Tottenham explained why Chelsea is a far better match for a striker who is “not worth £65 million”

Tottenham explained why Chelsea is a far better match for a striker who is “not worth £65 million”

Ange Postecoglou and Enzo Maresca are both keen on signing Dom Solanke

Tottenham have been told how a top striker target is not worth the £65million currently being quoted for his services and is a better fit for bitter London rivals Chelsea.

Ange Postecoglou and Enzo Maresca are both on the hunt for a new No.9 after both Spurs and Chelsea suffered in their own ways for not having a prolific striker last season.

Tottenham are still to find a replacement for all-time leading goalscorer Harry Kane, while Chelsea have not really had a clinical finisher since the days of Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.

Both clubs are being tipped to raid a Premier League rival though to fix their issues, with Bournemouth frontman Dominic Solanke well in the mix for a move to the capital.

However, talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino has stated why Solanke is better off moving to Stamford Bridge over the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, although his £65m release clause – which is only active for the Premier League ‘big six’ – is a bit steep.

Solanke scored 19 Premier League goals last season but was unluckily omitted from the England squad for Euro 2024, with Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins all picked ahead of him.

Chelsea have the edge over Spurs

And when asked whether Chelsea or Tottenham would be a better fit for Solanke, former Blues frontman Cascarino said via talkSPORT: “I would probably, I am showing my bias here, probably slightly Chelsea.

“I am not sure a club will pay £65m for Dominic Solanke. He had a terrific season. You have had an outstanding season.

“There’s a much bigger picture there. If you look over his career in total, then Dominic has improved, he got goals in the Championship, he didn’t really in his younger days he didn’t really make it at Liverpool, they let him go, they didn’t think he was good enough.

“I still think it’s a lot of money for someone that if he had gone in and had two, three seasons scoring at huge amounts, like Ollie Watkins has got goals regularly year by year, increase regularly. I don’t know if we just saw a standout season by Solanke there.

“Not saying he is not a really good player because he has improved a hell of a lot and fair play to him for that. Would I want want to pay £65m? I am not sure Spurs or Chelsea would want to go that deep.”

While £65m does appear a high price to play, Solanke is a player very much on the rise and at 26 nearing the peak of his powers.

But in terms of Tottenham’s interest, there are already strong rumours they are close to splashing out £60m for Eberechi Eze and the chances of Daniel Levy paying even more than that for Solanke are incredibly thin.

Indeed, Spurs are more likely to look at striker targets between £30-40m, if indeed Eze walks through the door.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly, in stark comparison, is more than happy to throw his riches to improve the Blues first-team squad. To that end, it wouldn’t be a massive surprise if Chelsea actually landed Solanke, if he is a top target that Maresca wants to bring in.

Mikey Johnston Celtic transfer value revealed as West Brom told to stump up for target

The winger was excellent at the Hawthorns on loan last season

Mikey Johnston

West Brom are reportedly looking to sign Mikey Johnston on a permanent transfer this summer – but will be warned by Celtic to stump up.

The Baggies had the wide man on loan last season where he shone in the EFL Championship with a seriously impressive seven goals and one assist in just 18 appearances. That has triggered further interest from West Brom to keep him full-time but reports down south have claimed the Hoops want a pretty penny for their player.

Johnston remains contracted at Parkhead until 2026 which gives the champions a strong hand as they look to cash-in on their winger. And the same reports down south claim Johnston is valued at around £6million after his glowing performances last term.

It’s thought West Brom boss Carlos Corberán will explore a permanent move for MJ while also attempting to see the potential interest in yet another loan from both player and parent club.

The Hawthorns outfit are set to ship out their own fringe players in a bid to freshen up as well as free funds to make deals like this one happen.

Prior to his loan spell at the club, Johnston had made 92 appearances in all competitions for Celts, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists.

 

Arsenal is “willing to accept £10m for forgotten defender,” according to transfer rumors.

“I’m not sure why,” Celtic claimed to be able to complete the “deal” for the popular midfielder.

Celtic can put their feet up for now after another trophy-winning season for the club.

The summer heading into the 2022/23 season started with Ange Postecoglou leaving and moving to the Premier League to join Tottenham Hotspur.

Brendan Rodgers returned, and in his first season back, he delivered two trophies for Celtic and beat Rangers at Ibrox, Parkhead and Hampden.

Let’s be honest, it wasn’t easy for Celtic. Not because of the threat from Rangers, but because of the team putting themselves in a spot of bother on several occasions.

The transfer recruitment was one of the main talking points and it will be once again this summer.

Yes, Joe Hart has retired and will need to be replaced or many fans are hoping that Matt O’Riley stays on board given the transfer interest.

One familiar face could return and that’s Paulo Bernardo after spending a very fruitful season-long loan in Glasgow, which included scoring in the derby during the New Year game and his shot leading to the winner in the cup final.

There has been possible talk of Celtic signing Bernardo for a ‘reduced fee’ and Andy Walker thinks it will happen for the popular midfielder, as he told Go Radio.

The 22-year-old has his best years in front of him and, with a possible permanent move, he can certainly take his game to the next level and possibly become a first-team regular.

You feel, if Rodgers wants the player, then it’s one of the obvious deals to get over the line, unless Benfica start playing hardball when it comes to the transfer fee.

Paulo Bernardo to secure a permanent transfer to Celtic?

“Yeah, I think so,” said Walker on it possibly being good business to sign Bernardo. “He’s made his mark. He scored a big goal against Rangers at the turn of the year. He obviously had a big performance and a say in the cup final, with that driving run from the middle of the park.

“We are never too sure what the price is for players like that. There is always so much speculation and you are never too sure what the players earn either. You can always guess. Someone of that age. I think maybe, more importantly, you have to give the manager his judgment. You have to trust his judgment. It’s him under pressure if it works or if it doesn’t work.

“If this is a reduced fee, then it can get the deal done. I don’t see why Celtic wouldn’t be able to do that business.”

Paulo Bernardo an underrated figure for Celtic

Celtic should get Bernardo back because there is certainly a player in there worth investing in.

Just look at how O’Riley has turned out and he came from a smaller platform – MK Dons in League One – than Bernardo.

READ MORE: Mark Wilson expecting Celtic star to leave despite Brendan Rodgers wanting to ‘keep him’

When the Portuguese star was handed a run of starts, he looked very good, showcased consistency, scored goals and felt like he belonged.

Now give him another 12 months to see him take his game to another level because he has been an underrated figure for the club.

After speaking with the Carrow Road club, Adam Idah revealed Norwich’s expectations, putting his Celtic deal in uncertainty.

Brendan Rodgers wants to sign Idah permanently but the striker claims he ‘s in the dark over what’s happening between Hoops and Canaries.

Adam Idah

Adam Idah is refusing to shut the door on a permanent move to Celtic this summer.

But the Ireland striker revealed he will be reporting for pre-season training at parent club Norwich City while uncertainty over his future is ironed out. Idah ended a memorable loan spell with Celtic by firing the 90th minute winner against Old Firm rivals Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.. Fans and manager Brendan Rodgers are desperate to lure Idah to Parkhead on a full-time basis, but Norwich want at least £6 million.

And new Canaries boss Johannes Hoff Thorup will have the final say as he weighs up his squad options, just 10 days after his appointment. Idah, who will start for Ireland in Tuesday’s friendly clash with Portugal in Aveiro, said: “Celtic is a massive club and built off the fans. Playing games like the Cup Final, and scoring the winner, I’m sure the fans will appreciate it and I appreciate them just as much.

“I’m still contracted to Norwich and have four years left there. I’m still going back to Norwich as it stands, I haven’t really thought too much about it. I spoke briefly to Norwich about when I’m coming back. It’s difficult at the start of the window as it’s coming up to our summer holidays and we’re on internationals right now.

“I’ve never been in this situation before and don’t know much about how it works. We’re on internationals right now and that is my main focus. Then I’ll get a holiday or two in and see what happens.”

But asked if he would like to sign for Celtic, Idah said: “Look, I’m still at Norwich and I have four years at Norwich. They are my parent club and I don’t know what’s going on.”

How much Celtic would have to pay, once discussions begin, for Peter Vindahl Jensen

Celtic have placed Sparta Prague goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen at the top of their goalkeeping wishlist this summer but the Czech club are eager to keep hold of him.

Joe Hart’s retirement has resulted in a long list of shot-stoppers being linked with the Scottish champions over the last couple of months.

Celtic need to get this transfer right, having experienced what an unstable goalkeeping situation can do to a season just a few years ago.

Jensen has emerged as the favourite to take on the void left by Hart, with Celtic reported to be eager for a positive end to negotiations with Sparta over the coming weeks.

However, the Czech double-winners are said to hold a strong hand in those negotiations and won’t let their star goalie go for cheap.

Celtic still have the resources to land goalkeeping target

Football Scotland reports that Sparta Prague are looking for a fee in excess of £4m for the player, which would take a fair dent out of Celtic’s summer budget.

However, any seven-figure fee is definitely achievable for the Bhoys. Having banked another season of UEFA Champions League money and heading for more next term, the resources are there to pursue a target they believe in.

If Jensen is the man identified by the scouting team and Brendan Rodgers to take on the task then the club should go and get him without much hesitation.

Sparta don’t seem to want anything excessive for a successful goalkeeper who has performed at Europa League level.

Celtic can’t be drawn into a goalkeeping saga that drags on all summer. Rodgers will likely want his man in the door early to acclimatise to his defensive line and the challenges of Scottish football.

Get this deal done and set the tone for what should be a productive and exciting summer.

Video: Amazing clip of UFC fighter celebrating Celtic Cup Final victor

Brilliant footage has emerged of Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett wildly celebrating Celtic’s goal at the Scottish Cup Final. The Scouser is a Liverpool fan but was present with Paul Dalglish for the showpiece final.

In a clip shared on Twitter/X, the UFC superstar can be seen wildly celebrating like the rest of the Celtic End at Hampden as Idah made it 1-0 in the last minute of normal time.

Paddy The Baddy CSC 🍀 pic.twitter.com/i23IqYENMf

— Luke 🍀 (@LukeKC67) June 9, 2024

Celtic won the game thanks to Idah’s goal to complete a Double. The manager will be keen to build upon the success in his first season back at the club as they look to compete in Europe as well as continuing domestic dominance.

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

Celtic is currently preparing to sign Rodgers’ preferred “strong” £65,000-per-week player.

He’s already won the Scottish Premiership before.

Looking to retain their Scottish Premiership crown next season, Celtic are reportedly plotting a move to sign a free agent who Brendan Rodgers loves this summer.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys’ main focus at the start of the summer may well be keeping hold of their best players, including Matt O’Riley. The impressive midfielder has attracted a lot of interest over the last few months, and rightly so, but Celtic must do everything to either keep hold of the Dane or at least cash in for the right price and reinvest that money wisely.

Meanwhile, when it comes to incomings, the likes of Kieran Tierney have been linked with a move in what would be a sensational return. The Scotland international left the Hoops back in 2019, before injuries brought any progress at Arsenal to a crashing halt, and he was sent on loan to Real Sociedad last season. At a career crossroads, Tierney could now reunite with Celtic and Rodgers this summer.

He may not be the only player to reunite with his former club, either. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting to re-sign Stuart Armstrong this summer following the end of his Southampton contract. A free agent, the midfielder could get the chance to make a sensational return six years after swapping Celtic Park for St Mary’s.

Celtic lining up move for £8m ace who could be Carter-Vickers 2.0

Earning a reported £65,000 a week, Armstrong may hope that teams like Celtic are in a position to pay his hefty salary next season, given that they’ll be avoiding a transfer fee altogether.

What’s more, it’s certainly one that Rodgers could get behind, having lavished Armstrong with praise during his time at Celtic, saying (via the Daily Mail): “He’s technically very strong and tactically he understands now how to keep the ball. When I first came in, he gave it away too cheaply.

“He wants to progress to be a player, so we reinforced the possession element of his game. He’s also got a good range of pass, can shoot and is good on set-pieces. So he’s really developing very well and, to put on top of that, he’s a really bright boy.”

“Strong” Armstrong can pick up where he left off

Celtic could be primed to win a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title next season under Rodgers – and with Armstrong and Tierney picking up medals, it would be quite the twist. Simply put, six years on from Armstrong’s exit, not much seems to have changed at the top of Scottish football. And now he can pick up where he left off if he completes a return this summer.

Stuart Armstrong Celtic record

Appearances

144

Goals

28

Assists

25

Titles

4

(via Transfermarkt)

Now 32 years old, it would be fitting for the former Southampton midfielder to end his career at the club he’s enjoyed most success, especially if he caps it off with even more titles in the Scottish Premiership. A free agent on the move, a Celtic return makes perfect sense for Armstrong this summer.

Arsenal set bargain transfer fee for Celtic favourite Kieran Tierney

Arsenal have reportedly set a £10m fee for Kieran Tierney. The Scotland Internationalist spent last season at Real Sociedad but was linked with a sensational return to Celtic. However, Arsenal’s demands for both a loan deal and a permanent switch meant that a reunion with Brendan Rodgers was not forthcoming.

After coming through the ranks at Celtic, Tierney went on to make 170 appearances for his boyhood club – scoring eight goals and assisting on thirty-seven occasions. In that time, he was part of excellent success before moving on.

Now, The Sunday Post (via Metro) is reporting that Arsenal are willing to accept just £10m for the left-back.

Celtic’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (L) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from a deflection by Manchester City’s English midfielder Raheem Sterling (unseen) during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match between Celtic and Manchester City at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on September 28, 2016. / AFP / OLI SCARFF

Celtic could be the perfect outlet for the player, who has had injury struggles in the past, as he is able to rotate with Scotland teammate Greg Taylor. The lure of a fairytale return to Celtic Park would certainly be appealing to Tierney, as well as the boost to the club by adding pace and power.

Tierney and Rodgers have an excellent relationship and this could be a factor in attracting the player back to the club. It would be interesting to see whether anything transpires as Celtic would certainly set their stall out by signing a player of Tierney’s calibre, delivering on the promise to Rodgers to bring quality into the club to compete in Europe.

Tierney made a £25m move to London in the summer of 2019, where he has made 124 appearances. In that time, KT has scored five goals and assisted on fourteen occasions. However, the change in management from Unai Emery to Mikel Arteta saw a tactical switch with Zinchenko and Timber, as well as right-back Tomiyasu, being preferred to the Scottish defender.

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

Stuart Armstrong to resign from Celtic following a “surprise” twist, according to reports

Celtic are considering a move to re-sign Stuart Armstrong after his surprise release from Southampton at the end of the season.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Armstrong, 32, has emerged as an option for the Scottish title winners and is very much on their radar.

However, sources say Brendan Rodgers will be looking for serious backing in the transfer market as he wants his team to make an impact in Europe.

As a result, the club will initially look at alternatives to Armstrong, with younger players on their radar who can develop and grow their games at Parkhead.

Finance expert Kieran Maguire told Football Insider that Celtic’s budget will have been given “rocket boosters” by their Champions League qualification.

Celtic consider transfer deal for Stuart Armstrong from Southampton

Armstrong has become available on a free transfer after leaving Southampton, opening up the opportunity for a return to Celtic after six years away.

The midfielder joined the English side for £7million in 2018, going on to make 214 appearances for the club in the Premier League and the Championship.

He made 45 appearances in the recently completed season, scoring six and assisting seven as he helped fire the Saints back into the Premier League.

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

Armstrong’s time at Parkhead saw him feature in both the Champions League and Europa League, while winning four SPFL titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups.

That winning experience, his European experience, and having previously established a strong rapport with the fans, have led to the possibility of a return this summer.

Armstrong is one of two former players Celtic are considering returns for this summer, with sources telling Football Insider that Kieran Tierney would love to return to Parkhead.

Newcastle United-linked man would ‘love’ Celtic move as free agent attracts interest

Eddie Howe.

Latest Newcastle United transfer news and rumours as they prepare for next season

Newcastle United finished 7th in the Premier League table in this past season. They missed out on Europe though after Manchester United’s win over Manchester City in the FA Cup.

The one benefit of this though for Eddie Howe’s side is that they will play less games which should help their domestic campaign. Here is a look at some of the latest transfer news and rumours coming out of the club…

Newcastle were linked with a move for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney last summer and his name continues to emerge as a potential option now and again. The Telegraph reported last August that Eddie Howe was interested in luring the Scotland international to the North East to bolster his defensive ranks but nothing materialised in the end.

Fast forward to now and the defender has spent 12 months on loan in Spain with Real Sociedad. He now due to return to the Emirates Stadium for pre-season but his long-term future with the Gunners is up in the air at this moment in time.

According to a report by Football Insider, Tierney would ‘love’ to return to his former club Celtic if the opportunity to head back to Glasgow arose. Arsenal will apparently ‘listen’ to offers for him over the next couple of months.

He rose up through the academy ranks at Celtic Park and went on to play 170 games for the Hoops’ first-team, chipping in with eight goals from the back.

Tierney then moved down to London and made 124 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side before Real Sociedad came calling.

Championship side eye departed player

Watford are keen on Matt Ritchie following his exit from Newcastle, according to a report by Teamtalk. The 34-year-old, who made 16 caps for Scotland earlier in his career, sees his contract officially expire at the end of the month and will have to weigh up his options as a free agent.

The Toon Army have decided not to extend his stay and he will become available for nothing to other teams.

Ritchie joined Newcastle back in 2016 and has since played 215 matches for them altogether, finding the net on 25 occasions. He has also played for the likes of Portsmouth, Swindon Town and AFC Bournemouth in the past.

Watford are managed by ex-Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa midfielder Tom Cleverley these days and they could see the veteran as someone to add more competition and depth to their squad for next term.

Cleverley has said the Hornets will have to be ‘creative’ with their recruitment over the next couple of months: “We’ll have to be creative in the market. I think my contacts and experience as a player could help that, and hopefully coaches will trust me with their players on loan.

“We have a very large scouting network across the world, and I’m sure the club have got some really good players on their radar. But the reality is we haven’t got masses of money to go and blow.”

Sources: Celtic would accept Kyogo Furuhashi’s £25 million bid.

Celtic will demand upwards of £25million to consider letting Kyogo Furuhashi leave the club this summer amid links with a move to England.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that this summer would be the last opportunity for Kyogo to make a big move, but Celtic have no plans to let him go.

The Japan international, 29, is under contract at Parkhead until 2027, having signed a new contract last summer to deter interest from south of the border.

Brendan Rodgers wants to keep Kyogo in his squad as he plans to be competitive in the Champions League and would be reluctant to see him leave.

Sources also say the forward is looking forward to playing in the Champions League and has no desire to move on this summer.

Celtic slap £25m+ price tag on Kyogo as transfer interest emerges

Celtic signed Kyogo for just £4.5million in a deal with Japanese side Vissel Kobe in 2021, with the forward going on to make 133 appearances for the club and counting.

In that time, he has scored 73 goals and provided 15 assists, winning three SPFL titles, two Scottish Cups, two Scottish League Cups as well as the golden boot in 2022-23, when he also won Player of the Year.

His outstanding performances since arriving at Parkhead have made him a fan favourite and a mainstay in the team under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers.

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

19 goals and five assists in 50 appearances last season helped Celtic win yet another league title and the Scottish Cup, pipping Old Firm rivals Rangers to both trophies.

Now aged 29, Kyogo remains happy at Parkhead and will not be leaving the club this summer unless the club receives an offer they cannot refuse.

Koyogo’s role in Rodgers’ squad has made him a key man ahead of the upcoming Champions League campaign, with the manager looking to make amends for the embarrassment last time out.

The SPFL have announced a new five-year deal with betting company William Hill, replacing car dealer Cinch as the Scottish Premiership’s title sponsor.

Cinch had opted to end their agreement with the SPFL early, which left Hampden officials searching for a new partner in a difficult market.

Celtic return, Hamish says goodbye and the future of 67 Hail Hail

However, they have managed to come up with what they say is a record deal for Scottish football.

The league body said: “Under the record-breaking, five-year deal, which begins at the start of season 2024/25, William Hill will become the title sponsor of all four SPFL divisions as well as the Official Betting Partner of the SPFL. This will see the four SPFL divisions become the William Hill Premiership, William Hill Championship, William Hill League 1, and William Hill League 2.

“Alongside its partnership and title sponsorship, William Hill and the SPFL have partnered with EPIC Global Solutions – a global consultancy focused on gambling harm prevention – to launch a multi-year, first-of-its-kind programme on gambling harm awareness across Scottish football for SPFL players, staff, and supporters.”

New sponsor deal worth £10m to Scottish football

It’s been reported by The Scottish Sun [08/06 print edition, p. 68] that the five-year agreement is worth £10m in total, so £2m per season.

That’s up from the £1.6m per season the league were said to be getting from Cinch. [BBC]

According to a BBC expert, the Celtic player “nailed” his tryout for EURO 2024.

Anthony Ralston may not have expected to be starting the opening match at this summer’s EURO 2024 tournament given his lack of football at Celtic this season, but he’s now in pole position to do exactly that.

Ralston has been installed back into the Scotland eleven after a two-year wait following injuries to Aaron Hickey and Nathan Patterson.

The Celtic right-back was selected by national team manager Steve Clarke on Friday night and fully justified his ninth cap, performing pretty well in a wing-back role.

He was busy on and off the ball and, despite Scotland only managing a 2-2 draw, the 25-year-old will be personally pleased he came through the test.

For BBC Sportsound pundit Willie Miller, it’s now hard to look past Ralston being named in Clarke’s side again for the huge competition opener against Germany in Munich.

Willie Miller on Anthony Ralston’s EURO 2024 chances

The former Scotland international stated that Ralston had “nailed it” in post-match analysis, adding: “Anthony Ralston did very well. Not outstanding by any means but he’s pretty solid. He looked comfortable and confident.

“I think he’s done enough to put a very strong case forward to start against Germany.”

MORE CELTIC STORIES

Ralston is one of four Celtic stars representing Scotland at the summer tournament. Bhoys captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest and Greg Taylor have all also been confirmed to be on the plane.

McGregor and Ralston are the most likely starters, with Forrest and Taylor expected to play depth roles or make appearances from the substitutes bench.

Scotland haven’t often qualified for these events so it’s a massive opportunity for all. Full of confidence having achieved a league and cup double, they’ll be dreaming of continuing that glory into the summer.

Peter Vindahl Jensen profiled as Celtic push Sparta Prague for transfer target

The goalkeeper is high on the Hoops’ transfer list this summer

Peter Vindahl Jensen is a Celtic target

Celtic are hoping to land Peter Vindahl Jensen as their new goalkeeper this summer.

We at Football Scotland exclusively told you how the Hoops were speaking with his club, Sparta Prague, about signing the player in the coming weeks as they aim to find a suitable replacement for Joe Hart who retired at the end of last season with a league and cup Double. Celts have been linked with a whole host of goalkeepers since Hart’s decision was made official but it’s Vindahl Jensen at the top of the list.

The Scottish champions know they’ll have to spend money on the Dane with the player only recently signed to a multi-year deal with the Czech giants. But what else do we know?

Football Scotland runs you through Vindahl Jensen’s career with all we know about the goalie.

Who is Peter Vindahl Jensen?

The goalkeeper is a 26-year-old who was born in Helsingor, Denmark. He’s 6ft 4in and is the current number one at Sparta. Vindahl Jensen made 47 appearances last season for the club and kept 15 clean sheets in all competitions. He was then signed after an initial loan spell before Celtic’s recruitment team took their interest further.

The player started his career in Lyngby before moving to Nordsjaelland on a free as a youngster. He spent six years there before moving to the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar. A loan to Nuremberg in Germany followed before he would eventually go to Prague on loan.

What are his credentials?

The goalie remains in his prime at just 26 which, for the position, is experienced but still considered relatively young.

He, too, won the league and cup Double last season to pick up his first silverware in the game at professional level. Vindahl Jensen has played for the Denmark under-21s and has been called up for the first-team but is yet to land his first cap having sat on the bench more than once.

The player has also experienced European football having played in the Europa League against Rangers back in 2023. He shut them out in one of the two legs. He also impressed against Liverpool.

What is his playing style?

The big man is an excellent shot stopper and has proven that over his career. He is also known for being good with the ball at his feet which is exactly what Rodgers looks for in his goalkeepers.

Oftentimes Vindahl Jensen attempts to get play going again as fast as possible with the ball in his hands which was a major part of Joe Hart’s game at Parkhead.

Contract situation

We at Football Scotland explained how it might be a tricky deal to do simply for the fact that Sparta are keen to hold onto him.

The Czech club are also in a position of strength given the contract he recently signed so the Hoops will have to pay. The feeling is that they would want more than £4million.

This summer, as the Hoops star prepares to leave, Brendan Rodgers has five requests about transfers to Celtics.

Brendan Rodgers has five Celtic transfer wishes this summer as Hoops star heads for the exit door

Rodgers has some wishes this summer

Celtic transfer business is likely to occur over the next few months.

Brendan Rodgers is wanting to add to his squad in five position this summer transfer window, it’s been claimed.

The Irishman oversaw his side’s glory in the Premiership and Scottish Cup as a double was clinched. It wasn’t a plain-sailing season though and recruitment was one of the areas that was lamented, with some shrewd moves needed in the summer.

It is claimed by the Daily Mail that there are five areas of the park the Celtic boss is looking to strengthen – goalkeeper, left-back, central defence, midfield and attack. A new number one is needed after Joe Hart’s retirement, and Greg Taylor is the club’s only senior left-back.

Centre-half recruits like Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke have failed to make a sustained impact. Rodgers wants to bring in Paulo Bernardo permanently after the midfielder’s loan from Benfica and Adam Idah is a striker he is keen to land after a telling impact on loan from Norwich City.

At the back, Chris Mepham of Bournemouth is one that Rodgers is believed to have on his mind. There could be exits too and the same report states that Lagerbielke is ‘expected to go’ over the summer months. He hasn’t featured mjuch since his summer move from Elfsborg last year and watched a move to Italy fall through in January.

Nawrocki’s ex-club Legia Warsaw are claimed to have made a move to bring him back on loan, but the defender has turned that down. Yuki Kobayashi is another defender on the Parkhead fringes with an uncertain future.

Celtic haggle for the best candidate to take Joe Hart’s place; hefty payment required following outstanding season

Celtic appear to have identified the man they want to replace Joe Hart as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

Hart is retiring from professional football after capping off his career with a three-year stint at Celtic that resulted in 153 appearances and seven trophies.

It’s reported by Football Scotland that the Bhoys have now entered negotiations with Sparta Prague for Danish goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.

It’s stated that Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of the former AZ Alkmaar star and that he has emerged as one of the ‘key targets’ for the club to get over the line this summer.

The report states a sizable fee will need to be paid by Celtic to land their man but that this hasn’t put the club off as they look to thrash out a deal with the Czech double winners over the coming weeks.

Danish goalkeeper found success in Prague

Winning the league and the Czech cup in 2023/24, Jensen enjoyed the kind of success that is familiar to Celtic, keeping 15 clean sheets in all competitions from 47 appearances.

After being knocked out in Champions League qualification by Copenhagen last summer, the goalkeeper and his team also went on an extended Europa League run.

They dumped Dinamo Zagreb out of the playoffs before making it out of a group that also included Real Betis, Rangers and Aris Limassol.

Sparta then knocked out Galatasaray in the Round of 32 before exiting at the hands of Liverpool in the last 16.

The 26-year-old has also had playing spells at Nuremberg and Nordsjaelland, as well as his stint with AZ.

It’ll be very interesting to see how this one develops with the language in the report suggesting that this is the man that Celtic really want to fill the void left by Hart.

Celtic appear to have identified the man they want to replace Joe Hart as the club’s number one goalkeeper.

Hart is retiring from professional football after capping off his career with a three-year stint at Celtic that resulted in 153 appearances and seven trophies.

It’s reported by Football Scotland that the Bhoys have now entered negotiations with Sparta Prague for Danish goalkeeper Peter Vindahl Jensen.

It’s stated that Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of the former AZ Alkmaar star and that he has emerged as one of the ‘key targets’ for the club to get over the line this summer.

The report states a sizable fee will need to be paid by Celtic to land their man but that this hasn’t put the club off as they look to thrash out a deal with the Czech double winners over the coming weeks.

