‘I’ll be honest’: Pat Nevin makes Celtic title claim after witnessing the draw against Rangers

Celtic’s draw with Rangers on Sunday has now opened up the debate on who is the favourite to win the Scottish Premiership now.

With simply one factor isolating the teams, albeit Rangers do have a recreation in hand, the race to the ending line is promising to be a tightly contested affair.

For Celtic it’s all in Brendan Rodgers‘ fingers after avoiding defeat at Ibrox on Sunday however for Rangers that means the pressure has been ramped up on their outing to Dens Park the following day night.

So who has the edge? Who can now declare to be in the riding seat after the Glasgow Derby stalemate? Pat Nevin seems to know.

The ‘advantage’ Celtic have over Rangers

The BBC pundit used to be commentating on the game when he used to be asked to predict who would win the league.

And at the same time as he says he can’t separate the two, Nevin points out the benefit Celtic have over Rangers with simply six games left to go.

Nevin said [Football Daily], “In easy phrases and in merely mathematical terms, it’s in each their hands. If Rangers win all their games, they’ll win the league if Celtic win all their games, they’ll win the league.

“It all comes down to the recreation between Celtic and Rangers that’s going to manifest at Celtic Park when the cut up comes in a couple of weeks time.

“So if you’re Brendan Rodgers, even although if Rangers win against Dundee on Wednesday night, they’ll be two points ahead but Celtic have obtained the domestic benefit in the remaining game.

“However, today, both managers can walk away and say, we’re confident, we’ve obtained it. I’ll be truthful and I’m not sitting on the fence. You genuinely can’t call it. That’s all it is, you can’t call it.”

And that could show crucial. The final Glasgow Derby being held at Paradise with a stadium packed full of Celtic followers should be pivotal in Rodgers selecting up any other win over Philippe Clement.

We all recognize that when Celtic Park receives going in these games, the crew takes a huge elevate and go on and wins the tie.

If Celtic can do that and win their different five closing fixtures then the title is ours. Over to you Brendan.

‘Very strange’: Pat Nevin describes something “weird” that the Rangers supporters did while Celtic was winning at Ibrox

The extraordinary factor about the current Glasgow Derbies between Celtic and Rangers is that there are no journeying followers allowed to attend this historical fixture.

We all comprehend the motive for that so I won’t bore you with the small print but let’s simply say that if Brendan Rodgers didn’t sub on Odsonne Edouard back in 2018 then we would likely nevertheless have the complete Broomloan Stand to enjoy on these Ibrox days.

However, it is what it is and both Celtic and Rangers needed to face this season understanding that going to their largest opponents except the away aid was once the project in advance of them.

And yesterday used to be no different. But the beautiful factor that Brendan Rodgers will take from yesterday’s 3-3 draw was that his gamers have been no longer fazed via the occasion.

What Rangers fans did ‘en masse’ at Ibrox yesterday

In fact, it was what Rodgers’ players did that Pat Nevin seen had a ‘strange’ impact on the Ibrox crowd as Celtic ran rebellion in the first half.

Nevin said [Football Daily], “The solely time you ever get something like it is when you journey away to the huge European games you go to the San Siro or someplace like that and the way teams score a goal and there is variety of moment of silence.

“Well, it’s form of like that. But the other issue that was bizarre that occurred today, when Celtic had been 2-0 up and Rangers had been playing very poorly, the Rangers followers on masse turned on their team.

“And it used to be a very, very atypical scenario the place all the fans have been then under more strain than every person else. It was an odd, abnormal situation.”

The silence from the Ibrox crowd when Matt O’Riley buried that penalty honestly was once something. I mean, you may want to actually hear a pin drop.

But you do have to wonder, had Celtic had followers in the stadium yesterday, would that have made a fabric difference to the effect of the recreation when we went 2-0 up?

Unfortunately, we will never know. But at least from subsequent season onwards what we do recognize is that some fans will be allowed into each grounds for this fixture.

And that will be welcomed. Even though the ecosystem is nevertheless tremendous at Celtic Park, the fixture is not the equal as it is when each sets of fans are in attendance. And that is some thing we will all get to enjoy from subsequent season.

Kris Boyd’s comments on Fabio Silva’s theatrics against Celtic reveal what his game plan was all along

There are a lot of positives to take away from Celtic’s draw with Rangers at Ibrox this afternoon.

No dropped factors skill that Brendan Rodgers still sits on top of the league and it also potential that when it virtually mattered, Rangers could nonetheless now not muster a fine result in a Glasgow Derby when it simply mattered.

Make no mistake, Rangers had to win at Ibrox today and it appeared like they had been going to try and get that win by any skill necessary.

Fabio Silva performed a critical part in Rangers getting a draw at Ibrox today. His dive at the penalty award sparked a Rangers fightback when it seemed like the Ibrox membership were properly out of the game at 2-0 down.

But it was once earlier than that dive that former Rangers striker Kris Boyd had already marked the Ibrox attacker’s card for his ‘antics’ against Celtic in the first 45 minutes of the game.

Fabio Silva branded a ‘disgrace’ for Celtic antics

During the half-time analysis, Boyd made a factor of criticising the Rangers attacker and, to be honest, John Beaton need to have tackled it before it grew to become an issue.

The Portuguese winger appeared to fall with any contact from a Celtic player in the first half of and Boyd known as him out on it at some point of the Sky Sports analysis.

Boyd stated [Sky Sports], “I assume when you look at the way the recreation has gone, Celtic have definitely dominated and they’ve had the great chances.

“Rangers have Jack Butland to thank for nonetheless being in this game.

“Fabio Silva, who I think has been really, honestly poor. Some of his antics have been a disgrace as well, rolling about.”

Chris Sutton called Silva a ‘gold medal diver’ when the VAR test was going on at the penalty award and it appears like that was the Portuguese winger’s gameplan all along.

No one likes simulation in the game. It’s the bane of expert soccer and it have to be called out at every opportunity.

It’s simply a pity John Beaton wasn’t robust ample to stand by his original selection at the penalty because if he did then Celtic should nicely have walked away from Ibrox with all three points this afternoon.

Watch: Matt O’Riley makes it 2-0 from the penalty spot after VAR steps in

Celtic are 2-0 up at Ibrox thanks to an extraordinary penalty from Matt O’Riley. The Danish Internationalist was once passed the chance from the spot after VAR noticed a Connor Goldson handball. Nick Walsh known as upon his colleague to consult the screen after the ball hit Goldson’s outstretched elbow.

🗣️ “Ibrox is officially silenced!”

Matt O’Riley dinks his penalty down the middle to put Celtic 2-0 up vs Rangers – watch live on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/tOTxejd788

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 7, 2024

It was once a magnificent penalty from O’Riley, who just dinked the ball up the middle, leaving Jack Butland helpless. Brendan Rodgers’ aspect will look to close the 1/2 out and regroup while retaining their discipline.

