Buckie Thistle versus Celtic News about injuries: 7 out and 3 uncertain for the Scottish Cup match

Latest group information for Celtic’s’ Scottish Cup fourth round conflict with Highland League facet Buckie Thistle

Celtic begin their quest to defend the Scottish Cup in opposition to Highland League opposition in the form of Buckie Thistle on Sunday following the wintry weather break.

The Hoops return to aggressive motion after against the Moray-based fifth-tier membership at Parkhead a fortnight because their ultimate outing. The competition’s file holders are bidding to get their palms on the trophy for a 43rd time this season.

In what will be the first-ever assembly between the two teams, the visitors will head into the sport as massive underdogs. Graeme Stewart’s aspect are one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the tournament. Buckie had to work extraordinarily difficult to reach this stage after subsequently overcoming East of Scotland Premier Division outfit Broxburn Athletic on penalties in the 1/3 round.

And Stewart has promised that his players will attempt their fantastic to take the recreation to the Scottish champions in what will be a historic event for anyone linked with the club.

Ahead of the game, GlasgowWorld has rounded up all of the key accidents for each teams along with 7 injuries and three doubts for Celtic and Buckie Thistle.

1. OUT: Nicolas Kuhn (Celtic)

New German winger will be restricted to a staring at brief this weekend after a quick period out of action following an operation on his wisdom teeth. Will have to wait a bit longer to make his debut. Photo: Craig Foy – SNS Group

2. OUT: Reo Hatate (Celtic)

Asian Cup with Japan – An unused substitute in the 4-2 win over Vietnam on Sunday however got here on alongside Hoops crew mate Maeda in the 2-1 defeat to Iraq on Friday

3. OUT: Marco Tilio (Celtic)

Asian Cup with Australia – An unused substitute in the 2-0 win over India on Saturday and for the duration of the 1-0 victory over Syria on Thursday

4. DOUBTFUL: Benjamin Siegrist (Celtic)

Current third-choice keeper and constantly left out of matchday squads. Saw a proposed go to Austrian facet Sturm Graz fall through until now this month

5. OUT: Oh Hyeon-gyu (Celtic)

Asian Cup with South Korea – An unused substitute in the 3-1 win over Bahrain on Monday

6. OUT: Daizen Maeda (Celtic)

Asian Cup with Japan – An unused substitute in the 4-2 win over Vietnam on Sunday however used to be given a second 1/2 cameo in the loss to Iraq on Friday

7. DOUBTFUL: Yuki Kobayashi (Celtic)

It’s highly not going he will play once more this season. Expected to return to Japan on mortgage earlier than stop of the switch window Photo: Ross Parker – SNS Group

8. OUT: Alexandro Bernabei (Celtic)

Poised to go away the club this month if the right alternative plants up. Has struggled to lay down a serious threat to Greg Taylor for a starting berth.

9. OUT: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic)

Asian Cup with South Korea – Left out of the matchday squad to face Bahrain. Remains unclear whether or not or not that was once injury related Photo: Ross MacDonald – SNS Group

10. OUT: James McCarthy (Celtic)

Hasn’t kicked a ball for the first-team due to the fact that October 2022. Needs moved on this month if there are conceivable suitors after him. Has performed a few games for the B-team this season

11. OUT: Scott Adams (Buckie Thistle)

The midfielder was once despatched off in the preceding round towards Broxburn Athletic, which will force at least one change to the group that began that game.

‘Risen to every challenge’: Pundit talks about how Celtic might sign a 28-year-old rather than Shankland

Celtic are now focusing interest on signing a striker in the course of the January switch window after the arrival of Nicolas Kuhn.

Many names have been mentioned and discussions have taken area as to what kind of striker Brendan Rodgers convey in.

Clyde 1 pundit and Scottish journalist Roger Hannah discussed Celtic possibly signing QPR and Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes as an alternative of in-form Hearts hitman, Lawrence Shankland.

The pundit highlighted how Lyndon Dykes has ‘risen to each and every challenge’ that has been put on the table all through his career, as he told Clyde 1.

But, when it comes to profile and his stature, you don’t expect Brendan Rodgers and Co. to push for a participant who has faired well for Steve Clarke at Scotland.

The 28-year-old has only performed 28 Scottish Premiership fits for the duration of his career, scoring 11 desires and imparting eight assists.

But when Lydon Dykes used to be discussed as a substitute of the recently-talked-about Lawrence Shankland, this is what Hannah had to say.

Lyndon Dykes or Lawrence Shankland

“I noticed him recently scoring a comfort for QPR,” stated Hannah. “A top player. He has been an notable Scotland centre-forward.

“Far, a ways better than any of us expected him to be when he first declared for Scotland ahead of Australia. He is doing well at QPR. Risen to each venture in his career so far.

