Sunday 25 September 2011
Incredible!
During Celtic's 2-0 win over Inverness yesterday, the Green Brigade & supporters throughout the afternoon were incredible. Take a listen..
Saturday 24 September 2011
Celtic vs Inverness CT (24/9/11)
Celtic XI:
Forster
Matthews, Loovens, Majstorovic, El Kaddouri
Forrest, Ki, Kayal, Ledley
Hooper, Stokes
SUBS: Zaluska, Wanyama, M. Wilson, Rogne, McCourt, Bangura & Samaras
Thursday 22 September 2011
Scottish Cup Quarter-Final:
Hibernian vs Celtic
Dundee United vs Falkirk
St. Mirren vs Ayr United
Kilmarnock vs East Fife
- Ties to be played: 25/26 October -
Ross County 0-2 Celtic: Scottish Cup (21/9/11)
Celtic XI: Forster; Matthews, Majstorovic, K. Wilson, El Kaddouri; Forrest, Ledley, Kayal, Mulgrew; Hooper, Stokes
Celtic Subs: Zaluska, Rogne, Wanyama, George, Bangura
Kris Commons was once again absent from the squad, even though Neil Lennon had said he would be included in his plans when facing Ross County. Commons, who has spent most of this season on the bench, has been absent the last two games (Ibrox on Sunday and last night in Dingwall) - prompting Celtic supporters to ask what's going on. He definitely hasn't been in the same form as he was in last season, but Commons himself stated on Twitter that he was going to give the social networking site a break and concentrate on his football which I think is a good idea.. Commons had a great start to his Celtic career last season - scoring on his Celtic debut, debut against Rangers and his home debut (which was also against Rangers) - he had a big role to play in most games last season so it is a pity to see him on the bench or not even making the squad but also what has to be understood is the fact our midfield is packed with very talented players including Kayal, Ki, Forrest, Ledley, Brown (seems like Mulgrew can be counted in here too, judging by the team-line ups for the last two games.) Commons will have to fight for his place obviously, but it will be interesting to see what happens. Will be he be included in the squad against Inverness on Saturday? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
In relation to Neil Lennon's starting eleven, I was happy but then again I wasn't. I completely agree with Matthews as right-back, he's a young lad but has real potential. I've only seen him play occasionally but I think he's a strong player and would love to see him start more games. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Mark Wilson but I think Matthews should be getting more chances at proving himself. In my opinion, he did a very good job in Dingwall last night. Also, I was extremely delighted to see Joe Ledley back in the team - a huge mistake by Lennon to leave him out at Ibrox, and I hope he never makes that mistake again. Ledley is one of our more consistent players, I have a feeling he's going to have a huge role to play this season in he chase for the title and Lennon can't afford to leave him out. Ever. One thing I wasn't happy about seeing the team was Mulgrew on the left-wing - now I love Chico, but he's more suited to the centre-back role which he made his own last season when Lennon called upon him. Although, he's primarily a left-back - he's one of our strongest centre-backs and to be honest, it's the defence where we've having huge problems (as per usual) I would of loved to have seen Mulgrew back in his CB role last night with Commons on the wing, but clearly that didn't happen. We also saw the return of Majstorovic to defence and Forrest to the midfield. Beram Kayal captained the Celtic side.
__________________________________________________________________
As torrential rain plagued the game in Dingwall, it didn't damper the enthusiasm shown by the Celtic players and within 14 minutes, we were 1-0 up. Ross County failed to defend Charlie Mulgrew's long ball and after Stokes chipped it back into the box - Joe Ledley was there and with a flying header directed towards goal - it was easily tapped in by Hooper from just two yards out.
