Alex’s Angle: The Struggle of Being a Celtic Player

HERE’S a wee tale which I swear is true. I cannot divulge the identity of the individual involved for worry of embarrassing the unfortunate chap.

Back in the mid-seventies, Jock Stein sold a established goalscorer for Celtic. As ever, the legendary supervisor used to be looking to add greater firepower to the side and he saw this participant as being an ideal addition to his squad.

The personality in query had netted typically for his three different senior clubs prior to the transfer and there regarded truly no purpose to count on the blanks stacking up at the Hoops.

Alas, the terrible bloke could do little proper after arriving at his new location of employment. I was once at Celtic Park to witness his solitary strike which I reckon even my top self in my carpet slippers would have been capable to tuck away. He didn’t get too many probabilities to have fun his huge second – Big Jock punted him a couple of months later.

BALL BHOY…Jock Stein didn’t regularly get it incorrect in the switch market.

Inevitably, he refound his killer contact in front of aim and the strikes installed up all the way to his retirement about a decade later.

Many years after his brief tour to the east quit of Glasgow, I was having a small libation with a Sunday Mail News Desk colleague in our workplace pub on the Clydeside. In got here the former player, who additionally played for Scotland at one stage, and joined our company. I hadn’t been conscious of any association between my editorial colleague and the one -time Celt. It transpired they had been born and introduced up in the identical village.

I took the probability to discover why his goalscoring profession had stalled so spectacularly and dismally at Parkhead.

“When I performed for different teams,” he explained, “I knew if I beat one defender I used to be in on goal.

“It would be simply me one-on-one with the keeper and then it was up to me to make certain I didn’t miss. That was in no way the case at Celtic.

“I ought to beat one defender and there was any other bloody participant blocking my way. I might be in a position to get previous him, but then you ought to be confronted with a 0.33 obstacle.

“I had in no way encountered that before in my career. I struggled to overcome the hassle and I’m afraid I simply couldn’t take care of it. When I left Celtic, the state of affairs reverted back to what I was used to with different golf equipment and I started out scoring dreams again.”

I recollected the conversation when I study this week that Kevin van Veen is involved in a quickfire return to Scotland after leaving Motherwell for Dutch outfit Groningen in the summer.

Inevitably, he was once linked with Celtic. Admittedly, his scoring ratio at Fir Park was once exceptional – 33 in 67 video games – however if the 32-year-old frontman does play in Glasgow any time quickly it won’t be in the east stop of the city.

Ange believes Celtic success has been ‘dismissed,’ as Rod Stewart’s wine request demonstrates that famous love is transitory

The Australian spent two profitable years at Celtic however feels his time there is left out while Robbie Williams popularity is taken with pinch of salt.

Ange Postecoglou reckons he is used to being dismissed, and that even his plain success at Celtic gets overlooked.

The bullish Australian has charged has way in to being the talk of the city at Tottenham after an almost-unblemished start to existence in the English Premier League turned heads with the 58-year-old scooping three consecutive manager of the month awards. Postecoglou left the dizzying heights of a Treble-winning Celtic side for London in the summer season and has been complimentary of his time in Glasgow given that joining the Lilywhites.

But in a conversation with Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton, the former Socceroos teach admitted he’s found others to dismiss his trophy glut at Parkhead when evaluating to the transition to England’s top flight with Tottenham. Postecoglou believes he can spoil down stereotypes in North London, but that his brushes with the elite are solely so ‘fleeting’ proven by Hoops mega-fan Rod Stewart looking a present he bestowed to him back.

He told the Mail Online: “I by no means used it as a power to prove humans wrong however I did get frustrated. Because I knew, with the all the work I had finished and the journey I had, that I deserved an opportunity and truly the one cause I wasn’t getting one was due to the fact I used to be Australian.

“People were dismissive about my success. I did not think it was once fair because anything opposition you win, it’s nevertheless a competition right? You nevertheless gotta be the first team. Even Celtic receives brushed aside a bit.

