MATCH REPORT:   CELTIC  1   ICT  0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: If I had been forced to choose only one victory this week I would have had no hesitation in picking up 3pts to-day. The result from Edinburgh meant that some of the gloom had lifted but Celtic still had to win. The volume of traffic to C.P. was the quietest for many years.

BORUC ….……....5 He did not have a save to make. He did have a cross to hold which he didn't. He was wrongly yellow carded but risked a red by applauding the ref. He did an interview with a Polish magasine this week which shows that we do have a player with a rather troubled/strange mindset.

HINKEL...... …….. 7 His confidence in going on an attacking runs has made such a difference to his contributions.

CALDWELL......... 7  Back to his best position he gave his usual solid display..

McMANUS…. … ..6 Was uncomfortable for the first part of the game against a difficult opponent but soon got to grips and produced a solid enough display except for his poor passing.

ROBSON..…. ……4  Was out of his depth in the left back position and was rightly subbed early in the second half.

NAKA........ ……..7  It wasn't that he did not make any passing mistakes but his awareness and ability to lob the ball perfectly to set up Maloney for the goal was so impressive.

HARTLEY........... 7 MOM His overall display off tenacity, willingness to shoot and level of fitness just highlighted how much we missed him on Tuesday. Started the move for the goal with a crunching tackle.

BROWN…..….....5  As poor a display as I've seen from him this season. His touch was off as was his influence.

MALONEY............. 6 Scored the vital goal and after a lethargic beginning started to cause a lot of problems for the ICVT defence but faded badly in the second half.

SAMARAS .........4  Another lethargic display.

McDONALD..... 6   A better all round player than last year despite the dearth of goals.

SUBS 

SHERIDAN………....3 Time to send the young man back to the reserves in order to allow him to benefit from his experiences. A few more performances such as his last two will have the crowd on his back and he doesn't deserve that. Use Hutchinson until JVOH is fit.

NAYLOR........…… 3 Was pleased that he was replacing Robson but he was just awful.

MIZUNO ............... 5 Got his customary 5 mins to impress.

REF…………...... (Sumer) 4 Remember the name, it is not one I would like to see being in charge of many of our matches. A wee officious so and so who seemed intent on helping ICT as much as possible.

THE GAME ……4 I quite enjoyed the first half with Celtic passing the ball well although the defence was a bit squeaky for the first 15 mins. The second was pretty poor with too many misplaced passes.

GOALS ………. 1.A great 100% tackle by Hartley allowed the ball to come to Naka and, with hardly looking up to see Maloney's good run, he lobbed the perfect pass which allowed Maloney to sclaff a shot past the goalie. 

COMMENTS ….. 1. The only thing that really mattered was getting the three points. Now 7pts ahead and with Hearts looking likely to take second spot it could turn out to be a good season after all.

2. Still a lot of Celtic loosing their footing during the game.

3. Probably only just over 40,000 at the game..................a sign of the times perhaps?

MATCH REPORT:  AALBORG  2  CELTIC  1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: My earlier enthusiasm was dented slightly on my way to Celtic Park to watch the game, along with 300 other supporters, when I learned that under the new manger Aalborg had not lost a game at home. I was still confident though.

BORUC ….……....6 Was beaten by a deflected shot and an o.g. The only other save he had to make was when he tipped over a very good header. Got caught up with Loovens late in the second half but I really could not tell who was at fault.

HINKEL...... …….. 6 Not quite at the same level as the last few games but kept his side of the park fairly safe.

LOOVENS....…. .5 Not convinced that he has the quality or composure to be a regular pick for the 1st eleven, even at SPL level and do not see any real benefits to playing him rather than O'Dea.

McMANUS…. … 5 Unlucky that he was the player who caused the deflection for the first goal b ut he was the only defender who tried to close the Aalborg player down. The longer the game went on the more erratic his passing became. A great SPL player but maybe not of the quality necessary to hold and pass the ball accurately when in positions such as to-night.

WILSON.... …… 6 Although it was down his wing that most of the trouble came from it was not his tackling that let him down it was his enthusiasm to go forward so often that led to that flank being ungaurded too often. Sent over a beautiful cross for the goal.

CALDWELL.…. .6 Poor man! Having played a very solid game in midfield and linking the play very well for the first 70 mins he then is in the right place at the wrong time. There was nothing he could do about it. Had a great run and shot in the second half that really deserved a goal.

