‘He’s done incredibly well’: Celtic pursue the £2 million ace who received the prize for the best of 2023

Celtic are keen on the £2 million-rated IF Elfsborg goalkeeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson with the Iceland international’s former team-mate paying tribute to his ‘incredible’ form.

Having losing his region at Elfsborg and compelled to snatch a fresh start at Halmstads BK, lesser guys would feel a pang of bitterness towards Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson.

But not Tim Ronning.

The former Elfsborg wide variety one, having sealed a pass to Allsvenskan rivals HBK last week, may want to rarely have been more complimentary towards the man who snatched his region between the sticks, Valdimarsson’s superb shows incomes him the admiration of Celtic amongst others.

Celtic like Elfsborg goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson

“It is clear that it used to be a new seat for me. But I universal my role, trained properly and pushed Hakon. He has performed superbly well in Elfsborg. He has done enormously well,” a mature, gratious Ronning tells Fotbolskanalen.

He’s a remarkable guy, so it wasn’t bizarre (that he took my place). We pushed and helped each other in training. There is solely one (position for a goalkeeper), but you have to take it the right way.

“You can’t ruin down and blame him and others for not being allowed to play. It is up to you whether you want to play. It’s about performing, and he’s performed that.

“So there’s been no weirdness.”

According to the Goteborgs Posten, Celtic are displaying an hobby in Valdimarsson. They have apparently not been put off by the struggles of another Elsfborg export in Gustaf Lagerbielke. The Hoops could have soon discover themselves dashing into pole role too. Belgian duo Anderlecht and Gent spinning their wheels over the 22-year-old’s pronounced £2 million price-tag.

Joe Hart’s replacement?

Valdimarsson, capped three times by using Iceland, received the 2023 Allsvenskan Goalkeeper of the Year award. He is the 2d talented younger shot-stopper to be linked with a pass to Scotland as a practicable alternative for the out-of-contract Joe Hart. And he may also be a little simpler to entice to Glasgow than Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.

It remains to be seen whether Celtic layout to cross for Valdimarsson now, or when Hart’s deal officially expires in the summer. HITC Football understands that Brendan Rodgers’ aspect are closing in on a £3 million deal for Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn.

Celtic transfer news: Tiago Araujo maintains his composure throughout the impasse as Hakon Valdimarsson shows “interest”

The first signing of the January window is almost in the door – however more deals seem to be to be on the way.

Nicolas Kuhn will come to be the first Celtic signing of the January window – however Brendan Rodgers appears to be far from done.

The Hoops have agreed a rate with Rapid Vienna and Kuhn has jetted into Glasgow – with Celtic followers now simply expecting the second that the 24-year-old will maintain the Hoops’ scarf above his head. But enterprise seems to only just be kicking off with Icelandic goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson the latest goal to emerge. It is understood the club are closely searching at the goalkeeping scenario as the Scottish Premiership leaders are looking for to furnish competition for Joe Hart.

Ukrainian global Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid is still on the radar while Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has also been linked, but the Iceland global should be on the way. Goteborgs Posten report that Celtic are amongst “numerous” golf equipment who are “interested” in a deal for the Elfsborg wide variety one.

Belgian aspects Anderlecht and Gent are said to additionally have him on their wishlists. However, they are not willing to pay the €2.5million (£2.1million) price that the Swedish outfit choose for the 22-year-old shot-stopper.

A left-back is also on the agenda – with Alexandro Bernabei struggling to challenge Greg Taylor for the position. Tiago Araujo remains on the radar – and reports in Portugal advocate that Estoril are open to the sale.

A Bola report that the Portuguese outfit have been looking forward to an provide however there has been “no progress” closer to a deal due to the fact that November and no “official proposal” so far. Araujo is stated to be “calm” about his future.

’No way’: Celtic informed Brendan Rodgers that they didn’t approve of the 23-year-old’s signing and that he may now leave

Celtic’s centre-back branch has taken twists not many would have expected at the start of the season.

Who would have idea that Liam Scales, on-loan at Aberdeen ultimate season, would be one of Celtic’s most essential gamers with the aid of the New Year and partnering Stephen Welsh towards Rangers?!

Well, at the same time as two separate accidents to Cameron Carter-Vickers have performed a section in that, the disappointment of summer season arrivals, such as Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki is some other reason.

Kenny Miller says there is ‘no way’ Brendan Rodgers accepted or used to be the one who signed the Sweden worldwide for £3 million in the summer, as he told Clyde 1.

If you recall, Gustaf Lagerbielke did start Celtic’s 1-0 win at Ibrox at the begin of the campaign, however he did seem fishy and has infrequently played since.

Now there are hints that he could be headed for the exit door in January, which raises the query as to who allowed this signing to happen.

If it was once Brendan Rodgers, then definitely the Celtic boss would have given the 23-year-old time to show himself, however as Kenny Miller alluded to, that’s sincerely not the case.

Gustaf Lagerbielke and Brendan Rodgers

“Three centre-backs have come in and I be aware of there have been an damage to Nawrocki,” said Miller.

“But three centre-backs have come in during the summer time and none of them have played effectively. You went to two academy products in an Old Firm game, with Scales and Welsh.

“Lagerbielke from the Old Firm sport at Ibrox. I notion he regarded really, truely dodgy. He didn’t seem up to it. Scales was once his accomplice that day, he was the one who appeared like the steady chip.

“There is no way Brendan Rodgers signed him. No way that Brendan Rodgers signed the player five months ago and now he’s not appropriate enough.

“If you have signed him, and you accept as true with he could be this player, then you don’t write it off that quickly.”

Will Brendan Rodgers be backed?

For a while now, the Northern Irishman has spoken about Celtic wanting quality and hoping for demonstrated gamers to come thru the doors.

It’s still early days, however from an incoming standpoint, it has been a pretty quiet January switch window so far.

Perhaps when players return to action, that’s when matters will begin to kick off, or as it typically happens, at some point of the closing few days of the window.

If you are going to convey a manager like Rodgers returned to the club, specially given what he received in his first spell, then there is no want to mess about, simply again him properly, let him convey in who he wishes and get on with it!

“As you saw,” Rangers receive a nasty warning from Scott Brown about Celtics

Scott Brown says Celtic have demonstrated that the gap between Rangers is still ‘quite big’ after prevailing the opening two Glasgow derbies of the season.

To spherical off a fantastically profitable 2023, which saw the Bhoys win the Treble beneath Ange Postecoglou, the crew topped it off with the aid of beating Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead.