Chris Sutton loses his mind after Rangers receive “embarrassing” penalty for Fabio Silva’s “dive” against Celtic

Ex-Celtic ace and Sky Sports commentator Chris Sutton used to be fuming with the decision to award Rangers with a penalty during the Old Firm derby after an “embarrassing” dive

Chris Sutton used to be left seething after Rangers have been awarded a controversial penalty early on in the second-half of their Old Firm clash in opposition to Celtic at Ibrox.

The visitors took an extraordinarily early lead, with Daizen Maeda capitalising on some questionable defender from Rangers skipper James Tavernier. Just over half of an hour later and Celtic had been given a penalty of their own, which was once duly transformed by Matt O’Riley for his first Old Firm goal.

Rangers ahead Fabio Silva, on loan from Premier League outfit Wolves, used to be at the heart of masses of flashpoints throughout. The most doubtful used to be the one that surpassed his aspect a way lower back into the game, at the beginning yellow carded for diving, the Portuguese intelligence used to be sooner or later given the spot-kick after a VAR intervention.

Alistair Johnston clipped Silva with an outstretched leg, however replays seemed to recommend that the ahead went to ground particularly easily. That was surely the view of Sutton, who let rip at the Rangers ace.

“This would be embarrassing if a penalty is given,” the former Celtic celebrity said whilst on commentary duty. “Silva is already on his way down. Of course it’s no longer a clear and apparent error.”

Despite his protests, a penalty was given and Tavernier made up his early error by means of evenly dispatching from the spot. Celtic ‘keeper Joe Hart dived the proper way, however stood little hazard of retaining such an correct effort out.

Just minutes later, it looked like Rangers had bagged any other and levelled things up. After some scrappy play interior the box, Cyriel Dessers lashed domestic from shut range, sparking wild celebrations internal of Ibrox.

They have been soon reduce short, as Tom Lawrence was once judged to have tripped Reo Hatate in the build-up. Rangers boss Philippe Clement should barely believe the decision and was once spotted mockingly laughing from his technical area.

The result of the derby is pivotal to the race for the Scottish Premier League title. Before kick-off, Celtic had been a point in the front of their oldest enemies, having played one recreation extra – a win would provide them some daylight in advance of the season’s final furlong.

Matt O’Riley acknowledges that the pressure to go from Celtic to Atletico Madrid taught him an important lesson

he Spaniards noticed a mortgage with duty to buy offer booted out by using the Bhoys in January after Champions League meetings.

Matt O’Riley admits he felt the switch warmness after seeing a bid from Atletico Madrid rejected.

Diego Simeone’s facet launched an attempted raid on Parkhead to land O’Riley on a six month mortgage with an duty to buy for a said £25million charge this summer. Atleti had truly been impressed via the Danish global after coming up against Celtic twice in the Champions League group stage, with the Spaniards prevailing 6-0 at domestic earlier than a 2-2 draw at Celtic Park.

But Brendan Rodgers proven that the provide had been booted out by the Bhoys, even though there are fears that the La Liga outfit, as well as others, should strive again during the shut season. And O’Riley says he felt some more strain in the aftermath of the transfer window closing, before giving himself a shake and refocusing on the venture at hand in Glasgow. And he mentioned that it is a lesson learned in case he’s the subject of anymore gives going forward.

“If I’m being absolutely honest, the first two or three video games after the transfer window mentally it was a mild assignment due to the fact I felt quite a bit of delivered stress on my shoulders, just slightly. But then I realised I didn’t sincerely know why I was inserting extra strain on myself.

“I did not in reality want to trade anything. I type of got here away from that and targeted on what I carry to the team it clicked again into location again.

“Each season, regardless of it going properly it will nevertheless pose a specific challenge. Of course bids are first-rate but it could nonetheless doubtlessly be a poor thing if you do not see it from the right way as properly so another factor to research going forwards.”

Keith Wyness calls the possibility of Celtic and Rangers joining the Premier League a “disaster.”

Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness has insisted there is “no urge for food in England” for Rangers and Celtic to be part of the Premier League.

Speaking on the new version of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had prolonged spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite golf equipment – insisted it would be a “disaster” with cities “under siege” from each club’s fans.

There has lengthy been a debate about Old Firm golf equipment becoming a member of the English soccer pyramid – with multiple proposals being rejected each north and south of the border.

Recent evidence has shown the clubs would preserve their very own in England with Uefa currently publishing their European Club Finance and Investment report, which indicates wholesome outcomes for both golf equipment in contrast to their European counterparts.

Both clubs are in the top 20 throughout the continent for gate income (in the economic year up to June 2023).

‘I don’t see it occurring at all’, says Wyness on Rangers and Celtic becoming a member of Premier League

With Fenerbahce’s threatening to exit the Turkish league system making headlines, debate has once once more erupted about the Old Firm transferring to England.

But Wyness has poured bloodless water on the idea, telling Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “In my days at Aberdeen, I was combat this battle.

“We resigned from the Scottish Premier League, leaving Rangers and Celtic alone. We won that hostilities in phrases of getting a fairer share of TV revenue.

“The chance was for them to go to the Premier League, and they tried. They have been searching for any different league in Europe to go to.

“I think that has been dampened down in latest years, and if they have been to attempt again – I simply don’t see it taking place at all.

“As the policies stand right now, they won’t be doing it. I don’t suppose there’s any urge for food at all in England.

“Personally, I think it would be a disaster. People don’t comprehend the problems the fanbases would have coming down here. Cities would be under siege for weekend games.

“It would be a actual problem.

“Never say never, however I surely can’t see them coming.”

Kris Boyd mocks Kyogo’s penalty allegation while Chris Sutton informs him he’s watching a different match

The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker.

Unimpressed Kris Boyd claims Kyogo’s declare for a penalty was a non-starter as he vehemently disagreed with sparring companion Chris Sutton.

The Celtic talisman used to be left in a crumpled heap after 37 minutes with Mikey Devlin making contact with the striker. Referee Don Robertson allowed the recreation to proceed and brief take a look at from his VAR official Alan Muir decided no in addition action was once wanted with the Japan worldwide left wincing in agony.

But Boyd and Sutton – as is regularly the case – landed on specific sides of the debate with fellow guest Robert Snodgrass siding with Sutton and viewing it as a penalty. Speaking to Sky Sports, Sutton said: “I think Celtic will feel difficult achieved by. I’ve had to seem to be at this severa times, myself. I am genuinely surprised Don Robertson wasn’t despatched over to the monitor to have a look. There is contact, Kyogo receives to the ball first, so I suppose it is a penalty.”

Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled by Livingston’s Mikey Devlin

Celtic claim for a penalty after Kyogo Furuhashi is tackled through Livingston’s Mikey Devlin

But Boyd wasn’t having it, and countered: “So, you had to seem to be at it numerous times, nonetheless couldn’t make your mind up, so it’s not clear and obvious. That’s never a penalty, he’s already down earlier than the contact is made. Watch him, already on the way down. He takes his leg and holds his ankle. It’s never been a penalty.”

