruthless. It was a tough night all in but I don’t think that result will define us. I don’t think we’re that far off the level. I think that was a one-off bad result. It happens.”

Celtic have to forget about what happened at Signal Iduna Park as they gear up to play Ross County on Sunday. They are still unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, winning every game without conceding a goal.

(Image: PA)That’s another reason why Scales, who has been at the heart of the defence, still remains fairly upbeat despite what happened midweek.

“We have the day after the game to deal with it and it’s not nice, but we’ve started the season so well in the league,” he confessed.

“We’re unbeaten and we’re doing everything right domestically. It’s easy to adjust and park the other night because of this game.

“I want to be part of the defence that keeps clean sheets and keeps winning games. Let’s see how long we can go on this run for.

Ross County’s Kacper Lopata reveals how UFC and boxing influenced his style of play

Polish defender Lopata’s whole-hearted approach has already made him a hit with the Staggies fans.

Ross County defender Kacper Lopata. Image: SNS

Ross County defender Kacper Lopata’s love of UFC and boxing means it is not in his nature to fear a backlash from Premiership champions Celtic on Sunday.

County take on a Hoops side which suffered a chastening 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek.

That brought Celtic’s momentum to a shuddering halt, following an emphatic start to the domestic campaign.

Brendan Rodgers’ men have won their opening six league matches, netting 20 goals in the process without conceding.

Lopata’s whole-hearted style of defending has already made a big impression on the Staggies fans, since he joined on a season-long loan from Barnsley.

Kacper Lopata in action against Dundee’s Simon Murray. Image: SNS

Polish defender Lopata moved to Bristol at the age of nine with his mother and older brother, who he says he regularly fought with during his childhood.

Lopata also revealed UFC and boxing has been a major influence on his aggressive style, and he insists he has no plans to temper it for the visit of the Hoops.

He said: “I’m just trying to do my job.

“I used to fight with my older brother a lot. It is just the way I am. I enjoy that rough side to football.

“I like my UFC, I like my boxing and used to do it when I was younger.

Ross County’s Kacper Lopata. Image: SNS

“In terms of that aggression, like anyone, you like to do things you’re good at.

“If for me that’s battering a striker, giving him a bit, then I’m going to do that.

“I definitely enjoy that side of the game.”

Lopata relishes test posed by quick opponents

At 6ft 4in, Lopata enjoys a height advantage over many of the strikers he comes directly up against.

Lopata admits it is the movement and intelligence of those players, such as Celtic talisman Kyogo Furuhashi, which puts him to the greatest test.

Kyogo Furuhashi scoring for Celtic against St Johnstone. Image: SNS

The 23-year-old insists he relishes that challenge, adding: “It will be good to test myself against the very best and if I can do well against them it shows I’m up to scratch.

“It is a good challenge. They are so good – fast as lightning strikers, who are intelligent.

“Those kind of strikers I enjoy playing against because it is a cat and mouse game.

“Up against a target man, it’s a scrap and I do enjoy that. But the ones who are quick, like our striker Ronan Hale, I enjoy that even more because it tests me.

“He is so sharp and I’m 6ft 4in. He’s moving all the time and I have to check my shoulders.”

Lopata expects no hangover from Hoops

Don Cowie’s men are unbeaten in their last three Premiership matches, but are preparing for their biggest test of the season so far.

Lopata does not expect Rodgers’ side to arrive in Dingwall carrying any mental scars from their heavy defeat in Germany.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers at full-time in Dortmund. Image: Shutterstock.

He added: “If I was in their position, I’d be looking to bounce back. They are top players and that’s what top players do. They are resilient.

“They don’t dwell on things, they are good technically, sharp and quick, but the mental side of the game is very under-rated. Without a doubt, they will be looking to bounce back and get a win.

“It’s up to us to try and stop that from happening.

“We have to be solid. Give them a yard and they punish us straight away.

“We are going to have to use the dark arts of the game and get our fans on board, manage the game. If we need a breather, we have to take a breather.

Kacper Lopata tussles with Hearts’ Kenneth Vargas. Image: SNS

“Set-pieces are going to be massive, if we can nick a goal from one.

“They are going to dominate the ball. I don’t think there’s a team that does that better than Celtic.

“Those things are going to come into play massively.

“Everyone is going to have to play their best game and, with that, we’re still going to need a bit of luck. That’s how good they are.

“Hopefully we will get that on Sunday.”

Graeme Souness insists Celtic and Rangers Euro hammerings a ‘cruel’ reminder of how the game has evolved

The Ibrox hero delivered his verdict after a sobering night in Europe for Glasgow’s big two

Graeme Souness admits Celtic and Rangers’ midweek woes in Europe comes down to the simple question of economics and where the money is in football – in a cruel reminder of how the game has evolved.

It was a midweek to forget for Glasgow’s big two with the Hoops suffering a hammering by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and the Light Blues suffering a similar fate a couple of days later at Ibrox against Lyon in the Europa League. Brendan Rodgers watched on as his men went down 7-1 in the Bundesliga giants’ backyard while Philippe Clement and his troops lost out 4-1 to the Ligue 1 outfit.

Rangers legend Souness reckons the sobering week for Scottish football is a stark reminder how the modern day game has evolved in for clubs north of the border. He used the numbers behind Rangers’ earnings last year between domestic and TV money in comparison to the figure his local team Bournemouth – who have 11,000 home fans – pocketed to show the drastic gulf in the financials.

Writing in his Daily Mail column, he said: “This last week has been a sobering one for Scottish football and a reminder of how the game has evolved in a cruel way for our clubs. Both of the giants in Glasgow have suffered depressing defeats.

“Celtic faced a Dortmund team who lost 5-1 at Stuttgart two weeks ago and had to come from 2-0 down to beat Bochum last week, so Brendan Rodgers’ thinking would have been: ‘We’re firing on all cylinders and they’re not, so we can go there and take them on and outscore them’. I can understand that thinking, but it didn’t happen and Celtic came unstuck on a grand scale, losing 7-1.

“In my old team Rangers’ case, they were playing at home in a European competition where they had previously gone to Malmo and won, and thought they could take on the opposition this time — Lyon. They also got beat up badly, which again showed up the huge gulf.

“It’s a simple question of economics and where the money is in football, now. Rangers earned £8.28million in domestic and European TV money last season. My local team Bournemouth — which is not a football town and where 11,000 will attend home games — got in excess of £100m. That’s the gulf in money we are looking at. It came to the surface all too quickly in Dortmund and Glasgow.”

Kris Boyd’s Cringeworthy Celtic Taunt After Rangers Hammering

Rangers were soundly beaten 4-1 by Lyon at Ibrox on Thursday night in a match that could have ended with an even more humiliating scoreline. Lyon, sitting 11th in Ligue 1, are hardly the dominant force they once were, but still managed to outclass the home side.

Towards the end, they took pity on their opponents, toying with Rangers as they shifted into “passy shoot” mode. Yet, despite the heavy defeat, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was all smiles in the Sky Sports studio.

Why? Because, in Boyd’s own words, “It’s hard to believe Rangers have lost 4-1 this evening and it’s not even the worst result for a Scottish team in Europe this week.” He quickly turned the spotlight onto Celtic’s 7-1 demolition at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, seemingly more content that Celtic had fared worse than upset by his old club’s poor showing.

It’s no secret Boyd has become the poster boy for a group of Rangers fans who will happily accept defeat as long as Celtic get beat by more. After watching his team humbled at home by a mid-table French side, Boyd was more concerned with Celtic’s nightmare in a higher-level competition against significantly tougher opposition. Deary me, there’s being broken, and then there’s this.

We’ve said it on multiple occasions: the best nights for many Ibrox fans come when Celtic slip up in Europe. The reason? When they look at their own team’s performances, especially ones like Thursday night, there’s not much to shout about.

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t deserve caning for Celtic embarrassment but he will if there is a repeat – Chris Sutton

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had only 36 per cent possession but still brought down the mighty Aston Villa

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers does not deserve a caning for taking a positive approach into Dortmund.

But he will if the offence is repeated and that begs the critical question: What comes next? It’s obvious Rodgers’ preferred way was stripped apart by Borussia and, for my money, Callum McGregor hit the nail on the head.

The captain admitted that, within their learning curve, Celtic need to realise that when a game is getting away from them, they have to shut up shop for a spell to get through turbulent times. That, for me, is the key aspect from Tuesday to be acted upon.

Losing by 7-1 is an embarrassing scoreline for any team and player. I speak from experience having suffered the same playing for Norwich against Blackburn back in 1992. It stung. Painfully. You don’t want it ever again and there has to be lessons from the way it ran away from them in Germany.

In terms of Rodgers’ approach, again, I stress there’s nothing wrong with having an identity and philosophy, but there’s also nothing wrong with amending it to suit a scenario. I was at Villa Park on Wednesday and watched Unai Emery’s approach to beating Bayern Munich.

That’s an English Premier League team spending vast sums of money, but it was 4-4-2 and the full-backs barely moved out of their own half. Struggling to beat an aggressive man-on-man press, they ended up just thrashing balls over the press trying to hit Ollie Watkins.

Thirty-six per cent possession, yet a famous victory. There are levels in football and Emery felt he had to go that way to overcome a higher power. I sat at the Champions League Final just five months ago and Borussia were better than Real Madrid for the first half. They have far-superior players to Celtic. That’s just a fact.

Going forward, there has to be an acknowledgement there are better ways to try to combat superior opponents than my old team displayed in Dortmund.

Going back to the first words of this column, I believe, given the circumstances going into it, you can understand Rodgers taking a positive outlook into the Signal Iduna Park. I understand the levels domestically or with Bratislava are nowhere near the same as Dortmund.

But, by the same token, his team headed for Germany playing in a positive manner, being on the front foot and their pressing game was strong because of their good energy levels. With that in mind, it’s not tough to understand why Rodgers would consider taking the risk at kick-off of trying to impose that on to Borussia.

He clearly felt Celtic’s football could be better than Dortmund’s press. And vice versa. You can argue the rights and wrongs of that with hindsight.

What can’t be argued is that, very quickly, it was apparent Celtic were not able to impose themselves and, indeed, the polar opposite was taking shape. That’s the moment when you have to address it because being adaptable in-game is crucial.

Listening to him afterwards, I got the impression Rodgers did see it, but the players had lost their way in that painful first-period demise and the slide was irreversible, but someone had to sort it.

I’ll use an example of Arsenal. Most of us would agree they are an aggressive, offensive team who are easy on the eye when things are working for them. But Mikel Arteta and his players seem quick to understand when a tide is turning against them. The most obvious example came this season when going down to 10 men against Manchester City.

At that point, Arsenal changed their plan. They got ugly at the Etihad. Simply put everyone behind the ball as they devised in-game that it was their best chance to get a result. They were 30 seconds from winning by keeping out City a full half of football.

Real Madrid are the most successful team on the planet when it comes to Champions League and Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t mind sitting in and soaking up some pressure to stay in games if it’s not going their way. Celtic famously beat Barcelona and hardly kicked the ball. My point is that Celtic, when the waves started crashing against them and it became clear Borussia were in the mood, just kept doing the same things and kept doing them progressively worse.

Players have to act sharper and smarter. Get streetwise, be mucky, break the game up, stop the opponents. Don’t just keep making the same mistakes. Rodgers was right, Dortmund were ruthless. But that’s top-level Champions League and losing goals in bunches is not a new phenomenon for Celtic.

What has to happen next is that they fix it and make sure it doesn’t sap their confidence because, just as they weren’t world-beaters after beating Bratislava, they are not total duds after Dortmund. No one expects or demands Rodgers rips up his ideals, but you do expect him now to implement some adaptation either pre-match or in-game to suit circumstance.

Brendan Rodgers

Dortmund is being bracketed with the heavy defeats of his teams in the past in terms of him not learning, but I don’t entirely agree with that. This is a new side and, as I said, they had shown him enough to warrant the positive pre-game planning for this first big audition. But things are now different. The sobering experience has shown that Rodgers’ new team also aren’t ready to go toe-to-toe with the elite.

Put simply, he doesn’t deserve to be hammered for finding that out. The criticism should come if the same mistakes are repeated. If the manager and his team fail to act upon clear evidence and put measures in place to try to counter it, any future stick will, in turn, be totally merited.

Kyogo Furuhashi Snubbed Again as Celtic Duo Receive Japan Call-Ups

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi has once again been overlooked for Japan’s national team despite his impressive form for the Hoops.

While Kyogo remains on the sidelines, his teammates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have both been included in Japan’s squad for their upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Australia. [JFA]

Soccer Football – AFC Qualifiers – Group B – Japan v North Korea – Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – March 21, 2024
Japan players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

This latest omission continues a frustrating trend for Kyogo, who has struggled to find favour with Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu, despite being a key figure for Celtic domestically and in Europe. Furuhashi has consistently delivered for the Scottish champions, leaving fans scratching their heads over his repeated snub on the international stage.

The striker has three goals and two assists in his first six games in the league, with a goal in the Champions League against Bratislava to add to that.

Meanwhile, Reo Hatate, who was called up last month but failed to make a matchday squad or play a single minute, has been handed another opportunity. Hatate will be eager to make an impact this time around and prove his worth on the international stage. In contrast, Daizen Maeda is a regular feature for his country, scoring during the last break.

Sadly for Kyogo, it doesn’t look like he’ll be getting a call up to the national team anytime soon.

Chris Sutton in surprising Brendan Rodgers Celtic stance

Brendan Rodgers on the touchline in Dortmund (Image: PA)

Brendan Rodgers should be granted leeway by Celtic fans despite his side’s 7-1 humiliation in Germany this midweek.

That’s the view of former striker Chris Sutton, who believes that while his old club were well beaten by better players, they at least tried to approach the game with a positive mindset.

The pundit insists that if a repeat of this heavy defeat occurs again in the Champions League under the Northern Irishman – with previous losses to the like of PSG, Barcelona and Manchester City on his watch – then that’s when he should come in for some flak.

He wrote in his Daily Record column: “Brendan Rodgers does not deserve a caning for taking a positive approach into Dortmund.

“But he will if the offence is repeated and that begs the critical question: What comes next?

“It’s obvious Rodgers’ preferred way was stripped apart by Borussia and, for my money, Callum McGregor hit the nail on the head.

“The captain admitted that, within their learning curve, Celtic need to realise that when a game is getting away from them, they have to shut up shop for a spell to get through turbulent times.

“That, for me, is the key aspect from Tuesday to be acted upon.

“Losing by 7-1 is an embarrassing scoreline for any team and player. I speak from experience having suffered the same playing for Norwich against Blackburn back in 1992. It stung. Painfully. You don’t want it ever again and there have to be lessons from the way it ran away from them in Germany.

“In terms of Rodgers’ approach, again, I stress there’s nothing wrong with having an identity and philosophy, but there’s also nothing wrong with amending it to suit a scenario.

“I was at Villa Park on Wednesday and watched Unai Emery’s approach to beating Bayern Munich.

“That’s an English Premier League team spending vast sums of money, but it was 4-4-2 and the full-backs barely moved out of their own half.

“Struggling to beat an aggressive man-on-man press, they ended up just thrashing balls over the press trying to hit Ollie Watkins.

“Thirty-six per cent possession, yet a famous victory.

“There are levels in football and Emery felt he had to go that way to overcome a higher power.

“I sat at the Champions League final just five months ago and Borussia were better than Real Madrid for the first half. They have far-superior players to Celtic. That’s just a fact.

“Going forward, there has to be an acknowledgment there are better ways to try to combat superior opponents than my old team displayed in Dortmund.”

Celtic in fresh defensive injury concern after Alistair Johnston update

St Johnstone v Celtic – Alistair Johnston in action during the Scottish Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

Celtic have been dealt a fresh defensive injury blow as Alistair Johnston has been left out of the Canada squad due to an injury. Johnston was subbed off in Celtic’s 7-1 defeat in the UEFA Champions League to Borussia Dortmund.

As confirmed to Sun Sport, Marsch revealed that the reason for his omission from the squad is due to an ongoing injury.

“Alistair Johnston and midfielder Ismael Kone are both rehabbing injuries. It’s back and ankle injuries for them.”

The injuries to Johnston could be either of the two issues that the Canada boss mentioned but it’ll be cleared up by Brendan on Friday.

Celtic could be without Johnston for this weekend’s game against Ross County in Dingwall, meaning that Tony Ralston could start. The Scotland Internationalist scored an incredible late winner up in Dingwall and he’ll be looking forward to the challenge against The Staggies.

Celtic were without key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers for the game in Germany and Brendan will want to give the two defenders time to recuperate, especially given the volume of game after the October International Break.