“I hadn’t truly viewed him as a workable Celtic signing. But you in no way know.”

A striker to dethrone Kyogo Furuhashi

The easy reality of the be counted is a striker needs to come in who can dethrone Kyogo Furuhashi from the beginning spot.

If he has the CV to do so, then it would be fully brilliant, even even though those types of players are very tough to find.

And if his CV doesn’t kingdom it, then his workable must allow him to do it down the line because Kyogo is the difference-maker in this league.

It will be interesting to see if Rodgers doesn’t get the kind of striker he wants if he stays patient and waits till the summer due to the fact that would additionally be a better option.

Talks about Celtic signing a second Korean midfielder

Celtic are suggested to have held talks over the transfer of Jung Ho-yeon to increase their Korean contingent to four.

The midfielder is underneath contract with Gwanhju till the cease of this yr however may want to be on his way to be part of Oh Hyeon-gyu, Yang Hyun Jun and Kwon Hyeok-kyu in Glasgow.

As a central midfielder Ho-yeon would find himself joining a very aggressive place of the Celtic squad with Kwon sent on mortgage to St Mirren barring having started a match when you consider that his summer time move.

Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley are the hooked up first alternatives with David Turnbull, Odin Thiago Holm, Tomoki Iwata and Paulo Bernardo all accessible as lower back up.

In a transfer spherical up in the Daily Record, Scott Burns reports:

Celtic have also held talks with FC Gwangju midfielder Jung Ho-yeon. There is a true chance a pass for the South Korean should progress before the shut of the window, though Gwangju would pick him to leave at the end of the year.

It is difficult to justify bringing in any midfielder to Celtic with Iwata, Holm, Bernardo and Kwon all signed at some stage in 2023 and struggling to stake a declare for regular involvement.

That trouble seemed to be acknowledged when Bernardo was once signed on mortgage from Benfica however it looks that Mark Lawwell is making an attempt to convey in some other midfielder to the squad.

‘I Know’: Striker linked to Celtic makes an intriguing transfer request

Sydney van Hooijdonk could comply with in his dad’s footsteps and don the shades of Celtic if rumours are to be believed.

From the summer season and now continuing during the January switch window, Celtic’s name has been talked about alongside the striker from Bologna.

The son of Bhoys legend Pierre, it would be nostalgic for many supporters if they get to see any other van Hooijdonk at Parkhead.

Well, the 23-year-old has spoken about his future and dropped in some fascinating comments, as quoted by The Daily Record.

Sydney van Hooijdonk has possibly hinted that a January pass could be viable because he hasn’t ruled some thing out and stated ‘I comprehend that there has been a lot of discuss about it’.

Operating as a striker, he would tick the field of some other quantity nine being added in via Brendan Rodgers because there has been a lot of debate about that.

The 23-year-old recently started out for Bologna during their 2-1 defeat to Cagliari, but overall, he has began only 4 games in all competitions.

Sydney van Hooijdonk to Celtic

“My future? I don’t know, for me now the most necessary thing is this match, but I be aware of that there has been a lot of talk about it,” stated van Hooijdonk.

“It will in all likelihood be like this in the subsequent few weeks too, but I’m stopping focused on myself because this is my chance. Now I prefer to rating and win. Then we’ll see how football goes, it’s like this, in football, everything can alternate quickly.”

Celtic’s striker talk

The forward vicinity is being added to by using Celtic, with the imminent arrival of Nicolas Kuhn.

The stunning issue about this is that he is a winger, so it has to be puzzled if that is an area that wanted more numbers due to the fact it’s fairly full as it is.

The equal should be stated for the variety nine. Yes, Kyogo Furuhashi isn’t hitting the huge numbers, but as he proved towards Rangers, he is stepping up in those large moments.

Is a van Hooijdonk going to take his place? No. But many will argue about Hyeongyu Oh, who is presently on global duty.

But what desires to be remembered about the South Korean superstar is that he is solely 22 and taking part in as a back-up, so persistence and appreciation is wanted in that sense.

Scottish referees convene following the Celtic collapse of the Ibrox club

In a defining moment for Scottish football, a massive meeting took place on Sunday between the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and its officials. [BBC]

This gathering, unparalleled in its nature, was once propelled by means of the current controversial occasions following the Rangers-Celtic clash at Celtic Park on December 30th.

The highlight fell on referee Willie Collum, who located himself in a precarious function after the Ibrox club’s vehement criticism and their subsequent request to leave out him from officiating their matches. This move, leaked by way of a fan media site, raised eyebrows and hinted at underlying distrust.

The crux of the issue stemmed from a contentious handball incident at some point of the Glasgow derby. On-field referee Nick Walsh, supported through VAR professional Willie Collum, deemed the Alistair Johnston-Sima flashpoint as no longer a penalty.

