MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 ABERDEEN 0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT. Pleased that I was going to see Bobo in the Hoops again, delighted that was replacing Naylor but disappointed that Donati was the one chosen to replace Hartley.

BORUC ….…….6 A clean sheet and an assured performance although he was beaten in the first 5 mins when the ball crashed off one post, rolled along the line to come off the other post and rebound into his arms.

HINKEL.... ….. 5 Difficult to assess as he was suffering from a pulled hamstring early on.

BALDE……….. 7 Made a very good return to the first team and after a slightly nervous start he grew into a very dominating game. He doesn’t have Caldwell’s ability to play the attacking, passing role but Caldwell does not have his dominance in the air.

McMANUS…. …7 Had to take on some of Caldwell’s responsibility in playing the ball out of defence and he did quite well. Upset the Manager when he cleared the ball into the top of the South stand instead of trying to play it out of defence.

WILSON …….….6 I have to keep in my mind that he’s being asked to play in the wrong position but I like the way he is always trying to play the ball out of defence. Didn’t get forward quite as much as Wednesday but still more than Naylor.

McGEADY …. …..7 He may have had a game in which he could have made better use of the ball but he was the only player who showed that he was willing to run through a brick wall to help the cause. Made some great tackles.

DONATI ……….4 In the first half he was a player who was reluctant to take the ball and did not impose himself on the game. In the second half he put in more effort but little influence.

ROBSON ………… 6 Didn’t notice him too much and missed Hartley. Delivered a lovely corner for the goal.

NAKA…….. …….. 6 Spent the first part of the 45mins on the wing but as he came inside more and more so did his influence increase.

McDONALD.. ….. 4 His run of poor play is now becoming a worry and I never thought I would ever see the day that I would calling for Killen to replace him. He deserves a rest.

SAMARAS…………6 He scored the winning goal so his contribution was vital but leaving that aside he did not produce a performance that would make it essential that he is signed.


SUBS

CADDIS ……………7 MOM Replaced Hinkel and put in such an important 45 mins. He turned away a certain goal, he made a great last minute tackle but what I liked most was his willingness to surge forward and desire to play good passes. Would not be worried at all if he is pitched in against Rangers.

KILLEN ……………3 I was wrong, McDonald should have stayed on. The guy is a dumpling.


REF…………. (Brines) 3 The best bit about having him officiate at to-days game is that he will not be seen at the game next Sunday.

THE GAME ……3 Celtic dominated the game in terms of possession but made such hard work in turning that into real chances.

GOAL ………. 1. Lovely delivery by Robson which was met perfectly by Samaras to keep up his pretty good scoring record.

COMMENTS ….. 1. It was a performance I feared but did not expect but the 3 points are in the bag and we are top of the league again.