MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 DYNAMO MOSCOW 1

PRE - MATCH COMMENT:

The first real game of the new season has me quite excited and (worryingly) optimistic.

BORUC……………..7 Made a very good save in the first two minutes but had little chance with the goal and coped with everything else very well. He continued with the much more effective method of throwing the ball out to start attacks.

HINKEL……………5 He was the weak link at the beginning of the game and it wasn't surprising that the goal came from a move down his flank. He should have ensured that a right footed player was forced to cross the ball with his weaker foot. Did have quite a few opportunities to send over some good, dangerous crosses but mostly failed.

CALDWELL………6 There were times when he looked very composed and capable and there were other times when he either over played the ball or was just too lackadaisical. Lost his man for the goal.

LOOVENS………..7 There were a couple of times when he was caught out but overall I though he was sound.

NAYLOR………...6 At times you thought he was going to continue his sparkling pre-season form and others when he reminded us all that he should not be our first choice.

MALONEY……..7 Full of running and effort. Was a constant thorn when he was out in the wing but when he was moved inside he effectiveness dropped. Maybe it was just tiredness.

N'GUEMY……….. 6 Had a nervous start and then came onto a really impressive game. He reminds me of a slightly more defensive Bobby Collins (the wee barrel). Faded out of the game in the last 20 mins but I saw enough to convince he is going to be an important player for us.

DONATI…………. 6 There is no question that he is a talented player, some of his passing and positional play were top class, but there is too much of a laissez faire attitude to make me think that he will be a regular starter.

McGEADY…………8 MOM Great skill, non stop work rate and 90 mins of tormenting the Russian defence. He will be a heavily marked man in the return match. His display gives me great hope for the coming season.

FORTUNE……………… 5 Two great chances to start his Celtic career of with a bang but his reputation for not being a natural scorer seemed confirmed. On the other hand I was impressed by his positional play and his ability to link play. Would certainly not write him off.

McDONALD……….........5 Had one good opportunity and perhaps took the wrong option and was very unlucky not to score when he headed the ball over the goalkeeper only to see it cleared of the line at the last moment.

SUBS

KILLEN.......................5 Replaced McDonald but showed nothing to suggest that this leopard has changed its spots.

SAMARAS..................5 Replaced Fortune. Had a great chance to equalise in the dying minutes but headed straight at the goalkeeper.

FOX............................5 Replaced Donati. Was played in a wide left midfield position again.

REF ............………..7 Only complaint is that he could have more strict with the continuous fouling by the Russians.

GAME………………7 The first 60 mins had everything except a barrage of goals. Good skills by both teams, Celtic doing most of the attacking and Moscow hitting on the break. The last 30 mins petered out as far as Celtic were concerned.

GOALS............ 1. The ref, unfortunately, correctly allowed play to carry on after a foul by McGeady and Hinkel was at fault in allowing a speculative cross to be fired in. Caldwell made the fatal mistake in not defending his near post properly and the Russian player nicked in front of him and poked the ball between Boruc's legs.

COMMENTS…………1. I am disappointed but not despondent. There was enough good football from Celtic to make me think that they will score in Moscow (had 5 good chances to-night). The style of football is correct, all that is missing is match practice.

2. Would favour the front pairing of Fortune and McDonald. Would also favour a midfield of N'Guemy and Brown (hope he plays on Sat).

3. A crowd of over 50k was very encouraging despite the BBC saying that it was disappointing!

4. That's now two seasons in a row when we have failed to score a goal in our opening home European game!

5. The situation Celtic find themselves in highlights fully the foolishness of both GS and the Board to allow a 8pt lead to just dissipate after Xmas.

6. Now it is 3 games lost in our last 36 games at home.

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 SPURS 0

PRE - MATCH COMMENT:

Going to watch this game in a much more relaxed state after such an impressive performance against the no 1 team in Africa also it was known that our best players would be rested.

ZALUSKA…………7 Very impressed that we have a keeper of his quality to be backing up one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. He has many mannerisms similar to Artur and looks to equally as confident. Would have no problems with him starting any match.

CADDIS……………6 Played in a great cross for the first goal and overall did well............pity about his height. Happy to have him in the pool.

O'DEA..........………8 MOM Played the full 90 mins and never put a foot wrong. Would have no problems with him being a 1st team pick.

LOOVENS………..7 Rock solid alongside O'Dea. Would be one of my choices for defence.

FOX...........………..6 His strength appears to lie in an attacking role. think Naylor will feature against Moscow.