Adding to the complexity, subsequent analyses revealed that any penalty, had it been awarded, would have been nullified due to an offside in the build-up. Despite this clarity, the reaction from Rangers was of profound discontent, focusing their ire on the officials instead than introspecting their very own performance.

Phillipe Clement, the Ibrox manager, remained fixated on the non-awarded penalty, seemingly overlooking or pushing aside the offside rule that would have invalidated it anyway. His post-match remarks brought fuel to the already blazing controversy. The Rangers insistence led to a meeting with the SFA, where they had been granted get admission to to the audio of the VAR decision.

At Sunday’s necessary meeting, as mentioned by way of BBC Scotland, officers voiced their worries about the escalating pressures exacerbated by the introduction of VAR.

One legit candidly expressed the inadequacy of assist and training furnished by the SFA, alongside the need for extra investment. The sentiment echoed among the referees used to be clear: they felt undervalued and overburdened, a state of affairs calling for immediate interest and action.

A striking revelation from the assembly used to be the officials’ openness to the concept of releasing VAR audio, contingent upon an expand in their fit fee. This proposal, if implemented, should usher in a new generation of transparency in Scottish football, permitting followers and groups alike to obtain insights into the decision-making process. Any go of this nature would have to get a blessing from UEFA.

From a wider perspective, this incident and its fallout underscore the need for recognize and perception towards officers who are vital to the game. The episode at Ibrox, widely perceived as missing grace, calls for a reflective apology, especially in light of the defeat to Celtic.

It is necessary that golf equipment preserve professionalism and poise, regardless of suit outcomes.

The SFA’s response to this situation and their engagement with the officials signal a fine step closer to addressing the complexities brought via VAR and the intellectual toll on referees.

As the dirt settles on this episode, one can solely hope that it marks the commencing of a more collaborative and transparent relationship between clubs, officials, and the governing bodies. Such tendencies would certainly decorate the integrity and enjoyment of the game in Scotland.

While the instant aftermath of the Rangers-Celtic healthy highlighted the tensions and challenges inherent in modern-day football, it has additionally opened avenues for positive speak and possible reforms.

New Celtic signing arrives quickly, Rangers are linked to a forward, Motherwell wants a Hearts outcast and other transfer rumors

Kuhn arrives in Glasgow to seal his go – but Scotland starlet faces wait for Verona exit

The nice of the Scottish switch stories as the transfer window continues to dominate headlines …

Kuhn arrives in Glasgow to seal Celtic deal

Celtic are expected to announce their first wintry weather signing imminently after Rapid Vienna forward Nicolas Kuhn arrived in Glasgow to entire formalities. The 23-year-old underwent a medical over the weekend and ought to make his debut for Celtic, barring any late unexpected hitches, when the membership starts offevolved its Scottish Cup defence towards Buckie Thistle on Sunday. Kuhn was noticed with his agent arriving at Glasgow Airport on Monday evening. The German is set to be the first of potentially 4 new signings at Celtic Park this month, with supervisor Brendan Rodgers understood to be eager on strengthening at goalkeeper and left-back, with probably another striker to follow Kuhn thru the door.

Josh Doig has been left in transfer limbo after Marseille pulled the plug on his go from Hellas Verona.

Marseille pull plug on Doig deal

Josh Doig’s transfer from Hellas Verona to Marseille has reportedly collapsed, with the Ligue 1 membership closing in on a deal for another left returned in Young Boys’ Ulisses Garcia. According to French media, Marseille have grown worn-out of negotiations with the Serie A outfit for the 21-year-old ex-Hibs man no matter agreeing personal terms, with Sassuolo now the favourites for Doig’s signature. The participant is believed to favor a pass away from Verona, where he has struggled for everyday game-time this season, and whilst Marseille are understood to prefer another left-back to compete with Garcia, they will no longer be pursuing Doig further. Hibs, who Doig to Verona in the summer time of 2022, are monitoring the situation intently given they have a 25 per cent sell-on clause.

Hibs now not taking Adryan on

Hibs have decided in opposition to offering a deal to Brazilian trialist Adryan. The 29-year-old playmaker joined up with Nick Montgomery’s crew all through their training camp in Dubai, but won’t be offered a deal. The Easter Road outfit have also been walking the rule over Leeds defender Kris Moore.

