CELTIC FC MATCH REPORTS & FIXTURE LIST

MATCH REPORT: ST JOHNSTONE 1 CELTIC 4

2010-01-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:. Decided to prop myself up in bed, forgoe the game on the box and watch it later . It was the best BBC radio commentary I've heard for a long time.

BORUC ….…….5 His automatic inclusion must be in quetion after another 'Calamity Jane' moment in the second.

HINKEL.... …5 Another player who is due a rest. The sparkle has gone recently.

O'DEA....….…6 Captain for the day and played steadily.

LOOVENS.…. …4 Had to be taken off injured earl in the game.

THOMPSON …….6 Kept to the art of simple defending but still found time to get an assist for Sammi's goal. The other positive aspect was that there were no signs of the very slow which had displayed l.w.

McGEADY …. …7 Must have covered more ground than any other player. Didn't rec. much protection from the ref

CROSAS………...7 The benefit of being on the longest run of starts since he came to Celtic is so obvious to see. His composure, his passing.

ZHI. ...…………5 He'll be the one to make way for N'GUEMO.

MAGINN........5 Made little impact.

FORTUNE…….... 9 MOM This was the type of display we have been hopeful of him producing! He was strong, forceful good control and powerful shooting. Celtic have been missing the 'rocket' shot and fortune has clearly highlighted that it's an impressive part of his repeitoire.

SAMARAS.... …..8 Of course he can frustrate but his work ethic has improved dramatically. The aspect the pleased me the most was him 'putting his foot through the ball when he scored.

SUBS

CADDIS…………. 6 I'd give him a run at right back to see if his natural vigour and skill would add that little bit extra to the role.

McGOWAN ……….6 Was another of the young players who brought vitality and a 'never say die' attitude to the game.

McCOURT …... 8 What are we going to do with him? His skill is sublime, his shooting top quality and his entertainment value would win him an Oscar.

REF…………. (COLUMN) 7

THE GAME ……8 The first half was pretty poor but the second just blew one away. This performance happened at the perfect moment. For weeks we have been complaining of lack of leadership and fight and then we see the difference of what can happen when all 11 players show those qualities

COMMENTS ….. 1. Last week I mentioned that a good performance at Perth might well just be the springboard Celtic require to win the Championship......the Hibs game takes on a huge importance just to keep the momentum rolling.

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 Falkirk 1

2010-01-16T02:50:00.000-08:00

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:. Celtic played the corresponding game back in Aug 2008 when a sparkling performance from Maloney, who made his first re-appearance as a substitute, set Samaras up for 2 goals and brought a style of play which I am excitedly hoping to watch to-day. Celtic 4 - 0. In 2007 McGeady scored a hat-trick so he might well be to-days star man?

BORUC ….…….5 I'm beginning to despair if Boruc ever putting to-gether a run of clean sheets. If I was rating over this season and last season I would probably rate him as "average" It would not worry me if Zaluska was preferred to him at the moment.

HINKEL.... ….. 4 Thought he started shakily and did not improve as the game went on. He was sone of many whose lack of physicality was so obvious t-day.

O'DEA....….…. 3 Those supporters who have shouted for his inclusion as a first pick now know the answer! The Reading Manager spotted it early and hardly played him. At the Falkirk goal he was just brushed aside.

McMANUS…. …4 Luckily for him he had to go off injured and was spared any more of showing us how far his standards have fallen.

NAYLOR …….….3 My heart dropped when I learned he was in the team The heart never lies! How this guy is still on our books is beyond me.

McGEADY …. …..4 Picked the wrong day to believe all the recent hype re. his value. On to-day's showing you would bite someone's hand off for 5m. Even when he decided to pass the ball (which wasn't often) he failed.

CROSAS………..5 Was played in a more forward position position which did not really suit his natural game. He's not quick and has problems getting back if he is caught out.

ZHI. ...………… 6 One of only 2 players to enhance their reputations. He was calm and tried to get forward as much as possible. should be given a run.

KI........ ……… 7 MOM For a young 20 year old to to show that he will be able to hold his own in such a disjointed team bodes well for the future. Was unlucky with a good free kick.

FORTUNE…….. 4 Missed an open goal and did very little else to suggest that he could be played up front. No physical impact at all.

SAMARAS.... …..5 He scored a good goal when for once he struck a shot with power but for the rest of the game he was the 'namby pamby' we see too often.

SUBS

THOMPSON…………. 5 Did better than either of his senior central defenders and is too young to really judge but a worrying lack of pace.

McGINN ………. 4 Failed to have any real impact

McCOURT …... 5 Pity he had not come on earlier as he might well have been the catalyst for breaking down the defence.

REF…………. () 3 Was completely conned by the time wasting tactics of Falkirk and never gave one 50/50 decision to Celtic.

THE GAME ……3 Just awful. Rating: 4.6 (the two games against the bottom team in the league have produced the two worst performances). Possession: 58%

COMMENTS ….. 1. Celtic are now 4pts worse off having played the same teams and are 9pts behind a team that is 30m+ in financial trouble, have not been able to sign any new players for nearly 2 yrs, play badly and win! One has to ask is the Board's infamous financial prudence paying dividends?..........................I think not!

2.TM was interviewed before the game and said " we will not make excuses because of injuries, etc". In his aftermath interview he just went on and on about the missing players! Does he inspire in his interviews?.............NO! Does he inspire the players?............I doubt it! Does he inspire the fans? ...................NO!

3. We have one of the least physical teams I've seen in a Celtic strip for many a year. We will probably win the Fair Play trophy this season!

4. An "interesting game"....................I think not!

5. Celtic may still win the League but it will only come about by our rivals failing rather than Celtic being so dominant.

CELTIC 1 RANGERS 1

2010-01-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Last year when Rangers came to Paradise they left with all 3 pts, surely Celtic cannot play so badly again?

BORUC................6 Only had one real save to make and unfortunately he didn't make it!

HINKEL..................7 Was back to his attacking style and sent over a couple of very good crosses. Was lucky to finish the game being able to stand after an atrocious tackle by Thuggery.

LOOVENS.............. 6 Was firm in the air and good in the tackle but when he has the ball at his feet he's a nervous wreck.

CALDWELL............. 7 In what is probably his last game for Celtic he snuffed Boyd out of the game and sprayed some good passes around. Could he have done better at their goal? Haven't seen the replay yet.