A visibly dismayed Sutton told his sparring companion he looking at a exclusive recreation over his verdict on the spot kick shout. And talking from the commentary booth, James McFadden said: “He does kick him, he does kick him. I suppose Mikey Devlin would possibly be a fortunate boy. It’s now not heavy contact however he has kicked thru him to get to the ball

“I’ll be a Celtic fan for life,” says Hart, anticipating trying out Old Firm

The news that away allocations will be restored to a lifelike degree come the start of subsequent season will come too late for Joe Hart to get a applicable sense for what the Old Firm derby used to be, with his Celtic profession coinciding with the ticketing tit-for-tat that is finally grinding closer to a resolution.

Not that having solely a small wedge of Ibrox backing his crew – or, greater recently, no followers at all – has diminished the journey for the former England wide variety one, who is savouring these final months in a Celtic jersey earlier than putting up his gloves for exact in the summer.

He admits though that he is searching forward to perhaps snagging a ticket to come alongside and returned his historic group at some point in the future, with Hart pronouncing that even though he may be leaving Celtic in the summer, the club will by no means go away him.

Whether we will ever see him brandishing a megaphone and main the Celtic support in song like some other former custodian of his position, Artur Boruc, is doubtful, however the ardour that Hart feels for the club is just as heartfelt and will likely linger simply as long.

So, as he gears up for his last taste of Ibrox as a participant this Sunday, sans the Celtic supporters, he is also casting an eye towards the future, and relishing the day that he will be in a position to come lower back up to Glasgow and join their number.

“I virtually seem to be forward to supporting this membership forever, it’s a phase of me,” Hart said.

“This is me disposing of myself from a man who doesn’t desire to speak about what’s next, but I seem to be ahead to being a football supporter at some point in my life. And this is one of the groups I’ll be a fan of.

“I’m going to do away with myself from the state of affairs I’m in now due to the fact my instant response is that it potential nothing to me [the restoration of away allocations]. But if I was once to take away the guy I’ll be when it is going on it will be great.

“It’ll be a actual buzz. I’ve performed in a 50-50 break up right here when it used to be at Hampden and it used to be electric. [Whether you] come out accurate side [or] come out the bad side, it’s emotional.

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve had fans, I assume the most has been 700-750, and it used to be odd at the start of the season, prevailing away and having no-one to put your gratitude towards.

“Because even even though we performed without supporters that day you nevertheless experience it in the build-up, to have your assist and your club behind you, so it’s going to be nice, it’s going to be a magnificent spectacle.

“Around the world this fixture is heavily respected and to hold that appreciate you want away supporters in there. You in no way know, I may be one of those couple of thousand.”

All that being said, Hart has nonetheless enjoyed the Old Firm experience, having not known it any other way. As he mentions, whilst the followers may also no longer be current in the stadium when the Celtic players step out of the tunnel this weekend, the gamers be aware of that there are tens of hundreds with them in spirit and backing them to the hilt.

So, there is no doubting whatsoever that each Celtic player is aware of exactly what is at stake, and who they are representing, when they cross that white line at a vociferously partisan Ibrox.

For Hart, there is no escaping the magnitude of the fixture, both in phrases of what the outcome will imply in the context of the title race, and what it skill to the fans of each clubs.

“If people do not recognize then they do not know,” he said.

“I do know, and I comprehend the build-up to these games is huge, the emotion to these video games is huge.

“If you’re not triumphing world-wide acclaim or awards, who cares? When you are in it, when you’re emotionally invested, I do not care what each person says, I be aware of how it feels.”

Anthony Joseph provides his “understanding” of the true situation surrounding Celtic’s Ibrox ticket allocation for the upcoming season

As the hype builds up on Celtic’s day out to Rangers this weekend, there is a proper experience of excitement surrounding the upcoming Glasgow Derby.

The race for the Scottish Premiership title is so tight that it ought to come down to more than simply factors this season.

Celtic’s 3-0 win over Livingston puts our purpose difference one better than Rangers at 51, however with the Ibrox membership having a sport in hand, that could all trade come the tenth of April when they go to visit Dundee.

The tight margins are what’s making the subsequent derby so exciting however the lack of away followers is something that will detract from that.

With Celtic refusing their Ibrox allocation due to security reasons, Brendan Rodgers needs to take his facet to Govan except the backing of the Hoops support.

But this farcical state of affairs now looks to be a thing of the past after both golf equipment agreed to let a share of fans in for the games from subsequent season.

It used to be extensively stated that Celtic would acquire 2500 tickets and Rangers 3000 based on a 5% share of each grounds capacity. But Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has forged doubts on those figures.

Celtic ‘not’ being given 2500 Ibrox tickets

Whilst Joseph welcomed the cross by means of each golf equipment to cease the ticket allocation stalemate, the Sky Sports man believes that the numbers being reported are now not accurate.

Joseph said [The Scottish Football Show], “There was a lot of free wording there, it was once round 5% but my understanding is that they’re not going to be giving 3000 tickets to Rangers and 2500 to Celtic.

“I think it will be the actual same quantity for both units of followers even even though there is a 10,000 distinction in the capability of the stadiums.

“I think it’s a actual step in the proper direction. Hopefully, they will see it through because like I said, the wording is pretty loose.

“They’ll want to agree on an actual determine for the away fans. They’ll want to be reassured that the security measures are in place for each sets of away followers in both stadiums, which are built so in another way in distinct components of Glasgow.

“It’s pretty an operation.”

So whether or not Celtic will get hold of extra tickets than first idea nevertheless stays a mystery. And the way that Joseph is talking right here it seems dubious that if it’s not the high give up of the allocation, it is nonetheless uncertain whether or not or no longer 2500 tickets discern is correct as well.

Hopefully, more important points will emerge once this recreation is out the way at the give up of this week because the Celtic followers will be determined to be aware of if they can observe their club to one of the hardest away venues in the league subsequent season.

Lee McCulloch wants the Celtic Park Rangers away section to be moved, but with one requirement

Following a successful resolution announced last week, around 2,500 away fans will attend Old Firm league matches in the upcoming season. If the old allocations ever come back, Lee McCulloch is adamant that the Rangers’ away section at Celtic Park needs to be rearranged. Last Thursday, the Glasgow rivals agreed to allow visiting fans back into Old Firm league games starting in the upcoming season, thereby resolving the long-standing ticket dispute that has diminished one of football’s biggest derbies in recent years. The SPFL has confirmed that, although the lockout will still be in effect for the final two games of the season, about 5% of Parkhead and Ibrox will be reserved for visiting fans.

Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement applauded the significant development, which will see at least 2,500 non-home fans attend the match starting in 2024–2025. It’s unclear if this is a step towards the customary 7,000 returns, but if it is, PLZ Soccer host Peter Martin believes it would be more equitable for Rangers supporters to be seated directly behind the Parkhead goal rather than in the corner of the Lisbon Lions stand, with Celtic supporters occupying the entire Broomloan stand.

McCulloch, a former captain of the Gers, concurred, saying, “Yeah, I don’t know the logistics of that.” Although I’m not familiar with policing, I agree. Everyone wants the entire allocation returned, I believe, and that is the common denominator. Regardless of what the ruling class has decided, it’s probably a too early to let the five percent in. “It would be great to get back to the old days where the Celtic fans at Ibrox had the full stand behind the goals, and the Rangers fans had that same allocation because it makes that day super special.”

Hugh Keevins is completely incorrect regarding the Rangers and Celtics ticket situation

The recent headlines surrounding the Glasgow Derby ticket allocation took centre stage at the quit of this week as Celtic and Rangers both come to an agreement.

Everyone is aware of the real reaso why Celtic’s allocation was reduce over six years ago. From having the whole Broomloan Stand, Odsonne Edouard‘s purpose in the 3-2 win sparked a chain of events that would in the end see Rangers take the huff and decrease the Celtic fans to a corner of the Ibrox stadium.

Security issues compelled Celtic to refuse the 800 ticket allocation this season and now, after a lengthy running stand-off, each golf equipment have agreed to a 5% away allocation beginning next season.

But that hasn’t stopped journalist, Hugh Keevins from getting it incorrect on how Celtic will be able to faciliate the return of Rangers fans to Paradise for subsequent season.

Hugh Keevins creates a non-existent Celtic problem

Writing in his column this morning, Keevins welcomed the return of away followers to the Glasgow Derby but made a atypical claim that Celtic could face issues on welcoming returned the Ibrox supporters.

Keevins said [Daily Record], “Think about that one for a minute.

“Now all that both clubs have to do is persuade existing season-ticket holders to relocate inside Celtic Park and Ibrox on the day the noisy neighbours come to call. Good success with that one.

“And even higher luck convincing positive human beings you can assist your membership on O*d F*rm day except inflicting fear and alarm.”

Now as a long way as I am led to believe that even although Celtic do residence season ticket holders in that section of the ground, these fans do now not have the Glasgow Derby fixture as section of their package.

That has usually been the case and that is why Celtic had been allways better positioned to residence the return of the Rangers fans.

As for the Ibrox golf equipment situation, I have no concept if they have the issues Keevins seems to have pointed out here however a easy truth test that I did here, ought to be enough to confirm whether the journalists assertions are actual or not.

Clement suffers setback: Rangers star is “unlikely” to start against Hibs and is out against Celtic

It’s a main blow with the Old Firm derby looming large.

Rangers have been dealt a blow as an injury professional has warned now not to count on one key man back in the squad for the Old Firm derby in what will come as a blow to Philippe Clement.

Ibrox showdown looms large

The Scottish Premiership is accomplishing its climax and either one of Rangers and Celtic should nonetheless scoop top spot come the stop of the campaign. As it stands, Celtic sit top of the table, however only courtesy of Rangers’ clash with Dundee being postponed. Clement’s aspect have a sport in hand on the Hoops and sit just a point adrift.

One facet boasts the fantastic assault in the division whilst the other lays declare to the best defence, and the pair are the two first-rate facets bar none in Scotland as soon as again. It makes their assembly at Ibrox in a fortnight even greater intriguing, with whoever wins the next Old Firm derby surpassed a large enhance in their pursuit of silverware come the cease of the campaign.

Neither side are in all likelihood to be at full electricity – Celtic have issues over centre-back Liam Scales and midfielder Reo Hatate, however there are truely more issues on the other aspect of Glasgow. As it stands, Rangers are sweating on the fitness of Todd Cantwell, Ross McCausland, Kieran Dowell, Danilo, Rabbi Matondo and Abdallah Sima.

Abdallah Sima damage update

Sima is certain to omit the upcoming conflict with Hibs, and now appears not likely to return in time for Celtic, as he will now not have been in full coaching long adequate to be match fit. Sima has been lacking since the middle of January with a thigh injury, however stays the club’s second top-goalscorer this season alongside Cyriel Dessers, having notched 14 desires and grabbed a in addition two assists.

According to scientific expert Dr Rajpal Brar, who weighed in on his damage situation, he would have had to lower back to education with the aid of this point to have a serious danger of being in the mix for the debry.

“The key will be how he’s responding to first-team training however I would be surprised to see him no longer get bounce matches to construct up health and rhythm thinking about how long he has been out”, he explained to Ibrox News.

“It will take more than one games for him to tolerate 90 minutes. So I assume he is not going not simply to start however additionally to be available for that [Celtic] game. If he’s lower back in full coaching already then it’s a opportunity however that does not seem to be the case.”

The news will come as a foremost blow to Rangers, who would have cherished to be capable to name upon Sima’s services for the clash, at least from the bench. However, his eventual return will be welcome in the aftermath of the tie as they seem to be to pip Celtic to pinnacle spot.

“Stand out”: Former Celtic hero Andy Walker is the best Scottish midfield player of the past 20 years

The one component the Celtic fans simply love about their crew is that over the years, we have enjoyed staring at a range of extremely proficient players grace the inexperienced and white hoops.

Henrik Larsson is a name that without delay comes to every Celtic supporter’s mind. Probably alongside players like Lubo Moravcik, Moussa Dembele and Paul McStay.

Tommy Burns, Jimmy Johnstone and Billy McNeill are also up there with the legends of Celtic Park.

In fact, there are so many first-rate gamers that you ought to mention it would be not possible to suit all the names into one article.

So to slim it down, the pundits on Go Radio have been challenged to name the best midfielder Scotland has ever had in the final 20 years and Andy Walker nailed it with his suggestions.

Walker stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “One that straight away sprang to thought for me was once a former teammate of mine.

“Gary McAllister went on to have such a extremely good profession at Leicester, Leeds and Liverpool, of course, by no means thought Scotland.

“But I think if you’ve gained the Champions League, anyone like Paul Lambert would stand out and another former teammate John Collins.”

Indeed, Paul Lambert used to be a incredible player for Celtic and a actual using pressure for Martin O’Neill’s group that cruised to a treble in his first season and to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003.

25 Mar 2000: Paul Lambert of Glasgow Celtic challenges Rod Wallace of Glasgow Rangers during the Scottish Premier Division match at Ibrox Stadium …

One of Lambert’s standout Celtic moments was his piledriver towards Rangers in the 1998 New Year Glasgow Derby that sealed a 2-0 win and helped Celtic end the Ibrox club’s bid for ten in a row.

As well as prevailing the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund, Lambert picked up four Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups for the duration of his six-year continue to be at Paradise.

One of Celtic’s greats, Lambert will continually be remembered as one of the first-rate gamers ever to pull on the inexperienced and white Hoops.