“So I revel in the truth I am here due to the fact optimistically it breaks some stereotypes and lets humans open their minds. I am now not right here due to the fact of my enjoying career, my profile or my connections. I am here because of my work.

“I nonetheless do experience like an outsider however maybe this is a bit of a safety I have put there for myself. It’s a house I feel comfy in. I think I am different. I genuinely am when I appear at Premier League managers however I don’t idea that. I do not assume it capability humans are disrespectful closer to me. What I do desire to do is exhibit I am useful of this level.

“If this used to be a disaster or Celtic hadn’t labored out, to open the door for any other Australian would have been very difficult. All the frustrations I have felt would have successfully exceeded on to any other three generations. So there is a burden there, you know, however you are hoping now that people will seem to be at things differently.”

On his brushes with celebrities such as Robbie Williams and Kenneth Branagh, he added: “Rod Stewart used to love me too [at Celtic] however now he is asked for his wine back. So I comprehend it’s fleeting.”

Motherwell star says, “Celtic are the best in Scotland, so we need to go back to basics against them.”

Dan Casey says reducing out mistakes is going to be fundamental when they go to the Scottish champions

Dan Casey says Motherwell need to go lower back to fundamentals to get lower back on a winning run – optimistically beginning at Celtic on Saturday.

Motherwell defender Dan Casey says going back to basics can put them back on a winning run (Image: SNS Group)

Irish defender Casey, 26, says going up in opposition to the Scottish champions is the hardest undertaking the Steelmen could be going through this weekend, on a run of nine Premiership games without a win.

But he says slicing out errors and following boss Stuart Kettlewell’s game-plan can work properly for them in Glasgow.

He said: “It’s probable the hardest task, Celtic are the great group in the country, so getting a result there is very tough.

“But we showed that we should do it closing season, and I don’t think the lads downstairs will go in fearful.

“We know what we want to do, we have to comply with what the supervisor says, and go from there.

“We take delivery of that we have to do more. I think we’ve made stupid mistakes as a group in the remaining few video games that are in all likelihood no longer like us, since the manager has come in, really.

“I suppose we have to go returned to basics and go from there, attempt to get rid of all the mistakes that we make, do what we were doing at the begin of the run, and go returned that way.”

Casey (left) says mistakes have contributed to a run of nine Premiership games without a win (Image: SNS Group)

On Motherwell’s run, Casey said: “Everyone hates losing, we’re coming in every day, trying to put matters right.

“We went on such a good run it was once inevitable that it used to be going to come to an stop at some stage, so now we have to put things right, go returned to basics, and attempt to go on a run again.

“If we put a few wins collectively we’ll shoot up the table, so we’ll just center of attention on Celtic now and attempt to get a result there.

“In most of the games from in the past when we went on a bit of a bad run, we were taking part in very well.

“Playing properly is one thing, however it doesn’t sincerely count number on the table, you want to get effects on the board.

“When you’re enjoying well, you typically do get results, so if we can put both of them collectively we’ll be happy.”

Casey says Motherwell proved last season they can go to Celtic Park and get a result (Image: SNS Group)

Motherwell comply with their trip to Celtic with video games towards Dundee, Ross County, St Johnstone and St Mirren, and Casey reckons the international destroy came at a good time for them.

He said: “I suppose it has given us perspective. When you’re going thru a hard run, a damage can be good, and the global wreck came at a desirable time for us.

“We’ve been able to work tough in training for the final two weeks, and I think we’re prepared now, due to the fact it’s a very busy run of games.

“There is stress on Celtic, however we put stress on ourselves, due to the fact e can’t absolutely let games slip.”

Peter Lawwell said that his comments at the Celtic AGM made SPFL rivals laugh

The chairman made the marks at Parkhead on Wednesday and they have been the subject of debate since.

