Will Celtic keep Matt O’Riley and where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend? Saturday Jury…

Will Celtic keep Matt O’Riley and where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend? Saturday Jury…

The Record Sport team look ahead to a huge weekend of Scottish Cup fourth action and debate the latest big transfer debates.

 

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley celebrates

Where are the big Scottish Cup shocks coming this weekend?
ANDY NEWPORT: St Johnstone’s trip to an Airdrie side going great guns under impressive young player boss Rhys McCabe looks like a real banana skin. And it would be no surprise to see Livingston fall to Championship contenders Raith.

FRASER WILSON: There’s no danger of a Darvel-esque upset but St Johnstone have a tough task heading to Airdrie while Livi could come a cropper against Raith – perhaps that wouldn’t go down as a shock though.

MICHAEL GANNON: The big boys can rest easy, this will be a shock free cup weekend.

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Can Celtic keep hold of Matt O’Riley until the end of the season?
ANDY: Yes and they have to. The title race is far from over and the Denmark international could be pivotal to their aspirations. Girona have cash to spend given their City Group tie up and should be told it will require a club record fee for Celtic to part ways.

FRASER: With three and a half years left on his contract Celtic are in the strongest of positions and unless someone arrives with an eye watering offer I’d expect the midfielder to be at Parkhead til at the very least the end of this season if not the following summer.

MICHAEL: Celtic don’t have to sell and the player is happy at Parkhead. But we need to be realistic, if a mega money £30m bid or something lands from England, the Hoops could be powerless to stop it.

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What does Philippe Clement need in the remaining days in the window to tool up for the title fight?

ANDY: A proper centre forward is the glaring requirement for this Rangers team. Cyriel Dessers simply isn’t the answer and Clement still doesn’t know if he’ll see Danilo or Kemar Roofe again this term.

Fabio Silva has come in but looks like he’s better suited to coming in off the left wing. Gers need an out and out No9 if they are to properly push Celtic.

Philippe Clement and his Rangers players (Image: SNS Group)
FRASER: The most important addition he could make with the next five months in mind would be a striker that guarantees goals.

MICHAEL: The Gers boss still looks a little short. He could do with nailing down the left back role and another attacker wouldn’t go amiss.

After his first round exit at the Australian Open, it’s it time for our Andy Murray to finally hang up the racquet?

ANDY: He’s earned the right to do what he wants. For me, the Dunblane ace is the nation’s greatest ever sportsman and if he wants to carry on swinging his strings around knowing he won’t compete for prizes then let him. It’s his metal hip and he can do what he wants with it.

FRASER: We’ve all had a brilliant ride watching Murray whose place among Scotland’s sporting greats is secured. But it looks like the latter stages of majors is now beyond him.

His heroic efforts to fight back from hip surgery deserve better but this year looks like being his last.

MICHAEL: Not quite yet. Our greatest sportsman deserves one last crack at Wimbledon and the chance to properly say goodbye to the game.

 

 

Nicolas Kuhn is a risky Celtic transfer but Brendan Rodgers says he is quality and buck now stops with him – Chris Sutton

The former Hoops strike hero and Record Sport columnist has his say on the new Parkhead.

New Celtic Signing Nicolas Kuhn

Brendan Rodgers has described Nicolas Kuhn as having an excellent level of quality.

There’s no conjecture in those words. The manager wants a certain standard of player and, judging by his own comments, that’s what he’s been given in the German. The Celtic boss made a call on quality. Not projects.

I stated last weekend I felt Kuhn was one for the project list, but it is the opinion of Rodgers that counts when it comes to signings.

So now it’s up to Kuhn to prove him correct. Quite simply, Rodgers has to stand and fall by signings. Every manager does.

Kuhn is a wide attacking player and where he fits into it all will be fascinating.

The vibes are he plays off the right coming inside and that door is wide open at the moment with Daizen Maeda at the Asian Cup. Liel Abada returned from injury just before shutdown, but that lad has had plenty to deal with this season and it’s hard to know what he’ll produce on a consistent basis.

At £3million with plenty of starts for Rapid Vienna before arriving, Kuhn has to be oven-ready and deliver big displays from the minute he steps onto the park.

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Rodgers needs arrivals to boost his starting team. Not further bloat the squad. So Kuhn has to go in there and hit the ground running.

If he fails and ends up spending most time on the bench, he’ll join the dreaded category of fringe men and that’ll irritate fans. For all the criticism of the board over what’s being sought and what’s being bought, this one’s on the boss.

Recruitment staff are important to help whittle down the lists when a manager gives a description of the type he wants from a certain position.

But, once recommended, it’s dependent on Rodgers’ final judgment. That’s what will be under scrutiny here and that’s how it should be. Yes it matters to a degree how much a club will spend. It’s stupid to suggest otherwise, but the board works within the model and I have no qualms about it because Rodgers knows what it is.