I'll be the first one to admit, despite having scored - we kind of sat back. Ross County were down, but most definitely not out - and there was one point in the game where Gardyne hit a ferocious ball that beat Frasier Forster but rebounded off the left goalpost. The rain didn't really help either I admit but I did think for a team of Celtic's standards - we should of being scoring more. I did refer to Celtic as 'embarrassing' on my Twitter page during the first half which got me some angry (one even abusive) responses but in fairness, I did go a bit far. Celtic weren't 'embarrassing' as such, I was just unhappy at the performance - especially since I sat through 90 minutes at Ibrox which was a disaster. I guess the fact that our defence crumbles every time a ball goes near our penalty box has something to do with it..
K. Wilson having picked up a few knocks during the first half was replaced by Wanyama just before the second half kicked off. We also saw the introduction of Bangura for Stokes (78th minute) and Paul George for Hooper (89th minute). I do hope we get to see more of Paul George this season! Hooper was working hard and he forced a save from the Ross County keeper with just six minute of the second half gone. But Celtic made the tie safe, as Stokes found himself wide on the right and his low cross was turned into the goal by Ross County defender Boyd. 2-0
The game was pretty much safe at that point and Celtic held onto the 2-0 win until the full-time whistle sounded. It wasn't the greatest performance but a win is a win, and that was all I wanted to see after Sunday.
So with Celtic safely through, everyone's attention turned to Rangers who, at that point, were 1-0 down to Falkirk. Then 2-0. It even prompted someone to make a Facebook group titled 'Remember that time Falkirk knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup' which was highly confident of them as five minutes later, it became 2-2. Every Celtic supporter was asking themselves, would Rangers come behind (the jammy b*stards that they are..) and win? Like, we saw quite a few times last season. But then this happened...
.... and they were out! 3-2
Knocked out of three cups before September ends, feel 3-2 laugh. I did!
Celtic Subs: Zaluska, Rogne, Wanyama, George, Bangura
GOALS:
Hooper (13'), Boyd OG (51')
___________________________
Kris Commons was once again absent from the squad, even though Neil Lennon had said he would be included in his plans when facing Ross County. Commons, who has spent most of this season on the bench, has been absent the last two games (Ibrox on Sunday and last night in Dingwall) - prompting Celtic supporters to ask what's going on. He definitely hasn't been in the same form as he was in last season, but Commons himself stated on Twitter that he was going to give the social networking site a break and concentrate on his football which I think is a good idea.. Commons had a great start to his Celtic career last season - scoring on his Celtic debut, debut against Rangers and his home debut (which was also against Rangers) - he had a big role to play in most games last season so it is a pity to see him on the bench or not even making the squad but also what has to be understood is the fact our midfield is packed with very talented players including Kayal, Ki, Forrest, Ledley, Brown (seems like Mulgrew can be counted in here too, judging by the team-line ups for the last two games.) Commons will have to fight for his place obviously, but it will be interesting to see what happens. Will be he be included in the squad against Inverness on Saturday? Guess we'll have to wait and see.
In relation to Neil Lennon's starting eleven, I was happy but then again I wasn't. I completely agree with Matthews as right-back, he's a young lad but has real potential. I've only seen him play occasionally but I think he's a strong player and would love to see him start more games. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore Mark Wilson but I think Matthews should be getting more chances at proving himself. In my opinion, he did a very good job in Dingwall last night. Also, I was extremely delighted to see Joe Ledley back in the team - a huge mistake by Lennon to leave him out at Ibrox, and I hope he never makes that mistake again. Ledley is one of our more consistent players, I have a feeling he's going to have a huge role to play this season in he chase for the title and Lennon can't afford to leave him out. Ever. One thing I wasn't happy about seeing the team was Mulgrew on the left-wing - now I love Chico, but he's more suited to the centre-back role which he made his own last season when Lennon called upon him. Although, he's primarily a left-back - he's one of our strongest centre-backs and to be honest, it's the defence where we've having huge problems (as per usual) I would of loved to have seen Mulgrew back in his CB role last night with Commons on the wing, but clearly that didn't happen. We also saw the return of Majstorovic to defence and Forrest to the midfield. Beram Kayal captained the Celtic side.