Peter Lawwell’s Celtic finances admission will have the rest of the SPFL “chuckling” in accordance to one boss.

The Premiership champions held their AGM on Wednesday. One of the speakme factors going in and out of it was Brendan Rodgers’ aspect and their capacity to fight in the Champions League. Both Lawwell and the gaffer insisted they had competed this term despite discovering themselves with one point from four video games in a group with Atletico Madrid, Lazio and Feyenoord.

Admissions of the economic hole widening at Europe’s top table from the Celtic chairman have raised the eyebrows of Clyde boss Ian McCall, who insists the different forty one professional golf equipment will be laughing over a case of tables turning on the continent. He advised BBC: “I don’t assume it is (just down to funds for Celtic in the Champions League), I without a doubt do not assume it is. I mean, if the distinction in finance is like our Scottish Premiership – like a Motherwell going to Celtic Park – that distinction in finance is simply huge, utterly huge.

“I do not suppose it excuses Celtic from competing towards positive clubs. You get to the closing eight and I suppose most human beings will give you 10 golf equipment that will be in the remaining eight of the Champions League – it is pretty effortless to predict now.

“But absolutely from the group stage against the likes of Feyenoord – you noticed what Copenhagen did against Manchester United – you need to without a doubt be able to compete at that level. I think the argument is, if Celtic are greater financially geared up to play in the Europa League and win it in contrast to the Champions League, it is a no-brainer – of direction it is.

“But if the Celtic fans desire Brendan and Peter Lawwell to go and splash £15million-25m on a participant then as you know, that won’t happen. But you are right, there will be a lot of people in Scottish soccer having a snicker at those remarks due to the fact of what they face every single week.”

 Rangers face setbacks with pay demands as a former Celtics player receives approval

The modern-day switch memories involving Celtic and Rangers.

Celtic and Rangers face a busy week of motion as they juggle balance the demands of a title push and European football.

The Premiership holders will purpose to prolong their unbeaten league document in the league to 14 video games when they play host to eighth area Motherwell earlier than traveling to the Italian capital to take on Serie A giants Lazio in the Champions League.

Celtic’s hopes of securing an automatic spot in the team are very slim after their 6-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, however back-to-back wins towards Lazio and Feyenoord could boost the Hoops’ hopes of at least reaching the Europa League knockout phase.

Title-chasers Rangers tour to Aberdeen at the weekend in a critical match which will take a look at both side’s credentials before their Viaplay Cup last subsequent month. The Gers will additionally look to impervious automatic qualification for the knockout stage of the Europa League when they play host to Aris Limassol. The upcoming month of fixtures is arguably the most traumatic length in the season so a long way and each side’s are likely to seem to the transfer window in the wintry weather to improve their chances of success. With that in thinking GlasgowWorld rounds up all of the cutting-edge transfer testimonies in relation to each Celtic and Rangers.

Rangers priced out of deal to re-sign former star (Gazete Vatan)

Earlier this week, out-of-favour Fenerbahce man Ryan Kent was reportedly given the green mild to go away the membership in January which induced rumours of a Rangers return just six months after his Ibrox departure.

Kent has been a annoyed figure on the fringes of the squad in Istanbul and has been limited to simply seven first group appearances, he has also been publicly criticised for his performances and fitness by way of manager Ismail Kartal.

The 27-year-old used to be a key player for Rangers, especially for the duration of Steven Gerrard’s tenure as supervisor and reviews from the Daily Record had at the start mentioned that the Gers were eager to bring the participant returned to boost the team’s title push underneath Philippe Clement.

However, such speak has shortly been pushed aside by using new reviews from Turkish outlet Vatan who declare that the salary demands that the Glasgow membership would have to cowl have verified too much.

Fenerbahce are now believed to be thinking about other conceivable alternatives for the player such as Bournemouth and Leeds United.