Rangers 2-2 Celtic: Celtic super subs complete second-half comeback

Rangers 2-2 Celtic: Celtic’s super subs complete second-half comeback (Image: Luke Nickerson/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)

Celtic came back from two goals down to snatch a point in the first Glasgow Derby of the season at Broadwood on Thursday night.

A stunning volley from Kirsty Howat and a penalty from Katie Wilkinson to claim her 17th goal of the season gave Rangers a two-goal lead, but Celtic managed to claw back a draw through second-half substitutes Saoirse Noonan and Célya Barclais.

Jo Potter’s side remain at the summit of the SWPL table, but tonight’s result means Celtic have reduced the gap to just two points with Glasgow City sandwiched between the two.

With the title race remaining wide open, here are the main talking points from Broadwood…

Celtic come back to haunt Rangers again

Few moments in football must be more agonising than having the league title snatched away on goal difference in the final minutes of the season, not to mention to your city rivals. Jo Potter’s side have started this campaign with the bit between their teeth, hurt and determined to seek revenge on Celtic. Before tonight, they had scored an incredible 51 goals in seven league games. That ruthless sentiment was evident from the off in this first derby of the season – Potter will have wanted her side to start quickly and show Celtic they mean business, and that’s exactly what they did. It took Rangers just five minutes to open the scoring through Kirsty Howat, and they almost doubled their lead five minutes later had Tessel Middag’s header not been disallowed for offside. Despite a sizzling start, the Gers seemed to fizzle out as the first half went on, with Celtic refusing to back down. When Wilkinson doubled Rangers’ lead around the hour mark, the home side will have thought the game was all but won. But Elena Sadiku’s side kept fighting until the last whistle and they will feel they could have taken all three points.

Clinical Wilko and Howat’s stunning volley 

In an otherwise drab first half that offered very little in terms of derby drama, Kirsty Howat’s goal was a joy to watch. When her previous club Celtic failed to clear their lines from a corner, the 27-year-old fired in a beautiful volley from inside the box, striking the ball sweetly with her right foot to claim her fifth goal of the season. And who can stop Katie Wilkinson? The 29-year-old cooly dispatched her penalty to take her tally for the season up to an astounding 17 goals.

Celtic’s second-half subs complete the comeback

While it was Rangers who started on the front foot, credit must be given to Celtic for limiting Jo Potter’s side to just a single-goal lead at half time. They continued to grow in confidence as the game went on, with Daugherty making a superb save to deny Katie Wilkinson in the first half. When Rangers doubled their lead through Wilko’s penalty, Celtic refused to let the game get away from them and substitute Saoirse Noonan clawed one back almost immediately from the penalty spot with her first touch of the game. It was another of Elena Sadiku’s super subs who snatched a late equaliser, with Célya Barclais thumping her effort into the bottom corner. The momentum was well and truly back with the Hoops in the dying minutes, but they just couldn’t find a winner.

A cagey night in Cumbernauld

Given Rangers’ explosive start to the season and Celtic riding high off the back of their historic Champions League qualification, it was a derby that promised goals. But in a similar vein to the cagey draws of last season, the sides seemed to cancel each other out for much of the second half, with pressure slowly mounting on Rangers as they tried to hold onto their precarious 1-0 lead. The second 45 was certainly a more feisty affair with several yellow-card-worthy challenges flying in as the sun set over Cumbernauld, with the crowd becoming more restless as the tie grew tighter. The late penalty madness spiced up the latter stages of the game in what was a frantic conclusion to the derby.

A tasty title race on the cards

Rangers had the opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and Celtic in the title race and could have extended their lead at the top of the table to five points with a win. Tonight’s stalemate keeps the title race very much alive and could have huge implications further on in the season. The psychological advantage may well be with Celtic now, who despite slipping up in a draw against Hibs in an otherwise perfect start to the season, demonstrated the mentality of champions tonight. They came into the game riding the crest of a wave after their historic Champions League group stage qualification, and a late comeback against the most ruthless attacking team in the country is exactly the sort of spirit they will need to show when they mix it with Europe’s elite, starting with FC Twente on Tuesday.

Celtic’s Super Sunday heats up nicely as Aberdeen get confident and Rangers get thrashed

European football is over for the week, and all Celtic attention now turns to what promises to be an exciting Sunday in the Scottish Premiership.

Not only are the Bhoys featured in the live Sky Sports lunchtime kick-off away to Ross County, but the undefeated Aberdeen take on Hearts at Pittodrie before rivals Rangers host St Johnstone live on Premier Sports at night.

There are intriguing storylines everywhere you look going into the weekend.

Celtic were undeniably humbled against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening and will be going all out to exorcise the demons of the 7-1 result. A response is needed.

Aberdeen are flying high under summer arrival Jimmy Thelin, with 18 points from 18, and can’t help dreaming of a monumental season.

Rangers, meanwhile, have just slipped to their own heavy European defeat in the Europa League at home to Lyon, losing 4-1. They now have the unenviable task of pairing Thursday night football with a quick turnaround to Sunday, knowing they can’t afford to fall any further behind the top two sides even at this early stage of the season.

Aberdeen confidence hard to ignore as they keep pace with Celtic

Without a European campaign of their own, the Dons are eyeing it as a day to take advantage of others’ exertions.

Their visitors, Hearts, had a draining trip away to Dinamo Minsk on Thursday, albeit winning 2-1.

Coupled with tricky tests for Celtic and Rangers, Aberdeen see it as a potentially huge day for them in all respects.

Leighton Clarkson said this week [Aberdeen Live]: “Europe is where you want to be but at times teams in the Scottish league can struggle at times with the demands. You get to Europe, and you maybe don’t deal with the bread and butter of the league.

“We play Hearts and they are away in Azerbaijan, which is a long trip. We aren’t in Europe so that gives us a little advantage going into the game, not having to fly eight hours there and back. Yes, Europe is difficult but that is what we are striving for.”

Three Celtic points and pressure required

First up, with a 12pm kick-off, Celtic must confidently overcome the County challenge and put some pressure on the teams in second and third.

It’s even more important now, after Tuesday’s massive low. Any bad feeling can’t be allowed to fester. We’ve seen what the confidence and buzz around the club have done for performances and results over the last two months.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will be aiming to reignite that in the Highlands, leaving the Dons and Rangers with work to do later to catch up.

It’s one of those days that threatens to be a thriller. Hopefully it is Celtic fans who are smiling broadly going into the international break.

Brendan Rodgers’ defiant Champions League stance is a case of risk against reward for Celtic

The dust is settling after Celtic’s Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund, and there has been plenty of discussion surrounding the manner of their collapse.

Despite cautious optimism heading over to Germany, the Bhoys were hammered by Dortmund on Champions League matchday two and now need to lick their wounds ahead of challenges to come.

Fortuitously, Celtic have the chance to put some of that right against Ross County this weekend before the international break takes precedence over club football.

Post-match, Brendan Rodgers didn’t bow to questions about Celtic’s Champions League set-up in Dortmund, delivering a firm response to reporters when asked if he would adapt their game plan for future clashes against the European elite.

He replied: “Well, we always have to adapt, but sometimes the quality just breaks through that. So are we going to sit in and camp and wait and wait? No, we won’t do that.

“We play a way that allows us domestically to dominate. We know what’s going to be difficult at times for us to do that, but we still have to show our ability with the ball.”

The balance between bravery and mitigation for Celtic in Europe

There is a familiar tale for Celtic in the Champions League that has left fans feeling like they’ve gone and seen the same movie countless times.

Coming out on the wrong side against a superior team carries no shame, but when they regularly descend into the Bhoys being unable to stop the bleeding, people will sit up and take notice.

Fans routinely turn up to iconic venues and make themselves heard, but does there need to be a change in the way the reigning Scottish Premiership champions approach some of their European fixtures?

The Celtic and Dortmund fans coming together to sing You’ll Never Walk Alone last night 🤝#BBCFootball #UCL pic.twitter.com/gRBrFlRppR

— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) October 2, 2024

Caught in a strange position, Celtic is a club built on footballing bravery. The philosophy of not only winning but also claiming victory in style is embedded into this institution’s DNA.

However, it is becoming abundantly clear that this alone doesn’t always wash in the Champions League, at least in the last few years when pitted against distinguished outfits.

On matchday one, Celtic battered Slovan Bratislava by playing some excellent attacking football, showing themselves in a light the club hasn’t been seen in on the biggest stage for a number of years.

With Tuesday’s heavy defeat following that up, it is fair to acknowledge that supporters have seen the pendulum swing to both extremes in their opening two league phase matches.

While the search for answers gains airtime in footballing circles, there is a middle point that seems to fit the bill – balance.

Celtic’s Champions League happy medium

Although this may be preaching to the choir, from experience, most Celtic fans just want to see a level-headed frame of mind in the Champions League.

Nobody is saying Rodgers needs to abandon his football principles completely, but his side has to find a way to stay and suffer in games; it is that simple.

On paper, Celtic retained 47% possession against Dortmund and recorded 2.20 Expected Goals to the hosts’ 2.64. Nevertheless, their openness in counter-attacking scenarios left them susceptible to sucker punches.

If you don’t tighten up and manage games, you get punished. The Bhoys need to find a way to minimise opportunities for the opposition to capitalise on frailty, that is the key mission for Rodgers.

Star who left Celtic this summer opens up on Parkhead struggles amid uncertain future in Hoops

He left Celtic on loan and his future remains uncertain.

A Celtic loanee has opened up on what made his stint at Parkhead difficult as his future remains up in the air.

Alexandro Bernabei arrived in Glasgow in the Ange Postecoglou era, signing from Argentinian side Lanus two years ago. He is out on loan in Brazil with Internacional until the end of 2024, with what comes after that currently unknown.

The left-back has currently played 15 times for his temporary side with one goal and two assists. He has opened up on his time in Glasgow and while he learned lots during his time at Celtic, there were elements of the lifestyle that made things a challenge for him.

“I’m used to Argentina, meals were at a specific time, and in Scotland it was at a time that I wasn’t used to. The language, coexistence, the way of living, learning and getting to know a different culture was what I learned most there.”

Currently, Brendan Rodgers has been using Greg Taylor as his go-to left-back. That has been the case throughout his second reign and at times last term, the Scotland international was the only senior player in that position.

In the transfer market, Rodgers bolstered that area of the park. Alex Valle was loaned in from Barcelona for the rest of the season and he has appeared on three occasions so far with two assists.

The Auston Trusty caveat that should be considered after drawing Celtic ‘short straw’

Auston Trusty’s Celtic career has got off to a mixed start after his opening three appearances since joining from Sheffield United during the summer window.

The United States international has been drafted in to play alongside Liam Scales, while Cameron Carter-Vickers remains absent due to injury for the Bhoys.

Starting against Falkirk, St Johnstone, and during midweek, Auston Trusty’s introduction has yielded a solitary clean sheet, and nine goals conceded, which isn’t a fair reflection on him, seeing as seven came in Celtic’s 7-1 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund

Like many of his teammates, the United States international couldn’t stop the bleeding at Signal Iduna Park. In the circumstances, you clean the slate and move on after a forgettable day at the office.

While some will have already formed assumptions about Trusty after he moved to Celtic for £6 million last month, there is a key caveat that should be factored into pre-conceptions.

Auston Trusty has drawn the Celtic ‘short straw’

After Celtic’s victory over St Johnstone last weekend, defensive partner Scales complemented Trusty’s ‘brilliant’ performance for the Bhoys and eluded to the fact his American counterpart drew the ‘short straw’ in filling in on the right-hand side of the backline.

The Irishman stated: “Auston was brilliant against St Johnstone. He didn’t look out of place at all.

“He didn’t look uncomfortable, and that’s brilliant. We’re two lefties, and he got the short straw playing on the right! But he was so solid on the ground and in the air. He was really, really good.

“He’s a top player, and I think, whoever it is, we’re ready as we’ve had a chance to play with each other now.

“I’ve no preference because we have so many good players in each position that we can deal with injuries here and there.

“Cam’s a massive player for us, but I keep saying that strength and depth is massive. There is real competition for places.”

Why did Celtic sign Auston Trusty?

When evaluating Trusty’s move to Celtic, you would immediately point to his left-sidedness as a defining reason for his arrival. Competent defenders comfortable on that side are a rarity at the elite level and add significant balance in progressing the ball forward.

Furthermore, the American has Premier League experience, albeit in a Sheffield United side that couldn’t keep themselves above water last season.

Brendan Rodgers told Trusty he believes in his quality at Celtic as the defender said after signing: “The manager told me to be the best that I can be, that’s off the pitch, as a teammate and everything on the pitch.

“He said that he believes in me and believes in everything I can do, it’s up to me and he’ll provide me with the environment where I can thrive.”

Despite the temptation to make a two-footed assumption about a player, give Trusty some time before making unfair observations.

Celtic defender Alexandro Bernabei tells Brazilian podcast how he struggled to adapt to life in Scotland

The Celtic career of Alexandro Bernabei can be described as a colourful one, at best.

The Argentinian defender was bought for £3.75m by Ange Postecoglou as the then-Celtic boss looked to add competition for Greg Taylor to the squad.

However, discipline issues and lack of form saw Alexandro Bernabei‘s game time at Celtic limited and now, the 24-year-old defender finds himself out on loan at Brazilian side, Internacional.

And to be fair to the defender, after a rocky start, Bernabei has become a first-team regular and has helped take his temporary club to seventh place in the Brazilian Serie A.

Alexandro Bernabei’s failure to settle in Scotland

Bernabei made just 27 appearances for Celtic during his first 18 months at the club and it seems that his struggle to settle in Scotland could be one of the reasons he couldn’t focus on Celtic.

Bernabei told Internacional’s podcast, Mate, Amor e Paixão, “It was cool. I got to know life there, it’s something else, it’s another life.

“I’m used to Argentina, meals were at a specific time, and in Scotland it was at a time that I wasn’t used to.

“The language, coexistence, the way of living, learning and getting to know a different culture was what I learned most there.”

Alexandro Bernabei’s future at Celtic

It does seem like Bernabei has become a bit of a fan favourite in Brazil ever since making his first league start for Internacional.

The Argentine has now featured in all 90 minutes of Internacional’s last 13 league games scoring once and creating two and has suffered just one solitary defeat.

Bernabei’s Celtic career does look all but over and it seems his style of football is more suited for the South American game.

Brendan Rodgers is likely to want to offload the 24-year-old permanently and, hopefully, if Bernabei continues his current form, Celtic will manage to recoup much of the fee they shelled out for him in 2022.

The great Celtic Champions League travesty that’s been missed by almost everyone

It could come back to bite them after a careless night in Dortmund

Would Brendan Rodgers have survived losing 10 or 11-1 to Borussia Dortmund? – Hotline Live

It’s been a tale of two very different Champions League nights for Celtic.

The euphoria of that 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava that had Europe standing up to take notice – and whispering among themselves that this may, finally, be a Celtic for the big dogs to worry about. And then the sobering crash back down to reality that was that night in Dortmund.

After a flying start to the season it was an evidently much-needed reminder that the gap to the genuine European elite isn’t going to be closed overnight. Beneath the surface, though, it was also a warning that, under the new Champions League format, Celtic need to learn to play it smart. Particularly where their goal difference is concerned.

The shiny new league phase brings a broader spread of games, more variation in the quality of opponents, and eight more places in the knockout stages. All of that is music to the ears of the mid-level European teams who haven’t had much representation at the business end of the tournament in recent years.

With no workable way of calculating head-to-head records, previously the chief decider in the longstanding four-team group era, UEFA have turned to goal difference as the primary tiebreaker. And it takes on increasing prominence in a 36-team league where many sides are likely to finish level on points.

Two games may not sound like much but we’re now a quarter of the way through the group phase, the only thing separating Bayern Munich in 15th and Atletico Madrid in 23rd is goal difference. It’s what stands between being comfortable in the middle of the pack, and looking over your shoulder at going out altogether. The difference between a narrow result and a resounding one is basically as good as an extra point.

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston during a UEFA Champions League game with Borussia Dortmund

That’s why Celtic’s thumping win over Slovan Bratislava was so important early on. But whether it was tactical naivety, poor game-management or simply quality showing through, Dortmund ran riot, and that important early bonus has been more than wiped out.

They were 5-1 down at half-time, and even that would have left them with three points and a neutral GD – and three places better off than the 20th position they currently occupy. It makes you wonder why Celtic continued to open up and go for it after it had become abundantly clear Dortmund had it in the bag.

There’s a school of thought that it’s better to have a go and be hammered than sit in and lose narrowly, but that is objectively no longer the case.

It doesn’t get much easier for Brendan Rodgers and his team over the next couple games. They won’t be favourites to do much against Atalanta away or perhaps even RB Leipzig at home. But if they’ve learned one thing from their opening two games, it’s that points and pride aren’t the only thing to worry about. Learning to play it smart, and limiting the damage where they have to, could be the deciding factor between Champions League knockout football, or the indignity of a bottom eight finish.