Danish goalkeeper found success in Prague

Winning the league and the Czech cup in 2023/24, Jensen enjoyed the kind of success that is familiar to Celtic, keeping 15 clean sheets in all competitions from 47 appearances.

After being knocked out in Champions League qualification by Copenhagen last summer, the goalkeeper and his team also went on an extended Europa League run.

They dumped Dinamo Zagreb out of the playoffs before making it out of a group that also included Real Betis, Rangers and Aris Limassol.

Sparta then knocked out Galatasaray in the Round of 32 before exiting at the hands of Liverpool in the last 16.

The 26-year-old has also had playing spells at Nuremberg and Nordsjaelland, as well as his stint with AZ.

It’ll be very interesting to see how this one develops with the language in the report suggesting that this is the man that Celtic really want to fill the void left by Hart.

Celtic in talks to sign “brilliant” player for just £3.5m

He wants to join.
Celtic are locked in talks as they aim for a significant discount on their first signing of the summer, it has been revealed.

Bhoys aiming up

Despite being crowned double winners in their first season, Brendan Rodgers‘ Celtic side are keen to push on after a less-than-vintage Scottish Premiership season.

Celtic plotting £10m offer to sign “world-class” player for Rodgers

They are hoping to add Adam Idah to their ranks on a permanent basis, and will also be in the hunt for a new no.1 goalkeeper after Joe Hart announced his retirement. But there is another deal that they are looking to complete first.

Celtic hunting Bernardo bargain

Now, it has emerged that the Scottish champions are hoping to snag a bargain for loanee Paulo Bernardo, who is keen to extend his time at Parkhead.

The midfielder spent the season on loan with Celtic, making 33 appearances across all competitions. There was a £6.4m option to buy the Portuguese U21 international inserted into the loan deal, but that was not taken up by the Hoops.

Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic season (all competitions)

Appearances

33

Starts

15

Goals

4

Assists

3

That is because they are hoping to strike a deal on far more favourable terms, with Benfica not keen on keeping Bernardo. To that end, The Sun have relayed claims that the two sides are in discussions over a deal that would begin at less than half of the option to buy.

They report that there are talks over a deal worth an initial £3m, with potential add-ons taking the move to £3.5m should they be activated. Any deal would have the support of fans, players and ex-players alike.

Former Celtic defender Mark Wilson admitted that though he was sceptical at first of the loanee, the Portugual youngster had changed his opinion over the course of the season.

“I wasn’t having him. He played in big games but I just didn’t see him do anything.”

“He would run about, hardly get involved or hardly get a touch of the ball. He wouldn’t tackle and you’d see him almost get close to somebody, it almost looked like he was running on treacle.

“But the game at Dens Park, he looked like a player. He gets his goal, maybe a wee bit fortuitous. But after that he’s been great, he’s been brilliant.”

Meanwhile, Bernardo is popular in the dressing room too, with Callum McGregor revealing he hoped a move was made permanently for the 22-year-old.

“Paulo has been an important player for us. He has big technical quality and he’s a young kid who wants to do well. That’s the type of profile we want at the club. Hopefully we can bring him back”, he explained.

It remains to be seen whether a deal can be done for such a small fee, but it seems likely that Celtic can certainly bargain the price down from the initial £6.4m if they really want Bernardo this summer, making this one to watch.

£5,800-p/w ace wants to join Celtic after he’s told his club don’t want him

He has been told his current club don’t want him.

A £5,800-a-week star with a “great attitude” now wants to join Celtic in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Sky Sports.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops are still riding high after not only winning the Scottish Premiership title at the expense of rivals Rangers, but also clinching Scottish Cup glory against them, following Adam Idah’s dramatic late winner at Hampden Park last month.

This isn’t a time for Celtic to be getting carried away, however, and Brendan Rodgers will know that further improvements are needed to his squad this summer, especially in terms of holding their own more in the Champions League next season.

One audacious piece of business that has been mooted is a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, which could really catch the eye of supporters. Granted, the 28-year-old has had a tough year or two, struggling at the Etihad and on loan at West Ham, but he has still been a regular starter for England at major tournaments, and is young enough to have plenty of good years in him still.

Celtic are also reportedly “trying to negotiate” a deal that will see Paulo Bernardo join the Hoops for good after being on loan from Benfica, potentially coming in as Rodgers’ first signing of the summer. Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could also come in as a replacement for the retired Joe Hart, as he eyes an exit from Old Trafford in order to enjoy more regular football.

Player with “great attitude” wants Celtic move

According to an update from Sky Sports, Celtic’s deal for Bernardo just got easier, because the Portuguese talent is “keen” on a permanent move after being “told” he has no future with his parent club. There is an option to buy clause in his loan, which could be worth £6.5m, but the Hoops are still hopeful of lowering it.

This is great news for Celtic, with the £5,800-a-week Bernardo proving to be an important player after arriving on loan, making 22 appearances in the league, also chipping in with three goals and assists apiece in the process.

The 22-year-old caught the eye of Rodgers, who is no doubt very interested in retaining his services, with the Hoops boss saying back in December: “For Paulo it was good. He’s such a mature player for a young player. He’s always had a great attitude at training. He’s played in a lot of big games. But he had a wee bit of everything today – he had a wee bit of dig, put his foot in, passed the ball and made runs into the box.”

A permanent switch is a no-brainer for Celtic, and the fact that Bernardo wants the same thing means that a deal will hopefully be struck with few stumbling blocks, even though they will look to get him for less than the aforementioned £6.5m.

Breaking: Celtic signs a personal contract with Hearts striker from Rangers.

Hearts’ pleading is not successful.

Hearts’ appeal to reverse Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card for a simulation-related infraction was unsuccessful.

The Jambos captain received a caution from referee Grant Irvine during Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Ross County in Dingwall.

The Scottish Football Association received a “wrongful caution” claim from the Tynecastie leaders on Monday.

But a neutral panel at Hampden found that Irvine had made the right choice and that

After taking into account Hearts’ submission and reviewing the video evidence, Shankland’s yellow card is still in place.

Hearts.card has reportedly withdrew its support for the Ross County simulation.

It is evident that Lawrence’s leg is attached to the opposing player’s knee.
an image that we highlighted in the plea. Later on in the week,

The club will investigate the cause of the employee’s termination; that moment, We’ll have more details available soon.

Jordan Obita’s deal with Hibs has been extended till June 2026.

The Premier League winning group has declared. In the summer of last year, the left-back moved from English League One outfit Wycombe to Easter Road.

He has made 37 appearances for Hibs in all competitions this season.

scoring twice. Hibs manager Nick Montgomery said, “Jordan is a crucial member of the team.”

He has been one of our most dependable players this season and brings priceless experience to the team.

£7.5m Celtic transfer target poses Hoops a challenge while Rangers exit set to be sealed

Inside Celtic link to Admira Wacker as pioneer Matthew Anderson assesses sink or swim Austria loan

The 20-year-old scored once and assisted six goals in 22 matches for Austrian second division club Admira Wacker.

Celtic talent Matthew Anderson believes he grew as a player and as a man after being thrown in at the deep end for a season on loan to Austria.

Now he’s waiting to see whether Brendan Rodgers decides to give him a chance with the Hoops this term. The left back is with Scotland Under 21s who face Turkey in a friendly tonight in Istanbul before playing in Austria on Friday. Anderson, 20, is highly-rated at Celtic and was sent to Admira Wacker at the start of the season, along with keeper Tobi Oluwayemi as the first players to go to the Austrian second-tier club after their link-up with the Scottish champions.

But Oluwayemi was injured early on and Anderson had to fend for himself in a foreign country and in a league he knew nothing about. He’s returned to Celtic though after playing in every game for the club and netted his first goal the other week too.

New Celtic pathway manager Darren O’Dea stated last month: “I am delighted for Matty. Had a brilliant loan spell. To play week in and week out while adapting to a new country, the experience he has gained will be invaluable.” And Anderson admits he’s delighted with the experience. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed it.

“Me and Tobi were the first ones to go over there for the partnership with Celtic and I think it went really well for my first full season in football. The standard was surprisingly impressive I thought.

“A lot of the players told me they had spent time playing in the Austrian Bundesliga and it wasn’t much of a drop-off. I thought it was a perfect level for me to go into for my first season in football.

“My target was to go over there and play as many games as I could. And I think I ended up playing in every game I was available for. So it almost went perfectly.

“It was a big learning curve because Tobi did his meniscus at the start of the season so I was on my own. He had to go home for a few months.

“But I thought I coped with it much better than I was expecting. There was a winter break and that helped a lot because it split up the season.

“I learned how to cook maybe five dishes so I had them on repeat for the whole season and I had to do my own cleaning too! My girlfriend came over maybe more than once a month and my mum and dad and my brother came over a few times too.

“With that and the Scotland camps and me being back and forth it felt I was there for maybe three weeks at a time maximum. As a football player, you learn so much in your first year of first team football, especially abroad.

Max Anderson and Lennon Miller

“It’s almost a perfect fit because the standard of football was a really challenging level. But I was able to cope and hold my own.”

Anderson will spend pre-season with Celtic and will wait to see whether the club reckon he’s ready to push for a first team place or whether they will send him on loan again. And Anderson is happy to learn from fellow left backs – Celtic and Scotland ace Greg Taylor and Under 21s captain Josh Doig, who has missed this camp through injury.

He said: “The plan for me is to go back and report for pre-season with Celtic. Maybe the manager will have a look at me and let me know if he feels whether I should have another loan or not.

“I’m not looking too far ahead. I’ll just go with the flow. I have been with the Under 21s squads for a year now but with Josh Doig being here I have not played too many games.

“But the opportunity to learn from someone who has played in Serie A for a couple of years has been great for me. He’s a top player.

“I have been with Celtic for the past few pre-seasons and I trained with them when I came back from my winter break. Watching someone like Greg Taylor closely in training has been good for me. I try and pick up the habits that he has. He’s one of the players who are so consistent and works hard.”

How will released Rangers stars be remembered and should Celtic make £6m move for Paulo Bernardo? Monday Jury

The build up to Euro 2024 ramps right up and the Record Sport team look at all the big issues.

Ryan Jack and Borna Barisic

With Lyndon Dykes out of the Euros, who should Steve Clarke start up top against Germany?

ANDY NEWPORT:Lawrence Shankland. If Scotland are to get out of this group, we’re going to need as much attacking intent as we can muster and for me that means starting with the Hearts skipper.

MICHAEL GANNON: It was always likely to be Che Adams so nothing will change on that front. It’s a bitter blow though as Dykes has been a great option for Scotland these last few years.

FRASER WILSON: Lawrence Shankland for me. The Hearts man has the strength to hold the ball in and get us up the park and he’s good at linking play. More than that, if one big chance falls within 20 yards of goal, then he’s the man you’d want on the end of it. Che Adams’ could be very useful off the bench in the second half.

GAVIN BERRY: There’s a good chance Che Adams would have started in Munich anyway and the Southampton man looks certain to be on the team sheet now.

John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, and Kemar Roofe have all cleared their Ibrox lockers – how will they be remembered by the Rangers support?

ANDY: With bitter sweet memories. Jack, Barisic and Roofe helped deliver the title the Ibrox legions had waited a decade for while Lundstram was key on the road to Seville – but those were rare highlights amid a raft of bitter disappointments.

MICHAEL: As good servants who played major roles in restoring the clubs reputation on the European stage. It was time to go but these guys should never need to buy a pint around Govan for the rest of their days.

FRASER: Lundstram was magnificent in his first season but went off the boil. Barisic could be wonderful one week and woeful then next. Jack and Roofe will be remembered for their absence through injury as much as anything, other than the Jamaican international’s 54.6yard strike in Belgium. It’s the right decision to clear out.

GAVIN: Their recent failures are the freshest memories for fans who are hurting right now but in time they will be remembered more fondly. Lundstram for his incredible contribution on the run to Seville and THAT goal against RB Leipzig and the others for their part in delivering one of the most important titles in the club’s history.

Paulo Bernardo is being tipped to make his Celtic switch a permanent affair – should the Hopes press ahead with the £6million signing?

ANDY: Not at that kind of cash. He’s a decent player but has flitted in and out of Brendan Rodgers’ team this year. Get the fee down to £3million and it might be a deal worth doing. Otherwise, Celtic should take their money elsewhere.

MICHAEL: Six might be a bit rich but if they can land him for less, Bernardo would be well worth keeping. There is a player in there but needs to be more consistent.

FRASER: Only if they can negotiate the price tag down. Bernardo has produced big moments this season especially in Old Firm games.

Paulo Bernardo during a Celtic training session

But it’s not been anywhere near consistent enough to demand a £6m fee.

GAVIN: A young player who contributed to the double success, wants to be at Parkhead and his career is only going to go one way, particularly under Brendan Rodgers who has such a great track record of developing players like him. A no brainer.

It’s now 15 Champions League crowns for Real Madrid – but what does their Wembley win say about the state of continental competitiveness?

ANDY: That Uefa’s competition has gone stale. Some of the Real players looked non-plussed by the whole event as they lifted the trophy for the sixth time in the past decade. The competition needs a shake up and hopefully next season’s rejig delivers a fresh face as the winner.

MICHAEL : Not much, apart from the Champions League is now the domain of a few super clubs and the rest have no chance. Real are football royalty but there are only seven or eight clubs that can realistically lift this trophy now.

FRASER: Real are a level above the rest in terms of getting the job done. They remain the benchmark. The competition went stale years ago though and adding more games next year won’t help. I’d bring back the straight knockout format … but I can hear the cash-greedy high heid yins across the continent laughing at the mere thought.

GAVIN: It’s an incredible tally for the Spanish giants where winning this trophy is part of their DNA. But they started this run by winning five on the spin and have won two of the last six so there is plenty of competition.

Rangers defender tipped for Real Madrid move as Celtic £25m demand scares Saints

The latest transfer talk from Celtic and Rangers as the summer transfer window prepares to open for business.

Rangers have been told their latest addition is good enough to play for newly crowned Champions League winners Real Madrid at some point in the future.

The Light Blues kicked off their summer recruitment with the capture of Brazilian left-back Jefte last week after the Fluminense star agreed a four-year deal at Ibrox. The 20-year-old has just completed a season-long loan deal with APOEL Nicosia, scoring three goals and providing four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Cypriot club. His time in Nicosia also saw Jefte feature alongside former Rangers loan signing Dalcio, who spent one season at Ibrox during Pedro Caixinha’s time in charge.

Although Dalcio made little impact during his time as a Rangers player, he has backed his former club’s first summer signing to shine at Ibrox and insisted Jefte could play for Real Madrid at some point in his career ‘if he works hard and wants it’.

He told MailSport: “Jefte’s a very good player, really offensive. He’ll bring speed and goals to Rangers. And he’s young so he’ll learn. He’s still developing and Rangers can bring the best out of him. He will improve at Ibrox. He’s a good player now but has so much potential to get better. He came to APOEL as a young player and was thrown straight into a top league.

“Of course, for the first three or four months it was difficult for him as he adapted. But, after that, he was an amazing left-back for us. Rangers aren’t paying a lot of money for Jefte now. But in the future he can be anything he wants to be. Everything depends on Jefte himself. If he works hard and wants it – and everyone said this about him at APOEL – he could play for Real Madrid in the future.”

Premier League new boys ‘scared’ by Celtic demand

Celtic star Matt O’Riley has been linked with several clubs across Europe after playing an integral role in an overwhelmingly successful season.

The former MK Dons midfielder scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists 49 appearances in all competitions as Brendan Rodgers’ side completed a domestic double and his form was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the senior Denmark squad as he earned the first of two caps in a 2-0 defeat against Northern Ireland in November last year. Despite his impressive form with the Hoops, O’Riley has failed to secure a place in the Danish squad for the Euro 2024 Finals in a decision that provoked disbelief from Celtic supporters.

The summer now looks set to be dominated by talk of the midfielder’s future after the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion, Everton, West Ham United and Atletico Madrid were all linked with a move for O’Riley – but it is one English Premier League newcomer and a familiar face that are at the heart of the latest transfer talk.

The Scottish Sun have reported O’Riley’s former MK Dons manager Russell Martin is keen on a reunion with the midfielder as he prepares to build on Southampton’s Championship play-off final win against Leeds United. The report states the Saints boss believes the chances of signing O’Riley are ‘slim’ and has been put off by claims Celtic will demand a Scottish record fee of over £25m before considering a deal.

Hugh Dallas reveals the Celtic VAR impact he spotted as Rangers told of ‘protocol’ over one penalty gripe

The former top ref currently has a referee training role in Turkey and offered his take on VAR in Scottish football.

Hugh Dallas

Former top ref Hugh Dallas admits he instantly spotted how VAR impacted Celtic – but it had nothing to do with decisions!

Instead, Dallas noticed how the Scottish champions were forced to shake up their style of play as the technology disrupted their rhythm. The use of video technology in Scottish football has been a hot topic since it’s introduction in October 2021 – with Hibs’ clash against St Johnstone the first Premiership showdown to feature VAR. Just 24 hours after it’s debut, Ange Postecoglou’s Hoops side were involved in some history of their own when they faced Hearts at Tynecastle in the first live TV Scottish football game using the technology.

And Dallas reckons the Hoops were quickly forced to change their style during the Postecoglou era – with the relentless attacking style of Angeball being paused by the time it took officials to make decisions on the pitch. After Dundee boss Tony Docherty admitted he had to tweak his side to deal with VAR, Dallas told BBC Sportsound: “I’ve not got the experience these guys have had with playing, but within the first month that it was introduced I all of a sudden noticed how it affected Celtic.

“Because when Celtic restart play from a goal kick they get the ball thrown to them quickly, it’s down and it’s away. They can’t do that now. Because when the ball goes out of play they will say ‘check, wait, wait, delay the restart, delay, delay deal, ok we can go’. All of a sudden that spontaneity was gone. I just found as a non-football knowledge that changed one team.”

Docherty also admitted his frustrations with the time it takes VAR to make a decision – with Dallas conceding that there was an issue with the timescale of checks. The former whistler referred specifically to a flashpoint during Celtic’s clash with Rangers in December.

Alistair Johnston appeared to handle the ball in a tussle with Abdallah Sima. Willie Collum opted against sending man in the middle Nick Walsh to the monitor on the day but replays later showed that Sima had strayed into an offside position when the ball was played into the box and so no penalty would have been awarded in any case.

The incident involving Johnston and Sima

While Dallas understood the gripe from the Light Blues over the delay and confusion, he stated that the officials had simply followed “protocol.” He said: “There is a lot of issues with that at the moment. We are talking about VAR checks taking long enough at the moment. A lot of people don’t understand the protocol with VAR – you check a penalty incident then you have got to go back and look if it was offside.

“We had a situation in the Old Firm game earlier in the season, and then you have got to say if it’s not offside was there any foul play in the lead up. That takes a long, long time before you can make a decision.”

Irish Press Push Celtic Double Transfer Swoop…

Celtic is preparing for a busy summer transfer window, with significant movement expected in the incoming and outgoings.

25th May 2024; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Cup Football Final, Celtic versus Rangers; Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 to Celtic in the 90th minute

Among the priorities are finalising deals for two loan players, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, each with an option to buy.

Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo, on loan from Benfica, has expressed a desire to continue his career in Glasgow. Negotiations are ongoing to secure a permanent transfer fee that would retain Bernardo’s services.

Meanwhile, Adam Idah is another player Celtic is eager to bring back. The Irish striker’s initial stint at Celtic, marked by key contributions, has made him a preferred option for manager Brendan Rodgers. According to the Sunday World, the deal for Idah hinges on the negotiation of an agreeable transfer fee with his parent club, Norwich City.

Additionally, finding a successor for the retired Joe Hart remains a priority, with Irish international Caoimhin Kelleher a long-term target. However, Liverpool’s high valuation of Kelleher poses a significant financial challenge; it is unlikely that Celtic would break its transfer record for a goalkeeper.

This morning, this was the back page of the Sunday World in Ireland.

— PDM 🤓 (@BAYERNINMUNCHEN) JUNE 2, 2024

The Irish press is certainly pushing for the double swoop from Celtic, and I’m not sure many fans wouldn’t be pleased if the two Irishmen started at Celtic next season. But, you have to say, the likeliness of securing Kelleher’s signature feels very small.

Latest Celtic transfer news on Paulo Bernardo, Adam Idah and Matt O’Riley

Loan stars Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo (Image: SNS Group)

Brendan Rodgers is in the market for quality this summer and is keen to land loan stars Bernardo and Idah on permanent deals.

It’s been a rollercoaster season for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers deserves a couple of weeks to put his feet up and enjoy a well-earned break.

But that doesn’t mean the Hoops will be standing still in the transfer market as the summer window prepares to open. The Parkhead club’s recruitment team will already have compiled a list of targets that will have been signed off by the manager as Rodgers seeks to take the Double-winners to the next level in Europe.

Top of his wishlist is a new goalkeeper following the retirement of iconic Joe Hart, while Celts are also keen on singing loan duo Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah on permanent deals. So what’s the current state of play? Here, Football Scotland delivers the latest news.

Adam Idah

While Rodgers wants Celtic to splash the cash on the Scottish Cup-winning goal hero, Norwich City are ready to play hardball. Football Scotland exclusively revealed last night that the Canaries are not yet ready to entertain a permanent sale at this moment.

The EFL Championship outfit have just appointed Johannes Hoff as their new manager and with Idah under contract until 2028, Carrow Road chiefs are in no rush to part ways with their Irish striker. That could make life difficult for the Hoops, who didn’t insert an option-to-buy clause in the original loan deal.

Paulo Bernardo

As Football Scotland first told you back in January, Bernardo has a £6million release clause in his Benfica contract. However, it’s understood the Parkhead club are keen to negotiate a reduced fee for the Portugal Under-21 captain. Bernardo still has three years to run on his contract in Lisbon but it’s believed manager Roger Schmidt doesn’t view the midfielder as part of his long-term plans.

Unlike Norwich City, that should make Benfica much easier to deal with. Reports in Bernardo’s homeland today even suggested that the 22-year-old feels settled in Glasgow and doesn’t want to return to Benfica.

Koen Casteels

Belgian international Casteels is a free agent after pulling the curtain down on his nine years with German giants VfL Wolfsburg. The 31-year-old is one of countless names who have been linked with replacing retired Hart between the sticks at Parkhead. But reports suggest the experienced shotstopper has agreed a megabucks move to the Saudi Pro League with newly-promoted Al Qadsiah.

Matt O’Riley

O’Riley was this week rated as the most valuable player in Scottish Premiership history after an incredible season at Celtic. The classy playmaker, 23, has been tipped to leave the Parkhead club this summer after attracting January interest from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish heavyweights are widely expected to return to the table with another offer that could prise the midfielder away after two-and-a-half years in Glasgow.

O’Riley, though, was dealt some disappointing news this week after discovering he had been left out of the Denmark squad for Euro 2024. That decision prompted a national outrage, with Danish fans even calling for national coach Kasper Hjulmand to be SACKED. O’Riley’s omission is unlikely to affect his transfer price too much, with Celts demanding a Scottish record fee that will eclipse Kieran Tierney’s £25m move to Arsenal in 2019.

Fringe players poised to exits

While Rodgers would love to keep O’Riley for at least another season, the Northern Irishman will be keen to trim his bloated squad this summer. The Scottish champions currently have more than 30 first-team players on the books, including players who failed to make a single appearance last season.

Norwich City stance revealed on Adam Idah after Celtic loan spell

Idah doesn’t look set to make a permanent move back to his former loan club, with the Canaries’ stance being revealed.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Norwich City are not considering selling Adam Idah permanently, despite interest from Celtic.

 The Canaries are planning to bring Idah back for pre-season.

 A potential price tag of £6m has been floated.

Norwich City are not open to selling Adam Idah permanently this summer, according to Football Scotland.

Idah, 23, has always been a highly-rated player at Carrow Road, but he has been unable to thrive consistently in Norfolk despite this.

But the Republic of Ireland international looked to have turned a corner when he joined Scottish Premiership giants Celtic on loan, with the striker thriving north of the border.

Adam Idah’s loan spell at Celtic (2023/24)

(All competitions)

Appearances

19

Goals

9

Assists

2

With Idah’s contributions helping Brendan Rodgers’ side to secure the Scottish Premiership title, it’s no surprise that they are keen to secure a return for the 23-year-old.

Both the Scottish giants and the player are keen to secure a permanent deal, but Norwich will also play a crucial role in determining whether this will happen.

The striker’s contract at Carrow Road doesn’t expire until the summer of 2028 – and that means the Canaries are in a very strong negotiating position this summer.

Considering his loan spell in Glasgow, his potential and the fact he’s still fairly young, Norwich won’t be accepting a small fee for the player, who could go on to be a real success despite failing to live up to his potential in Norfolk just yet.

The Canaries’ board will be looking to give Johannes Hoff Thorup a decent budget to put his stamp on the squad, and if they can generate a big fee for Idah, that could boost his kitty.

However, it doesn’t look as though he will be sold anytime soon.

Latest revealed on Adam Idah’s future amid Celtic interest

Norwich aren’t open to selling Idah at this stage, which is a blow for the Scottish Premiership champions who will be desperate to see him return to Glasgow.

At the moment, the Canaries’ plan is to bring him back to Norfolk for pre-season so he can be assessed by his new boss, who could potentially have an important role for him next season.

Stoke City set sign Norwich City star

Following the departure of David Wagner, Idah could be the appointment of his successor as a fresh start at Carrow Road.

If the striker was to leave though, a fee of around £6m has been floated as a potential valuation.

Norwich City should still be looking to get the best out of Adam Idah

Norwich have a high-potential player on their hands.

Idah hasn’t always lived up to expectations, but the appointment of Norwich’s new manager is a new chapter for them and the Irishman should use this to wipe the slate clean.

If he can impress in pre-season, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be a real asset for the first team during the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.

He would have gained plenty of confidence during his time in Scotland and that could carry through to next season, as he looks to kickstart his time at Norwich.

That’s why the Canaries shouldn’t be considering selling the player, especially not before Thorup has had the chance to see him in pre-season.

Even if pre-season doesn’t go well, it would be a risk to let him go.

Rangers target responds to praise from Ibrox legend as Celtic set for financial boost

The latest transfer news from Celtic and Rangers as the summer transfer window prepares to open for business.

Motherwell youngster Lennon Miller has insisted he is ‘focusing on his work’ after receiving wholesome praise from former Rangers and Scotland star Barry Ferguson.

The 17-year-old midfielder has quickly established himself as a key player at Fir Park after initially becoming the club’s youngster ever player when he made a substitute appearance in a 4-0 win against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the age of just 16 years and six days.  After making five appearances last season, Miller took some momentum into pre-season and used that to his advantage to force his way into Stuart Kettlewell’s starting eleven for the season opener against Dundee.

The youngster, son of former Rangers striker Lee Miller, went on to make over 30 appearances for the The Steelmen and was nominated for both the SFWA Young Player of the Year and the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year.  His form has also reportedly captured the attention of several club after the likes of Rangers, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Aston Villa were linked with a move for his services – and former Rangers captain Ferguson is not surprised after witnessing one display against his old club.

The Ibrox legend wrote in a weekly newspaper column: “Lennon Miller is the young man who has jumped out at me every time I have seen him play.  The Motherwell kid has unbelievable talent. I was at the game where he came off the bench at Ibrox for his league debut.  He was 16 years old, Motherwell were losing and it was a massive moment for such a young player. But he was demanding the ball from his team-mates, some double his age. It was brilliant to watch. From that moment I knew there was a player there.”

Miller responded to Ferguson’s assessment by stressing although it was ‘nice’ to receive praise from a former Rangers captain, he just wanted to ‘keep trying to get better every day’.

“I’m a wee bit too young to remember Barry as player but I obviously know he was Rangers captain and was a really good player, so to have somebody like that give you compliments, it was nice. People like that who have played the game at the level he has obviously know what they’re talking about but I just need to focus on myself and keep trying to get better every day.  It’s obviously nice having people talking about you but I’m not really interested in that. It’s about keeping my head down and focusing on my work at Motherwell and seeing what happens.”

Celtic set for unexpected windfall

Celtic’s summer transfer kitty could be set for a boost over the coming days after former Hoops striker Georgios Giakoumakis closes in on a move to Mexican club Cruz Azul.