FOX............................ 7 In his first Rangers game he showed that he can defend in a forceful and physical way. Completely dominated his side of the field.

N'GUEMO.................8 MOM Another fine game from the on loan player. Never shirked a tackle and was involved in a lot of great one touch passing moves. According to my marks he has been Celtic's most consistent player this season after Aiden.

CROSAS.................6 A few people thought he might not have the physicality to perform well in a Rangers game but he showed that having class is the most important thing. I thought that Celtic lost a bit of composure when he went off.

McGEADY..............8 If only he had taken one of the two good chances he had he would have had a 10 for to-days performance. None of the Rangers players could shackle him and he made McDonald's goal.

ROBSON...............7 Played out on the wing, which is not his strongest position, and played well. He epitomised the character shown by Celtic to-day.

FORTUNE............7 Always a threat to the Ranger's defence but not unfortunately to McGregor.

SAMARAS.......... 7 In the first half he was unplayable and if only he had taken a couple of his chances he would have been a contender for MOM.

SUBS...................

McDONALD........... 7 Thought it was the correct decision to have him on the bench as he seems to do very well coming on as a sub. Took his goal well and played very brightly.

REF ..................(Conroy) 4 He only had two major decisions to make (Fortune and 'Thuggery') and he got both of then wrong.

RATING: Quality: 6.9 (l.y. 4.9). This is the highest rating this season and last season's game was one the lowest.

POSSESSION: 56%

COMMENTS:1. I know there will be a lot of supporters complaining about our inability to convert more chance but ,whilst I left disappointed about the result, I thought that Celtic dominated Rangers both in skill ability and in commitment and desire. The future IS bright!

2. The reaction to Boruc's traditional blessing of himself has always left me amused so I wonder how they will react to Fortune's 'Novena' just before the Huddle?

3. There wasn't a failure to-day and, with the potential of yet more strengthening by bringing in new players and giving ZZ, Brown, Maloney, the Korean guy, McGinn, McCourt, etc. the chance to make their mark, if this level of performance continues the Championship should be back home at the end of the season.

4. Yet another refereeing decision has a major impact on a game but hey, they all even out over the season.............don't they?

CELTIC 2 HAMILTON 0

2009-12-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: A clean sheet and 4 goals ................not a lot to ask!

BORUC................6 Only had one save to make and he made it, ergo, a clean sheet.

HINKEL..................5 Had a couple of good attacking runs but he still makes me nervous when a good bit of defending is required.

LOOVENS.............. 6 What a sweetly struck goal, if only he would strike his passes just as sweetly.

McMANUS............. 6 The sharpest I've seen him this season but I would still transfer him due to his lack of composure on the ball.

FOX......................... 5 A couple of good free crosses and a well struck free kick are not enough to make up for his defensive frailties.

N'GUEMO...............7 MOM Was constantly breaking up moves and surging forward. A little bit more composure when he's near the penalty area would be an important addition to his all round game.

CROSAS.................6 Quietly effective in the way he makes himself available to take a pass and then clinically dispatches it.

McGEADY..............7 He's rediscovered that burst of pace and although he did not get a goal or an assist he was still our most talented player.

ROBSON...............5 Can't fault his effort but his lack of composure on the ball was best highlighted when he sclaffed a shot when in a very good scoring position.

McDONALD............6 A better first touch was in evidence and he took up some good scoring positions but was not rewarded with a pass.

SAMARAS............... 5 His full repetoire of skills were on view but unfortunately so was his ego and selfishness.

SUBS..................

FORTUNE........ 6 Would like to see him start up front with Sammi.

McGINN........... 6 He's fast, he's direct and he scored a great goal.

ZING................. 5 Not on for long but showed one delightful bit of skill which should have brought him a goal.

REF ..................() 6

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (l.y. 5.3 ICT)

POSSESSION: 56%

COMMENTS:1. Once again the supporters were nervous wrecks in a game they dominated until the second goal.

2. Once again Celtic come up against a goalkeeper who plays out of his skin whilst rangers come up against one who has his worst game of the season.

3. Celtic play Kilmarnock on Wed. and in the corresponding game l.y. the score was 3 - 1 in Celtic's favour with McGeady scoring and winning MOM. Let's hope for a repeat.

4. The crowd was possibly the lowest I've seen at a SPL game since Fergus arrived.

5. The transfer season will soon be on us and I hope the powers that be realise that the number on the first team squad need to be culled or that the quality needs improving. This is what I would do:

BORUC.......................... Sell or no less than 6m

BROWN ....................... If only on loan at Killie I would sell for .5m

CALDWELL................ Sell for 1m

CONROY .................... Sell for 250k

FLOOD .......................... Sell for 300k

KILLEN ......................... Sell for 1m (playing in World Cup)

McDONALD ................. Sell for 3m+

McGOWAN .................. Sell for 300k+

McMANUS .................. Sell for 1.5m+

MIZUNO ...................... Sell for 500k

NAYLOR .................... Sell for 500k+

WILSON .................... Sell for 750k

There you have it! 12 players off the books realising approx 15m and saving approx 25m in wages. Bring in a good quality big striker, a quality big central defender and a quality left back and add in Zheng Zhi, Brown, Maloney, O'Dea and Ki Sung Yueng for a better quality squad for less money...........................you know it makes sense!

Hope you all had a very Happy Christmas.

HEARTS 2 CELTIC 1

2009-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Last year Celtic secured a 2 - 0 victory with an encouraging performance and t.y. it's important to repeat the feat. Rangers have found a new determination and 3pts are very important.

BORUC................6 Had no chance with either goal but his distribution was poor to-day. I don't feel he's come back in top form. Another game, another no clean sheet.

HINKEL..................5 Felt his lack of defending awareness was again highlighted for Hearts winning goal.

LOOVENS................4 What he was thinking about when he failed to clear his lines instead of letting the ball into the penalty box, heaven only knows. I doubt if he made a composed pass out of defence.

CALDWELL............. 4 He was always going to be dicing with death when he decided to make a tackle from behind in the box. I think he might have been unlucky but it was rash.

FOX......................... 6 Steady enough and did try to force forward whenever he could.

N'GUEMO...............7 Played well both in an attacking sense and after Celtic went down to 10 men when the defensive side of his game came into play.

CROSAS...................6 Was substituted after Caldwell was sent off but up until then he was showing his ability in the constructive aspect of the game.