Given Celtic’s slip-ups in December, there was once a lot of strain on Brendan Rodgers heading into that game.

But as the side have done all season long, they stepped up, caught their chest out and proved their really worth when it mattered most.

Scott Brown spoke about the ‘quality’ inside the squad and how that is the ‘difference’ between Celtic and Rangers, as he told Sky Sports.

It additionally needs to be stated that, for the 2nd Glasgow derby running, key gamers have been missing, inclusive of some other makeshift centre-back pairing.

Yet, the only component Rangers could muster from those two matches, in phrases of goalscoring ability, is a free-kick purpose from James Tavernier.

Either way, Scott Brown had a enormously brutal message for Rangers in their quest to catch Celtic this season.

Celtic and Rangers gap

“But Celtic have a sturdy squad and, as you noticed when they played the different week, the gap used to be pretty big, the way the Celtic front three pressed, the pleasant they have got, I suppose that’s the difference,” stated Brown.

“When you play in large games at home, you are expected to win and put on a show and that’s what Celtic did. I notion they performed relatively well, particularly the first 75-80 minutes, they dominated, they had been on the the front foot, and they seemed like the only group that was once going to score.

“They have put themselves in a incredible function and now they are going to get enhanced and stronger, and they will seem fitter.

“Usually going from New Year to the stop of the season, Celtic are very, very strong. I will be looking forward to seeing how they go forward in the methods Brendan wants them to go forward.”

Quiet January transfer window

Rumours are effervescent about, it looks as although some action is going to take place, but as of this moment, there have been no incomings and it has been rather quiet.

Leeds United’s young celebrity Joe Gelhardt is any individual who has been spoken about, a ahead participant who likes to play off the shoulder and has pace to burn.

But in order for players to come in, some need to leave, with the exit of Yosuke Ideguchi being announced on Tuesday and talk of Rocco Vata per chance shifting to Italy.

Ideally, you choose the players in as shortly as possible, but you would instead the right players arrive, than simply rushing in players for the sake of it.

Bradley Walsh is not amused by the Celtic player’s error on The Chase, as Aberdeen amnesia knocks out a competitor

Marcus from Neath in Wales used to be rolling before giving away a penalty in the eyes of the host.

Puzzled The Chase host Bradley Walsh couldn’t conceal his shock over a contestant’s incapability to name Aberdeen as victors in the 1983 Super Cup Final.

Marcus from Neath in Wales used to be rolling before giving away a penalty in the eyes of the host after being unable to healthy the right side Sir Alex Ferguson led to glory against Hamburg. That triumph – months after a lovely Cup Winners’ Cup win over Real Madrid – is etched in the reminiscence of football supporters throughout Britain as the man now viewed as the greatest supervisor in history rocked the continent.

Honest Marcus confessed he used to be no football fan and Walsh, in a mischievous mood, admitted he ought to inform after getting the question wrong on the smash-hit ITV quiz show. He picked Celtic over Rangers and the correct answer of Aberdeen which led to raised eyebrows. Marcus then acquired a history lesson from chaser Shaun Wallace who reeled off a host of Aberdeen heroes of that era. The Dark Destroyer namechecked the likes of Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish, Willie Miller and Mark McGhee.

Host Walsh then requested Wallace if Gordon Strachan was a superstar of the Granite City in that technology which used to be tested before each praised a facet which remain the final to defeat the Madrid in a European Final. And their high-quality run was made all the extra incredible when they followed up against European Cup winners Hamburg over two legs in November and December of 1983.

Followers of Aberdeen posted their understanding to The Chase duo for giving their club most important kudos on countrywide television.

The most recent Celtic transfer rumors involving Joe Hart, Sydney van Hooijdonk, and Nicolas Kuhn

The Hoops are yet to get their January window up and running

We’re already a week into the transfer window and no matter a busy January expected at Celtic, it’s still to get going.

Brendan Rodgers has admitted he needs brought high-quality and with Daizen Maeda, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Reo Hatate, Yang and Marco Tilio heading to the Asian Cup they need reinforcements to fill out the squad. The forward areas may additionally be a priority for that purpose and one title who has been stated is German winger Nicolas Kuhn.

The Hoops are thinking to be monitoring the Rapid Vienna winger and it was stated they may want to get him for around £2million. However, their sports activities director Markus Katzer has now said that he doesn’t expect any of his gamers to go away for the duration of the January window.

He told Kronen Zeitung, he said: “I assume that every person will be with us in the 2d half of the season, I haven’t heard some thing to the contrary.”

Left-back is an vicinity Rodgers is searching at as he seeks serious competition for Greg Taylor. Gijs Smal linked a few weeks ago and Rangers are now additionally pronounced to be involved in the FC Twente superstar who is out of contract in the summer season and has been dubbed ‘the new Maldini’.

Sydney van Hooijdonk has long been linked as a striker option and TuttoMercato file that he remains on the radar after being instructed by way of Bologna boss Thiago Motta that he can go away the club this month.

Meanwhile, Rodgers has been speaking about Joe Hart’s future and says he will take a seat down with the veteran goalkeeper soon to talk about possibly extending his remain previous this summer.

“It’s not something that we’re searching at just now. There are other areas we have to seem at first,” he explained.

“There will be positions in the summer we’ll be in a position to improve on and it’s the identical in January. But I love working with Joe, he’s a remarkable guy. Hopefully he continues. We haven’t spoken about it. At that age, I think he’s simply completely satisfied to be playing. Joe’s family is down south so he has shown amazing dedication to be up here.

“Are you going to stay up here besides your family if you’re now not taking part in as a No.1? Joe’s had a lengthy profession and I love being with him each day. He has a actual fantastic energy and has been a brilliant chief for this team. So we’ll have a chat – him and I – toward the give up of the season.”

Luis Palma is at the centre of a transfer storm as his former membership Vida declare that they are owed cash from Aris after a having a sell-on proportion included when they sold him to the Greek side.

He insists they will be taking the be counted to FIFA if not paid the £500,000 they sense they are owed.

While Nat Phillips has despatched a message to Celtic and their followers after heading lower back to Liverpool following his brief mortgage spell.

He wrote: “It was once a pleasure and a privilege to represent @celticfc and their supporters. I wish everybody at the club all the best for the relaxation of the season and the future.”

Rangers supporters will find Graeme Souness’s assessment of Celtic Park on derby day offensive

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that Celtic Park on Glasgow derby day or on Champions League nights creates the most excessive atmosphere in European football.