Callum McGregor quizzed by UEFA as he gives one-word descriptions for each Celtic teammate

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has been prominent in the media blitz surrounding the club during this season’s Champions League group stage.

McGregor is regrouping his team after Celtic were heavily beaten by Borussia Dortmund. His leadership will be very important over the coming days and weeks.

The captain has been in this situation before, having suffered a few Celtic hammerings in the Champions League. More often than not, he’s ensured his team have bounced back.

Despite recent difficulties, McGregor is proud of his fellow players, always talking up their quality.

Now, the Bhoys hero has been featured in a new video on UEFA’s official YouTube channel doing that again.

Callum McGregor shares quickfire thoughts on Celtic teammates

McGregor used the word ‘cat’ to describe summer signing Kasper Schmeichel.

Giving his reasoning, the captain said: “Because he’s unbelievable. He’s a top, top goalkeeper, and just watching him from afar, his reaction speed and the way he comes out and closes the goal. He makes big saves in big moments.”

The description of ‘finisher’ for striker Kyogo Furuhashi speaks for itself. The Celtic forward has netted an impressive 77 goals in 141 appearances for the Bhoys and is expected to significantly add to that total before his time in Scotland is up.

James Forrest received a ‘legend’ designation after playing over 500 matches for Celtic, while Cameron Carter-Vickers was actually given two words: ‘the wall’.

READ MORE:

Nicolas Kuhn and Greg Taylor get praise from their Bhoys captain

Everyone will understand why Nicolas Kuhn was described as ‘rapid’ after watching his electric performances on the wing which have resulted in five goals and eight assists this season.

McGregor lauded Greg Taylor with a ‘Mr Consistent’ label and stated he absolutely loves playing with his left-back.

Liam Scales was described with ‘composure’ because the captain feels absolutely nothing phases him in any aspect of his life.

Finally, Reo Hatate was given the title of ‘maverick’ with McGregor declaring: “When he’s on, he’s unplayable.”

It was fun to watch, and McGregor always speaks well about Celtic. It’s clear that the captain is buzzing with the club’s talent.

Now it’s about finding the strength to pick up six or seven more points in the Champions League to qualify for that top-24 playoff position.

North Curve Celtic Announce the Return of The Celtic End

Celtic Women has made history in the Champions League, and they’ll have the iconic backing of the Green Brigade and Bhoys Celtic, as the return of The Celtic End has been confirmed for their opening group stage clash against FC Twente.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic fans react in the stands Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

This marks a significant moment not only for Celtic Women but for Scottish football, as they become the first Scottish side ever to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages. Their historic journey kicks off with a group stage fixture against Twente at New Douglas Park in Hamilton.

The return of The Celtic End promises to add even more excitement to an already momentous occasion. The initiative, spearheaded by the club’s ultras groups, aims to replicate the atmosphere of Borussia Dortmund’s famous Yellow Wall, which some Celtic fans got to witness in the flesh on Tuesday, by turning the traditional Celtic End of Celtic Park into a stand renowned for its visual and vocal support of the team.

Join The Celtic End to back Celtic Women in the Champions League:

Tickets available below:https://t.co/oqHj5eoZev

Select “Supporters’ Groups” for The Celtic End. pic.twitter.com/Enn1lDUkIw

— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) October 3, 2024

This movement has already made waves, with 15,822 fans filling the stands to watch Celtic Women take on Hearts on the dramatic final day of the SWPL season two seasons ago.

However, the presence of The Celtic End at women’s fixtures was in doubt towards the end of last season, after the Green Brigade boycotted games following a dispute about their placement in the Jock Stein Stand. Now, with the group back in full support, the Ghirls will be playing in front of a lively, packed-out stand, with tickets priced at £12 for adults and £6 for under-16s.

Kick-off for the historic match against FC Twente is set for 8 pm next Tuesday, and with The Celtic End back in action, it’s set to be an unforgettable night for Celtic Women as they aim to make even more history on the European stage.

The bizarre meeting with David Murray that convinced Scott Brown to sign for Celtic and not Rangers

Scott Brown is and always will be a legend at Celtic.

The new Ayr United manager is arguably Celtic’s best captain since the legendary Billy McNeill after he guided the team to a second nine-in-a-row, a Quadruple Treble and an Invincibles Treble.

One of Celtic’s most decorated players, Brown made over 500 appearances for Celtic over a 14-year career that saw him pick up ten league titles, six Scottish Cups and seven League Cups in total.

After hanging up his boots, Scott Brown is now enjoying a fairly successful managerial career as he cuts his teeth at Ayr but here, the Celtic hero shares a meeting he had with Rangers that convinced him to sign for Celtic back in 2007.

Scott Brown’s meeting with Rangers in a car park and how it made him want to join Celtic

Brown told the Let Me Be Frank podcast, “I went and met Walter, Ally, and David Murray in a car park in Sighthill in Glasgow, underneath flats, sat in a Land Rover and blethered away to them.

“Then Celtic obviously phoned to ask if I can speak to them. Hibs had accepted the bid and they flew me to London to Dermot’s [Desmond] place.

“I was looking, going, this is slightly better than Sighthill this.”

Tommy Burns’ role in convincing Scott Brown to snub Rangers for Celtic

The late, great Tommy Burns had his role to play in the signing of Brown as the former Celtic captain shared the messages Tommy sent to him to tempt him to the east end of Glasgow.

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Brown continued, “I got on really well with Coisty and Walter. And being at Scotland with Tam at the time as well.

“So it was really good banter, but Tommy was texting saying, ‘Wee man come home, you know, you want to come home, come to us, we’ll make sure you’re all right, we’ll build the team around you’.

“And I got on really well with Strachan in the way we wanted to play, we wanted to build the team around myself, Aiden [McGeady] and all the young players that were there.

“So I just felt like it was the right place at the right time to go to a club that was in the Champions League that was competing all the time.

“And to be fair, we done well in the Champions League the first couple of seasons.”

Brown enjoyed countless successful European nights at Celtic beating the likes of AC Milan, Villareal and Benfica.

The former Celtic captain also enjoyed some great victories over Rangers during his time at the club with the 5-1 wins at Celtic Park and Ibrox during the Invincibles season being the most memorable of the lot.

Now chasing promotion to the Scottish Premiership with Ayr United, Brown may well see himself in the Celtic dugout soon enough but in the unfamiliar opposition side next season.

Kasper Schmeichel’s ‘midnight’ rule that Celtic can learn from as he urges teammates to NEVER forget Dortmund mauling

The Parkhead no.1 needed a hug from famous dad Peter in the wake of the Borussia bashing and attempted to take some positives

Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel

Kasper Schmeichel allowed himself to hurt until midnight in Germany but he insists Celtic should never forget their Borussia Dortmund drubbing.

And rather than bury the memory of their nightmare seven goal Champions League mauling, the great Dane is actually convinced something GOOD might come of it. Schmeichel attempted to put some kind of positive spin on the shocker, even though he knew it was a difficult task in the immediate aftermath.

The keeper’s old man Peter was on media duties at the Signal Iduna Park the other night and the Manchester United legend hung around in the bowels of the famous ground to give his lad a big hug at the end. He looked like he needed it. The Celtic squad could have formed a queue to get a comforting cuddle from the big fella. The embrace seemed to do the trick though and Schmeichel now reckons the Hoops need to keep the Dortmund demolition fresh in their minds – as a lesson on what not to do in the Champions League challenges ahead.

He said: “It’s a case of moving on very fast. The most important thing from a night like that is to learn from it. It can even be a good thing if you do. It’s something to refer to now – remember that night. Remember what happened, because if we are not 100 per cent on it for every single minute, that’s what can happen.

“I’m hoping we can turn it into a positive. That’s our responsibility as the leadership group. That’s life, that’s football. This game has a incredible way of bringing you back down to earth sometimes. But we also have to remember the big picture. We have had a good start to the season. This is obviously a lesson we have to learn from.

“Football is an industry where you can have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but you have to move on very quickly. Throughout my career I’ve always had a rule where I allow myself to feel how I feel until midnight. That’s whether it’s joy from winning or devastation from losing. But after midnight we move on. Now it’s about Ross County on Sunday.”

Elena Sadiku digs out Rangers again as Celtic women boss tells rivals ‘you’re not the better team’

That’s fair enough, but there is no way Tuesday night will be swept under the carpet. Celtic made plenty of positive noises going on, giving supporters belief it wouldn’t be the same old sorry story at this level. Yet what they witnessed was another horror show that was up there among the most grizzly suffered on this stage.

The blame game has been in full swing and no one has avoided the post mortem. Boss Brendan Rodgers copped it for his game plan contributing to a third seven goal hammering in his two spells in charge.

Dortmund played through any attempts at a Celtic press and brutally capitalised on the Hoops constantly conceding possession in their own half. They unravelled at a rate of knots but Schmeichel doesn’t believe Celts need to rip up their approach and overhaul their entire style for Europe.

Brendan Rodgers

He said: “There’s always a debate. That approach has been very successful for us this season. Sometimes you just come up against an opposition where everything goes their way. Dortmund are a good team. We caught them on their best day but they caught us on our worst day.

“They had one of those nights where everything worked for them. We have had plenty of days like that ourselves this season already. That’s football sometimes. The most important thing is now we take our medicine.

“It’s all well and good when you take the praise like we have been doing this season. We also have to take it on the chin after we get a result like this. For me now, the big thing is the response. How do we respond now? It’s all well and good having a good start to the season, but now we have to feel this one because it hurts, but then move on to Sunday.”

Tuesday was a heck of a reality check for the Denmark keeper after a couple of months when everything seemed to be going his way. Schmeichel had yet to concede a goal in the Premiership this term and was part of a side that had won nine games out of nine before Germany.

The no.1 has been lapping it all up and he won’t let Tuesday’s trauma dent his optimism – or Celtic’s chance of getting to the Champions League knockout stages. Schmeichel said: “I always say, nothing in football is easy. If it was easy then everyone would do it.

“You have to earn absolutely everything in this game. No one is going to give you anything. The other night we had the kind of result that we have dished out a few times already this season.

Brendan Rodgers sees Celtic Champions League demand met as he reveals Maeda moment that trumps everything

“It was a tough night but it’s been fantastic since I joined the club. The other night was an isolated incident, the kind of freak result that can happen now and again, but it’s definitely not indicative of this season. Remember, this is the first time we’ve lost this season. It won’t damage the belief. We are two games into an eight game campaign in the Champions League – there is a long way to go.

“I’ve been lucky enough to be at the other end of some of them as well. Sometimes it’s like everything the opposition hits goes in. They get the luck or the rub of the green to get a result like that. It’s not one of those results that’s indicative of us as a team. We’ve had a very good start to the season and have to remember that.”

Celtic keeper Schmeichel reveals his ‘midnight rule’

Kasper Schmeichel (Image: Getty)

Kasper Schmeichel hasn’t been troubled in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic so far this season.

In his short Celtic career, the Danish shot-stopper has equalled a 118-year-old shut-out record by keeping six clean sheets on the bounce in the domestic league in Scotland. However, there are levels to this football game, though. Big levels, especially in the European arena.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic found that out to their cost in the Signal Iduna Park Stadium as they tried to mix it and go toe-to-toe with last season’s beaten Champions League finalists.

The visitors were up against it as early as the seventh minute when Schmeichel upended Jamie Gittens in the box and Spanish referee Jose Maria Sanchez awarded a penalty and a yellow card to the ex-Falkirk and Leicester goalkeeper. Schmeichel was helpless to prevent Emre Can from firing home the opener, Karim Adeyemi bagging a first-half hat-trick, Serhou Guirassy notching a brace and Felix Nmecha completing the rout on a night of misery.

However, Schmeichel believes that the 7-1 Champions League mauling can be used as a reference point for the rest of the campaign. The No.1 is keen to move on quickly and get the defeat out of his system and he will use all his experience in the game to turn the crushing loss into something positive for the team. Schmeichel reckons that something good might come of it in the future.

He said: “It’s a case of moving on very fast. The most important thing from a night like that is to learn from it. It can even be a good thing if you do. It’s something to refer to now – remember that night. Remember what happened, because if we are not 100 percent on it for every single minute, that’s what can happen.

“I’m hoping we can turn it into a positive. That’s our responsibility as the leadership group.”

Schmeichel revealed he is not one to get too high or too low whatever football throws at him. He has a personal ‘midnight rule’ which he strictly abides by. Whether it is winning the English Premiership title and FA Cup with Leicester City, breaking century-old shut-out records with Celtic, or suffering Champions League hammerings, it’s all the same to Schmeichel. It was all forgotten about by midnight but he admits that Celtic need to learn after being handed another lesson on their travels in Europe.

Now Schmeichel’s focus is solely on Ross County in Dingwall on Sunday Schmeichel said: “That’s life, that’s football. This game has an incredible way of bringing you back down to earth sometimes.

“We also have to remember the big picture. We have had a good start to the season. This is a lesson we have to learn from. Football is an industry where you can have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but you have to move on very quickly. Dortmund are a good team. We caught them on their best day but they caught us on our worst day. They had one of those nights where everything worked for them. We have had plenty of days like that ourselves this season already.

“That’s football sometimes. The most important thing is now we take our medicine. It’s all well and good when you take the praise like we have been doing this season. We also have to take it on the chin if we get a result like this. For me now, the big thing is the response. How do we respond now? It’s all well and good having a good start to the season, but now we have to feel this one because it hurts, but then move on to Sunday.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always had a rule where I allow myself to feel how I feel until midnight. That’s whether it’s joy from winning or devastation from losing but after midnight we move on.

“Now it’s all about Ross County.”

For the moment, Bergamo and last season’s Europa League winners and Atalanta can wait. One thing is for certain, Rodgers isn’t going to be any more pragmatic when Celtic touches down in Italy in three weeks. The wily, old Schmeichel refused to be drawn into any kind of debate about whether or not the Celtic manager should deploy a different tactical approach next time out in the Champions League or if the gulf in class between the Scottish Premiership and elite-level European club football is too big a gap to bridge.

What Schmeichel does know is that this one result won’t define Celtic’s season. Schmeichel said: “There’s always a debate. That approach has been very successful for us this season. Sometimes you just come up against an opposition where everything goes their way.

“It was one of those results that can happen now and then. They happen. I’ve been lucky enough to be at the other end of some of them as well. Sometimes it’s like everything the opposition hits goes in. They get the luck or the rub of the green to get a result like that. It’s not one of those results that’s indicative of us as a team. We’ve had a very good start to the season and have to remember that. We just have to take it on the chin now. It’s not who we are or what we have been.

“You need to take the rough with the smooth when this happens. as we’ve been on the other side a lot this season.”

The objective for Schmeichel and Celtic remains the same. The men in green and white will qualify for the knockout phase if they finish in the top 24. With two down and six games of the Champions League league phase to go, Schmeichel won’t be rushing to make any snap judgements. Despite what he labelled a ‘freak result’ in Dortmund the Dane still has faith in the process. He said: “I always say, nothing in football is easy. If it was easy then everyone would do it. You have to earn absolutely everything in this game. No one is going to give you anything.

“The other night we had the kind of result that we have dished out a few times already this season. It was a tough night but it’s been fantastic since I joined the club. The other night was an isolated incident, the kind of freak result that can happen now and again, but it’s not indicative of this season.

“Remember, this is the first time we’ve lost this season. It won’t damage the belief. We are two games into an eight-game campaign in the Champions League – there is a long way to go.”

Schmeichel didn’t go looking for trouble in Germany, it just arrived in his six-yard box. Rodgers’ men tried to step into the Bundesliga side’s face and it backfired spectacularly. On a torrid Tuesday night in the Champions League in Dortmund, Celtic and Schmeichel had come to the wrong place.

Elena Sadiku digs out Rangers again as Celtic women boss tells rivals ‘you’re not the better team’

The rivals face face at Broadwood on Thursday night

Celtic Women’s head coach Elena Sadiku

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Elena Sadiku has insisted her side were worthy title winners last season as they prepare for their first meeting of the campaign against Rangers.

Jo Potter’s side were pipped to the title in the dramatic final moments of the campaign. And Celtic boss Sadiku has poured cold water on any theory Rangers had the better squad last season. “They were not (the better team). We won the league, we always aim to win and to win well. That is not going to change.”

Sadiku has been no stranger to a bit of fighting talk with her side’s rivals across the city. She crossed words with Potter back in April after Rangers’ win in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, after Potter had criticised their use of the pre-match huddle.