New Premier League development paves the way for Jota switch (Daily Record)

Celtic, like Rangers, had been compelled to section methods with one of their pinnacle wingers in the summer transfer window as treble winner Jota executed a £25m switch to the Saudi Pro League to be part of the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante at Al-Ittihad.

The Portuguese winger was once a megastar at some point of his time in the Scottish Premiership and was once a key supply of aptitude and creativity in the team. However, like Kent, he has acquired very little first team publicity at his new club.

Jota was once almost instantly linked with a move away from Al-Ittihad in the summer season when he used to be left out of the league squad due to the club’s overseas quota on players and reports from the Daily Record suggest he should be a target for the likes of Newcastle and Tottenham in January.

A current improvement from the Premier League voted in favour of club’s loaning players inside the identical ownership which opens the door for Eddie Howe to sign the player amid the Magpies’ injury crisis.

While Jota’s former teach Ange Postecoglou may additionally also see the player as an ideal option for Spurs, in particular with the club’s latest injury woes.

‘Celtic always special to me’ – Kristoffer Ajer recalls his club days as “amazing.” Robert Rodgers

A warm embrace was once shared between Kristoffer Ajer and Steve Clarke at the stop of Scotland’s 3-3 draw with Norway the other night.

Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer chats with former Celtic team-mates Ryan Christie and Greg Taylor at the end of the 3-3 draw with Scotland that introduced a return to Hampden for the centre-back and stirred many memories of his days with the Scottish club. (Photo by way of Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

And the former Celtic centre-back chose to ship out digital hugs to another former manager he had worked beneath as a return to Hampden as the Euro 2024 closer had him reflecting on his time in Glasgow. Clarke helped form Ajer’s early days in Scotland courtesy of a six-month mortgage duration in early 2017 with the Kilmarnock side at that stage helmed by the country wide coach, the Norwegian having joined Celtic from place of origin membership Start six-month earlier. The pass to supply the then 18-year-old with exposure to Scottish soccer initiated by Brendan Rodgers midway through the club’s invincibles treble-winning season.

And Ajer once once more patrolling the turf of Scotland countrywide stadium – the place he racked up a host of victories in claiming Scottish Cup and League Cup honours as he proved a mainstay of Rodgers’ 2nd treble, before banking two greater after his departure in February 2019 – led to to ruminate on the significance of Rodgers in setting him on the direction to the English Premier League, a £13.5m banked by using Celtic making him the London club’s record signing in the summer time of 2021.

“I cherished my time in Scotland so it was gorgeous to be back again,” stated the 25-year-old. “And it’s fantastic to see my old manager again at Celtic as properly and to see them doing so properly again. I am clearly pleased for them because Celtic will constantly be exclusive to me. Brendan was once wonderful for me, the way he helped me, the way he spoke to me. The one-to-one conversations he had with all of the players used to be amazing. When I signed for Celtic at 16-years-old I was a central midfielder. I think the intention was once constantly to turn out to be a centre again eventually, however the manager spotted that very early. I went out on loan to Kilmarnock and that used to be important for me to get some sport time, however he always saved in tough. He’s a top, pinnacle manager. I am glad to see him lower back and doing well.” Ajer continues he used to be sure the entirety would click on into region for Rodgers at Celtic second-time around. “One hundred percent [I predicted him to be successful when he came again in the summer],” he said. “I have no doubt he will be successful due to the fact he’s a exceptional manager.”

Facing a Scotland that pitted him against former Celtic team-mates Ryan Christie, Greg Taylor and Stuart Armstrong was once also a reminder of the robust bonds that he cast at the club. “Ryan and Greg have been groomsmen at my wedding,” he said. “It used to be exclusive to see them and I want them all the excellent for the summer. I “I have high-quality memories. I was once standing there listening to the countrywide anthem and virtually playing the moment. It made Sunday special. I take note we beat Motherwell here [in the 2018 Scottish Cup final], that used to be amazing. It was once my first big cup final. The 1-0 win over Rangers[in the 2019 League Cup final] used to be also special.”