McGEADY..............8 MOM He never allowed the threat of a yellow card to put him off his game. was a constant threat to Hearts with his aggressive attacking drives and was unlucky not to score with a great run and shot.

ROBSON............. ....6 He brings a physical side to the team and that has it worth but his lack of creativity will, I think, relegate him to the bench when the Korean arrives (also McGinn, Zeng, Brown).

McDONALD..............7 Was unlucky not to score when his header came off the post and then set up Samaras with a glorious chance.

SAMARAS................. 7 Missed a great chance to score in the second half but he did keep his goal a game run going. Thought he showed a lot of skill and commitment.

SUBS..................

FORTUNE........ 6 Was involved after replacing McDonald and was unlucky not to score.

McGINN........... 5 Was not on for long enough

McMANUS........... 6 Came on when Caldwell was redcarded and played steadily but he has lost his confidence in his own ability and so have the fans.

REF ..................(Tumilty) 6 Cannot criticise him for the penalty award but he should certainly have booked Concalves for his retribution on Samaras.

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (l.y. 5.7)

POSSESSION: 46% I get these figs from the BBC site but I have my doubts about their accuracy.

COMMENTS:1. We lost and that's a big blow but this was a good performance by Celtic both before the sending off and certainly after it. Celtic had 9 shots on target whilst Hearts had only 3!

2. I don't know of another team in the SPL which makes so many defensive mistakes that are punished as they are.

3. Celtic are now 3pts worse off than l.y. in the corresponding games.

RAPID VIENNA 3 CELTIC 3

2009-12-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: For a supposedly "nothing" game I was keen to see some co-eff points, a continuance of our recent unbeaten run, a few goals, a clean sheet and some fringe players!

BORUC................5 Haven't felt that our goal is a much safer place since Artur replaced Zaluska. Felt he could have prevented at least one of the goals.

CADDIS..................5 Think he'll be a bit disappointed that he did not use this opportunity to stamp a real claim for a 1st team spot. He is another good attacking wing back who has a weakness in his defensive game.

LOOVENS..............4 For one of our experienced players I thought he was awful! His distribution was woeful and his marking lax.

McMANUS............. 4 Was responsible for their first goal and played like a player who realises that he has no future at C.P.

WILSON................. 4 Another who did not do his case any good. I cannot see him ever being a regular first team player.

N'GUEMO............... 6 Steady

CROSAS...................6 He's not a player you notice much but his ability and calmness on the ball make him an important cog in the midfield. A great pass to set up the winning goal.

McGINN..................8 MOM He was the player who showed that the Rapid defence could be got at with his direct running and he was a thorn in their side during the time he was on the field. Great pace and directness, just wish he would "put his laces through the ball" more.

FLOOD............. ....4 He tried but to no avail.

McGOWAN..........6 Had very few opportunities to show what he can do until injury time and then he was brilliant.

FORTUNE..............7 3 goals in 2 games and he hasn't played a full 90mins in either of them ............. what a striker!

SUBS..................

KILLEN........ 4 No impact......only on for a few minutes.

CAREY........... 4 Good experience.

REF ..................() 7

RATING: Quality: 5.1

POSSESSION: 38%

COMMENTS:1. Well at least one of the Glasgow teams managed to stay off the bottom of their section.

2. If only we had a defence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3. The great fightback should ensure that there will be no drop in confidence in Edinburgh on Sunday. It was a game Celtic should have won but then that's the story of the season so far.

CELTIC 3 ABERDEEN 0

2009-12-05T13:18:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: l.Y. Celtic won the corresponding game 3 - 2 with JVOH and McDonald (sub) scoring the goals. Whilst a repeat score would not be bad I would like a victory and a clean sheet.

BORUC................5 Felt sorry for Zaluska but Artur is no 1although he will rarely have a quieter afternoon.

HINKEL..................7 It was a game that allowed his attacking side to blossom and his involvement in setting up the first goal was superb. Had a couple of good chances in the second half to score but the composure wasn't there.

LOOVENS................6 A much steadier performance.

CALDWELL............. 7 Didn't put a foot wrong and coped with the aerial threat of Millar so well.

FOX......................... 6 This was more like it. A display in which he showed confidence and even managed a great 60 yd run which beat three men and was unlucky not to score.

N'GUEMO............... 8 How he enjoyed the second half in which he displayed some great attacking, skillful football.

CROSAS...................8 What a pass he made to Hinkel to set up the first goal and with N;Guemo dominated the midfield.

McGEADY..............9 He must be enjoying this new role of being the country's top assister. His two little dinks to set up Sammi's goals were just top class. It would have to be 10m plus for the Board to consider letting him go.

ROBSON............. ....7 Another very good performance and one which makes him being a first pick more likely.

McDONALD..............7 His best performance for some time.

SAMARAS.................9 MOM Absolutely superb! His pace, his control, his work ethic and his goals had the fans chanting his name. Could easily have had a hat-trick. He becomes the first Celtic player to score in 3 consecutive games since he performed the same feat early last season.

SUBS..................

FORTUNE........ 4 No impact.

McGINN........... 5 Was very unlucky not to score.

ZHI... .............. 5 Should have scored but made himself available for the ball.

REF ..................(Tumilty) 7

RATING: Quality: 6.4 (l.y. 5.7)

POSSESSION: 55% (l.y. 61%)

COMMENTS:1. There's a certain smugness you're allowed when you've been at one of the best Celtic performances for a long time and look around at the empty seats of the 'supporters' who had lost faith in the team.

2. A top performance with many great moves. It could and should have been at least 6 goals.

2009-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

CELTIC 2 HAPOEL TEL AVIV 0

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Celtic have fallen badly down the UEFA team rankings and now are 53rd but a win to-night would lift them to 47th place.

ZALUSKA................7 His best save probably came when he saved Fox from a great deal of abuse after his inexplicable pass back.

HINKEL..................5 Was skinned a couple of times and failed to seize the opportunities that would have allowed him to show his attacking strengths.

LOOVENS................5 A few poor passes and indecision again in clearing his lines spoiled what was otherwise a sound performance.

CALDWELL............. 7 A display that reminded us of how he was Mr Consistency l.y.

FOX..................... 4 Started well (for 10mins) but then delivered the type of performance that made you wonder if Naylor would have been a better choice until Naylor actually appeared!