He says he’s happy to work within it. So he’s got to get it right. I really don’t understand fans screaming for massive outlays when it’s been made perfectly clear this is the club’s strategy. And, I’ll say it again, if it is done properly, it can be hugely effective.

The interest this week that has emerged surrounding Cameron Carter-Vickers just got me thinking about how best Celtic can make it work. Evidence suggests the ones in the £2m-to-£3m bracket are risky in the sense you may end up with little in return. But Matt O’Riley, Maeda and Reo Hatate are examples that it can work, although you need to be either extremely shrewd or lucky to get that three for a sum total of about £4.5m, as Ange Postecoglou managed to do.

 

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Hand on heart, do you really see Celtic getting much of their outlay back on Kwon Hyeok-kyu, who has just gone on loan to St Mirren? You can never say never.

Stephen Robinson and Kwon
Kristoffer Ajer went to Brentford for a right few quid and he cost less than a million from Norway when Ronny Deila bought him.

Rodgers sent him out to Kilmarnock to learn his trade and got there, eventually. So maybe the move to Paisley will have a similar effect on Kwon and, at the same time, that Ajer story tells you that Odin Thiago Holm might turn out to be a good one in the end.

But Celtic also need performers for right now. I know price isn’t the only barometer of a player’s ability as the market where you shop often dictates the figures. Put it this way, if Hatate or Maeda were coming from the English Premier League with their exact same profiles, do you think they could have been snared at J-League prices?

Of course not. But there’s a balance and I can understand why fans would like to see just a little more spent on more proven quality to almost guarantee the win-win scenario.

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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit
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Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic transfer state of play as Kuhn due in Glasgow, Jota linked to West Ham and Vata attracts new Italian interest
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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
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Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate
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Matt O’Riley Celtic transfer exit prospect earns firm Brendan Rodgers response amid Girona interest
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit
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Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
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Nicolas Kuhn to Celtic transfer door opens as Rapid Vienna get honest over star’s ‘price’ amid Parkhead rumours
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6 left backs linked to Celtic as Brendan Rodgers eyes ticking off the next transfer priority

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The 3 Celtic linked goalkeepers rated and compared to Joe Hart as Brendan Rodgers faces key decision
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Celtic transfer news latest as Brendan Rodgers targets two key positions but striker would cost ‘top dollar’
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Rab Douglas shares the Celtic goalkeeper whisper that convinces him Joe Hart has huge successor role to play
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Celtic transfer bulletin as Hakon Valdimarsson ‘interest’ emerges while Tiago Araujo remains ‘calm’ during stalemate
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Matt O’Riley Celtic transfer exit prospect earns firm Brendan Rodgers response amid Girona interest
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Nicolas Kuhn confession with Celtic transfer near as Rapid Vienna boss takes executive action amid vital talks
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Cameron Carter Vickers interest puts Celtic on alert as West Ham one of THREE clubs in transfer demand
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Nicolas Kuhn brings ‘special’ Celtic X factor to table as Austrian insider pinpoints best position where he’ll thrive
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Nicolas Kuhn puts Celtic ahead of Danilo friendship as Rangers star told pals act on hold

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What transfer every Premiership club needs in January as Celtic hunt firepower and Aberdeen aim to fix summer error
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Celtic transfer state of play on Beck, Carter Vickers and Kelleher as van Hooijdonk edges closer to Bologna exit

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Celtic transfer news latest as Sydney van Hooijdonk enters make or break arena while Nicolas Kuhn hits the weights
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Celtic are facing transfer dilemma and Brendan Rodgers plus Mark Lawwell have to walk the wire carefully – Chris Sutton

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Matt O’Riley sees restless Celtic transfer narrative shut down by Brendan Rodgers as boss reveals ‘strong position’
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Pension Credit rules older people need to know before booking any holidays abroad this year

The club had no issues paying £9m for Odsonne Edouard because they knew, barring a disaster, they were not going to lose money. In the end, they doubled their cash when Crystal Palace stepped onto the scene. Celtic had to spend £6m to get Jota signed. Paying that little more ended up netting them £25m when the Saudis came calling. In the same summer, Carter-Vickers cost the same £6m. If the English do come knocking in the summer, I’d say you are looking at another £20m.

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That’s really what the fans want to see. Chunky investments bringing even healthier returns. I’m fairly sure Carter-Vickers and O’Riley will stay until at least the summer, but they’ll go one day and their bumper transfer fees when departing will just push the narrative of pay higher, sell higher. Fans just want ready-made players who can go straight into the side and make it better.