If not the most intense, then absolutely in the pinnacle five. In truth no, if Lionel Messi believes it’s the best atmosphere in Europe for a football match then it has to be true.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi are in full agreement. And now, even Rangers favourite Graeme Souness has tipped his hat to Parkhead’s incredible environment thanks to our club’s incredible fans.

In fact, Souness has went as a ways as saying that Celtic Park – except any Rangers fans on derby day ultimate weekend – truly cannot be matched somewhere in the world.

Graeme Souness loves Celtic Park on derby day

And we have to admit, he’s spot on. Parkhead used to be truely raucous for the New Year grudge match as Celtic ran out deserved 2-1 winners.

Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo scored amazing strikes to burst Philippe Clement’s Rangers bubble and open up an eight-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Souness was present at the stadium to immerse himself in Celtic’s victory and not even a Gers defeat in opposition to their biggest competitors can forestall the 70-year-old from admitting how brilliant the atmosphere used to be at Celtic Park.

He wrote in his most recent Daily Mail column: “What an environment it was at Celtic Park ultimate Saturday. I was once there for the Old Firm derby and I swear there is none to in shape it somewhere in the world.”

That’s sure to upset Rangers fans, some of whom claim Ibrox boasts the satisfactory atmosphere in European football.

Souness certainly doesn’t suppose so. His feedback concerning Celtic Park on derby day are bang on and as mentioned, that’s even besides any Rangers followers in the stands.

It just goes to show that the Rangers legend can’t deny the superiority of Celtic Park’s environment over any other area in world soccer and we’re glad, he of all people, can admit it.

Nat Phillips sends an incredible message to Celtic support

On Friday evening, Nat Phillips took to his Instagram to lengthen a heartfelt thanks to the Celtic support, efficaciously confirming his departure from the club.

His message, imbued with gratitude, stated the fans and his time spent in Glasgow, supplying a private touch to his exit that the club’s reliable channels had especially omitted.

Earlier on Friday, Phillips used to be spotted returned in acquainted territory, training with Liverpool, an image that verified the finality involving his Celtic exit.

Phillips’s personal acknowledgment and return to Liverpool education supply a truly closure for fans who had been left in the dark by using Celtic’s uncommon silence.

Unfortunately his time at the membership was not successful. His closing recreation was a 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Celtic Park the place the defender scored an very own aim and had a generally terrible game.

It was once a short term loan deal that ought to have been prolonged if Celtic wanted to however in the stop it’s exceptional for all events to go their separate ways.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nat Phillips (@nathaniel_phillips)

Rodgers adores him: Celtic is now prioritizing the signing of a “fantastic” player over four Premier League teams

He’s been on a extraordinary run of form this campaign…

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is eager to bolster his ranks for the duration of the January window and is now believed to be thinking about a pass for a pinnacle marksman, according to a report.

Celtic look for edge in Premiership title race…

Despite enduring a wobble formerly in December with back-to-back defeats, Celtic rallied to report four straight victories over Livingston, Dundee, Rangers and St Mirren to enter the Scottish Premiership title race riding seat heading into the wintry weather break.

The Hoops keep an eight-point advantage over their opponents throughout the metropolis at this stage; nevertheless, Philippe Clement’s guys have two games in hand to potentially slim the gap, signifying that there is lots of work to be finished at Parkhead for the duration of the window in order to maintain their lead at the summit.

Of course, Rodgers will have to work towards bringing in new arrivals with the brought caveat of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Yang Hyun-jun and Marco Tilio being away on Asian Cup duty, which can also pave the way for a new striker to cross to Parkhead this month.

Reports in Germany, by means of The Daily Record, declare that Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden is on the Hoops’ radar and they may additionally have obtained a enhance in their pursuit of the Denmark Under-21 international, due to the reality his different suitors, Schalke 04, are not going to be able to find the money for him this window.

Nevertheless, Football Scotland have considering claimed that Celtic are yet to return with an multiplied provide for the attacker after seeing a bid of £4 million grew to become down in the summer. Now, data has emerged claiming that the Scottish giants are now in the market for a specific marksman who has been in awesome shape this campaign.

Celtic keen on Lawrence Shankland…

According to HITC, Celtic are believed to be thinking about a go for Heart of Midlothian captain Lawrence Shankland this month; however, Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace are additionally eager on the Scotland international, providing opposition from the Premier League for his signature.

Hull City and Middlesbrough are stated as having an activity in the former Dundee United man in addition to unnamed golf equipment from abroad. Last week, Hoops boss Rodgers labelled Shankland a “fantastic finisher” in the build-up to his side’s 2-1 victory over Rangers at Parkhead last weekend.

Leading some thing of a nomadic existence earlier than settling at Hearts in 2022, Shankland has simply located his capturing boots this campaign, registering 18 times and recording three assists in 28 appearances this campaign (Shankland statistics – Transfermarkt).

It stays to be ascertained whether the 28-year-old’s traits off the ball would fit into Rodgers’ fashion of play; nevertheless, Shankland knows where the back of the net is and is not going to be short of suitors as the window progresses.

Todd Cantwell’s Rangers in-joke is revealed by Philippe Clement, and the midfielder brushes off teasing by Celtic fans

Twice now Cantwell has spoke back to low moments by way of producing for Rangers in their subsequent game.

At least Todd Cantwell can see the funny aspect now.

And Philippe Clement reckons his Rangers playmaker can have the remaining snicker if he continues to respond to adversity like he did on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Ibrox ace wasn’t smiling as he trudged glumly off the Parkhead pitch three days formerly to the sound of sarcastic cheers from the Celtic support. The East End trustworthy like to call the former Norwich man TikTok and they ramped up their trolling as they celebrated their side’s 2-1 triumph in their second Old Firm win of the campaign.

But Clement was delighted to see Cantwell stick a thumb in the eye of the keyboard warriors and critics as he replied with a purpose and a stand-out display in the Light Blues’ New Year stroll against Kilmarnock. It used to be reminiscent of the way the Englishman bounced back from being unceremoniously hooked just 37 minutes into the club’s November draw at home to Europa League minnows Aris Limassol – responding three days later with two assists in a win over Hearts.

Clement used to be rapid to remind the attacker of that as he afforded him a standing ovation from the appreciative Ibrox trustworthy as he used to be changed late on against Killie. Asked if he was once pleased with Cantwell’s reaction to his Old Firm criticism, the massive Belgian said: “It’s hard to take out one player.

