MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 SHAKTAR 1

PRE_MATCH COMMENT

Now this was a butterfly day! A game Celtic had to win against a team that had already displayed how dangerous they could be. Heard on the radio during the day that the ref. was French, was firm, was officious and persnickety. Didn't like the sound of that.

All the following scores have been increased by 1 point as a result of the total desire not to give in and fight to the very last minute.

BORUC ….…….7 Great to see the big man back and he had the type of game that we become used to, i.e. concedes a goal (although he made a great attempt to stop it going in), makes a great save and has little to do.

CALDWELL …. 6 I find myself again having to remind myself that he is not a right back and in that context I have to make allowances. He gave 100%, he supplied McGeady with some very good passes (particularly in the 2nd half) but I would just wish he would cut out those moments when he wants to impress with some skillful piece of football.

KENNEDY….. .. 3 Gifted the goal that gave Celtic a mountain to climb and continued to be indecisive. Hope his injury is not as bad as it appeared.

McMANUS… …. 7 Stood firm during the time that Kennedy was on the field and managed to keep Shaktar's big striker quiet during the night. Think he enjoys having the calming effect of Pressley by his side.

NAYLOR….….. 5 Wasn't on the field long enough to have any real impact on the game.

HARTLEY .........6 Spent most of the game playing in the unaccustomed position of left back and did well considering. His passing was not as good as he is capable of.

JAROSIK…. ….. 8 MOM If you wanted to be critical you could point out his amazing miss with a header in front of goal or you could highlight his basic mistakes but what you could not disagree with was the fact that he displayed the determination and commitment that has been missing from his game. He also scored a great goal which breathed life back into the team.

BROWN …….. 7 Didn't have the impact I had hoped for but he was relentless in his attempts to turn the game to Celtic's advantage.

McGEADY…. ….7 He too did not have the impact I had hoped for but that could be easily explained by the fact that Shaktar deployed 2/3 men to mark him! It was his refusal not to stop trying playing football which led to that dramatic 92nd minute winner.

JVOH …………..6 Won a few headers but that apart, his performance left me wondering how he allowed his effectiveness to drop so much.

McDONALD …..6 Of course he tried but I thought that his inexperience at this level was highlighted. I'm sure he'll go away and work at his awareness and first touch.

SUBS ………….

1. DONATI ……….. 3 Until he scored THAT goal I was despairing of his inability to impact on the game but the goal will be all that he is remembered for.
2. PRESSLEY ……….. 7 Amazing performance from a player who has been out for so long. His experience and calmness means that I am not too worried by the fact that Kennedy is out of the Milan game.
3. KILLEN ……….. 3 I see nothing in this guy to suggest that he has a role to play.

REF…………. 4 He spoiled the game by his desire to stop play for any little infringement and his inability to spot the blatant cheating of some of the Shaktar players.

THE GAME ……5 Not a game in which talent and skill were in much evidence.

GOALS ………. 1st A gift by Kennedy in which he decided not to just clear the ball.
2nd A great left foot howitzer that was struck so well by Jarosik that, although the goalkeeper got a hand to it, it was destined for the net from the moment it was struck.
3rd It doesn't matter if it took a deflection, what matters is that it went in!!


COMMENTS ….. 1 Those of us who are Celtic supporters are so fortunate to follow this amazing club. Once again we are privy to watch a game in the Champions League that brings us to a level of sheer enjoyment (and relief), an experience that makes sleep impossible and leaves in total awe of the effect that pulling The Hoops over the heads of some pretty average players can have and of course that wonderful crowd (well most of them!) who live their lives through this Club.
2. Now all we are looking for is just a single point from the trip to Milan (or a Benfica result). It's not too much to hope for surely?