Kuhn has to fall into that bracket. He’s back towards the riskier end of the scale if you are looking purely at transfer fee, but it’s about the quality and Rodgers says Kuhn has it. That’s the manager’s judgment. Not that of the board. So Rodgers has to have picked a good one, and keep finding good ones, because the buck stops with him.

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Celtic could land dream O’Riley partner after talks to sign 5 ft 11 ace

The Scottish giants are reportedly keen on a deal for the defensive midfielder.

Celtic-Matt-O’Riley-Leeds-Farke-Championship-transfer
The January transfer window is due to slam shut in just over a week and Scottish giants Celtic appear set to enjoy, or endure, a busy end to the month.

Brendan Rodgers has already made one signing so far this month as 24-year-old winger Nicolas Kuhn has joined from Austrian side Rapid Wien on a five-and-a-half-year deal.

That is expected to be the first of many before the end of the window as the Northern Irish head coach also has his eye on a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a striker, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

Brendan-Rodgers-Celtic
This means that Hoops supporters could have an exciting 12 days or so to look forward to if the club are able to land their top targets to bolster the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Alongside Kuhn, a left-back, a goalkeeper, and a centre-forward, Celtic are also reportedly attempting to land a new defensive midfielder for Rodgers.

Celtic have held talks to land South Korean talent
According to the Daily Record, the Bhoys have held talks with FC Gwangju over a deal to sign their talented enforcer Ho-yeon Jung before the end of the window.

The Scottish giants are eyeing up a swoop for the impressive midfielder to bolster their options in the middle of the park, which comes after Hyeok-kyu Kwon was allowed to join St. Mirren on loan until the end of the season earlier this month.

hyeok-kyu-kwon-celtic-premiership-jung-rodgers-transfer
It states that there is a ‘good’ chance that a move will progress between the two sides over a transfer for the South Korean battler before the deadline at the start of February.

However, there is no mention of how much Gwangju would demand for his services, how much Celtic are prepared to pay for him in January, or how the talks between the two clubs went.

The Daily Record do add, though, that the South Korean side would prefer Jung to depart at the end of the year. This suggests that they could put a deal off until the end of the season or ask the Hoops to loan him back to them until the 2023/24 campaign.

If Celtic are able to tempt Gwangju into a deal for the midfielder before the deadline, Rodgers could land a dream partner for Matt O’Riley in the middle of the park.

o’riley-palma-rodgers-premiership-celtic
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has reported that Spanish side Girona are interested in a deal to sign the Denmark international ahead of the second half of the campaign.

However, the reporter stated that the club are in a strong position after the central midfielder put pen to paper on a ‘bumper’ contract, which means that they are in control of the situation.

 

O’Riley’s Premiership dominance this season

The 23-year-old magician has been in magnificent form so far this season for the Hoops and has proven himself to be one of the manager’s top performers in the division.

He has made the Scottish Premiership his playground with his ability to influence matches at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis for the Bhoys.

O’Riley has contributed with ten goals and seven assists in 21 top-flight matches as a central midfielder, which is more than one goal contribution every other game on average.

No Celtic player has scored more league goals than the Danish ace. He is the only ace who has made it into the double figures for Rodgers, with Kyogo Furuhashi (eight) and David Turnbull (seven) the closest to him.

Meanwhile, Luis Palma (nine) is the only Hoops star with more assists than O’Riley and the only player in the squad with more key passes per game (3.4) than the ex-Fulham prospect (2.6).

22/23 Premiership

Matt O’Riley (via Sofascore)

Appearances

38

Goals

Three

Assists

12

Big chances created

16

Key passes per game

2.2

As you can see in the table above, the impressive Celtic star has significantly improved his goalscoring output from the middle of the park in comparison to last season.

He has developed the ability to find the back of the net on a regular basis whilst remaining a constant creative presence for his teammates.

 

Why Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley

Rodgers could now land a dream partner for O’Riley in midfield with a deal for Jung as he is an impressive defensive midfielder who is also super reliable in possession.

The 23-year-old caught the eye with his impressive displays in the top-flight of South Korean football throughout 2023 and could be an excellent signing for Celtic if the talented ace can translate those showings over to the Premiership.

Most recent performance for Gwangju

Vs Pohang Steelers (03/12/23)

Ho-yeon Jung (via Sofascore)

Minutes played

90

Sofascore rating

7.6

Duels won

Three

Pass accuracy

86%

Chances created

Five

As you can see in the table above, Jung is capable of having highly creative performances in midfield whilst also being a strong presence off the ball.

Jung made 34 K League 1 appearances throughout 2023 and provided his manager with a tough-tackling option, with 2.9 tackles and interceptions combined and 5.4 ball recoveries per match.

Meanwhile, no Celtic midfielder has managed more than 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game in the Premiership this season, which suggests that the Hoops target could add a bit more steel to Rodgers’ options in that position.