__________________________________________________________________
As torrential rain plagued the game in Dingwall, it didn't damper the enthusiasm shown by the Celtic players and within 14 minutes, we were 1-0 up. Ross County failed to defend Charlie Mulgrew's long ball and after Stokes chipped it back into the box - Joe Ledley was there and with a flying header directed towards goal - it was easily tapped in by Hooper from just two yards out.
I'll be the first one to admit, despite having scored - we kind of sat back. Ross County were down, but most definitely not out - and there was one point in the game where Gardyne hit a ferocious ball that beat Frasier Forster but rebounded off the left goalpost. The rain didn't really help either I admit but I did think for a team of Celtic's standards - we should of being scoring more. I did refer to Celtic as 'embarrassing' on my Twitter page during the first half which got me some angry (one even abusive) responses but in fairness, I did go a bit far. Celtic weren't 'embarrassing' as such, I was just unhappy at the performance - especially since I sat through 90 minutes at Ibrox which was a disaster. I guess the fact that our defence crumbles every time a ball goes near our penalty box has something to do with it..
HT Ross County 0-1 Celtic (Hooper)
K. Wilson having picked up a few knocks during the first half was replaced by Wanyama just before the second half kicked off. We also saw the introduction of Bangura for Stokes (78th minute) and Paul George for Hooper (89th minute). I do hope we get to see more of Paul George this season! Hooper was working hard and he forced a save from the Ross County keeper with just six minute of the second half gone. But Celtic made the tie safe, as Stokes found himself wide on the right and his low cross was turned into the goal by Ross County defender Boyd. 2-0
The game was pretty much safe at that point and Celtic held onto the 2-0 win until the full-time whistle sounded. It wasn't the greatest performance but a win is a win, and that was all I wanted to see after Sunday.
So with Celtic safely through, everyone's attention turned to Rangers who, at that point, were 1-0 down to Falkirk. Then 2-0. It even prompted someone to make a Facebook group titled 'Remember that time Falkirk knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup' which was highly confident of them as five minutes later, it became 2-2. Every Celtic supporter was asking themselves, would Rangers come behind (the jammy b*stards that they are..) and win? Like, we saw quite a few times last season. But then this happened...
.... and they were out! 3-2
Knocked out of three cups before September ends, feel 3-2 laugh. I did!
'Soccer Am' by the Thai Tims
..and tune into Soccer AM this Saturday (24/9) to see the Thai Tims make an appearance!
I'm Back.
First of all, apologies for not writing since April. Just haven't had the time with getting back to college and everything!
I'm still writing for iCeltic - which I do advise you all to check out. Some great stuff up there including blogs by Celtic supporters, pictures and videos.
Next post will be about our recent games including Madrid (lost 0-2, EL), Rangers (lost 2-4, SPL) and Ross County (won 0-2, SC) and looking forward to Inverness at Home on Saturday.
Hail! Hail!
I'm still writing for iCeltic - which I do advise you all to check out. Some great stuff up there including blogs by Celtic supporters, pictures and videos.
Next post will be about our recent games including Madrid (lost 0-2, EL), Rangers (lost 2-4, SPL) and Ross County (won 0-2, SC) and looking forward to Inverness at Home on Saturday.
Hail! Hail!
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Congratulations to the Celtic U19's team who beat Rangers 2-1 (AET) tonight in the Youth Cup Final at Hampden which helped them claim the double (they won the title last weekend)
Greig Spence (75') and Liam Gormley (110') scored Celtic's goals, only could listen to live commentary on Channel 67 from the game so haven't seen the goals but there is highlights up on The Huddle Online tomorrow which I'll tune in to see. Other than that, just wanted to congratulate the U19s on the double.
The future is green and white!!
HH
Greig Spence (75') and Liam Gormley (110') scored Celtic's goals, only could listen to live commentary on Channel 67 from the game so haven't seen the goals but there is highlights up on The Huddle Online tomorrow which I'll tune in to see. Other than that, just wanted to congratulate the U19s on the double.
