Size doesn't matter: Paul McGowan

What a breath of fresh air Paul McGowan's performance was today.

The almost forgotten man of Celtic Park started his first ever competitive match and there was only one contender for the man-of-the-match award.

At 22 and with his contract expiring at the end of the season McGowan's career is at a crossroads with today's display likely to provide him with a few other options.

From his first touches in the match when he was looking to pick out Robbie Keane it was obvious that McGowan was determined to make the most of his unexpected opportunity.

It's taken Tony Mowbray a long time to give him his chance but after the match the Celtic boss wasn't slow to praise McGowan's performance.

He said: "I think sometimes young players just need an opportunity and sometimes you have got to be brave and put them in.

"He showed that this arena, this fantastic football stadium, does not leave him short. He grew into it

"Paul trains with us every day and I know what a talent he is. He has great energy and a great little brain for the game and I'm sure he will have a long, successful career."

McGowan has been working away this season with Neil Lennon's development squad scoring regularly from Inverness to Dublin with his last appearance being in the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland on Tuesday where ineviably he scored the Celtic goal.

After today's performance he said: "I only found out on Friday that I was starting.

"I was obviously a bit nervous but I have been playing well with the reserves and training a lot with the first team.

"I've waited a long time for it. I was starting to become disillusioned. In the last month or two I have been there or thereabouts.

"But last week the manager told me that I would be training with the first team all the time.

"My contract is up at the end of the season so hopefully things can turn for the better.

"There was some talk a couple of weeks ago (about a new contract) but nothing yet. I will have to keep going.

"You can't ask for any more than learning from players like Robbie Keane. I like to play just behind the main striker but I'm happy to play anywhere.

"I would like to have capped it off with a goal but I'm just happy that the team won. The result matters more."

There has never been any doubting McGowan's ability as a footballer, both as a goalscorer and as someone who can link play up and ping passes about that others don't have the vision for.

But making the breakthrough as a striker at Celtic must rate as one of the hardest taks in football.

Since he made an 18 minute substitute appearance against Inverness Caley Thistle in September 2008 McGowan has been waiting on the sidelines behind almost a dozen strikers with only a loan spell at Hamilton Accies last season giving him a taste of first team football.

At 5 foot 7 most managers will have reservations about McGowan's ability to cope with the physical demands of the game but unlike Paul Caddis the strikers stocky frame and impressive close control gives him an obvious advantage.

Today's Celtic line up seemed to be tailored specifically to get the most out of McGowan who responded in style and although he failed to get a goal he'll feel that today's performance took him over a major obstacle.

With Keane as the sole striker backed up by Aiden McGeady, McGowan and Marco Fortune there was a new dynamic to the way that the team played.

St Johnstone never looked capable of putting Celtic under pressure but that shouldn't detract from the display of McGowan and the attacking options that Celtic carried.

Beating Falkirk, Kilmarnock and St Johnstone isn't particularly praiseworthy but if Celtic had slipped up in any of those games the criticism would have been fierce.

It'll be interesting to see how the side fares over the next couple of games with McGowan's role of extra importance.

Official Sunderland website report on reserve match with Celtic, McGowan very prominent

The first time McGowan was named as a substitute v Aberdeen May 2006

Cheltenham booster and Barcelona lessons

by Joe McHugh Tony Mowbray is hoping that a day at the races can help build momentum into Celtic's troubled season.

Aiden McGeady led a group of ten Celts to Cheltenham on Wednesday with Mowbray looking to reap the benefits tomorrow against St Johnsone.

Celtic face St Johnstone, St Mirren and Kilmarnock in the space of eight days with the hoops boss looking to build on back-to-back wins away to Falkirk and Kilmarnock.

Mowbray told Channel 67: “The balance of my job is making sure that everything is done properly and disciplined but also letting the players know that we have their welfare at heart.

“We have to make sure that they are in the best frame of mind for football matches as well as physically ready to play.

“There's always a balance there, you can't train them every single day. You can't run them into the ground.

“They have to be happy and content with the preparation for the matches that come along.

“Sometimes on the back of an intense run of games it's not bad to relieve the pressure on them by getting them away from the training ground for a few days- let them go and relax.

“It's even better if they can be together and nine or ten of them were at the races this week, hopefully they've had a relaxing time and now it's back to work and get ready for the weekend.”

While his players battled with the bookies Mowbray's attention was on the Champions League.

Celtic lost out to Arsenal in the qualifying stage but the Parkhead boss can't get enough top level football.

Watching Inter Milan and Barcelona on successive nights is a world away from facing Falkirk and Kilmarnock but Mowbray likes nothing better than watching the best of the best in the hope of picking up something that he can bring to Celtic.

He added: “I wouldn't dream of missing the chance to watch Barcelona, they won the Champions League last season and it's inspirational watching the way that they play.