Celtic’s only two points from the Champions League last season came against Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Greek striker spent 18 months at Celtic Park, scoring 26 goals and providing two assists in 57 appearances between August 2021 and February 2023 before departing in a £2.75m deal to MLS side Atlanta United. After hitting former in the United States, Giakoumakis is set to leave Atlanta and is in advanced talks over a possible £8m move to Cruz Azul and Celtic could secure around £1m via a sell-on clause that would only become active if he was sold to a club outside of the MLS.

Rangers learn fee for Cortes – gossip

Rangers will have to pay £4m if they want to land winger Oscar Cortes on a permanent deal from Lens, with the French club determined to recoup the sum they paid for the 20-year-old Colombian. (Daily Record), external

Norwich City are ready to play hardball with Celtic over Adam Idah, with the English Championship side not yet entertaining a permanent sale for the 23-year-old, who impressed on loan in Glasgow. (Football Scotland), external

Celtic must keep hold of Kyogo Furuhashi – and push the boat out to land Adam Idah to bolster hopes of making an impression in the Champions League, says former striker Chris Sutton. (Daily Record), external

Liam Polworth has been persuaded to stay at Kilmarnock after the midfielder held talks with Fleetwood Town. (Daily Record), external

Dundee face competition from Charlton Athletic, Stockport County, Tranmere Rovers and Salford City for striker Amadou Bakayoko after his season on loan at Dens Park from Forest Green, according to reports in Sierra Leone. (Courier), external

Striker Giorgos Giakoumakis is set to quit Atlanta United for Mexican side Cruz Azul just over a year after leaving Celtic to play in the MLS. (Football Scotland), external

Sheffield Wednesday, Reading and Blackpool are all keen to take a look at Queen’s Park teenager Max Willoughby this summer.

Chris Sutton calls out Manchester United star over Matt O’Riley snub

Chris Sutton has highlighted and compared the form of Matt O’Riley with Christian Eriksen after the Danish squad for the European Championships was announced.

While the Manchester United midfielder prepares for an emotional return to the tournament that almost cost him life three years ago O’Riley will have to make do with looking in from the outside

Increasing the squad size to 26 looked like providing the in-form Celtic midfielder with an opening to get involved on the international stage but that notion was killed off in midweek when Kasper Hjulmand named his squad with Sutton making a very direct comparison between two UK based players in his column in the daily record:

Look at the reaction in Denmark. From what I can gather, there’s been a bit of an outcry at the squad. Even Tommy Gravesen has hit out at the head coach for leaving out the midfielder and going for far safer selections.

If anything, I’d say Hjulmand is taking more of a gamble by not picking O’Riley. You should always go with the form players and no one can deny O’Riley was bang in form in the final part of the season.

He scored eight goals in his last 10 games, including five in the last four that sealed the Premiership title. Then I look at who Denmark did select. There’s no doubt Christian Eriksen is a legend. He’s been a tremendous player wherever he’s been.

But he’s not had a great season at Manchester United. Eriksen only started 12 Premier League games and was subbed off in 10 of them. He only started two games in the Champions League as well and spent the majority of the campaign either on the bench or injured.

He only managed one goal all term – against Nottingham Forest last August. You can understand the Danes wanting someone with his experience but I can’t quite fathom why they wouldn’t want a player with the energy and return that O’Riley has produced over the last 12 months.

It’s not like it’s just been in Scotland either. O’Riley was one of the few Celtic players who didn’t look out of place in the Champions League and that was why Atletico Madrid came calling in January.

That interest from Atletico could well be revived in the coming weeks which would leave a sizeable hole in the Celtic squad.

After two and a half seasons at Celtic winning six trophies European progress is the only area that O’Riley hasn’t sampled any success in.

He has picked up Man of the Match awards and attracted the bid from Atletico but the new eight match format could offer Celtic a route to progress- if they can recruit at O’Riley levels when the summer transfer window opens up.

Video: Murdo MacLeod – A life in football, a life in Celtic

A select few people in Celtic’s history have won league titles as both a player AND as part of the management team. But fewer still can claim to have done so in such dramatic fashion as Murdo MacLeod.

Celtic FC Legends v Borussia Dortmund Legends – Celtic Park Former Celtic and Dortmund player Murdo MacLeod with Scott Brown during the charity match at Celtic Park on Sunday May 26, 2024. Photo Robert Perry

When Ten Men Won The League on a spring night in 1979. When against all the odds the Miracle At Love Street occurred in 1986. AND THEN when we ‘Stopped The Ten’ in 1998 in yet another final day decider, there’s just one man who played a pivotal part in all three of those most memorable title wins in our history.

3/9/1983 Scottish Premier League. Glasgow Rangers v Celtic. Murdo McLeod. Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Murdo MacLeod’s Celtic Story is genuine Roy Of The Rovers, stuff with the powerful midfielder making a habit of late day drama in some of Celtic’s most memorable trophy wins. He’s also encountered drama of a different nature off the park however, having undergone lifesaving surgery not once, but twice since his playing days.

Ahead of the forthcoming release of his biography “Murdo, Murdo” penned by long term friend and journalist Hugh Keevins, Murdo shares with us the tales of an incredible life in football, on and off the park.

Tino

Podcast: All links at https://thecelticexchange.com/podcast/murdo-macleod-a-life-in-football-a-life-in-celtic/

Absolutely delighted to announce that my Autobiography will be released in October.

It’s is a privilege and honour to share my football memories with you all.

Pre order available now https://t.co/qrx0nW3Zzu@CelticFC @BVB @Dumbartonfc @HibernianFC @PartickThistle https://t.co/RsdKLUhyEY

— Murdo Macleod (@murdomacleod06) May 31, 2024

19.05.1984 Photo: imago/Colorsport Paul McStay and Murdo McLeod (Celtic) challenge Gordon Strachan (Aberdeen) 19/5/84 Scottish FA Cup Final 1984.Photo: 24.06.1989 Copyright: imago/Kicker/Eissner, Liedel

Young Celtic talent Johnny Kenny is back on the scoring trail in Ireland, netting his latest effort for Shamrock Rovers against Drogheda United on Friday night.

The striker has scored eight goals so far this season with six coming in his last nine league matches for Rovers.

He’s pushing towards the top of the scoring charts in the division and will be hoping for a strong summer season to show his full potential as a Bhoys prospect.

Friday night’s goal demonstrated his quick, clever moment as well as his finishing instincts. He latched on to Aaron Greene’s fine ball forward to spring the Drogheda defence before lashing a shot into the far corner.

You can see a video of the goal via the official League of Ireland X account, embedded below.

📹 | Superb vision from Aaron Greene to spot Johnny Kenny!

Shamrock Rovers straight out of the blocks in the second half, with Graham Burke quickly adding a second goal.

DRO 0-2 SHA#LOI | #DROSHA pic.twitter.com/j5zzy3bBAq

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 31, 2024

View Tweet

The goal helped Rovers secure a 2-0 away win. As a team, they’ve struggled for consistent form this season but will be aiming to push beyond their current third-place position.

What’s being said about Johnny Kenny

Rovers manager Stephen Bradley is delighted with his progress, stating recently that Kenny looks much improved from his 2023 loan spell.

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He said: “This year he’s been a different animal, in training, his mentality around the place and on the pitch, when he’s like he is at the moment you wouldn’t like to play against him, he has a bit of everything.”

Kenny discussed contact with Celtic recently too, stating that there hasn’t been much word from the Bhoys but that this year Darren O’Dea has been reaching out more.

The striker stated: “Last year, I don’t think I heard once. This year, it’s a bit better. Darren O’Dea has stepped into that kind of role, another Irishman, and I’ve heard more this year. But interaction is minimal. I hope as I perform, it gets better. If you’re not performing, why would they get in touch with you?”

The 20-year-old is going about his business the right way on the pitch at the moment and if he racks up an impressive total this year, it will be noticed.

John McGinley

The noises from Portugal about a Paulo Bernardo stay at Celtic are positive this weekend as the player’s feelings on his move to Scotland become clear.

Bernardo played 33 times for the Bhoys during his loan spell from Benfica last season. He contributed effectively when called upon by manager Brendan Rodgers.

Highlights include a crucial goal against Rangers alongside other efforts versus Livingston, Dundee and Buckie Thistle. His surging run and shot also helped Celtic deliver the Scottish Cup in a derby final last weekend.

The player has been taking part in a Portugal national team training camp throughout the week as he aims to carry a productive season into the summer.

Now, a Saturday report from the Portuguese newspaper Record [print edition, page 9] indicates he’d like to stay on at Celtic if the club can agree on a fee with Benfica.

Paulo Bernardo open to permanent Celtic move

The paper reports [translated by DeepL]: “Paulo Bernardo had a happy season at Celtic and the midfielder wants to stay at the Scottish club. At this stage, there are still many doubts as to whether this will be the outcome, but it seems that Celtic will fight to lower the value of the option to buy clause or, at the very least, renew the player’s loan.

“The 22-year-old believes that next season he could continue to play regularly, which is what he wants most at the moment. He also knows that the chances of being an option for Roger Schmidt won’t be very high, after two unsuccessful pre-seasons with the German coach, which always ended in loan spells.

“Given these circumstances, Paulo Bernardo sees it as a good career option to continue in Scotland, a country to which he has adapted very easily and in a group where he feels perfectly at home.”

Brendan Rodgers has been impressed by Bernardo

Bernardo’s intent could help Celtic move that fee down from the reported £6.3m option-to-buy clause in his loan. His desire to stay at the Bhoys and happiness in Scotland must make a permanent move even more appealing for Brendan Rodgers, too.

Back in January, Rodgers signalled he was pleased with Bernardo’s progress, stating: “I’m delighted with the emergence of Paulo. There is an agreement with the club, an option for us to activate that, if we want to do it. He came in and gradually he has learnt the principles of our play. Leading into the Rangers game last month I knew he was going to start and we wanted to give him a run of matches. He’s been fantastic.”

It’s undoubtedly a situation to watch closely as the close-season develops and the transfer window officially opens next week.

Rangers set for major transfer setback as newly promoted EFL duo eye Celtic ace after impressive loan spell

By Kurtis Leyland

A fresh transfer twist could see Rangers miss out on their top summer target Jose Cordoba

Rangers transfer target Jose Cordoba is edging closer to a shock move to English Championship side Norwich City.

Cordoba, regarded as one of the best defenders in the Bulgarian Championship, is a player that Rangers have been tracking for a number of months.

The 12-time Panama international, who plays his football for Levski Sofia, was thought to be en route to securing a move to Ibrox this summer and was spotted in attendance taking in Rangers’ 4-1 win over Kilmarnock earlier in the month.

Several outlets claimed that a deal for the 22-year-old was in advanced stages and it was also reported earlier this week that the player was ready for his medical.

However, it is now claimed by leading transfer journalist Nabil Djellit that the defender is set for a sensational U-Turn with a move to Carrow Road mooted.

Djellit tweeted: “Best defender in the Bulgarian Championship, José Cordoba, Panamanian international, central is very close to Norwich.”

These claims are backed up by chief Norwich City reporter Connor Southwell who also understands that the Canaries are the frontrunners for Cordoba, though he understands that Rangers are still providing strong competition.

The news comes as a huge blow to Rangers, who had received a glowing review of Cordoba’s talents from his team-mate and defensive partner Kellian van der Kaap.

He told the Daily Record: “When you see that journey, you have to ask, ‘Where is his limit?’ I think there’s no limit for Jose. He was in Spain for only a short time but it was during Covid so I don’t think you need to worry too much about his time there. After that, he probably had better offers for more money but he saw the bigger picture and came to Bulgaria because he wanted to play.

“It says so much about him that he had setbacks in his career but he has continued fighting to get where he wants to be. I’ve seen Jose grow for the last two and a half years. I saw him grow every month, every game where he improved a lot. So I’ll ask it again, ‘where is his limit?’ I really don’t know.”

Newly promoted Championship duo chase Celtic prodigy

Derby County and Portsmouth are expected to battle it out to secure the signature of Celtic youngster Bosun Lawal, according to reports from The Real EFL.

The outlet claims the two newly promoted clubs have been impressed with Lawal’s performances after a productive loan spell at Fleetwood Town which saw the 20-year-old defensive midfielder net six goals in 42 appearances.

Both clubs, along with QPR, are admirers of the youngster who is capable of playing as a central defender and as a midfielder.

However, journalist Alan Nixon has provided an update on the Lawal transfer saga, via Inside Futbol, claiming that Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will not make a decision on the player’s future until he has observed him during the club’s pre-season tour which kicks off in July.

Lawal started his career at Watford, but joined Celtic’s reserves in 2019, with the Hoops beating Chelsea and Norwich City to his signature.

The youngster, who Troy Deeney compared to Abdoulaye Doucoure, is yet to play a senior league game for Celtic, but did feature in a 5-0 Scottish Cup win against Greenock Morton back in January 2023.

Caoimhin Kelleher speaks about his Liverpool future after being linked to Celtic

As Celtic prepare for the new season ahead, there will undoubtedly be some major transfer incomings and outgoings over the coming summer months.

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add some much-needed quality now that his title win has guaranteed Champions League group-stage football next season.

The absolute priority for the Celtic boss is how to replace Joe Hart. The retiring Hoops hero played his final game of the season after beating Rangers at Hampden to win the Scottish Cup and it’s fair to say that Rodgers has a job on his hands to do that.

One of those names was Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper, Caoimhin Keller.

Kelleher outlines first-team ambitions

Once on the fringes of the Liverpool match-day squad, Kelleher has enjoyed some first-team football due to the injury to Brazilian ‘keeper, Alisson.

Now on the brink of a return, Alisson is likely to resume his position as Liverpool’s number-one goalkeeping choice.

And when asked if he sees him becoming a number one at Anfield, Kelleher admits that he knows that could be tough.

Kelleher said [The Athletic], “It would be great if that happened at Liverpool, but I’m not silly. I know that Ali has been the best goalkeeper in the world for years.

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“I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved.

“I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff.

“Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

Kelleher was first linked to Celtic over a year ago when Fabrizio Romano suggested that he wanted to leave the club in search of first-team football.

However, his recent form at Liverpool seems to have pushed up Kelleher’s value and out of reach of Celtic but speculation surrounding Celtic’s interest has still not gone away.

The likelihood of Celtic adding Kelleher is slim, however, with Celtic offering the opportunity of first-team football and a crack at Europe, could that be enough to tempt the Irishman even for a temporary move?

Adam Idah, I think it’s fair to say, has been a sensation since joining Celtic on loan from Norwich City in January.

The 23-year-old arrived at Parkhead as Norwich’s third-choice striker with not much of a fan-fare but when his loan deal finally expires at the end of this month, Idah returns to the Championship club a Celtic hero.

Scoring important goals against Rangers in the league and the Scottish Cup final elevated Idah into the hearts of the Celtic fans and now, they will all be hoping that Brendan Rodgers will make the temporary move a permanent one.

Brendan Rodgers is in no doubt what he wants to do and as reports this morning suggest that the Celtic board are set to back him in the pursuit of Idah, the Hoops support will be excited to see how this move pans out.

Sutton: Celtic will need to ‘splash out’ for Idah

However, it may cost more than the £5m that Norwich originally may have wanted for their striker and, according to Chris Sutton, Celtic may have to pay double the original quoted fee.

Sutton said [Monday Night Club], “I think this is a really difficult one and I understand the Celtic fans’ frustration with it. But for example, when Ange Postecoglou came in, and we’ve spoken about this before, he targeted the Japanese market where it was a good market to target where they got quality players in for reasonable money.

“But it’s what level Celtic are prepared to go to in terms of a development player? And you look at the money down in the English Premier League and it’s it’s difficult because there are no guarantees.

“But you have to look at what Brendan Rodgers is doing. Brendan Rodgers is an outstanding coach, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. And he is a developer of players.

“But the big debate at Celtic now amongst the Celtic fan base is Adam Idah.

“Adam Idah is on a long-term contract at Norwich, there was no deal in place where he would sign for Celtic at the end of the loan.

“Now what would you price Adam Idah at? And that’s the difficulty. I suspect he may be something like £7m, £8m, £9m. Norwich may want even more.

“I think he is on quite a long-term contract there. But, remember Odsonne Edouard when he signed for Celtic from PSG?

“I think he was £9m. So Celtic may have to splash out they might not like doing it but they have to pay that.”

With nine goals this season, I would have said that £5m is a fair price to pay for a player that Norwich didn’t deem good enough to start for them just four short months ago.

But if what Sutton says is correct, then I worry that Celtic could baulk at the numbers he is quoting and end up moving on to other targets.

Whilst I would love Idah so sign, anything further north of £5m, maybe even £6m, might be too rich for the Celtic board and I would tend to agree.

Let’s face it, Idah was going nowhere until Celtic stepped in. To try and claim a fee like £9m would just be ludicrous and Celtic would be right to walk away.

However, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that and both clubs can negotiate a sensible deal for the Irishman because he would be a great addition to the Celtic team for next season.

Why Greg Taylor ‘push’ on Rangers star Nicolas Raskin before Celtic no goal was swerved as IFAB offer explainer

Abdallah Sima’s header was controversially ruled out by VAR during the Scottish Cup Final.

The images shown to Nick Walsh by VAR after Rangers star Abdallah Sima scores against Celtic

Mark Wilson insists the VAR was right to not flag for a “foul” on Nicolas Raskin from Greg Taylor in the build-up to a Rangers goal controversially being chalked off.

Abdallah Sima thought he had opened the scoring in the Scottish Cup Final – but the man in the middle Nick Walsh was sent to the monitor by John Beaton in the VAR room. A push from Nicolas Raskin on Joe Hart in the build-up to the strike was flagged to the referee – and he would decide to chop the goal off at the national stadium.

Philippe Clement was left frustrated as Adam Idah went on to score late in the game for Celtic and take the trophy back to Glasgow’s east end – claiming that “all the Celtic players” had been “grabbing my players with their arms around their neck and waist” before the goal was chalked off. Left-back Taylor has been adjudged to be the main offender after he was involved in a tussle with Raskin before he made contact with goalkeeper Hart.

But speaking to Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, former Celtic star Wilson was having none of it: “I thought the big call – the disallowed goal – they got that right. I sympathise with the referee, it is very difficult to see that i think and I suppose that is what VAR is there for.

CELTIC 1 RANGERS 0 – BEST OF THE SCOTTISH CUP FINAL ACTION

“I think you can clearly see that Raskin pushes Joe Hart. He has two hands on his back. I hear the moans that Greg Taylor is fouling Raskin before but I honestly don’t think there is enough in that.

“If a foul is given for that then everybody in the box at every corner is going to be penalised. So, you are never getting that foul, but you can’t put two hands on the back of a goalkeeper and push him.”

And the IFAB rules offer a major clue why the match officials punished Raskin and not Taylor. Law 12 states that a foul is awarded when a player “pushes a rival”, “holds an opponent” or “impedes an opponent with contact” – which would have in this scenario seen a penalty awarded to Rangers for the foul on Raskin by Taylor.

However, it must be judged to be “careless, reckless, or using excessive force”. That signals that in this case the VAR team did not agree was what occurred during the flashpoint and did not flag the incident to whistler Walsh.

In contrast, the contact with Hart from the Belgian midfielder did pass the threshold in the view of Beaton. That led to Walsh being sent to the monitor – and Sima’s header eventually being chalked off.

Celtic ready to seal £6m deal for “incredible” Kyogo upgrade

The Hoops are reportedly keen to get a move over the line for the 6 foot 3 marksman.

Celtic ended their 2023/24 campaign with another trophy last weekend as they won the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park to complete a domestic double.

The Hoops had already won and lifted the Scottish Premiership title under Brendan Rodgers and added the cup to their cabinet with a 1-0 win over their local rivals.

Rodgers returned to Parkhead last summer, after Ange Postecoglou departed to join Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, and enjoyed a relatively strong first season back at Paradise – winning two pieces of silverware.

However, the Northern Irish head coach may want better success on the European front next term, after his team were knocked out of Europe completely by finishing bottom of their Champions League group during the first half of the campaign.

The upcoming summer transfer window will provide the ex-Liverpool boss with another opportunity to make fresh additions to his squad to push on and improve next year, and they are already plotting to sign one player in a deal that could be worth £6m.

Celtic plotting deal for cup final hero

After his winning goal in the SFA Cup final against Rangers at Hampden Park last weekend, Celtic are reportedly eyeing up a swoop to sign Adam Idah on a permanent deal.

According to the Daily Record, Rodgers wants to bring the Ireland international back to Parkhead for a permanent spell and the board are now ready to back him in his pursuit.

The report claims that the Hoops chiefs are committed to making sure that the Northern Irish tactician gets his wish, by lining up a move for the Norwich City loanee.

It states that the Canaries, who brought the 6 foot 3 marksman up through their academy system, are looking for a fee in the region of £6m for the impressive forward.

However, the Daily Record do not reveal whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to meet the full £6m asking price, or if they will look to haggle it down to a cheaper fee.

Norwich are reportedly closing in on a deal to make Johannes Hoff Thorup their new head coach and it also remains to be seen whether or not the Danish tactician’s arrival could affect Celtic’s pursuit of Idah.

The incoming boss could have the Irishman as part of his plans or may be willing to cash in on him to fund signings of his own, so the Scottish side may have to wait for his arrival before they can get a deal over the line.

Celtic could, though, land a better option than Kyogo Furuhashi to lead the line for them next season if they can bring the 23-year-old centre-forward back to Parkhead.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s struggles this season

The Japan international came into the 2023/24 campaign off the back of a return of 27 goals in 31 Premiership starts under Postecoglou last term.

He had enjoyed an incredibly prolific season in Scotland and looked set to be a crucial figure at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops and Rodgers this time around.

Whilst Kyogo still scored goals, the 29-year-old forward’s efficiency in front of goal left a lot to be desired as the attacker let his teammates down with wasteful finishing too often.

Celtic’s most wasteful finishers

23/24 Premiership

xG

Goals

xG differential

Kyogo Furuhashi

18.39

14

-4.39

Daizen Maeda

8.78

6

-2.78

Reo Hatate

4.92

3

-1.92

Luis Palma

8.54

7

-1.54

Hyeon-gyu Oh

6.35

5

-1.35

Stats via WhoScored

As you can see in the table above, no Celtic player underperformed more as a finisher than the Japanese dud as he scored at least four goals fewer than expected based on the quality of chances that were created for him.

Kyogo ended the Premiership season with 14 goals and a staggering 24 ‘big chances’ missed in 38 matches, which shows that he did not make the most of the opportunities that came his way.

The 5 foot 7 attacker did not offer much outside of his goals as he only had 16.9 touches of the ball and completed 5.6 passes (67% success rate) per game on average, which shows that the forward did not get involved in the build up and the few touches he did have seemed to end up with big chances being missed.

Why Adam Idah is better than Kyogo Furuhashi

Rodgers could now sign a striker who is better than Kyogo by snapping up Idah on a permanent deal for £6m, based on the loanee’s superb performances during the second half of the campaign.

The Hoops snapped him up on loan from Norwich on deadline day at the start of February and the striker, who was lauded for his “incredible” talent by the Bhoys boss, hit the ground running in Scotland.

23/24 Premiership

Adam Idah

Kyogo Furuhashi

Appearances

15

38

Minutes per game

41

66

Goals

8

14

Big chances missed

7

24

Minutes per goal

76

179

Aerial duel success rate

64%

26%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Idah scored eight goals in 15 league appearances and averaged a goal every 76 minutes – taking 103 minutes less to score than Kyogo.

The 6 foot 3 marksman, who won Celtic the SFA Cup on Saturday with his strike, also came out on top in 64% of his aerial duels and has the physicality and height to dominate opposition defenders in the air, which makes him a fantastic outlet for the team to utilise when under pressure.

Despite playing 25 minutes less per game on average, Idah had more touches per game (17.9) and completed more passes per match (7.1) than the former Vissel Kobe star.

This shows that the Irishman gets far more involved in the build-up play to provide the team with a focal point in the number nine position, which was on full display in the 5-0 win over Kilmarnock to seal the league title as he scored a goal and held the ball up brilliantly – completing 85% of his passes – up front.

Adam Idah Makes Intriguing Instagram Post; A Final Celtic Farewell?

Adam Idah has this evening made a hugely intriguing post on Instagram which raises question marks over his permanent future.

The Irish striker joined Celtic on loan at the end of the winter transfer window and since, has made a monumental impact.

Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 25, 2024 Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

His goals at Fir Park, Easter Road, and Ibrox were all instrumental in the Hoops’ three-in-a-row success with his winner in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final nothing short of iconic.

The acquisition of Idah was criticised by many, but the 23-year-old came in and conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and soon became a fan favourite.

Manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his impact and admitted at the weekend that he’d love to sign him permanently.

Despite this and recent reports suggesting that the club would be moving to bring him in long-term, the Cork native has this evening taken to Instagram, bidding what looks to be an emotional farewell:

Idah saying ‘best of luck for the future’ as well as thanking the fans for their support suggests that he may not be returning to Celtic.

One can never say never but if this is indeed a final farewell, the attacker can look back on his spell in Glasgow with great fondness.

Celtic Make Exciting 2024/25 Home Kit Announcement…

Celtic have confirmed that the club’s home kit for the upcoming 2024/25 season will be revealed early tomorrow morning.

Fans already know what the strip is going to look like. Previous leaks displayed a traditional green and white hooped effort which admittedly is much nicer than this season’s.

The kit will be officially released in all its glory at 8 am UK time.

Initially, it remains to be seen whether the new top will be available to buy straight away or be purchased via a pre-order.

Prices are also unclear but one assumes it will be around the £70 mark given previous releases.

On X, the club teased the new strip, posting a snap of a Celtic crest on a shirt, which, albeit from close range, looks similar to that of leaks:

8AM TOMORROW ⏰ PIC.TWITTER.COM/LUFCEEEXMR

— CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB (@CELTICFC) MAY 28, 2024

Fans will now be setting their alarm clocks for early tomorrow morning in preparation for the launch.

It comes after the Hoops secured a double at the weekend, ensuring their status as Scotland’s most successful club.

Celtic’s win in the Scottish Cup has really focused the attention on the SFA officials again this season.

Not for the first time, but thankfully it will be the last, the referees and VAR have come under criticism for some big decisions that were made in Celtic’s win.

The decision not to award Celtic a penalty has not been getting as nearly enough attention as the one that was made to disallow a Rangers second-half goal.

Nicolas Raskin’s push on Joe Hart gave VAR an opportunity to step in and chalk the goal off and it is a decision that has enraged the Ibrox support.

And I don’t really know why. Because the push is there, it happened and to say it was harsh like Ally McCoist did this morning is just plain wrong.

However, next up is Kenny Miller to give his opinion on the flashpoint and it is one that may surprise the Celtic support.

Miller in ‘no doubt’ about Joe Hart Hampden call

The former Rangers striker surprised me with this because, after his verdict on John Lundstram being sent off at Celtic Park in the final Glasgow Derby of the season, there was no telling what Miller would say about this.

After a Rangers fan called Radio Clyde fuming about the chalked-off goal, Miller was asked his opinion and he was in ‘no doubt’ about what he thought of the disallowed goal.

Miller said [Superscoreboard], “Ultimately, I think it was the right call. And the reason is that you just can’t do that with VAR now.

“The goalie is up there and you can see Nico Raskin making his move to try and get to a position to try and affect Joe Hart.

“But there’s one thing for sure, you can put two hands on the back of the goalkeeper when he’s going up. I mean goalkeepers are a protected species.

“You need to make sure there’s no arms up in front of the face, there’s not going to be any body contact, you actually can’t even go challenging goalkeepers with any contact.

“So when you put two hands on Joe Hart’s back and you can see it does propel him forward.

“I don’t think it propelled him as far forward as what he ended up, but it was just never going to be given because it completely affected that ball going in the back of the net. There’s no doubt about it.”

For me, there is no dubiety at all about the decision by VAR to intervene and disallow the goal. In fact, John Beaton and Nick Walsk should be praised for getting this correct.

Heaven knows they get enough criticism for all the mistakes they make but on this occasion, they were 100% correct.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what you, I or even Kenny Miller think. The faux sense of injustice being peddled by the Ibrox support just doesn’t wash and the sooner they accept that the officials got this one correct, the quicker the painful healing process will take place.

Matt O’Riley handed cryptic Celtic transfer hint by Denmark boss as he dishes out brutal Scottish football ranking

Kasper Hjulmand has been less than impressed by the standard of Scottish football as he weighs up his options for Germany.

