MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 ST MIRREN 1

PRE_MATCH COMMENT

Disappointed that GS had decided not rest any of the players who played on Wed (Boruc was unavailable) Would liked to have seen Riordan, Caddis, Barnsson, O’Brien


BROWN ….…….4 His last appearance had left many unsure about his ability to fill Boruc’s shoes and after to-day there will be many more with doubts. He had only one real save to make and he failed to ensure that the only shot he had to deal with he failed. Wouldn’t be too confident if he’s in for the Rangers game.

CALDWELL ….5 Didn’t have anyone to mark and got so much space and so much of the ball (particularly in the second half) but that only highlighted his limitations when he’s on the ball.

PRESSLEY…….. 6 Was impressive in the first half when he was spraying the ball out to O’Dea to start another attack but he had very little opposition to handle due to St Mirren’s tactics.

McMANUS…. ….5 Another defender who had little to cope with but he did allow too many balls in the air to be won unchallenged.

O’DEA….….….. 5 I’ve never seen a full back given so much space and so much of the ball but, unfortunately, O’Dea is not a full-back and crossing would not be something he’s practiced too much.

HARTLEY…. …..5. Had a steady game until he was moved to full back and then he failed to do what a good full-back should do, i.e. clear his line, and the goal resulted by him trying to play the ball.

JAROSIK…. ….. 4 I can’t remember watching a ‘top class player’, in as many recent games, miss so may chances to score with a header in front of an open goal. Apart from that he failed to use the ball, that he saw so much of, to any real effect.

BROWN …….. 4 It is now becoming a worry that a player who started his career with Celtic so well (there was talk of a 9m offer from a Premiership club) his allowed his standards to drop by so much. GS will have to make this a priority.

McGEADY…. ….5 He showed the most endeavour, had the most shots but unfortunately was pretty ineffective for most of the game.

JVOH ………… 3 This guy cost us 3m and apart from a couple of games has produced none of the abilities I would associate with an ‘international player’. His lack of physical involvement yesterday was just totally unacceptable.

McDONALD ………4 It’s true that he was running into some very good positions and rarely rec the pass but the other aspects of his game left a lot to be desired.

SUBS ………….

1. SNO ………… 6 Came on to quite a lot of booing which is a slur on the reputation of the majority of Celtic supporters but to his credit he did not allow it to affect his play and he was the best player on the park. Hit a wonderful crossfield pass to set up Riordan’s goal.
2. RIORDAN ……. 6 His appearance will only fuel the debate about his future as he showed a keeness that was solely lacking from most of the team, a level of skill that was solely lacking from most of the team and an ability to score a goal that was solely lacking from most of the team.
3. KILLEN ……… 3




REF…………. 7

THE GAME ……5 Another poor footballing performance by Celtic. A disappointing end to our proud record of not having conceded a goal at C.P. against all domestic opponents this season.


GOALS ………. 1st Hartley didn’t do his job as a full-back and Brown didn’t do his job as a goalkeeper.
2nd A wonderful 30 yd crossfield pass from Sno taken down very well by Riordan who went on to prove GS right when he said “He’s the best striker of a ball at the club.”






1. COMMENTS ….. 1 Although the majority of the players were below par I put the blame squarely on GS’s shoulders. A blind man could have seen that McGeady should have been switched over to the left wing after 15 mins. An astute coach would have spotted far earlier the need for Riordan to be brought on.
2. Full marks to the St Mirren manager for his tactical awareness:
a) Put 3 men on McGeady
b) Allow O’Dea all the space on the left. He’s not a full back and can’t cross.
c) Be physical against JVOH……he doesn’t like it up him!

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