NAKA........ …… 5  Another C.L. game and another disappointing performance from a player with so much class. Sent over a sumptous cross which Samaras failed to connect with but then had the most horrendous of misses when clean through on goal. Thought his fitness level dropped after about 60 mins.

ROBSON..…. ……7 MOM Have never thought he possesses enough skill for C.L. games but to-night he allied his tremendous fighting spirit with bravery and skill when he scored with a great header. At the beginning of the game he was the one kbnocking Aalborg off their game.

BROWN…..….....7  He dominated midfield for most of the match and was always willing to help the forwards but he too tired as the game neared the end.

SAMARAS .........3  The disappointment of the night. It was not that he missed an easy chance within the first 5 mins it was that throughout his 60 mins on the park he showed no real desire.

McDONALD..... 7   Didn't score should have been awarded a penalty when clattered by their keeper. He caused all sorts of problems to their defence with his running and holding the ball up.

SUBS 

SHERIDAN………....3 Was given about 25mins to make his mark but everything he touched turned to nothing!

MALONEY........…… 5 Was brought on far too late.

REF…………...... () 7 I thought he allowed play to flow quite well but once again he put himself in the position of denying Celtic a clear cut penalty.

THE GAME ……6 It's been a long time since I've seen Celtic dominate an away C.L. game but my, oh my, how we showed our immaturity in failing to hold the ball, pass it and take the steam out of the game when we were one up or even at 1 - 1. 

GOALS ………. 1.Ironically the goal came from the ref giving a corner instead of a penalty. From the corner Celtic forced a shy and the ball made its way over to the other wing where Wilson controlled it, looked up and sent over a delightful cross for Robson to bullet the perfect header into the net.
2. A ball inside to the Brazilian who was unmarked and hit a good shot which would not have troubled Boruc too much if it had not richocet off McManus to loop over Arturs hand.

3. Wilson commits a crude foul out on the wing, the ball is sent into a crowed penalty box, Loovens swipes it clear only for it to hit Caldwell shin and cannon into the net.

COMMENTS ….. 1. Celtic were in control of that game and the reason we lost was not because of unlucky defending but because both samaras and Naka failed to take golded opportunities.

2. Another reason was the abscence of an 'auld heid' in the middle of the pitch to take the ball and just slow the whole game down.

3. Don't think that G.S. covered himself in glory on a couple of points. 

a) it was quite obvious that Samaras was not at the races and should have been pulled at half time.

b) why did he not put Hartley on as an additional holding midfielder when we went to 1 - 1?

MATCH REPORT:  ST MIRREN  1  CELTIC  3

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: 

Our last game at St Mirren Park and with a depleted squad.......it will not be easy.

BORUC ….……....5 Does he fill you with confidence at the moment? NO!  Does he appear to be a little tubby? YES!  Should have been sent off for a ridiculous challenge.

HINKEL...... …….. 7 MOM When it comes to an attacking wing back I think he is of high quality as he showed to-day with some great surging runs. What a great cross for the opening goal. His defensive qualities are still suspect.

LOOVENS....…. .5 To date his benefit to Celtic has been more his ability to score goals with his head than any sterling defensive work but to-day he spurned the easiest of chances to score the first goal after Robson had placed the ball on his from a free kick but, unchallenged, he missed the target.

McMANUS…. … 6 Found it hard going at times against two lively St Mirren forwards but he made a couple of his last ditch tackles which have become his trademark.

WILSON.... …… 4 He was playing at left back but it was down that flank that St Mirren made most of their early chances. Moved into midfield when replacing Caldwell. 

CALDWELL.…. .5 Was not as impressive as his debut a few weeks ago playing in a midfield role but did manage to make a few telling passes.

NAKA........ …… 7  At half time I was thinking "Naka, you're not in the team to win tackles or headers (he wasn't doing these anyway), you're in the team to produce some moments of magic (which he hadn't)" but then in the second half he did just that with scoring a sublime goal.

ROBSON..…. ……5 Played out on the left and contributed very little

BROWN…..….....6  Never gave up and harried away, had a good shot on goal but not at his very best.

SAMARAS .........6  Needed this game in his battle to reach full fitness and for long periods of the game he was pretty inefective but then his goal and his wonderful contribution to Naka's goal gives us great hope for the Aalborg game.

McDONALD..... 6   Didn't score but again showed an improvement in his link up play and was involved at the very start for the build up for the first goal then laid Sheridan's goal on a plate for him.