MATT O’RILEY – CELTIC CAREER IN PICTURES

Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has taken a swipe at Scottish football as he discussed the inclusion of Matt O’Riley in his squad for Euro 2024.

The Danes have yet to announce the 26-man list that they will take to Germany and the Celtic star will be hopeful of making the cut having been included in recent squads – and after claiming the Premiership title and Scottish Cup with the Hoops. The 23-year-old also swept the Celtic player of the year awards amid rising speculation that he could leave Parkhead for a bumper fee this summer with Brighton and Newcastle United being linked – while Spanish giants Atletico Madrid could return after a January swoop was knocked back.

Boss Hjulmand has hinted would be all too happy to see O’Riley wave goodbye to the Premiership this season as he took a pot shot at the quality of the top flight – admitting it had played into his thinking when selecting the squad for the Euros. Tipsbladet put it to the boss that he may be considering a shake-up of his midfield engine room.

It was noted that Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Manchester United misfit Christian Eriksen had not been playing in the English Premier League. He was quizzed about players like O’Riley who have been “shining at club level.”

Hjulmand put the quality of the Premiership BELOW the Danish Superliga as he responded: “You have to put it into the context of how the Scottish league is in relation to the Superliga, the Bundesliga or Spain. We are fully aware of that. There are constant considerations”

The 11 free agents available to Celtic and Rangers – including ex-Man Utd man and Premier League title winner

Here are 11 of the best free agents available to both Rangers and Celtic – including one former Manchester United starlet

It was a contrasting end to the campaign for both Rangers and Celtic, as the Hoops rode off into the sunset with a domestic double to leave Philippe Clement’s Gers contemplating a summer of change.

However, despite Celtic’s success, both sides are likely to be busy this summer, with the Hoops targeting reinforcements due to Joe Hart’s retirement and the potential departure of the sought-after Matt O’Riley.

Money will be spent this summer, of that there is no doubt, but could both Rangers and Celtic save themselves some coin by scouring the free agent market? We look at 11 out of contract players that could be useful additions to both Old Firm sides.

1. Callum O’Hare – Coventry City

Coventry City playmaker O’Hare has caught the eye of promoted Leicester City in recent weeks after an excellent end to the Championship campaign. The Sky Blues are desperate to keep him at the club, but he appears destined for pastures new. Should Matt O’Riley depart Celtic, O’Hare would be great replacement on a free. However, he would make an excellent addition to either Old Firm side. Photo: Getty Images

2. Paddy McNair – Middlesbrough

After six seasons at the Riverside Stadium, the 67-cap Northern Ireland defender will depart Boro for pastures new this summer. Should Ibrox be his next destination? He recently captained his national team in the 1-0 win over Scotland at Hampden and would offer Rangers versatility, with McNair comfortable in defence or midfield. A boyhood Gers fan, he is still just 29 and has plenty of years left in the tank. Photo: Getty Images

3. Yura Nakayama – Huddersfield Town

Winner of the J-League’s Best Young Player in 2017, Nakayama was relegated with Huddersfield Town this season and looks set to depart the club on a Bosman free transfer. While the Terriers themselves endured a disappointing season, the 27-year-old Japanese international was praised for his performances throughout before injury ended his campaign early in March. Capable at both centre-back and full-back, Nakayama could provide an intriguing option for Brendan Rodgers this summer. Photo: Kiyoshi Ota

4. Daniel Jebbison – Sheffield United

The England under-20 international endured a difficult campaign at Bramall Lane, barely featuring as they plummeted to relegation from the English Premier League. That said, Blades fans are hopeful he will agree a new deal in Yorkshire such is his potential and he has certainly not been written off. Once the youngest player in English Premier League history to score on his first start, he also helped England win the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2022. With Rangers needing to add firepower to their ranks, could a free transfer move for the 20-year-old offer a low-risk, high-reward option? Photo: Getty Images

Celtic confirm Ayr United friendly as Hoops to help Scott Brown’s side celebrate new stand

The sides will meet in a pre-season clash as the new Somerset Park stands gets unveiled

Celtic will face Scott Brown’s Ayr United

Celtic will play Ayr United in a pre-season friendly as the Hoops help Scott Brown’s side celebrate their new stand.

The Hoops confirmed the match this morning and it will take place on Friday July 5, with a 7.45pm kick-off. Work on a new £2million stand at Somerset Park began last summer and this match will act as the official unveiling. Images were shared on social media recently as it looks to be ready for the 2024/24 season.

Tickets are already on sale and Brown said: “My current club Ayr take on my former club Celtic. Bring all the colours and noise to help us celebrate the opening of our new stand. We’ll see you all there hopefully, thank you very much.”

Brown was appointed last season after Lee Bullen was sacked with the Honest Men at danger of relegation from the Championship. But he steadied the ship and steered them away from the bottom place.

The Hoops legend will now have designs on aiming for promotion and the match against his former club will help him to prepare for the campaign ahead. Brown’s connection with Celts remains strong and he played yesterday as a legends side took on a Borussia Dortmund team at Parkhead.

He aimed a veiled dig at Rangers star Todd Cantwell, insists Celtic players do their talking on the pitch and get their rewards.

The Celtic fans really have the bragging rites now after beating Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at the weekend.

I mean, they already had them, but now, beating Rangers at Hampden has made the end of this season feel all that bit sweeter not that the Scottish Cup rests beside the Scottish Premiership trophy in the Parkhead boardroom.

Four days on and the gloating by the Celtic fans hasn’t stopped. In fact, the Hoops fans are so happy that they’ve even started winding up Ally McCoist after the former Rangers striker revealed the messages he has been sent since Saturday afternoon.

McCoist shares new Celtic fan song

Now I’ve seen this on social media. I’ve seen the videos circulating on social media about a new Celtic fan song that has been created since the win at Hampden.

I’ll let McCoist explain it and he sounded exasperated as he told Jeff Stelling how the Celtic fans have been noising him up.

McCoist said [talkSPORT], “Somebody sent me that. There’s a song up here in Glasgow called, ‘You Cannae Shove Your Granny Aff a Bus’, right?

“So all the really amusing Celtic fans have turned it into ‘You Cannae Shove The Goalie in The Box’ kind of song.

“Which is, yeah it was funny the first time I heard it but carry on.”

MORE CELTIC STORIES

That is just superb from the Celtic fans. The furore created by the Rangers fans over such a clear foul is what is really amusing this week.

Even Ally McCoist’s ’embarrassing’ rant about the officials this morning was bordering on ludicrous as he tried to paint a picture of Rangers being somehow on the end of continuously bad refereeing decisions this season.

We all know that’s simply not true. Celtic have had more than their fair share of real bad refereeing decisions but despite all that, Rodgers still led his team to a league and cup double.

No doubt there will be even more fallout over the Hampden final but all that really matters is that Celtic have the trophy for yet another season.

Scott Brown sends a post cup final message to Todd Cantwell

Celtic legend Scott Brown took a dig at ‘TikTok’ Todd Cantwell when looking back on Celtic’s season and the Scottish Cup Final in which Adam Idah secured victory for the Celts in the 90th minute…

Speaking to the media, including The Celtic Star, after Sunday’s Legends match at Celtic Park, Broony said: “There’s a lot of people who talk in the press and talk on social media, and do all their TikTok’s and YouTube stuff or whatever it is.

“The good thing about our club is that they do their talking on the park and they continue to do that. It’s not about outside, it’s about the focus that is inside the football club and the mentality to keep going day to day.

“They [Celtic] know how to win trophies. (the)Rangers step up on those big occasions and they can’t finish it off. Callum, James, Brendan, they always get over the line. It’s that winning mentality and that’s the difference between the two clubs. Celtic always have that belief, even if it takes up to the 98th minute.”

The dig comes after Cantwell made a fool of himself on social media following theRangers 3-3 draw with Hearts on the final day of the season. He posted a picture of himself with the caption, “Shushburger please,” a comment that has been mocked by Celtic players after overcoming theRangers at Hampden.

And it’s true that our rival’s players do far too much talking online, especially TikTok Todd. If one of our players was joking around on the internet a week before a massive cup final, I’m sure our supporters wouldn’t be happy about that.

These Celtic players have no reason to be fearful of those on the other side of the city. We’re the dominant force in Scottish football and as long as they have their priorities elsewhere, we will continue to be.

In this season just ended the best that theRangers could do was salvage a 3-3 draw and even that result suited Celtic. In the other four games Celtic emerged victorious. They should be thankful to Kilmarnock for knocking Celtic out of the League Cup last August because with Celtic out the way they were able to lifted the minor prize in Scottish silverware this season.

Incidentally if you missed The Celtic Star’s exclusive photo gallery from the Legends game on Sunday have a look now, its absolutely brilliant…

READ THIS…Exclusive Photo Gallery from Celtic Legends 4-2 win over Dortmund

Jessica Elliott

🤫🍔 pic.twitter.com/vsyhgIWqjU

— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) May 28, 2024

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As the Celtic fan’s celebrations of winning the Scottish Cup die down, the fallout over the Hampden final continues.

Brendan Rodgers picked up his ninth winners medal, Celtic’s 118th, as the Hoops boss after Adam Idah tucked away a last-minute winner against Rangers at Hampden.

A Jack Butland blunder gifted the Celtic striker a six-yard chance and Idah does what he does best and tucked it away nicely to send the Hoops fans into cloud nine.

However, it wasn’t Butland’s error that had Ally McCoist fuming at the Hampden result. It was something entirely different.

Why Ally McCoist slams ‘scandalous’ SFA officials

The former Rangers striker has had all Bank Holiday weekend to stew over the result.

And after having an extra day off, McCoist let rip about what he thought of the SFA officials after watching his team lose again to Celtic.

McCoist said [talkSPORT], “Well we were, let’s be honest about he’s got a point there [about Clement claiming his team were unlucky].

“Jeff, scandalous. Absolutely scandalous, honestly. But I’ve come to expect it.

“The incompetence of our officials is nothing short of ridiculous Jeff, it’s bordering on embarrassing.

“They disallow the goal for a shove. Okay. They might have been a little shove, I can understand that.

“But they go back two seconds. They’ve got to give a penalty. The boy’s [Greg Taylor] got his arms wrapped around the guy [Nicolas Raskin] who eventually does the little shove.

“It’s just total incompetence Jeff but we’ve come to expect it and that’s the way it goes.”

Where to even start with this incredible rant? Ok, first off, it was a clear foul. All day long. Former SFA officials and pundits have been unanimous in this.

There was no need for Raskin to make this clear push on Joe Hart. If he had just left the Celtic goalkeeper alone the Rangers goal would have stood because I don’t think Hart was anywhere near the cross.

And as for Greg Taylor holding Raskin. That happened after the push on Joe Hart but let’s not let facts get in the way of a good rant.

And even if it did happen before, would that have been enough to award a penalty? I don’t think so.

McCoist has had a nightmare here and is clearly hurting now that the realisation sets in that Rangers are not as close to Celtic as many in the media would have had people believe.

Five-time Premier League winning striker admits he wishes he’d played for Celtic

Wayne Rooney doesn’t have many regrets from his playing days.

He won basically all there is to win at club level, and while he may not have had the impact he may have liked at the international level at major tournaments, he still had a remarkable career.

However, speaking on The Overlap, Rooney has shared one thing he wished he’d done during his career.

Indeed, Rooney was asked if there was any club he wishes he’d played for, and he noted that he wished he could’ve played for Celtic during his pomp.

Wayne Rooney wishes he could’ve played for Celtic

The five-time Premier League winner shared his desire to play for the Scottish giants.

“The club you wished you had played for during your career?” Rooney was asked.

“Celtic I’d say,” Rooney said.

Wayne Rooney would’ve been perfect for Celtic

Rooney and Celtic could’ve been an absolute match made in heaven.

An absolute firebrand on the pitch, Rooney’s personality is so well-suited to Celtic as a club, and that’s before we even discuss his footballing ability.

England’s former all-time record goalscorer was undoubtedly one of the best players of his generation, and even in his latter playing days, he likely would’ve been one of the best players in Scotland.

We’ve seen veteran English strikers having a huge impact in Scotland before – Jermain Defoe banged in the goals during his initial loan spell with Rangers back in 2019/20, and if Rooney had joined Celtic instead of DC United after leaving Everton, perhaps he could’ve been a bit of a latter-day legend at Celtic Park.

Unfortunately, we never got to see Rooney play in a green and white hooped shirt, but the idea of the Manchester United legend turning out for Celtic would’ve been very exciting to say the least.

Rooney would’ve been a great fit at Celtic, that’s for sure.

SOURCES: CELTIC SET TO DEMAND RECORD FEE FOR STAR AS BRIGHTON SHOW STRONG INTEREST

EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Celtic could be set to lose one of their key players this summer but only for a club record fee.

As it stands the record sale in Scotland is £25million – which Celtic have received twice; for Kieran Tierney from Arsenal in 2019 and last summer when Al-Ittihad paid the same amount for Jota.

The player in question who could be on the move this summer is Celtic’s superb midfielder Matt O’Riley, who had yet another brilliant season for the Scottish Premiership champions.

In the league this season, the Danish midfielder scored an outstanding 18 league goals and provided a further 13 assists. He also provided three assists in the Champions League, too. This has naturally led to interest from elsewhere.

European clubs circling

In January, HITC reported that Atletico Madrid were one of the sides pushing hard for the Danish midfielder and Diego Simeone’s side are understood to still remain interested.

Celtic would ideally like to keep O’Riley but they recognise the interest in him is strong. HITC understands that a plethora of English clubs have enquired about his availability this summer, too. French side AS Monaco and Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart are also understood to have declared their interest.

This has been O’Riley’s breakthrough season for the Scottish side and losing the Danish midfielder would represent a huge blow for boss Brendan Rodgers, who won the league and cup double this campaign.

Premier League sides interest

As mentioned, it is not only some of Europe’s elite who are keen on the Danish midfielder but Premier League clubs are also understood to be keen on the 23-year-old.

There are three clubs, in particular, who are understood to be showing the most interest and these are Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Thomas Frank’s Brentford.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have watched the midfielder in the past but, as it stands, both of these sides have different priorities heading into the summer window.

O’Riley’s sale would generate a large fee for the Scottish side and they will need to invest these funds into adequate replacements for the 23-year-old.

Rangers hero in shock Celtic claim as he casts doubt over Brendan Rodgers’ loyalty

The Irishman left the Scottish champions for Leicester City and Ally McCoist believes he could be ready to quit again.

CELTIC – LATEST NEWS FROM PARKHEAD

Ally McCoist has casted doubt over Brendan Rodgers‘ long-term future at Celtic.

The Hoops boss – fresh from bagging a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup Double – returned to the club last year to replace Ange Postecoglou after his move to Tottenham for a second stint in the Parkhead hotseat. His first departure was met with fury from the Celtic faithful as he left mid-season to take up the top job at Leicester City.

His return to the club last summer came with mixed emotions, with many supporters not ready to forgive the 51-year-old over the way he left first time around. He’s started to repair those relationships with a successful season on the park and another Champions League adventure heading for Glasgow’s east end next season. However, Rangers hero McCoist would NOT be shocked if Rodgers left for a return to English football once again in the future as he responded to a message from a listener who believes the Irishman is awaiting an opening and biding his time at the Scottish champions.

McCoist told talkSPORT: “There is an element of me that thinks Brendan will want to move on again. I genuinely believe that. Of course he’s had a very successful season winning a league and cup double. Goes without saying. And his CV once again is back up there.

“We’ve seen in recent years, Scottish teams participating at the very, very top level and it is bordering on impossible for them to compete in the Champions League. And I just think Celtic would be the exact same again next year.

“I know for a fact there is still an element of some of the Celtic support – no matter what Brendan does – will not be happy with him back at Celtic for the way they see the way he left in the first place. For me, I think Alistair (listener) makes a great point and it would not be a shock at all to me if Brendan moved on and moved back south.”

Jeff Stelling added: “I have no idea if Brighton have an interest or not. But Brendan’s reputation with young players, well that would fit the bill at Brighton absolutely perfectly. However, we shall see..”

Celtic set to push Adam Idah everlasting switch button as board equipped to provide Brendan Rodgers wish

The Norwich City loanee has impressed at some point of his six months at Celtic Park.

FREE Images From Scottish Gas 25 May 2024 Hampden Park Glasgow : Celtic v Rangers Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Final Pic shows Celtics prevailing aim Adam Idah rankings his goal

Celtic are equipped to supply boss Brendan Rodgers what he’s after as they prepare to push the button on the signing of Adam Idah.

The Parkhead gaffer made it crystal clear on Saturday that he desires the striker lower back subsequent season after gazing the Irishman furnace the Hoops to Scottish Cup glory. And Record Sport understands the Hoops hierarchy are dedicated to gratifying their manager’s wishes. It was once the on-loan Norwich ace’s last-minute winner which sealed victory over Rangers and carried out this year’s Double triumph.

And it wrapped up an wonderful six-month stint in Glasgow for the 23-year-old that noticed him bag 9 desires in 19 appearances – with that integral haul together with key strikes at Easter Road, Ibrox and Rugby Park as Rodgers’ side stormed to the title. Idah’s Carrow Road mum or dad club — understood to be searching for a fee in the vicinity of £6million for the Republic of Ireland hitman — are still except a boss after sacking David Wagner.

That might yet complicate matters if their new gaffer decides to take a seem at the Cork-born striker before the new season. But Celtic are working on the assumption they will have Idah returned supporting to lead their attack as they take on the cream of Europe in the Champions League.

That will delight Rodgers, who ought to now not have been any extra fulsome in his praise of the frontman after staring at him snatch the Hampden headlines. He said after the 1-0 win over Rangers: “The board knows how I feel about Adam, that used to be the purpose for bringing him in.

“He’s been a actual catalyst for us, mainly over the final few months. He’s a huge game player. In so many big moments, he’s stepped up to the plate for us.

“I’m so pleased for him – a boy from Ireland, a striker scoring the winning intention in the Scottish Cup Final towards Rangers. Wow. What a summer season he’ll have.

“I don’t comprehend if we’ll get him in the summer, the board will appear at it. My talks with Adam will continue to be private due to the fact there’s a lot of work to do. But he is aware of my emotions and so does the club so we’ll see what happens.”

Paulo Bernardo has Celtic fans all announcing the equal element as Benfica loanee bids farewell

The Portuguese youngster capped off his season-long mortgage at Parkhead with a Scottish Cup Final assist in opposition to Rangers

Paulo Bernardo is due to return to Benfica

Paulo Bernardo thanked Celtic fans for all their support after his season-long mortgage from Benfica reached an end.

But Hoops supporters hope it’s no longer the last they see of the Portuguese midfielder after his game-changing Scottish Cup moment. Bernardo played a key role from the bench on Saturday as his fizzing shot in the demise minutes used to be parried by Jack Butland, falling to the ft of Adam Idah who etched his identify in Celtic folklore with the aid of sliding the ball underneath the Rangers keeper to secure a well-known Double.

Overall, the Portugal Under-21 starlet racked up 32 appearances at some stage in his time in Scotland, scoring a memorable goal in December’s 2-1 Glasgow derby win at Parkhead. But it stays to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers will set off the £6million release clause in his Benfica contract to land the 22-year-old permanently this summer.

Bernardo stored it quick and sweet on Instagram as the title-winner voiced his appreciation to the green-and-white faithful. He wrote: “Grateful for this season. Thank you very very a good deal for all the support.”

However, Celtic supporters regarded to be in unanimous agreement that they’d love to see the talented playmaker returned in Glasgow’s east stop next season as they flooded his social media with comments.

One fan posted: “Thanks Paulo for everything. Hopefully see you lower back subsequent season.” Another replied: “Stay with us, you have acquired plenty of talent”

A 1/3 pleaded: “Sign the contract huge boy.” This punter commented “Welcome again once more boss. Plenty more to come.”

While a fifth added: “Hopefully see you again sooner instead than later, thanks for the screamer in opposition to them and the help on Sunday. All the exceptional regardless the place you cease up.”

The large Celtic and Rangers questions answered in Scottish Cup ultimate Monday Jury special

The Hampden showpiece wasn’t brief on speakme factors and the Record Sport crew get caught into them.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – MAY 25: Celtic elevate the Scottish Cup at some stage in a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final healthy between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park, on May 25, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo through Craig Foy / SNS Group)

Did Celtic deserve to lift the cup?

KEITH JACKSON: Yes. They have been second first-class all over the pitch and seemed like they had run out of gas lengthy before the end. But this is a aspect which is aware of how to win and their rivals virtually don’t have the same mental strength.

CRAIG SWAN: Yes. They delivered the large moment. Celtic did not play well in the second half and it was once there for Rangers, however they couldn’t do it.

ANDREW NEWPORT: Rangers were the higher team for as soon as this season but finals are about the winning. They’d tons preferred to have been outplayed however walked off with the silver. If you don’t take gain when you’re on top, you can’t whinge about dropping to a sucker punch.

GAVIN BERRY: They had been 2nd fantastic but that doesn’t remember – winning is all that matters. So sure they deserved to win it. They took their one huge danger and Rangers, for all their possession, didn’t hassle Joe Hart adequate apart from the disallowed goal.

Should Brendan Rodgers try to discuss Joe Hart out of hanging up his gloves?

KEITH: It’s truly worth a shot. Hart wants to bow out earlier than he’s past his promote by means of date however he won’t be effortless to replace. If Rodgers can’t find an upgrade in the switch market then it’s a conversation the manager may prefer to have.

CRAIG: No. The keeper has made his selection and has the right to stand by means of it. It’s time. Celtic need a new No.1.

ANDREW: He’s been a exceptional servant throughout his three years in Glasgow however there have been moments – specially in the Champions League – where his age has showed. It’s time for Celtic to carry in fresh blood.

GAVIN: It’s worth a try however it appears like that ship has sailed he would be wasting his time. Listening to the Englishman’s interviews it’s clear that he’s made up his idea and isn’t for budging. It’s not a decision he’s made on a whim and has already regular a Euro 2024 punditry role, displaying he’s already moved onto the subsequent step. Unless Brendan Rodgers allowed him to pass by pre-season!

Can Rangers have enough money to have Cyriel Dessers leading the line next season?

KEITH: No. Dessers tries his excellent but persistently comes up short. Rangers won’t win the title subsequent season if he’s Philippe Clement’s first pick out No.9.

CRAIG: Dessers can’t be the main man, however it’s unfair to brush aside a man with 22 desires in his first season. He has a function to play.

ANDREW: Nope. He’s finished the marketing campaign with 22 dreams but could have bagged double that amount. Rangers need anybody some distance greater reliable if they’re to chase down Celtic subsequent season.

GAVIN: His desires this season exhibit he has something to offer – 22 strikes is a more than respectable return.

Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers

But – and it’s a fairly big however – he lacks the best and medical side when it really matters. He’s now not ruthless adequate which has been confirmed with some of his misses. His squandered probabilities are talked about more than his 22 goals. Handy to have in the squad, but an improve starter is needed.

Should Celtic push the boat out to maintain Adam Idah?

KEITH: Yes. Idah has done adequate to earn himself a future at Celtic. Idah scores large desires at large moments and gives something definitely distinctive to Kyogo Furuhashi. He might price a few quid but there’s no purpose why the club can’t find the money for to make it happen.

CRAIG: Absolutely. Idah has verified he can do it in huge video games and he’s young enough to get better. Sign him.

ANDREW: Absolutely. He’s tested he can score for Celtic and crucially, he’s proven he can do it in the big games. He affords a exclusive alternative to Kyogo which is perfect for when Rodgers wishes to exchange it up.

GAVIN: There can be no doubting the striker’s contribution to this double success – the Hampden winner on Saturday and late desires at Easter Road and Fir Park. But it all comes down to the fee. Brendan Rodgers desires actual quality to make a dent in the Champions League and I’m no longer positive he’s that level so would, say, £6m or £5m be well worth it? I’m not so sure.

Bobby Madden’s verdict on 2 large Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup last calls as crucial VAR function highlighted

Former SPFL whistler Madden took to social media to returned up the decisions made by way of the officiating crew at Hampden on Saturday.

Former referee Bobby Madden

Bobby Madden has outlined why he feels the right choices have been made on the TWO biggest talking factors in Celtic’s 1-0 win towards Rangers in the Scottish Cup final.

In the goalless first half of at Hampden, the Hoops were left up in fingers when the ball struck Rangers defender Ben Davies on the arm after Kyogo had failed to make easy contact with Greg Taylor’s cross. However John Beaton – who used to be on VAR duty on Saturday – determined no longer to intervene and call on subject referee Nick Walsh over to overview it lower back on the monitor.

Via his Instagram account, former top-flight referee Madden has now given his backing to the choice made with the aid of the officiating crew around the incident. He wrote: ” Correct decision – no penalty. This is actually not punishable. The ball is played by means of the attacker from such a short distance so the ball is unexpected, the defenders arm does now not go toward the ball and does no longer make the body unnaturally bigger. I honestly hope there is a reset over the summer concerning handball and anyone can take delivery of this is now not a penalty.”

The 2d controversial second of the healthy arrived just shy of the hour mark, when Rangers thought they had long gone in the front after Abdallah Sima bundled the ball home from James Tavernier’s in-swinging corner. However, following a VAR check, the purpose used to be then chalked off with the officiating group deeming that Nicolas Raskin’s push on Celtic keeper Joe Hart was a foul. Madden, who retired from refereeing last year, as soon as again backed the selection made at Hampden in a certain examination of the scenario.

He explained: “This aim is efficaciously disallowed following and on area review. With so a whole lot going on at corners these offences are almost impossible to discover stay by suit officials, and this is exactly why VAR used to be introduced.

Abdallah Sima intention dominated out for Joe Hart foul

“There is a lot of dialogue around a more desirable push no longer being awarded in the past in sport for an incident just outside the penalty area. It’s no longer been detected on the discipline of play, had it been inner the penalty region VAR would honestly have received involved. That incident doesn’t imply you then can’t punish this pretty obvious push, two wrongs don’t make a right.

“You without a doubt can’t be at the back of the goalkeeper and push them as they bounce to play the ball. You can debate all day whether or not you assume the goalkeeper would have performed the ball, he has solely neglected it by using a be counted of centimetres. What you can’t debate is that the push has an have an impact on on the goalkeeper, and that can’t be omitted by way of the VAR when they have such a clear image.”

JAMES MCFADDEN INSISTENT RANGERS STAR IS SCARED OF CELTIC PLAYER FOLLOWING SCOTTISH CUP FINAL

Celtic gained the bragging rights of Glasgow once once more when they beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup closing on Saturday.

The Gers suffered a 1-0 defeat after a 90th-minute winner from Adam Idah, with the Ibrox club now losing for a fourth time this season to Celtic.

Michael Beale and Philippe Clement have been in the dugout for those matches, respectively, as Rangers couldn’t overcome the may of Brendan Rodgers upon his return to the club this season.

Celtic had gained the Treble underneath Ange Postecoglou and Rodgers, to the shock of some, returned to win the title again and brought the Scottish Cup to the cabinet also.

There have been many incredible performances from Celtic gamers against Rangers this season, from Hampden to Parkhead.

But one man James McFadden was once eager to spotlight was Daizen Maeda and the problems he reasons in the Glasgow derby.

Just go back to his top notch opening aim internal the first minute at Ibrox for the duration of that 3-3 epic!

The former Scotland midfielder thinks James Tavernier is scared of the Celtic winger because he ’spooks’ him ‘every time they play’, as he told BBC Sport.

From Postecoglou to Rodgers, they like to play Maeda on Tavernier’s facet because they understand his attacking threat.

But the sheer work-rate, aggression, precision, pace and talent the Japan big name plays with is just too warm to cope with for the Rangers skipper.

Daizen Maeda v James Tavernier

“Every time they play, Maeda spooks Tavernier,” stated McFadden. “There’s question marks over Tavernier defensively.

“That’s due to the fact he’s so true going forward. I don’t think he’s a awful defender, however Maeda has his number.”

Celtic and Rangers subsequent season

No one is going to argue, Celtic have had their issues this season. Many nevertheless be mindful chants of ‘sack the board’ at some point of the defeat to Hearts over the winter.

From recruitment problems to Rodgers attempting to get used to this squad. They have shot themselves in the foot on a quantity of occasions.

