Ras- the ultimate predator

“I'm a striker and most of my goals are scored in the box. I am a box player, I like to be in the box."

Reading that quote from Morten Rasmussen as he joined Celtic I thought 'Great, a penalty box striker'.

Wrong. Rasmussen isn't a penalty box striker- he's a six yard box striker.

Three goals, yip, I'll credit him unofficially with the third goal today at Dunfermline, in 139 minutes is a fantastic return at any level. With all three goals coming from within the six yard box it's even better.

Weaving the prettiest of patterns will always be pleasing on the eye but without the ball ending up in the back of the net all the possession in the world is pointless as Arsenal found out again at Chelsea today.

The direction of the Celtic team under Tony Mowbray is unclear but without doubt he has uncovered a gem of a striker in Rasmussen.

None of his 'three' goals will ever feature in a goal of the season, or of the month, competition but having someone hovering around in the penalty box with the instinct to find the ball and lose defenders is priceless.

Rasmussen looks capable of linking play up as well, giving midfielders a target to aim for, but all the time his aim is to be on the end of the move to put the ball in the net.

The third Celtic goal today at Dunfermline was the perfect example of a predator. Rasmussen found space as Robbie Keane steadied himself to shoot but the ball broke off the keeper. Rasmussen didn't let his head go down, he hung around and as the ball was crossed back into the six yard box his presence panicked Callum Woods into putting the ball into the net.

There were real signs of a partnership and understanding forming between Keane and Rasmussen during the second half with Diomansy Kamara linking well with both players and looking a serious goal threat himself.

With all three players finding the net there will be a sense of anticipation and excitement about the game with Hearts on Wednesday although Jim Jefferies could be using the same words as he looks at the Celtic defence.

Landry N'Guemo finished today's match at right back just as Scott Brown had came on at left-back in the defeat at Kilmarnock.

Getting the balance and mix right at the back is vital if Mowbray's side are to make the most of their attacking options- till then it's hold on tight for a white knuckle ride that requires four straight wins over Hearts, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Rangers to make a fight of things in the SPL.
Evening Herald Celtic report