Halliday desired by way of Motherwell

Motherwell have approached Hearts in an attempt to signal midfielder Andy Halliday. The 32-year-old has become a marginal parent underneath Steven Naismith at Tynecastle and has barely featured this season. The Steelmen need to make stronger their midfield following a season-ending damage to Callum Slattery and the Evening News reports that Hearts have given Halliday permission to talk with their fellow cinch Premiership outfit. Motherwell have already brought to their squad today, completing the signing of Celtic full-back Adam 1st viscount montgomery of alamein on loan for the relaxation of the season. The 21-year-old spent the first half of of the season with Fleetwood after until now loan spells with Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

Rangers linked with Langoni

Rangers have been credited with an activity in Boca Juniors ahead Luca Langoni. The 21-year-old has impressed for the Argentinian outfit and a move to Europe is expected. The Evening Standard claims that Rangers, as properly as Sevilla and Nice, have made processes to the Buenos Aires-based membership for Langoni. Rangers have already signed a ahead in this window after Fabio Silva joined on loan from Wolves.

Staggies land King

Derek Adams has persevered to reshape his Ross County squad by means of signing his former Morecambe participant Eli King. The 21-year-old joins County on loan from Cardiff. The Wales Under-21 international scored two goals in 24 appearances for Morecambe in the first half of the season and played 18 instances for Crewe in a mortgage spell closing term.

Celtic and the target have verbally agreed on personal terms

Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn has verbally agreed phrases on a contract at Celtic beforehand of the club putting him via a medical, according to Sky Sports.

Brendan Rodgers is an admirer of the German winger and has bought a swap to Celtic Park to him this month.

Celtic now have a £3m switch in location with Rapid Vienna for Kuhn and the switch should go smoothly as the Bhoys have thrashed out private terms.

While Kuhn has but to signal a contract, he has verbally agreed the terms of it with Celtic and it will run for the subsequent four-and-a-half years.

Celtic are now anticipating to give Kuhn a medical in London on Monday.

Should the German come via the assessments besides an issue, he will then be predicted in Glasgow to finalise his pass to the Scottish champions.

Kuhn, 24, turned out for Rapid Vienna in the Europa Conference League qualifiers this season, whilst he has clocked regular sport time in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Losing Kuhn will be a large blow for Rapid Vienna, but Celtic will seem to be to see him make a rapid have an impact on in Scottish football.

Lethal Palma partner could be acquired by Rodgers in Celtic’s £3 million raid for the “big game player” – opinion

The Hoops are reportedly fascinated in a swoop for the Premiership marksman.

Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers appears to be a busy man this month as the Northern Irishman appears to bolster his playing squad at some point of the January switch window.

FootballScotland reporter Mark Hendry recently claimed that the Hoops are hoping to add a winger, a left-back, and a centre-forward to the group before the quit of the month.

The window opened for commercial enterprise at the start of ultimate week and the Scottish giants are yet to make their first addition. However, they are closing in on a swoop for Rapid Wien ahead Nicolas Kuhn.

Hendry mentioned that the Bhoys ‘expect’ to land a deal for the German attacker, which would then go away the membership in need of a left-back and a striker.

Celtic are currently top of the Scottish Premiership table and ought to be searching to bolster their aspect to make sure that they impenetrable the title at the give up of the campaign.

One striker who ought to be brought in to add to Rodgers’ firepower is reported switch target Lawrence Shankland, who should be a lethal companion for Luis Palma at the pinnacle quit of the pitch.

Celtic transfer information – Lawrence Shankland

Journalist Graeme Bailey published at the begin of the month that Celtic are considering a swoop to sign the Scotland global in January.

The accompanying document from HITC, however, published that there is masses of opposition to secure his signature and it could, therefore, be a challenging one for the club to complete.

Everton, Sheffield United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace from the Premier League are said to be keen on the Hearts captain, at the same time as Championship facets Southampton, Middlesbrough, and Hull are also fascinated in him.

Football Insider claimed in December that Hearts are organized to demand a fee of at least £3m for their skipper, and it remains to be viewed whether or not Celtic are organized to pay that for the centre-forward.

The outlet introduced that Glasgow Rangers have been maintaining tabs on the Scottish wide variety nine however the £3m valuation appears set to park their interest till the summer, for monetary reasons.

If the Hoops are in a position to win the race for his signature over the coming weeks, Rodgers ought to land a deadly accomplice for Palma in the closing 0.33 due to his tremendous goalscoring best to go alongside with the winger’s exceptional creativity.

Luis Palma’s season in numbers

The Bhoys snapped the astounding forward up from Greek facet Aris all through the summer time transfer window beforehand of the 2023/24 campaign and he has been a revelation so far.

It has no longer taken him any time to adapt to Scottish football as the proficient whiz hit the floor going for walks at Parkhead and set up himself as a key player for the former Leicester manager.

He has been a respectable scoring option for Rodgers with 5 goals in 17 Premiership fits to date. Only David Turnbull (seven), Kyogo Furuhashi (eight), and Matt O’Riley (ten) have scored extra than him within the squad.