The 5 foot 11 gem, who was once described as a “good prospect” by Asian football expert Dario Focardi, is also impressive with his work in possession.

Jung completed 90% of his attempted passes in the K League 1 last year and only Callum McGregor (93%) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (92.1%) have averaged a higher success rate in the Premiership out of every Celtic player with at least one start.

This suggests that the Gwangju star could retain the ball at an exceptional rate for Rodgers whilst also being a fantastic defender who can win possession back multiple times per game by cutting out opposition attacks.

Therefore, Jung could be a dream partner for O’Riley as he could sit at the base of the midfield and recover the ball before using his efficient passing to find the Danish magician in dangerous positions, where he can then work his magic in the final third.

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Brendan Rodgers leaps to defence of Celtic player ‘who suffered from Callum McGregor syndrome’

 

Taylor can get it in neck from fans but manager is well aware of his credentials

By Andrew Smith

Celtic’s need to sign a left-back has become a mantra for the club’s support.

The faithful may be comforted that Brendan Rodgers sees the requirement for such an acquisition – and less so over the driver for doing so.

Greg Taylor has appeared to have a target on his back from the fanbase throughout his four-and-a-half years since his £3million move from Kilmarnock. In contrast, the Celtic manager goes out of his way to offer the most effusive pat on the back to the 26-year-old for what he has produced across the first six months of his second spell, even as he points to challenges for the player at Champions League level.

Taylor’s dependency and consistency is reflected in the fact he has started every one of the club’s 29 games this season, although there is some mitigation with Rodgers patently concluding that Alexandro Bernabei does not fit the bill of a reliable deputy. “I’ve got to say, Greg Taylor has been brilliant for me,” said Rodgers ahead of Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash against Buckie Thistle.

“Clearly there is a loading issue there we need to be mindful of if we don’t bring in support there. I know I’ve got Scalesy [Liam Scales] who can play there, in a worst case scenario. But Greg has been great for me.

Like some of the players, he probably took some time to adapt to what we’ve been asking them to do. But now with everyone in sync, you can see how much he’s improved from a defensive perspective and the football side of his game is very good. I really, really like him. Being at a big club is about competition and it’s my job to make the squad as good as it can be.”

Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.
Celtic’s Greg Taylor has featured in every match this season.

It was put to Rodgers that the limited appreciation for Taylor from the Celtic stands could be labelled as ‘the James Forrest syndrome’ – a development where indigenous players, such as the pair, tend to be subjected to unwarranted scrutiny and stick because of their ordinariness set against the seductiveness of foreign imports.

He pushed that further. “It is a bit like that, probably like the Callum McGregor syndrome up until a couple of years ago,” continued the Celtic manager. “It’s just the nature of it sometimes, the Scottish boys might not get the same level of affinity as some of the others. When I was last here I saw Greg as a young player at Kilmarnock.

We had Kieran [Tierney] here, who was brilliant for me. But I went away and I watched him over these last few years. He’s done great. I love working with him. I see him every day, he’s a top professional who looks after himself.

“I remember seeing him in Dubai during one of the breaks a few years back, when I was at Leicester. I bumped into him in the gym and we said hello. But I watched him and from the minute he started working … he never lost focus on what he needed to do.

I remember coming away from that and thinking this was a young professional who is doing everything he can to look after himself and do things right.

“That’s what I’ve seen since coming back here. He’s a great guy who doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s been brilliant. The Champions League is a challenge for a lot of players, [but] I really enjoy working with him. You always need these personalities.

Greg is a real voice on the pitch. He’s very respectful of everything and you need players with that spirit and mentality. [It’s just] my job is to bring competition to the squad in a number of areas.”

 

 

BBC man reacts to Celtic target who “ticks all the boxes” at Parkhead

Celtic, top of the Scottish Premiership and on course to seal yet another league title under Brendan Rodgers after he returned last summer, have the opportunity to strengthen even further this month. And whilst they’re reportedly unlikely to land one particular deal, pundit Alan Hutton believes that the Scottish giants should be optimistic ahead of the summer.

Celtic transfer news
With the January window well underway, Celtic have been linked with reinforcements that could help them on their way to a third consecutive league title.

According to reports, Celtic have held talks with Gwangju FC midfielder Jung Ho-Yeon in what could prove to be a shrewd piece of business if all goes well. Meanwhile, the Bhoys have already sealed a deal from elsewhere this month, welcoming Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna.

 

After signing on the dotted line, Kuhn said: “Celtic is one of the biggest clubs around and I’m really happy to be here. At Celtic, it’s about doing all we can to win every game, so that is the challenge here. I can’t wait to get going and do my very best for our supporters.”