N'GUEMO............... 6 Did a lot of good work in breaking down attacks but his distribution at critical times was poor.

CROSAS.................6 Composed when on the ball but his passing was poor.

McGEADY..............7 Had another great first half setting up Samaras for his goal but found the 2nd half more difficult and was rightly given a rest.

ROBSON............. ....7 MOM Played out on the right but had his best game for a long time. Was totally committed and scored with a very good free kick.

McDONALD..............5 On a day when he decided to show that he can control a football he missed a golden opportunity to score.

SAMARAS.................6 Scored with a fine header but faded in the second half.

SUBS..................

FORTUNE........ 5 Was unlucky not to score and played well. MOM.

NAYLOR...........4 Had a chance to play the killer pass but all he did was mishit by about 50 yds. Awful!

REF ..................() 7 Rarely have I been at such a clean game.

RATING: Quality: 5.6

POSSESSION:n.a.

COMMENTS:1. ACertainly the smaller crowds seem to co-incide with a better level of support for the team...........I prefer it.

2. The first half display was very good but once again the second half saw a decline in quality and commitment.

3. Celtic have moved up to 48 in the 5yr co-eff table and a win in Vienna could see a further move to 43.

CELTIC 3 ST MIRREN 1

2009-11-28T05:49:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Last year St Mirren were Celtic's first opponents at C.P. and a 1 - 0 victory (goal by Robson) with Caldwell MOM. Going for a 3 - 0 victory to-day.

ZALUSKA................7 Had so little to do but he must be so disappointed with his defence's inability to help him keep a clean sheet.

HINKEL..................6 Was allowed plenty opportunities to show his attacking strengths.

LOOVENS................5 The good parts of his display were eroded by his very poor passing and his inability to take command in his penalty area.

CALDWELL............. 6 Started off the move for the best goal of the day with a great pass but his ability to create a foul when there is no danger makes him a dangerous player to have in such a crucial area.

FOX..................... 5 His first 30mins were a nightmare for him with a series of passing blunders. in the 2nd half he hit 2 great crossfield passes and fired in a great shot on target.

N'GUEMO............... 8 The second goal came about by his refusal to give up and won the ball back. More displays like this and I could change my view about buying him.

CROSAS.................6 Was badly at fault for St Mirren's goal but he has a composure and ability on the ball which should make him an automatic choice.

McGEADY.............. 9 MOM Was head and shoulders above everyone else on the park. Was full of direct running showing great control and set up McDonald for his two goals and a few other players with great passes.

ZENG............. ....6 Started out on the left wing where he was pretty quiet but whenever he moved inside one could see the potential that is there. Just needs a good run in the side to come to grips with the style of play in Scotland.

McDONALD..............6 Scored 2 goals so must get pass marks but he missed a penalty and showed again that his control and passing are 2nd division.

SAMARAS.................6 Scored a nice goal and showed some fine touches.

SUBS..................

McGINN.......... 4 Had no impact.

FORTUNE........ 5 A better display than last week but should have scored when set up by the MOM.

ROBSON...........4 No impact

REF ..................(Conroy) 6 Sent a St Mirren player off and then had to allow him back on again because of mistaken identity!

RATING: Quality: 5.9 (l.y. 6.)

POSSESSION:63%

COMMENTS:1. A sea of empty seats did not dimiss the atmosphere too much as I find that usually it is the most critical who are the first to stay away.

2. The quality of play is not so much the problem rather it's our inability to stop the reoccurring defensive mistakes.

3. The u 19's repeated their big brothers by conceeding 2 late goals to lose their first game of the season to Dun U but they also are top of the table.

4. A few facts re. the SPL - enjoy!

a) Formed 1998/99

b) Most goals in a season

35 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic) 2000/01

All-time top scorer
158 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic) 1998-2004

Most hat-tricks
12- Henrik Larsson (Celtic)

Hat-tricks in consecutive games
Henrik Larsson (Celtic) 2000/01

Most consecutive shut-outs
7 - Robert Douglas (Celtic) 2000/01

4000th SPL goal
Mark Burchill - Celtic v HEARTS, 02/04/05

Leading scorers
1998/99 29 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
1999/00 25 - Mark Viduka (Celtic)
2000/01 35 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
2001/02 29 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
2002/03 28 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
2003/04 30 - Henrik Larsson (Celtic)
2004/05 25 - John Hartson (Celtic)
2005/06 32 - Kris Boyd (Kilmarnock/Rangers)
2006/07 20 - Kris Boyd (Rangers)
2007/08 25 - Scott McDonald (Celtic)
2008/09 27 - Kris Boyd (Rangers)

Biggest home wins
7-0 - Celtic v Aberdeen, 16/10/99
7-0 - Celtic v Aberdeen, 2/11/02
7-0 - Hibernian v Livingston, 8/2/06
7-0 - Celtic v St Mirren, 28/02/08

Biggest away wins
1-8 Dunfermline v Celtic, 19/2/06

Consecutive wins
25 - Celtic (2003/04)

Consecutive unbeaten
32 - Celtic (2003/04)

Most points in a season
103 - Celtic, 2001/02

Most goals in a season
105 - Celtic, 2003/04

Fewest goals conceded in a season
18 - Celtic, 2001/02

Most wins in a season
33 - Celtic, 2001/02

Fewest defeats in a season
1 - Celtic, 2001/02

Fewest home defeats in a season
0 - Celtic, 2001/02 & 2002/03

Fewest away defeats in a season
0 - Celtic 2003/04

P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Celtic	414	304	61	49	968	336	973
Rangers	414	282	76	56	876	333	922

DUNDEE U 2 CELTIC 1

2009-11-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Not looking forward to this match within a great deal of confidence and disappointed that Zeng cannot play as I feel he badly needs a good run in the team. Pleased that Robson will appear against his old team.

ZALUSKA................7 After another very sound display maybe Artur will become his understudy.

HINKEL..................6 A particularly good attacking display in the first half.

LOOVENS................4 Another nervous display with bad first touches and poor passing. Appears to have lost confidence.Failed to dominate his area.

CALDWELL............. 5 Not that he was particularly poor but he seems to be a foul just waiting to happen.

FOX..................... 5 Another player who has lost confidence. His passing is nowhere good enough for even a mediocre Celtic.

N'GUEMO............... 7 He tackled all over the pitch and made some telling passes.

ROBSON.................5 I would have subbed him at half time as his touch and control were poor. He did have a better second half and got the penalty by direct running.