The 23-year-old ace also showcased his offensive abilities on the biggest stage with two goals in 4 starts in the Champions League in the past this term.

Palma’s biggest strength, however, has been his creativity. The right-footed magician has produced nine assists and 3.4 key passes per fit across his 17 league outings, to go along with 11 ‘big chances’ created for his teammates.

Meanwhile, no other Celtic player has racked up greater than seven assists or provided more than 2.6 key passes over recreation in the Premiership this season.

These records suggest that the Honduras international has been the club’s most-creative ahead so far this time period and the most likely player to unpick an opposition defence.

Therefore, Palma may want to be the best player for a new centre-forward to play alongside as he has the first-class to persistently create magnificent chances for them to discover the again of the internet with.

The records that show Shankland should be lethal for Celtic

Shankland ought to be a lethal striker at Parkhead with the modern Celtic star’s help based totally on his fantastic structure for Hearts over the ultimate 18 months.

Last season, the 28-year-old marksman plundered an eye-catching 24 dreams and 4 assists in 37 appearances and 33 Premiership starts for the Jam Tarts.

He has confirmed that his elegant return in front of goal remaining time period used to be no longer a flash in the pan. The £3m-rated ahead is currently the pinnacle scorer in the Scottish top-flight with thirteen goals.

These statistics suggest that Celtic would be bringing in a established scorer at this level and someone who has outperformed Rodgers’ present day quantity nine – Kyogo – each in terms of dreams and effectivity when it comes to taking ‘big chances’.

Therefore, the former Dundee United finisher would no longer waste as many massive probabilities in the front of goal as the Japan worldwide has, which may want to result in Palma being rewarded with greater assists for his top notch creativity.

Journalist Philip West hailed Shankland as a “big sport player” and that is backed up with the aid of his report this season. The Hearts captain has scored twice – in separate fits – in opposition to Celtic and as soon as against Rangers in the Premiership.

He additionally produced a moment of magic, as proven in the video above, in the 93rd minute of the Edinburgh derby in opposition to Hibernian to tightly closed a 1-0 win for his side.

This indicates that the Scottish ace is constructed for the huge event and, therefore, has the mentality required to be a success in a forced surroundings at Paradise as the skilled forward can step up in huge games to be a difference-maker.

Having a winger as great as Palma on the left of him at the pinnacle end of the pitch would also mean that he would get the possibilities that he wishes in the front of goal to be a elegant variety 9 for the Hoops, which is why Rodgers need to push to land his signature earlier than the give up of the month.

Barry Ferguson responds to Scott Brown’s title claims by supporting Rangers

Barry Ferguson has answered to Scott Brown’s claims that the Scottish Premiership title race is over already, insisting Rangers are nevertheless right in the mix.

Former Celtic skipper Brown regarded in the press this week where he mentioned the significance of the derby day victory for Brendan Rodgers’ aspect on December 30.

Ferguson agrees that the recreation at the turn of the 12 months was a massive one in the title race, however he is now not ruling out his former side simply yet, mainly given they have two games in hand over their rivals.

He wrote in the Daily Record: “I’ll say this about Scott Brown – he used to be continually up for a laugh.

“And, proper to form, my old Scotland team-mate gave me a snicker when I picked up my Daily Record on Thursday to discover he has declared the title race as correct as over already. I don’t be aware of if this used to be simply Broonie being a wind-up service provider due to the fact he does enjoy getting under people’s skin. Or possibly he actually believes it. He’s a former Celtic captain, after all, and doing his speakme from the different side of the fence. Which is honest enough.

“But, if that’s the case, then he’s solely kidding himself on. I’m now not writing this with my blue-tinted specs on either. And I’m no longer making an attempt to make headlines for the sake of it. But I firmly accept as true with this top-flight warfare is going all the way down to the wire and each person who thinks it’s carried out and dusted already desires to provide themselves a shake. Yes, I admit, I’d instead be in Celtic’s position at this midway point. As I continually stated as a player, I a good deal select to have the video games played and the factors on the board. But, with Rangers having two games in hand, it’s not possible to say that it’s all over and to sincerely mean it.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not criticising Broonie for speaking Celtic up. It’s only natural that he’ll take their side the equal way as I do with my old club. But, come on man, this component is vast open and everyone knows it. My truthful opinion is it’s impossible to predict how it’s all going to quit up. I do absolutely expect Rangers to win these video games towards Hibs and Ross County and reduce the gap at the top to two points.”

Rodgers is considering a move to Celtic for their “impressive” £14k-per-week marksman, viewed as Hooper 2.0

The Hoops are reportedly looking at a viable swoop to signal the centre-forward.

Celtic were exceeded a raise earlier this month as Japan decided no longer to call Kyogo Furuhashi up alongside teammates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda for the 2023 Asian Cup.