“It’s a whole story and every player has his personal working points. It’s my job and the job of the team of workers to factor them out and work on that with them.

“So I am comfortable with the evolution Todd is making and I opt for to take him out in the 87th minute rather of the thirty seventh minute. I told him that when he came off. He discovered it funny.”

Clement has advised his gamers to relaxation up and come back refreshed subsequent week, geared up to put in some serious graft when they jet out for a warm-weather training camp in the Spanish hotel of La Manga. But the Ibrox gaffer admits he’ll going flat out over the next few days as he looks to make in addition additions after signing Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves.

“Will I get a rest earlier than Spain?” asked the former Genk, Club Brugge and Monaco boss. “No, because I have different matters to do – it’s no longer solely training.

“We have a January switch window to come. So I need to watch gamers also, however I would do things with my family.

“But I don’t like to switch off. For me, it is no longer important.

“My physique don’t need to do something any more. And my Genius doesn’t explode by doing that all the time. I love it, and I will do it.

“How energetic will we be in the transfer window? Very lively each and every day, through searching at a lot of gamers together with human beings in the club.

“And then we will see what we can make happen. The matters we want. But we are not going to sign 10 players.”

Clement doesn’t idea placing in the hours if the work can pay off – and so far it has. The derby defeat to Celtic is the solely blot on the 49-year-old’s Ibrox end result sheet so a ways and whilst his side sit eight adrift of Brendan Rodgers’ Premiership pace-setters proper now, that deficit will cut back to two if they win each their games in hand on the champions.

It’s a scenario that has the Ibrox devoted eagerly awaiting the 2nd half of a season that has already delivered Viaplay Cup silver and a vicinity in the Europa League’s final 16.

And Clement is just as keen to see how it all plays out. He said: “I am still curious. I am comfortable that you speak now about the achievable of this team.

“Eleven weeks ago, I hear a lot of people saying there was not manageable sufficient in this crew to do what Rangers wants to do. So it is positive that so many gamers are growing, and that is what I want to see.

“I will hold a close eye, together with my staff, on who are the gamers staying ambitious, who are the gamers who are pushing. There are a lot of appropriate examples in that way.

“You have a young lad [Ross McCausland] who used to be just in the academy and now he is playing truely normal in the first crew because he is performing. Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, who are now taking part in in other positions. They have executed that for the team, or else they wouldn’t play.

“So, I suppose this team is in a virtually desirable way. The dressing room also. The atmosphere each day within the building, with the training, the ambition in the training. Now after our first defeat, which we knew would come one day, the response used to be how I desired it.

“We seemed at what we had to do to make good, to analyse what went wrong, what we should do better. And then we reacted without delay on the pitch once more and left the whole lot behind.”

Clement has taken the plaudits for piecing Rangers’ season back collectively after being delivered in to repair the injury carried out with the aid of Michael Beale’s calamitous summer time rebuild. But the modest manager insists it’s his squad that deserve the deposit for turning matters around.

He said: “It’s no longer about me, it’s about the team. I’m joyful that all people is announcing they see a distinctive team now with greater extra of a winning mentality.

“I see extra and extra great and that the crew knows better and better how I favor to see football, how I want to see them run together, how I favor them to create spaces for other players.

“It turns into more and extra fluid. These are things that I understand if the gamers keep on working, if they remain attentive and they stay concentrated then after a while it will become more herbal for them.

“So there are in reality high quality things. It’s now not about being satisfied. It’s about being bold to get better.”

Jota is ready to quit Al-Ittihad, and the Portuguese winger may go for nothing

Celtic hero Jota could be poised to go away Al-Ittihad on a “free” after struggling to make an have an effect on in Saudi Arabia.

This is in accordance to outlet Hi Koura which claims that the Saudi Pro League champions will attempt to “rip up the winger’s contract”.

Jota joined the Middle Eastern membership for £25million at some stage in the summer transfer window but has observed his recreation time confined due to being left out of Ittihad’s league squad.

And now it seems like the winger ought to be set to depart the Saudi Arabian side.

Meanwhile,Kyogo Furuhashi has as soon as again been snubbed by means of the Japanese national group regardless of his heroics towards Rangers at the weekend.

The striker bagged a gorgeous winner for Brendan Rodgers’ facet in the derby to extend Celtic’s lead at the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table.

Kyogo has now not been a outstanding determine in the Japanese set up in recent times even though and that has persisted beforehand of their involvement in the Asia Cup.

Blue Samurai boss Hajime Moriyasu named his squad today and Kyogo has no longer been picked. This is of course a blow for Kyogo personally, but a raise for Celtic shifting forward as they intention to dominate domestically in the second-half of the campaign.

Celtic duo Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate have been selected in the squad and should be missing for a month with the event due to begin on January 14.

South Korean duo Oh and Yang ought to usually be missing so Rodgers will be braced to ensure his aspect has cover for a key factor in the season.

Latest Celtic transfers rumored include Araujo, McKenna, Kvistgaarden, and Solbakken

The transfer window is open and it could be a busy one at Parkhead

Tiago Araujo, Scott McKenna and Ola Solbakken

New Year brings with it optimism and hopes for the future. But a long way extra importantly for soccer golf equipment and fans, it brings the opening of the switch window.

Celtic are anticipated to do quite a bit of business after manager Brendan Rodgers admitted they want to add extra high-quality to their squad after a very disappointing summer window. A large squad desires to be trimmed first and departures are anticipated over the coming weeks however there will almost without a doubt be incomings too.

Left-back is an vicinity needing addressed and we’ve already viewed a concrete hyperlink with Estoril’s Tiago Araujo. The former Benfica man can also play similarly forward and played with Jota and Paulo Bernardo at the Portuguese giants – and a large hint was once dropped when he commented on the latter’s social media following his strike in opposition to Rangers.

His club are searching for round around £4million so the Hoops will want to cough up if Araujo is the man they favor to come in and compete with Greg Taylor.

New left centre-back may additionally be on the way too with Scott McKenna reportedly an alternative after being made handy for switch by Nottingham Forest.

Rodgers would also like to add a striker and a midfielder. In terms of the attacking area, Brondby star Mathias Kvistgaarden is one that has been mentioned after Celts failed with a bid in the summer season however the Parkhead membership have been warned they have to blow the Danes away for any provide to be successful.

Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski is some other who has been scouted while some other home talent, Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland has often been mooted as a potential goal too.