READ MORE: Shane Duffy makes his emotions on Adam Idah clear after Celtic beat Rangers in Scottish Cup final

But when it mattered most, they stepped up, received the big video games and won the trophies that matter.

It doesn’t bode nicely for Rangers subsequent season because you experience Celtic will go to some other level and it wouldn’t be a shock if they don’t win the title a lot easier.

Newcastle scout travels to see Celtic big name after wonderful season in Scotland – Report

As stated by means of Lee Ryder at The Chronicle, Newcastle sent a scout to watch Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley last weekend following his excellent season but with the Scottish champions.

Although the squad have been away in Australia this previous week taking part in a couple of post-season friendlies, it’s believed the scouting department – led through Steve Nickson and Andy Howe –  has been working hard ahead of a big summer time off the pitch.

The Chronicle document that a Newcastle consultant used to be in attendance as Celtic beat St Mirren 3-2 on Saturday afternoon, where the 23-year-old scored their first before lifting the league trophy at the end of the game.

O’Riley has been one of Celtic’s famous person gamers this season, recording 19 goals and 18 assists in forty eight appearances in all competitions, and the Denmark international looks to be in excessive demand with a variety of Premier League sides gazing him closely.

Newcastle may want to use extra of a purpose threat from the midfield, even though we do have a wide variety of options in that department when all people is fit, with Joelinton signing a new deal, Sandro Tonali to return and kids Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley breaking into Howe’s first-team plans remaining season.

Former Celtic superstar wants deal for Hampden hero as Rangers defender makes contract admission

By Mark Carruthers

The state-of-the-art information from Celtic and Rangers in the aftermath of Saturday’s Scottish FA Cup Final at Hampden Park.

On-loan striker Adam Idah has turn out to be a association favored with Celtic supporters in current months – and he stronger his reputation once again with the aid of hitting a late winner in Saturday’s Scottish FA Cup Final win over arch opponents Rangers.

There were some questions requested when the Republic of Ireland worldwide joined the Hoops on a half-season loan from English Championship membership Norwich City. After marking his debut with an assist in a 1-1 draw with Aberdeen, Idah marked his full debut in pleasant fashion as he scored twice in a 2-1 win at Hibernian and he went on to score seven goals in 17 video games beforehand of Saturday’s Hampden Park showdown.

After the Glasgow competitors failed to smash the deadlock for the opening 89 minutes, Idah picked the ideal time to add to his ever developing tally as he crashed domestic a triumphing goal in the closing minute to ensure Brendan Rodgers’ facet completed a league and cup double. However, as it stands, Idah will return to Norwich City this summer time as his loan deal comes to a close – but former Celtic celebrity Sean Maloney believes his historical club must ensure the striker is secured on a permanent basis.

Speaking on Premier Sports coverage, he said of Idah: “He’s very good. He’s under contract at Norwich. They’ll have a new supervisor in place. It won’t be effortless (keeping Idah at Celtic). But he has been brilliant. If they should maintain him, it would be surely exact for the squad. When he came, there were questions. He wasn’t playing a great deal at Norwich. He has a very exceptional profile from Kyogo. I’m positive the membership would love to do it (sign him). You could tell barely from the boy himself, he’s having a tremendous time here. But you will have to wait and see – it won’t be a small fee.”

Rangers defender makes future admission

Leon Balogun has admitted he will ‘try to change off a little bit’ earlier than making a choice over his future at Rangers.

The former Wigan Athletic and Brighton and Hove Albion defender is in his 2nd spell at Ibrox after returning from a one-season stint at English Championship membership Queens Park Rangers throughout the 2022/23 campaign. However, after penning a one-year deal with Rangers ultimate summer, the 46-times capped Nigeria international is presently set to leave the club for a second time this summer.

Leon Balogun’s Rangers future is up in the air, like many different players.

That would mean Balogun’s appearance in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat towards Celtic ought to be his remaining for the club as he heads to pastures new over the coming months. Assessing his future in the aftermath of the Scottish FA Cup Final loss against the Hoops, the 35-year-old admitted he was once ‘open’ to extending his time at Ibrox – but pressured he desired time to ‘digest’ the Hampden Park defeat before a closing selection was once made.

He said: “We will see, first we have to deal with this defeat now and try to change off a little bit. Then we will see what the subsequent weeks bring. I stood here two years in the past and opened up about how a good deal I love the club and that hasn’t changed so simply there is an openness (to stay). But first, I have to digest nowadays first and then we will see.”

Daizen Maeda ‘can’t sleep’ after what the Celtic fans did at Hampden in the Scottish Cup

The Celtic players would have loved their Scottish Cup win towards Rangers at Hampden yesterday and the ensuing celebrations that would have took place after it.

In a nerve-racking sport the place the Celtic followers had been confident about triumphing the cup, it took an 87th-minute Adam Idah goal to win the closing 1-0 and spark a night of festivities that will have been enjoyed by the followers and gamers alike.

But it wasn’t partying that kept Celtic winger, Daizen Meada, wakeful final night.

Celtic fans blew Daizen Maeda away

Maeda had any other very desirable game for Celtic against Rangers yesterday. The Japanese winger gave James Tavernier another torrid time down that left-hand facet as he persevered to get the first-rate out of the Rangers captain.

And as he settled down for the night, Maeda sent out a tweet on social media channel X, about why the Celtic followers denied him a well-earned rest final night.

布団に入って目瞑ったら”Joe Joe Super Joe”
が頭の中で繰り返し流れてて寝られへん。
どうしよ。ほんまに。

When I get into mattress and shut my eyes,
“Joe Joe Super Joe” continues repeating in my head and I can not sleep😅💚

— 前田 大然 Daizen Maeda (@M_daizen_1020) May 26, 2024

View Tweet

The Celtic fans gave Joe Hart one remaining farewell at Hampden the day prior to this after giving him an ‘outstanding’ send-off at Parkhead remaining week.

The veteran goalkeeper took off his gloves one ultimate time to end his Celtic love affair after assisting Brendan Rodgers preserve his one hundred percent win file in the Scottish Cup and the Celtic fans confirmed their appreciation one ultimate time for their departing hero.

For Celtic, the hard undertaking of replacing the big Englishman will begin in the summer season and it’s one that Rodgers knows he needs to get right.

As for Hart, we will nonetheless be seeing the Celtic hero on our screens this summer. A punditry gig awaits Hart as the departing goalkeeper will be performing on the BBC to offer his thoughts on this summer’s Euro 2024 event in Germany.

But for now, the Celtic followers will now need to make peace with the fact that Hart will no longer be the man between the Parkhead sticks and that is some thing that will sting the Hoops aid for now.

Jota sends emotional Celtic message after win vs Rangers as he joins ex-Brazil celebrity in Hoops joy

Jota featured for the Hoops between 2021-2023

Jota has despatched Joe Hart a fond Celtic farewell after the goalkeeper introduced the curtain down on his stellar career.

An Adam Idah purpose sealed a 1-0 win for Brendan Rodgers’ side over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final. It capability a double has beckoned for the Hoops after winning the Premiership title remaining weekend, an emotional way for Hart to bow out after saying his retirement at the end of this season beforehand this year.

His former teammate at Parkhead left for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad in a £25m deal final summer, however he has not forgotten Hart’s Celtic, and average football, contribution. Jota posted underneath Celtic’s Instagram video of Hart: “Football thanks you! May we meet Again, Legend.”

Former Brazil and Tottenham star Luca Moura was once additionally eager to congratulate the goalkeeper. He posted on a separate Celtic video “Legend.” Hart advised BBC Sport Scotland post-match: “All I recognize is I’ve loved each and every minute of my complete career. Football has been the whole thing to me and it is the entirety I am as a person. I’ll have to locate out who I am now.

“I’m certain I’ll leave out it one day however right now I have so lots joy and thanks to each person who’s made it extraordinary for me. I’m great proud of the whole lot I’ve been a section of. I’m just attempting to take it in as best as I can.”

Former Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney brought to the broadcaster that Hart has answered any sceptics he had when arriving in Glasgow nearly three years ago. He added: “It’s an top notch way to finish.

“He’s been a amazing signing. When he got here up here, questions surrounded Joe Hart. But he’s answered all of them. He’s a big leader. For him, he need to love it and savour it. When he is as old as we all are, he will recognize how unique these moments are.”

Brendan Rodgers praying Celtic board to sign Adam Idah permanently

Celtic have won the Scottish Cup after beating Rangers 1-0 in the final at Hampden Park on Saturday (25 May).

Adam Idah scored in the 90th minute for the Bhoys to complete a memorable season. The Hoops won the SPFL title this season, completing a league and cup double with that victory.

Idah joined Celtic in the January transfer window from Norwich City and has proved to be a quality addition. Brendan Rodgers has hailed him as a “big-game” player and hopes that Celtic will sign him permanently.

According to a report from the Daily Record (back page and page 70), Rodgers has confirmed that he’s desperate to sign the 23-year-old striker and is “praying” to the Celtic board to come up with the cash to land the £6m-rated striker.

Big summer ahead for Celtic

This is going to be a massive summer transfer window for the Bhoys. The 2023-24 season has not been a smooth ride for the Bhoys.

They were comfortably leading at one stage but then saw a sharp decline in form, which allowed Rangers to enter the title race and close the gap.

Rodgers also took strong criticism from the press after Celtic bowed out of the Champions League. But in the end, the Hoops found the momentum and went on to lift the title and the Scottish Cup.

Celtic must now build on it. They need to spend heavily in the summer window to add more quality players to their ranks, and getting Idah on a permanent deal makes a lot of sense.

It will also be interesting to see if the Bhoys can hold on to their star players such as Matt O’Riley and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

£2.4 Million-Rated Norwich City Ace Wanted By Top Flight Side

It’s difficult to say that Adam Idah is in the plans at Carrow Road presently having been loaned out to Scottish Premiership Champions Celtic in January after beginning simply 12 of Norwich City’s first 29 Championship games prior to his move.

He has then again excelled north of the border and has virtually proved his great for the duration of his quick stint in Scotland. Now a key part of the assault at Celtic Park, Idah has gained pretty a few admirers having scored 9 instances in all competitions for the Scottish giants.

It is a move which has labored out relatively nicely for the Irishman, who looks to have now bought his profession back on song having fallen out-of-favour at his mum or dad club. With all of his preceding senior ride coming with the Canaries, a trade of scenery has possibly received the first-rate out of the 23-year-old, who looks to be a very interesting prospect.

He’s taken his chances properly for the duration of his loan spell and is already massively popular with the Celtic fanbase due to his goalscoring exploits. Idah would grow to be all the more famous having scored a dramatic 90th minute winner towards bitter opponents Rangers to assist his side attain Scottish Cup glory. As a result, it may want to be argued that he’s finished cult hero popularity at the club, and fans are already asking for the deal to be made permanent.

Now returning to Carrow Road after the stop of his mortgage spell, it is unknown what the subsequent move will be for the Irish international, alternatively a move returned to Scotland is now not out of question.

It should properly be probable that Idah returns to Celtic subsequent season, with their manager Brendan Rodgers now not shying away from the workable of a move when speakme to the Daily Record.

“Hopefully very real (chances of Idah signing permanently) For me he used to be the catalyst of our season due to the fact we wished a distinctive dimension up front. The massive man comes in, he has so a whole lot achievable and played in some honestly necessary games.

“What I love about Adam (Idah) is he is a huge recreation player. He loves the large video games and occasions. Hopefully we can do something. He has a long-term contract at Norwich however he is sincerely one I would love to bring again here. At 23 with the achievable and pleasant he has I assume he can simply push on in his career.”

Idah is currently valued at £2.4 million by Transfermarkt but would be anticipated to go for a long way higher after his spell with Celtic. Various reports have suggested that he ought to go for properly over the £5 million mark now, which would simply boost Norwich’s summer switch funds.

Writer’s View

It would come as no surprise to see Idah make a pass this summer time given the circumstances. Even with a new supervisor coming into Carrie Road it’s not going that he can be convinced to stay, and appears to have really enjoyed his football in Scotland.

His sale would deliver a enormous fee for the club and given he wasn’t exactly in the plans this season, that is a instead massive boost. Nonetheless, they do want attacking selections going into subsequent season and consequently have to use that money well to enhance the depth.

The mortgage move has worked out for all parties ; Norwich now value him at a greater price, Idah has of course verified his excellent and Celtic have had a participant who has had scored some huge dreams for the club. Perhaps a go this summer time is the excellent choice for all involved.

Watch: Hilarious Moment Rangers TV React To Adam Idah’s Late-Winner

Celtic striker Adam Idah broke Rangers hearts with a late-winner in the Scottish Cup final this afternoon.

The Irishman netted a aim in the 90th minute to area the Scottish Cup towards Paradise in a Glasgow derby that was once nearer than previous meetings, with Rangers TV in particular feeling the consequences of Idah’s goal.

The sound of every commentator as they come to the realisation that Idah had sealed the Scottish Cup in Celtic’s favour is awesome viewing, with the commentators hopeful of an offside in opposition to the Irishman.

Looking to blame the disallowed aim against Rangers and Jack Butland’s goalkeeping in failing to end Paulo Bernardo’s shot at goal, each commentator slowly falls into meltdown, looking for anybody to blame for Rangers failing to yet once more beat Celtic when it things most at the commercial enterprise end of the season.

Rangers summer season switch role demands in view as Philippe Clement ambitions primary overhaul

The Rangers boss has a quantity of positions he hopes to give a boost to at Ibrox

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

Philippe Clement has already made it clear he plans to toss out the unwanted and convey in sparkling new stars at Rangers.

The Ibrox outfit have “completed their cycle”, says the manager, and will have huge summer enterprise to be done, each in and out. That has furnished head of football recruitment Nils Koppen with a hefty workload over the coming months with the talent-spotter predicted to bring a wide variety of names to the fore to be pored over with the aid of the manager and his coaching staff.

Clement wants youthful stars to arrive with the notion in the direction of promoting on for big cash down the line in a strategy earlier fumbled with the aid of the club. But the Belgian knows how pivotal that plan is to the future of Gers and their transfer profits down the line.

Still, there are extra skilled players predicted to go away before that can show up and huge wages to get off the books. Robby McCrorie will leave and that means every other goalie must be signed to supply backup to Jack Butland. Liam Kelly is one man who has been linked and it was confirmed today he’d go away Motherwell at the quit of this season.

Left-back has been an important position on the listing and Jefte is on his way from Fluminense. Football Scotland understands the club favor a 2nd left-back in position as nicely as the Brazilian for the begin of subsequent season and that may additionally trace closer to Ridvan Yilmaz leaving but that would value a shopping for club a decent sum.

A left-sided centre-back is some other function Clement has tasked Koppen in discovering with Ben Davies one player who ought to also depart. He’s on decent wages which would be higher served, perhaps, going towards a bonafide starter.

A ball-playing midfielder – in the number six role – is a desired signing while Football Scotland understands a quantity eight on the left-hand facet of midfield is additionally one they’d like to make a go for. John Lundstram will leave for Trabzonspor in the coming days.

Rangers are additionally in search of a winger who is adept on both flanks to furnish selections in the attacking areas and they’d think about spending a decent fee to locate one, while they also desire an experienced striker who is a established intention scorer that they would additionally be willing to splash out.

Neil Lennon tells Rangers tactical blueprint to beat Celtic as Ibrox guys ‘not true enough’ for sure approach

Lenny has put himself in the footwear of Philippe Clement beforehand of the Scottish Cup final

Neil Lennon has informed Rangers how to beat Celtic

Rangers are “not properly enough” to play flowing football against Celtic and must go with two up front.

That’s the view of former Hoops boss Neil Lennon who tried to suppose of the first-class method for Gers to subsequently get over on his old club. Philippe Clement, and Michael Beale before him, have so far failed to come up with a prevailing method in the fixture with the Light Blues drawing simply as soon as and losing the rest beforehand of facing off again in the Scottish Cup final.

So Lennon feels the Belgian must do some thing different. The currently appointed Rapid Bucharest boss reckons Celts are simply too top to strive and go toe-to-toe and play a passing game in opposition to them. He additionally says Gers lack pace and creativity and have to keep that in mind.

If the Northern Irishman by hook or by crook located himself in the Ibrox hotseat, he would play two out-and-out strikers to press the game and strive to stop Celtic play out.

He told PLZ Soccer: “He (Philippe Clement) has obtained to trade it. Whether you exchange the formation or the personnel – he can’t go with the equal formulation because it’s not working.

“Celtic are too good. For me, how do you get Tavernier further forward? You want to cease worrying about what (Daizen) Maeda is doing. Do you play three at the back? Or two strikers to quit Celtic playing out from the back. That’s what I would do – due to the fact some thing he has finished this 12 months hasn’t labored and he can’t cease the go with the flow of Celtic’s passing moves.

“I don’t suppose this group is right adequate to play soccer against Celtic. They lack speed, they lack creativity – so play to your strengths. Dessers does OK at instances up there on his very own however in the wider areas I assume they have been poor.

“I assume at centre-half they have been struggling in opposition to Celtic as well. For me, O’Riley, Hatate and McGregor dominated the remaining sport and it could have been a lot more. I assume the 2-1 scorelines have flattered Rangers and there has been a gulf between the teams. Philippe has to find a way of closing that gap by using hook or by crook.”

Jefte Rangers transfer verified as Philippe Clement cant contain pleasure over first summer signing

The Brazilian left-back is the first part of the Ibrox jigsaw

Rangers have proven the signing of Jefte

Rangers have established the signing of Jefte on a four-year deal.

The Brazilian left-back signs and symptoms from Fluminense have been on mortgage at Cypriot outfit APOEL for the final season. Gers had an agreement with his dad or mum membership to sign the 20-year-old back in January but APOEL put the brakes on it as they wanted him to see out his season-long loan.

But the Light Blues have been constantly rumoured to be geared up to go lower back in for a summer season swoop and this is what they’ve done. Manager Philippe Clement said: “Jefté is an interesting younger defender, and I am delighted that he has joined our squad so early in the summer time period. He has already proven he is a player of extraordinary first-rate and possible and I am assured he can play a large part in our squad shifting forward – I seem to be forward to working with him in the months to come.”

Jefte added: “I am extraordinarily excited to be a part of Rangers, this is a incredible opportunity for me to take my profession to the subsequent degree with such a ancient and successful club. I am already searching ahead to meeting my new teammates, working with the coaching staff, and persevering with to study and increase my game as a Rangers player.”

Director of soccer recruitment Nils Koppen added: “Firstly, I would like to welcome Jefté to the club, he is a player we have been involved in for a range of months and it is exquisite to have him join the club. We are planning for the future, and younger talented players, like Jefté, will be integral in that. We are working difficult at the back of the scenes, and it is massively fine for us, and for Philippe and his coaching staff, that we have been in a position to start enterprise early as we prepare for the 2024/25 season.”

Rangers are also reportedly shut to the signing of every other defender in the structure of Jose Cordoba while Football Scotlandrevealed earlier they may want to additionally target every other left-back, which should spell the end for Ridvan Yilmaz.

They’d additionally like a midfielder who can play the wide variety 6 role and ideally one for the 8 as well. On pinnacle of that, a versatile winger and an experienced striker are on the list.

Leaked Kyogo Image Gets Celtic Fans Buzzing Ahead of Big Weekend

The upcoming 24/25 season has given Celtic fans a clean subject to discuss with the current leak of the new kit, offering the club’s prolific striker Kyogo proudly donning the full ensemble. This reveal, unconfirmed officially with the aid of the club, has sparked sizable pastime and anticipation among the fanbase.

The leaked package has received an overwhelmingly wonderful response from fans, a stark distinction to closing season’s “messy hoops” sketch that failed to seize the supporters’ imagination. This time, the graph appears to hit all the right notes, resonating well with the Celtic fans and drawing reward for its aesthetic appeal. Social media is abuzz with superb comments, signalling a promising reception once the kit is formally unveiled.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v St Mirren – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 18, 2024 Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates with the trophy after prevailing the Scottish Premiership Action Images by means of Reuters/Craig Brough

This jersey marks a significant second in Celtic’s latest records as it will be the remaining Hoops jersey produced underneath the present day deal with Adidas, set to expire at the give up of the 24/25 season. The partnership with Adidas has been fruitful, providing a variety of first-rate education gear, trainers, and kits that have delighted followers for the duration of the years. The give up of this deal raises the query of whether Celtic will renew their contract with the sportswear large or are seeking a new associate to take over the prestigious function of package manufacturer.

The image, leaked on Friday afternoon has received Celtic fans buzzing in advance of the Scottish Cup closing on Saturday where the bhoys take on Rangers at Hampden.

While the leaked pics have created a buzz, the authentic announcement from Celtic is still pending. Fans eagerly wait for the club to drop the reliable photos and launch date, including to the excitement and hypothesis surrounding the new kit.

The collaboration has set a excessive bar with its offerings, and followers will be eager to see if a renewal will proceed to furnish the equal degree of nice and variety. Alternatively, a new manufacturer may convey a sparkling viewpoint and designs to the club’s package history.

Celtic ‘have to’ agree Rangers deal this summer time – Keith Wyness

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has insisted Celtic and Rangers “have to” agree a deal to return full allocations of away fans to Old Firm games before the 2024-25 campaign starts.

Speaking on the new version of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the golf equipment “have to locate a way to make football the winner”.

In March, the SPFL confirmed that Celtic and Rangers have agreed a deal to furnish ticket allocations of “around 5%” to away followers for Old Firm video games – beginning subsequent season.

Derby fits have had very small and even zero away allocations following a cross from the Gers in 2018 which saw ticket numbers cut.

The agreement ability around 2,500 Celtic fans will go to Ibrox subsequent season, while 3,000 Rangers supporters will be in attendance at Celtic Park.

Wyness wishes return to full away ends at Celtic and Rangers games

But previously, round 7,000 away followers had been accepted entry – and Wyness called for a return to that stance to hold the “beauty” of the Old Firm.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “We all be aware of that there’s nothing like the ecosystem at an Old Firm game.

“Those of us who have been lucky sufficient to experience it know how distinct it is.

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“Hampden Park will be a cauldron on Saturday.

“Rangers and Celtic have got to find a way to agree and get away fans lower back into the grounds.

“They have to.

“We understand the troubles and the hatred between the two clubs, it’s long gone on for years.

“But that is simply a reality, and we have to discover a way to make soccer the winner – we want the surroundings to be special.

“An Old Firm game is a component of beauty and it be maintained.”

Celtic’s said goalkeeper design after Joe Hart retirement

Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers will be Joe Hart’s closing as a professional footballer, calling time on a trophy-laden career that saw him compete at the absolute best level.

There’ll no doubt be a few dabbing their eyes at an emotional Hampden, win or lose, as Hart waves goodbye to a club and set of supporters he without a doubt adores.

Celtic are already planning for a successor. They have been linked with a couple of shot-stoppers at home and abroad in recent months including Arijanet Muric and Ugurcan Cakir.

It will be far from easy to substitute Hart’s presence and personality after over 150 appearances, ensuing in him turning into a cult hero with fans.

It looks that he won’t be the only goalkeeper departing Celtic Park at the cease of the season either.

Celtic on the hunt for two new goalies

Football Scotland now reports that the Bhoys will honestly be looking to recruit two goalkeepers at some point of the upcoming transfer window, with Benjamin Siegrist additionally destined to depart the champions.

Celtic will be sourcing an outright Hart substitute and a back-up to work alongside Scott Bain. The document states that the club plans to sign up an older, less expensive goalie as one of the two arrivals if the scouting group presents such an option.

That would make sense considering whoever turns into range one is probable to play almost all of the club’s video games next season barring injury. Bain, for example, solely made 3 appearances this term and one of them used to be to be substituted on as phase of Hart’s Celtic Park farewell. That function doesn’t require huge resources.

However, the Bhoys have to discover a first-rate choice to step in for Hart, regardless of their profile – even if it expenses a rather penny.

Ideally, his successor will arrive early in the summer, too, giving the new option time to acclimatise with his shielding line.

We understand all too properly how destabilising it can be to deliver in a goalkeeper who can’t reduce it at Celtic – just ask Vasilis Barkas. This is a transfer that the membership can’t have the funds for to get incorrect and should be the most vital bit of business completed all summer.

Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup Final predictions as Football Scotland writers weigh in…

Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement go head to head again

Celtic and Rangers do fighting in the Scottish Cup Final

Celtic and Rangers go head to head one last time in this season’s Scottish Cup Final.

Glasgow’s large two are in motion in this weekend’s showpiece finale at Hampden Park which is to be played in front of a 50/50 fan cut up for the first time this term. Celts lifted the Premiership trophy ultimate weekend with a win over St Mirren as they boasted an eight factor lead over their competitors after the remaining day and Brendan Rodgers will have that success still in his thinking as he appears to go the full season unbeaten on derby day.

Philippe Clement, meanwhile, is sure to prefer to add to the Premier Sports Cup his side received this year already to elevate a home cup double however he’ll have some huge names out lacking through damage and the psychological disadvantage, perhaps, having failed to win this fixture three times.

Football Scotland’s writers have made the audacious try to predict the unpredictable which is the large derby in a cup final…

Ryan McDonald

Rangers have not had a lot to celebrate towards Celtic this season. So it is little marvel the odds are stacked towards them getting their palms on the Scottish Cup.

The guys from Govan face an damage crisis with up to 9 players probably lacking which is in stark contrast to Celtic who have a smooth invoice of fitness heading into the showpiece final.

Taking that into account, it would require something exclusive for Philippe Clement to mastermind a first Old Firm win over derby professional Brendan Rodgers at Hampden – and I just cannot see it happening.

Celts are full of self belief after lifting the Premiership trophy and I assume them to round off their season in style.

Prediction: Celtic 2-0 Rangers

Mark Hendry

Celtic appeared like strolling away with the game when they faced Rangers previously this month. The minute John Lundstram’s own aim hit the lower back of the internet it appeared like it used to be a runaway cricket score incoming. That really did not manifest and even after Cyriel Dessers reducing the deficit was undone by means of Lundstram’s crimson card, the expected scudding didn’t come. That’s why I’m taking a greater pragmatic look at the recreation the next day afternoon and I believe it’ll be closer than I’ve given Gers credit for in the past this season. A cup ultimate is a one-off and there may be a half and half fan break up inner Hampden which will provide the atmosphere a lift.

I agree with Celtic are too exact not to come away with the win and the trophy, in particular considering Brendan Rodgers’ file in the fixture. But Rangers can furnish a scare or two themselves if they’re now not dead and buried within the first few minutes as Philippe Clement rightfully fears, given the Hoops’ quickly starts in this game.

Prediction: Celtic 3-2 Rangers

Blair Meikle

The principal aspect that the derbies have proven us so a long way this season is that Celtic are the better group of the two, that is clear. But what we’ve got additionally viewed is that Rangers are capable of placing on in their to at least make it some kind of a contest.

That’s why I don’t always see it being at ease for the holders which is being mooted in some quarters.

At the equal time, the Hoops are just too excellent for their rivals, mainly now their important guys in midfield are all in shape and firing. It’s been referred to a lot however Gers want to find some kind of answer to combat that location of the park and I’m simply no longer certain such a solution simply exists.

I foresee a Celtic win with masses of goals.

Prediction: Celtic 3-2 Rangers

Star Celtic sold for £13.5m linked with stunning Parkhead transfer return as club hero claims what he’s heard

A Celtic hero has made the claim ahead of cup final weekend.

Frank McAvennie claims that Kristoffer Ajer has been talked up as a Celtic transfer option this summer.

The Brentford defender left Parkhead in the summer of 2021 for a fee of around £13.5m. He has featured 31 times across all competitions for the Bees this season and 69 overall, with injuries hitting parts of his stint in the Premier League.

Ajer is contracted to Brentford for another four seasons with the option of another year, and with his stance as a regular in Thomas Frank’s side right now, a deal would appear unlikely even on a loan basis. But former striker McAvennie claims to have heard talk of an Ajer return.

Liam Scales has been the mainstay in the centre of Celtic’s defence this season. Cameron Carter-Vickers has had injuries this season with Maik Nawrocki, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Stephen Welsh unable to hold down regular places in the XI. McAvennie would welcome an Ajer deal.

He claimed on Football Insider: “They’ve always done it. It’s like when they bought in Van Dijk, Celtic do get these types of players and it’s brilliant. Even Ajer, they’re talking about him coming back from Brentford.