Tommy-conway-bristol-city

Celtic are now interested in winning race to sign Tommy Conway
A player that Rodgers may not be able to welcome with open arms this month, however, is Caoimhin Kelleher.

According to reports, Liverpool will reject any bids for Kelleher this month, but Hutton believes that Celtic should be optimistic about their chances to secure a summer deal for the target.

 

Talking to Football Insider, the former Premier League full-back and BBC pundit said: “He’s an outstanding goalkeeper. We don’t see too much of him at Liverpool, but when it comes to the cup games, Jurgen Klopp obviously trusts him a lot for him to go and play. Every time I’ve watched him, I think he’s been amazing.

“He’s only 25 years old at this stage, so obviously with the Joe Hart situation, the fans always wanted to see somebody come in and put pressure on him.

I can’t see it happening in January, to be honest, but fans should be more optimistic about it happening in the summer. With his experience at a big football club, he ticks all the boxes. They’ll be looking at him as the long-term replacement.”

“Outstanding” Kelleher could be the perfect Hart replacement
With Hart’s contract set to expire this summer as things stand, Celtic may have no choice but to turn to the market for a fresh face in between the sticks. And they should look no further than Kelleher.

Rooted behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order at Liverpool, mainly thanks to how incredible the Brazilian is, rather than anything against the Celtic target, Kelleher is at somewhat of a crossroads in his career.

 

kelleher-liverpool-celtic-transfer-gossip-livakovic
At 25, it could be the perfect time to bring an end to his Anfield career and instead move on and take a number one spot over a backup role. With experience in cup finals, the Champions League and the Premier League already under his belt, he could be the perfect long-term replacement for Hart.

Although a deal seems unlikely this month, Celtic should swoop in this summer to sign the Liverpool shot-stopper, whose need for a number-one spot is growing more and more desperate with each season.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
TRANSFER RUMOURS

Tom is a football writer who has written for a number of websites and newspapers, creating content on everything from non-league, the Premier League and the top five European leagues over the last four years.

Tom is also a Liverpool fan and a University of Brighton student who can often be found on Twitter talking about the Reds.

Rangers stance shared as Leeds eye move to sign “magic” player
A reliable reporter has provided a key update.

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Rangers could lose a “special” player during the January transfer window, with a new transfer report claiming a big English club are eyeing a move for him.

Rangers transfer news
The Gers could delve into the transfer market this month, as Philippe Clement looks to further perfect his squad between now and the end of the season.

A host of different left-backs have been linked with moves to Ibrox, ahead of the possible exit of Ridvan Yilmaz, with Liverpool youngster Owen Beck and Benfica ace David Jurasek among those in the mix to come in.

That isn’t the only position that is being focused on, however, with West Ham right-back Ben Johnson someone who Rangers are fighting other clubs for, as he looks increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium before the month comes to an end.

Leeds want Rangers ace Borna Barisic
According to a new update from Football Scotland’s reliable reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are among the clubs interested in signing Rangers left-back Borna Barisic, however, a new contract at Ibrox is also not ruled out. Yilmaz’s exit is also possible, ahead of a potential switch to Galatasaray.

borna-barisic-rangers-scottish-premiership
“Borna Barisic has suitors this month in Leeds United and around Europe in France, Spain and Germany but Gers want him to sign a new contract and have put the question forward for the left-back to consider. Meanwhile another left-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, is still having his future discussed with Hellas Verona wanting the player. Galatasaray reportedly had a bid rejected as Gers look to move him on.”

Barisic has been a brilliant player for Rangers over a significant period of time, racking up a total of 224 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, so losing him midway through the season could be a blow, given his experience of title races in the past.

The 31-year-old is also someone who was lauded by Steven Gerrard during his time as Gers manager, with the Liverpool legend hailing a brilliant goal he scored back in 2019:

“It’s a moment of magic. I always felt that it would take a moment of brilliance from one of the front men or wide men, or a really well-executed free-kick. Thankfully Borna stepped up and he deserves all the credit that he gets. I’ve seen him do that many times on the training pitch but it’s alright doing that when nobody’s there. You’ve got to do it in big moments so fair play to him.”

This season, Barisic has started nine league games, invariably sharing playing time with Yilmaz, also winning an average of 1.8 aerial duels per game, and it would be better to keep hold of him for the time being, especially if his fellow left-back moves on.

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RELATED
Rangers now weighing up offer to sign “really good athlete”
At 31, his best days could be behind him, or may well be in the relatively near future, but he should be seen as a player who can contribute positively between now and May, potentially leaving at the end of the season instead.

 

RANGERS
BORNA BARISIC
TRANSFER FOCUS

Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of the game.

With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.

Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.

Over the years, he has also accumulated nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and become a known voice on all things Reds.