Marco Tilio explores Celtic transfer exit as January loan decision weighs for frozen out star

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Celtic forgotten man Marco Tilio will reflect onconsideration on a January mortgage if he doesn’t get first-team action earlier than January.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance of the season for the Australian under-23s when he got here off the bench to assist them beat Qatar 2-1 in a friendly at the weekend. Tilio, who has seven full caps for the Socceroos, is hoping his involvement with the Olympicroos will see him kick on his return to Celtic in a bid to wreck into Brendan Rodgers’ first-team.

If it doesn’t then he would be open to a possible mortgage deal. The weekend used to be a second of uncommon motion for Tilio as he has still to make a first-team look for Celtic. The winger arrived at Celtic from Melbourne City in the summer season but an early harm left him sidelined and taking part in catch-up. Tilio was also signed by way of former manager Ange Postecoglou with Rodgers now having taken over at the helm.

‘I’m sorry to say it,’ Kenny Miller wishes Rangers had one thing this season that Celtic has

Celtic are sitting incredibly at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a wholesome eight-point lead over their biggest rivals, Rangers.

Granted, the Ibrox club nonetheless have a sport in hand but Celtic have the points in the bag which keeps the stress on Philipe Clement’s facet when domestic obligation resumes next week.

The Celtic help have been playing what they have been gazing from Brendan Rodgers‘ aspect so a long way this season.

The 6-0 win over Aberbeen epitomises the attacking fashion Rodgers is imposing at Celtic. But what that result additionally showed is the togetherness the Hoops side have as a team. Especially after that 6-0 mauling from Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

And that is some thing that former Rangers striker, Kenny Miller, needs his historic team had.

Miller said [Daily Record], “I’ve watched the clips intently. The likes of Lawrence, Todd Cantwell and Abdallah Sima are all making runs off the striker.

“What I’m no longer seeing is the subsequent part. And this is what the supervisor will prefer next. Cohesion. That’s what pulls teams apart. And I hate to say it however it’s probable what separates Celtic and Rangers proper now.

“Across the city, they’ve had actual brotherly love in their play for a while beneath Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers. The gamers recognize the actions of each other. That’s why Celtic have an power inside their attack – there are two or three things happening at once.

“Look at Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Parkhead. It’s the ideal example, in terms of his link-up with Matt O’Riley. It was once almost telepathic.

“For me, that’s the subsequent step for Clement and his Rangers squad in phrases of their attacking play. It’s about relationships forming between players. When you get that, it becomes 2d nature.”

I additionally hate to say it, however I am in agreement with Kenny Miller. The crew spirit that Brendan Rodgers is building at Celtic is clear to see.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s function in the team has absolutely modified below the Celtic supervisor and that has led to him no longer enjoying in his favored role.

Other gamers ought to have spat the dummy and let it have an effect on them however not Kyogo. He knows that his role now advantages the team and permits the goalscoring burden to be shared with the aid of the midfield.

That’s why Celtic followers are seeing the likes of Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull finding the returned of the net extra often.

And long may additionally that continue. Because as long as this team stays together and plays for every other, the league title looks like it will return to Celtic Park this season.

Rangers are ‘ahead’ of Manchester City in the market for a Scottish starlet in January, joining Celtic in the race

Celtic continued their dominant run in the Scottish Premiership with a large 6-0 win over Aberdeen last weekend.

Rangers also banked a win over Livingston however the hole between the two Glasgow aspects at the pinnacle of the desk stays at eight points.

The Gers have some floor to make up if they want to put strain on Celtic and the January transfer window could play a massive part in each teams’ performances in the new year..

Rangers overtake Man City for midfielder

Rangers are reportedly now ‘ahead’ of Manchester City in the pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Noah Mbamba in January. The Gers are prepared to back new manager Philippe Clement in the January switch as they focus on chasing down Celtic for this season’s title.