“He’s a big centre-half and he’ll be a better player just by the fact he’s playing in England. They’ll be getting a better player than the one they let go. He’s a big lump of a boy.

“When you go down there, the training and everything is different. I don’t know what Brendan is like but obviously he’s one of the top coaches. I wouldn’t mind him back, we need players to go into Europe.

“Under Martin O’Neill, we brought in players like Sutton and Hartson. Those are the players we need to be signing

Ally McCoist declares Celtic vs Rangers Scottish Cup Final score verdict…

Philippe Clement has yet to get one over Brendan Rodgers in any of his three Old Firm games in charge

Ally McCoist has tipped Rangers to win Saturday’s Old Firm Scottish Cup Final (Image: Getty Images)

Ally McCoist has backed Rangers to win the Scottish Cup Final – IF they rectify their mistakes against Celtic.

Gers lost three and drew one of their four Old Firm league matches as their bitter rivals clinched yet another title. The Ibrox side have given Celtic a two-goal advantage in each of their three games under Philippe Clement, with the Light Blues also being dealt two red cards in their meetings at Parkhead.

McCoist stressed the importance of Rangers keeping their discipline against the champions and not allowing Brendan Rodgers’ side to storm into an early lead. And if his former club can do that, McCoist believes the Scottish Cup trophy could be decked out in blue, white and red ribbons come Saturday night.

He told talkSPORT BET: “Rangers have to start the game well on Saturday. It’s unbelievable how Rangers have started Old Firm games recently on the back foot. The one thing you have to do in an Old Firm game is come flying out of the traps and meet the opposition head on, and Rangers haven’t done that in recent games.

“They’ve been on the back foot. Look at the game at Ibrox in April, Celtic scored in 40 or 50 seconds. It was just unbelievable. Rangers fans were amazed with what they were watching!

“So Rangers have to come out fast, but they also can’t afford to put tackles in like the one John Lundstram put in at Celtic Park earlier this month. I’m not talking about coming out and being aggressive like that, I mean they must show an aggressive attitude and a mental intelligence. You can play aggressively without picking up silly yellow or red cards!

“The one thing Rangers have to do is keep 11 players on the pitch but play with a far more aggressive attitude. If they can do that then they can beat Celtic. I think it could be 2-1 to Rangers.”

Premier League captain noticed training in Celtic kit

Ipswich captain Sam Morsy has been spotted training in a Celtic shirt (Image: PA/Instagram)

It’s not uncommon for footballers to maintain in shape in the off-season. Usually, though, they’re no longer coaching in the package of other teams.

However, one Premier League captain has been spotted carrying a Celtic shirt in warm-weather training.

Sam Morsy – captain of Premier League-bound Ipswich – donned a Celtic kit as he educated in Dubai this week.

The midfielder, 32, was once a key player in the promotion-winning season from the Championship with Ipswich second in the league desk gaining computerized entry to the pinnacle flight.

And notwithstanding the gruelling season in England’s 2d tier, Morsy has jetted out to Dubai to educate with Elite Sports Performance.

The former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder was once pictured in this season’s Celtic’s domestic package as he labored out in the baking solar in Dubai.

Coach Chris Bowman shared a snap of Morsy for the duration of a drill sporting the green-and-white hoops.

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has referred to Celtic would never be so conceited to think the Scottish Cup remaining towards Rangers was a forgone conclusion.

READ MORE: Celtic FC switch information

Tottenham and Celtic settlement over Ange Postecoglou speculated amid Matt O’Riley transfer update

John Wenham is not eager on Tottenham signing Matt O’Riley from Celtic this summer time amid stated interest in the midfielder.

The owner of the official Spurs podcast Lilywhite Rose believes Ange Postecoglou might have had a clause in his Celtic departure which avoided him from signing gamers from his former club closing summer.

It comes after Give Me Sport reported (14 May) that Spurs and West Ham are involved in O’Riley, with Postecoglou eager to seal a reunion with the Denmark international.

And Wenham – talking completely to Tottenham News – has questioned why the Spurs boss didn’t move for any Celtic gamers previously.

“We didn’t see Postecoglou seem to signal any Celtic players remaining summer,” Wenham said.

“Perhaps there was once a clause in his deal when he left Celtic that avoided him from signing gamers from the club.

“That would have probable expired after one year, and perhaps that is why Spurs are now keen on signing O’Riley.

“He’s not a participant that I would have had excessive on my list of targets.”

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Ange Postecoglou ought to assist entice Matt O’Riley to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

O’Riley would likely be greater than eager to work with Postecoglou again.

The two shared plenty of success in Glasgow, and a move to work beneath the Australian in the Premier League would really be enticing.

Ange Postecoglou should reunite with Matt O’Riley at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, with a host of different European golf equipment fascinated (via The Independent, 22 May), Spurs would need to be speedy to beat out the competition in advance of what is set to be a busy summer for the club.

This transfer could possibly consequently come down to how eager Postecoglou is to reunite with O’Riley.

Anthony Ralston’s Celtic future addressed with the aid of Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers is planning on utilising Celtic defender Anthony Ralston more next season after restrained recreation time in the crew this term.

Ralston has performed 18 times for the Bhoys for the duration of 2023/24 but solely eight of those appearances have come as a starter, with Alistair Johnston firmly mounted as Rodgers’ first pick.

Despite that, the right-back has been selected for Steve Clarke’s provisional Euro 2024 squad and is anticipated to be on the airplane to Germany this summer.

Now, Rodgers has cautioned Ralston will grow to be a greater essential player for Celtic shifting forward and that he can expect greater minutes after the summer.

It seems that Celtic won’t be searching to the transfer market for a new right-back all through the upcoming summer season window.

Brendan Rodgers lauds Anthony Ralston’s Celtic preparation

Speaking in a media convention on Thursday, the Celtic boss said [Celtic FC]: “He will feature more for me subsequent season. Part of this season used to be that Ali (Johnston) was once the first choice. Tony came in and played some games. Ali had been out for a whilst so when he got here returned from damage I wanted to get him video games to get him up to speed. That meant that Tony hadn’t played so much.

“But there are a few things with Tony. One, I comprehend he is usually prepared due to the fact if he is not taking part in in games his coaching is the game. So he trains each and every day and his standard, quality, and mentality are like that of a game.

“That’s why I can put him in in opposition to St Mirren in the ultimate sport of the season and he is going for walks up in the ninetieth minute making a cross to rating the triumphing goal. Why? Because he trains himself. He is a exquisite instance of any one who treats his education like it’s a game so that when he comes in he is game-ready.

“I understand Scotland had a couple of injuries, however even with these gamers available, Tony is a amazing choice for them. He has played at the easiest level, he’s performed in large games, he’s performed in Champions League games. He is a winner, he has that mentality and he would never let Scotland down ever.”

Ralston is still simply 25 and last September signed a new long-term contract at the membership till the summer time of 2027, so he has awesome security.

He looks joyful with his squad position and Rodgers will need committed players like that to do a job besides fuss or disappointment about not being the predominant man in his position.

Expect to see lots greater of the Scotland man over the coming 12 months.

Update Report: Rodgers Keen on Defender Reunion at Celtic Park

Celtic are ramping up efforts to impenetrable the services of Ghanaian international Daniel Amartey, in accordance to SunSport.

Brendan Rodgers, who has previous ties with Amartey from their time together at Leicester, is intent on bringing the defender who can also play in midfield to Parkhead.

Although linked with Celtic following Leicester’s drop to the Championship ultimate summer, Amartey as a substitute opted for a cross to Turkish giants Besiktas on a free transfer.

This term, the 29-year-old has clocked up 27 appearances for Besiktas, although his preliminary promise has waned as the season progressed. Reports m indicate that Rodgers is eager to orchestrate a reunion with the 53-time capped international in the upcoming switch window.

Amartey boasts giant Premier League credentials, having spent extra than seven seasons with Leicester, inclusive of taking part in a section in their attractive 2016 league triumph.

He joined from FC Copenhagen in January of that year and used to be also pivotal under Rodgers’ stewardship in clinching Leicester’s inaugural FA Cup in 2021. Amartey’s tally at Leicester reached 145 senior outings, the place he notched three goals.

With Besiktas enduring a lacklustre campaign, located fifth in the Super Lig, their demands for Amartey are anticipated to be modest.

Rodgers, who is focused on Celtic’s 55th title next season, seems eager to bolster his squad after a season the place he’s had to matter on players he wouldn’t have used if not for injury worries and negative recruitment.

Celtic set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in Legends clash

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – SEPTEMBER 13: Michael Carrick of Manchester United battles with Thomas Gravesen of Celtic (L) throughout the UEFA Champions League Group F fit between Manchester United and Celtic at Old Trafford on September 13, 2006 in Manchester, England. (Photo with the aid of Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Celtic will face Manchester United at Old Trafford in a Legends clash. The Scottish Champions will send a team of their former players to Lancashire to face a crew of Red Devils, who will be led by means of Bryan Robson.

In an announcement on Thursday morning, United observed the lead of their competitors Liverpool in internet hosting Celtic for a charity sport aimed at raising dollars for respective charities.

The legends return 👀👑@BryanRobson will lead a United legends XI in opposition to Celtic in September, all in resource of @MU_Foundation — get your tickets now 🔴👇#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 23, 2024

Celtic will face United on seventh September with supporters invited to make the trip to Old Trafford as two iconic golf equipment meet in one of football’s excellent stadiums.

A Celtic Legends group will face Borussia Dortmund at Celtic Park this Sunday, which will be an audition for a wide variety of the gamers in front of former midfielder Paul Lambert, who manages the side. Players like Artur Boruc, Scott Brown, Stephen McManus and Jan Venegoor of Hesselink will play this weekend and additionally played for the Hoops at Old Trafford in the Champions League. The hope is that the membership can pull collectively a decent crew to go to Manchester and provide a desirable game for a accurate cause.

Born just as Celtic had been stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic domestic and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the video games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic amongst the present day Celts and each Lubo and Henrik structure his earliest Celtic memories.

West Ham are set to battle European giants for the signature of Celtic’s star player.

It seems that, as of right now, there are two very distinct possibilities regarding Lucas Paqueta’s future. He could either be cleared of any wrongdoing and complete a move to Manchester City or he could receive a punishment much worse than we saw for Ivan Toney and Tonali.

In either of these scenarios, West Ham need to sign a replacement for him this Summer. However, without knowing his future though, it makes it hard to assess how much money the recruitment team has to work with.

Nonetheless, West Ham are set to battle European giants Atletico Madrid for the signature of Celtic star Matt O’Riley when the window opens, according to Football Insider. The Spanish side reportedly had a bid rejected for him in January, but this hasn’t put them off and they’re said to be determined to secure his signature.

Alongside them, both Brighton and Everton are said to have shown interest, but the Hammers are in a much better position to sign him.

Across all competitions, the Hoops midfielder has scored 19 goals and assisted a further 18 – an absolutely ridiculous amount of goal involvements no matter the level.

With Celtic apparently in a strong financial position, they will be in no rush to sell their star player who still has 3 years left on his contract. You’d expect that it would take an offer of well over £20 million to get them to even think about letting O’Riley go – a risk for someone who has never proved himself in England.

The above referenced news articles do not necessarily reflect what is being reported by ExWHUEmployee on The

Celtic Youth Stars Pen New Deals as Forgotten Man Resurfaces

Celtic has secured the future of two promising defenders, Dane Murray and Lenny Agbaire, each of whom have agreed to new two-year contracts with the club.

Dane Murray, a participant familiar to the Celtic fans, made his memorable debut in UEFA Champions League qualifying against FC Midtjylland in 2021 underneath supervisor Ange Postecoglou.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Second Qualifying Round – Celtic v FC Midtjylland – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – July 20, 2021 Celtic’s Dane Murray with FC Midtjylland’s Erik Sviatchenko after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Since then, he has turn out to be pretty a forgotten man. The 20-year-old’s past few years has been challenged by way of long-term injuries, which sidelined him for the higher phase of the remaining two seasons. Now wholly recovered and returned to full fitness, Murray is eager to reclaim a ordinary spot in the group and fulfil the plausible he confirmed in the course of his time in the Celtic academy.

On the other hand, Lenny Agbaire, at just 19 years old, has had a standout year with Celtic’s B team. After contributing considerably to the Under-18s’ Scottish Youth Cup closing victory in 2023, Agbaire has persisted to impress with his performances at the coronary heart of the defence for the duration of a busy season of competitive fixtures.

🆕 WE ARE PLEASED TO CONFIRM THAT BOTH DANE MURRAY AND LENNY AGBAIRE HAVE SIGNED NEW CONTRACTS WITH THE CLUB ✍️

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DEFENSIVE DUO, WHO HAVE PUT PEN TO PAPER ON NEW TWO-YEAR DEALS 👏

READ MORE ➡️ HTTPS://T.CO/LFGXOSHOEX PIC.TWITTER.COM/XLMBHXISFU

— CELTIC FC B (@CELTICFCB) MAY 22, 2024

Both gamers will be looking to make a leap forward in the coming seasons.

Rangers ‘complete deal’ for new signing as Celtic ‘make enquiry’ for international left-back

The present day transfer hypothesis involving the Old Firm

Rangers are set to complete the signing of Brazilian defender Jefte, according to reports.

The Fluminese left-back, who has spent the season on loan at Cypriot aspect APOEL Nicosia, was once in the beginning focused with the aid of the Ibrox club in January. The deal collapsed, however, after Rangers had been unable to agree compensation with APOEL Nicosia, who had an option to purchase in June, to cancel his loan from his Brazilian mum or dad club.

A verbal pact was once put in place for Rangers to reactivate the choice to sign the player in the course of the summer time switch window and Philippe Clement now seems set to get his man amid reviews Jefte is set to be unveiled as the Glasgow club’s first summer signing.

Celtic have been linked with Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Irakli Azarovi. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted the following replace on X: “Rangers are set to complete deal to sign Brazilian LB Jefte, proven and right here we go! Understand Jefte is on his way to entire the medical tests and signal the contract as new Rangers player. As revealed in January, Scottish side prepared it all for the summer window.”

Left-back is viewed as a precedence function for Rangers this summer season with Borna Barisic expected to go away upon the expiry of his contract and the future of Ridvan Yilmaz still unsure with golf equipment in Turkey eager to take the player returned to his homeland.

Celtic are additionally weighing up left-back targets and have been linked with a pass for Georgian international Irakli Azarovi. The 22-year-old solely signed for Shakhtar Donetsk ultimate summer however is already attracting hobby from across Europe after an fantastic first season at the Ukrainian outfit the place he helped them to a league and cup double.

According to Georgian outlet Geo Team, the Scottish champions are fascinated in Azarovi, alongside with clubs in Serie A and Ligue 1. The defender has gained 18 caps for his country, scoring five times, on the other hand he has missed out on selection for Euro 2024.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is expected to recruit a left-back this summer season with Greg Taylor the solely recognised first-team participant in the function after Alexandro Bernabei signed a long-term loan cross with Brazilian membership Internacional.

Celtic ‘poised’ to sign Champions League stars after ‘£40m’ news – Wyness

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Celtic are “poised” to signal “Champions League calibre” players this summer.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a soccer consultancy advising elite clubs – cautioned the Hoops can put “clear space” between themselves and Rangers through qualifying to the knockout segment subsequent season.

Celtic completed the 2023-24 marketing campaign eight points clear of their Old Firm opponents regardless of a shut title race.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have the opportunity to show their dominance on Saturday (25 May) when they face Philippe Clement’s outfit in the Scottish Cup final.

The Parkhead facet have already won the Scottish League Cup this term.

Celtic can ‘race ahead’ of competitors Rangers, says Wyness

Wyness suggested Rangers will be equipped to “make changes” this summer season – however insisted Celtic can “race ahead” with a right display in the Champions League.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Celtic finished very credibly, they ended the season emphatically.

“I noticed the celebrations in Glasgow after they won the league. They deserved it in the end, notwithstanding having a little falter themselves.

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“There now has to be change.

“We all know that in Scotland – you can’t come second.

“Rangers will be equipped to make changes, however Celtic are poised to signal some actual quality, Champions League calibre players. Brendan Rodgers will be aware of what it takes to be in that category.

“I agree with about £40million was once at stake when Celtic received the league and qualified at once to the Champions League group.

“They’re in a very good function to kick on and if they can crack the league segment next season, then Celtic have bought a large danger to put clear space between them and Rangers.

“They are starting to race ahead already, and they deserve it fully.”

In other news, West Ham geared up move for Celtic celebrity man.

Aston Villa and Celtic interested in highly-rated Ghana star who has been compared to Didier Drogba… with the forward available for around £1.2m

The 17-year-old has starred for Dreams FC in league African Confederations Cup

There has also been interest in team-mates Emmanuel Agyei and Aziz Issah

IAN LADYMAN: The Premier League title race went to the wire, it is not boring compared to other European leagues! – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast

Aston Villa and Celtic are following highly-rated young Ghana striker Aziz Musibau.

The 17-year-old has been starring for Dreams FC in their domestic league and during the African Confederations Cup where they lost in the semi finals to Egyptian side Zamalek.

Such is the teenager’s promise that he has already been compared to former Chelsea striker and Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba owing to his barnstorming running style and powerful shot.

Ghana are also earmarking the U20 international as a player who can spearhead their seniors’ qualifying campaign for the next World Cup.

Dreams FC have a reputation for producing talented youngsters and a number of European sides have been following Musibau’s progress along with his team-mate Emmanuel Agyei, a 19-year-old defensive midfielder

Aston Villa and Celtic are among the clubs monitoring highly-rated Ghana striker Aziz Musibau

Unai Emery’s Villa would have to pay £1.2million to sign the forward.
He could also move to Scotland to join up with Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic

The teenager has been compared to former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba (pictured) due to his barnstorming running style and powerful shot

Celtic legend on ‘huge’ transfer decision, important points ‘perfect model’

Scott Bain, Joe Hart and Benjamin Siegrist

Celtic and Ireland legend Packie Bonner says the enormity of replacing outgoing goalkeeper Joe Hart cannot be understated, describing the decision the membership now faces as “huge”.

Hart will play his last recreation for Celtic in Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final 2024 against Rangers, an occasion that will additionally mark the stop of his expert football profession as a whole.

Brendan Rodgers and his gamers will aim to ship the 37-year-old off with his sixth trophy in three years in Glasgow this weekend. Once the dirt settles, however, the supervisor and his group of workers will almost really seem to be to exchange the Englishman as Celtic’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“I assume getting the proper alternative for Joe in is huge,” Bonner instructed The Celtic Way. “They have two other goalkeepers there. Whether they continue to be round or not is some other question.

“I do not know what that scenario is, whether Siegrist will go or not. Scott Bain has been around, and you could say he’s the ideal range two.

“I suppose the perfect model is that you have a in reality true quantity one, a true backup, and then a young goalkeeper as range three, who’s obtained potential. They would possibly now not be as experienced, but are getting to know from the others and ultimately will come via the system.”

READ MORE: Joe Hart names iconic ‘best atmosphere’ sport at Celtic Park

Celtic have been linked with a wide variety of goalkeepers in latest weeks, however the search will begin in earnest after Saturday’s fifth and last derby showdown of the season.

Bonner added: “Ultimately, though, you want that strong range one, and they need to have all the attributes that make them a number one – high-quality shot-stopping, commanding their area, accurate verbal exchange throughout the backline, suitable with their feet.

“It’s a huge role to fill in any situation, however it is even greater when someone with such a huge presence like Joe Hart is going.”

Look out for The Celtic Way’s interview with Celtic and Ireland legend Packie Bonner in full on Thursday, May 23.

John Hartson’s verdict on why Brendan Rodgers was proper to hearth back at Celtic critics

Celtic are Scottish Premiership champions for the third 12 months going for walks in what has ultimately been a profitable season below Brendan Rodgers.

Nevertheless, when you consider that returning to Parkhead, the Irishman has needed to contend with external criticism and injury issues. His experience hasn’t constantly been the smoothest upon stepping back into the warm seat.

In the end, Celtic finished a at ease eight points in advance of Rangers; however, at one point, they had been 5 points behind, something that put their season in a precarious role despite being eight factors clear formerly on.

His defining phrases of 2023/24 came after the Bhoys saved face late on to declare a 3-1 victory at Motherwell in late February, the place he stated post-match that Celtic would ‘write their personal story’ in the face of narratives he believed were skewed in the direction of the press insinuating the title could be heading elsewhere.

Now, as the membership prepares for the Scottish Cup final this weekend, Rodgers can silence even greater of his doubters by using claiming a domestic double.

John Hartson on Brendan Rodgers firing lower back at critics

Coming lower back to Celtic after leaving the first time spherical was once constantly going to produce criticism of Rodgers; nevertheless, he has fought each step of the way to make certain his return has been successful.

Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, former Hoops striker John Hartson believes Rodgers did take issue with being questioned on quite a few occasions, with his fashion of play one issue that has come underneath focus; however, the Welshman also indicated he has been proper to reply to the doubters.

He explained: “I feel that Brendan was once coming returned into a club that he did very properly at previously, but he left in a way that a lot of the supporters weren’t completely satisfied (about). He couldn’t have expected to come in and change that straight away.

Hartson later delivered on Rodgers’ response to his critics: “I assume it took Brendan a bit of time to combine that into the crew this season (efficient fashion of play), so they lost a few video games early on, and Brendan is no longer immune to criticism.

“I simply felt he wanted to get that out there due to the fact he’s ended up triumphing the title, now not proving humans wrong, however I just feel he’s entitled to say what he thinks. The little bit of stick he got, it in reality acquired to him.”

Brendan Rodgers has delivered below stress for Celtic

Managing Celtic is a pressurised environment the place there isn’t a lot room for faltering at all; however, Rodgers has passed the take a look at in his first season back, securing automatic entry to the new Champions League format.

Come subsequent season, new challenges will current themselves, though that will be put on the back burner for now, with the Scottish Cup remaining nevertheless to play for.

Hopefully, Celtic can bow out of this season with two portions of silverware, which would represent a correct return for the club.

SPFL resolution should have essential future ramifications for Celtic

Celtic should be impacted with the aid of an SPFL resolution set to be introduced forward and voted on via Scottish Premiership clubs.

The Bhoys have completed up for the marketing campaign as league champions, though their work doesn’t quit there, with the Scottish Cup final on the horizon this weekend towards Rangers.

Nevertheless, top-flight clubs will earn a well-earned damage following another gruelling season that has produced plenty of thrills and spills.

Away from the pitch, matters at boardroom degree and beyond are constantly under the microscope, and there is achievable for new legislation to be carried out that may want to have an effect on Celtic in the coming years.

Scottish Premiership clubs set to vote on artificial pitches

Per the SPFL official website, Scottish Premiership clubs have delivered ahead a decision that will are searching for to phase out the utilisation of artificial surfaces in the nations’ pinnacle flight.

The SPFL will now issue the be counted for teams to vote on, and an result will turn out to be obvious in due course. Nine out of 12 votes are required to carry the use of non-grass pitches to an end.

Should the vote pass, there will be a two-year grace period ‘in line with recommendations of the SPFL Competitions Working Group, which represents member golf equipment across the SPFL’, which means they would be forbidden from 2026/27 onwards.

In separate news, the SPFL Board have put plans in vicinity to enhance the present grass pitches in the Premiership via hiring a ‘leading pitch consultancy firm’ to raise requirements league-wide.

Kilmarnock and Livingston have both used artificial surfaces for several years; meanwhile, Raith Rovers have something similar at Starks Park, which Celtic should use subsequent season if they clinch promoting this week.

Either way, 67 Hail Hail will keep fans up to date on the result of the vote, which is certain to influence the Hoops somewhere alongside the line.

With Celtic wrapping up the Scottish Premiership title in style last week, Champions League group-stage football was achieved as well as becoming the Scottish champions.

And as the celebrations will undoubtedly continue right through to the Scottish Cup final weekend, Brendan Rodgers appears to be working hard in the background preparing Celtic for next season.

Every Celtic fan knows there is work needing to be done to improve the squad and with Anthony Joseph‘s latest update on Sky Sports, it seems Rodgers is right on it as Joseph gives an update on potential incomings and outgoings at Parkhead this summer.

Celtic set to make a decision on Stephen Welsh

Joseph gave an extensive update on various Celtic stars in his report. The Sky Sports journalist has said Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate ‘are all being monitored’ by clubs across Europe and in England.

These three players are pivotal to Celtic as we have all seen this season and the fans will hope that the club remain steadfast and reject any and all bids.

Whilst we are all aware of the interest in O’Riley, Joesph claims that West Ham is interested in Carter-Vickers but there have been no concrete bids and the US defender is ‘happy at the club‘.

James McCarthy, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Sead Haksabanovic, Mikey Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi will all be allowed to leave the club this summer if clubs show interest and Joesph says Celtic ‘will make a decision’ on Stephen Welsh‘s future despite the Scottish centre-back signing a new deal in the summer.

When Celtic will decide on Paulo Bernardo

Celtic also have some strengthening to do in the summer and the priority seems to be finding a replacement for Joe Hart.

We discussed earlier this month how Celtic were reportedly interested in Aston Villa ‘keeper, Viljami Sinisalo. It seems Celtic are continuing to monitor his situation after the 22-year-old made 50 appearances out on loan at Exeter City.

It’s not the first time Celtic have had an interest in Sinisalo as Ange Postecoglou also eyed the keeper back in 2021.

As for Adam Idah, the on-loan Norwich striker has had a great season at the club but is also being monitored by clubs from Italy and the English Championship.

Paulo Bernardo‘s loan spell is also set to end this summer and Joseph claims Celtic will decide in June whether or not to take up his loan-to-buy option but that will depend on whether or not O’Riley leaves Celtic.

So there is a lot going on at the club and one thing is for sure, the Celtic fans can expect a busy summer as Rodgers gets to work preparing the club for the season ahead.

News update: Celtics may overtake Rangers to win title if points deduction threats is Justified

BREAKING NEWS: Celtics may overtake Rangers to win title if points deduction threats is Justified – Considering yesterday’s win

The Celtics might defeat Rangers to win the championship and become like Everton if the risk of a points deduction is legitimate.

Dan Plumley emphasized that Rangers had to issue a statement following an earlier meeting with the SFA.

Fans are cautioned about pyrotechnics.

Celtics may overtake Rangers to win title if points deduction threats is Justified

Following their meeting with the Scottish Football Association and Police Scotland, the Ibrox club confirmed in an official

declaration on December 3 suggesting that penalties might be applied.

The finance expert stated that early fines would most likely have a negative financial effect on the club and that additional infractions would result in a

deduction of points.

He said just to Ibrox News, “That statement needs to be released.”

The club will be impacted financially first and foremost.Pitch invasions have resulted in penalties in the English game.

Numerous fines have been applied historically for disruptive fan behavior.

As a result, the club must communicate with the authorities in a clear and concise manner.

You could perhaps lose points if this continued, but at the very least, you would undoubtedly expect fines.

It has been argued how to best prevent this kind of behavior.

Ultimately, the point deduction causes more harm to the supporters than the money.

I won’t say that it will proceed that far, but if it does, additional fines and penalties will apply.

“The club should release that statement to the public, or at the very least,

The outcome will be financial loss for the club, but if it continues, you don’t want to incur a larger risk in the future.

Plumley has suggested that Rangers may argue they were passed over for a contract that was signed for at least £900 million.

Sydney van Hooijdonk reveals Celtic transfer truth as Hoops ‘fan’ takes brutal swipe at Scottish Premiership standard

The Hoops had been linked with the striker before he moved to Norwich City with Adam Idah arriving from the Canaries

Sydney van Hooijdonk in action for Norwich City

Sydney van Hooijdonk has revealed the “TRUTH” over his Celtic links as he hammered the standard of Scottish football.

Brendan Rodgers was linked with a move for the striker as he hunted to add to his firepower. But the Norwich City loanee has admitted NO talks took place with the Scottish champions this winter but claimed there was contact last summer. His arrival at the Canaries allowed for Adam Idah to move north of the border and he has hit the ground running and played a major role in the comeback win over Motherwell with two strikes before adding a further goal to his tally in the thumping win over Dundee on Wednesday night.

Van Hooijdonk – son of former Celtic star Pierre – has admitted to being a Hoops fan despite his views on the Scottish game. Speaking to Pink Un, he said: “To be honest, I didn’t speak with Celtic this winter.