 

 

Celtic 2 Rangers 3: Instant reaction to the burning issues

Rangers claimed a late win over Celtic in the Sky Sports Cup semi-final..

Rangers sealed their spot in the Sky Sports Cup final after a breathless victory over rivals Celtic.

A bonkers cup tie saw three penalties awarded and a stoppage-time winner in front of enthusiastic split support.

Celtic snatched a lead against the run of play in the second half with Chloe Craig firing home a penalty after a handball against Kathryn Hill.

The Rangers defender made up for her error shortly after though as she forced over the line after a stramash in the box.

With ten minutes left Rangers turned the match on its head as Rio Hardy cut back for Kirsty Maclean who coolly slotted into the bottom corner.

 

With one minute left, though, Celtic were awarded a second penalty, this time Tessel Middag was adjudged to have fouled in the box even if TV replays suggested she got more than a fair touch on the ball. Craig made no mistake to level again.

But Rangers would have the last laugh to seal the win with a penalty of their own after 95 minutes. Caitlin Hayes had pulled down Hardy in the box and the Rangers striker blasted home to win and send her side into the final.

Cruel start for Elena Sadiku

It was always going to go one of two ways for new Celtic boss Elena Sadiku.

Either, a memorable triumph over rivals Rangers in her dugout debut, or a cruel defeat.

However, no one could have called such a difficult defeat with a losing goal coming with seconds left in added time.

Sadiku wants to be the Queen of Queens for Celtic and that could still come to pass, but as evident at the Excelsior there will always be bumps along the way.

Rangers get the job done

With 12 goals in their previous two outings, it was always expected Rangers would score.

Perhaps less predictable would be the somewhat blunt attack as Jo Potter’s side struggled to find a cutting edge.

Multiple opportunities were passed up, and more denied by the impressive Kelsey Daugherty and the Celtic defence.

Importantly, though, Rangers found a way. First, forcing over the line with Hill and then a terrific finish from Maclean.

And when it came to the crucial moment, Hardy made no mistake.

Incredible entertainment

Three penalties, end-to-end stuff no VAR and an intense rivalry thrown into the mix – that sounds like a recipe for entertainment.

Thankfully, that was exactly the case at the Excelsior as Rangers toppled Celtic in a crazy 97 minutes of action in the Sky Sports Cup.

There was a healthy dose of nerves, quality and dubious decisions all making a great advert for women’s football in Scotland with BBC Alba covering the contest live.

Our women’s game is not in the limelight as often as it should be, and an incredible cup tie was just another statement that the product is there.

 

 

“I Would Expect” – Dundee Loan Star Tipped for Celtic Move

Kenny Miller has suggested that Celtic should consider Dundee’s Owen Beck for a potential transfer.

26th December 2023; Dens Park, Dundee, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Dundee versus Celtic; Paulo Bernardo of Celtic celebrates with his team mates after he shoots and scores to make it 1-0 in the 52nd minute

Beck, currently on loan from Liverpool, has made a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership, catching Miller’s attention with his performances.

Miller’s endorsement comes at a time when Celtic Rangers are reportedly in the market for reinforcements in the left-back position. Celtic is looking for a player to challenge Greg Taylor, with it clear that Alexandro Bernabei is not of the desired quality. The Portuguese left-back, Arujo, has been heavily linked with the Hoops over the past few weeks.

Speaking on BBC Radio, quoted by Football Scotland, Miller said, “I’m looking forward to seeing Owen Beck today. The games that I’ve seen him this year he’s been absolutely outstanding. This goes again to show the loans and opportunities that can be presented, from the big clubs in England up to Scotland to play.

“I would expect, for me, maybe the big two up here to be having a look at this player. Both of them could do with a player in that area of the pitch and he’s been outstanding.”

He didn’t impress too much during the ninety minutes on boxing day, but he did make the most tackles in the match, playing on the left of a back 5. He looked comfortable enough defensively, but Celtic are looking to add experience and quality to the squad, I don’t think the 21-year-old will fall under that bracket.

 

 

 

Great celebration time “But bad news” Celtic’s best player is seriously injured in…

What a great Win “But bad News” Celtic Top player is seriously injured during…

Glasgow Derby Injury Concern for Celtic

Celtic emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Livingston, a welcome relief following back-to-back defeats.

However, the triumph came with a tinge of concern as right-back Alistair Johnston appeared to suffer an injury towards the end of the match.

He looked to have pulled up injured, making him a concern for the Glasgow Derby next week.

The game saw Kyogo breaking his goal drought. Kyogo found the net, marking an end to his recent period without goals. This strike set the tone for Celtic’s dominance in the match.

Liam Scales doubled Celtic’s lead by heading in a corner from Palma.