The Gers boss said those ‘tactics’ were a sign of Celtic’s weak mindset, before Sadiku fired back: “We always do the same thing before games but I think she just wants to have something to say and be tough about it, so I don’t care what she’s saying.

“I think she just wants to have something to say. If she thinks that’s our mindset then she can because I couldn’t care less what she has to say.

“We always do the same thing so I don’t know where she got that from. If it’s something she wants to focus on, let her focus on it.

As far as Potter is concerned, Thursday’s clash is about keeping up their 100 per cent start and making sure there are no slips this time. On the final day of the SWPL last May, Potter spoke about wanting her players to feel the title hurt.

Last season Rangers did not lose in the league to either Celtic or City but isolated slip-ups elsewhere proved particularly costly. “These games do matter, you can’t lose too many, they’re important but you can’t take your eye off any of the others,” said Potter.

“We know we have to be bang at it. We had a healthy head start last season before the split so we want to maintain that.”

Trusty called up by Pochettino but CCV misses out from USMNT

Auston Trusty applauds the Celtic fans at full-time following their 0-6 victory over St Johnstone. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Football, McDiarmid Park, Perth on 28 September 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Mauricio Pochettino has named his first USMNT squad since becoming manager. The former Spurs and Chelsea boss has selected Celtic defender Auston Trusty but his colleague, Cameron Carter-Vickers, misses out through injury.

Rodgers after defeat at Dortmund: ‘For our players, it’s a big learning’

Trusty has come into the Celtic team since CCV was forced into the treatment room with the toe injury that forced him to miss the Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The 26-year-old was a big miss as Celtic conceded 7 goals against the Bundesliga outfit.

The full squad headed to Texas 🤠 pic.twitter.com/A3KpUsnYpP

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) October 2, 2024

Trusty will look for a place in the starting XI for the games against Panama and Mexico as he looks to get his fitness levels up.

The international break will give CCV additional time to recuperate following the injury as it means he’ll be able to stay in Glasgow without games. The benefit will hopefully be that Celtic are able to call upon their star defender on the other side of the international break.

Pochettino will likely be keeping tabs on Carter-Vickers and this a benefit to both players if they were to strike up a partnership under Brendan. Trusty was signed from Sheffield United in a deal worth £6m that will see him compete with Liam Scales for a place in the starting XI.

German police assault football fan carrying Palestinian flag

Police officers knelt on Celtic football club fan during UEFA Champions League match

ISTANBUL

The German police assaulted Scotland’s Celtic football club fan and pushed him to the ground for carrying a Palestinian flag.

The incident happened during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League game against Celtic at Borussia Dortmund’s home ground Signal Iduna Park as three of five police officers at the site knelt on the football fan for several minutes.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last Oct. 7, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

More than 41,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and over 96,600 others injured, according to local health authorities.

Israel has also launched massive airstrikes since Sept. 23 against what it calls Hezbollah targets across Lebanon that have killed 1,928 people and injured nearly 9,300, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The major Adidas update that will see Celtic join European elite

St Johnstone v Celtic – Callum McGregor celebrates scoring our fourth goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match at McDiarmid Park, Perth on Saturday September 28, 2024. Photo Jane Barlow

Celtic and Adidas look set to continue their successful partnership by extending the German manufacturer’s contract to kit out the Scottish Champions. Adidas have provided the Hoops since 2020 and their efforts have been well received by the Celtic support.

Rodgers after defeat at Dortmund: ‘For our players, it’s a big learning’

FootyHeadlines are reporting that Celtic will be added to Adidas’ list of ‘Elite’ clubs next season, meaning that the cash involved could exceed the record breaking agreement back in 2020.

Adidas operate an ‘Elite’ level of clubs that they supply, often bringing out spezial ranges, historic collaborations and anniversary kits. There is evidence of the club testing the market with release along these lines and the market research appears to be that there is an appetite for it with Celtic.

Adidas and Celtic have successfully boasted record sales as the Celtic support have supported the team in the superstore as well as in the stands. Now, the agreement will see Celtic take their place at the top table of European football alongside giants like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Given the disparity between the top teams and Celtic on the pitch, it is hoped that improving in this area can help bridge that gap somewhat. The Celtic support deserve incredible praise for their support towards the club in the superstore and online, which has influenced Adidas into making this move.

The Celtic and adidas £29m cash boost that has manufacturer ‘ready’ to pull trigger on new deal

It’s reported Celtic and adidas are ready to extend their deal beyond the end of this season


The Celtic fourth kit (Image: Adidas)

Adidas are reportedly ready to extend their agreement with Celtic after a profitable first four years.

The Hoops switched from New Balance to the German sportswear giants in the summer of 2020, signing up to a five-year deal with one of the most iconic sports brands in the world in what was described as “the biggest kit sponsorship ever to be announced across Scottish sport.” It’s all seemingly gone to plan. ESPN have reported that, in 2023, Celtic kit sales generated £29m for adidas and that put them in the top 20 for kit sales among football clubs worldwide.

The agreement expires at the end of this season, but it looks unlikely this season’s kits will be the last produced by adidas. Kit specialists Footy Headlines are now reporting that adidas and Celtic are both ready to pull the trigger on extending the deal and it seems increasingly likely a long-term agreement will be announced before the end of the season.

There’s some uncertainty over main shirt sponsor Dafabet whose deal also expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. It remains to be seen if that will be extended, but it seems adidas are going nowhere.

Adidas Eye Blockbuster Celtic Extension After €34m Kit Success

Adidas and Celtic are reportedly set to extend their successful kit partnership, according to Footy Headlines. The current deal, which began in the 2020/21 season and runs until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, has proven to be a massive commercial success for both parties. However, there is no confirmed information yet on how many additional seasons the new agreement might cover.

When Celtic originally announced the five-year deal with Adidas, it was hailed as the biggest kit sponsorship ever to be announced across Scottish sport. The partnership has certainly lived up to that billing, with Celtic breaking into the top 20 best-selling clubs in 2023, generating an impressive £29 million (€34 million) in kit sales alone. This is a clear indicator of the strong demand for Celtic-branded Adidas products, and both the club and the sportswear giant are understandably keen to continue their collaboration.

Historically, Celtic has switched between major kit suppliers, moving from Umbro to Nike and then to New Balance before securing the lucrative Adidas deal. Given the continued success of the current partnership, any extension is likely to be another bumper deal, although the final terms will hinge on how many years are included in the contract.

Adidas has delivered more than just the standard three first-team kits per season, also providing an extensive range of training gear, special edition jerseys, and even Celtic-branded trainers. Their prolific output has made them a hit with Celtic fans, and it seems the German sportswear giant is equally happy with the relationship.

Neil Lennon spotted ‘a real asset’ in the Celtic team despite disappointing Dortmund result

Even the most hardened Celtic fan will find it difficult to point to anything positive from last night’s Champions League result against Borussia Dortmund.

The 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund has left the vast majority of the Celtic support shell-shocked as they try and piece together why Brendan Rodgers’ men performed so badly.

From front to back, Celtic was poor and even after scoring a quick equaliser after Dortmund went 1-0 up in the first seven minutes, Rodgers’ side never really looked like getting going as the Bundelsiga side asserted their authority on the Scottish champions.

However, Neil Lennon reckons that there was one player who got pass marks in Celtic’s humbling in Dortmund as the former Hoops boss said he looks like ‘a real asset’ in the Champions League.

Daizen Maeda is Celtic’s shining light in Germany

Daizen Maeda was once again full of energy even though Celtic toiled in Germany and Lennon reckons he is now showing his true worth against the best players in Europe.

Lennon told TNT Sports, “Alright, if you can’t play through the teams, then you get down the sides, and you get Maeda away and to be fair to Maeda, he kept going all night.

“He was a threat all night down that left-hand side and he is a real asset at this level. But there wasn’t enough from Kyogo.

“To be fair, he was starved of the ball. They didn’t play anywhere near quick passes behind the Dortmund defence.

“They just even to get a corner and take the sting out of the game for a little bit and get a breather and get reset.

“After 3-1 that should have been a time to go, ‘Okay, we hold what we have until half time and then we’ll take it from there’ but they never did.

“They just kept playing the same way, and kept getting punished for it.”

Maeda’s Celtic performance vs Borussia Dortmund

Despite doing a lot of chasing and harrying, Maeda performed admirably in the 7-1 defeat in the Westenfallonstadion.

Rated 6.9 by Fotmob, on top of his goal, the Japanese winger had a further two shots on goal, created two chances and had five touches inside Dortmund’s box as he tried to break them down.

Defensively, Maeda won two out of his seven duels, made one clearance, three defensive actions and two interceptions as he tried to keep Nuri Sahin’s side at bay.

Unfortunately the Japan international made a mistake which led to a Dortmund goal but, overall, he was one of Celtic’s best performers in a night many fans want to forget.

The best thing Brendan Rodgers can do right now is to draw a line under this defeat and try to pick his team up for the tricky trip to Dingwall where a struggling Ross County await on Sunday afternoon.

SPFL club appeal for £200k within two weeks to avoid administration as Rangers liquidators placed on standby

League One side facing grave financial situation

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have issued an urgent appeal after admitting that administration is inevitable unless the club raises £200,000 within the next two weeks.

The League One side are in danger of going bust after suffering relegation from the Championship last season with former chairman Alan Savage putting in £350,000 of his own money to keep the club afloat over the summer.

However, a financial report conducted by Savage has found that the Highlanders require a further investment of between £1.4million and £1.6million to make it to the end of the season, including an immediate £200,000 injection to avoid falling into insolvency by Wednesday, October 16.

A crowdfunding page is to be launched where pledges can be made to a Save ICT Fund while an emergency meeting of shareholders, supporters and stakeholders will be held at the Caledonian Stadium on Monday, October 7 at 7.30pm.

In a letter to shareholders, interim chairman Panos Thomas detailed the grave financial situation facing the club.

“Unless the Appeal can raise £200,000 immediately, and certainly by Wednesday, October 16, then administration is inevitable, because the club would be insolvent,” the letter stated.

The report found that the club suffered a £1.2million loss last season with another £1.2million deficit predicted for the current season. Trade creditors including HMRC stood at £600,000 in early August with loan debts to former directors standing at £3.425million, leaving the club facing a negative £3.8million balance sheet by May 2025.

Caledonian Stadium, the home of Scottish League One side Inverness Caledonian Thistle. (Photo by Paul Byars / SNS Group) | SNS Group

The club discussed its predicament with the SPFL last month while meetings have also taken place with adminstators BDO, the same company that handled the liquidation of Rangers in 2012. Should Inverness enter administration they would face an immediate 15-point deduction with redundancies also inevitable among both playing and non-playing staff. Manager Duncan Ferguson has already taken a 40 per cent pay cut to help protect jobs at the club.

The letter continued: “Discussions with Scotland’s leading football administrator has also taken place, after which the Board determined that it was duty bound to investigate what the administration process would entail, if that was to be initiated in a final attempt to avoid liquidation of the club. Subsequent discussions have been opened with an Administrator experienced in dealing with Administrations for Scottish Football Clubs.”

Inverness remain hopeful that a potential lifeline could emerge from a proposal to build a battery farm on adjacent ground which could be worth around £3.4million to the club through the sale of land. The initial planning application was rejected by Highland Council in March but an appeal has been lodged with the Scottish Government.

The letter added: “Whilst Alan Savage’s temporary financial lifeline has undoubtedly saved the club from insolvency in the last few months, now that he has reported in depth to the Board, it would be unrealistic to expect that lifeline to continue. A decision as to the future path of the club must be made in the next few weeks and certainly by end October at the latest.

“As a club Board, it is incumbent on us to formally report this to you, the shareholders, as we have done above, seek your views and any suggestions to save the club, that may not have come to the fore over the last few months, and then act appropriately, in accordance with our statutory duties as directors.

“What no Balance Sheet or financial analysis recognises, of course, is that the club’s most valuable asset is its fan base. They provide the life blood for the club and we recognised that we should also make further steps through the Supporters Trust and publicly, to appeal to them to help the club to survive.

“We need to accept the reality of the situation that with debt by May 2025 likely to be £1.4 – £1.6 million (to cover cash loss, potential claims and back log creditors) and a balance sheet standing at negative £3.8 million by the financial year end in May 2025, finding a credible buyer is highly aspirational.

“However, a former Chairman has expressed the opinion within the last week, that he feels confident that Administration could be avoided, if the Board reached out to former Directors and major Shareholders to see what amount of money could be raised quickly to save the Club. Whilst we have already done just that, and on more than one occasion, nonetheless, and in line with this request, the Board are reaching out once again, and by virtue of this letter, to all shareholders, to former Directors, fans and all Stakeholders, to ascertain if it is still possible to raise money of the levels indicated above.

“It is a matter of considerable regret that, as interim Chairman, I have had to write to you in these terms, but you need to be fully aware of matters as they stand currently and with support of the Board, shareholders, fans and stakeholders, rest assured that we will continue to work assiduously and explore every avenue in an attempt to restore the club to a financial equilibrium that will ensure its future for years to come.”

£49m bonanza on the cards as Celtic chief with 16 years of service joins Aston Villa

Aston Villa have poached a key member of Celtic’s executive team and are now looking to leverage the move to gain a financial edge over their peers in the Premier League.

Villa host Bayern Munich in a blockbuster clash in the Champions League tonight, their first at Villa Park in the competition since 1983.

The match, which is especially poignant since it was Bayern who Villa beat to win the competition in 1982, has been the source of controversy regarding ticket prices.

Villa‘s president of business Chris Heck penned a statement following the backlash, saying that the pricing structure – which has seen fans forced to shell out between £70 and £97 – was a “difficult decision.”

The American, who was previously president of NBA franchise the Philadelphia 76ers, insisted that Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) mean the club has to generate as much revenue as possible.

The Premier League‘s PSR system limits clubs to losses of £105m over a rolling three-year period, while UEFA’s equivalent caps spending on wages, transfers and agent fees this season at 80 per cent.

Villa owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris have underwritten major losses in order to get the club into the Champions League, and the club only narrowly dodged a PSR breach last season.

There are plans to expand Villa Park and supercharge their matchday income, but that will take years to yield material financial results.

Villa are therefore looking to commercial income as a top priority – and there has been positive news on that front as they seek to supercharge their sponsorship and merchandise strategy.

Villa appoint new chief commercial officer

In the last financial year on record, 2022-23, Villa banked £40.4m in commercial income.

They finished 7th that season, and analysis from the world-renowned finance analyst Swiss Ramble forecasts that they will reveal commercial income of £48m when they release their 2023-24 accounts.

This season, the numbers will be far greater thanks to a number of new lucrative sponsorship deals and the enthusiasm about the Champions League campaign, which will generate more sales.

Now, as reported by Sport Business, Villa have appointed a new chief commercial officer to operate alongside Chris Heck and the rest of the c-suite at Villa Park.

Adrian Filby is joining from Celtic, where he spent 16 years as the club’s commercial director, during which time he oversaw a near 100 per cent increase in commercial income to £29m at the last count.

The highly-rated operator will be responsible for maximising revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, merchandising, and marketing initiatives.

Adidas and Betano deals to inflate Villa’s finances

It was a busy summer for Villa in the transfer market, but just as busy in the commercial department.

In time for their Champions League campaign, the club struck front-of-shirt and kit deals with Adidas and Betano respectively, with both partnerships worth a reported £20m per year.

The Betano deal will last a maximum of two years as the Premier League will outlaw front-of-shirt gambling sponsorship from 2026-27.

But the additional revenue likely means Villa will earn £70-80m in commercial income this season, placing them alongside the likes of Newcastle United in this metric.

Rodgers admits that ‘spooked’ Celtic were hard to watch in Dortmund drubbing

“At this level, especially away from home against a top team, you need to be at your highest level. We weren’t and they were.”

PLENTY TO CHEW ON: Celtic’s head coach Brendan Rodgers watches his players during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers felt his team got “spooked” by Borussia Dortmund’s quickfire response before being heavily punished for a number of mistakes in a 7-1 thrashing in Germany.

The Hoops arrived at Signal Iduna Park in optimistic mood and in free-scoring form after 17 consecutive wins, including a 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their opening match of the Champions League.

But they were on the end of the kind of thrashing that they have been handing out themselves in recent weeks.

Daizen Maeda’s ninth-minute equaliser was the high point for the travelling support but Karim Adeyemi netted the first goal of his first-half hat-trick two minutes later.

Rodgers said: “It was a tough watch to be honest. We weren’t quite at our best and they showed why they’re a top, top team.

“We didn’t make the start that we wanted and then, like I said to the players afterwards, I don’t think I’ve been involved in a game where I felt that every single mistake that we made got punished.

“And that’s the level. Any misplaced pass or moment that they had, it just seemed to end up in the back of the net. And then on the other side, we had a couple of moments in the second half and it didn’t just quite fall for us.