McGEADY.............. 7 MOM Had a great first half setting up Fortune on a couple of occasions.

CROSAS............. ....6 Was composed on the ball and certainly no failure but he is very ponderous in chasing back an opponent when losing the ball.

McDONALD..............4 Why is our top goal scorer who can't trap the ball, pass the ball, control the ball allowed to spend so much time out of the penalty box? He should be told " do a Boyd".

FORTUNE...............3 We all know he is not a striker but he could have tried to surprise us!

SUBS..................

McGINN.......... 4 Had no impact.

SAMARAS.........4 Ditto

REF ..................(McDONALD) 7

RATING: Quality: 5.4 (Av. 5.7 - Celtic should be averaging 6+)

POSSESSION:54%

COMMENTS:1. Celtic have 4pts fewer than last year when you compare the games against the same opposition!

2. GS could not sort out the Celtic defence and Mowbray is doing no better.

3. Once again Celtic have the majority of the ball, pass it around well but fail to convert any of the chances and fail to defend.

4. It's becoming glaringly obvious that TM cannot rouse his team with a half time pep talk. Once again, in a game in which Celtic dominate the opening 45 mins, they start the second half with no conviction or passion.

FALKIRK 3 CELTIC 3

2009-11-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Disappointed that Crosas was not playing but delighted McCourt was on from the start. Also excited by the thought that we might achieve 3 clean sheets in a row.

ZALUSKA................6 Not to blame for any of the goals.

HINKEL..................4 All three moves for the goals came down his flank and as we know defensive work is not his strength also, his crossing was pretty poor.

LOOVENS................4 A nervous display with bad first touches and poor passing. Didn't make a second half appearance.

CALDWELL............. 5 When he scored the goal I thought "MOM" but he then went on to give away the penalty and be part of a porous defence.

FOX......................... 4 One good cross which led to a goal but that apart he was pretty awful

N'GUEMO............... 3 He did not even have one good delivery. How he stayed on the park is a mystery.

ROBSON.................4 After he sends over a great cross for McDonald's goal he then send a 20yd backwards pass which doesn't find its man and that was how their second goal started.

McGEADY.............. 4 I certainly did not have any great confidence that he would score from the penalty, after all he is not known for his great shooting ability but I definitely that he must score with the rebound.

McCOURT.......... ....4 Started off on the wing but was quickly moved inside but wherever he went he was awful.

SAMARAS...............4 After showing some good form in recent games he decided that this was the game he would return to his ineffective, casual style of play.

FORTUNE...............4 It's difficult for me think of any real impact he had on the 90mins.

SUBS..................

McDONALD.......... 6 What more can you ask of a sub? He comes off the bench scores two goals but then decides to show us the other side of his game! There are only a couple of minutes left, Samaras breaks quickly from defence and runs 30 yds before releasing a good ball to McDonald who is all on his own out on the wing, it's a great opportunity to deliver a killer ball into the area but Skippy is tackled very well by both his own feet and loses the ball!

ZENG................4 Should have been on a lot earlier.

McMANUS........5

REF ..................(Winter) 7

RATING: Quality: 4.4 (Av. 5.8) The lowest this season!

POSSESSION:49% The lowest this season in domestic games!

COMMENTS:

1. The good news is that the minutes silence was observed very well.

2. TM mentioned the effect of the midweek game but that's like complaining about the number of turnstiles! At least he did admit that it was the worst domestic performance............he was so right.

3. Celtic had no midfield. There was hardly a constructive move.

4. The game proved that neither Fortune or Samaras are strikers (but we knew that already).

5. Tony, the shoogly nail has come into view!

HAMBURG 0 CELTIC 0

2009-11-08T10:58:00.001-08:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: McCourt must have been disappointed not to have started but I was pleased to see a more attacking formation. Just hope there is no crowd trouble as Scotland's reputation has taken another hammering thanks to our friends across the water.

ZALUSKA................8 MOM A great introduction into European football. Everything he did he did with confidence, Artur would have been proud of his saves and envious that Z. has now consecutive clean sheets to his name.

HINKEL...................5 Won't have done his international hopes much good with a display lacking in creative, attacking play.

LOOVENS................7 His display wasn't perfect but he gave a committed performance.

CALDWELL............. 7 Of course he had his usual daft handball, misplaced pass incidents but I thought his brave interventions and standing firm were vital for Celtic.

FOX......................4 It's taking a worrying length of time for him to regain his initial form. Hope the pressure of playing for a big club isn't getting to him?

N'GUEMO............ 6 A good display full of energy and good use of the ball but he will have to eliminate those casual passes which invariably lead to pressure being put on Celtic.

CROSAS................6 The guy has class and more appearances will produce more confidence. Would not want to see Brown replace him unless his performances suffer.

McGEADY............. 5 Another big game in which he fails to produce his best form.

ROBSON.......... ....5 Played to his strengths, i.e. the physical aspect but the composure is just not there.

SAMARAS...............6 A lot of effort, a fair amount of skill, a success in winning the aerial challenges but let down by his inability to fire in a good hard shot.

McDONALD...........4 His future at Celtic must be hanging on a real shoogly nail! Two good chances squandered.

SUBS..................

FORTUNE............. 4 Had no real impact.

NAYLOR................4 Fox was poor and Naylor no better.

McGINN................4 Thought he seemed overawed.

REF ..................... 7

RATING: Quality: 5.6 (Av. 5.8)

POSSESSION:50%

COMMENTS:

1. Reading the comments on CQN re. how poor/awful Celtic were makes me scratch my head. Here was a team fighting well, creating more clear cut chances and having 50% possession away from home against one of the top German teams and they were supposed to be "awful"????????????????

2. Our two central defenders were slammed for their performances and yet they did the most important part of their job well, i.e. nullify the strikers! I would take a similar performance on Sunday. Will be back home in time to see them after what seems like an eternity.

3. That's two consecutive clean sheets, a vital part in building a team.

4. Great that Celtic supporters upheld their great reputation as being ambassadors for both Club and Country in what could have been very intimidating surroundings.

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 HEARTS 1

2009-10-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: The good news is that I don't have an hour round journey to see the game as Auntie is showing the game but the bad news is that I've never seen Celtic win watching in my daughter's home in Santa Maria!

ZALUSKA................6 Should have done better with the penalty but did well apart from that.

