Was really looking fwd to my first 'live' view of Celtic, confident that the first signs of the passing, attacking, skillful play I had seen on t.v. would continue to bloom. My post match prediction was Celtic 5 Hearts 2.Felt really disappointed for Millar tweaking a hamstring during the Scotland match and I'm a little worried that he will not be available for the Spartak game.
BORUC......... 7 Big Artur slipped back between the sticks as though he had never been away and commanded his area with the usual authority.
WILSON ........ 7 Very pleased to see him continue his return to form and he was by far the more solid and capable of the two full backs. He made one dreadful mistake but that apart threw himself into the fight and had no problems lasting the 90 mins.
KENNEDY ........6 Did not quite impose himself as much as I would have hoped but perhaps he is still finding his form after such a long lay off.
McMANUS ...... 8 A Captain's performance and he stood strong in the middle dealing with everything that came his way. Was turned once by Elliot? but even 'King Billy' lost his man sometimes.
CALDWELL .... 7 I'm a 'Kennedy man' but I was very impressed by the way Caldwell settled in and although you did not notice him much neither was he making any mistakes. Maybe he is the best partner for McManus?
NAYLOR ......... 4 He has lost all confidence and is need of a rest. GS surely is going to bring in cover for this position?
NAKA..... ....... 8 JOINT MOM..He may have had customary wayward passes in the first 20 mins but his exhibition of skill was just so enthralling. His nutmeg to set up the penalty was sublime and his little dink for the 5th world class.
BROWN ........ 8 JOINT MOM.. Was thinking during the first half "he's doing o.k. but nothing special and then I started to notice his strength in the tackle, his great little touches, his powerful, driving runs which led to 2 goals. If this is him settling in I can't wait to see him when he' contented.
DONATTI ........ 8 JOINT MOM. You can watch a guy on t.v. and come up with some comments but you have to see the whole picture to really appreciate the footballing brain this guy has. Yes, he can be a bit to casual with some of his passing and yes, I don't think he is 100% there yet re. stamina but it was a joy to notice how well he can see the 'great' pass and also his ability to forward with ball under control. His goal was delightful. A bit of the Bobby Murdoch and Paul McStay in him.
McGEADY ....... 5 He is physically stronger andfaster than last season and he is doing more in terms of defensive cover but yesterday was one of his frustrating days.
McDONALD ............ 7 I like him! He too has great upper body strength, a nice burst of pace and an awareness of those around him. Was very unlucky not to score at least one and did a great job in setting up the first goal.
JVOH .............. 5 He scored a good penalty, he set up Brown for his goal and had a couple of nice touches but for the rest of the time he was still an expensive purchase who contributed little. Had 3 good chances to score with the head but failed to get any on target. Let's hope that Wednesday is his night.
SUBS ............. RIORDAN .... 5 Had about twenty mins to impress but he did very little.
KILLEN ....... 5 Looks leaner and fitter and had a great chance to open his account but shot straight at the goalie.
MAGIC ........ 5 Only on for 5 mins.
REF .................6 Brines is a strange ref but this time he kept the cards in his pocket and he does allow the beefy challenge.
COMMENTS.......... 1. This is the type of football we have been waiting for. Lots of goals, some great, quick interplay and more pace in the team
2. I have no doubt that with this type of attitude Celtic are going to allow teams more space in midfield than the last few seasons have seen but we are also going to score a lot more goals than in the last two seasons. Those old 5- 2 games were just great.
3. The nerves are already starting to tingle re. Wednesday nights game. What will our tactics be? Will Hartley play? Will we concede a goal. What I do know is that paradise is going to be a cauldron of emotion withn the Celtic supporters displaying their now legendary support and creating that unique atmosphere. Not a night to be missed.C'MON THE BHOYS!
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