Impressively, Palma also played a crucial role in setting up Kyogo’s goal, showcasing his ability to orchestrate key plays.

The Green Brigade returned to the stands for the win. The group made their presence felt for the first time in 13 games after being absent due to a ban.

Hopefully Brendan Rodgers can provide a positive update on the right back.

There’s a lot of frustration”-journalist react to “strange” involving Celtic star

Kyogo Furuhashi now in ‘strange situation’ at Celtic

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi looks to have been asked to play a different role under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

HIGHLIGHTS

 Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has been “a bit strange” at Parkhead.

 The Japan international has been asked to play a different role, drifting wide and dropping back, affecting his goalscoring form for the Hoops.

 Celtic could look to trim their squad during the 2024 winter transfer window, with Nat Phillips and Alexandro Bernabei preparing for exits.

Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi’s lack of goalscoring form under Brendan Rodgers has is “a bit strange” and has caused “a lot of frustration”, as journalist Dean Jones considers his performances as a whole at Parkhead.

The Hoops have enjoyed a positive start to the 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season, but a recent wobble in results will have created a sense of unease around Celtic Park.

Furuhashi has been operating across the front three for Rodgers’ outfit but hasn’t been utilised as the out-and-out striker he has been used to over the past two seasons. Celtic hope to recover from their early European exit and storm to a Premiership and Scottish Cup double.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s career at Celtic

In the summer of 2021, Celtic signed Furuhashi in a deal worth £4.6m from Vissel Kobe, as then-head coach Ange Postecoglou looked to develop a side capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title.

The Hoops had been beaten to the post by Rangers at a canter during the 2020/21 campaign and needed a rebuild to topple their Glasgow neighbours.

The Japan international would score 12 Premiership goals in 20 appearances during his first season at Celtic, helping them win the league title alongside a Viaplay Cup triumph.

Having had issues with his fitness during his debut campaign at Parkhead, Furuhashi would find full fitness in his second, hitting the back of the net 27 times in 36 top-flight outings.

The 28-year-old’s goal contribution led to Postecoglou’s side securing a domestic treble during the 2022/23 campaign before the respected head coach departed south of the border to take the vacant job at Tottenham Hotspur.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Furuhashi has struggled to reach the same levels in front of goal. Before Celtic’s trip to Livingston on 23rd December, the centre-forward had scored eight goals and registered three assists in 25 outings for the Bhoys.

However, Furuhashi has been asked to drift into wide areas and drop back to retrieve the ball under Rodgers, operating differently from how he played under Postecoglou.

In November, Jones told GIVEMESPORT that Celtic would not be concerned by exit rumours surrounding Furuhashi after it emerged that Tottenham had sent their top scout to check on players at Postecoglou’s former club.

Kyogo Furuhashi – Celtic stats (23-12-23)

Appearances

109

Goals

62

Assists

13

Yellow cards

8

Stats according to Transfermarkt

Dean Jones on Kyogo Furuhashi

Jones has suggested that Furuhashi can play a different role under Rodgers but that his goalscoring form will suffer. The journalist claims “a lot of frustration” surrounds the change. Asked about Furuhashi’s form, Jones told GIVEMESPORT:

“It is a bit strange. There’s a lot of frustration around this because you’d wonder why it hasn’t happened for him so far. But I feel like he’s being asked to play differently now. While he does seem capable in football in terms of being decent in the wide areas that he appears to be being forced into a bit more, it’s starting to reflect badly on his stats. That’s the first thing people will point out when looking for somebody to blame.

“I think he is a clever player and can play in the way he’s being asked, even though it might not be natural to him. But when you’re used to scoring or seeing someone score goals, it’s tough to accept a role change in which they’re not doing that as often.”

Celtic transfer news on Nat Phillps and Alexandro Bernabei’s future

 

With the 2024 winter transfer window approaching, Rodgers must consider the future of some of his squad members, who may feel they aren’t getting the opportunities required to stick around at Parkhead.

According to Football Scotland, centre-back Nat Phillips will return to Liverpool following his loan at Celtic next month.

The 26-year-old joined the Glasgow giants on a short-term deal at the end of August but has looked out of sorts, having built up his match fitness.

Phillips, now a fringe player at Celtic Park, won’t see his loan extended further, and another move away from Anfield could be on the cards in January.

Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Alexandro Bernabei is poised to make a winter exit from Celtic in 2024.

The 24-year-old has failed to establish himself under Rodgers and has attracted interest from Italian clubs and outfits from his homeland in Argentina.

The Hoops are keen on signing Estoril’s Tiago Araujo, valued at £4m, to offer competition to Greg Taylor, with Bernabei likely to be the victim in his arrival.