Brendan Rodgers says he and his teammate have benefited from the Celtic star’s suspension

South Korea international ready to play large phase in title race insists Parkhead boss.

Yang Hyun-Jun’s season used to be grounded just as he commenced to take flight at Celtic after seeing purple against Hearts. But Brendan Rodgers insists being sent off in Edinburgh should in reality be the catalyst for the forward’s perfect take off returned in Glasgow.

Not only that but the Hoops boss hopes that controversial Tynecastle choice might simply have helped get two wing options flying in time for the commercial enterprise quit of the title race after Nicolas Kuhn replaced his fellow wide man and moved nearer to top tools following his January arrival from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers blew his top at the officials after Yang was once pink carded for a high boot in the 2-0 defeat to the Jambos. His outburst landed him with a disciplinary date at Hampden on Thursday and he’s nevertheless adamant the choice was wrong.

But the time between Yang’s two-game ban and worldwide wreck has been used accurately away from the highlight and the South Korea worldwide is now nearer to a stage of fitness that Rodgers believes can fuel a cost to the end line.

The 21-year-old is back accessible for resolution as Celtic head for Livingston on Sunday understanding a win is without a doubt necessary to retaining their title defence on course. And Rodgers hopes supporters are about to see the best of Yang. He said: “I can see his progress. He did brilliant towards Dundee and he has been progressing each day in training.

“We spoke to him (after the pink card). It wasn’t his fault, it was once unlucky and unluckily he has neglected a couple of games. He will be back and feeling outstanding and if something it gave us the probability to put Nicolas Kuhn in aswell.

“Now he looks like he has come onto his sport and searching stronger. He appears a unique player in coaching now. It’s been a top notch probability for him.

“So, if nothing else, after these couple of games what we received from that is sport time for Nicolas who has shown up genuinely well, then Yang comes lower back and we have two surely right gamers for that position.

“He (Yang) has been working on his typical game, his grasp out on the field. His analysis at the back of the scenes. Getting his higher physique strength because it’s a bodily recreation here and in Europe.

“Whatever league you are in in Britain it’s a physically demanding league. He has simply grown at some stage in the season and it’s so accurate to see.”

It’s been a stop-start campaign for the South Korean who has made 27 appearances seeing that signing a five-year deal at Parkhead from Gangwon in his fatherland remaining summer.

Voted K League Young Player of the Year the season before arriving in Scotland there were high hopes for the youngster and his exceptional has shone via in patches most quite in home and away wins over Aberdeen and that 7-1 thrashing of Dundee closing month.

Since returning from worldwide responsibility at the Asian Cup in January – the place he made two appearances off the bench against Australia and Jordan – Yang has taken home performances onto the subsequent level with his strong jogging and willingness to take his man on.

But one flick of his proper boot in opposition to Hearts at the begin of the month noticed his momentum all at once stall. Rodgers insists it’s only natural that younger players touring almost 1/2 the world for a new project in their profession take time to settle.

It’s a fact of existence the Parkhead manager fears some critics are too rapid to forget. He said: “People not only forget about it but don’t apprehend it, or don’t desire to understand it.

“You can’t just drop anyone in to a soccer membership from the other aspect of the world and anticipate them to adapt to the culture, food, training… all the a range of aspects it takes.

“Some do, for some others it takes time and you have to supply these players that time. Especially a younger participant to come into a club of this magnitude. You have to work with them and bring them through. We can see clear developments and with a bit of luck that continues.”

Yang, of course, wasn’t by myself in making the ride from his homeland to the east end of Glasgow returned in July. Kwon Hyeok-kyu used to be unveiled on the same day after agreeing a change from Busan IPark.

But if Yang’s shape at Celtic Park has been a slow burner, Kwon’s is nonetheless waiting to ignite. The 23-year-old protective midfielder has but to play a minute for the Hoops, as an alternative being sent on mortgage to St Mirren in January the place he has considering made eight appearances.

Rodgers insists he’s been completely satisfied with the reviews of the South Korea U23 international’s growth in Paisley beforehand of the subsequent selection being made on his profession in the summer. He said: “It’s an opportunity to go and play. We are sincerely pleased.

“I spoke to Stephen, he wished sport time with the squad being too massive here. He is a gifted player and optimistically he has gone and proven that and the guys are really delighted with him there.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers isn’t worrying about Scotland’s automatic Champions League spot which is putting precariously with all our facets out of Europe. Czech Republic will overtake Scotland in the co-efficient rankings if Viktoria Plzen draw even just one leg of their Conference League quarter-final in opposition to Fiorentina – meaning Scotland’s champions would be pressured to qualify again from season 2025-26.

But Rodgers said: “For us it’s about getting there alternatively which way we get there. The co-efficient we need to strive and work it as exceptional we can to get our teams in. Yeah you’d choose the place to be here however we shall wait and see.”

Angus Gunn is a “good” prospect for Celtic, but a Pundit cautions that there is one situation in which the keeper wouldn’t consider a switch

Brendan Rodgers is on the hunt for a new no. 1 with Joe Hart set to retire at the give up of the Premiership season.

With Celtic looking for a new no. 1 this summer, they should do worse than seem to be to the current Scotland keeper.

Angus Gunn has taken over the gloves at some stage in Craig Gordon’s long damage absence, however now the veteran is lower back and combat to regain his region in times for the Euro 2024 finals in Germany this summer. Gunn endured between the sticks as Steve Clarke’s facet went down 4-0 to the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night with Gordon on the bench.

Joe Hart will be hanging up his gloves in the summer, leaving Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new pair of palms in goal. Rivals Rangers had been in a comparable situation ultimate yr with Allan McGregor calling it a day. Despite most of his summer time recruitment proving disastrous, Michael Beale pulled a rabbit out the hat in Jack Butland and Rodgers has been advised to look in the same market.

However, Norwich are still in the playoff hunt and if the Canaries do end in the top six and win the ultimate cash prize at Wembley, then that would take Gunn into a distinctive stratosphere. However, failure to go up and former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson reckons Gunn ought to be on Celtic’s radar providing Norwich remain in the Championship

“It’s a desirable shout,” Ferguson advised Go Radio. “I didn’t suppose he had the best of video games the other night towards the Dutch. but he’s in reality impressed me given that he came into the global fold.

“He’s a appropriate goalkeeper enjoying at a top level down there. But it will all rely if they get into the playoffs, whether they get into the Premier League. If they do get into the Premier League, there is no way that it’s going to cross his mind to go away Norwich.

“But if they do not get promoted, then I assume it should be one that Celtic would without a doubt seem at. He’s a very desirable goalkeeper.”