“We can't try to play like they do but we can try to emulate the philosophy of a club like that.

“As a football club we should strive to entertain like they do, they fill the stadium and their supporters want to come and see the superstar footballers.

“Everything seems to be on an upward spiral for them and that's what all clubs should try to achieve. To put teams on the pitch that the fans love to watch.

“A winning team where they look at their star players and idolise them. It was a great night for watching Barcelona playing open attractive football.

“They are a well organised, well drilled team but the individual talent of certain players can undo teams.”

Mowbray added: “We strive to be the best that we can but sometimes that is very difficult- football teams ebb and flow- you can't maintain the highest standards over 90 minutes.

“Any successful team works hard and is made up of components, we have three or four footballers whose main attribute is to entertain, to beat men and try to score goals. Players who are clever with the ball.

“We also ask them to give everything for the team and that's the balance that we are looking for, team players with that extra talent to create and entertain.”

Just another weekend in Dubai with Sean Sweeney

If Carlsberg did weekends they should contact Sean Sweeney.

How would a lads weekend in Dubai, reuniting with an old pal, playing for Celtic, beating Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea, being a team-mate to some of your idols, sharing a pitch with Baresi and di Canio and coming home with a winners medal and memories to bore your best mates with for years to come sound?

Twenty years on from being linked with Celtic as an emerging centre-half at Clydebank Sweeney finally got to realise his dream at the first Emirates 7's event in Dubai.

Four days that will live with him forever.

Those that have played for Celtic are members of a very exclusive and elusive group but although Sweeney's relationship with the club had never developed beyond that of supporter he was welcomed into the huddle from the moment he arrived at Glasgow Airport for the lunchtime flight to Dubai.

"I have to say that I'm really grateful to all the players who welcomed me straight away and who couldn't have done any more for me," Sweeney admitted.

"I've been a mate of Derek (Whyte) since we were teenagers but the other players were fantastic with me. I've met or played against most of them at some stage but it's still a bit daunting to be amongst them knowing that I was to spend a few days as a Celtic player.

"I know Gerry Britton quite well from playing at Livingston at the same time but I was slightly apprehensive about mixing with the players but everyone was really welcoming to me. They made the trip for me.

"The only awkwardness was in my mind, I've got a season-ticket and go with my son every other week, in my mind I was wondering 'is this going to be awkward?' because I really shouldn't be there.

"It should be a former player but all that was quickly put to ease although before the first game I was very nervous, it was a different sort of nerves to when I was playing but it was still nervy playing for Celtic.

"The lads were all very professional, they went about things seriously and weren't there for a jolly, obviously they enjoyed themselves but they take pride in themselves and the club and that was very obvious."

It could have been an outrageous wind up from Whyte to his old mate but when Sweeney got wind of the opportunity he wasn't going to let it pass him by.

"A few players had pulled out of the trip a couple of weeks ago when Derek first mentioned the event to me, Sweeney added. "He asked if I fancied it and if I was fit, I wasn't going to turn that chance down.

"I've not been involved in football for a few years but I play fives regularly, I got my head down and stepped things up so that I would be ready.

"Nothing could really prepare me for the first match though, it was in at the deep end against AC Milan, di Canio and all, and before we knew where we were it was 3-0 to Milan at half-time.

"The Milan dressing room was next to ours, they were buzzing about and were in the same hotel as us.

"Di Canio was a hero for me then I saw him with Barsei walking past I really took notice.

"I tried to blank out the names when I was playing but I couldn't do that with di Canio, he was amazing running riot in every game.

"He's as fit as a fiddle, he's top class and was scoring great goals in every game.

"When I got out on the park I was fine, I got stronger with each game and it was only eight minutes each way, once I got started I really enjoyed it."

In typical Celtic style the team bounced back from losing the opener to Milan to go on to beat Chelsea and Manchester United 3-0 to end day one in good spirits.

Saturday morning kicked-off the knock out stage of the competition with Celtic beating the UAE World Cup 90 side then Liverpool to reach the final and another date with di Canio and Milan again.

"The biggest memory for me was winning the tournament closely followed by standing in the tunnel going out for my first game," Sweeney added.

"The final was beyond belief, I thought we'd end up with a medal or something for our efforts. After losing the first game 3-0 I'd have settled for that but to win the competition was beyond belief. That made the weekend.

"It brought out the kid in me. The support that we had from the Dubai Hoops was great and I've came home with a lifetime of memories.

"I've been emailing friends and sending pictures to lots of folk. It's something that I'll remember for ever and I hope my mates can put up with me talking about it for a while yet!

Coming Soon: Part 2, Almost a Celt under Lou Macari
Spanish property

Youth Cup semi-final date set

Celtic's youth side will make their first appearance of the season at Celtic Park against Livingston on Wednesday March 31.

