MATCH REPORT:  ICT  0  CELTIC  0

PRE-MATCH COMMENT: Big hope is that the ref awards Celtic a penalty(although that would be highly unlikely as Ref Richmond has only awarded 1 in previous 21 games) and then I'll just sit back and watch 10 players fight for the ball ......... just hope that Artur gets the nod.

Was disappointed that Crosas was dropped as he brings a more footballing brain to the team.

BORUC ….……....6  Had to pull off a great save in the first half and an important tip over in the second half.

HINKEL..... ……..6  Played well enough but I'm looking for a better final ball after one of his good forward runs.

CALDWELL......... 6 He did what he had to do.

McMANUS…. … ..6  He had a great chance to score in the final minutes but just put it over the bar. He had another rash tackle which rightly earned him a booking.

NAYLOR...….……7  MOM  Had a very good first 45mins hitting some good long passes and maintained it for the second half culminating in a great cut-back which set up Brown.

ROBSON........... 5  Those who wanted Robson on for his bite saw very little of, those who wanted him on for his skill saw very little of it but when he moved over to the right wing he got involved much more.

BROWN…..…......5   Was nearly invisible for the first 45mins, stepped it up in the second but not one of their best.

McGEADY.... …….6  Sent over a couple of good crosses in the first 45mins and also in the second 45mins but I think he will be disappointed in his overall performance.

NAKA.................4 Never got into the game and was rightly subbed.

SAMARAS................4  Maybe he is much better coming off the bench as he had no real impact on this game.

McDONALD....... 4  Hasn't got the pitch to blame for his poor ball control but he was still our best option to nick a goal.

SUBS:

CROSAS ............ 5  His appearance co-incided with a more composed style of play.

JVOH..................4 Replaced the ineffective Samaras but was equally ineffective.

SHERIDAN....... 3   Not amazed that he came on but amazed that he took off McDonald. Sheridan showed very little ability when given the chance.

REF…………...... (Richmond) 7  How the ref can book Robson for 'persistent fouling' after 3 fouls and not book Black for the same thing is beyond me. 

THE GAME ……4 As a game of football it was very poor. Little skill, very few goal opportunities and a game which Celtic failed to make the ICT goalie make a save.

GOALS ………. 

COMMENTS ….. 1. I fail to understand why Celtic did not get the paperwork in on time re. the Flood transfer or deliberately delayed it to allow him to play for Dundee U against Rangers.

                             2. Another game without a goal. I mentioned a few weeks ago that, whilst I think our defence is weak, Celtic's greatest weakness is in attack. Our style of play does not lend itself to the goal scoring exploits Celtic supporters are used to.