“At this level, especially away from home against a top team, you need to be at your highest level. We weren’t and they were.”

Some basic errors on the ball were punished, including Maeda twice losing the ball to Adeyemi before the forward finished in lethal fashion.

“That’s the learning that comes away from this level,” Rodgers said.

“I think that we may have got spooked a little bit early on. We get the equaliser and very, very quickly we’re then 2-1 behind. They get a foothold in the game, start to move it well and we start to chase it a little bit.

“So it was a mixture of our positioning but also then just our quality and our passing. We were either short or didn’t make the right pass or the touch wasn’t quite right. So we just didn’t play a good game technically.”

Rodgers’ Celtic sides have been on the end of similar defeats in the Champions League in the past but he is not minded to change their approach.

“We went in high in confidence,” he said. “The team’s been playing ever so well. So we felt we were in a really good place. But I think we needed to start the game much better than we did.

“When we analyse the game, there were certain issues, positioning, that we would have to be better in.

“We got punished for passes and loose bits of play. It was absolutely ruthless in the finishing. It was actually incredible to see.

“At times our positioning was a little bit too open and you’ve just got to really tighten the game or else they play through you, and that’s what they did.

“Once they’re in then that speed and power that they have at the very highest level, then you see where it takes them.”

PA

Match Report: Karim Adeyemi Shines as Borussia Dortmund Hit Celtic for Seven in Champions League

Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic: A UEFA Champions League Spectacle

In a night that saw Borussia Dortmund deliver a masterclass, Celtic’s early season unbeaten run faced a harsh reality check. Signal Iduna Park hosted a UEFA Champions League clash that ended in a staggering 7-1 victory for the home team, leaving the visitors grappling with the sheer pace and skill of Dortmund’s lineup.

Karim Adeyemi stole the show with a formidable hat-trick, setting the tone for what was a one-sided affair. This result positions Dortmund as serious contenders to progress deep into the tournament, building on the legacy of their previous campaigns.

Early Exchange Sets Stage for Goal Fest

The match began with a frenetic pace as Dortmund were awarded a penalty in the seventh minute, confidently converted by Emre Can. However, Celtic quickly responded with Daizen Maeda poking home a cross from Arne Engels. This brief comeback was short-lived, as Dortmund’s relentless attack, spearheaded by Adeyemi, overwhelmed Celtic’s defences.

Adeyemi’s blend of pace and precision saw him complete a hat-trick by the end of the first half, with additional goals from Serhou Guirassy and Felix Nmecha rounding off the scoring. The sheer dominance of Dortmund was evident as they took a commanding 5-1 lead into the break.

Celtic’s Defensive Woes Exposed

Celtic, despite their optimistic start to the season, were visibly outpaced and outmanoeuvred. Missing key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, they struggled to contain Dortmund’s dynamic forward play. Kasper Schmeichel, in goal for Celtic, made several crucial saves, but the defensive breaches were too significant to salvage the game.

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, admitted the game was a reality check against top-tier competition. He noted, “We’ve got to be better. We know the quality of Dortmund, and tonight, they showed why they’re one of Europe’s elite.”

Dortmund’s Depth and Quality Shine

Even without some of their star players from the last season, Dortmund’s squad depth was on full display. New and returning players seamlessly filled the gaps, with Julian Brandt orchestrating plays and contributing to Dortmund’s attacking prowess. This adaptability and tactical acumen underpin Dortmund’s potential for another deep run in the Champions League.

Looking ahead, Dortmund’s schedule doesn’t get any easier with a fixture against Real Madrid on the horizon. Meanwhile, Celtic must regroup as they face Atalanta, aiming to inject some resilience and tactical astuteness into their play.

Analysis and Outlook

Dortmund’s performance against Celtic was a stark reminder of their capabilities when firing on all cylinders. With a combination of youth and experience, they are a team that can disrupt the best in Europe.

Celtic, on the other hand, need to find answers quickly. Their next games in the Champions League will be crucial in determining the trajectory of their European campaign. As they seek redemption, the focus will be on shoring up their defence and finding consistency against Europe’s top teams.

In conclusion, while Dortmund celebrate a spectacular victory, Celtic are left to ponder what might have been and what needs to change. The road ahead in the UEFA Champions League remains daunting but filled with opportunities for both teams to define their seasons.

Final Thoughts

As the dust settles on this UEFA Champions League encounter, both Borussia Dortmund and Celtic look towards their next European fixtures with different expectations. Dortmund, buoyed by their success, aim to maintain their momentum, while Celtic must harness this tough lesson to bolster their campaign.

This match was not just a game of goals, but a story of tactical success and failure, of potential fulfilled and opportunities missed. The UEFA Champions League continues to be a stage for drama, excellence, and footballing lessons, as was emphatically highlighted in Dortmund’s emphatic win over Celtic.

Rodgers admits Celtic defeat to Borussia Dortmund was ‘a tough watch’

The Celtic boss saw his side thumped 7-1 in Germany.

Play VideoSNS GroupDismay: Rodgers said every mistake was punished.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admitted his side’s 7-1 thumping at the hands of Borussia Dortmund was painful to see, and he said his side were punished for every mistake on a miserable night of Champions League football.

Dortmund took the lead from the penalty spot when Emre Can scored after seven minutes and though Daizen Maeda scored a quickfire equaliser, the hosts went on to score freely.

Karim Adeyemi netted a hat-trick, while Serhou Guirassy grabbed two goals and Felix Nmecha rounded off the scoring, with Celtic struggling to impose their own game on Dortmund or contain the pacy attack.

“It was a tough watch, to be honest,” Rodgers said. “We weren’t quite at our best.

“They showed why they are a top, top team. We didn’t make the start we wanted.

“I don’t think I’ve been involved in a game where every mistake got punished. That’s the level.

“Any misplaced pass or moment that they had seemed to end up in the back of the net. And on the other side, the couple of moments we had in the second half didn’t fall for us.

“At this level, especially away from home against a top team, you need to be at your highest level. We weren’t that and they were. You could see the quality that they have.”

Several of the Dortmund goals came from slack passes or Celtic being caught in possession while trying to play out and the manager said that lessons had to be learned. Rodgers felt his side weren’t at their technical best and also got their positioning wrong too often.

“That’s the learning that comes away from this level,” he said. “We got spooked early on. We get to 1-1, which is good but then very quickly we go 2-1 behind and they get a foothold in the game, start to move it around and we have to chase it.

“It was a mixture of our positioning but also our quality in our passing, where short or the wrong pass or the touch wasn’t right. We just didn’t play a good game on a technical level.”

The Scottish champions went into the game in strong form, having won every game this season and looking good at both ends of the pitch. Rodgers felt Dortmund were of “a different level” and he admitted he will have to “inspire” his players again after a bruising experience.

“We went in high in confidence because we had been playing ever so well,” the manager added. “We felt we were in a really good place.

“We had to start much better than we did, as we gave away really cheap goals.

“If you analyse the game, there’s positions we would have to be have been better in and we got punished for loose bits of play and passes. They will punish you and they were ruthless in their finishing. It was incredible to see.

“It’s very difficult for us to get to that level. It’s a different level, with the greatest respect. We want to be more competitive, that’s what was disappointing from our perspective.

“My job is to go away and inspire the players again. We need to learn from it or we will get punished at this level.”

Kris Boyd trolls Brendan Rodgers as Rangers hero lands Celtic ‘best team’ jab on boss after joining Dortmund’s Yellow Wall

The former Ibrox hitman didn’t waste any time to have a pop at the Hoops

Kris Boyd has wasted no time to troll Celtic after their Champions League nightmare in Dortmund.

The Rangers hero took a social media swipe at Brendan Rodgers’ men after a sobering night in Germany on matchday two of their Champions League adventure. The Scottish champions had a night to forget as they lost SEVEN goals at Signal Iduna Park. The hosts showed their lethal touch in front of goal and held a 5-1 advantage at the break with two further strikes in the second period.

Celtic have been firing on all cylinders domestically with Rodgers and his table toppers boasting a 100 per cent record – but this is one they will want to forget in a hurry. But Light Blues hero and pundit Boyd was in no mood to let that happen in a hurry. He uploaded a picture of a ‘Yellow Wall’ on his Instagram profile in reference to Dortmund and their famous fan stand with a number of ‘flushed face’ emoji icons.

He then uploaded further posts to his stories with one of Rodgers and Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin post-match and he caption it: “”Please let the players know they’re the best team we’ve faced this season.” Before a THIRD upload of his face photoshopped in amongst the Dortmund fans. He added: “I will be back again. Loved my trip to @bvb09.” alongside two clapping emojis.

Kris Boyd trolls Celtic on Instagram

Karim Adeyemi netted a first half hat-trick for the hosts while fellow attacker Serhou Guirassy bagged a double. Emre Can and Felix Nmecha grabbed the other goals while Daizen Maeda hit Celtic’s solo strike to level early on in the match before the home side ran riot in front of a packed out crowd.

Boyd’s further social media update

Rodgers’ naive Celtic fall into familiar European trap’


On a bleak night, there was a moment of dark comedy when Brendan Rodgers sat down to assess the unmerciful hiding that had just been inflicted on his team.

“We weren’t quite at our best,” said the Celtic manager in the wake of the deluge that washed over his players.

He said it without fear of contradiction. After watching his team lose 7-1 while committing so many errors that 10-1 wouldn’t have flattered Borussia Dortmund, not quite at their best was a fairly unarguable take.

Dortmund preyed on Celtic’s naivety and rendered them quivering wrecks inside half an hour. It was brutal. Their end was swift and horrible.

The errors that the spooked visitors made were jaw-dropping. The mere sight of a yellow and black jersey turned their composure to mush.

Some of the goals were outstanding finishes, lustily banged home by players who couldn’t believe their luck.

Julian Brandt found as much space as he liked in midfield and nobody thought it sensible to do something about it. But Celtic don’t really have a player who is made that way, a destroyer, a guy who can sense danger, a character who can – Lord forbid – let Brandt know he’s there.

Celtic suffer Champions League torment in Dortmund

Rodgers won’t change approach despite rout

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In a word, Celtic were soft.

Many of the goals had their origins in players losing the plot in possession. Daizen Maeda did it; Alastair Johnston did it; Auston Trusty did it. Three different Celtic players did it within seconds of each other in the lead-up to the seventh goal.

The “acid test” Rodgers called this. “For us, it’s looking to bring our game to the next level,” he said on the eve of the match.

Of course, he didn’t say which direction he was thinking of when talking about the next level. Up or down?

Dortmund might have noted Rodgers’ fighting talk about how great a place the team was in (he didn’t mean Dortmund) and how he knew that they had the mentality to “hurt teams.”

Based on weekly routings of clubs with a tiny percentage of their budget. Flimsy evidence that they chose to interpret as compelling. Again.

This was a monumental humiliation for Celtic, a team that once again fell into the trap of believing that just because you can play freewheeling football against St Johnstone in Perth on a Saturday means that you can try to do the same against Borussia in Dortmund on a Tuesday.

Pragmatism? Closing the space? Staying in the fight? Keeping it tight and compact in the face of Dortmund’s obvious pace and danger? No, no. They set up like they set up against St Johnstone and Falkirk and Hibs and Rangers.

They felt they could go toe-to-toe with Dortmund because that’s what they do in Scotland and opponents fall at their dancing feet. They were pretty bullish about their readiness to transfer domestic superiority into the unforgiving fields of Europe. They’re nowhere near.

Until Rodgers introduces some overdue realism when playing some of Europe’s best, then this is likely to continue. They’ll be another shellacking down the line if he doesn’t change course.

‘Repeat offenders punished again’

Celtic are repeat offenders under their manager. That’s a second 7-1 Champions League defeat he has suffered at the club. That’s on top of a 5-0, a 6-0 and a 7-0.

Most of the biggest beatings in Celtic’s European history have Rodgers’ name beside them. He’s been a brilliant domestic manager, but Europe has been painful.

We saw again Celtic’s habit of conceding goals in clusters. They shipped three in quick order in Dortmund and the game was done.

Last season they conceded three times in 16 minutes in the 6-0 loss to Atletico Madrid and twice in three minutes against Lazio in Rome.

This goes back awhile. In the Europa League in the last season of Rodgers’ first spell in 2018-19, they lost two in six minutes against Salzburg, two in four minutes against Leipzig, and two in seven minutes against Valencia.

In other Champions League games under Rodgers, they conceded two in two and another two in six on the same night against PSG. In the return game, they lost two in four and another two in six.

They shipped three goals in 10 against Barcelona in 2016 in that 7-0 defeat.
,

‘It’s very difficult for us to get to that level’ – Rodgers

What happened to them in Dortmund was a shock, but it shouldn’t have been.

It’s just a continuation of a theme involving a manager who has been singularly unable to achieve even the modest goal of making his team resilient in the face of superior opposition. Too often, they go down in flames.

Later on Tuesday, Rodgers was asked if he would do anything different in the way of formation. “Not really,” he replied.

Their next game is away to Atalanta, who beat a mighty Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in last season’s Europa League final and who started their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal.

That one has menace written all over it if Celtic sleep-walk into it in the way they appear to have sleep-walked their way to Dortmund.

In the preamble to Tuesday, Rodgers outlined his goals for the night. “I’m not looking for perfection,” he said, which was just as well.

What he got had a wearying familiarity to it. Pride before a fall and all of that.

You’d say that he needs to learn lessons about how he sets up his team for these tough assignments in Europe, but those things were said in his first spell, too.

History is repeating itself in more ways than one.

Brendan Rodgers’ Champions League approach comes under the microscope

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looked shell-shocked on the touchline (Image: PA Wire via DPA)

Celtic have unfortunately become this week’s whipping boys in the UEFA Champions League after losing 7-1 to Borussia Dortmund in Germany on Tuesday night

It’s the third time Celtic have conceded seven goals during a European tie across Brendan Rodgers’ two tenures, with Dortmund joining Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain on that unwanted list.

The Hoops were punished for several mistakes and couldn’t deny the Bundesliga side from continually treating their goal.

Analysing the match on Sky Sports News, former Celtic full-back Mark Wilson described the defeat as a “reality check”.

Rodgers has repeatedly insisted that his squad are capable of going toe-to-toe with the continent’s very best.

However on the latest evidence, perhaps the Glasgow powerhouse are still miles away from where their manager wants them to be.

“You could describe it as a reality check, a sobering evening probably for Celtic,” Wilson commented.

“Realistically it’s a glimpse of the different levels of side’s at the top tier of Europe compared to where Celtic are at this moment in time. That’s what leads to score lines like tonight.

“Dortmund are a very good side, very clinical, but I think when Brendan Rodgers analyses the game, he will be unhappy at the amount of mistakes his side made in possession.

“That’s unlike Celtic because obviously domestically they have a large share of the ball and usually make it count, but Dortmund just let them make their own mistakes. As soon as they made a mistake Dortmund pounced, and they took their chance.

“If I’m totally honest, it finishes 7-1 but I can count four or five times Kasper Schmeichel pulled off some decent saves, so it could’ve been a lot worse for Celtic.”

PA Wire via DPA)
rsenal invincible Martin Keown also crucified Rodgers’ approach – claiming the Celtic gaffer can no longer pretend his team are capable of being among Europe’s elite.

“You can’t keep playing the same way,” he said on the TNT Sports Goals Show. “They didn’t adjust. In their own domestic league they are just too good for everyone else and they are not used to being out of possession.

“It’s about learning from this but the manager is just as culpable as the players. You don’t win on your own and take all the credit for the wins in the domestic league and everyone is saying ‘Brendan is a fantastic manager’ – it’s a joint effort. They are equally to blame here. The manager needs to sort this out with the players.

“You can’t go toe-to-toe with some of these European greats. They played in final of the Champions League last year. You have got to adjust. You can’t pretend there is not a difference in quality and that’s what happened tonight.”

PA Wire via DPA
Meanwhile, ex-Celtic ‘keeper Pat Bonner highlighted the sorry fact that it could’ve been a even larger deficit had Kasper Schmeichel not have pulled off some important saves.

“Reality kicks in,” he told BBC Sportsound. “A tough night to forget. Embarrassing, to say the least. It all comes down to the structure and the way Celtic set up defensively. And the mistakes. The mistakes that were then compounded by the nervousness.

Luis Palma ‘makes decision’ on Celtic future after summit as £13.3m January transfer splurge gets green light

The winger has struggled for regular game time so far this season


Luis Palma – Celtic career in pictures

Fringe man Luis Palma has reportedly told Brendan Rodgers he wants to see out the season with Celtic.