However, fellow centre-forward Hyeon-gyu Oh has been chosen to feature for South Korea at the match and will be unavailable for the Hoops till the cease of his country’s involvement.

Kyogo is nonetheless searching for a return to the top of his powers as the Japanese striker has solely observed the lower back of the net eight instances in 22 Scottish Premiership appearances.

Last season, the 28-year-old plundered 27 goals in 31 league begins and averaged one strike each and every 87 minutes of action for the Glasgow giants.

His scoring frequency has dropped to one goal every one hundred ninety minutes of league football this term, which illustrates his drop-off in form since Brendan Rodgers arrived.

This, alongside with Oh’s involvement at the Asian Cup, appears to have caused the club to desire to dip into the market to add another range nine to their squad during the January transfer window.

Celtic switch news – Joe Gelhardt

The Daily Mail have pronounced that Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is attracting interest from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers this month.

Rodgers seems to be eyeing up a swoop to land the former Wigan prospect, who has struggled for sport time with Daniel Farke’s side so a ways this season.

They should face opposition from England for the gifted ace, though, as journalist Alan Nixon these days stated – via his Patreon – that Championship facet Blackburn Rovers are also pursuing a pass for him, alongside his teammate Charlie Cresswell.

However, the Daily Mail file does now not expose whether it would be a mortgage or a permanent deal for the English youngster, or whether or not or no longer the Whites are organized to let him go away earlier than the stop of the window.

A permanent deal ought to be the way to go for the Hoops as it would enable them to deliver him in as a long-term addition with the doable to enhance over the years to come.

At the age of 21, Gelhardt is still in the infancy of his first-team profession and has masses of time left in advance of him to enhance and grow as a player, which Celtic may also no longer advantage from if they are only able to signal him on mortgage until the stop of the modern-day campaign.

With a long-term deal for the gifted youngster, Rodgers ought to unearth the club’s subsequent model of Gary Hooper with the aid of securing a deal for the Leeds gem.

The former Hoops marksman, like Gelhardt, used to be a stocky and undersized centre-forward who made a identify for himself through his prolific scoring ability in Scottish football.

Gary Hooper’s record for Celtic

Celtic signed the English finisher from Scunthorpe United in the summer time of 2010 and he went on to revel in three tremendous years at Parkhead.

The five foot 9 attacker, who did now not reduce an imposing figure for opposition defences at the pinnacle end of the pitch, hit the ground going for walks with 22 goals and 9 assists in 36 appearances in all competitions.

That covered a incredible return of 20 desires and nine assists in 26 Scottish Premiership appearances, which is extra than one intention contribution per recreation on average.

Hooper accompanied that up with 29 goals and eleven assists in 50 fits in all competitions for the Hoops – which includes two desires and one assist in five Europa League outings.

His remaining marketing campaign in Scotland ended with a sublime return of 31 desires and ten assists in 51 games for Celtic. He scored two dreams in seven Champions League clashes and two dreams in 4 qualifiers for the competition.

Hooper’s haul of 20-plus desires in three consecutive seasons for the club used to be not matched till Odsonne Edouard carried out the equal feat by using 2021.

🟢 Odsonne Edouard is the first player to score 20 goals in 3 consecutive seasons for Celtic since Gary Hooper who did so between 2011 & 2013 pic.twitter.com/lZhb2wKpwF

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) February 14, 2021

In total, the stunning ace plundered 82 dreams and 30 assists in 137 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions. This capacity that the English ace averaged a goal or an aid every 1.22 matches.

He then sealed a everlasting swap to Norwich City in England and went on to score 20 dreams in 70 games for the Canaries, with six desires in 32 Premier League appearances.

During his time with Celtic, Hooper was once a prolific scorer who additionally had the capability to convey his teammates into the sport with a solid return of assists, no matter his brief and stocky build as a wide variety nine.

The records that exhibit why Celtic must sign Gelhardt

Rodgers should unearth a striker with comparable qualities to the ex-Norwich megastar by using signing Gelhardt, who also stands at five foot 9 with a stocky build.

At the age of 21, the Leeds teen is far from the finished article and there is no guarantee that he will be an immediate hit at Parkhead this season. However, if they can land him on a permanent foundation then the conceivable is there for him to strengthen into Hooper 2.0.

Gelhardt has only made six appearances in the Championship for the Whites this season and spent the second half of of the 2022/23 campaign on mortgage with Sunderland.

As you can see from the table above, the former England U20 global struggled to furnish regular fantastic as a scorer or a creator for the Black Cats remaining term.

However, Gelhardt did show promise in his restricted Premier League minutes with Leeds formerly in his career. He plundered two goals and six assists in 35 appearances, despite only six of those coming as a starter.