HINKEL...................6 There may have been a few times when his final ball could have been better but overall he had a good attacking game.

McMANUS..............4 Another game in which his inability to be be dominant in the air and his lack of pace show through so clearly. Just not good enough.

CALDWELL............5 This season he has spoiled the couple of reasonable games he has had by making some very poor passes/crosses at the critical times in the game. Until he re-signs there should be no more appearances.

FOX......................3 I was delighted to see him back in the team but I never thought I would have wished for Naylor in his place. Right from the beginning of the game he was awful and it was no co-incidence that he was involved in the penalty.

N'GUEMO............ 6 He would be a really good player if he could adjust to the fact that the clock ticks a lot quicker in Scotland and that he should cut out those lackadaisical passes.

CROSAS................6 He brought a slant to midfield which Celtic have been missing, i.e. a holding player who can pass the ball and remain cool in the heat of battle.

McGEADY............. 5 So,so infuriating! He never shirks from looking for the ball but he also rarely looks up to make the telling pass when it would have been the most productive. His two very good passes were far outweighed by the times he

MALONEY......... ....5 Was subbed at half time but I didn't think he had been poor rather more that a change was required.

ZHENG...................5 I'm sure that he is going to be a positive part of Celtic's success in 2010. Like N'Guemo he will have to get used to the aggressive tackling of proud country!

KILLEN...................5 He won more balls in the air than McDonald, he showed better ball control than McDonald but he slow of pace and slow of thought.

SUBS..................

SAMARAS............. 4 If he had taken one of his four good chances he would have been in for MOM but instead he contrived to miss them all.

McDONALD...........4 Brought nothing to the attack that hadn't been there in the first half.

McCOURT.............6 Showed what he can bring to a game even though we have to accept that he will not beat his man(men) all the time. Should have been on from the start.

REF ....................(Thompson) 6 He rightly awarded the penalty but his best decision was in showing our captain a red card for tackle that Woodburn would have been proud of.

GOAL............... 1. It actually started with Fox giving a poor pass to N'Guemo` and then being suckered into a rash tackle.

RATING: Quality: 4.9 (Av. 5.7)

POSSESSION:57%

COMMENTS:

1. I'll probably be in the minority in saying that, apart from the result and our players inability to put the ball in the net, I thought that was one of our best performances this season in terms of slick passing and moving forward. Once Celtic get a goalscorer the boos from "the best supporters in the world" will soon be muted.

2. Only 18,600 supporters turned up for this game and I read about so much delight being expressed about our rivals problems. We should be careful before any party is started.

3. TM should stop playing a 4 - 5 -1 role unless it's a European game in which we are defending a good lead. Our problem lies in not scoring enough goals and not keeping clean sheets.

MATCH REPORT: HAMILTON 1 CELTIC 2

2009-10-26T01:43:00.000-07:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: 'The Ship' in Portal Nous managed to find the game on an Arabic channel and I was pleased to find that Zheng was on from the start, Brown was not and intrigued to see Zaluska between the posts. A must win game after Hibs had done so well the previous day.

ZALUSKA................7 MOM A very impressive SPL debut and a magnificent last minute stop to ensure the victory.

HINKEL...................6 Did well to set up the first goal but would have liked to have seen more of him in an attacking role.

McMANUS..............4 The game was going quite well for him until the last 20mins when Hamilton started to use the long ball and he was being out jumped all the time. He and Caldwell tried hard to gift the equalising goal. Just not good enough.

CALDWELL............5 A flash of Beckenbaur in the first half when he set up McGeady with a great pass, a steady defensive display until the last 20mins. Just not good enough.

NAYLOR.................5 Two moments in the first half highlighted the weaknesses in his play. Firstly he did a great move to run past the full back but then put the cross in the stand, then he gave the ball away whilst under no pressure. Just not good enough.

ROBSON................ 5 From a defensive point of view very steady but very little from a creative aspect.

ZHENG...................5 Was hoping for a more cultured display and surprised at how he was not more physical but it's early days.

McGEADY............. 5 Was correctly subbed as he was producing very little.

MALONEY......... ...6 A great goal (he doesn't do easy ones) and was much more dangerous than McGeady.

SAMARAS............. 6 Not a bad overall display. He put a lot more effort in and was the danger to the Hamilton defence.

McDONALD......... .5 Scored a poacher's goal but still not back to his best.

SUBS..................

CROSAS...............4 Looked for him to bring a bit of composure to the midfield but he didn't.

McGINN................4 No service ...... no impact.

McCOURT.............6 Got a little service but no impact.

REF ....................(Brines) 4

GOAL............... 1. A poor piece of play by the Hamilton defender allowed McDonald to play Hinkel in and he delivered a great cross to the far post, where it was met by a hitch kick from Maloney.

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (Av. 5.9)

POSSESSION:52%

COMMENTS:

1. Only getting the 3 pts mattered and we got them but it would have been nice to have done it with a bit of style. Everyone watching the game must have had the same feeling the longer the game went on..............."Celtic are going to give away a goal" but it was the way we could not defend nor hold the midfield which was shocking.

2. The Hearts game is next and it would be nice to see Fox and Fortune back.

CELTIC 0 HAMBURG 1

2009-10-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Maybe it was my good fortune that I had been unable to either attend the last two games or watch them on t.v. but I sat down here in Mallorca with some hope that Celtic could produce a performance which would re-ignite my faith in the team.

BORUC....................6 It was too much, once again, to hope that he would have consecutive clean sheets and had no chance with the goal.

WILSON...................5 Was very surprised that he was preferred to Hinkel and although he battled away I just do not think that he has the quality that is required to represent our club.

McMANUS..............4 He has had worse performances but he is another player who just does not have the class to command one of the central defensive positions.

CALDWELL............4 Tony Mowbray is at fault for persevering with a player who is having a serious dispute with the Club. Caldwell was Celtic's player of the year last season but has suddenly become one of their poorest.........................the two facts are not unrelated. He should not start again until the dispute is resolved or he is transferred.

NAYLOR.................5 This is the best type of performance Naylor can produce but it is not good enough. I am amazed that he is still at the Club.

ROBSON................ 5 Can't fault his commitment but I do question if he has the necessary skill level for the Celtic we should be watching.

N’GUEMO..............5 There are times when you think that he is a quality player but other times he appears out of his depth. there is always a casual poor pass waiting to bring pressure to his team. I would not splash out the £1.5m to sign him.

