Wednesday, 26 December 2007

Christmas Bhoys back to winning ways.

The Celts were back on form today beating Dundee United 2-0 at Tannadice to stay out in front in the race for the SPL.

After a goalless first half Celtic took charge midway through the second period with Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Stephen McManus scoring from Paul Hartley set pieces.

CLICK HERE for my video report

Saturday, 22 December 2007

Jarosik saves Celts from another defeat

Jiro Jarosik saved Celtic from defeat against Hibs but it was another miserable and depressing day for the champions.

A day on from being drawn against Barcelona in the Champions League Celtic trailed to David Murphy's stunning 20th minute goal for most of the match.

Little went right for the out of form Celts with substitute Jarosik salavaging a point when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink knocked a Scott Brown corner into Jarosik's path.

CLICK HERE for video report

Thursday, 20 December 2007

Former Celt John Collins resigns from Hibs.

John Collins has resigned as manager of Hibs adding to speculation that he is about to become the next manager of Scotland.

CLICK HERE for video report

Collins has had an eventful 13 months in charge of Hibs, winning the CIS Cup, surviving a players revolt, selling almost £10m worth of players and beating both Celtic and Rangers this season.

There was an uneasy truce called after the players revolt with many players unhappy with Collins style of management.

With Hibs coming to play Celtic on Saturday who knows who'll be in charge but as soon as word broke of Collins resignation some bookies suspended betting on who'll be the next Scotland manager...

Sunday, 16 December 2007

Bad loss at Inverness

Despite going two up and looking very comfortable at the Tulloch Stadium Celtic suffered their third defeat of the season.

Two goals in under two minutes, both quality headers, from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink should have set up a routine victory but it wasn't to be.

Self inflicted problems and very debatable decisions from referee Alan Freeman leave Celtic with some serious work to do to win the title for a third consecutive season.

At fault for all three goals to a greater or lesser extend was Steven Pressley. Possibly unlucky at the Inverness penalty Elvis nevertheless was caught out badly positionally before the penalty was awarded.

For the Inverness equaliser he was caught short chasing shadows from a corner allowing David Proctor to bullet home a header.

After the soft penalty handed to ICT Freeman along with his flag waving friend then disallowed a goal from Scott McDonald that was a borderline decision... the type that we don't seem to be getting much going in our favour this season... if any.

Stephen McManus, looked to be carrying an injury hindering his movement, was then caught out for the ICT winner with Elvis 'covering' allowing the ball to bounce off his leg to present Donald Cowie with what proved to be the winner.

There are clearly problems throughout the team, especially in defence but surely the resumption of the McManus-O'Dea partnership is essential to the title defence.

Saturday, 8 December 2007

Riordan saves the day with a point.

Derek Riordan came off the bench to salvage a point against St Mirren.

CLICK HERE for my video report.

It was a disappointing, flat performance with nothing left in the tank from the group of players that featured against Shakhtar, Hearts and AC Milan over the last ten days.

Much improvement will be required if we're to take three points of Falkirk on Tuesday.

John Fallons thoughts

Former Celt John Fallon doesn't mess about, sit on the fence or look for a job in traditional (neutral) media.

CLICK HERE for his views on Champions League qualification, the games coming up against St Mirren and Falkirk and on Rangers getting their game called off against the mighty FC Gretna.

Thursday, 6 December 2007

Celts reach the last 16 of the Champions League again.

For the second year running Celtic have qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, whilst dominating the scene at home in Scotland.

The 1-0 defeat from AC Milan in the San Siro was offset by Benfica's 2-1 win away to Shakhtar Donetsk allowing Celtic to retain second place.

As one of the few clubs to have won all three of their home ties in the Champions League Celtic are more than worthy of their place having seen off the challenge of Spartak Moscow, Shakhtar Donetsk and Benfica to do so.

As a group runner-up we will face a group winner in the last 16 but after taking Milan to extra-time last season whoever draw Celtic this time around know that they are in for two difficult matches.

Thursday, 29 November 2007

Donati strike takes hoops to within a point of Champions League glory

Celtic 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk.

Massimo Donati's injury time strike paved the way to the last 16 of the Champions League.

CLICK HERE for video report.

It didn't look too promising when Brandao opened the scoring for Shakhtar in the fourth minute after a poor header from John Kennedy landed at the strikers feet.

Worse was to follow with Lee Naylor picking up a calf strain then Kennedy being stretchered off before half time leaving a back four of Gary Caldwell, Stephen McManus, substitute Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley.

The hoops weren't to be denied however with Jiri Jarosik belting in an equaliser as the clock struck 45 minutes.

Jarosik could have put Celtic in front during the five minutes of added time but headed wide with the goal gaping from an Aiden McGeady cross from the right.

There weren't many chances in the second half but right at the death McGeady pulled the ball back for Massimo Donati who struck the ball across goal into the net to spark incredible scenes of celebration.

A point in Milan next week will definately put Celtic through after we helped Milan through last night by denying Shakhtar a point.

CLICK HERE for video report and Scott McDonald interview.

Saturday, 24 November 2007

Celts stick three past Aberdeen to stay clear at the top.

Celtic were on song today as they crushed Aberdeen 3-0, it could easily have been 6 but I'll settle for the same score on Wednesday against Shakhtar Donetsk!

CLICK HERE for the video report

Despite silly stories about being injured Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink headed the hoops in front in the 12th minute with on-form Aiden McGeady sending in a 25-yarder for the second in the 26th minute.

The team was on fire with Jiri Jarosik and Scott Brown almost adding to the lead before half time while Scott McDonald battled away terrifying the Aberdeen defence.

McDonald got on the scoresheet in the 49th minute after a great forceful run from Brown sent him through on Jamie Langfield, the keeper seemed to block it then let it squirm free with Skippy not hesitating to take his second chance and put the ball in the net.

Artur Boruc and Paul Hartley were missing but both look likely to be back for Wednesday's match with Shakhtar.

Tuesday, 20 November 2007

Celtic reserves draw 1-1 at Kilmarnock

A very youthful reserve side, plus Steven Pressley and Derek Riordan drew 1-1 at Kilmarnock with Riordan scoring the Celtic goal after 12 minutes from a quickly taken free kick.

Paul Caddis made a welcome return at right-back while u-19's Kevin Cawley, Graham Carey and Luca Santowocito all started with Paul Cahillane replacing Carey for the last 18 minutes.

CLICK HERE for your video report

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

Join Billy McNeill, Pat Bonner and others in Perth WA at the end of the season

The Southern Hemisphere Celts are getting together in Perth at the end of the season with Billy McNeill and Pat Bonner amongst the confirmed guests.

The Perth Bhoys have been busy planning ahead with a golf day, some dinners and a day at the races with a race named after the Lisbon Lions all on the agenda.

With an Aussie currently top of the scoring charts in the SPL there might even be some very local hoops joining in.

CLICK HERE for the promotional video