Meanwhile, social media has been awash with rumours that Celtic have been presented Norwegian winger Ola Solbakken.

The 25-year-old, linked with the Hoops in the past, has been playing on loan at Olympiacos from AS Roma and has played towards Celtic earlier than for Bodo/Glimt.

It stays to be the seen if the rumours turn into whatever concrete however it is truly an interesting one.

Goalkeeper is every other location that will perchance be seemed at and Ipswich keeper Vaclav Hladky has spoken out after hyperlinks to Celtic, while Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin is every other to have been mentioned.

Celtics star Joe Hart had a family dinner in Glasgow to celebrate the Rangers victory

Celtic star Joe Hart loved a meal with his family in a popular West End spot after Saturday’s derby.

The 36-year-old Hoops star, whose aspect beat Rangers 2-1 at Parkhead on Saturday, posed with delighted body of workers at Italian eatery Caprese Don Costanzo on Woodside Crescent near Charing Cross.

Looking blissful and sporting a Stone Island jumper. the goalkeeper is the cutting-edge in a lengthy line of celebrities to dine at the spot.

A statement from the restaurant on Instagram posted on Hogmanay read: “Last night, we had the pleasure of web hosting Joe Hart and his beautiful household for dinner.”

Last month, we reported  that the restaurant used to be visited by way of Rangers manager Philippe Clement.

The restaurant also used the Instagram put up to warn diners they would be closed until January 17.

“Many thanks to Harry”: Kewell’s influence at Celtic

On his arrival at Celtic, he used to be seen as ultimately some new blood in the teaching staff. There had been rumblings over the years about the perceived boys membership mentality at Celtic, and even though Ange Postecoglou had arrived as supervisor at Celtic, he had saved with the ordinary system. Kewell was once seen as a spoil to this device even though not necessarily some thing revolutionary.

As a player, Kewell had made a properly title for himself at clubs like Liverpool, Galatasaray and Leeds and helped to increase the popularity of footballers from Down Under.

After putting up his taking part in boots, he moved into management, and admittedly his file was overall poor. However at Celtic he had a new hazard in teaching alongside Postecoglou who was by using this time now well settled in but wished to take Celtic up a few notches.

Harey Kewell arrived at a buoyant Celtic in the summer time of 2022, and he settled in rapidly at a Celtic who were in command in the league. Initial reports on Kewell’s contributions had been positive with especially Maeda enormously praising Kewell. The advantages paid off in the World Cup with a Maeda inspired Japan surprising all and sundry finishing top of their team after wins v Germany and Spain!

“It’s thanks to him that I’m genuinely enjoying my football once more and additionally enhancing my skills. It’s down to Harry that I began to trade my strategy at Celtic and I’m now performing better. That’s thanks to Harry. He is very true at organising relationships with players,” Maeda said.

He supported the squad as they went on to win the domestic treble. Postecoglou though left in June 2023, however Kewell remained at Celtic to work beneath Brendan Rodgers, and gamers continued to publicly praise his contribution to their development.

After Celtic sealed a well deserved 2-1 victory over theRangers in the annual New Year’s Derby, performed on 30 December 2023 this time), Kewell left the next for the J League to take over at Yokohama F. Marinos from ex-Rangers player Muscat (who at one time was once rumoured for a teaching function at Celtic below Postecoglou).

Harry Kewell is seen during the Celtic Champions Training Day at Celtic Park on July 18, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

HARRY KEWELL’S TIME AT CELTIC IN QUOTES

“We will be aiming to provide our fans extra of the equal going ahead and I look ahead to playing my section in bringing this to our supporters,” Harry Kewell

“Throughout my expert career and indeed my whole time in soccer I have now not met a teach like Harry. So, it’s thanks to him that I am clearly enjoying my soccer and improving my skills. It’s down to Harry that I started to change my method and performing better. Thanks to Harry. He is very properly at organising relationships with the players. He can verbalise absolutely our true factors and terrible points. We’ll sit and watch the movies and he will give an explanation for to me very actually the place I can be better and what I need to do. It’s a appropriate situation for me. It’s because of this that I sense I am truely enjoying my soccer right now.” Daizen Maeda on Kewell (2022)

Kyogo and Harry Kewell

“The opening recreation of the season at home to Aberdeen… I’ve heard You’ll Never Walk Alone each and every week at Liverpool however that day it used to be something different. It used to be awesome,” Harry Kewell

“Harry Kewell has not only helped me but others. He helped me appreciably at the begin when it was once one sport a week for the first four weeks and I didn’t feature that much. He nonetheless made me experience a massive phase of it and even though I am one of the older gamers it used to be nonetheless absolutely appropriate that he would take you aside after coaching and do more with you due to the fact he desired you to do well when you did get the chance. He does hundreds of drills with the wingers too due to the fact that’s where he played. I suppose for me and the other wingers I have spoken to we would all say he has a actually large impact.” James Forrest on Kewell (2022)

What the experts said when Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton were given Celtic violin orders: Rangers were “killed” by a single star

A rock n roll derby delivered all the thrills and spills of classics long past through in the cutting-edge Old Firm instalment.

The railway has been hit with storm chaos this week – but it used to be the Rangers hype teach that suffered termination at Celtic Park.

Philippe Clement’s costs had the crest of a wave at the back of them amid an unbeaten begin to his reign but a Paulo Bernardo stunner set the wheels in motion for a first hitch. Alistair Johnston was at the centre of penalty debate at the damage after an alleged handball in his own field however quickly furore was ended by an offside in the build-up.

Kyogo has been quiet this time period but he ramped the noise up to full volume with his stunner much less than 5 minutes into the second half. Leon Balogun’s red card summed up a dull day for Clement’s men but a vivid crack in the Light Blue clouds emerged when a luxurious James Tavernier free-kick. It gave the packed home crowd the jitters and set up a thrilling finale.

Ultimately Rangers have been caught with cold ft and paid the rate for errors during a 2-1 defeat in the Parkhead snow. Here’s what the pundits said about the motion in Glasgow’s east-end that puts Celtic top of the Premiership by means of eight points, with Rangers conserving two games in hand.

Kris Boyd

There was some on-air trolling between Ibrox legend Boyd and Celtic hero Chris Sutton as the Sky cameras prepared to call it a day. Sutton informed his punditry peer “Can Kris Boyd keep writing Kyogo off?” Boyd wasn’t having and replied “it’s a game of opinions. You have a lot of opinions about some referees give some penalties for some teams. Enjoy the cold!”