Rangers suffer twin injury setback as Celtic and Hearts both qualify for Copa America – SPFL international round-up

How the Scottish Premiership gamers on worldwide duty fared throughout the weekend’s matches

Rangers double harm blow

Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz is facing a spell on the sidelines after choosing up an injury playing for Turkey. The 22-year-old gained his seventh cap in the 1-0 win over Hungary on Friday but used to be pressured off after simply 27 minutes with a thigh problem. Yilmaz has been ruled out of Tuesday’s upcoming fixture towards Austria and has been despatched returned to Ibrox for cure and diagnosis. The Turkish football federation stated in a statement: “A mandatory trade has been made in the candidate squad of our National Team, which will play in opposition to Austria in a unique match on Tuesday, March 26. Our defender Rıdvan Yılmaz used to be removed from the candidate squad due to the harm he suffered in his higher left thigh muscle in the in shape against Hungary yesterday.” In a in addition blow to Rangers, winger Ross McCausland has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s upcoming suit in opposition to Scotland. The 20-year-old neglected the 1-1 draw in Romania on Friday and manager Michael O’Neill admits he is not going to characteristic at Hampden on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, it looks like Ross McCausland won’t make it,” O’Neill stated of the 20-year-old. “It would have been fantastic to get Ross the opportunity.” Both Yilmaz and McCausland now show up in a race against time to match for the upcoming Old Firm conflict in opposition to Celtic on April 7.

Celtic and Hearts duo qualify for Copa America 

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston and Hearts attacker Kenneth Vargas will play tournament football this summer after helping their respective countries reach the Copa America finals.Johnston played 90 minutes as Canada advanced with a 2-0 play-off victory over Trinidad and Tobago, which included St Johnstone’s Dan Phillips. Meanwhile, Vargas came off the bench to assist Costa Rica earn their place in the playoffs with a 3-1 victory over Honduras, who were missing Celtic winger Luis Palma due to injury. Canada, which includes Motherwell attacker Theo Bair, will face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on June 21.Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers might possibly play in the tournament after the United States qualified last year, however the center-back has been left out of recent squads due to injuries.

Celtic duo earn Ireland caps

Celtic pair Adam Idah and Mikey Johnston both got here off the bench to help Ireland claim a decent goalless draw with Belgium in Dublin on Satuday. Idah was once added as a seventieth minute alternative for Brighton ahead Evan Ferguson, who ignored a first-half penalty, whilst Johnston, who is presently on loan at West Brom, came on a minute later for Sammie Szmodics. Aberdeen midfielder Jamie McGrath remained an unused substitute. Ireland host Switzerland on Tuesday.

No second cap for O’Riley

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley used to be left on the bench as Denmark and Switzerland battled out a goalless draw in Copenhagen. The 23-year-old received his first cap against Northern Ireland in November and will hope to be involved when the Danes host Faroe Islands in a pleasant on Tuesday.

Other wonderful appearances

St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov kept a smooth sheet on his 0.33 look for Bulgaria in a 1-0 win over Tanzania on Friday. Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski netted the opener for North Macedonia in their 1-1 draw with Moldova. Rangers winger Ianis Hagi, currently on loan at Alaves, came off the bench in the 75th minute for Romania in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland in Bucharest.

How Rangers and Celtic players rated during Scotland against Holland, as Manchester United great gets 5 and Liverpool man gets 7

Players acquainted to Rangers and Celtic have been in motion against the Dutch side.

Scotland fell to a painful 4-0 defeat in opposition to Netherlands during a Euro 2024 warm-up match.

This may have been a pleasant but Steve Clarke’s men had been treating it as something but with valuable locations at the match in Germany this summer season up for grabs. And they commenced bright, with Lawrence Shankland going shut and Ryan Christie rattling the bar.

Tijani Reijnders used to be given space to hit a long-range strike and the AC Milan discovered the top corner, in a sucker punch after some neat play from the traffic in the first half. After a Memphis Depay hazard to double the lead was smartly stopped by way of Angus Gunn, John McGinn and Christie each spurned possibilities to get returned to level terms.

Liverpool ahead Cody Gakpo was once subsequent to check Gunn between the sticks, as the largest risk after the opener fell to Hearts megastar Shankland. An error at the lower back allowed him to pick his spot however he should solely crack the bar.

Soon after the Dutch had doubled their lead, as Georginio Wijnaldum obtained across Rangers defender John Souttar and transformed into the net. Manchester United’s Scott McTominay then ignored a clear header from a pass via Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston as away probabilities refused to locate the net.

It was a brutal lesson in the end, as Wout Weghorst headed domestic and an offside entice gone incorrect allowed Donyell Malen to add a fourth in scientific fashion. Next up is a friendly with Northern Ireland on the 26th. Here’s how Glasgow World rated the Scotland players in Amsterdam, which includes stars from Celtic, Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and more.

1. Angus Gunn – 5/10

A statue for most of the first half of before the goal gave him no chance. Terrific save to deny Memphis Depay but will be disappointed through the goal rush. Established variety one.

2. Nathan Patterson – 5/10

Great crosses into the box caused havoc early on. First intention got here from play down his side but little he ought to do. Second he didn’t end the pass before Ralston replaced him.

3. Ryan Porteous – 6/10

Couldn’t get near Reijnders for the goal even though rarely at fault for the raker that followed. Great gallops into the opposition 1/2 to win possession high up however drew too some distance across for the 2d goal.

4. Jack Hendry – 5/10

Instrumental in building out from the back. Steady presence in the returned three but turned too without difficulty against Depay earlier than a first-rate Gunn save. Caught trying at the third as a corner wasn’t dealt with.

5. Kieran Tierney – 7/10

Great run to deny a positive Holland goalscoring chance. Keeping him healthy for Germany a must. Operates with class.

6. Andrew Robertson – 7/10

A few wayward crosses but did without a doubt well to exploit Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking desires. More particular balls into the field could have reduce Netherlands large open. Photo: Ian MacNicol

7. Scott McTominay – 5/10

Got stuck into the midfield battle. No major attacking chance with his midfield responsibilities maintaining him busy, before lacking a gaping headed chance. Caught under the ball for the third. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

8. Billy Gilmour – 6/10

Super reading of the recreation against elite opposition. Tidy passing, left as the man going through up Reijnders at the first goal. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

9. Ryan Christie – 7/10

Thriving at Bournemouth in a box-to-box function and exceeded the license to do that here. Tireless, unlucky not to score. Header rattled the bar and some other hazard have to have found the corner.

10. John McGinn – 6/10

Bundle of electricity as is the norm. Forced a excellent keep in the 2d 1/2 but protective duties meant he couldn’t have as plenty of an attacking impact. Couple of pictures he’d desire to have back.

11. Lawrence Shankland – 6/10

Great movement to fashion a danger for himself early on and no enviable venture having to maintain the ball up versus Virgil Van Dijk. Teed up Gilmour for a go when he could have perhaps shot himself, before a large shot hit the bar. A extremely good danger for Shankland to see what level is required if he is to start towards elite opposition in Germany, and for Clarke to see how he coped with such a task. Photo: Rob Casey – SNS Group

12. Che Adams – 4/10

Replaced Shankland just shy of 20 minutes to go. Did little of note.