The future is green and white!!
HH
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Celtic 3 - 1 Hibs (6/4/11)
CELTIC: 3 -- Stokes 4', Hooper 20' (pen), 39'
HIBS: 1 -- Miller 67' (pen)
___________________
After Steven Naismith's lovely comments, 'Catch us if you can Celtic', to the press last night - I really hoped Celtic did the job tonight and they didn't let me down. The Celtic team tonight included Loovens in for Rogne and Forrest in for Commons. Towell was left out of the Hibs squad altogether because of the terms of his loan agreement in which he was not allowed play against his parent club.
The game immediately got off to a good start with an early strike from Anthony Stokes in the fourth minute, proving to himself and Neil Lennon why he should be starting games. Emilio Izaguirre crossed the ball into Celtic's front line with Hooper allowing the ball to pass by him and onto Stokes who directed a low shot into the back of the net. After Celtic scored this early goal, they were in control for the whole first half. The passing was absolute brilliant at times with Kayal being the main man involved in it all. Wilson, who's looked like a completely different player this season, also had a superb game. Defenders pressed high up the pitch, with the deadly partnership of Stokes & Hooper always a bother to the Hibs players.
Enjoying the possession they had, Celtic doubled their lead in the 19 minute when Hooper converted a penalty after Brown was brought down in the penalty box by Scott. Celtic were 2-0 up and really enjoying their football - Wilson was allowed a lot of space up the right wing, which benefited Celtic a lot. Celtic also had more chances to score with Forrest, Brown and Kayal all coming close. But Kayal set up the third goal with 39 minutes on the clock when he made a pass to Stokes who played in Hooper, six yards from goal, who had no problem converting Celtic's third.
Celtic went in at half-time after a very entertaining first half and 3 goals up. There looked to be no way back for a poor Hibs side. The second half wasn't as entertaining as the first, Celtic were still very comfortable in possession but Stokes and Commons (on for Forrest), missed chances to extend Celtic's lead. Celtic were dealt a blow when Hibs were awarded a soft penalty after Mulgrew's tug on Wotherspoon's shirt - ex-Celtic player Miller stepped up and converted the penalty. Hibs were given a lifeline after a very poor first half. Although Hibs began to look comfortable after they scored, Celtic still had possession but again, failed to take the chances which could of seen them extend their lead.
With five minutes remaining, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Ljungberg (on for Kayal) was brought down by Hanlon in the box, Hooper stepped up but put the spot-kick wide - no hat-trick for Hooper tonight!
The full-time whistle sounded and Celtic should be happy to come away with a 3-1 win as this now puts us back on top of the table, 2 points clear of Rangers - where we belong!
HIBS: 1 -- Miller 67' (pen)
___________________
After Steven Naismith's lovely comments, 'Catch us if you can Celtic', to the press last night - I really hoped Celtic did the job tonight and they didn't let me down. The Celtic team tonight included Loovens in for Rogne and Forrest in for Commons. Towell was left out of the Hibs squad altogether because of the terms of his loan agreement in which he was not allowed play against his parent club.
The game immediately got off to a good start with an early strike from Anthony Stokes in the fourth minute, proving to himself and Neil Lennon why he should be starting games. Emilio Izaguirre crossed the ball into Celtic's front line with Hooper allowing the ball to pass by him and onto Stokes who directed a low shot into the back of the net. After Celtic scored this early goal, they were in control for the whole first half. The passing was absolute brilliant at times with Kayal being the main man involved in it all. Wilson, who's looked like a completely different player this season, also had a superb game. Defenders pressed high up the pitch, with the deadly partnership of Stokes & Hooper always a bother to the Hibs players.