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“You see a lot of things, but this winter, I didn’t speak with them. Yes, last summer, there was a bit. It is a lovely club, and I am a fan of them as well, but the Championship and a team that is fighting for the play-offs was really nice. This league is at a higher level than that league, so I’m really happy to be here.”

Kanji Okunuki – Celtic target’s career in numbers

Adam Idah accused of unseen Celtic ‘punch’ as flashpoint sparks unanimous red card verdict on club TV

The striker has impressed since making the loan move to the Premiership from Norwich City.

CELTIC 7 DUNDEE 1 – BEST OF THE ACTION FROM PARKHEAD

Simon Donnelly feared Adam Idah had thrown a “punch” during a heated exchange as Celtic annihilated Dundee.

It was a Scottish Premiership stroll for the champions as they battered Tony Docherty’s 10-man side at Celtic Park – with Brendan Rodgers’ men taking a whopping 6-0 lead into the break at Parkhead. But despite Idah, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and Greg Taylor giving Celtic a five-goal advantage fans were sweating after the Ireland cap was involved in a tussle with Ricki Lamie.

Idah was flagged offside and appeared to be pushed over by the Dundee defender as he trudged back up the pitch. The striker then reacted angrily and shoved Lamie to the ground – which saw referee Matthew MacDermid reach for the yellow card with VAR refusing to intervene in the flashpoint – while Lamie avoided going into the book for his part in the incident.

Adam Idah of Celtic receives a yellow card (Image: Getty Images)

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On Celtic TV, Peter Grant was concerned it could have been much worse for the Norwich City loanee – and was joined by Donnelly in considering the star lucky to avoid a red card. He said: “I think he is onside. He has got a wee bit of frustration there.

“I know Lamie can’t do what he does but Adam definitely can’t do that. I am glad it’s only a booked because nowadays they say you lift your hands and you’re at risk.”

And onnelly admitted he was concerned that the frontman could be shown a red card with the clash against Hearts just around the corner. The former Celtic star added: “We weren’t sure if he had thrown a punch. He has pushed him.

“You see the experienced players going over and having a word. I think I saw Joe Hart go over. He just needs to calm himself down because he is a boy on form. He popped up at a crucial time. He has been a real find and has scored important goals for Celtic. So nothing silly second half.”

156-touch Celtic star totally ran the show vs Dundee

The Hoops dynamo caught the eye with a fantastic performance down the flank.

Celtic remain two points behind their closest rivals in the Scottish Premiership title race after an emphatic 7-1 win over Dundee on Wednesday night.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side were incredibly ruthless at Parkhead as they took a 5-0 lead inside 36 minutes and ended the match with seven goals from ten shots on target, as Trevor Carson endured a night to forget between the sticks.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Adam Idah, Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda, Greg Taylor, Connor McGregor, and Daniel Kelly all got their names on the scoresheet on the night.

Matt O’Riley was one of the stars of the game as the Danish magician showcased his immense attacking quality. However, he was not the only supremely impressive performer as right-back Alistair Johnston ran the show from his full-back position.

Matt O’Riley’s statistics against Dundee

The former Fulham prospect was an influential figure in the middle of the park for the Hoops as his creative quality was on display at Parkhead.

O’Riley assisted the first with an excellent cross from a free-kick to the back post for Carter-Vickers to nod the ball past the goalkeeper from close range.

The Denmark international then scored a header of his own before registering a second assist with a pass to Maeda in the box, who turned brilliantly to fire the ball into the far corner.

Matt O’Riley

Vs Dundee

Sofascore rating

9.3

Pass success rate

93%

Touches

113

Key passes

Two

Duels won

Two

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, O’Riley was a constant presence in possession with the second-most touches of any players on the pitch.

He made a huge impact in the final third and remained composed enough on the ball to rarely give it away with his attempted passes throughout the game.

The statistics that show Alistair Johnston ran the show

Johnston starred for Celtic alongside O’Riley with a phenomenal display at right-back. The Canada international ran the show in possession with more touches (156) than any other player on the park.

With those touches, the right-footed dynamo created more chances (three) than O’Riley and created as many ‘big chances’ (one) as the impressive midfielder.

He completed more passes (118) than any other player on the pitch had touches, with a success rate of 94%, and this highlights how much of an outlet the talented gem provided the team down the right flank.

Johnston was always available for a pass and helped Celtic to control, dominate, and put the game to bed during the first half with a clinical display.

The 25-year-old whiz, who was almost faultless defensive with a duel success rate of 89% (8/9), also picked up an assist for his attacking efforts.

Just like against Motherwell on Sunday, Johnston was released down the right flank and provided a perfect cross for Idah to find the back of the net, although this time with his head rather than his left foot.

It was a fantastic all-round performance from the right-back, who also completed three of his four attempted dribbles, as he was effective and impressive with his work in and out of possession throughout the game, which is why he ran the show alongside O’Riley.

In a devastating first half by Celtic, Brendan Rodgers’ side stormed to a 6-0 lead against Dundee in Paradise.

It really was the performance of champions as Celtic answered their critics in devastating fashion at Parkhead.

Six goals from six different players just prove how brilliant Celtic were as the whole team put in a superb shift.

Hands down, it was the performance of the season and the Celtic fans certainly showed their appreciation after the referee blew for half-time.

BBC touchline reporter, Jane Lewis, was left in awe at the show of appreciation from the Celtic fans the players got as they headed down the Parkhead tunnel.

Lewis said [BBC], “What a 45 minutes that was for Celtic… They were absolutely up for it from the outset.

“Every time they burst forward they looked full of danger. The home fans are loving it, literally singing in the rain.

“Dundee were unlucky with their goal being ruled offside as Curtis Main did well, but with another half to go, Dundee are well and truly down and out.

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“Brilliant stuff from the champions. Celtic Park is bouncing and little wonder.”

The Celtic fans have let the team know in no uncertain terms over the last two games that what they have been watching has simply not been good enough.

After a shockingly poor performance against Kilmarnock, the fans booed the team after dropping more points in the title race.

Against Motherwell, the Celtic fans were also unhappy at the decision to take off Tomoki Iwata as Brendan Rodgers sent on Paulo Bernardo in search of a winner at Fir Park.

But last night, the fans were unanimous in their appraisal of a first half that was befitting of the Parkhead turf. And it was recognised by the Celtic boss post-match.

Celtic were simply sensational and they proved that if they give the fans reason to, they will also show their appreciation and more, to their heroes when things are going well on the park.

Rodgers was giving a BBC radio interview after Celtic’s 3-1 win at Motherwell  

After refusing to elaborate on a comment, he told Jane Lewis ‘good girl’  

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Eamonn Holmes has defended Brendan Rodgers after the Celtic boss was blasted for ‘casual sexism’ for calling BBC reporter Jane Lewis a ‘good girl’ during a stormy post-match interview.

Rodgers, 51, was accused of being a ‘dinosaur’ by women’s groups after the remark to Jane Lewis, 53, following Celtic’s win at Motherwell on Sunday.

The Celtic boss has so far resisted calls to apologise to Lewis after their exchange was broadcast on the Sportsound radio programme. The BBC have also remained silent on the matter.

But rushing to Rodgers’ defence, Holmes insisted he was merely using a common Northern Irish turn of phrase.

‘He meant good girl,’ he told GB News. ‘Brendan Rodgers is from Carnock in Northern Ireland. We say ”good girl” all the time. We are admonished for it all the time because it’s not contemporary.

‘I can honestly tell you that Northern Irish people will say ”good girl, good boy, good lad”.’

Eamonn Holmes insisted on GB News that Brendan Rodgers was merely using a common Northern Irish turn of phrase

Rodgers was accused of ‘casual sexism’ after saying ‘good girl’ to BBC reporter Jane Lewis at the end of a terse radio interview following his team’s win at Motherwell

Lewis had asked Rodgers to elaborate on a cryptic comment made about the title race, only for the Celtic boss to cut short the interview, telling her ‘good girl’ as he walked away

Experienced broadcaster Lewis pictured with Partick Thistle’s unusual mascot Kingsley. She is said to be ‘unfazed’ by Celtic manager’s comment

Lewis has covered Scottish club and international football for several years, as well as events such as the Olympics and the Commonwealth Game

Was Brendan Rodgers’ ‘good girl’ comment sexist?

Yes

No

A source close to Lewis has told MailOnline that the experienced broadcaster is ‘not fazed at all’ by the ‘good girl’ comment but was frustrated Rodgers chose to cut short her interview despite a reasonable line of questioning.

Lewis had asked Rodgers to explain himself after he told her that, in terms of the Scottish Premiership title race, ‘the story has already been written about this group, but we will write our own story’.

Lewis had asked Rodgers to explain himself after he told her that, in terms of the Scottish Premiership title race, ‘the story has already been written about this group, but we will write our own story’.

Lewis again pressed Rodgers to explain, but he appeared to wind up the interview and said: ‘Done, good girl, well done.’

However, a spokeswoman from the Scottish Feminist Network said: ‘Jane Lewis was just doing her job, trying to extract an explanation from Brendan Rodgers on his cryptic comment.

‘That the go-to attitude was condescension is quite illuminating, but really very depressing in 2024. We thought dinosaurs were extinct.’

Campaigners at For Women Scotland called on Rodgers to apologise.

A spokeswoman said: ‘It’s depressing that casual sexism is still embedded in sport. Women’s achievements are underrated and dismissed, and their professional status undermined. Rodgers owes the reporter an apology.’

Celtic got back to winning ways after battling back to beat Motherwell in the Premiership

Meanwhile, former Hibs player Tam McManus described Rodgers’ comments as ‘utterly embarrassing’ on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Celtic chose not to comment when they were contacted by Mail Sport on Sunday night.

Legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling was left aghast at the Celtic manager’s ‘good girl’ remark.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: ‘Good girl, good girl? Goodness me, Brendan. What does he mean?’

Rodgers is under pressure amid a tight title race with arch-rivals Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers beat Hearts 5-0 on Saturday to move five points clear of Celtic at the top but their late goals at Motherwell cut the gap back to two points.

Experienced broadcaster Lewis, who has previously worked for Sky News, Sky Sports, Eurosport and STV’s Scotland Today programme, was targeted by social media trolls after Sunday’s exchange.

Lewis has covered major sporting events such as the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and the Commonwealth Games when staged in Glasgow and on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Legendary broadcaster Jeff Stelling questioned Rodgers’ remarks on his talkSPORT show

There was plenty of backing for Lewis on social media following Rodgers’ comment

She reports on European and World Cup qualifiers with the Scotland national football team as well as covering Scottish domestic football and European games involving its clubs.

She responded to one post – since deleted – by saying: ‘This is just NOT true!!!’

One Celtic account accused her of being a Motherwell fan who ‘went to pieces’ after Celtic won late on, while another alleged Lewis had a ‘long running agenda with Celtic.’

Many others on social media supported Lewis. One post wrote: ‘It’s just patronising saying ‘good girl’. Saying good man is totally different. If he said ‘good boy’ after this interview, then it would be equally as patronising in my opinion.’

Another said: ‘Get a grip. Treating a female commentator in that way is unacceptable. Nobody is asking for a points deduction, but an apology might be nice. Perhaps less sexist abuse too, which seems all that people like you are capable of.’

Lewis previously defended herself against criticism from Celtic supporters. In December 2021, she was presenting Sportsound on BBC Radio Scotland when Celtic won in the 97th-minute away at Ross County.

It sparked a mass pitch invasion by Celtic fans, with those on social media of the opinion Lewis was upset at the crucial late winner and the reaction.

Fans on social media said Rodgers’ treatment of Lewis was ‘unacceptable’

Lewis tweeted at the time: ‘I am slightly baffled that some seem to get more joy out of my ‘apparent hurt’ than their team winning a football match.

‘Just for the record, I’m not ‘rattled’, ‘hurting’, ‘bitter’ or ‘deflated’…’

Celtic’s man of the moment, Adam Idah, has opened up on what it’s really like to play for the club and it’s fair to say it has been a shock to his system.

The Republic of Ireland international is a hero in the eyes of the fans after scoring two goals against Hibs earlier this season and another double today in the 3-1 win over Motherwell.

However, it was when the team drew against Aberdeen that Idah got the biggest shock to his system and realised just how massive it is to play for a club like Celtic.

Idah said [The Herald], “It is intense in Glasgow. It is such a big club that the demand for winning games is there every single week.

“I am not used to that. There is obviously a big difference between Norwich and here.

“In my first game we played Aberdeen away and when we drew, I thought to myself, ‘OK, that is a decent result’. It definitely wasn’t!

“The demand is what it should be because Celtic is such a big club. The more I’m around the place and the city it’s all football here, which I am loving.

“It’s not like that in England where you can get a draw here and there.

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“That’s the big difference for me, which is understandable. It’s a learning curve.

“To have that mentality of needing to win is great and the lads who have been here a while know the score.”

Adam Idah is winning over the Celtic fans

I don’t think it’s too outlandish to say that the jury was still out on the on-loan Norwich man despite his penalty heroics against Hibs.

Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

He hadn’t scored in two games prior to today and after missing a sitter in the draw against Kilmarnock yesterday, Idah still had a lot to do to win over the Hoops fans.

I think it’s fair to say that he has done that with today’s performance at Fir Park and if Idah didn’t realise just how important it is to play for Celtic and the demands of the club before today, he really does now.

Next up for Idah is a trip to Tynecastle next Sunday in a game that he is sure to start. And as every Celtic fan knows, a game against Hearts can be a fiery affair and it is one that Idah is certain to relish.

Marco Tilio wondergoal has Celtic fans united as Melbourne City boss tells Brendan Rodgers how to unlock loanee

 

The Australian winger managed just 27 minutes of football before returning to the A-League.

Celtic loanee Marco Tilio has kickstarted his career away from Parkhead as he netted a crucial goal for Melbourne City to secure a draw with Sydney FC.

The seven-time Australia cap returned to City on loan after a less than impressive stint with the Scottish Premiership after joining the Hoops last June for £1.5 million. He made just two appearance for Celtic before being sent back to the A-League – and following his return he would insist that an injury sustained before signing his five-year deal had hindered his chances of impressing Brendan Rodgers.

And he has taken his chance away from Celtic Park as he netted first goal at senior level in nearly 10 months at the Allianz Stadium. The strike showed why Celtic were keen to land the 22-year-old in the first place as the winger latched onto a clearance from City goalkeeper Jamie Young.

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Tilio then rounded two defenders with a burst of pace before he buried the ball past goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne. The Paramount commentary team were sent into a frenzy by the stunning strike declaring: “Marco Tilio, welcome back to the A-League. Tilio returns from Scotland with a goal.”

The goal left Celtic fans scratching their heads over why the winger was not given a chance at Parkhead – as he racked up just 27 minutes over his two cameo appearances. One Hoops supporter on X quizzed: “Wait, you’re saying we had a winger with an actual end product?”

Another noted a similar feeling over Mikey Johnston’s form for West Brom: “We have 2 wingers we’ve papped out on loan beating defenders and scoring goals.” One chimed in: “Would loved to have seen him get a chance with us.”

One punter added to the demands for game time: “Scoring goals because he’s on the pitch playing. Won’t score many at Celtic sitting in the stands.”

And following the full-time whistle Melbourne City boss Aurelio Vidmar sang the praise of Tilio – as well as offering Brendan Rodgers a clue on how to unlock the potential of the forward. He said: “It’s a great goal. Marco’s first touch sets it all up. Incredible. He hasn’t played for six months give or take. He just needs match rhythm.

“He got 70 minutes last week and we thought at the beginning of the game he would get another 70 minutes, but he looked like he was still going and making runs. Sometimes when you have not played for five or six months it takes you five or six games to find a rhythm”

Speculation on Dermot Desmond’s Celtic intentions

The Celtic PLC Board will be backslapping over financial results, but for the most Celtic supporters it feels like a slap in the face…

Peter Lawwell, Brendan Rodgers and Michael Nicholson (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic yesterday announced their eagerly awaited half-yearly financials and it came as no surprise to learn that the club is sitting on a massive pile of cash, which will thrill and delight that curious group of Celtic supporters, the Balance Sheet Bhoys, who will be lapping up the numbers on their spreadsheet and drooling over just how clever Peter and his boys really are.

This week we’ve found ourselves in the position where we are looking for a new goalkeeper after the classy Joe Hart announced his decision to hang up his gloves at the end of this season. I’m surprised that the Balance Sheet Blogger hasn’t quickly suggested sticking his best pal Pistol Pete in the team to replace Hart. Well, he certainly knows how to save! On second thoughts the wages and bonuses would too much even for our remuneration friendly PLC.

David Watson of Kilmarnock scores with a header to tie the score 1-1. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, , Celtic Park,  17 February 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Celtic’s revenue increased by 11% to £85.2 million. Profit trading was £32.0 million, and a profit before taxation of £30.3 million. You don’t need to be a financial expert to know that is a healthy figure in this current landscape.

That is good news for those in charge who no doubt amidst some back slapping opened the bubbly and raised a glass to toast yet another healthy bonus heading their way. That’s how it works, right?

But it was ever so touching to read that they were as disappointed as the supporters when they failed to add the required quality to the squad in the January transfer window, after Project Shambles last summer. Yes, it isn’t just about this window, it’s about the one before that, and the one before that too! In my view they’ve taken their eye off the ball and neglected their duties regarding squad improvements for quite some time.

Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell and Chief Executive Michael Nicholson in the directors box. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Cinch Scottish Premiership, 17 February 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

They really do take us for fools if they think we are going to fall for this nonsense. They must think we are as gullible as our rival supporters across the city, we are anything but.

By announcing these massive financial numbers it certainly clarifies the position as we watch a Celtic team showing the quality you’d expect if we were skint and couldn’t afford anything better.

That’s where we started on this PLC lark back in the 1990s and the deal was always the supporters back the PLC and they deliver the team on the park. It now looks like one side of that bargain is being taken for mugs by the other. Our team isn’t strong enough and we lack the required quality and depth which is evident in our performances and current league position.

Celtic supporters make their thoughts clear up at Pittodrie ahead of the first match after the January transfer window closed.

The incoming manager Brendan Rodgers accepted what he was given last summer, after they explained to him how clever they were with this project signing strategy then when he saw what he had to work with he very respectfully made it clear that he was short of four quality signings. Yet they delivered none in January as we watched a ten points swing in the title race where we could be five points behind at kick-off time tomorrow.

The way this Board are lording it up while trying to sympathise and connect with the supporters is a kick in the teeth to each and everyone one of us who have put our hard earned money into the club.

They are the ones reaping the rewards while we get excuses in return, delivered alongside those incredible financial result, numbers actually driven by the outstanding financial support given to the club by the Celtic support. In return get to watch an underwhelming, underperforming side on the pitch, a team devoid of quality and no real hope of improving while they get to enjoy their big fat bonuses.

Aberdeen v Celtic,  Celtic fans pack out the away section on 3 February 2024. Photo Stephen Dobsonx PSI

Was there a note in those figures explaining that not a single penny will be paid in bonuses or dividends this season as a result of the failings to deliver in the key aspect of the club, the team on the park?  If not, there should have been.

And there’s nothing on the situation in the women’s game were for every pound Celtic spend on the team theRangers are apparently spending three and they are now eyeing a Double Treble in one season, where we’ll be back to world records and all that stuff and the board’s pals in the mainstream media will be lapping it all up. How many pages do you think the Daily Record’s Special pull-out supplement will be? 16? 24, 32?

Dermot Desmond is seen prior to the Celtic vs St Mirren Cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on May 20, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

It can’t be allowed to continue, we need to push for change and we need to hear from Dermot Desmond.

Talking of Celtic PLC’s biggest shareholder, yesterday after the Interim Results were released, Roger Mitchell posted this on his X account:

“For some reason I get to hear stuff about Scottish football, even here. I was told by two different sources that Dermot Desmond is going to have a total clear-out of the Board and Csuite. He’s had enough they said. I have no idea if this is true but I hope it is. We all love this club.”

Roger Mitchell

The former SPL Chief Executive added: “The board has been in place for 23 years and that is just bad corporate governance. Especially in a sector that is changing so much. Some of the CSuite are frankly less than mediocre. The business of football is markedly different than it was in 2002. The model, fans, comms. The club needs a radical injection of new thinking and energy.”

Then this: “It has major weaknesses in needs to draw a line under. The waft of nepotism…the legal and brand concerns over the Boys Club’…the idea that the club has no ambition beyond beating rangers as cheaply as possible, without killing them.”

The good news is this. It’s got money. Give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s…It’s got a diaspora of management talent all over the world who’d join the board likely for free…it’s got a backstory of glory no one can match. This can be fixed. Easily. If there is will.”

And finally: “Football is entering the End Game. Who knows its future? UEFA and the UCL look tired. There will be environment change. The club needs to be ready and tooled up. The big game and prize is not Scotland. I shall watch with interest.”

Mitchell was asked What is Csuite? He explained: “Ceo CFO CRO director of football. CTO. The senior exec team.”

For some reason I get to hear stuff about Scottish football, even here.

I was told by 2 different sources that DD is going to have a total clear-out of the Board and Csuite. He’s had enough they said.

I have no idea if this is true but I hope it is. We all love this club. https://t.co/zRrBQTJ16m

— Roger Paul Mitchell (@RPMComo) February 23, 2024

Make of that what you will. We know that the Celtic support is not happy at the failing in the January transfer window. It’s hard to believe that the manager is happy about it either. The Board’s Chairman yesterday said that they were frustrated and disappointed. What if Roger Mitchell is right and we have a situation where Dermot Desmond is all of those things, angry , disappointed and frustrated? Maybe he will decide to take action?

Or will we say he failed?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

JOSEPH MOURINHO TO CELTIC THEORY GIVEN ANOTHER AIRING BUT ALAN BRAZIL CAN NOT SEE FUNNY SIDE AMID HOOPS PLIGHT

Brazil kept his game face on when asked about Celtic…at least until the topic of Ally McCoist giving him pelters came up.

Alan Brazil says he’d love to see Jose Mourinho add some box office appeal to Celtic – but back in the real world, he has a big question for Brendan Rodgers and his flops.

The recent Parkhead plight has been a source of frustration for Hoops-daft radio host Brazil and Thursday morning was no different as he looked ahead to this weekend’s clash with Motherwell.

Depending on Rangers’ result against Hearts on Saturday, there could be a five-point gap between the Glasgow giants before a ball is kicked at Fir Park, and it already looks like a must-win for Rodgers who is coming under serious scrutiny.

The subject of Celtic was light-heartedly brought up on talkSPORT breakfast by co-host Shebahn Ahern, who once again floated the idea of Mourinho replacing Rodgers at Parkhead. But the vacant Bayern Munich job might be more likely for Mourinho – as Brazil kept his focus on the here and now at Celtic Park.

He said: “I would like Mourinho at Celtic…I thought you were going to say he was going to Bayern there! Look, I don’t know what’s happening at Celtic at the moment. Clearly there’s a problem, I might be wrong but I heard there was a problem with the pitch, and Rodgers wanted money for players but didn’t get it.

“These are things I’ve been told that might not be 100 per cent true. What I do know is, look at the results, there’s something not right….”

It was then put to Brazil by co-host Ahern, who initially floated the Mourinho theory on Wednesday night, that they are missing Ange Postecoglou – and added the caveat that injuries haven’t helped. Before getting to that, though, Brazil was more concerned with the ‘pelters’ he’s been getting from one of his pals on the other side of the Glasgow divide…

THE BEST CELTICS STAR PLAYER BEEN CRITICIZED, ALL THROUGH THE SEASON. SAYS BY PETER GRANT

SINCE THIS SEASON: PETER GRANT SAYS IT’S VERY STRANGE THAT 25-YEAR-OLD CELTIC PLAYER IS BEING HEAVILY CRITICISED

Assange’s wife tears into ‘dangerous’ Mike Pompeo over plan to kill WikiLeaks founder, slams UK for siding with US

Stella blasted the UK government for supporting the United States, claiming it would be a “very high-risk moment” for Assange if Britain favours Washington.

Assange’s wife tears into ‘dangerous’ Mike Pompeo over plan to kill WikiLeaks founder, slams UK for siding with US

Days after interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tucker Carlson spoke to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s wife Stella after conclusion of a two-day of crucial hearing on his extradition.

Tucker Carlson speaks to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange’s wife Stella after conclusion of a two-day of crucial hearing on his extradition.(X@TuckerCarlson)

During her appearance on Carlson‘s show Uncensored on X, Stella blasted the UK government for supporting the United States, claiming it would be a “very high-risk moment” for Assange if Britain favours Washington.

Hindustan Times – your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Well, look, we’ve just been in court for two days, and this decision could be the final one. We didn’t know when we were coming into it yesterday whether we would have a decision today, and if the UK decides in favor of the US, then it will put Julien on a plane to the US,” she said.

Notably, Assange has spent nearly five years imprisoned in London’s highly secure Belmarsh Prison. According to sources, after WikiLeaks released Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) hacking tools, then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo discussed with officials the possibility of assassinating Assange under Donald Trump’s administration. He spent a considerable amount of time detained at the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Also Read: Timeline of Julian Assange’s court appearances as he makes final bid to avoid US extradition

Stella talks about Mike Pompeo and the murder plot

When Carlson asked her about Pompeo “attempting to murder” her husband, Stella, who is a lawyer and human rights defender, called CIA a “rogue organisation”.

“They are trained to assassinate; they are trained to fabricate information and place it in the media, conduct propaganda warfare, and overthrow governments,” she said.

Assange’s wife chastised Pompeo as “dangerous individual within the CIA”. “And you know, Mike Pompeo’s ability to move around Washington without consequence, I don’t think is because of his attractiveness to the Washington circles, but because there he’s seen as a dangerous person.”

“We know the story about Julian and the murder plot because people within his organization said that he had lost the plot, that he had become obsessed with Julian, that he wanted to kill Julian, and that he was discussing it with the White House,” she added.

Stella blasts UK govt for acting as ‘lap dog’ to the US

Assange‘s wife argues that there will be no more opportunities for an appeal should they lose the current legal battle in the UK. “He can try to go to the European Court of Human Rights, but last year, only one application to the European Court of Human Rights to stop an extradition or deportation was granted,” she stated. Notably, in 2023, 63 applications pertaining to extradition were submitted to the European Court of Human Rights.

Slamming the UK government for acting as a “lap dog” to the US, Stella told Carlson that the European Court of Human Rights “should stop an extradition if the UK finds against him, but it’s not a given”.

“Julian could be on US soil within a matter of weeks,” she continued.

Carlson stated at the start of the conversation that he had just been to the jail where Assange is being held. When the American Conservative speaker questioned Assange about whether he regretted disclosing classified information that belonged to prominent politicians like Hilary Clinton, the founder of WikiLeaks allegedly said, “it was fun.”

Assange won’t know until at least next month if he can fight extradition to the United States on allegations of spying or if his protracted court battle in Britain has come to an end.

Following a two-day hearing in which Assange’s attorneys contended that extraditing him to the USwould result in a “flagrant denial of justice,” two High Court justices announced on Wednesday that they would take some time to examine their decision.

‘Forever downsizing’ ‘manipulating their fans’ ‘What an utter waste’ Celtic PR stunt backfires spectacularly

In times of trouble getting some good news out there to take attention away from the real issues is very worthwhile, it buys time and fools a decent number of people.

During season 20/21 Celtic’s social media team would have been as well going on furlough, with negativity hanging over everything they reverted to wishing obscure former players a Happy Birthday as fans waited for news of change.

The comparisons have been obvious in recent weeks, yesterday the club dug out a feature on the new training complex at Barrowfield with world class and state-of-the-art being used in a similar fashion to the unveiling of Murray Park a generation ago.

Celtic’s Academy and B team will soon have incredible facilities for preparing to face Cumbernauld Colts and Caledonian Braves- along the M8 on Airdrie’s plastic pitch.

Wednesday’s announcement was greeted with no acclaim or fanfare from supporters wise to the tactics of the club.

They know that the club is holding back on the Interim Accounts to 31 December 2023 which will reveal a bank balance of around £100m while the team collapses on the pitch, gift wrapping the SPFL title across the city.In the final week of the transfer window with expectations high for improvements the club revealed that Cameron Carter-Vickers had signed a new contract- a clear signal that there would be very little business completed before the transfer window closed.

