MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 HIBS 0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
A great day weather wise to watch the last game this season at C.P. Glad to see McManus back and had no worries about Wilson replacing the injured Hinkel. Was looking fwd to watching two good attacking teams.

BORUC ….…….10 MOM What a goalie! He must have pulled off at least 8 great saves, one of which was absolutely world class. He was quick of his line to clear any danger in the first 30mins when the defence was being caught flatfooted. On top of that he was quick to launch attacks by his good distribution. Must be worth 15m. I think this is the second time I have given him a mark of 10 (Henrik only achieved it once!).

WILSON.... ….. 6 Played very steadily and showed a great appetite for attacking down the wing but could have improved his final ball. At last I watched a Celtic player take throw ins quickly, accurately (except for one bloomer) and with imagination.

CALDWELL…. 8 He won a lot of the ball in the air against the difficult Fletcher and was a steadying influence throughout the game.

McMANUS…. …7 Took a little time to settle in but was determined in all challenges.

NAYLOR …….….5 Thankfully his performance improved after an awful first 45mins but he only re-confirmed my opinion that he would be the first player to be transferred at the end of the season.

McGEADY …. …..6 He was a handful for the Hibs defence all day and looked more direct when moved to the right wing in the second half but his weakness of spoiling his good work by holding unto the ball for too long.

ROBSON. ……….8 He’s not the fastest and sometimes his reliance on his left foot catches him out but what endeavour, what commitment he has brought to the team.

HARTLEY ……… 9 I thought it was his best performance since joining Celtic. It was not that he was prominent throughout, it was more his intervention work and calmness on the ball that so impressed.

NAKA…….. …….. 6 Some lovely touches but also some very dangerous missed passes. Had a great free kick, which hit the post.

McDONALD.. ….. 5 His selfishness and his awful first touch were going to result in a below average mark but once again he steals into space and scores a goal with his head.

JVOH…………5 Won a lot of good ball in the air but his lack of pace and skill on the floor meant that he was always going to be subbed.


SUBS

SAMARAS …….. 4 I’m beginning to wonder if he is worthy of a offer.

SHERIDAN ……n.a. Was only on for 2 mins.




REF…………. (McDonald) 6 Should have awarded a penalty to Celtic but correctly showed the red card to two Hibs defenders.

THE GAME ……9 Two teams intent on scoring goals made for an excellent game.

GOALS ………. 1. A good corner by Naka was met firmly by McManus.
2. Another cross by Robson was met at the back post by McDonald


COMMENTS ….. 1. The team did what was asked of them and the crowd gave them full backing.
2. Was delighted to take Erico from Brazil to the game and interesting listening to how a Brazilian saw the game. His first love in terms of football was Flamenco but his real love is now The Bhoys!

3. Well one more game to go and I still think that Rangers will slip up before that ensuring an amazing atmosphere at Tannadice. Celtic have a better goal difference of 7 and have scored 3 more goals but Rangers have 2 games to eat into that. Celtic will almost certainly have to beat Dundee U and will therefore add at least one goal to the total whilst Rangers have to at least draw one game which could mean that they will have to score 8 goals in the ‘extra’ two games.

4. After an emergency meeting of the SPL to decide what should happen re. Gretna’s inability to play all their reserve games it was decided that Celtic are the Champion for a record no of consecutive titles.


5. Was very impressed again with Fletcher and Shields of Hibs.