Chris Sutton

Thee former striker persevered his analysis by means of aiming his ire at Cyriel Dessers, who he thinks was once a detriment for Clement. He said; “Celtic do have top notch players, O’Riley and McGregor grew to become up and ran the game. Rangers have expanded under Clement however the vital for Celtic is the gamers can sit down in thee dressing room and sense comfortable with the performance. Dessers killed Rangers today. Had opportunities and wasn’t decisive enough. It’s no longer like his li-up play is up to much, Rangers need to tackle that situation, which they may additionally have achieved in Fabio Silva. An possibility for him to be the predominant for Rangers.”

Pat Bonner

The former Parkhead goalie used to be on co-comms for the BBC and believes it used to be a game that put Scottish soccer in the satisfactory light. He said: “It keeps going [record towards Rangers] and getting better. All the gamers had been up for it, even [Maik] Nawrocki who has come onto the pitch and had no sport time probably.

“I don’t comprehend if he has played any jump video games or anything however he honestly did very, very properly apart from giving away that free-kick that Rangers scored from. It used to be the one blot on his replica book. Overall I assume they will be very thrilled with the performance. The goals were magnificent. This used to be a actual Scottish sport today. It was once thrilling and exceptional and what a sport we had in front of us.”

Kyogo celebrates

James McFadden

Scotland and Motherwell legend McFadden was once the middle-man between Celtic and Rangers favourites in the Sky punditry room But he couldn’t withstand a Boyd jab over his claims Lawrence Shankland is Scotland’s finishing widespread bearer. He claimed: “I idea Rangers played properly first half of and Celtic started out brilliantly, a excellent intention from the second-best finisher in the league. They then took manage of the game however when Rangers go to 10, it did end up nervy toward the end. I think because of a lot of the speak earlier than was once how correct a run Rangers had been on and how Celtic would cope with that, they have gained the recreation and that man (Kyogo), what a purpose it was.”

Neil Lennon

Celtic’s former boss had no time for Boyd’s Rangers moans with the Parkhead stands empty in the derby aftermath. The panel were reviewing refereeing decisions in the game, and the former striker stated “maybe Rangers need to simply begin moaning and possibly get some greater things.” A comedic response used to be delivered by way of Lennon who clearly put “Oh cmon” before looking over his shoulder and announcing “Where is that violin?”

Billy Dodds

It may have been defeat for Rangers however former Ibrox striker Dodds could not help but laud a moment of magic from the skipper. He advised Sportsound: “His shipping nowadays has been common at best, but that just adds to the awesome goals we have viewed today.

“Incredible from Tavernier. The two dreams Celtic have scored have been of the perfect quality. When he (Kyogo) shifted it to his left, I idea it would be a tough one to beat Jack Butland from there. He leaves him flailing. What a finish. Just strive and follow pressure and run beside him (Balogun). As soon as you touch him, you are gone.”

Tam McManus

Record Sport columnist McManus desired extra from some of Rangers’ key guys – however he posted on X that it used to be Celtic’s who did step up to the plate. He said: “Big players step up in massive video games for Celtic that’s why i surely fancied them today. McGregor head

Eleven Celtics players could leave in January due to a looming clearout

 

The Hoops have a bloated squad which desires trimmed in advance of fantastic being introduced in

Turnbull and Gustaf Lagerbielke

Want the today’s Celtic FC news from Football Scotland despatched straight to your inbox? Sign up for our each day newsletter.

It may want to be a busy January at Celtic with Brendan Rodgers admitting he wishes extra satisfactory to revive their faltering title chase.

But there ought to in reality be some distance extra outs than ins with a very bloated squad wanting trimmed first. The Hoops have a quantity of fringe players who have both not delivered when given a hazard or not even proven enough in training to be given any time on the pitch.

There are even various who were added in as lately as the summer season who are not getting a appear in and Rodgers has admitted want to do extra to be in his plans. In order to make way for upgrades to the squad, there will sincerely be a few on their way out.

So we have listed 10 gamers who ought to be at hazard of being part of the cull.

Ben Siegrist

The former Dundee United keeper has solely performed twice, both in the League Cup for Celtic, due to the fact signing in the summer season of 2022.

Having carried out properly in the Premiership before, any clubs looking for a keeper would be foolish to pass him.

It’s feasible the Hoops will add some other shot stopper in the window and that would push him even similarly down the pecking order.

Gustaf Lagerbielke

Just days after scoring a Champions League winner in opposition to Feyenoord, it emerged the Swedish centre back used to be free to go away Parkhead in January.

Having simply signed in January, Brendan Rodgers has now not appeared to fancy the 23-year-old who has not even made matchday squads at times.

He’s noticeably rated in his native land and clubs there as well as across Europe may want to offer him a clean start.

Maik Nawrocki

Another centre back who has no longer certainly had a appear in from Rodgers regardless of signing in the summer.

Along with Lagerbielke, the Pole was one the supervisor strongly hinted he wanted to see greater from in training.

Nat Phillips

Phillips has had greater recreation time than the preceding two mentioned centre backs but it’s been pronounced his mortgage from Liverpool is in all likelihood to be cut short.

The 26-year-old hasn’t lived up to his billing and back-to-back performances towards Hibs and Kilmarnock laid bare his struggles. He hasn’t been considered since.

Yuki Kobayashi

It seems high-quality to have four centre backs on this listing however that is where the Hoops are with a range of fringe men simply now not cutting it.

Kobayashi was once an Ange Postecoglou signing but hasn’t featured at all this campaign.

Celtic are ready to let him go away on loan in January with J-League golf equipment lining up to take him returned to his homeland.

Alexandro Bernabei

The Hoops have been tipped to convey in another left-back and that could spell the cease for the Argentinian.

Greg Taylor has suffered for form this season and Bernabei nonetheless hasn’t managed to challenge for his spot and the Scotland man would be the one to continue to be on to compete with any new signing.

David Turnbull

The midfield technician is out of contract in the summer and may additionally are looking for to pass on in search of more regular football.

If that is the case then January would be the club’s remaining danger to rake in a charge for him.

Inter Milan have been formerly linked whilst he used to be close to a move to Norwich before going to the east give up of Glasgow, so can also have interest from England again.

James McCarthy

The forgotten Irishman performed in the Lowland League currently for the B crew and it’s not going that used to be to get him lower back up to velocity for the first team given how some distance out of the image he is.

Therefore, it used to be possibly to allow him to get some minutes underneath the belt in advance of a January move.