SUBS 

MALONEY........…… 5 His coming on changed the game.

SHERIDAN………....6 All of this exposure will be so important to his development and he was in the right place to score a goal.

NAYLOR..…………. 5 Thought he was at fault for their goal but he obviously enjoyed being on the park again.



REF…………...... (Collum) 7 Don't think he was at fault re. Boruc as I do not know what his position was but overall he controlled the game well.

THE GAME ……6 Celtic did not play well for about 60 mins of the game but the day was lit up by the quality of the goals.

GOALS ………. 1.Maloney, who had only just come on, sends a good crossfield pass into Hinkel's path. Hinkel charges forward and releases a great low cross into the danger area where it is met by Samaras who has made a great run into the box.

2. An eleven man move in which involves Samaras making an ezquisite 'lob wedge' pass right into Naka's path who side stepped his marker and then placed a shot into the net. Another great Naka goal.

3. Naka has a shot but is deflected and McDonald is onto it like a flash and manages to get the ball to Sheridan who blasts it into the net.

4. An impressive run by the St Mirren left back Miranda (he might just be the player we are looking for) and a great cross saw Hamilton outmuscle Naylor.



COMMENTS ….. 1. The big game on Tuesday will require a better level of passing but with Sammy and Naka on song that long awaited victory should be delivered.

C'mon Man U.

MATCH REPORT:  HAMILTON  1  CELTIC  2

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: 

Celtic have won 9 in a row and now playing the team at the bottom. An easy game?

BROWN ….……....6 Had no chance with goal and after that had almost no active part in the game.

HINKEL...... …….. 5 Where did his recemt improvement go? Failed to make any real impact on the game.

CALDWELL.…. .5 Was troubled more than once by the lively Hamilton center forward and was posted missing at the goal.

McMANUS…. … 6 Steady.

WILSON.... …… 4 Was rightly subbed at half time as he was back to his ineffective displays of earlier games. I can't remember him making any good constructive passes.

HARTLEY...… 6 MOM He was the only player who was showing any real effort to go forward quickly.Was rewarded by scoring a good goal to take the points.

MALONEY. …… 4  He's a strange player! He starts of showing some lovely touches and positive shooting then fades out of the game and so it was to-night.

DONATI……. …4 Proved again that if the opposition gets in to him and closes him down his contribution becomes non-existant.

NAKA..…. ……5 Gets an extra mark for converting the penalty but contributed little else.

BROWN…..….....5  A quiet game but did make a lovely wall pass to set up Hartley.

SHERIDAN .......5  Rec'd little service but still it doesn't excuse his lack of impact



SUBS 

ROBSON........…… 5 Replaced Wilson and brough more energy to the position but little skill.

SAMARAS………..5 Relaced Naka but was a shadow of the player who rocketed to the top of the scoring charts. Had one very good header saved.

CADDIS…………. 5 Replaced Donati. Did bring a more positive approach to the wing role.



REF…………...... () 5 Will be heavily criticised for giving the penalty but in truth it was his asistant who was at fault.

THE GAME ……4 An awful game mostly due to Celtic's inability to go beyond the Hamilton defence and to pass the ball well.

GOALS ………. 1. Brown was slow in covering the Hamilton player who sent over the cross and Caldwell was caught napping but it was a well worked goal.

2. A penalty that should never have been given was expertly converted by Naka.

3. A lovely one - two between Brown and Hartley created the chance for Hartley to smash the ball into the net.



COMMENTS ….. 1. There is no doubt that the Celtic players started the game with the wrong mental approach. There was no real bite or determination, neither was there the ability to play a passing game.

2. Last season and during this one I have been amazed at how often the Celtic players lose their footing and again to-day it was the same.

MATCH REPORT:  CELTIC 3   KILMARNOCK  0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

Good to be back and it was quite excited to see the Bhoys again after what seemed ages being away.

BROWN ….……....6 Brown has achieved something that Artur rarely does, i.e. keep two consecutive clean sheets. 

HINKEL...... …… 7 Could this be the real Hinkel at last? He was full of running, clever footwork and an attacking flair indicates that he could be the man for the position.

CALDWELL.…. .8 Must be on his way for Player of The Year after another totally commanding performance. Enjoyed his surges forward and his precise passing.

McMANUS…. …7 Very steady.