Meanwhile, Football Scotland claims that Celtic have enquired with Austrian outfit Sturm Graz about the possibility of signing former target Szymon Wlodarczyk. However, his value has sky-rocketed to £15m, making a deal financially unviable for the one-time European Cup winners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Harry Whittingham(1846 Articles Published)

Harry is a football writer with multiple years of experience in the field, having worked as an intern at Port Vale Football Club whilst graduating with a BA Hons degree in Sports Journalism from Staffordshire University in 2021, before coming through the ranks at the O&O Academy at Snack Media.

Having worked as a freelance writer on This is Futbol from July-November 2022, he now works as a freelance writer for the Exclusives team at GIVEMESPORT, mainly covering Premier League football as well as Celtic and Rangers.

Harry has interviewed a range of footballer’s during his career, including ex-Premier League and Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt and Port Vale legend Tom Pope.

Football dominates Harry’s life and when he’s not writing about the sport, he is often found following his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers home and away, whilst also being an ardent follower of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

CELTIC’S £1m MYSTERY MAN

MYSTIFIED Celtic fans are still awaiting their first glimpse of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeon-kyu in competitive action.

Lazio 2-0 Celtic: Brendan Rodgers press…

The anchorman arrived in a £1million move – an initial £850,000 plus add-ons – from K-League outfit Busan IPark in July along with winger Yang Hyun-jun.

Under-21 international Kwon, with the reputation of a determined ball-winner in the middle of the park, played for 45 minutes in James Forrest’s Testimonial Match against Athletic Bilbao at Parkhead at the start of August on an evening Brendan Rodgers utilised 22 players of his first-team squad.

NOW YOU SEE ME…new Bhoy Kwon Hyeon-kyu proudly holds his Celtic jersey on July 25, the day after his arrival.

The 22-year-old enforcer also came on for Matt O’Riley in the 61st minute of the 1-1 draw with Wolves at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium a few days earlier.

Apart from that, there has been no sign of the Hoops’ mystery man although he was named in last weekend’s matchday squad for the home match against Hearts. That was only the fourth time time he has been stripped for action, but has yet to play a solitary minute for the Hoops.

Rodgers also ommitted Kwon from his 25-man squad that was registered with UEFA before the Champions League Group B meetings with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.

It has become a bewildering situation without any likelihood of the midfielder, who signed a five-year contract in summer, edging closer to a first-team breakthrough.

Possibly next month’s transfer window will provide a solution.

BREAKING: Insane Russell Wilson News Has NFL Fans In Disbelief



Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson has been having an up-and-down season in 2023. Although his 2022 debut with the team was one to forget, he has shown promise this season and has Denver in the mix of the playoff picture.

However, massive news has come out about the veteran quarterback regarding his playing time for the rest of the regular season, and it has put the NFL world into complete shock.

Sources: The #Broncos are, in fact, benching Russell Wilson for the final two games, preserving their financial flexibility for the offseason.

Jarrett Stidham starts. pic.twitter.com/8sh7ORek5Q

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 27, 2023

NFL Fans React

Dec 16, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Broncos have announced that Wilson will be benched for the rest of the 2023 season, and backup Jarrett Stidham will take the starting spot. This decision has already stirred up a ton of controversy amongst NFL fans, some saying that head coach Sean Payton is making a horrible decision, while others are saying that Wilson’s time in Denver is over.

That’s actually crazy lol I know they essentially blew their chance last week at the playoffs, but they’re still very much alive.

— Jacoby (@JacobyFC) December 27, 2023

What does that mean? How is the financial flexibility affected by this?

— Zak🔥🐬 (@ThaCreekFreak) December 27, 2023



This marks the end of Russell Wilson’s time in Denver

Broncos will release him prior to the 5th league day of 2024 and will take a massive dead cap hit

Broncos will then look for a new signal caller and Russ will have a similar treatment to Derek Carr last year

— FrontOfficePros (@FrontOfficePros) December 27, 2023

More like they’re trying to save themselves from paying Wilson his bonus 🤣🤣

— khani (@1khan09) December 27, 2023

Russell Wilson’s Career In Denver

Sean Payton needs the Denver Broncos to keep wide receivers for quarterback Russell Wilson

The veteran quarterback has had a drastic improvement in 2023 compared to his debut with the team in 2022. He has amounted to 3,070 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions this season.

In 2022, he went for 3,524 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Wilson has not been as productive in the last two years as he was with the Seattle Seahawks for the vast majority of his career. He has proven that he is an elite quarterback over the years, but his stint with Denver has many thinking his career is coming to an end.

The Broncos are 7-8 and in third place in the AFC West division. While their playoff chances this season are slim after their heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots this past weekend, benching Wilson seems like a weird move by the team at this point in the season. Will the veteran quarterback be on a different squad by the 2024 season, or will he decide to hang up the cleats after being benched?