Where he could potentially go would be the difficulty as he will be on a tremendous wage and would be a hazard for any membership given how little football he has played.

Kwon Hyeok-kyu

Another summer season signing with most important questions hanging over his head having no longer featured once.

Unlikely his possibilities will improve much after January and so a loan can also be the quality for all parties.

Matt O’Riley

This would be one Celtic and their followers actually WOULDN’T desire to appear but their in-form midfielder has been linked with strikes to Italy and England.

He’s delivered goals to his recreation this season as he will become arguably just as vital as captain Callum McGregor at this stage.

His modern-day form, and a recent cap for Denmark, will solely have served to heighten pastime in his offerings and it could be a nervy January for the Hoops.

Marco Tilio

There’s a theme emerging here. The summer signing has seemed twice in the Premiership, each off the bench and there has been nothing to endorse he can construct a long-term future at Celtic.

Set to join up with Australia for the Asian Cup so that should complicate matters however it would be a shock if a loan or everlasting switch wasn’t being explored.

‘He misses Reo Hatate’: BBC pundit claims to have seen that the 28-year-old Celtic is “frustrated.”

The huge game towards Rangers is coming up and the hope is that Celtic’s superstar man, Kyogo Furuhashi will be again to his best.

That consistency in front of intention just hasn’t been there this season, with the 28-year-old, who is nonetheless attempting to come to terms with Brendan Rodgers’ style.

Pat Bonner says he has noticed Kyogo Furuhashi displaying a ‘frustrated’ parent for Celtic because he isn’t receiving the ball rapid enough, as he told BBC Sportsound (26/12/23 at 2:15 pm).

Under Ange Postecoglou, the players in the attacking 0.33 had been greater like the red arrows and they would fireplace ahead at every given chance. And pass by the ball a long way quicker.

That would suit someone like Kyogo Furuhashi down to the bone because his razor-sharp moment interior the penalty vicinity and cat-like instincts would make him a terror to deal with.

But that bite has been misplaced throughout these previous few months, with the new Celtic boss preferring that extra omit and Pat Bonner spoke about the issues he has noticed.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s movement

“I watch Kyogo,” stated Bonner. “When he got here to the club, he had incredible movement. He had that double movement. He would come short. Go long. Come short and go long.

“The centre-halves didn’t be aware of how to deal with him and that movement. But, invariably, the ball was passed to him, at times. He made that movement and unexpectedly the ball was once played in behind. And then subsequent thing, he was in. He didn’t score all the time. But he was making chances.

“His other movement was across the the front post. There is no doubt that has come away from his game slightly.

“I just watch him, I watched him at the weekend in opposition to Livingston, he began off and he was once making those runs. Then suddenly, Celtic simply handed the ball these two or three greater passes. Then he stopped making the movement. I do see the frustration. I don’t recognize whether or not that’s due to the fact he misses Hatate. Maybe he is searching for any individual to hit that pass.”

Kyogo Furuhashi’s type will come through

The Japan star’s recent intention at Livingston would have done him the world of suitable because it would have just eased the pressure.

It’s nonetheless only seven desires from 20 Premiership matches this term. Not the preferred Celtic fans comprehend he can hit.

But the Rangers sport is coming up. His preferred opponent and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is on the scoresheet at the weekend.

And then it will simply be a case of regular carrier resumes and he will be causing havoc all over Scotland again for the 2nd 1/2 of the campaign.

“More logical” – Journalist shares £4 million Wlodarczyk replacement Celtic could potentially pursue in January

Celtic are likely to be in the market for a new striker throughout the January switch window, with Mathias Kvistgaarden and Szymon Włodarczyk eyed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Celtic should enhance their squad in the January transfer window, with a striker being a priority.
•  Mathias Kvistgaarden is an alternative for Celtic, with pastime from Brendan Rodgers’ facet confirmed.
•  The rate tag for Szymon Wlodarczyk, every other attainable option, can also be too excessive for Celtic.

Celtic could be looking to make stronger their squad in the January transfer window, with a striker one of their priorities. journalist Dean Jones has now supplied an update on their attainable hobbies of Mathias Kvistgaarden and Szymon Włodarczyk to GIVEMESPORT.

It’s been an basic effective start for Brendan Rodgers’ facet this season in the Scottish Premiership, even though Celtic had been recently eradicated from Europe after finishing backside of their team in the Champions League. The Hoops have been busy in the summer season switch window, spending around £19m on 10 new additions before the deadline.

Celtic should continue their spending when the January switch window opens subsequent month, in particular with the Asia Cup around the corner. The Scottish Premiership facet have a host of Asian players in their squad, so they may want to lack a lot of cover in more than one positions as of the new year.

Rodgers has his eye on Kvistgaarden and Włodarczyk

One of Celtic’s key men in attack, Kyogo Furuhashi, Is probable to be jetting off on international duty in January for Japan. The 28-year-old has scored six dreams and provided three assists in the league this season, so Rodgers would possibly need to deliver in a goal-scoring and innovative threat in the iciness window.

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Celtic are one of the sides who are considering a go for Kvistgaarden. Journalist Jones has also confirmed this hearsay to GIVEMESPORT, suggesting that there is obvious interest from Rodgers’ side. It used to be revealed back in November that the striker should price in the region of £4 million.

Another option for Celtic as we head toward the January transfer window may want to be Polish striker Wlodarczyk. According to journalist Mark Hendry, the younger forward is a participant of previous hobby to Rodgers. However, it is understood that his fee tag has skyrocketed to round £15 million, which may want to be out of Celtic’s attain for the upcoming window.

It’s been advised that Celtic are in a bit of a disaster when it comes to their ahead options, now not only due to Furuhashi’s global involvement come the new year, however also Oh Hyeon-gyu ‘falling out of form’. Although Celtic are presently sitting at the top of the table, they have suffered back-to-back defeats in the league and had been currently eradicated from the Champions League. which may want to increase their need to bring in reinforcements.

Dean Jones update – Kvistgaarden a greater conceivable option

Jones has cautioned that Celtic surely want a striker specially due to some of their players’ involvement in the Asia Cup. The journalist provides that Kvistgaarden might be the more conceivable option, even if his price tag has extended from the preceding time they had been showing an interest. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said…

“It truly feels like they need a striker and the Asia Cup is going to play a big section in that. But obviously, the chances of Celtic stretching to spend £15m on one seems particularly unlikely, if no longer impossible, so you have to start to contemplate who would without a doubt be attainable. Obviously, there’s somebody like Kvistgaarden who possibly appears greater logical, given the stage of his fee, even advancing on the £4m that was spoken about previously. It’s now not going to cease up elevating to be anything like the price you are talking about for Wlodarczyk (£15m). I suppose it is all about retaining that level of expectation. I really don’t assume there’ll be many Celtic followers that will be watching for their group to go and spend £15m.”