The 24-year-old has been down the pecking order at Parkhead so far this season and faced criticism from fans after his social media antics in the wake of a disappointing display in his only start this season against Scottish Championship side Falkirk in the Premier Sports Cup. In the 6-0 rout of St Johnstone the following weekend, the Honduran failed to make the matchday squad.

But despite facing a battle for his Celtic future, it appears the Honduran is up for the fight. El Heraldo claim that Palma “has made personal decision” to remain with the club following talks with Rodgers with a potential January exit on the cards – with suitors showing interest in the winger towards the end of the summer window. He wants “to repay the trust of his coach, with whom he has a good relationship.”

It is claimed the player has pledged to “take a break from social media and focus on recovering his level.” It comes with Celtic seemingly eyeing potential replacements including Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Balikwisha has impressed both domestically and in the Champions League for Royal Antwerp (Image: Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Previously, CEO Sven Jaecques has claimed the Premiership leaders showed an interest in the wide man in the last window – and he expects the Hoops to revive their interest in January as he floated a £5m price tag for the 23-year-old. He has now conceded the club may be forced to sell with the clock ticking on Balikwisha’s contract.

He told De Standaard: “He is committed until 2026 and it is clear to everyone that his contract is not expiring yet. But if it is impossible to reach an agreement on a new contract, we will work together towards a transfer. I understand that this is also the player’s choice for the time being.

Andres Iniesta’s glowing Celtic tribute as Spanish footballing icon announces plan to retire

One of the game’s most celebrated players has announced that he will hang up his boots for good next week at the age of 40

Barcelona superstars Lionel Messi (left), Xavi Hernandez (centre) and Andres Iniesta took a break from training to wish Celtic a happy anniversary year in 2012 (Image: SNS Group 0141 221 3602)

Andres Iniesta has revealed he will announce his retirement from professional football next week.

The legendary former Spain and Barcelona star will officially hang up his boots on Tuesday, October 8 in reference to the number he wore on the back of his shirt throughout his trophy-laden career. The 40-year-old – who left UAE club Emirates last summer after five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe – won a staggering 35 major honours between 2005 and 2023, including four Champions Leagues, one World Cup, two European Championships and nine La Liga titles.

The playmaker – who bagged the winning goal for Spain in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa – played alongside Xavi and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona in what is widely regarded as the greatest midfield trio of all time, all of whom complemented Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in attack at the Camp Nou.

Iniesta came up against Celtic seven times during his illustrious 16-year spell at Barcelona and was on the winning side seven times, including a 7-0 rout of the Bhoys in 2016. But the acclaimed midfielder was also part of the Barca side that suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Parkhead in the group stage of the 2012/13 season. The Hoops had raced into a 2-0 lead courtesy of famous goals from Victor Wanyama and Tony Watt, and although Messi pulled one back in injury time, Neil Lennon’s men held on for the victory.

In what turned out to be his final Parkhead outing in the following season, Iniesta was given a standing ovation by the Celtic faithful as he departed the field to be substituted in a game where a goal from Cesc Fabregas was enough to separate the two sides. The classy Spanish legend later admitted just how much he enjoyed playing at Celtic Park when asked about some of the best stadiums he had the chance to play at during his iconic career.

He said: “I’ll never forget playing against Celtic, either. The atmosphere is one of the best in the world. I was fortunate to play there several times and it was always so intense. It was an honour to play amid such incredible noise.”

Fran Alonso and Houston Dash “have agreed to part ways”

12/02/2023. Celtic head coach, Fran Alonso during the Women s Scottish Cup match between Boroughmuir Thistle and Celtic Women at Meadowbank Sports Centre on 12 February 2023. Photo Malcolm MackenziexPSI

Fran Alonso and American side Houston Dash have parted company, just ten months after the former Celtic FC Women manager left Celtic to take the manager’s job at the National Women’s Soccer League side.

Houston have only recorded four wins this year, with five draws and 13 defeats and currently are bottom of the table.

Fran Alonso has not been involved in the squad for a while now and has not been mentioned in Houston Dash reports around their games, where scoring goals has been a real problem.

Today, in an official statement from Houston Dash, Fran’s exit by mutual consent has been confirmed.

“The Houston Dash and head coach Fran Alonso have agreed to part ways in lieu of a return from his leave of absence. We thank Fran for his contributions to the team and wish him well in his future endeavours.” the short statement reads.

Fran Alonso left Celtic in December after achieving so much as the Celtic FC Women manager, taking the club from the early days of being professional to winning both League and Scottish Cup (twice) and coming within seconds of an historic first title win. In his final season leaving just before last Christmas, Fran left Celtic an extra-special gift,  a significant goal difference advantage.

Elena Sadiku came in and got Celtic over the line with our first ever SWPL title win and in the end it was won on goal difference.  Elena has taken Celtic onto new heights in the Champions League, reaching the group stages for the first time ever and has upcoming home and away fixtures against Chelsea, Real Madrid and FC Twente to look forward to.

On Fran, it’s well worth a re-run of an article on The Celtic Star from 18 June 2024, which we’ll do below…

“We managed to make history, I will always be a Celtic fan,” Fran Alonso

“Yeah, I’m a Houston Dash now, and I’m still pretty Celtic, I’m a Celtic fan,” Fran Alonso told Spanish media outlet Diario AS

After his time in the Premier League working at Southampton and Everton, Fran Alonso moved into the women’s game he headed to Scotland with Fran explaining how that move came about.

“There was a process before. I was going to continue at Everton. The club wanted me and, in fact, on day 1 of the preseason I went to work and we did the session. After this, the new manager, Marco Silva, told me that he didn’t count on me. It left me without options. If they tell me before, maybe other teams could be interested, but he told me when all the squads and coaching bodies were closed. And I was left without a job,” Fran recalled.

“Then, the University of Liverpool, the men’s team, who had already contacted me when I was at Everton, insisted and I said yes. I trained them for a few months. Until Lewes, from the English Women’s Second Division, contacted me to sign me and I decided to leave. From Everton to the University of Liverpool and from Liverpool to Lewes.”

And, then, Celtic called him.

“In Lewes, after a year, a little less, I was not there for the entire season, but for the end of one and half of the other. As the Scottish league was winter, that’s when I decided to go to Celtic. Until then I was part-time, but they wanted to make me full-time and for me to be the first coach to help them change the structure,” Fran said.

Asked why Celtic were interested in him he explained that it was all to do with his work under top coaches in the English Premier League. “My previous agent worked with Celtic. I think he represented or had represented one of the Celtic managers, the one before me, I don’t know exactly, but I know that he had had contacts and it was through my agent who told me, ‘Look, I’ve been talking to the club and They are interested in your profile.’

“My agent presented the project to me and they contacted the club, Lewes, and when they gave them the green light we started the conversations, I went to Glasgow. I had to do a session for them to see me train with the men’s under-18 team, and it was perfect, I loved everything: facilities, the stadium, the people… and so did they, so from the beginning both the club and I knew it was the right move and the results are there.

“We managed to make history, it was spectacular the four years I was there and until now it is still something that gives me pleasure and remembering it is something very nice.

“I arrived in December 2019. As soon as we arrived we went to Gran Canaria for preseason, when we returned we started the league, we started very strong, winning 2-1 against Glasgow City, which was the champion team, and who had won the last 13 leagues in a row . A spectacular match.

“After that game, COVID arrived and they stopped the league. We had a lot of bad luck there. When we came back again, they made us repeat that game. That was one of the worst moments because I considered it very unfair.

“That game didn’t count because of COVID and we had to play against them again and that time we lost. But of course, we had a giant disadvantage. They were in the Champions League. And they are the only team in Scotland that were allowed to train, and we were only allowed to train two weeks before that game.

“The first half was 0-0, but in the second we lost the game 2-0, and that was key later, because that year in the last game we had a chance and Glasgow City won, and with that game we might have won, but it was the first time in history that we got into the Champions League, we had never got into it before,” Fran noted.

“That year there were no cups. The following year, in addition to participating in the Champions League which was a beautiful experience, we won both cups. It was the first year with cups and we won both, the Scottish Cup for the first time in the club’s history and the League Cup for the second time in the club’s history. Celtic women, until my arrival, had one trophy in its entire history,” Alonso pointed out.

“The following year we won the Scottish Cup again, which was our first at Hampden Park. For me, in my opinion, we were the best team in the league, or at least the one that played the best football. We were one minute away from being champions and a goal in another field, which was very difficult to happen, from Glasgow City against our biggest rival, Rangers, who were playing at home. They conceded a goal in the 92nd minute and took the league title away from us, but we qualified for the Champions League again. And this year, although I left the team in December, we have won our first league. I say we have, although I am no longer…”

But it’s also yours? asked the interviewer. “Yes, of course, in fact, there is no new signing on the team, they are all the players that I know, all the players. I feel very proud that the players we brought have won the league. It has been spectacular.

“I have had messages from all the members of the club, from managers, from players… when I went to Celtic I was not a Celtic fan, although at Southampton I met Victor Wuanyama, Fraser Foster, Arthur Boruc, Virgil van Dijk. .. Celtic legends, and everyone spoke wonderful things to me, but I didn’t become a fan until I came and saw what Glasgow was, what the fans were like.

“For me, the best fans in the world and from there I became a Celtic fan. In fact, last week, celebrating that we (Houston Dash) had the first victory at home, it had been a year since the team had won in our stadium. And we beat North Carolina 3-0 and, the next day, I went to see the final of the men’s Scottish Cup with Andy, the physical trainer that I brought from Celtic and the two of us in the green-and-white shirt supporting the team with the supporters’ club. Celtic in Houston. So I will always be a Celtic fan. It is one of the most beautiful stages in my football career without a doubt.

Houston knows Glasgow is green and white
🍀🏆@HoustonCSC pic.twitter.com/scEj3WhhoP

— Fran Alonso (@FranAlonsoFA) May 25, 2024

Asked to  summarise his time at Celtic in one sentence, Fran Alonso gave this response. “They call us ‘history makers’ there, and it is true that for four years we have made history. And not only that, we have changed Scottish women’s football forever.

“Last year, my last game at Celtic Park was with 15,800 people. That had never happened and has not happened again. It is true that we changed Scottish women’s football forever and that was credit to a group that, despite having tools, at the beginning many of our players were part-time.

“Kelly (Clark), our captain, is still an accountant. She can’t train every day that the others train. It is a team that has managed to overcome all those barriers that our other rivals do not have and manage to make history every year, against the odds.

“That’s why I tell you that it is one of the most beautiful stages of my career. It is a team with courage, heart and, above all, with the best fans in the country. He managed to overcome all the problems, all the barriers and manage to make history. That is the phrase that will stick with me.

“And it’s something that’s there every game, we finished last year and we had fans that went home and away. When you play away it seems like you’re playing at home because they only sing, all the players had their song… it’s spectacular. It is spectacular. I haven’t seen that in women’s football anywhere. Here (USA), it is true that the stadiums are full and it is impressive. The league here, for me, in my opinion, the American League is the best in the world, the most competitive. But it is true that I have not seen the passion that exists in Glasgow anywhere else in the world, with women’s football,” Fran said.

Listening to him talk the journalist wonders why Fran Alonso left Celtic. He gets sporting and even economic ambition as reasons why Fran decided to go to the United States. But he notes that the love Fran conveys for Celtic suggests that it could not have been an easy choice. So why did you do it and what was that process like? Was it via his agent or did Houston Dash go directly to the then Celtic FC Women manager?

“I found out because Houston Dash contacted the Celtic board to tell them they were interested in me. I had many conversations with the Celtic board because it is a place that I have loved, where I have been super happy.

“In the end it was decided that it could be a very important step for both of us. There was a very strong financial compensation, the strongest there has been in Scottish football. That was also going to help the project potentially win the League,” Fran Alonso said. “It wasn’t an easy decision, of course. When you are comfortable, you are doing well and you have brought in players who leave everything for you and the club every game, it is very difficult to get rid of that.

“What is true is that since I started as a volunteer in women’s soccer, my dream has always been the American League, which has always been the best in the world. The English one too, but for me the American one because it is the most competitive. You never know who is going to win it. Many of the best players in the world are coming here. Also coaches. We have now three Spaniards: Juan Carlos Amorós, now comes Jonathan Giráldez from Barça, who comes to Washington Spirit, where Adrián González is now as interim, and me.

“It is a league that is growing a lot, with world-class players who want to come. The 14 coaches who are here are privileged. It scared me, because I was comfortable in a club that I love. I’m still a Celtic man, but it’s true that you never know when your last chance will be. Maybe I’ll never have it again. So, I said to myself ‘Look, to know if I have what I have to have, if I can be in a league as strong as this, I’m going.’ And it was a joint decision, it was not unilateral,” Fran said.

“Of course Celtic wanted to keep me, but we understood each other and the exit could not have been more friendly. In fact, I keep in touch with them constantly. It was a little difficult for me at first to adapt here, especially after my experience in Glasgow, how people experience football here.”

And it turned out well for all parties. “Yes. Celtic have won the League, which means that they couldn’t have done better for the club. With what was paid for me they have been able to bring back Tash Flynn, who we could not retain and who this year has been key to winning the title. There are only 14 coaches in this league. I am privileged and although we have had a fairly slow start, I never give up and I am determined to get this through.

“The last three weeks have been quite positive. We lost the game against Portland, but against Angel City and the last home game with North Carolina, I think the team played very well. The high blood pressure was intense, which is something we were struggling with. I am happy with the team’s latest performances and we must continue working. I hope that we have the possibility of getting into the playoffs, which would only be the second time in our history, and once we are in the playoffs… for me, the knock-out competitions. I love them.

“At Celtic we only lost one cup game in all the years I was there. In all the cups we played only one game, and it was on penalties with 10 players, also, when we were winning 1-0. We have all won the rest. I love games in which you play everything at once and we are good at preparing for them. But the first thing is to get into the playoffs and then game by game.

Maybe, the journalist asked, Houston Dash wanted Fran Alonso for his great management skills in these hot moments. “Yes, they had statistics. When they announced me, they showed my winning rate, they announced the trophies and they also announced the number of players we signed and who became full internationals with us.

“For example, the case of Clarissa Larisey. She was a player who had never played for Canada in any of the youth categories and who came off the bench in the Icelandic league. We signed her, we improved her, we worked with her, she became a reference player for us and (Swedish side) Hacken signed her for a record price at that time. Now she is in all squads with the Olympic champions, that is spectacular. When she had never played and was not on the radar. Houston Dash announced all of this here as the reasons for my signing and I work every day so that they don’t regret bringing me here.

At Celtic, Fran Alonso was a shrewd tactician and operator in the transfer market. Can he do likewise at Houston Dash?

“You can put the training you want, but then you have to work on it. North Carolina, in the first league game, scored five against us. We lost 5-1 in our debut. They broke us in the transitions. If there is one good thing about being full-time, it is that you study all the games, all the chances they create for you, how they create them and how to eradicate them. The other day they created almost no clear chances for us in the entire game and we won 3-0 against a team that surpassed us in the first game. Not just for putting a line of four. We knew where we didn’t care if they had the ball, we knew where we didn’t want the ball to go and we managed to make their game predictable and they had a hard time creating chances for us. I have changed the microcycle here, because the players need more tactical work than they did at Celtic.

“There we also focused a lot on the conditional part, being very intense to counter press (high pressure), here you have to help a lot tactically. At Celtic the 11 against 11 was just one day, it was our endurance day. Here we do it for two or three days because the players have to learn more. We changed six weeks ago and the truth is that the team has been growing and the players are clearer about how we want to play.”

Asked if he has contacted any elite European soccer players, to consider a move to Houston,  give that there has been a lot of exports lately from Europe to the United States.

“Yes, we have been in conversations with players from ‘Top’ teams in the Spanish league, the French league, the German league, the Swedish league, etc. We have a General Manager who is the one who makes these types of decisions. I don’t sign here, like at Celtic, so we try to align the three, sometimes we agree, sometimes we don’t, but we try to align the three and they do a little more work to sell the club and the long term. and my job is then to talk to the player, how I can help her tactically, how the team plays, in a little more detail. And we have had conversations with several of those top players, the thing is that all the teams here want them. They will have to choose. I hope someone comes, but it’s difficult.

Celtic FC Manager, Fran Alonso punches the air in delight following his sides 1-0 victory during the Scottish Womens Premier League Cup Final match between Glasgow City FC & Celtic FC at Firhill Stadium, Maryhill, Scotland on 5 December 2021.

“I can’t give you names, but they are international players. I can give you a clue: a couple of them have been in the Champions League final. That’s as far as I can say. All these arrivals to the NSWL (National Women’s Soccer League) are due to the fact that it is possibly the most competitive in the world.  It is the most competitive League, for me, for two main reasons. The first is that all teams have the same budget. There is a budget cap. All teams have the same budget. It is true that there are teams that have different strategies that make them more or less attractive for players, but the transfer budget is the same.