According to TEAMtalk, Man City are now ‘unlikely’ to approach Mbamba this winter and ought to as a substitute favour a summer move, which opens the door for Rangers. A mortgage deal until the give up of the season has been said as the most likely, which would gain Gers and also give the 18-year-old everyday playing time.

Mbamba is a famous rising famous person right now and is said to be wanted with the aid of a number of top clubs. He is a midfielder via alternate but has additionally been operating at centre-back this season.

Celtic and Rangers fighting for equal target

Another document from TEAMtalk has linked each Celtic and Rangers to Motherwell starlet Lennon Miller. The 17-year-old has been identified as one of Scotland’s most promising younger players and notwithstanding these days penning a new deal, he is attracting a lot of interest.

As well as Motherwell’s league rivals, English golf equipment are additionally maintaining an eye on Miller. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Brighton, Newcastle, Brentford and West Ham are all reportedly keeping tabs on the rising star. This type of pastime affords a large predicament involving his future and the place he sees the satisfactory opportunities to grow.

Jota regrets leaving Celtic; January departure is likely

FORMER Celtic star Jota is reportedly experiencing remorseful about over his go to Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, following limited taking part in time and struggles to fit into the team.

According to a report from Saudi outlet So3ody Sports, Jota is eager to make a return to European football and might get his risk in the upcoming January transfer window.

Marcelo Gallardo, set to exchange Nuno Espirito Santo as manager of Al-Ittihad, is reportedly open to allowing Jota to depart on loan.

 

The report suggests that Jota regrets his decision to depart Celtic, the place he had widespread success, for the profitable provide in the Saudi Pro League. The lack of normal sport time and the distinctive footballing surroundings in Saudi Arabia show up to have contributed to his dissatisfaction.

Al-Ittihad are reportedly thinking about a mortgage pass for Jota, with a choice for him to remain in the Middle East, ideally at some other Saudi club. This strategy targets to help him progress and adapt to the footballing style of the region, which ought to doubtlessly see a return on their large investment in the player.

Glen Kamara discusses about ex-Celtic star who assisted in Rangers’ transfer exit

Glen Kamara has revealed that a former Celtic player helped him in his cross away from Rangers in the summer.

The Finland midfielder joined Leeds United for a rate of around £5m.

He departed Ibrox after 4 and a 1/2 years at the club the place he received the Premiership and Scottish Cup.<img class=”size-full wp-image-77 aligncenter” src=”https://topsport4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Untitled-design-2023-11-15T191141.099.png.article-642.jpg” alt=”” width=”642″ height=”428″ />

Michael Beale iced over the midfielder out of the first-team photo at the club, and so it became exceptionally clear he would move on to pastures new as he entered the ultimate yr of his contract.

And it has now come to mild that his fellow countryman Teemu Pukki, who performed for Celtic between 2013 and 2015, helped with the move.

Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Kamara admitted that the striker gave him plenty of helpful recommendation as he viewed the place his subsequent cross must be.

Pukki pointed him closer to Elland Road having worked with boss Daniel Farke until now at Norwich City.

Kamara said: “The first couple of weeks (at Leeds) it used to be quite hard. I was once simply getting my fitness returned and I hadn’t performed a lot. I used to be type of training on my own away from Rangers, so it used to be quite tough. But it’s excellent now and I’m feeling settled.

“Yeah, he (Pukki) messaged me as well, all and sundry does their due diligence at all of the clubs. He messaged me and had a word with me. He solely had precise matters to say about the manager. I used to be like okay, I’m excited and after I spoke to the manager, it simply validated what he (Pukki) said.”

He was once then asked if there was more still to come from him in a Leeds shirt. He replied: “Yeah, with greater game time and that. Like I stated I had pretty a f***** up pre-season in itself and I experience like I am getting again to myself and taking part in more games than I have over the ultimate year.”
<h3>Celtic and Rangers are on high alert when a Super League rebel warns them, while Atletico Madrid light the fuse for a controversial rebirth with an EPL jab</h3>
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The controversial plans have been muted in latest times but a large verdict is coming earlier than the end of 2023.