The game kick's off at 7pm and will be played to a finish with the winners meeting St Mirren or Rangers in the Hampden final of the SFA Youth Cup.

To reach this stage of the competition Stevie Frail's side have defeated Threave Rovers and Brora Rangers before the memorable 5-4 win over Dundee United at Tannadice.

On Saturday Celtic travel to face St Johnstone at St Andrews with a 12 noon kick-off.

Malky's relief while Barry keeps on scoring

Watford bounced back from Saturday's worrying home defeat from Peterboro to beat Ipswich 2-1 tonight.

The third of three home games brought relief for Malky Mackay as his side collected their first win since February 9.

While most clubs in the Championship chase a play-off place the battle to avoid relegation usually requires 50 points from the 46 game programme.

Tonight's win takes Watford onto 45 points and a point ahead of Ipswich.

Mackay hasn't been able to deal in the realistic end of the transfer market as the club flirted with administration at Christmas before being taken over.

Henri Lansbury and Will Hoskins got the goals that mattered.

Elsewhere in the division Barry Robson kept up his impressive scoring record in Middlesbrough's 2-2 draw at Derby.

A play-off position remains within reach of Gordon Strachan's side but the former hoops manager could do with some more of his players matching Robsons form.

Five goals in ten league games is a useful return from any midfielder with Leroy Lita scoring a last minute equaliser for 'Boro after replacing Chris Killen.

In the Premiership Gary Caldwell scored his first goal for Wigan but it wasn't enough to prevent them from going down 2-1 to Aston Villa.

Dougie McDonald steps back

Consistency is one of the basic demands of frustrated managers when it comes to refereeing decisions.

YouTube incident (watch the ref step back)

Whether it's bookings for after goal celebrations, kicking the ball away or any other hot topic managers look for consistent interpretations of the laws of the game.

Sunday's Rangers-Dundee United match again highlighted the inconsistencies of referees with Dougie McDonald at the centre of attention.

Two weeks earlier he showed an impressive turn of pace to send off Scott Brown. Bobbing and weaving between players as he reached for his red card, ignoring the vantage point of his assistant referee McDonald waved the red card at Brown while overlooking Kyle Lafferty's role in the clash.

To no-one's surprise McDonald refused to consider Celtic's appeal against the decision.

As Dundee United equalised against Rangers on Sunday it was difficult to believe that we were watching the same referee.

This time with a perfect view of the corner coming in from the right McDonald watches Allan McGregor frustratingly swing an arm then a leg out at United goalscorer Mihael Kovacevic after the ball hits the net.

Seeing the incident McDonald steps forward to take action but then quickly retreats for reasons best known to himself.

Maybe he had second thoughts, unlike the Brown/Lafferty incident, maybe he thought a goal was sufficient punishment, maybe he'll contact the SFA Review Panel to look at things again. Maybe he won't.

Why the SFA decided to send McDonald back to Ibrox two weeks after the Rangers-Celtic game requires explanation.

The referee was always gong to be under the spotlight regardless of the outcome of the league clash, putting him in charge of a cup tie and possible replay was madness.

Clearly the pressure has been getting to McDonald whose double penalty award in the first half frustrated Peter Houston.

The Dundee United manager said: "I am disappointed and I just wonder if the penalties would have been given at the other end. I hope they would have been."

Those sentiments seemed quite similar to those of Gus MacPherson after losing to Rangers, on that occasion Charlie Richmonds inconsistencies.

The St Mirren boss said: "We watch games, we go to games and we see clips on the BBC and we see a different set of rules getting applied. None more so than when we're coming here."

Despite the criticism from the Celtic website of McDonald's performasnce at Ibrox there has been no request for Celtic to explain themselves, similarly, nine days after questioning whether the referee was impartial Aiden McGeady hasn't been called before the SFA.

If the SFA think that these issues will blow over they could be in for a surprise, giving McDonald three high profile Rangers matches to referee within four weeks doesn't do anyone any favours.

McStay pleased with win, hospitality Ujpest style

Willie McStay was delighted by Ujpest's 4-1 win over Diosgyor which got his side back to winning ways.

Four months is a long time to wait for a league win but after a three month winter break the former Celtic coach was pleased to see his side remain in fourth place, a point behing Gyor in third position.

"It was a satisfying win for us," McStay admitted. "We worked hard in training through the week and got our rewards.

"Diosgyor equalised but that was another test for us, we never panicked and came back strongly which was pleasing.

"Peter Kabat was in form, when he's playing it gives the side confidence and he's a match winner. He scored twice but brings much more than goals to the team.

"Mark Millar had a good game as well, he's adapting to the physical side of the game and is becoming more influential.

"He scored his first goal the previous week and is recapturing the form that he showed before getting injured."

Life and football in Budapest is certainly different to SPL fare.