“The other reason is the Draft, in which the best young players participate, because there are no established academies here, although there are some teams that have them, but it is not normal. The young players are in the university league, and when they finish university they enter this Draft. The teams that finish last choose first. Therefore, the best ones go to the teams that finished last.

Celtic FC Manager, Fran Alonso stands alongside the Womens Scottish Cup during the Scottish Women’s Cup Press Conference at Glasgow Women’s Library, Glasgow, Scotland on 24 May 2023.

Like in the NBA? “Yes, exactly the same. If a team is very interested in one of the players and wants one of those first picks, they buy it from the clubs that have it. That is ‘trading’ (exchange). That makes it a competitive league. In fact, two years ago, Gotham finished last and last year won. Imagine how competitive it is, a team that finishes last, and since there is no relegation, wins it the following year. More competitive is impossible. That’s why for me it is the best, the strongest league in the world. England is also very strong and has incredible economic resources. But only three teams can win it, no one else. Here almost 14 can win it.”

Including Houston? “Yes, well…By power, we can. It’s not impossible, but almost impossible. – You tell your story to anyone and they think it is invented, and there it is. For you there is nothing impossible. The truth is that I have confidence. The team is growing. If we get into the playoffs, I think we can be competitive in every game.

“These reasons that you explain make girls like Ana Tejada, formerly of Real Sociedad and the most recent signing, Esther González, many coaches, etc. go to play there.

Would Fran like to coach back in Europe one day? “Yes. I have come here to try to change the history of the club, as I have tried to do in all the clubs I have been in. We have clear objectives. One of them is playoffs. Furthermore, we have a spectacular stadium, but it is quite empty and we want to see it full. We are doing community work, but we want it to be much more, for there to be more engagement with the community.

“Once all those goals are met… My parents are getting older. I don’t see myself training here my whole life. At some point, I would like to return to Europe, to be closer to the family, but well, at the moment I’m not thinking about that because right now I am very comfortable here and I only think about trying to get into the playoff.

“As soon as we finish the league, think about what reinforcements we need for next year to do the same. I’m here for three years at least, that’s what I want to be here and then we’ll see how we’ve done it, how we are, if it’s renewed, if it’s not renewed… that doesn’t worry me right now, but it will in the future. In the future I would like to be closer to family. I’m not telling you in Spain, which could be, but it could also be in England or wherever I’ll be home in two hours.

“I love what I do. I love training, being on the field. With the national teams you have 10 days or 12 days a month with the team. But hey, you can experiment. Being in the Champions League was one of my dreams. The first year with Celtic, in the first game listening to the anthem… it was something I had dreamed of for many years.”

What Steve Bull told his manager at Wolves after he found out Celtic wanted to sign him

Celtic have always been linked to signing some of the best players in Europe over the decades.

There have been numerous stories about how players like Rivaldo were once linked to joining Celtic back in the Martin O’Neill era.

David Ginola was another who Tommy Burns tried to sign for Celtic before the Frenchman decided to join Newcastle United instead.

The point is, that some of the world’s best players have been tempted with a move to Paradise and former England international, Steve Bull, is another who now admits he had the opportunity to pull on the famous green and white Hoops.

Steve Bull’s bizarre reason for not joining Celtic

Famous for his exploits at Watford, at the height of his career, Steve Bull was an England international who represented his country at the Italia 90 World Cup.

The powerful striker was asked if he knew of any clubs who wanted to sign him during his career and Bull listed four clubs, including Celtic, as ones that were interested in securing his services.

Bull told the Undr the Cosh, “Yeah, I knew of four clubs who I could have gone to. Torino in Italy, after I came back from the World Cup, they wanted me and I just thought, ‘Well, I like my own English food, English beer. It’s not me’, and me being a local lad as well, you know what I mean?

“The second one that came in, you wouldn’t believe, was Newcastle. Newcastle before Andy Cole went from Man U. Dwight York and Cole, he was the second choice. The agent came around and said, do you want to come up there?

“I just had my first boy and I thought, I don’t want to disrupt it now. The third one that came in was Big Ron [Atkinson]. Big Ron came in from Coventry, but he offered me a five-year deal.

“And the last one I could have gone to was Celtic. Could have gone to Celtic and I’d said to Graham Turner [Wolves manager], ‘It’s too wet up there for me. No chance. I ain’t going up there, no way’. And that’s the four clubs I knew.

“The rest are just rumours and whatever.”

Celtic and Steve Bull

Bull played for Wolves between 1986 and 1999 and was prolific for the club scoring 306 goals in 561 appearances for the club.

His no-nonsense style earned Bull international recognition and he became one of only a few players in England’s history to be capped outside of the top-flight division.

26 Oct 1996: Steve Bull of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates his goal during a Nationwide League Division One match against Manchester City at Ma…

Bull earned 13 caps for his country despite never playing in the top tier of English football.

Could the Wolves legend have been a success at Celtic? Well, if the weather is the reason that put Bull off from joining a club with such high demands and pressure then you would have to assume no.

You would have to assume that the opportunity to join Celtic would have been towards the end of Bull’s career and there is no doubt he was an excellent striker, but would he have got in ahead of Henrik Larsson, Mark Viduka or even Shaun Maloney at that time?

Larsson? No chance. But as for the rest, I guess we will never know.

EX-CELTIC FAVOURITE IN STUNNING COMEBACK

CELTIC trio Anthony Ralston, Greg Taylor and James Forrest have been included in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games against Croatia and Portugal.

There is also a place for former Hoops favourite Craig Gordon, who, at 41, has won back the No.1 spot at Hearts.

It’s a stunning comeback by the keeper after suffering a double leg-break two seasons ago.

Gordon, a Celtic Invincible in 2016/17, last played for the Scots in the 2-2 friendly draw with Finland in June in what was expected to be his international farewell.

THE OLD AND THE NEW…Craig Gordon and Vilijami Sinisalo embrace at the end of Scotland’s 2-2 draw with Finland at Hampden in June. 

Coincidentally, future Hoops netminder Viljami Sinisalo, who joined the champions in a summer £1million switch from Aston Villa, was in goal for the Finns at Hampden.

Gordon’s inclusion means there is no place for his Tynecastle team-mate Zander Clark.

Boss Clarke, speaking to Sky Sports, explained: “I need three goalkeepers and what better than to bring Craig back.

“He’s the No 1 at Hearts, playing every week. Zander is obviously on the bench, Liam Kelly is on the bench at Rangers and Robby McCrorie is on the bench at Kilmarnock.

“Craig told me after the Finland game that it wasn’t a farewell and he’d see me in the future. He’s lived up to his promise.

“He has always shown he is up for the fight. He wants to play every week and he wants to play as much as he can for his country.”

Clarke has also given first call-ups to defenders Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Liam Lindsay (Preston) and midfielder Andy Irving (West Ham).

NO WAY THROUGH…veteran keeper Craig Gordon denies Finland in what was expected to be his final Scotland appearance.

Out through injury are John McGinn, Scott McKenna and Tommy Conway while the international supremo has overlooked ex-Celt Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Nathan Patterson.

The team have lost five and drawn three of their last eight competitive fixtures, including Nations League defeats to Poland in Glasgow and a last-gasp goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in Lisbon.

The Scots are due to play Croatia away on Saturday October 12 and Portugal at Hampden three days later.

SCOTLAND SQUAD

Goalkeepers:

Craig Gordon (Hearts), Angus Gunn (Norwich), Jon McCracken (Dundee);

Defenders:

Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor (CELTIC), Nicky Devlin (Aberdeen), Grant Hanley (Norwich), Liam Lindsay (Preston), Ryan Porteous (Watford), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), John Souttar (Rangers);

Midfielders:

James Forrest (CELTIC), Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Ben Doak (Middlesbrough), Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), Andy Irving (West Ham), Kenny McLean (Norwich), Scott McTominay (Napoli), Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls);

Forwards:

Che Adams (Torino), Lyndon Dykes (Birmingham City), Lawrence Shankland (Hearts).

Green Brigade Pulls Off Late Surprise Ahead of Dortmund Clash

As Celtic gear up for tonight’s monumental Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, the Green Brigade has pulled off a stunning surprise for the travelling Hoops fans. The famous Celtic ultras group has organised a tifo in the standing away section, ‘Block 61’, to make their presence felt in what promises to be a highly charged atmosphere.

With Dortmund’s legendary ‘Yellow Wall’ set to be in full force, the Green Brigade are determined to make sure Celtic’s travelling support is equally memorable. Thousands of Celtic fans have already descended on Germany, and with kick-off fast approaching at 8pm, the excitement is palpable. The atmosphere inside Signal Iduna Park is expected to be electric, and the Green Brigade’s display is sure to add to the spectacle.

Unmatched Celtic Support

This latest move by the ultras group is another example of Celtic’s unmatched support, both at home and away. The Hoops faithful are well-known for their vocal and visual backing, and tonight’s game will be no exception as the Green Brigade urges supporters to take part in their choreographed show of strength.

Celtic are well aware that they’ll need to be at their very best to secure any kind of result against a formidable Dortmund side. However, with the Green Brigade and thousands of fans behind them, the Bhoys will know they have strong support from the stands as they take on the German giants.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 1, 2024 Celtic fans with a large banner inside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Fans in Block 61 have been encouraged to arrive early and get involved, with the group planning another visual display at the start of the second half. As the Green Brigade said in their statement, “If you go to Germany, you will see us there.”

Full statement from the Green Brigade:

“The Green Brigade has prepared a tifo for tonight’s match which covers ‘Block 61’ (Standing Section). We kindly ask for all fans in this area to take your place early and to use your material as the Celtic team enters the field and until the Champions League anthem finishes. There will be a further action at the start of the 2nd half and once again we ask fans in the same block for your participation. ‘If you go to Germany, you will see us there.’”

Bad blood makes way for warmth and respect as Rodgers and Sahin bury the hatchet ahead of Celtic’s Champions League blockbuster in Dortmund

Those seeking signs of tension between the managers of Celtic and Borussia Dortmund tonight will be looking in the wrong place.

The build-up to Celtic’s visit to the Signal Iduna Park has been dominated by some old quotes from Nuri Sahin thanking the almighty for the day he escaped Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool.

Tonight, the pair will reserve the hostilities for the field of play. While the forecasts predict heavy rain over Dortmund, the managers are keen to let water pass under the bridge.

A German-born Turkish international, Sahin was always a different kind of footballer. Fluent in five languages, the midfielder suffered a serious tendon injury in 2015. Warned by doctors that he might not play again, he began to plan for the future.

In 2018, he enrolled in Harvard Business School. Keen to learn about the lives of the less fortunate in Africa, he signed up to an initiative to open water wells in Ethiopia.

Blessed with a natural intelligence, he didn’t always use it as well as he might have. Sidelined by Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, youthful confidence convinced a 23-year-old Sahin that, in a head-to-head battle with Steven Gerrard, he could win.

Snatching the mic from Sinatra proved tougher than he thought. Rodgers moved him to a No 10 role — Jurgen Klopp described it more as a ‘nine and a half’ — in a vain attempt to shoehorn his talents into the team.

Shortly after moving back to Dortmund in a £7million deal, Sahin told a Spanish paper: ‘I did not fail at Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers wanted me to play as a No 10, but I do not play behind the strikers. Thank God I have left Brendan Rodgers.’

Twelve years have passed since then and Sahin is now the 36-year-old coach of Dortmund. Rodgers is back in his second spell at Celtic and, tonight, the two men meet again in the refashioned Westfalenstadion, content to let sleeping dogs lie.

‘Tomorrow, we meet again after 12 years and I’m really looking forward to this duel,’ said the Dortmund coach.

‘I don’t know what I said back in the days when I was young, but the only thing was for me that I played in a different position than I used to play.

‘The problem was that Steven Gerrard played in my position, so I had to adjust with my position, and this was the only thing. Everything else, I really enjoyed during my time at Liverpool. It’s a fantastic club and, under Brendan, I enjoyed every training session with him.

Rodgers and Sahin during happier times on Merseyside

‘It was very ball-oriented, ball possession and playing in the opponent’s half. I can only say good things about him and my time there.

‘The thing is, when you get a call from Dortmund, and you’re a Dortmund boy, you go back home. This was the only reason.’

Rodgers understood the reasons behind Sahin’s frustration in Liverpool, but welcomes the chance to meet his former player in competitive action. And the Parkhead boss suspects the Dortmund coach has more insight into the rationale employed 12 years ago.

‘I never get too emotional with words,’ says Rodgers. ‘I think that players and young players, they all want to play. I think, at that time when Nuri was at Liverpool, he had other players that were just ahead of him.

‘Unfortunately, at that time, I’d moved Steven Gerrard from a No 10 position into a deeper role. I also had Jordan Henderson — those two guys are among the greatest captains in the history of Liverpool — and that’s who Nuri was competing against.

‘I tried to put him into the team and play in some positions that probably didn’t quite suit him. I might have played him as No 10 when he was a deeper player but I had other players in those positions that were doing really well for me.

Across his time, he was a good guy. He loved his football, trained very well, was super professional and, of course, he left Liverpool and went back to Dortmund and I followed his career from there.

Rodgers followed Sahin’s career after he left Liverpool, with the pair now set to meet again

‘So, it’s great to see him. And now, moving into a management perspective, you know the challenges and he’ll start to understand that.

‘You get the likes of (Marcel) Sabitzer at the moment who wants to play central and he’s playing wide at Dortmund. So, all these little things come to you as a coach and a manager.’

Rodgers also signed Emre Can, Borussia Dortmund’s captain, for Liverpool and while the departures of Niclas Fullkrug, Mats Hummels and Jadon Sancho might be seen to have weakened the Dortmund team which lost to Real Madrid at Wembley in May, they remain a formidable proposition at home.

Ironically, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Rangers secured a memorable 4-2 win at the Signal Iduna en route to the Europa League final of 2022.

Since then, BvB have played 10 home games in Europe against Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG (twice), AC Milan, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, PSV Eindhoven, Sevilla and Copenhagen and haven’t lost any. The scale of the task facing Celtic, then, can’t be overstated.

There’s a school of thought that victory in the home games will be enough to secure a place in the play-off stage.

A 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava on the opening night left some wiggle room for back-to-back away trips to Dortmund and Europa League winners Atalanta.

Sahin was quick to insist that any discontent between the pair was now water under the bridge

Beat Young Boys and Club Brugge in Glasgow and progress would be tantalisingly close. Yet any repeat of the five and six-goal thrashings sustained in Madrid in the last two seasons would remove some gloss from the achievement.

In the last two seasons, Scotland’s champions have lost 19 goals in their six Champions League away games.

Their last away win in the competition was against Anderlecht in 2017 and, to succeed at this level, Rodgers needs to add a real streak of pragmatism to the truly swashbuckling football of recent weeks.

They need to do the dirty stuff a good deal better.

Asked why he thinks they can do it, Rodgers cited mindset, belief and experience, not all of it good.

‘I think we’ve also added some players that give us something in key areas of the pitch that you need,’ said the Celtic boss, before adding: ‘I will only know when I see it.

‘Domestically, we’ve done very, very well, but we want to see what the transfer looks like to this level.’

Neil McCann shuts down previous ‘talk’ of Brendan Rodgers after ‘irresistible’ Celtic claim

Celtic begin a huge week full of optimism, form, confidence, goals and depth in quality.

Brendan Rodgers has watched his Celtic side steamroll team after team during these early months, including putting six of the best past St Johnstone in Perth on Saturday evening.

Not only are the Bhoys scoring quality goals, but they are yet to concede in the Scottish Premiership this season.

When Rodgers replaced Ange Postecoglou last summer, it was a surprise and one that probably gained a mixed reaction.

On one hand, Celtic were losing a very popular man to Tottenham, and on the other, Rodgers’ manner of exit in his first spell didn’t go down well with the supporters.

Either way, the Irishman did what he does best and that’s deliver trophies, including the title and that incredible Scottish Cup final win.

But no one can argue that, during periods of that season, Rodgers’ style was being questioned and the performances weren’t at their free-flowing best.

Well, you can stop all that talk now and Neil McCann was keen to highlight that when analysing the team’s win over St Johnstone.

McCann stated that Celtic are breaking at ‘incredible speed’ and ‘they don’t mess about now’ after previous grumblings of ‘overpassing’ and ‘slow’ build-up play, as he told Sportscene.

All of this is a perfect platform for Celtic’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night, with McCann backing the champions to progress through to the knockout stages.

Celtic’s style of play under Brendan Rodgers

“There was talk when Brendan Rodgers come in that they overpassed and they were slow going forward,” said McCann.

