Saturday, October 18, 2008
MATCH REPORT: ICT 1 CELTIC 2

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

This game last year was a disaster! Two nil up after 30 mins and completely dominating the game until a last minute penalty in the first half, a perfectly good goal chalked off and a defence that just fell apart. Shocked to hear that Samaras was missing and that Loovens was in at right back. Just hope that the skill of McGeady, Maloney and Crosas makes the difference

BORUC ….……....7 Had a wonderful tip over that the ref didn't acknowledge, also made a vital save stopping a point blank save in the first half.

LOOVENS... …… 6 Was considering making him MOM until he was moved into central defence. He had played a very composed, sensible game at right back and then fired in a 'Caeser' type header for the second goal. Then he moved back to his favoured position and showed indecision, poor marking and bad timing. Radio Scotland had him as MOM!

CALDWELL….…. 6 A solid performance although a couple of indecisve attempts at heading spoiled it for him. Hope his injury doesn't rule him out of the Man U game.

McMANUS…. …7 Played a Captain's role being very solid if unspectacular.

NAYLOR …….….7 You'll never get a performance from Naylor that doesn't have you at some part of the game holding your head in your hands and to-day was no different but he put in a good performance and sent over a great low cross which led to the first goal.

McGEADY …… 6 Aiden hasn't been able to reproduce last years performance so far this season and to-day was the same. He tried very hard, put in a couple of good crosses but again I think he'll be frustrated at the end.

ROBSON……. ……7 He is not the most skillful midfielder but you can never ignore his commitment which was vital during the latter stages.

CROSAS…. ……6 I'm becoming a little bit worried that we might have another Donati in Crosas. A skillful player but also one who is finding it difficult to adjust to the hustle and bustle of the Scottish game. It looks as though his hamstring pull will mean that he is another player who will not face Utd on Tuesday.

BROWN…..…7 MOM After a week during which his lack of goals was being questioned he pops up with a vital opener. The longer the season goes on the more influential I feel he will become.

McDONALD...… 5 Was played up front on his own and it was a difficult role but he is not suited to a lone striker's role. Was rightly substituted.

MALONEY.…… 6 Like McGeady he tried hard but probably ended up frustrated.

SUBS

SHERIDAN………….6 Only 20yrs old and he was returning to the ground that he played a pivotal role in winning an exciting Cup game two years ago. He had a great chance to score after some clever footwork but the goalie saved well.

WILSON…………. 4 I'm sorry but at this moment he has lost the confidence and willingness to get 'stuck in".

HARTLEY.…… 5 Don't know if he touched the ball!


REF…………. (Brines) 4 How he could have given the foul by Black against McGeady and not recognise the blatant kick and yellow carded Black is beyond me but then it is Brines we are talking about.

THE GAME ……5 These trips to Inverness are always nervous occasions and to-day was no different.

GOALS ………. 1. Good play down the left wing saw Naylor send over a good cross which was met by Brown who wrong footed the goalkeeper.

2. A good cross by Robson was met by Loovens who powered the ball into the net.

3. A really slack piece of defending allowed ICT to score.




COMMENTS ….. 1. GS earned his money by changing things around at halftime and forcing the defenders to put up quicker long balls.

2. 3 points but at a cost in terms of injuries.

3. Have watched quite a few reserve games this season and my thoughts are:
Brown........Always capable of good saves but just isn't good enough to be the back-up.
O'Dea........ Head and shoulders above the rest and worry that he will realise his potential elsewhere.
Caddis....... Captain and a special player (could not believe he wasn't picked to-day)
McCourt........Now looking a lot fitter and showing some delightful touches and awareness. His first goal for Celtic was a beauty.
Hutchinson.....Have seen him score good goals and has a strong, physical presence but there is a certain lackadaisical approach which means that I wasn't too surprised to find that he was not included in the pool to-day.