Two days after he was pictured in Glasgow the club waited until 10.30pm on Deadline Day to announce the loan signing of Adam Idah. The reaction was almost entirely hostile- the player was excused with the fans hostility all aimed at the Chairman, CEO, Board of Directors and the former CFG Head of Information and Content.

Two days after he was pictured in Glasgow the club waited until 10.30pm on Deadline Day to announce the loan signing of Adam Idah. The reaction was almost entirely hostile- the player was excused with the fans hostility all aimed at the Chairman, CEO, Board of Directors and the former CFG Head of Information and Content.

Australians lobby as Assange awaits extradition ruling

Julian Assange’s wife Stella and Australian Independent MP Andrew Wilkie outside court in London.

Supporters of Julian Assange have gathered in Sydney and London as the WikiLeaks founder awaits a decision on his extradition to the United States.

Trust: “Pundit” has confirmed star player low performance in Celtics …

The true cause of Matt O’Riley’s poor performance at Celtic, pundit said his in picture of it,

“He suffers”: Pundit said he is aware of the true cause of Matt O’Riley’s poor performance at Celtic

The form of the Celtic group is some thing that has bothered the fans for a range of months now.

Gone is the fast, free-flowing football that we cherished under Ange Postecoglou and it has been changed with a tons slower tempo and patient build-up by Brendan Rodgers.

Obviously, the damage troubles Rodgers has had to deal with haven’t helped however overall, the supporters are less than impressed with what they have been staring at from their group recently.

The most urgent trouble for the followers is the alarming drop-off of Kyogo Furuhashi. Clearly struggling for goals, Rodgers modified his procedures to accommodate the Japanese striker by playing Adam Idah as a goal man for Kyogo to work off of.

And it has worked. Two dreams in his last two games mean that Kyogo should be about to recapture his exceptional shape but, it seems, that this has been to the detriment of Matt O’Riley. That’s in accordance to pundit, Gordon Dalziel.

Dalziel stated Dalziel stated [Superscoreboard], “When he bought modified into that wide variety 10 position he scored two goals. I’ve stated from day one that Kyogo, for me is an out-and-out striker.

“Brendan Rodgers, at St Mirren, had to alternate information. It wasn’t in reality working and he was once coming in for criticism with his wingers.

“So he determined to go with the two strikers. He received the sport and they played quite well and all and sundry was pretty happy.

“What I idea used to be the difference for me is, Matt O’Riley was in the form of his life. And each and every time I assume Kyogo gets played on that 10, he suffers from it.

“I don’t assume he can make the identical runs, I don’t suppose his timing is right and the whole lot about it short. He sacrifices a little bit of his game.

“But if I was taking part in my strongest side, I would play Kyogo through the middle all day because I suppose he’s such a brilliant participant on the shoulder of defenders and motives so many problems.”

Matt O’Riley’s Celtic form

Out of all the players off form, Matt O’Riley is one that should challenge the Celtic supporters. The 23-year-old has been one of the team’s most terrific gamers over the past two seasons and it did seem like he had kicked on under Rodgers.

But over the direction of the last few games, he has mostly been anonymous. And his goals and assists in the league have dropped off massively.

In fact, you have to go as a long way again as the commencing of January when O’Riley ultimate contributed with a purpose and help in the 3-0 win over St Mirren but considering the fact that then he has mostly been disappointing. [Transfermarkt]

The Celtic guide will be hoping O’Riley turns this round soon due to the fact with 12 games left of the season, the team wishes him to locate his goalscoring touch if they have any hope of winning the league.

‘I can’t see it happening’ – John Hartson had to destroy punter Rodgers’ bizarre plan B

A current episode from Go Radio vividly illustrates the bizarre spectacle that unfolds when passion, nostalgia, and, frankly, a bit of delusion, collide stay on air.

A caller, most likely fueled by a mix of hope and desperation, floated the thinking of Martin O’Neill, the revered former Celtic supervisor (2000-2005), returning to the helm as an intervening time answer have to Celtic and Brendan Rodgers go their separate ways.

O’Neill, whose tenure is fondly remembered for a heroic run to the UEFA Cup final, has on the grounds that navigated managerial waters a ways and wide, from Aston Villa and Sunderland to the Republic of Ireland. The suggestion itself, while a heartening nod to previous glories, borders on the fantastical in today’s context.

Soccer Football – Championship – Nottingham Forest v Bolton Wanderers – The City Ground, Nottingham, Britain – May 5, 2019 Nottingham Forest manager Martin O’Neill before the match Action Images/Peter Cziborra

Rangers legend Craig Moore, caught in the moment, initially heralded the suggestion as “what a shout that is,” solely to at once tether his enthusiasm lower back to reality. Moore highlighted the monetary impracticality of such a cross by way of paying Brendan Rodgers off, mainly given Celtic’s apparent reluctance to splurge in the switch market.

Adding a layer of credibility to the discussion, Celtic icon John Hartson, who performed underneath O’Neill, expressed scepticism about the feasibility of such a reunion. “I can’t see it happening. “But Michael has thrown the cat among the pigeons there. Celtic fans, get in touch, would you like to see Martin O’Neill back?”

Hartson’s insight gently ushered the dialog from the geographical regions of fantasy back to the harsh mild of day, questioning now not simply the likelihood of O’Neill’s return but the very premise that Brendan Rodgers should be shown the door due to a season’s shortcomings.

26th February 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Final, Rangers versus Celtic; John Hartson and Michael Stewart

The call to axe Rodgers and beckon O’Neill back to the fold is emblematic of the knee-jerk reactions that often pervade football discourse. It overlooks the complicated internet of decisions, strategies, and, indeed, failures that make contributions to a club’s fortunes. Blaming the manager by myself for a terrible season, except scrutinising the roles of these orchestrating the club’s recruitment and overarching policies, is simplistic and unjust.

it highlights the absurdity that football phone-ins can spiral into. The platform, whilst a precious outlet for fan expression, regularly veers into the territory of baseless speculation and wishful thinking. The name for O’Neill’s return, with all due admire to the legendary manager, is a case in point.

As entertaining as these spectacles can be, they additionally replicate a broader longing among fans for instantaneous options and fairy-tale comebacks. The reality, however, is continually extra complex. Football, for all its magic, is grounded in the hard truths of strategy, finance, and long-term planning.

Sutton is correct about Rodgers, but he ignores the board’s leading role in the Celtic disaster

Chris Sutton’s depressing precis of Celtic’s season is accurate enough in that few Celtic supporters will locate fault in what he says however will have plenty of objections about what the former striker didn’t say as he tried to select the bones over a dreadfully inconsistent domestic marketing campaign the place if some thing the consequences have on the total been higher than the performances merit

Celtic captain Callum McGregor and his team mates look dejected at full-time. Final score Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 1. 17 February 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

When Kilmarnock determined to press Celtic high up the park at the weekend with that pleasant header from Kyogo keeping apart the sides, this must have applicable Celtic, who have been complaining about taking part in in opposition to groups with a low block and a parked bus. Yet they had been determined out and discovered out badly when the possibility to punish a crew like Kilmarnock for taking such dangers introduced itself.

While there’s nothing many Celtic supporters will disagree with in what Sutton had to say the day past lunchtime on Sky Sports, as Celtic grip on the title weakened as theRangers moved two points clear with a predictable win against St Johnstone in Perth, it’s what Sutton didn’t say that they’ll have a hassle with.

The Celtic Board misplaced Ange Postecoglou last June. Aaron Mooy determined to retire due to a lower back injury, Carl Starlet used to be allowed to leave, Jota offered to Saudi Arabia of £25m, we had already lost Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis in the January 2023 window and there has been no alternative anywhere near the level of the personnel leaving the building.

Having had incredible success with the good buy buys Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley, the Celtic powerbrokers reckoned that this was once the way to go and devised a formula and set Peter Lawwell and Gordon Strachan’s (other) son (the one who preceding managed a golf shop) to work to discover from round the world players in their early 20s, paying no extra than £3m in costs and with a wages cap in their remit. And we bought a pile of dross.

David Watson of Kilmarnock scores with a header to tie the score 1-1 during time added on after 90 minutes. The goal stood following a VAR check for a foul. Celtic v Kilmarnock, Cinch Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, Glasgow, UK – 17 Feb 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The of the two central defenders signed we had one sitting behind Peter Lawwell and Michael Nicholson at the weekend (see picture above) and the different sitting on the bench, and alternatively we had Liam Scales and Stephen Welsh at the centre of our defence.

Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers have been massive losses this campaign thorough damage whilst Liel Abada is now not section of the way forward, and it’s practical for these in charge at Celtic to pin that one on the guide the resistance banner from the North Curve in early October.

Celtic v Kilmarnock – Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday February 17, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

Brendan Rodgers changed Ange Postecoglou after Celtic officials and Callum McGregor met him in Majorca however he got here returned to a club in transition and without any manage over the transfer business, admitting he’d coach what he’s given, and no doubt he’s heard of how clever Celtic now had been in the transfer market.

The fashion of soccer is nothing like it was beneath Postecoglou, the squad is nowhere close to as right and why Sutton factors the finger of blame at Brendan Rodgers, it’s no longer his who controlled the switch commercial enterprise or is sitting with greater than £7m in the bank. In the January window we bought a striker struggling for a recreation at Norwich and a participant that leads to the conclusion we’ve been shafted by way of Rapid Vienna yet again. Sometimes it helps to have longer recollections in football. Kuhn leaves mny pining for Mickey Johnson!

Kyogo’s now not scoring as many desires this season, yet closing season his assists got here normally from Jota and Hatate, this time around our (millions of) wingers are growing nothing, every and each one is dreadful. After the recreation at the weekend I said Rodgers have to now go 4-4-2 and just no longer start a single winger. Unless something modifications quickly then this league is gone.

Mark Lawwell used to be curiously noticed at the sport at the weekend and acquired an earful. He played a part in recruiting Ange Postecoglou – credit where it is due – but is he the first-class qualified person to build a squad succesful of beating St Johnstone, Motherwell and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park? That’s a fairly low bar but right there we’ve spilled six points.

If arguing the case for the defence then be equipped for the knock-out blow: Mark Lawwell is assisted through the other Strachan boy who would be extra suited to shifts in the Celtic superstore.

Put it this way if his dad wasn’t WGS he’d be nowhere close to the job that he’s currently in and Celtic go on about exceptional practice. It’s superb that these two are depended on but the supervisor we are supposedly paying £3m per 12 months is not.

“The end result yesterday, I don’t suppose it came as a wonderful shock. Celtic have been bang common this season. The wins have papered over the cracks – performances haven’t been there – they’re not a accurate crew this season.

“Everybody talks about the board, signings and this being a long time in the making this precise moment. Brendan Rodgers has to take responsibility. I can’t think of one participant at Celtic who he has expanded – that’s on the manager,” Chris Sutton stated on Sky Sports.

“You seem at the points they’ve dropped domestically in isolation, they’ve been poor. They’ve been outplayed, I cant keep in mind the final time a Celtic team were outplayed in halves of soccer via so many teams. That’s on Brendan. Why is it? We’ve touched on the extensive players before. They have been taking part in speedy and livid below Ange Postecoglou – the manufacturer of football is slow, predictable.

Celtic v Kilmarnock – cinch Premiership – Celtic Park The Celtic board after the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday February 17, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

“There isn’t a concern aspect when groups go up against Celtic – groups fancy getting a result. The end result as awful as it used to be wasn’t a fantastic surprise.”

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers, Hyunjun Yang and Paulo Bernardo at full-time. Final score Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 1. 17 February 2024. Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Sutton added: This is on Brendan. Celtic need to be inserting groups away domestically. Since Brendan’s come again all we’ve heard is the need for speed, passing, play. Celtic are predictable.

“You appear at Celtic’s backline – I fancy enjoying against them at my age!”

🗣️ “I can’t think of one player he has improved… Their brand of football is slow, it’s predictable.”

Chris Sutton has his say on Brendan Rodgers and Celtic’s current form 👇 pic.twitter.com/oXCxyxhcJ0

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 18, 2024

It has to do with mentality: has Rodgers breached a boundary that calls for action?

One comment from Brendan Rodgers honestly ought to be causing panic in the Celtic boardroom this morning.

Most of the issues of this season surfaced in the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock, the fourth time this season that Celtic have failed to win at domestic in the SPFL, the third time in 4 video games that they’ve failed to beat Kilmarnock.

Four wingers have been used at some point of the fit with barely a single cut-back for strikers to work on, when Greg Taylor went off injured Rodgers turned to Alexandro Bernabei who was restricted to four alternative appearances in the first 1/2 of the season, more often than not failing to make the matchday squad.

Whatever issues are going on at the membership the manager is predicted to get the excellent out of the players, the majority of whom have been worried in triumphing a domestic treble closing season.

A manager has to get the nice out of the 19 players he selects after working with them for a week in training.

With one comment the previous day suggested by The Scotsman it appears that Rodgers has given up on the gamers he selected:

It is not about capability or approach now, it is about mentality. It is about now not letting that man go past you and having that power and composure to play. We saw it the second half, even although we have been now not underneath extremely good strain we kept making it challenging for ourselves.

Questioning the mentality of gamers is a very serious issue, it isn’t something that can be worked on in training.

Throughout soccer the answer in these situations is to eliminate the manager, that is easier to do than clear out a dressing room of players on long time period contracts.

If Michael Nicholson and Peter Lawwell require any proposal into taking tough choices they can appear throughout the metropolis to see what happened when Michael Beale used to be removed before the first spherical of SPFL fixtures had been completed.

Callum William McGregor comments on Celtic dressing room admission

Celtic’s Title Hopes Dented: Concerns Over Squad Understanding the Standard

Celtic’s title hopes took a hit with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock, leaving them unable to retake a three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Kyogo’s opening goal was not enough as Kilmarnock’s David Watson secured a late equalizer, prompting concerns about the team’s performance.

Rodgers Takes Responsibility, McGregor Acknowledges Concerns

Manager Brendan Rodgers took responsibility for the result, and post-match, captain Callum McGregor addressed concerns about the squad’s understanding of the required standard. McGregor emphasized the need for effective communication to make players aware that a certain standard is essential every time they step onto the pitch.

Communication Breakdown and Unmet Standards

McGregor’s statement raises questions about the communication within the squad and suggests that some players may not fully grasp the consistently high standard expected at Celtic. The skipper acknowledged the recurring situation and hinted at a potential breakdown in conveying the required level of performance to some members of the team.11th February 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Cup Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Callum McGregor of Celtic

Changes in the Squad and Concerns Over New Names

While there have been a few alterations to the squad from last season to the current one, with new names regularly among the substitutes, McGregor’s comments indicate that there might be a lack of understanding among some players about the club’s standards. Fans are expressing concerns about how the manager is managing and communicating these expectations to ensure a cohesive and high-performing team.

Long-Term Impact on Title Aspirations

With title aspirations at stake, McGregor’s candid remarks shed light on potential issues within the squad. The need for effective communication and understanding of the expected standards is crucial for Celtic to navigate the challenges of the season successfully. The concerns raised by McGregor amplify the urgency for addressing any communication breakdowns and reinforcing a unified understanding of the performance standards required for the team’s success.

‘Fabulous’ – Mikey Johnston’s performance as West Brom ‘enraged’ against Soton left a Sky Sports Pundit speechless

Controversial Incident in West Brom vs. Southampton: Mikey Johnston’s Cross and Handball Shout

In the West Brom vs. Southampton match, Mikey Johnston’s cross that led to a handball incident was praised by Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe on 16 February. Johnston’s cross found Darnell Furlong, whose volley was blocked by Jack Stephens’ hand in the Southampton box.

Hinchcliffe described the cross as “fabulous” and acknowledged that West Brom had a legitimate reason to be “enraged” at the lack of a penalty award by the unsighted referee, Sam Allison. The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time and could have potentially changed the course of the game.

While Hinchcliffe sympathized with the difficulty the referee faced in spotting the handball due to Stephens’ body obstructing the view, he highlighted the contentious nature of the situation. Despite the handball shout controversy, Stephens later made an incredible clearance off the line to deny Okay Yokuslu’s header.

Furlong was convinced he had won West Brom a penalty

The match ended with West Brom losing 2-0, and the controversial incident added to the frustrations for the home side, already dealing with a bizarre red card and an early goal from Southampton.

Mikey Johnston, on loan from Celtic, has previously made an impact for West Brom, scoring his first goal in just his third appearance. The decision to substitute him during the game raised eyebrows, especially as the home side was chasing the game.

The match, marked by the controversial incident, ultimately fell flat, leaving West Brom fans disappointed after the excitement surrounding the Shilen Patel takeover news.

Key Points:

Mikey Johnston’s cross leading to a handball incident was praised by pundit Andy Hinchcliffe.

West Brom had a legitimate reason to be “enraged” at the lack of a penalty award.

The contentious handball incident occurred in first-half stoppage time.

Jack Stephens’ handball and subsequent clearance off the line added to the match’s controversy.

West Brom lost the game 2-0, with frustrations mounting due to various incidents during the match.

“To be honest,” Celtic winger claims that his departure was caused by “frustrating” circumstances

Mikey Johnston’s Impact at West Bromwich Albion and Celtic Departure

Celtic winger Mikey Johnston, having joined West Bromwich Albion on deadline day, has swiftly made an impact by scoring on his first start for the Baggies in a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Sky Bet Championship.

Challenges at Celtic

Despite his talent and trickery, Johnston faced challenges at Celtic, where concerns about end product and fitness issues affected his confidence. Brendan Rodgers had previously emphasized the need for the player to add physical bravery and robustness to his game to secure a regular spot in the first team.

Positive Start at West Brom

Thriving away from the pressure at Celtic, Johnston’s positive start at West Brom provides him with an opportunity to develop and showcase his abilities. At 25, time is of the essence for the Irish winger, and a successful stint at West Brom could potentially open doors for a more prominent role upon his return to Celtic.

Johnston’s Honest Reasons for Departure

In a candid statement, Johnston revealed the frustration of sporadic playing time at Celtic and emphasized the importance of leaving Parkhead for his career. He acknowledged the Championship as a great place for player development and expressed gratitude for the opportunity at West Brom.

Intriguing Comments and Player’s Progression

Johnston’s comments add intrigue to his departure from Celtic, acknowledging the challenges he faced and the need for consistent playing time. While making a definitive case for him to be a regular starter at Celtic might be challenging, his potential match-winning attributes could shine through with consistent development.

Looking Ahead and Potential Return

As Johnston continues to progress and gain valuable game-time at West Brom, his return to Celtic in the summer will be awaited with anticipation. The winger’s journey in the West Midlands provides a platform for personal and footballing growth, potentially shaping his role upon rejoining the Scottish Premiership holders.

‘He’s a shadow’: John Hartson now says ‘excellent’ 22-year-old player could depart Celtic shortly

John Hartson Raises Concerns Over Liel Abada’s Form at Celtic

Former Celtic striker, John Hartson, has expressed concerns about Liel Abada’s recent drop in form, suggesting that it might be time for the Israeli winger to consider leaving the club if he continues to be excluded from the first team.

Devoid of Confidence

Hartson, speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, highlighted that Abada appears to be lacking confidence and has become a shadow of the player who initially made a significant impact upon his arrival. Despite an impressive start alongside Jota, Abada has faced injury setbacks that have hindered his ability to replicate his earlier form.

The Dilemma for Abada and Celtic

The former Celtic striker emphasized that if Abada continues to be sidelined without featuring in the first team, it might be in the best interest of both the player and the club for him to seek regular football elsewhere. Acknowledging the challenges faced by a player who was once a key contributor but is now struggling to replicate past performances, Hartson suggests a departure could be a viable solution.

Abada’s Impactful History

Reflecting on Abada’s history at Celtic, Hartson acknowledged the player’s pivotal role in Ange Postecoglou’s transformation of the club into record-breaking Treble winners. Abada’s goals and assists played a crucial part in defeating rivals, including scoring in the Scottish Cup Final win over Inverness, contributing to Celtic’s eighth domestic treble.

Hope for a Resurgence

While the prospect of Abada leaving Celtic might have been met with resistance in the past, Hartson suggests that the situation could evolve based on the player’s form and role in the team for the rest of the season. Celtic fans, familiar with Abada’s ability to rise to the occasion when needed, hope for a resurgence that could see him reclaim the impactful role he once held.

As the Abada story unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain, with the possibility of a return to form or a departure for a fresh start hanging in the balance. Celtic supporters, eager for success, remain optimistic about the talented winger’s potential resurgence on the pitch.

SFA confirms the kickoff time for the Scottish Cup Final.

Scottish Cup Final 2024: Date and Kick-Off Time Confirmed

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has officially announced the date and kick-off time for the eagerly anticipated Scottish Cup Final in 2024. Following the recent Fifth Round fixtures, the footballing authorities have set the stage for the grand showdown.

Key Details:

Date: Saturday, 25th May 2024

Kick-Off Time: 3:00 pm

This announcement comes after Ange Postecoglou’s historic Treble victory in June, where Celtic triumphed over Inverness CT. Now, under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, Celtic aims to once again grace the showpiece final and continue their pursuit of silverware.

🏆 Following last night’s draw, it has now been confirmed that the 2023-24 @scottishgas Men’s Scottish Cup Final will kick off at 3pm, on Saturday, 25 May.

Click below to read more ⤵️#ScottishCup

— Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) February 12, 2024

Quarter Final Progression:

Celtic secured their place in the Quarter Finals with a notable victory over St Mirren in Paisley. Brendan Rodgers and his team are now set to face Livingston in the next round. The upcoming clash against David Martindale’s side will determine whether Celtic can advance to the prestigious Hampden stage.

Rodgers’ Unbeaten Record:

Brendan Rodgers boasts an impressive unbeaten record in the Scottish Cup, having clinched two titles in his first spell at the club. The manager’s success in the tournament adds an extra layer of anticipation as Celtic strives for further glory.

As the countdown to the Scottish Cup Final begins, fans eagerly await the outcome of Celtic’s journey through the tournament under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers. The confirmation of the date and kick-off time marks a pivotal moment in the football calendar, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling final.

‘Superb’… On Sunday, St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson was astounded by a Celtics player who makes £15,000 a week

St Mirren manager, Stephen Robinson, has shared how he was blown away by one Celtic player’s performance in Paisley on Sunday.

Stephen Robinson

Robinson’s side succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Brendan Rodgers‘ men and whilst The Buddies boss was disappointed to go out of the Scottish Cup, he reserved special praise for Celtic goalkeeper, Joe Hart.

Robinson said [PLZ Soccer], “Celtic defensively, they don’t really get that kind of credit. They are classed as a very good football team.

“But some of the blocks that they made in the six-yard box and Joe Hart, I thought was superb on the day dealing with corners and deliveries into the box.

“And you know, they deserve credit for that as well. At times the two 18-yard boxes is where the difference is between winning and losing football matches.”

A real touch of class and humility from Robinson there. Hart’s performance at St Mirren was, probably, one of his best of the season.

As I spoke about yesterday, the £15k p/w ‘keeper has been criticised for making some blunders earlier this season but of late, he has really shown his value to the Celtic team.

Against Hibs, he made three brilliant saves and at Aberdeen, he made a further two and ten ball recoveries. [Fotmob]

However, against Rangers at Ibrox earlier this season, Hart showed his true value to the Celtic team. His leadership and experience helped coach an inexperienced centre-back pairing of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Liam Scales through a tough afternoon at Ibrox which led to a 1-0 Celtic win.

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Rodgers needs to make a decision on the £1m man and decide whether or not he still has a future at Celtic.

Based on the last few performances, it does seem that despite having a career spanning 20 years, Joe Hart still has a lot left to offer.

Ex-Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is linked to an incredible Premier League move

Ange Postecoglou’s Rumored Move to Liverpool

Recent rumors suggest that former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is being considered for the managerial position at Liverpool, following Jurgen Klopp’s announcement of stepping down at the end of the season.

Soccer Football – Premier League – Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – October 23, 2023 Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou reacts REUTERS/David Klein

Postecoglou’s Impact at Spurs

Since his move from Celtic to Spurs in the summer, Postecoglou has left an indelible mark on the North London club. He has not only transformed the team’s playing style but has also created a positive atmosphere. Under his guidance, Spurs have gained recognition for their attractive football and are currently competing for a spot in the next season’s Champions League, thanks to their strong performances in the league.

Speculation and Invitation

The speculation regarding Postecoglou’s potential move to Liverpool gained traction when Andy Maher mentioned on SEN 1116 that “Ange Postecoglou’s agent has formally received an invitation to discuss his potential interest in the Liverpool managerial position.” This revelation has added fuel to the ongoing discussions about Klopp’s successor.

Career Milestones and Achievements

If Postecoglou were to take on the managerial role at Liverpool, it would mark another significant milestone in his career. The Australian coach has experienced a meteoric rise, starting from his days in the A-League and J-League to a successful stint at Celtic, where he secured five trophies in just two years.

Stepping into Klopp’s Shoes

Taking over from a managerial giant like Klopp, who led Liverpool to numerous domestic and international triumphs, including the Premier League and Champions League titles, would undoubtedly be a massive step for Postecoglou. The potential move is further complicated by the fact that Liverpool is Postecoglou’s boyhood club, adding a sentimental layer that might make it challenging for him to turn down such an opportunity.

As the managerial saga unfolds over the coming months, the potential shift of Ange Postecoglou to Liverpool will be a storyline worth keeping a close eye on, given its potential impact on both the coach’s career and the future trajectory of the iconic English club.

The Celtic wonderkid whose cost essentially has truly skyrocketed with the aid of 1,267% after leaving in a massive way.

Celtic supporters may have enjoyed the latest sight of academy brain Rocco Vata emerging as a first-team alternative for Brendan Rodgers this year.

The 18-year-old talent has been in five matchday squads for the senior group in 2024 and made two appearances – scoring in opposition to Buckie Thistle in the SFA Cup.

Hopefully, the teenage whiz will be in a position to earn greater minutes on the pitch over the weeks and months to come as he appears to translate his brilliant academy form, with 12 goals in 15 Lowland League fits this season, over to the first-team.

The Hoops will be hoping that Vata can emerge as a everyday for Rodgers subsequently and that they can gain on the pitch from his development.

Whereas, they were now not able to do that with one of the last homegrown wonderkids to come thru their academy as Ben Doak made the jump to be part of Liverpool in the Premier League.

Ben Doak’s market price at Celtic
The Reds snapped him up from the Hoops in March 2022 for a suggested compensation charge of £600k, as he had yet to sign a professional contract with the Scottish giants – due to being sixteen at the time.

He had already made two first-team appearances beneath Ange Postecoglou in the Scottish Premiership at some point of the 2021/22 marketing campaign however that was not enough to convince him to commit his future to the club.

Doak, who used to be once described as “explosive” by way of brain scout Jacek Kulig, used to be spotted by using Liverpool and they moved to take him away from Scotland in 2022 to be part of their academy system.

Ben Doak’s modern-day market value at Liverpool

It is challenging to argue in opposition to that being a exceptional choice for the teenage dynamo as Jurgen Klopp has provided him first-team opportunities and his market cost has soared over the last two years.

At the time of writing (12/02/2024), Transfermarkt fee Doak at a whopping €10m, which is round £8.5m, and that is a fantastic make bigger of 1267% on the £600k that the English giants paid for him.

The 18-year-old gem, who has been sidelined with a meniscus tear on the grounds that December, made five senior appearances for Liverpool throughout the first half of of the season, with three of those coming in the Europa League.

Interestingly, Doak has played more first-team games (ten) for Liverpool than Vata (six) has for Celtic in all competitions, regardless of the Irish teen being seven months older.

The Scotland formative years international, who was once hailed as a herbal “force” through Klopp, has been shown a clear pathway into the senior squad on Merseyside and his soaring market cost displays his wonderful growth down south.

This suggests that there is no reason for Doak to regret his choice to make the go away from Celtic as his profession seems to be heading in the proper course at this moment in time.

Hopefully, the teenage whiz will return from harm and pick out up where he left off as a real choice for Liverpool’s first-team, with a view to incomes a increased function in the future.

Meanwhile, the Hoops might also watch on with a tinge of sadness, at the same time as they have to still be thrilled to see him doing well, as they lost out on having the homegrown dynamo as phase of their personal group moving forward.