Enjoying the possession they had, Celtic doubled their lead in the 19 minute when Hooper converted a penalty after Brown was brought down in the penalty box by Scott. Celtic were 2-0 up and really enjoying their football - Wilson was allowed a lot of space up the right wing, which benefited Celtic a lot. Celtic also had more chances to score with Forrest, Brown and Kayal all coming close. But Kayal set up the third goal with 39 minutes on the clock when he made a pass to Stokes who played in Hooper, six yards from goal, who had no problem converting Celtic's third.
With five minutes remaining, Celtic were awarded a penalty when Ljungberg (on for Kayal) was brought down by Hanlon in the box, Hooper stepped up but put the spot-kick wide - no hat-trick for Hooper tonight!
The full-time whistle sounded and Celtic should be happy to come away with a 3-1 win as this now puts us back on top of the table, 2 points clear of Rangers - where we belong!
My Man of the Match: Mark Wilson
Here's some highlights of the game for you to enjoy..
Team news vs Hibs: 6/4/11
CELTIC:
Forster; Wilson, Loovens, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Brown, Kayal, Ledley, Forrest; Stokes & Hooper.
SUBS:
Zaluska, Ki, Rogne, Juarez, Ljungberg, Samaras & Commons
Forster; Wilson, Loovens, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Brown, Kayal, Ledley, Forrest; Stokes & Hooper.
SUBS:
Zaluska, Ki, Rogne, Juarez, Ljungberg, Samaras & Commons
6/4/11: Celtic v Hibs - Preview
Celtic host Hibs tonight at Celtic Park, 7.45pm kick-off. Due to Champions League games being shown tonight, the game will not be televised - unless you live outside the UK and Ireland, in which you will be able to watch the game on Channel 67. Sites as www.firstrowsports.eu & p2p will have links to the game.
Celtic will be looking towards their first win since the defeat in the Co-Operative Final to Rangers on the 20th March, and regain top spot in the table. Rangers went top last night after their 2-0 victory over St. Johnstone so Celtic will need every player focused tonight in order to beat Hibs. Majstorovic is still two to three weeks from a comeback following a fractured toe. Ljungberg is included in the squad for tonight's game while Maloney is unlikely to be included after only recovering from an ankle injury.
will be looking to cause an upset after they only drew 2-2 with Hearts on Sunday even though they had an extra man. Despite only drawing on Sunday, Hibs are unbeaten in seven matches ahead of the trip to Celtic. Colin Calderwood's team are in the ninth spot, and seven points behind sixth place Motherwell. Hibs will be looking to win their last three games before the league splits to stand any chance of a top 6 finish. Hibs will be without Richie Towell, who under the terms of his loan agreement cannot play against his parent club. Calderwood is also rumoured to be sweating over the fitness of an unnamed player.
__________________________________________________________________
CELTIC (from):
Forster, Zaluska, Wilson, Mulgrew, Rogne, Looverns, Izaguirre, Brown, Ki, Ledley, Kayal, Forrest, Commons, McCourt, Hooper, Stokes, Samaras
HIBS (from):
Brown, Thicot, Dickoh, Hanlon, Booth, Miller, Murray, Palsson, Wotherspoon, Thornhill, Scott, Vaz Te, Sodje, Riordan, Smith, Nish, Stevenson, Stephens, Duffy, Divis, Trakys
MON THE HOOPS!
Celtic will be looking towards their first win since the defeat in the Co-Operative Final to Rangers on the 20th March, and regain top spot in the table. Rangers went top last night after their 2-0 victory over St. Johnstone so Celtic will need every player focused tonight in order to beat Hibs. Majstorovic is still two to three weeks from a comeback following a fractured toe. Ljungberg is included in the squad for tonight's game while Maloney is unlikely to be included after only recovering from an ankle injury.
will be looking to cause an upset after they only drew 2-2 with Hearts on Sunday even though they had an extra man. Despite only drawing on Sunday, Hibs are unbeaten in seven matches ahead of the trip to Celtic. Colin Calderwood's team are in the ninth spot, and seven points behind sixth place Motherwell. Hibs will be looking to win their last three games before the league splits to stand any chance of a top 6 finish. Hibs will be without Richie Towell, who under the terms of his loan agreement cannot play against his parent club. Calderwood is also rumoured to be sweating over the fitness of an unnamed player.
