MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 HIBS 1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT Thought GS was being brave in sticking with the same eleven who had let us down so badly in Inverness, I would have preferred to have seen Bobo or O'dea in for Pressley

BROWN ….…….7 Had no chance with the goal and pulled off a couple of good saves but hurry back Artur

CALDWELL ….. 6 Kept asking for the ball and being given it but although he tried very hard to play like an attacking wing back he just does not have those attributes You can never doubt his commitment

PRESSLEY…….. 5 Though he won quite a few balls in the air and passed the ball around with composure his lack of pace is just too risky for Celtic to gamble with

McMANUS…. ….5 Like Pressley, his lack of pace is beginning to have an impact on his displays. Needs a solid, fast , mobile partner playing alongside him.

NAYLOR….….….6 Was pleased to see him return and also liked the way he was willing to overlap and provide McGeady with an option..

HARTLEY…. …..5. Because Brown is being played in a wide position Hartley is being asked to play a more attacking role. I don't think he has the pace or skill to fill such a role.

DONATI..…. ….. 4 Again he showed us how shocking some of his passing can be!

BROWN …….. . 6 Played out of position to begin with but never did he give anything less than 100% for the 90 mins. I worry that the tactical formation is blunting his natural abilities and perhaps dulling his enthusiasm.

McGEADY…. ….7 Another who never stopped trying but it's difficult when two markers are put on him. Chose the wrong option towards the end when we were going for the winner.

JVOH ………… 7 MOM This was the JVOH of old, fighting and winning most balls in the air and generally giving his all for the team. He played avital part in setting up the goal and was most unlucky when his flick came back off the post.I hope my constant crticising of his performances for over a year will have the desired affect!!

McDONALD ……6 His 'Millar' like inability to hold a ball up is proving expensive to the team's performance but he does have amazing ability to bring the ball down with his chest and turn most defenders. He did this to great effect late in the game but just failed to finish off his good work.

SUBS ………….1. JAROSIK …… 6 Scored the goal so his substitution must have been a success.
2. RIORDAN….. 5 Was stripped and ready to come on a full 5 mins before GS gave the final approval. Played inside for most of the 15 mins he was on.


REF…………. (McCurrie) 3 He may not have affected then result but what a chaotic shambles of a display he gave.

THE GAME ……7 Celtic may not have won but the game was a fast, exciting open tussle between two attack minded teams.

GOALS ………. 1st A 'Goal of The Month' contender with Murphy showing how much Celtic could use such an attacking wing back.
2nd A very calm volley in to the goal through a crowded penalty area gavebus hope.

COMMENTS ….. 1. Why GS took so long to bring Riordan on is a mystery. Why he left Donati on for so long was a mistake.
2. One of our greatest weakness is that Celtic have moved their most expensive player out of position, have put in a player who does not have the 'dig' neccessary to win the midfield battle.-