WILSON.... …… 7 A good performance and had one moment of 'Jinky' magic had the crowd of their feet until he ran into the post!

MALONEY. …… 6  He's a strange player! He starts of showing some lovely touches and positive shooting then fades out of the game and so it was to-night.

DONATI……. …7 Another encouraging display and showed enough class and skill to hope that he will, after all, play an important part in Celtic retaining the Championship. I just wish he would go forward a little bit more with both his passes and his runs.

NAKA..…. ……7 Amazing display from a player who had been out with injury and managed to last the full 93mins. Took the usual amount of abuse from the Killie defence but gave the perfect riposte when he did what he always does, i.e. score a sumptuous goal.

BROWN…..….....8 He strolled through the game bossing the midfield and surging forward at will. A class player.

SHERIDAN .........8  MOM Was very interested in watching him for the first time start a game and watched closely to see what he has to offer. The answer is, as well as youthful enthusiasm, pace, good running into space and a clinical eye in front of goal. 

McDONALD...… 7 The biggest improvement in his game since I last saw him, apart from a return to full fitness, is in his ability now to control the ball and bring his teamates into play with good lay offs, etc.


SUBS 

SAMARAS………..5 Good to see him back but he was lacking in match sharpness.

MIZUNO…………. 6 On for 10 mins and didn't waste a ball.

CADDIS........…… 5 Only on for a few minutes.

REF…………...... (Tumilty) 5 Can't believe how blind he was to the persistent fouling by Kilmarnock especially the holding of McDonald all through the game.

THE GAME ……8 A game in which the players were able to show their ability in keeping possession and passing and movement.

GOALS ………. 1. What a beautiful goal by Sheridan. He had won very few balls in the air but when he did win one he flicked it onto McDonald, surged forward to pick up the return pass and then clinically passed the ball past the goalkeeper.

2. A movement which started ironically by Naka winning a header just on the edge of the box, donati picking the ball up and unleashing a powerful shot which the keeper spilled allowing Sheridan to pounce and fire the ball into the net.

 

3. The best goal of the night with a six man-passing move which ended up with Naka firng in a great shot across the keeper.



COMMENTS ….. 1. It wasn't the best moment of the night but it certainly rounded off a good night when the core came in from Motherwell (it is only the second time in 60 years that those two have had a scoreless draw at Fir Park).

2. With Strachan's coaching skills and the natural 'bulking up' of Sheridan, we could see another Sutton soon.

 

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 MAN U 1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

Knew that I was going to be watching the game in a bar full of English supporters and all I was hoping for was that The Bhoys would not let us down and we would not hear any more “men against boys” comments. Would settle for a draw and for Villareal win against Aalborg.
Was surprised that Sheridan was starting and that there was no room for McGeady (learned later that he was injured) or Naka.
…………………………………………………………………………………….
After watching that heroic performance I’m starting off by giving everyone at least 7 points for bravery and courage that made wearing the Celtic colours in Portugal a proud moment.

BORUC ….…….8 Don’t agree with the Sky News guy who said that he “spilled the ball’ for Giggs to score. That shot was moving all over the place and he had to change direction. Did everything with a high level of professionalism.

HINKEL.... …… 8 Kept up his recent good level of performance and added a touch of steel to his game.

CALDWELL….…. 9 MOM He and his sidekick refused to be overawed and he gave everything for the cause. Cleverly headed the ball to McDonald to set up the goal.

McMANUS…. …8 These are the games in which his real fighting qualities come to the fore. Was always in the right spot to block, clear the danger.

WILSON.... …… 7 Was up against Ronaldo and rose to the challenge. Of course he had his moments of poor distribution but he never gave up.

ROBSON …….…7 No question about his commitment and effort but I do still feel that his qualities are not for this level of football. Thought the game passed him by in midfield too often and his lack of pace meant that he was left for dead if he missed the tackle.

HARTLEY.. …… 8 Held his position very well and although not as prominent as the other defenders his was still an important contribution.

MALONEY…. ……8 Did not shirk from his defensive duties and covered a lot of ground as well as a fair bit of skill. Neither was he afraid of shooting.

BROWN…..……8 Loved the challenge and was everywhere closing the Man U ‘stars’ down. Took a few kicks as well.

McDONALD...… 8 Took his goal so well and has refuted the “lack of sharpness and overweight” comments..

SHERIDAN……. ……7 Considering his lack of experience I thought that he did well.