McGEADY............. 7 MOM He gave his all and put over some good balls but was closely marked by the best player on the park.

MALONEY......... ...4 It's not that he doesn't try, he does but his lack of confidence/skill in front of goal is proving very expensive.

BROWN................ 4 He was played out of position but never brought to the game what Celtic is missing the most, i.e. quality.

McDONALD......... 4 He was played up front on his own and had no impact on the game. His future must be in doubt.

SUBS..................

SAMARAS.............6 Made a difference when he came on causing more problems than Skippy had caused but he always want too much time on the ball.

McGINN................4 No real impact.

McCOURT..........6 Brought a sparkle as soon as he was on the ball. Was unlucky with a great shot. TM will be a brave man if he does not start him on Sunday.

REF ....................7

GOAL............... 1. A nice short period of possession by Celtic at the back was cut short when Wilson could not make a pass, N'Guemo could not recover it, Caldwell could not defend it properly and the Bayern player finished it superbly.

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (Av. 6)

POSSESSION:?

COMMENTS:

1. Celtic should not want to progress in this competition, they should recognise that they just do not have the quality to progress, they may not have the footballing intelligence so they should have as their sole aim, the winning back of the Championship. The team I watched to-night did not lack spirit, they did not even lack chances, they just do not have a player in the midfield who has the ability to control the ball, dictate the pace of the game and release the telling pass (the ability to score a few goals would help!). They do not have a big, strong, fast striker.

2. It is said that this is the worst start to a season that Celtic have had since the 1940's which might be a bit hard as there were no European games in those early days but that still does not explain the awful start that Celtic have had.

3. I3. Tony Mowbray is magnifying his own problems by visibly showing that he does not know his best team and as a result he leaves himself open to strong criticism.

4. TM does not believe in 'must win' games but he better realise that the game against Ham Accies must be won!

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 0 BAYERN MUNICH 1

2009-10-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

BORUC....................6 It was too much, once again, to hope that he would have consecutive clean sheets and had no chance with the goal.

WILSON...................5 Was very surprised that he was preferred to Hinkel and although he battled away I just do not think that he has the quality that is required to represent our club.

McMANUS..............4 He has had worse performances but he is another player who just does not have the class to command one of the central defensive positions.

NAYLOR.................5 This is the best type of performance Naylor can produce and again it is not good enough. I am amazed that he is still at the Club.

ROBSON................ 5 Can't fault his commitment but I do question if he has the necessary skill level for the Celtic we should be watching.

McGEADY............. 7 MOM He gave his all and put over some good balls but was closely marked by the best player on the park.

MALONEY......... ...4 It's not that he doesn't try, he does but his lack of confidence/skill in front of goal is proving very expensive.

BROWN................ 4 He was played out of position but never brought to the game what Celtic is missing the most, i.e. quality.

McDONALD......... 4 He was played up front on his own and had no impact on the game. His future must be in doubt.

SUBS..................

SAMARAS.............6 Made a difference when he came on causing more problems than Skippy had caused but he always want too much time on the ball.

McGINN................4 No real impact.

McCOURT..........6 Brought a sparkle as soon as he was on the ball. Was unlucky with a great shot. TM will be a brave man if he does not start him on Sunday.

REF ....................7

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (Av. 6)

POSSESSION:?

COMMENTS:

1. 1. Celtic should not want to progress in this competition, they should recognise that they just do not have the quality to progress, they may not have the footballing intelligence so they should have as their sole aim, the winning back of the Championship. The team I watched to-night did not lack spirit, they did not even lack chances, they just do not have a player in the midfield who has the ability to control the ball, dictate the pace of the game and release the telling pass (the ability to score a few goals would help!). They do not have a big, strong, fast striker.

2 T 2 It is said that this is the worst start to a season that Celtic have had since the 1940's which might be a bit hard as there were no European games in those early days but that still does not explain the awful start that Celtic have had.

3. I3. Tony Mowbray is magnifying his own problems by visibly showing that he does not know his best team and as a result he leaves himself open to strong criticism.

4. 4. TM does not believe in 'must win' games but he better realise that the game against Ham Accies must be won!

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 1 RAPID VIENNA 1

2009-10-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: Not really expecting too much from Celtic in terms of a result but hoping for revenge!

BORUC....................6 It was toomuch to hope that he would have consecutive clean sheets!

WILSON...................5 Only hissecond start of the season and it showed the longer the game went on.................he was knackered. Made some good tackles but on this showing will not displace Hinkel. Surprised Cadis wasn't given the chance.

McMANUS..............5 It doesn't really matter that he played very solidly for 89 mins, his abberation within 3 mins is just another indicator that he is just not good enough for to be first pick in a good Celtic team.

CALDWELL............6 Steady enough in a defensive role but he wan't to play the playmaker's role and it is so infuriating to watch. Had a great chance to win the game in the last minute but put his unchallenged headre way over the bar.

FOX.........................5 Hope he recovers his sharpness for Sunday's game. His crossing wasn't as good as it should have been and his passing at times sloppy.

BROWN................ 7 Encouraging to see a better performance from him and if he plays like this against Rangers it will have a big impact on the result.

N’GUEMO..............7 MOM A couple of poor passes shouldn't take away his commitment and good use of the ball.

McGEADY............. 5 Never got going and failed to create the moves that we were all hoping for although he was marked by 3 players anytime he was on the ball.

MALONEY......... ...7 Would have been MOM if it hadn't been for a terrible miss in the second half but he was the one who raised the tempo of the game after their goal. A repeat performance would be a big help in getting the result on Sunday.

McDONALD......... 7 You can forgive his poor control when he scores the type of goal that we saw to-night. A better prformance than of late.

SAMARAS.............6 One or two nice touches but he is a most frustrating, talented player.

SUBS..................

KILLEN.............5 A physical presence but notb a skillful one.

McGINN............5 Didn't get any service but was a bit disappointed that he did not force himself more into the action.

ROBSON..........5 Was o.k. but won't displace either Brown or N'Guemo

REF ..................5 Never stamped his authority on the game.

GOALS.............. 1. McManus does the difficult thing well, i.e. bringing the ball down with his chest but then does the easy thing so badly, i.e. passing the ball straight to the opposition who then countered attacked and scored with a good goal.