__________________________________________________________________
CELTIC (from):
Forster, Zaluska, Wilson, Mulgrew, Rogne, Looverns, Izaguirre, Brown, Ki, Ledley, Kayal, Forrest, Commons, McCourt, Hooper, Stokes, Samaras
HIBS (from):
Brown, Thicot, Dickoh, Hanlon, Booth, Miller, Murray, Palsson, Wotherspoon, Thornhill, Scott, Vaz Te, Sodje, Riordan, Smith, Nish, Stevenson, Stephens, Duffy, Divis, Trakys
MON THE HOOPS!
Tuesday 5 April 2011
Beram Kayal.
As every Celtic fan knows Beram Kayal is one of our most influential players, ever since his comeback from injury - his first game back being the 2-0 victory at Ibrox on January 2nd - he has been unstoppable. He has been a regular dominant force in our midfield, bossing about players of the opposition and controlling the passing throughout the Celtic midfield. Ever since, Kayal came back from injury and his man of the match performances in almost every game up until now, of course the Scottish media will begin to speculate him leaving in the summer.
Having caught the eye of Manchester United, Aston Villa and ever since Kenny Dalglish's appearance at Celtic Park on the 20th February, Liverpool, Kayal has been linked to many English Premiership clubs. Kayal, himself, came out twice last month to shoot down these claims being made in Scottish papers saying that he loved Celtic and will see out his contract here. Neil Lennon came out two months ago, stating that none of his recent signings would be leaving in the summer, (Izaguirre also being linked with a move away this summer) yet this does not stop papers publishing and people writing stories. Today, I saw that another Kayal rumour has been posted, apparently now he is 'heading to Liverpool for talks, deal worth around £12 million.' It also did not help that STV posted a video of Kayal's agent visiting Lennon during training, with Lennon looking annoyed at his presence there. People jumped on this claiming that something must be going on with Kayal, could he be leaving the club so soon? All I say is ignore everything being written about Celtic players.
We saw all this before the recent Celtic v Rangers match, Izaguirre was a goner in the summer. Lennon was a goner in the summer. Kayal was a definite goner in the summer. The Scottish media love writing a lot of crap because it unsettles teams - no Scottish team has had more crap written about them as Celtic have this season, especially. All I am telling Celtic supporters is to ignore everything being written regarding players leaving, sure we'd have no players in the summer with the rumours about players 'leaving.'
I don't know what's going on with Kayal, or Izzy, for that matter but all I'm saying is that they are young players and I hope they have the cop on to realise they have their lives ahead of them. Instead of doing a Liam Miller and running off too soon, they could stay at this club and develop before moving on to 'bigger pastures.' I don't want to lose Kayal or Izzy but I do think people are reading too much into his agent being here and these 'he's definitely going to Liverpool' rumours - maybe his agent was just seeing if there was a spare ticket for the Hibs match tomorrow?
Kayal, himself said he was staying till the end of his contract - and I hope he stays true to his word.
What's It All About?
The blog title reads 'Talking Celtic.'
This blog will focus mainly in on Celtic Football Club and everything to do with them - the manager, players and of course any articles the media post about the club. Basically, I'll be discussing various things that are happening surrounding the club & of course, I'll be posting a piece up after every game. (First one will be tomorrow night after the Hibs game) All my own views of course.
Also, I'll be posting random things to do with football and the other teams I following including Barcelona, St.Pauli, Spartak Moscow & Volga. There might be some random postings about the English Premier League as well. There also might be a few postings regarding Irish politics, just giving you all a heads up.
I did have a Twitter page but found that 140 characters is too short for a rant so hence, why I set up a blog. Anyone that reads or will follow this blog - feel free to leave comments regarding any posts I make..
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