SUBS

DONATI.…….. …. 7 Showed some lovely skill but it was difficult as there was no-one up front to benefit from his passing ability.

O’DEA………….…7 Would have thoroughly enjoyed the battle and did not let the team down.

HUTCHINSON.…… 5 Not on long enough to get the 7 mark but I did think that his inability to do anything shows why GS favours Sheridan


REF…………. 7

THE GAME ……9 The mark is high because of the courage and discipline that was shown for the full 92 mins. Defending is an art as much as much as scoring is.

GOALS ………. 1. Man U failed to deal with a free kick and the ball eventually came to Caldwell who astutely headed the ball to McDonald who expertly took a first touch and then chipped the keeper.
2. Ronaldo had moved infield and was unmarked when a free kick was sent to him and he took a few steps before unleashing a ferocious shot which Boruc did well to keep out but Giggs was as quick as a flash to header the ball home.



COMMENTS ….. 1. From a t.v. point of view it seemed that the support Celtic was getting from the support was magnificent and must have acted as a great spur to the team.

2. The one aspect of the game that we were second best was in our inability to match Man U’s ability to hold, move into space and pass the ball.

3. Disappointed in the Aalborg result but I really feel that it will be in Denmark that our awful away record will start to be corrected. Hopefully we will have at least one of our strikers back for that game to-gether with McGeady and Naka.

4. What a twat Souness is! I listened to him go on about how Celtic could easily have lost 5-1

MATCH REPORT: HEARTS 0 CELTIC 2

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:

The only drawback from a wonderful trip through central Spain was not being able to see The Bhoys. Now in Portugal and found a bar in Carvoeiro, Algarve and settled down to watch what is usually a tense game. Surprised McGeady was not featuring.

BORUC ….……....6 A quiet day for Artur , only two shots to deal with.

HINKEL...... …… 7 Believe he played well iat Kilmarnock

CALDWELL.…. .7 A very steady game and one that allowed him to "strut his stuff"which he did quite well. His determination was the main reason he got onto the scoreboard although it was a bit scrappy.

McMANUS…. …6 As usual he threw his body at anythihg that appeared dangerous but I feel that his lack of dominance in the air is the one aspect of his game which will prevent him from moving up to a higher level.

WILSON.... …… 6 An o.k. game in which he covered his position quite well but his distribution success ratio is still too eratic.

MALONEY. …… 8 MOM His overall game was fine and showed some lovely touches but it was his ability and confidence to attempt to score from the punch out by the Hearts goalkeeper fully 35 yds out. Absolutely brilliant. Goal of the Season despite what Chick Young thinks about Boyds P.Thistle goal!

ROBSON……. …7 He was up against a 4 man Hearts midfield but his determination not to concede ground was a major factor for Celtic´s first half dominance.

HARTLEY…. ……7 Apart from missing the penalty he played the holding role perfectly.

BROWN…..….....6 Like Robson he was in fine form in the first half but dropped out of the picture slightly in the second. Maybe deliberately considering the Man U game.

SHERIDAN .........5 He gave all he had and he is still a very young, inexperienced player but I am sure that GS will have noticed how few (if any) of the physical battles he won.

McDONALD...… 7 He is coming back to the sharpness of last year and made many more successful passes than previously.


SUBS

McGEADY………..5 On for about 20 mins but really did very little.

DONATI…………. 6 Quite nice to see him back displaying the skill we know he has.

McCOURT...…… 5 Only on for a few minutes.

REF…………...... (Thompson 7) Managed to miss Caldwell´s `handball`and gave the penalty when he should not have done so.

THE GAME ……6 It wasn´t Celtic´s fault that it was not a high quality game..............Hearts were very poor.

GOALS ………. 1. Goal of the Season! A good free kick but always the goalkeeper´s ball and he punched it out well but he didn´t realise how good wee Shaun is.

2. A corner which was not dealt with by Hearts allowed McDonald to bravely put his head to ball bringing off a good save but it fell to Caldwell who, whilst leaning on the goalpost scrambled the ball in.



COMMENTS ….. 1. A good 3 points and a game which allowed Celtic to take their foot off the pedal.

2. GS allowed Sheridan to play the full 90 mins which might indicate that he is not planning to start with him on Wednesday.

3. A point on Wed would give us an all important advantage in our battle with Aalborg for the UEFA slot. I do not expect Aalborg to pick up any points against either Villa or Man U.