Atletico Madrid are stoking the flames for a dramatic Super League revival bid as Judgement Day rolls into view.

Both Celtic and Rangers have been cited when it comes to dramatic plans that would alter the football landscape. Earlier this year,Record Sport revealed the Premiership pair were on the the hitlist of a breakaway assignment powered through Real Madrid, Juventus and Barcelona. Both have been last loyal to UEFA but Bernd Reichart – the chief of the ESL’s company A22 – has made pitches to golf equipment across Europe.

He claims to have had talks with Scottish clubs, however, UEFA reprisals had him stopping brief of naming who. On December 21st, The European Court of Justice will have its final say on the validity of a European Super League, as the rebels claim UEFA and FIFA were breaking competition law by using threatening club sanctions.

12 European clubs put their ESL plans into motion returned in 2021 however were met via livid backlash, and the Premier League clubs pulling out put paid to any advances. But Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has now claimed it is a plan that ought to have been recommended to Spain.

He insists that with the breakaway league no longer being created, England’s top desk has been in a position to steal a march on signing the world’s pinnacle talent. He concedes it needs English assist to be viable.

Cerezo told Onda Cero: “I assume the Super League is excellent for Spanish football. With there being no Super League, the English have won.

“The Financial Fair Play used to be not fixed, and it benefits them. The proof being that they have taken all the high-quality players. Atletico left because we didn’t choose UEFA to sanction us. and without the English teams, there used to be no way to continue.”
<h3>Celtic were given a second chance to sign a £4 million striker who scored 19 goals last season</h3>
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<strong>Celtic ought to have a 2nd hazard to convey in Sydney van Hooijdonk in the January transfer window as Bologna are ready to think about presents for the Serie A misfit. </strong>

With the Dutchman already going through an uphill struggle setting up himself as Bologna’s range one centre-forward, he certainly may want to have performed without Joshua Zirkzee rediscovering the golden contact which had Manuel Neuer singing his praises at Bayern Munich a couple of years ago.

Zirkzee has been in phenomenal shape of late. Almost Berbatov-esque with his poise and finesse in the closing third. As such, a January departure appears to be the only option left handy to Sydney van Hooijdonk if the Celtic linked striker is to avoid spending the entirety of the season stuck on the sidelines.

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<strong>Celtic like Sydney van Hooijdonk</strong>

Van Hooijdonk, son of former Hoops ace Pierre as you would possibly have guessed, has no longer commenced a single Serie A game in 2023/24. In fact, he’s only played 41 minutes in Italy’s top flight.

And with Bologna eyeing Porto’s former West Ham United prospect Toni Martinez, Gazzetta dello Sport are indicating that Van Hoojdonk should be allowed to depart in pursuit of extra regular action. Opportunity knocks for Celtic, then. Though whether or not Brendan Rodgers’ Premiership leaders revisit their £4 million-rated summer season goal remains to be considered (Il Resto del Carlino).

With Kyogo Furuhashi firmly established as Celtic’s number one through the middle and with Oh Hyeon-Gyu providing respectable depth in reserve, it is actually difficult to envisage a state of affairs in which Van Hooijdonk follows in his father’s footsteps and right away nails down a spot in Rodgers’ first XI.

<strong>19 dreams in one season at Heerenveen</strong>

Then again, a transient spell at Heerenveen in 2022/23 is proof of what Van Hooijdonk can do when given regular minutes and ordinary service. An old-school, broad-shouldered throwback of a number nine, the Dutchman scored 19 instances in a mid-table Eredivisie outfit, and would sincerely delight in the pigging out at a table waited on via the likes of Matt O’Riley, Daizen Maeda and Luis Palma.