The Celtic target’s report at formative years level, however, is what Rodgers might also be searching at as an indication that he could boost into a deadly scorer for the club.

Gelhardt scored five dreams in 5 games for Wigan at U18 level and then went on to produce 20 goals and six assists in 31 outings for Leeds’ U21s.

This skill that the £14k-per-week marksman, whose motion was hailed as “impressive” by journalist Josh Bunting, racked up 25 dreams and six assists in 36 childhood group video games before making a first-team breakthrough.

That is a return of one aim contribution each and every 1.16 fits on average, which is a very similar degree of manufacturing in comparison to Hooper’s time with Celtic.

Therefore, Rodgers should unearth the club’s new prolific English marksman by way of striking a deal for Gelhardt and supporting him to unlock his achievable at first-team level.

Whatever Really Happened To Logan Bailly?

LOGAN BAILLY was a low-key £250,000 signing in July 2015 as back-up keeper to Craig Gordon.

Ronny Deila used to be looking out for a new deputy netminder to the Scotland global after the launch of Polish famous person Lukasz Zaluska.

Bailly caught the Norwegian’s eye and he used to be duly signed from Belgian outfit Oh Leuven. First-team possibilities had been few a far between such was the exceptional shape of Gordon who made a incredible comeback after his career-threatening injury.

The Belgian made only three starts offevolved in the top aspect and was once heading via the Parkhead exit after Brendan Rodgers succeeded Deila in the dug-out.

The Irishman delivered in his former Swansea City shotstopper Dorus de Vries and Bailly used to be launched in July 2017.

He returned to his place of origin to see out his profession at Mouscron.

Later in life, Bailly reflected: “My two seasons at the club were pure pleasure. Celtic are the first-class team I have played for.”

Celtic want to sign Leeds top goal scorer in January transfer swoop – report

Leeds United ace Joe Gelhardt has been attracting hobby from Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic in the January switch window, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper mentioned with the aid of their internet site on 8 January that the Leeds man is desired with the aid of both Old Firm clubs amid hypothesis that he may want to stop Elland Road this month.

Gelhardt has determined recreation time challenging to come through so a ways this season, having made simply six Championship appearances underneath Daniel Farke, but each Scottish golf equipment are in want of reinforcements up front in January.

Loan or permanent

It is now not disclosed in the report whether the hobby in Gelhardt would be on a mortgage or permanent move, but a document from The Athletic [21 December] shared that the striker would be open to a mortgage exit from Elland Road in January if the proper deal itself.

Leeds, however, might also be searching for a permanent answer to his enjoying issue, to offload the striker and deliver in some cash as nicely as get his wages off the books in a bid for higher financial protection following closing season’s relegation.

That identical file from The Athletic shared the news that Gelhardt has been instructed through Leeds that he will stay at the membership through the January switch window, however the proper provide from both Rangers or Celtic ought to prove tempting.

Gelhardt may want to be made the essential man in Glasgow, with each aspects in want of attacking reinforcements to reinforce their title bid, which should tempt him to push via the go to Scotland in the next month if Leeds show unwilling to let him leave.

Anger over Luis Palma’s transfer intensifies, with the Celtic player at the center of a five-figure struggle

Palma has been a smash hit for Celtic however Vida say they are nevertheless owed a chunk of cash from Aris Saloniki for him.

Luis Palma’s former club Vida say they have been left with ‘no choice’ however to take Aris Saloniki to FIFA over unpaid prices surrounding the Celtic star.

Honduran winger Palma has been a success on the grounds that his £3.4m go to Celtic with seven goals and nine assists in 22 appearances before the iciness shutdown. He looks a promising addition for Brendan Rodgers having tailored properly from existence in Greece to the Scottish Premiership and brilliant lights of the Champions League.

Less than three years ago, Palma used to be nevertheless playing in his homeland, starring for Vida before Aris swooped to signal him in 2019 in a deal pronounced to be worth €250,000 (£215,000) in total. And according to club president Luis Cruz, they were due 35 per cent of his next sale – a vast chunk of the rate that took him to Celtic.

Luis Palma celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 Celtic

But he claims they are still owed a £50,000 slice of that and it’s left them unable to pay their gamers till the depend is settled. Vida have taken the dispute to FIFA to resolve. Cruz said: “The first transfer for Luis Palma was for €200,000 and we constructed in a 35 per sell-on fee. But we did no longer get hold of any price after his switch to Celtic. Celtic bought Luis for €4.8 m £4.1m), we understand that.

“I instructed Luis when he was leaving us no longer to go to the club in Greece and I had organized a transfer to a membership in Portugal instead, however his agent insisted he go to Aris. They haven’t paid us the full amount from the first transfer both and the sell-on charge which has damage us financially a exceptional deal.