2. McDonald chased a lost ball, rode a tough tackle and then shot from a difficult angle across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

RATING: Quality: 5.8 (Av. 6)

POSSESSION:?

COMMENTS:

1. 1. Celtic coped well against a team that arrived with a good reputation and after the sticky start took control and would have deserved the victory if one of those chances had been taken.

2 T 2 History was made in sofar as there was an extra official behind each goal. They made no contribution.

3. I don't really feel that a run in Europe is that important to Celtic this season, what is vital is that we win the league and allow T.M. the time to pick the players who will be able to play to his style.

4. I'm going to miss the game on Sunday but I do think that if both teams play to their capabilities Celtic will win but it will need a concentrated performance.

5. The Rapid supporters gave their team the best support I've witnessed from an away team.

MATCH REPORT: ST MIRREN 0 CELTIC 2

2009-09-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

PRE – MATCH COMMENT: A surge of excitement with the realisation that Paddy was playing and a sense of agreement the 19k Caldwell had been dropped.

CORRESPONDING GAME L.Y.

RESULT: 3 - 1 WIN. SCORERS: Naka & Sammi....... MOM: Hinkel.........

BORUC....................7 Had one save to make but is still looking very professional in everything he does. Only his 2nd clean sheet this season.

HINKEL...................5 MOM last year but his poorest game this season. His distribution was just awful!

McMANUS..............6 Settled in very well with no attempts to do anything other than solid, safe play.

LOOVENS...............6 Had a shaky opening few minutes but settled well after that. Vital interception in 2nd half.

FOX........................5 Not his best game and had little involvement in any dangerous moves.

BROWN................ 6 He still rushes around but to-day he hassled well. He will have to start showing that he is a player rather than just a bruiser.

N’GUEMO..............7 MOM Nothing outstanding but he was always there when needed and showed some nice touches.

McCOURT............. 7 What A second great consecutive individual goal and he lasted 10 mins longer than I expected. He really does struggle to maintain an acceptable fitness level but he is immensely talented.

MALONEY......... ..5 Thought he was completely invisible until his superb goal.

McDONALD......... 4 If he doesn’t score he does very little.

KILLEN...............5 He tried but showed little of the level of skill required for a Celtic striker..

SUBS..................

SAMARAS..........5 Replaced Killen and brought a little bit more skill to the front line.

McGINN............5 Replaced McCourt and did alright. Did not rec the service from Hinkel.

CROSAS............5 Replaced Brown and brought a composure to the game.

REF (Richmond)........7 Could have awarded a penalty and could have rules the 2nd goal offside.

GOALS.............. 1. Paddy picks up the ball, meanders past 5 opposition players and fires in a great shot.

2. Maloney picks the ball up just on the edge of the box, moves inside and sends a lovely curler past the goalkeeper. Thought the goal should have been disallowed because of McDonalds involvement.

RATING: Quality: 5.6 (l.y. 5.64)

POSSESSION: 62% (l.y. 52%)

COMMENTS:

1. 1 Not a great display by Celtic with too many missed passes, particularly the final ball. Pleased to hear TM admit as much.

2 Two big games coming up and I will enjoy venting my angst against a team who cheated their way to victory last time Celtic played (it's Rapid I'm talking about!).

MATCH REPORT: CELTIC 2 HEARTS 1

2009-09-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

BORUC.................... 6 Thought he was a bit slow going down at the Hearts goal but after that he pulled off some important saves. He had a wee pushing match with our Captain after 'The Heid' made one of not uncommon mistakes.............think most of the crowd were on his side.

HINKEL....................8 MOM He was my worry considering how Driver terrorised him during the corresponding game last season but to-day Driver was hardly seen and Hinkel gave everything in both an attacking and defensive role. Sent a great ball to McDonald but he failed to control it.

CALDWELL.............5 It's not that he doesn't produce some good football during games, he does, but it's the nervousness that he creates when he's given time to clear his area. Was very lucky that Artur spared his blushes after a typical blunder allowed Driver a great chance.

LOOVENS................ 6 Was caught up in the general indecision, particularly in the first half, steadied a little in the second but he did score the winning goal.

FOX...........................7 I like the way he doesn't shirk tackles and I like the way he continued to attack the Hearts defence even when it looked as though the winning goal wasn't coming. Again good deliveries.

BROWN.............. ..5 His poor passing led to the Hearts goal. His 'losing the heid' nearly cost us a goal and resulted in a yellow card. Thought he was fortunate not to be subbed.

N’GUEMO.............7 It was good to see him back to his earlier form but he does tire in the last 20 mins..

McGEADY............8 Tried everything in his locker to help Celtic win the game and supplied several great balls into the penalty box which weren't taken. Also put in a great deal of work.

MALONEY........... 5 Had a great free kick hit the bar but that apart did not really use his skills to produce chances.

KILLEN................6 Scored a great equalising goal with a powerful header and did succeed occassionaly in causing problems to the Hearts defence but I don't think that his basic skills/qualities are good enough for Celtic.

McDONALD..........5 Made a couple of good scoring opportunities but failed to take them also had a couple given to him and again failed.

SUBS..................

McGINN............5 Was pleased to see him given more experience and it was his persistence which which led to THE corner that was.

REF....(McDonald).......6 Allowed himself to be conned when bringing the game to a stop because of a 'head injury' which turned out to be a leg injury. Should have awarded a penalty to Celtic.

GOALS.............. 1. Another slack pass from Brown allowed Satanta to run 20 yds before hitting the target from all of 25 yds.

2. Perseverance by Maloney, after Baloch had made a good save from a Killen shot, the ball looked as though it was going for a corner, allowed him to send over a great cross which was bulleted into the net by Killen.

3. The impressive Hearts full back inexplicably allowed a ball to go out for a corner. A good corner by Fox was only partly punched away, McGeady just lobbed a header to the far post and there was Loovens header the ball into the net.

COMMENTS: 1. At half time I wasn't despondent and felt that an early goal and the full backing of the support would lead to a victory. I thought that Celtic had shown enough of their early season form to give me hope.

2. A positive was the fact that the majority of the support (there will always be the small minority who want to criticise and boo at the slightest mistake) got behind the support and helped create the atmosphere that has won so many lost causes in the past.

3. Pity Robson did not get some much needed match practice.

4. Even if it had ended in a draw Celtic played much better than they did in the corresponding game last year.

5.. At least Celtic are back on top and some easier teams coming up..