MIZUNO......……..6 Very keen and tricky but want to see more creativity from him. Happy to have him in the squad. Only a squad player at this moment.

McCOURT…….. 6 The first of our ENIGMAS. He has all the footballing ability and should have scored the goal of the competition after beating 5 men. I'm beginning to doubt that his lack of staying power is due to him being simply unfit. Happy to have him come off the bench.

CROSAS………6 Delivered some wonderful defence splitting passes but did not put his mark on the game. delighted to have in our squad.

FLOOD…………6 Put a lot of effort into his performance but I wonder if he is a little overawed playing for Celtic? Only a squad player.

SAMARAS…………… 6 The second ENIGMA. Has such natural skill, has a good burst of pace and can score great goals but he is also so frustrating! what a goal Happy to have him come off the bench but will he be?

KILLEN……….........6 The third of our ENIGMAS. Has no speed, little skill but does have an eye for goal.

SUBS:

CALDWELL……….6 Replaced Loovens and enjoyed showing that he can contribute to the new one touch football..

CONROY....................5 Played o.k but not make his future at C.P.

McGINN...................... 5 Looked promising.

FERRY....................... 5 I like the composure and bite of this midfielder.

McGOWAN.............5 Will be a success at some other club.

REF ............………6

GAME………………8 Another really enjoyable few hours. Celtic continued with their re-discovered 'Tommy Burns' style of play............GREAT!

COMMENTS…………1. Read a very revealing interview with Skippy in which he revealed some of T.M's philosophy and it is so encouraging. really looking fwd to the new season.

2. To watch our 'second eleven' play so well and lift the trophy is such a throwback to the good old days.

3. Celtic keep up their amazing record in winning these one off trophies.

4. What a long, long walk to collect the Cup.

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 5 AL AHLY 0

PRE - MATCH COMMENT:

Due to me being emotionally ambushed by two females who used the fact that London is the swine flu capital of Europe I had to cancel my trip at the very last minute so this report is regrettably from watching it on t.v.

BORUC……………..8 Whatever he was asked to do he did so with complete assuredness and a couple of his saves were out of the top drawer. Also liked the change of distribution, he is now throwing the ball much more. Definitely not as tubby as the start of last season. Welcome back the 'Holy Goalie'.

HINKEL……………6 Saw quite a bit of his attacking skills in the first half and he is comfortable with the quick passing philosophy.

CALDWELL………6 Did all he had to do and captained another clean sheet side.

LOOVENS………..6 Steady, with either Caldwell or O'Dea playing alongside.

NAYLOR………..7 A fine game by a player whose days may be numbered. Another who enjoyed a more attacking role.

MALONEY……..8 Looked sharper and fitter than last season and his footballing skills were very impressive.

N'GUEMY……….. 6 Was not as impressed as I had expected to be but it's early days.

DONATI…………. 8 MOM Hopefully this could be the re-birth of a very talented player. His calmness on the ball, his ability to pick out a player with a good pass and his height could all prove invaluable if he shows determination and improves his engine.

McGEADY…………7 Given a much freer role than under GS and his enthusiasm and work rate were impressive. Could we also wish to see a more mature use of when to release the ball?

FORTUNE……………… 6 Think he will need a few more games before we see his real qualities but he has good body strength, can turn an opponent and was unlucky not to score when his good shot hit the crossbar.

McDONALD……….........6 His second goal was the pick of the bunch and, as usual, he could have scored a couple more but he'll be pleased his back scoring again.

SUBS:

CROSAS…………….6 Replaced Donati and slipped very comfortably into his position.

O'DEA.........................6 Ditto when replacing Caldwell.

FLOOD...................... 5 Wonder if he'll make it?

MIZUNO.................... 5

KILLEN.......................5 Scored a goal but I still hae me doots.

FOX..........................5 Was played in a wide left midfield position and looks to have a cultured left foot.

REF ............………6 Did not shirk from giving the first penalty but bottled it when Naylor was brought down.

GAME………………8 It was a very good friendly in so far as both teams wanted to play the ball on the ground and go forward.

COMMENTS…………1. It was only a friendly but already you can see the difference in approach as to how the game will be played.

a) We have a more attacking style to our game. Very few long punts up the field and proof that we have players who can 'one touch pass' whilst going forward.

b) We will have our most skillful player (McGeady) being given a much freer role.

c) These games and the Moscow ones, will give us a head start when our season starts.

d) Don't know if we have resolved our striking problems......I hope so!

e) Interesting that Sammi was not given a run out.

2. A very promising start by our new Manager and I just hope a very good crowd turns up on Wednesday to fully get behind the team.