“In total, they owe us around £50,000 from the authentic transfer and the sell-on. We have been left with no alternative however to take the remember to FIFA. We are completely satisfied that Luis has been a massive success at Celtic, however for this club to survive, we need this money. To maintain a membership afloat, we have to do this. I had to prolong repayments and decrease salaries because of this.”

“Not An Idiot Amongst Them” – Brendan Rodgers’ Funny Gaelic Squad Remark

Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers has closely praised his Celtic squad. It comes after the Hoops turned things around in recent weeks following back-to-back defeats to Kilmarnock and Hearts in December.

From games against Livingston, Dundee, Rangers, and St. Mirren, the champions have picked up most points. Such a truth pleases Rodgers, who greatly enjoys working with his team. He stated (Daily Mail): “I love working with this team because they are such an truthful team of players. There is not an fool amongst them.”

It is a regarded fact that the Irishman is a great deal more of a ‘hands-on’ boss who typically interacts with his players. This is evident in his reward for them.

After the first half of the season came to an end, Rodgers also gave his gamers some leeway for their previous bad performances. The boss realises that at the time, they were playing a lot of football: “They be aware of that they weren’t pretty at the level, specially against Hearts”, he said (Daily Mail). “But I regarded at that and it was once a bit greater fatigue on the lower back cease of a Champions League sport and due to the fact a lot of gamers have been having to play continuously.”

Although the time table used to be tireless for the players over the festive period, they got here thru and presently take a seat on pinnacle of the tree during the wintry weather break. The Bhoys wished to garner a run of form after back-to-back league defeats for the first time when you consider that 2013, and they did simply that.

Just a few weeks ago, things around the membership appeared as a substitute toxic but now, there has been a shift in the opposite direction. With the January switch window underway and the 2d 1/2 of the season on the horizon, there is an inherent sense of optimism at Celtic that has been catalysed by means of a brief yet eminent run of form.

To are so key to some thing success we get. These guys teach each day like it’s their final session. That’s the solely way you have success as a group. It’s just about attempting to preserve performance levels in coaching excessive for all of us and the manager will choose the team.”

In other words, Taylor have to be doing some thing proper every day at Lennoxtown. And the 26-year-old’s have an effect on extends way past the pitch. Taylor has additionally emerged over all this time as one of the key pillars inside Celtic’s dressing room.

There has been a need these days for some straight speakme and domestic truths following the December drop off which allowed Rangers to creep onto the shoulders of the champions. And Taylor played his part in that too. He said: “Yeah, definitely. I say my piece. I’m sure I do a lot of the boys’ nuts in however that’s simply because I care so much.

“I only ever give my opinions from a function of looking us to do well. There was once a lot of speak about a crisis but you try to block it out as tons as you can.

“There has been a bit of criticism however that can come specially when you lose two games at this club. It’s not accurate enough. We understood at that point that we genuinely had to end the 4 video games that we had strongly – and we did.”

Four straight wins – inclusive of a victory on Old Firm day – have steadied the ship. And Taylor realised the significance of backing that result up with every other three factors in Paisley to go into the shutdown from a function of strength.

He said: “We’ve completed the final few video games well. Certainly, we had the blip with a couple of defeats but in the 4 video games seeing that then we have been strong. We’ve been fairly dominant in all 4 so it has been a best cease earlier than this break.

“Tuesday’s win was once now not a declaration as such. It used to be simply any other dominant performance. It used to be vital off the lower back of a big game against Rangers to exhibit that we can do it again.

“We be aware of that when we are at it – making the runs and pressing nicely – we’re a very challenging group to stop. It was once about us on Tuesday. I idea we had the right mentality going into the game.

“Of course, there have been blips alongside the way. The two defeats in the league was once a sincerely disappointing stage for us.

“Probably over the piece, there hasn’t been that actual consistency that we wanted until these final 4 games. But I assume we’ve determined that now.

“We’ve neglected a lot of key gamers as nicely and with any luck we’ll have them lower back after the destroy and be ready to push on.”

Now, though, comes the threat to relaxation the legs – and the rhino pores and skin – earlier than the season restarts at the quit of the month. Taylor smiled and said: “I’m looking ahead to it. We’ve been taking part in three video games a week for a constant run now with a lot of tough matches. So it’s about recharging the batteries.

“But we be aware of as soon as we come returned that there’s a lot of commercial enterprise left in the season we’ll need to take care of. It’s about playing a few days then getting the head prepared for coming back. It has been a lot but I’m now not going to sit here and whinge about getting minutes.

“I love playing. That will never change. I favor to win and I prefer to play. I favor to be out there assisting the team.

“I’ve cherished every minute of enjoying as a good deal as I have and I hope that continues in the 2nd phase of the season.”