Sky Sports News in the office and the internet keeps McStay and assistant Joe McBride upto date with everything that's happening at home.

Budapest has thanfully avoided following the Prague blueprint of becoming everyone's favourite stage night destination but there's no shortage of tourists with football in the five club city a popular attraction.

McStay explained: "There always seems to be some Scottish supporters over at our matches and they enjoy themselves.

"On Sunday there was a party of six from Edinburgh who support Hearts or Hibs.

"Every year they make a weekend of it somewhere and go along to take in a match.

"All that they need to do is put on some 'Jimmy wigs' and they can be virtually certain of appearing on telly or in the papers.

"They got full hospitality for £60 and I ended up giving some of them a lift back to their hotel- I'm not sure if that would take off in the SPL.

"It's great to hear other Scottish voices around the club and if anyone is looking for a good weekend with some passionate football they are very welcome at Ujpest."

Hospitality Ujpest style 

Dubai Legends Gallery

Regardless of how results go on a week to week basis Celtic will always be a very special club as the success of the Emirates 7's proved.

The bonds between the Lisbon Lions are legendary but throughout the years there are special ties between players who have come together at the club, sometimes for just a short period, but having played for Celtic they are forever happy to be known as Celtic players.

The Centenery side and the 'ten-in-a-row' side will always be fondly remembered with a good social side now developing amongst the players as Saturday's success at the Emirates 7's event in Dubai illustrated.

Beating Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United is good going by any standards, beating the AC Milan side vintage 89/90 might just be recalled in the years to come.

Thanks to Derek Whyte and Sean Sweeney I've managed to get hold of the pictures shown here which gives a flavour of the event and the camaraderie that exists between those lucky enough to have played for Celtic.

Franco Baresi, the captain of Milan's greatest ever side doesn't look too disapointed to have lost out in a cup final to Gerry Britton, Trialist (Sean Sweeney), football agent John Viola and Darren Jackson.

A google search for the Milan side of that vintage shows a slimline and dark haired Carlo Ancelotti, third from right back row, with the Dutch contingent of Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Riijkard easily recognisable with captain Baresi on the left of the front row.

Celtic Legends Emirates 7's winners 2010:

1. Lex Baillie
2. Regi Blinker
3. Tom Boyd
4. Gerry Britton
5. John Collins
6. Darren Jackson
7. Gordon Marshall
8. Brian O’Neil
9. Sean Sweeney
10. Pierre Van Hooijdonk
11. Andy Walker
12. Derek Whyte

McStay's challenging times at Ujpest

There are no cracked crests yet but when Ujpest Dozsa face Diosgyor this afternoon on on the back of two consecutive league defeats the stakes will be high.

The winter break has been cruel on Willie McStay's squad with back-to-back defeats from Gyor and Kecskemeti derailing their title hopes.

Hungary's season closed down in November for three months with the momentum that Ujpest had built up, including home and away wins over leaders Videoton in the Magyar Cup, left in cold storage as the season resumed.

Zalaegerszek await in the semi-final of the Magyar Cup but after experiencing back-to-back defeats for the first time in his managerial career McStay is facing a new aspect to his Hungarian adventure.

He said: "There's a big challenge to be faced just now but it's one that I'm prepared for and know how to deal with.

"The break in the season is enormous and it really seems like two different seasons and two teams. We built up some momentum before the break and ideally would have liked to have kept that momentum going.

"There are expectations at he club now and we have to deal with them, there has been a dip since we restarted and key players missing. If they had been out in the first half of the season I think that we would have struggled as well but we'll have two key players back to face Diosgyor.

"This job can seem easy when the going is good but despite the last two league results it has still been a fantastic experience for me.

"When result don't go well you learn about yourself and your players, there are different dynamics to the job. The harder that you work the more rewarding it becomes, I can honestly say that every day I am loving the job.

"Dealing with the media can be interesting, the language is obviously an issue. Generally there is an understanding but things can get lost in translation a little. The emphasis and context doesn't always translate easily."

While other Hungarian clubs spent money during the transfer window hoping to emulate Debrecen's run into the Champions League things were much tighter at Ujpest.

Finances wouldn't stretch to a training trip to Scotland with no major incoming transfers to boost the squad.

As Middlesbrough bought up a job lot of players from Celtic McStay was able to sign teenage Boro striker Gary Martin on loan.

Martin scored in midweek in the 2-0 League Cup win over Haladas and could make his league debut against Diosgyor.

McStay added: "With the injuries that we've had I've had to have a look at younger players and Gary showed up well against Haladas.

"When I was at Celtic I'd be pushing the case for the younger players but now I'm looking at that from the other angle.

"I have to decide if they are mature and ready for first team football. There has been a few players emerge from the squad over the last couple of games but I know my strongest team, when they are available I'm confident that we can get winning again."
Final score Ujpest 4-1Diosgyor (in hungarian)