13. John Souttar – 3/10

Came on for Tierney to construct on his Rangers form. Wijnaldum left him for useless at the second. Took up attacking positions in the Dutch half of to start passing moves but then played Holland onside for the fourth. A brutal lesson.

14. Lewis Ferguson – 5/10

Got his hazard when changing Gilmour. Played deep but could not have an effect on play. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

15. Anthony Ralston – 5/10

Replaced Patterson and need to have had an help with an outstanding move McTominay ought to have converted.

16. Stuart Armstrong – 4/10

Arrived into action for ex-Celtic teammate Christie. Minimal impact.

17. Kenny McLean – 3/10

Late introduction as he came on for McGinn

The Celtic problem with Cameron Carter-Vickers as pundit issues a stark verdict

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is on a trip to attempt and make sure each one of his key guys are suit to play a section in their title charge.

Club captain Callum McGregor, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate and Republic of Ireland international Liam Scales are amongst our sidelined absentees; however, all should return for the trip to face Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena subsequent weekend.

Maik Nawrocki and Luis Palma are also unavailable due to injury; meanwhile, several of our different gamers are away on international responsibility over the next week and a half.

Rodgers confirmed that despite Cameron Carter-Vickers coming through our 3-1 victory at home to St Johnstone unscathed, he is continuing his health restoration at Lennoxtown rather than travelling to hyperlink up with the United States countrywide team.

He stated: “I just worried that he would then go away and be concerned in a couple of games when they are massive video games and perhaps more so in June. We had a desirable chat and it used to be determined that he stays at the back of and does his work with us and tries to then stay healthy for the rest of the season.”

Nobody desires to take needless dangers with the health of our megastar players, so it used to be a good selection from both parties to go away Carter-Vickers in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old has been rushed back one too many instances this season in the wake of more than a few concerns, and it is refreshing to see that we aren’t about to repeat the trick.

Jim Duffy problems blunt verdict on Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers

Carter-Vickers is expected to be a pivotal participant for the rest of the campaign; however, pundit Jim Duffy believes Celtic ought to only play the Southend-born man if he is a hundred percent prepared to perform amid the pressure of the title race.

Speaking via Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, the 64-year-old has warned Rodgers and organization that they can’t find the money for to take any chances on his fitness.

He stated: “His exceptional is that he can get away with being sixty five to 70% fit, but if it’s a muscle injury, that simply can’t happen. You’re simply going to worsen it, you’re simply going to put yourself out for longer spells, and that’s possibly what’s happened (in the past).

“They’ve tried to manipulate it, they’ve taken him off, they’ve used him sparingly, however there comes a time at this stage in the season, you’ve received to be 100%.

“The intensity, the demands, there is no probability now to take the foot off the gas. You’ve acquired to be absolutely 100% full steam in advance if you choose to win this title. Carter-Vickers has to be a fundamental section of that, but he has to be at his best.”

Duffy has a point. With the congested fixture time table on the horizon, Celtic solely area Carter-Vickers if they are positive he will be in a position to come through fixtures barring repercussions.

Without his availability, we aren’t the equal pressure and appear far more possibly to concede without the former Tottenham Hotspur man’s presence.

Hopefully, we can make certain he is match-ready as we make one closing push to strive and claim a third successive league trophy.

Carl Starfelt shares off-pitch health concerns following Spanish move

Carl Starfelt has encountered massive challenges off the pitch following his cross to Spanish membership Celta Vigo.

The Swedish defender, who joined Celta Vigo after a successful two-year stint with Celtic, has been scuffling with a thriller sickness that compelled him to miss countless La Liga matches.

The root motive of his fitness issues grew to become out to be a mold infestation in his apartment, which led to recurrent ailment and respiratory problems.

Starfelt’s discovery of mildew in a couple of areas of his flat, inclusive of the bathroom, residing room, and terrace, prompted him to go out and are trying to find accommodation in a hotel, the place he has been living for the previous six weeks.

He said: [SunSport] “In the beginning I obtained ill all the time, four or 5 times a month.

“I was very tired, had trouble respiration via my nose and matters like that. It wasn’t a exciting period.”

I tried to figure out what it was. I changed my diet, my sleep and all that kind of stuff.

“But then I managed to pick out it.

“There was a gap in the roof.

“And it’s already damp in Vigo.

“So it would in all likelihood have obtained more moisture in there, and become very mouldy.

“It was new, like nothing I had skilled before.

“Now I’m dwelling in a hotel, and have been doing so for the ultimate month and a half.

“It feels a whole lot better. I have made a full recovery.

“I won’t move again there, even if the mold is removed. I’ll see if I can locate some thing else.

“Otherwise I’ll stay in a lodge for the relaxation of the season.”

Despite these non-public struggles, Starfelt has persevered to provoke on the subject for Celta Vigo.

He’s been a large miss for Celtic this season, the excellent and consistency he delivered to the back line has been highlighted by using Celtic struggles this season.

He was a key participant in securing 5 trophies, which include a treble ultimate season.

Etienne Vaessen scouted: Has Celtic already discovered a Joe Hart replacement?

Celtic have reportedly made a ‘concrete offer’ to RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen.

According to Dutch media outlet Brabants Dagblad, the club have made an early pass for the 28-year-old who is out of contract with relegation-threatened Waalwijk at the stop of this season.

With current range one Joe Hart retiring this summer, reinforcements in the goalkeeping branch will be high on the agenda for the Premiership Champions’ recruitment team now and in the coming weeks.

 

So, would Vaessen, who is also said to be attracting pastime from Eredivisie competitors PSV Eindhoven, match the invoice as a practicable Hart replacement? Here, using Wyscout data, we take a closer appear at the Dutch keeper to locate out more.

Of course, it is well worth noting that data by no means gives a full photograph when analysing a player, even more so for goalkeepers who have a good deal more limited records points compared to outfield players. Goalkeeper data is additionally more closely influenced via team overall performance than any different position.

There are nonetheless a few key metrics that can be used to evaluate goalkeeper overall performance and provide an insight into their profiles.

Shot-stopping

Firstly, and arguably most importantly, is shot-stopping. Essentially, how nicely is a goalkeeper performing when it comes to their crucial role, maintaining the ball out of the net?

 

As can be seen in the above scatterplot, Vaessen is a standout in this season’s Eredivisie in his regard. He has, understandably given Waalwijk’s struggles this season, faced one of the best possible volumes of xG in opposition to in the league (1.86 per 90). However, he has only conceded 1.52 desires per 90, giving him the absolute best avoided desires (0.33 per 90) of any goalkeeper in the Eredivisie. Prevented dreams truly being the anticipated desires in opposition to minus conceded goals.