“This Celtic side break at incredible speed and they don’t mess about now. They are so efficient going forward. St Johnstone will be disappointed, but you can’t have too much of a go at Andy Kirk, that is just a sensational Celtic team right now – that Celtic side can do that to anyone, let’s be honest.

“What I would say about Brendan Rodgers is that he feels really good about this group. I think he has been backed. He has brought in really, really nice players to compliment the ones that are already there. I think they are going to take some stopping domestically, but the good thing is, I think they have a real chance of going through in the Champions League as well with this new format. They look irresistible, at the moment.”

Brendan Rodgers will dominate again

In truth, Celtic continued to dominate when Rodgers left, so in that sense, nothing has changed, but there’s not much to doubt that he will continue it all again.

It’s just a case of how much can he dominate, from remaining unbeaten to winning the Treble, or all of it together.

One thing you can argue about is that the squad depth is as strong as it has ever been.

Adam Idah is still scoring and he is a bench player, at this moment in time, then there is Reo Hatate who was also on the bench against St Johnstone.

Cameron Carter-Vickers Celtic Return Timeline – Rodgers Weighs In

Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Monday evening that Celtic will be without key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers for their crucial Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund. The American international, a vital figure in Celtic’s defence, missed the last two domestic matches and did not travel with the squad to Germany.

Rodgers provided a squad update ahead of the game to Celtic TV: “No, mostly everyone is here. Cameron Carter-Vickers is not available, so we’ll see how he is going into next weekend, but he’s not here for this evening.” The absence of Carter-Vickers is a significant blow, particularly with the high stakes in the Chanpions League.

With Celtic playing Dortmund on Tuesday evening and then Ross County on Sunday before another international break, if Rodgers isn’t ruling Cameron out long term he could be back for the Aberdeen tie later in October.

In his place, new signing Auston Trusty, who joined from Sheffield United in a £6 million deal over the summer, is expected to continue in the starting XI. Trusty has already stepped up in the last two matches and has impressed Rodgers with his performances, making him the likely candidate to partner in central defence.

25th August 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Premiership Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic beats Toyosi Olusanya of St Mirren to the ball

Rodgers acknowledged the importance of Carter-Vickers but emphasised the depth in the squad: “Clearly, he’s a top-class player for us. He’s missed a bit of Champions League football, I think five of the 12 games the club has played, unfortunately. But we have other players, and it’s always an opportunity for someone else to come in.”

The Celric manager urged his team to focus on a collective approach rather than worry about individual absences. “We can’t overthink it; we rely on the collective. There’s not one player that brings our results. Of course, he’s very important, but for us to get a result tomorrow, it will be about the collective.”

With Trusty set to continue in the heart of the defence alongside Liam Scales, the pressure will be on the new Bhoy to help Celtic contain Dortmund’s attack and maintain their hopes of progressing in Europe.

Celtic Star Absent From Dortmund Flight

Celtic could be facing a major setback ahead of their pivotal Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund, with defensive mainstay Cameron Carter-Vickers not spotted among the squad travelling to Germany. The influential American defender, who has been nursing a toe injury, has missed the past two fixtures.

Despite Brendan Rodgers expressing hope for his return, it now seems unlikely he will be available for the crucial match at the intimidating Westfalenstadion. Carter-Vickers has been an integral part of Celtic’s defence, with his commanding presence and leadership at the back sorely missed during his absence.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

His omission from the squad will be a significant blow to Rodgers’ hopes of shoring up the defence against a potent Dortmund side. The 26-year-old’s performances in Europe have made him a key figure in the Hoops’ quest to advance from the group stages, and his absence creates a substantial void.

Stepping up in his place is likely to be fellow American Auston Trusty, who impressed during Celtic’s dominant 6-0 victory over St Johnstone at the weekend. Trusty seamlessly partnered with Liam Scales in that match, and the pair are expected to form the heart of Celtic’s defence against Dortmund.

11th August 2024; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Cameron Carter-Vickers of Celtic on the ball

Though Trusty has only recently joined the squad, his strong performance gives Rodgers some confidence heading into what will undoubtedly be a much sterner test.

Other defensive options, including Stephen Welsh and Maik Nawrocki, remain available, though neither has established themselves as regular starters this season.

Given their limited game time, it seems unlikely Rodgers will risk throwing them into such a high-stakes encounter, especially considering Trusty’s more recent run of form.

Carter-Vickers’ absence will certainly be felt, but Rodgers will be counting on his reshuffled defence to rise to the occasion in Germany. With every point crucial in the Champions League, Celtic will need to deliver a disciplined and resilient performance to stand a chance against the German side.

Dortmund v Celtic: UEFA confirm card-happy ref for Champions League game

UEFA have confirmed their refereeing appointments for Celtic’s UEFA Champions League against Borussia Dortmund. After winning 5-1 in the opening game, Celtic will be looking to continue their momentum in Europe against the iconic Bundesliga outfit.

Spanish ref José Maria Sánchez will take charge of the game with José Naranjo and Iñigo Prieto assisting. Guillermo Cuadra will operate as Fourth Official.

Meanwhile, Carlos del Cerro Grande will be on VAR with Portuguese official Tiago Martins assisting him.

Sanchez boasts an unenviable record with regards to discipline, showing 62 yellow cards in his last ten matches, as well as four red cards. Fine margins can be found at this level but it is essential that Celtic show their discipline as it is paramount that it is 11v11. Celtic have the cleanest disciplinary record domestically but, as we know, there is a difference in the standard of refereeing.

Dortmund were Champions League Finalists back in June, narrowly losing to Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. Their side is undergoing a transition but it will prove to be an exciting game at Signal Iduna Park.

Celtic go into the game without central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who hasn’t travelled to Germany with the Scottish Champions. This means that the backline will likely be the same that started the win over St Johnstone at the weekend.

Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund Host Celtic in their UCL Home Opener

Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images

Between August 26, 2020 and November 28, 2023, Celtic recorded ten successive Champions League games without a win. That changed this year as the Bhoys recorded their first win in 4 years with an emphatic 5-1 result over Slovan Bratislava. Next, they’ll face Borussia Dortmund. Celtic’s Slovenian opponents may not be amongst the tournament’s elite teams but the Scottish club do have wind in their sails. They yet again lead the Scottish Premiership and, despite it only being September, look guaranteed to win. They have already recorded a perfect start with six wins, 20 goals scored, and 0 goals against. The game against Dortmund will arguably be the first elite opponent they face this season and Brendan Rodgers’ side will be keen to make an impression on the biggest stage.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, are a paper tiger. We have seen the club struggle and early signs suggest Sahin’s men are very beatable. The defense continues to be leaky while the attack lacks the firepower to fully compensate for the defensive struggles. Not all news is bad, however. Guirassy’s highly-touted move has proved fruitful with the striker notching four goals and two penalties won in his last four games. The squad is also navigating its busy scheduling without too many injuries as Giovanni Reyna should be the only player out of tomorrow’s match.

Dortmund currently sit fifth in the UCL table while their pot 3 opponent, Celtic, sit second. While its still early days in the new format, Dortmund should aim to win all four games against pot 3 & pot 4 teams.

Player to Watch: Callum McGregor

A cornerstone of Fear the Wall over the past decade has been spewing praise of Marco Reus. I like to think that some Celtic blog exists to spew praise about Callum McGregor. The 31-year-old Scotsman might not have the same flashy technical ability as Reus but has the same loyalty after eleven years at Celtic. He plays a more reserved role than the former Dortmund talisman but is a pivotal piece as Celtic’s metronome. McGregor will be looking to set the pace and link up Celtic’s attack. He plays well under pressure and fills the role of helping Celtic transition from defense to attack. It will be up to Dortmund’s midfield to stop him.

Expected Lineup: 4-2-3-1

I said this before last match and I will say it again—it is difficult to predict Dortmund’s lineups. This is not necessarily from the depth of talent but actually the lack of it and constant need to adjust everything. With injuries and rest in mind, I’m predicting something like this:

Kobel in goal as per usual with a rested Bensebaini alongside Anton, Süle, Couto. Ryerson went out with a knock against Bochum so he will hopefully sit out tomorrow’s match (Sorry, Zac). I have a feeling that Sahin will finally cave to Sabitzer’s demands and play the Austrian in midfield alongside Brandt and Groß. Gitten’s slight injury should be resolved but can open the door for Duranville to get his first start while Guirassy and Adeyemi continue their fine form.

Your Thoughts!

I will likely be watching this game with a few Scottish expats tomorrow so wish me luck. Oh, and give me your score predictions!

RAISE YOUR GAME! Rodgers urges Celtic team to go to next level in Dortmund … but they’ll have to do it without Carter-Vickers

Brendan Rodgers has challenged Celtic to take their game to the next level against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

On a run of nine straight victories in all competitions, the Scottish champions face their biggest test of the campaign so far against last season’s beaten finalists.

But they will head into the 80,000-capacity Signal Iduna Park without Cameron Carter-Vickers after the influential central defender succumbed to a toe injury.

After ten years without a victory in Europe’s elite competition, Celtic have now won their last two – against Slovan Bratislava last month and Feyenoord last December – and Rodgers has urged his players to show they are ready to step it up against the continent’s best teams.

‘For us, it’s looking to bring our game to the next level,’ said the Celtic boss.

‘I think how we’ve been performing, over probably the last six, seven months, has just been increasing.

The Scottish champions will expect a top performance from record signing Arne Engels

‘Now we’ve come to this level and we’re under no illusions. We’re playing against a team that are challenging at the very top end of elite football.

‘Whether it’s domestically, or whether it’s away in this competition, it’s (about) making us a really difficult team to play against – with and without the ball.

‘I’m not looking for perfection, I’m just looking for us to be really, really difficult to play against and give everything we have.

‘It’s the second of eight games. Whatever happens after this game, we’ll arrive back into the changing room and I still know that I’ve got a very good team, (one) that’s still got a lot of progression to make – but what a great test for us.

‘I’m very relaxed, but focused on (getting) a result that can build on the first game’s result.’

Kyogo Furuhashi has been identified as one of the main threats by Borussia Dortmund

Celtic will have to do so without Carter-Vickers, who missed much of last season’s Champions League campaign through injury. History now threatens to repeat itself after the US international failed to travel with the squad.

New £5million signing Auston Trusty deputised in Saturday’s 6-0 win over St Johnstone and will hold the fort while Carter-Vickers recovers.

‘Clearly he (Carter Vickers) is a top class player for us,’ said Rodgers. ‘He’s missed a little bit of Champions League football in his time.

Five of the 12 games that the club has played, he’s unfortunately not been able to play in. But, yes, we’ve got other players.

It’s always an opportunity for someone else to come in and hopefully we can get Cam back sooner rather than later.

‘But we can’t overthink it. We will rely on a collective. There’s not one player that brings our results and how we’ve been this season.

Of course, he’s a very important player. But, for us to get a result tomorrow evening, it will be by the collective.

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‘This level is as much about the head as it is about skill. Bringing that quality that we show domestically and being able to take it out into this amazing arena and playing with that confidence. And, if we can do that, we can be a really difficult team to play against tomorrow night.’

Celtic’s record-buy Arne Engels has exceeded expectations

Arne Engels (Image: Social Media)

Who says familiarity breeds contempt? Not for Arne Engels.

The Belgian international midfielder is living his best life since he joined Celtic. The £11 million man has taken to the club like the proverbial duck to water. Now he’s about to strut his stuff in an arena where he has previous experience. Engels made his Augsburg debut in a 4-3 thriller of a loss to Borussia Dortmund in the Signal Iduna Park Stadium. He knows his way around this venue.

The 21-year-old is not on any kind of revenge mission per se but he is aware that it is Champions League nights like this which made him put pen to paper for Celtic in the first place. Engels is adamant that Celtic won’t be overawed or intimidated by the famous ‘Yellow Wall’. Engels said: “It is amazing to be here as I played here a few times in my career with Augsburg.

“I made my debut here for Augsburg after arriving from the Second Division in Belgium. Playing in front of 80,000 was a great experience and it was a crazy game as it finished 4-3 to Borussia Dortmund. All my family was here for that one and it is an amazing stadium and the atmosphere will be electric and fantastic. I spoke to a lot of players about this atmosphere and the Yellow Wall but we also have an amazing atmosphere at Celtic Park which is kind of the same.

“If you can play at Celtic Park, you can play anywhere!”

Whilst Engels respects last season’s beaten Champions League finalists. There is genuine belief in the Celtic ranks that the Scottish champions can triumph on German soil. He said: “This is a good team that Celtic are playing. They play in a good league and we are well aware of that. I think this is going to be a great game. It is a strong opponent but we are also in a good way.

“It is good that I know the stadium but we know we have to perform and that is what we are doing very well at the moment. We are sticking to the basics and we are in a good place and good mood coming here. I think we have the belief in every game that we can win. If you don’t have the belief then you better not come here as you would be better off saying that it will be 5-0 to them. It is not like that. We want to come here and win but that applies to every competition in both the league and the cups. That is the mindset we have for every game.

“Everybody is really focused on their jobs and that makes us very strong as a team. Every day we are setting the standards for ourselves and doing a very good job with that. It is up to us to go out and show it like we do every week. We don’t want to make statements we just want to do our best in the competition. We just want to perform and we all need to be sharp. This is a nice bonus that I am playing in the Champions League with Celtic. It is not the only reason why I came here. I came here because this is an amazing club and the fans are excellent.

“It is nice to play in the Champions League and I hope we can do well.”

Engels admits that his time with Brendan Rodgers’ side thus far has exceeded his lofty expectations. He said: “It has been an amazing few weeks for me since I signed for Celtic. Everyone has been so nice to me and the people at the club, the manager, players and staff are helping me so much. It is a really good feeling for me.”

Engels sees the bigger picture at Celtic. So too does Rodgers. They both want Celtic to be competing regularly against elite-level clubs at the top table of European football.

That’s the kind of familiarity everybody craves down Glasgow’s east end.

Borussia Dortmund’s Pascal Groß: Dortmund’s ambition is to win games in a clearer fashion

Borussia Dortmund’s Pascal Groß discussed the club’s ambitions during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Champions League game against Celtic.

Club Brugge KV v Borussia Dortmund – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 / BSR Agency/GettyImages

Ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s clash with Celtic in the UEFA Champions League, head coach Nuri Şahin and German international Pascal Groß sat down for a pre-match press conference. During the press conference, Groß discussed a number of topics including Dortmund’s performances in the lead-up to this match, his excitement to be playing in the Champions League, as well as a possible coaching career after he retires.

In terms of Dortmund’s performances, Groß commented on the club’s ambitions to improve and work as a unit to achieve more favorable results on the pitch:

“We defend together and attack together. We know that we have to play and win games at Borussia Dortmund. We want to win games more clearly and in a better way. That is our ambition.”

– Pascal Groß

So far, attacking and defending in unison has been a slight struggle for BVB as a whole, but Groß himself has been a model example of how the team as a whole should be working in cohesion in both attack and defense. Groß has contributed going forward with his keen eye for a pass, distributing the ball in an impressive manner to create chances from his deeper position on the pitch, while at the same time attending to defensive duties and pitching in when Dortmund are put under pressure by their opposition. This has not been the case for everyone in the squad yet, but per Groß’s words, it’s something that they seem to be working on rectifying.

With the game against Celtic on the horizon, and it being their second match of the Champions League campaign, Dortmund very much needs to find this cohesion so that they can get the required results. Dortmund’s current form has done little to dampen Groß’s mood ahead of the fixture however, with the German international expressing excitement ahead of the game, and crediting the fans and the home atmosphere they create for this excitement:

“Tomorrow evening is very special for me. The fans have carried us in the last few home games – that’s honestly the greatest thing about this club for me. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow!”

– Pascal Groß

Dortmund’s “Gelbe Wand” is always an asset for the club during home games, with the stand often being recognized as the club’s 12th man. Against Celtic, this will create quite the atmosphere as the traveling away fans are also likely to be deafening on account of the occasion.

On the field, Groß will very much be one of the critical players for Dortmund as he continues to dictate play from the center of the park. Groß’s importance doesn’t just come down to his skill as a footballer however, but also because of his propensity to evolve and learn as a player. His interest in the game may even see him pursue becoming a coach after he retires, per his own admission:

“I write down a lot of things; otherwise, you forget them. I’m very interested in football, always wanting to learn more. I want to take everything in, for now just as a player. But I’m also looking ahead and certainly have an interest in a coaching job.”

– Pascal Groß

For now, however, Groß is very much focused on the game against Celtic. His Dortmund journey has just begun and the club is certainly lucky to have such a talented and analytical player in their ranks helping to spearhead this new era under Nuri Şahin. As a player with a vast wealth of experience, we can rest assured that his contributions will be game-defining as Dortmund’s season contiUSMNT

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