Rodgers wants to turn things around

As beforehand mentioned, Celtic are top of the Scottish Premiership table. However, Rangers are solely two factors in the back of with a game in hand after Celtic’s poor run of form, so they have each danger of leapfrogging their rivals into first place.

The two teams meet at the quit of the 12 months in the Old Firm Derby, which takes vicinity on Saturday thirtieth of December. This could be the ideal danger for Rodgers to flip things round and show to the fans at Celtic Park that he is the man to supply the Premiership trophy by means of the give up of the season.

Another dubious penalty judgment favors Celtic’s title rivals

Celtic’s hole at the pinnacle of the Cinch Premiership used to be cut to simply two points after theRangers won 2-0 at Fir Park. Goals from Kieran Dowell and Todd Cantwell secured the three factors in the Christmas Eve fixture. However, there used to be a Christmas present from the officials after a penalty was once ignored in the second half.

Dessers regarded to clutch the Motherwell player as he used to be about to snatch at a rebound in the box. No penalty was awarded and the incident was discussed after the recreation by way of the Sky Sports crew and the feeling was once pretty unanimous – even former Rangers participant Scott Arfield agreed.

Motherwell v Rangers penalty shout.

pic.twitter.com/19TKQ6wLgR

— Lint (@Zeshankenzo) December 24, 2023

Some of the officiating choices in recent weeks that have benefitted teams have been questionable to say the least; however, it is outstanding when you reflect onconsideration on that it is over 70 league games given that Rangers conceded a spot kick. Motherwell supervisor Stuart Kettlewell made his emotions acknowledged at full-time, too.

🔊 LISTEN: “I’m seeing them given as penalties constantly… Rangers themselves have benefitted from a number of incidents like that”.

🔸 Stuart Kettlewell believes Motherwell should’ve been awarded a penalty for a pull on Mika Biereth during their 2-0 defeat to Rangers. pic.twitter.com/CUVvnJYzKU

— Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) December 24, 2023

Celtic face theRangers next weekend in the 2nd Glasgow Derby assembly of the season and it is shaping up to be pretty an occasion. The Green Brigade/Bhoys are lower back and there will be no away fans, which means that the Celtic guide will need to get at the back of Brendan and his team, who appear to be in a tough period at present.

Recently Brendan Rodgers referred to as for VAR to be binned and he is spot in with this . It appears to be working completely for one club who have their very own set or guidelines and are the solely club no longer to have conceded a penalty kick for the reason that it was once introduced.

The unsettling Celtic show by Daizen Maeda

Celtic secured a 2-0 victory towards Livingston, bouncing returned from current defeats.

However, concerns loomed over the health of Daizen Maeda, who seemed now not to be at his great all through the match.

Maeda, who currently lower back from an harm sustained in early November for the duration of Celtic’s 6-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, performed the 2nd half of against Hearts last week. This marked his comeback to the field, however at some stage in the Livingston game, he regarded unable to attain his standard velocity and sharpness. His lacklustre overall performance raised questions about his full recovery.

Brendan Rodgers has earlier stated the winger was once desperate to get again onto the pitch

Despite these concerns, there’s optimism that greater sport time could be the key to Maeda regaining his form. With a match scheduled in Dundee on Boxing Day followed via the derby on the 30th, there are hopes that these opportunities will allow Maeda to return to his common dynamic self.

Celtic players are “bored” of the SPFL, according to Kenny Miller, since the novelty has “worn off.”

Kenny Miller believes Celtic will turn their form around vs Livingston however they have faced deeper problems this season.

Kenny Miller believes that one of the real reasons for Celtic’s sudden droop in form is due to their stars turning into BORED of the SPFL – with plastic pitches being one of the motives for their downfall.

The Hoops have been high-flying in the Scottish Premiership until their home draw against Motherwell at the stop of November, in which due to the fact that the start of that game, they have solely gained two of their previous 5 in the league – backed up by their first successive league defeats in 10 YEARS having fallen to both Kilmarnock and Hearts over the path of the previous two weeks.

It’s not perfect for Brendan Rodgers’ side, who ought to see themselves knocked off the pinnacle of their perch with the aid of Rangers come the flip of the yr with an Old Firm derby to come on December 30 – and it’s had followers and pundits double-guessing why their sudden turn in form has happened. But Miller has come up with an unorthodox reason as to why they’ve hit a stoop – citing player unhappiness at plastic pitches, and the novelty of playing in front of 60,000 before heading up to the Highlands to play on astroturf carrying off.

Speaking to Clyde 1, Miller wondered the professionalism of Brendan’s boys before making his claim about astroturf and artificial grounds. He said: “I’m a wee bit extra for that older faculty type mentality where if you’re not doing your job, you need to be told. Otherwise, you will do it badly if you think you’re getting away with something.

“I would be very surprised if Celtic were talking about making a alternate to be honest with you and moving Brendan on, that wouldn’t be for me. What I would say is, these are not horrific players. There is some thing not occurring at this second in time. They aren’t responding to anything, whether or not it be the manager, or have they obtained bored?

“When gamers go to Rangers or Celtic, occasionally the novelty wears off. You’re taking part in in the front of the 60,000, enjoying in front of the large video games – and having to go away to Ross County and play away on plastic pitches just doesn’t sit right with them.

“There’s a lot of things that it could be, but the backside line is this is not a awful team of players. I stated this when Michael Beale left Rangers. Players, and these Celtic gamers at this moment in time, are not awful players. They need to take a responsibility for what they are doing when they go that white line. At the second in phrases of results, they had been bullied at St Johnstone and the 2d half in opposition to Kilmarnock as well. Absolutely bullied and they lost that recreation when they’d taken the lead.

“Last week vs Hearts, they didn’t even appear like scoring, they could’ve been taking part in now and I don’t suppose they’d have scored – now not to the degree that a Celtic team at Celtic Park need to be and the attacking soccer they favor to be seeing.

“I’d be amazed if Brendan was on the brink, but they need to get lower back to triumphing approaches the next day – I suppose they will.”