His universal averted goals have been well worth a 7.81 wonderful intention swing for his side. His ability to overperform versus the predicted quantity of dreams he ‘should’ have conceded has certainly been pivotal to Waalwijk’s efforts to remain in the Eredivisie this season.

From a shot-stopping perspective, this is via a ways Vaessen’s strongest season. Last season his avoided goals was once 1, while in the 21/22 season, he used to be very slightly beneath what he would have been expected to save (-0.27).

Over his complete career, all of which he has spent with Waalwijk, Vaessen has a superb averted desires total, conceding on common 1.51 dreams per 90 from 1.56 anticipated conceded desires per 90.

For comparison, Hart has tended, generally, to concede around what he would have ‘expected’ to at some point of his time with Celtic. Although this has been on the decline domestically and Europe has been a particular difficulty – Hart posted the lowest Shot Stopping proportion of any keeper in the competition this season, in accordance to StatsBomb data.

Sweeper Actions

The subsequent vicinity where statistics can be used to provide in addition insight into Vaessen is sweeper actions. Here, the facts shows Vaessen to be greater of a sweeper-keeper. He has the third-highest exits per 90 (1.90) in the Eredivisie, nearly twice as plenty as Hart has averaged this season (1.07 per 90). Some of this could well be accounted for by way of fewer assaults heading toward Hart’s intention than to Vaessen’s.

For aerial duels, Vaessen comes in round common for the quantity he is worried in (0.38 per 90). However, as the under picture shows, he does now not rank too nicely against his positional friends for his win proportion (66.67 per cent).

At 6’2, Vaessen is no longer the biggest goalkeeper (Hart is 6’5) so dealing with crosses is perhaps no longer the strongest section of his game. It is well worth bearing in thinking here how small these volumes are, i.e. it would solely take one or two successes, or failures, to swing these considerably.

Distribution

Not something Hart has been overly cosy with all through his time in Glasgow, Rodgers has, predictably, endured to use the goalkeeper in build-up phases at some point of his 2d stint in the Celtic Park dugout. The following distribution scatterplot highlights some of Vaessen’s inclinations in this area.

Heavily influenced by way of crew style, Vaessen takes an even quantity of short/medium and long passes, indicating Waalwijk range their build-up play.

The above photo from Wyscout sheds some greater light, showing how profitable Vaessen is in his passing from open play across various distances.

Here we can see he has only misplaced one of 139 passes at 0-20m in the final year. His basic Short pass accuracy of 97.77 per cent is average, to barely above average, for a goalkeeper in the Eredivisie in the final 12 months.

The image additionally highlights that he isn’t quite as correct over longer distances. This is typically the case for any player but his 59.5 per cent skip accuracy is under average for a keeper in the Dutch top-flight over the final year.

Given that Celtic don’t tend to go direct too often, Hart has solely attempted an average of 3.24 long passes this season, this is doubtlessly not a massive issue, ought to Vaessen make a cross to Parkhead this summer.

Conclusion

Vaessen is an fascinating link. His performances in this season’s Eredivisie, particularly his shot-stopping, could be considered as some thing of a bit of an ‘overperformance’. Equally though, given his age, an argument ought to be made that this is down to him coming into his peak years – late 20s to 30 is often viewed top for goalkeepers.

He doubtlessly profiles as more of a sweeper-keeper, which would be fantastic given Celtic frequently holds a high line, domestically anyway. At 6’2, he possibly doesn’t have the traditional presence of a ‘big guy in goals’ so there may be some question marks over how he would potentially deal with the bodily aspect of Scottish football though.

His distribution numbers appear regular enough. However, right here it would stay to be seen how this scaled to a much greater possession-dominant Celtic team compared to a facet struggling in the Eredivisie that is averaging less of the ball than their opponents most weeks.

Going from dealing with an xG of nearly two per sport to round 0.67 (Celtic’s xG Against in the Scottish Premiership this season, Wyscout) would additionally be an adjustment for Vaessen. Out with European games, Celtic keepers may also frequently solely be required to make simply one, perhaps two, vital saves a game.

This special environment a Celtic goalkeeper finds themselves in, and some of the formerly noted obstacles of goalkeeper data, make coming to any definitive judgements here tricky.

However, what can be stated is that Vaessen is a peak-age goalkeeper performing persistently properly in a first-class league. Off the lower back of his strongest shot-stopping season and displaying signs of an capability to contribute correctly to the build-up and in sweeping, he would signify a promising candidate for subsequent season’s Celtic number-one jersey.

Reo Hatate on Celtic’s “slow burn” as supporters were forced to wait for the MOST important midfield player

The Hoops midfielder has suffered an harm hit campaign for Brendan Rodgers’ champions.

Peter Grant isn’t always sure Celtic fans will see the REAL Reo Hatate any time soon after a prolonged spell out.

Brendan Rodgers confirmed closing week that the big name midfielder has been out on the grass as he continues to work closer to full fitness. It’s been an harm plagued marketing campaign for the fans’ favorite with simply 13 appearances to his identify this term. The hope is he will re-join the squad following the global spoil and will teach with these not on responsibility in this period as the season enters the enterprise end.

A big showdown with Rangers is on the horizon before the league cut up and when the fixtures are launched as the top and bottom six find out their fate. Both derbies will prove massive in the destiny of the Scottish Premiership title this campaign. Hatate’s return will come as a large improve to Rodgers and the Parkhead faithful.

Fellow pundit and Ibrox legend Barry Ferguson also reckons Celtic will now not see the nice of Hatate until NEXT season and that his return will be a bit of a ‘slow burner’.

Grant informed Go Radio: “It offers you an opportunity to get people returned match [International break]. I think that is important. People discuss about Hatate however I just think he has simply been out too lengthy to come and have an impact.

“Barry will inform you. It does not count how good you are, how well you train or how many exercise fits you put on. You be aware of you can watch yourself in them except placing that depth in. It’s very, very difficult to be excessive no count what if it is a training in shape as you can walk off or do anything. The depth is completely different.

“For the length Celtic are going into, I’m no longer sure. He can be handy however is he going to be the Reo Hatate? I suppose it is not possible to be out that length of time to come straight lower back in and be that player. I thinking he was getting again to the structure he had from his remaining injury. The manager had left him on the bench [start of the season] and I think it was once the Kilmarnock sport was his first-rate sport and then receives injured. Sod’s law. That used to be him lower back at his best.

“I just assume it is very hard when you’ve got been out that duration of time. Guys who have been out a week or so, that is a bit simpler.”

Co-pundit Ferguson added: “I don’t suppose you will see the high-quality of Hatate till subsequent season. You can teach and run on the training ground as lots as you desire but nothing beats taking part in video games of soccer and getting 90 minutes into the legs. I think it will be a sluggish burner for him and he will comprehend that himself.

“You’ve obtained to be really, virtually careful. He’s a fantastic operator no doubt about it however I do not assume you will see him at his quality till next season.”