‘Absolutely incredible’ – Rodgers can’t disguise his joy at a rare Celtic opportunity

Celtic, under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, is gearing up for a vital Champions League healthy towards Lazio in Rome.

The stakes are excessive as Celtic seeks a crucial win to bolster their European campaign. Following this indispensable tie at Stadio Olimpico, an exceptional probability awaits Rodgers and his team—a viable non-public meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

While the meeting’s confirmation hinges on the Pope’s health, following reports of slight cold symptoms, the prospect has excited Rodgers. He expressed his enthusiasm, telling RecordSport, “That will be really amazing. We would be blessed to do that, it would be a actual privilege. Hopefully, we can take a in reality great end result to the Vatican.”

Rodgers is acutely conscious of the challenges ahead. To invulnerable Celtic’s first Champions League group stage away win in six years, discipline will be paramount. The crew has faced setbacks in recent matches, with red playing cards notably impacting their performance.

During their first healthy towards Feyenoord in Rotterdam, Celtic was reduced to 9 men following the dismissals of Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm. Similarly, in Madrid in opposition to Atletico, a controversial VAR choice led to the sending off of Japanese participant Daizen Maeda.

The Celtic supervisor emphasised the importance of keeping composure and a full squad on the field. “Discipline is one of the key elements for us,” Rodgers said. He praised his team’s competitiveness and excellent of play when at full strength but acknowledged the problem of reaching consequences when outnumbered. “We’ve had guys sent off in two games now, and when you’re down to 9 men and 10 men at this level, it’s near-on impossible to get a end result given the satisfactory of the opposition teams,” he added.

Rodgers concluded with a rallying name for consistency and a strong 90-minute performance. As Celtic step onto the area in Rome, the group no longer solely incorporates their European hopes but also the anticipation of a once-in-a-lifetime come upon in the Vatican.

Watch Kris Boyd’s latest post-match outburst regarding Celtic

Another week, every other Kris Boyd outburst. This time, the incident revolves round the penalty awarded in the Rangers-Aberdeen match, where Conor Goldson was accused of diving via fellow pundits Joe Lewis and Chris Sutton.

This led to Boyd’s impassioned defence of the decision, which culminated in him referencing an unrelated incident involving Celtic’s match against Motherwell.

Boyd’s reaction to the declare of Goldson’s dive was vehement, declaring that the penalty used to be an unequivocal decision. However, his argument took a contentious flip when he brought up the penalty awarded to Celtic for a shirt pull in opposition to Motherwell. Celtic penalty not like Goldson’s, Celtic’s Mikey Johnston did not exaggerate his fall notwithstanding being held lower back during the ball coming into the box. The assessment regarded strained and fairly inappropriate to the dialogue at hand.

Both Celtic and Rangers dropped factors this week, with the latter failing to capitalise on Celtic’s slip the day before.

Many argue that Boyd’s inability to hold a composed and goal viewpoint, mainly when discussing Celtic or Rangers, undermines his credibility as a pundit.

🗣️ WHEN GOLDSON FALLS OVER, NO ONE’S TOUCHING HIS SHIRT.”

🗣️ “A PENALTY FOR STUPID SHIRT-PULLING, BUT GOLDSON HAS DIVED.”

🗣️ “IT’S A PENALTY KICK!”

JOE LEWIS, CHRIS SUTTON, AND KRIS BOYD GIVE THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE STOPPAGE-TIME PENALTY AWARDED TO RANGERS 👇 PIC.TWITTER.COM/PC2Q68KVQC

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) November 26, 2023

His modern diatribe has been considered as another example of his fighting to separate non-public biases from expert analysis. By dragging in a Celtic incident that bears little resemblance to the Aberdeen-Rangers match, Boyd now not only strayed off-topic but additionally displayed a lack of professionalism.

This incident raises broader questions about the general of soccer punditry in Scotland. The function of a pundit is no longer simply to offer opinions however to furnish informed, unbiased insights. Boyd’s apparent inability to talk about matters involving Celtic and Rangers besides prejudice suggests a want for more rigorous requirements in sports activities journalism.

As followers and viewers are seeking insightful analysis, the need for pundits who can hold composure and offer independent views turns into increasingly more essential. Boyd’s latest meltdown, thus, isn’t just about a single penalty decision; it’s a reflection of a larger problem inside Scottish football punditry.

Brendan Rodgers addressed the Green Brigade problem openly

In a current development, Brendan Rodgers has publicly addressed the ongoing deadlock between Celtic Football Club and the Green Brigade, as the team prepares for some other sport except the presence of this influential ultras group.

The suspension of the Green Brigade, which has now lasted nearly a month, has created a irritating environment both publicly and at the back of the scenes, with little proof of productive dialogue. The core of the dispute lies in the differing views of each parties: the Green Brigade claims their punishment stems from their political expressions, particularly involving Palestine, whereas the membership insists it is a outcome of misconduct by way of some members, together with the use of pyrotechnics that has again and again resulted in UEFA fines for Celtic.

Rodgers, whose most important function is to control the team, has no longer hesitated to provide his insights on the situation and the political dynamics added by way of the team at Celtic Park. Speaking to RecordSport, Rodgers emphasised the significance of the club’s core values: admire and integrity. “It’s all about values. It’s the bigger picture, the values of this club, which are all about respect, integrity and everything else. That some distance outreaches whatever else, and if those values are compromised in any way, then we, the club, will seem at that,”

Rodgers also highlighted the necessity of upholding these values, regardless of the have an impact on on the stadium’s atmosphere. He expressed his hope for a resolution, reiterating his stance on the non-political nature of soccer and the essential motive of assisting the team.

“If someone, or people, are deemed to have misbehaved, you simply can’t go alongside and receive that just because it makes the atmosphere better. We all stay to positive values, and I hope we can find a answer to it because, as I said, I assume the followers have created a definitely good atmosphere.

“My very own personal view is that it’s not a political arena. Football is football, and you come to guide the team, and enjoy the crew playing. Especially when we play like we did towards Aberdeen, and we are scoring.

“Hopefully we can get a resolution to that, however in the meantime, we will continue to do what we are doing, which is just staying very focused.”

The resolution of this struggle hinges on a essential speak between the Green Brigade and the Celtic hierarchy. If the club’s stance is genuine and no longer established on the Palestine issue, then the display of the Palestine flag remain permissible. However, the Green Brigade should seriously replicate on their use of pyrotechnics and certain behaviors inside their ranks. Denying wrongdoing or justifying positive moves due to political beliefs does not align with the ideas of accountability and respect.

As fans and supporters of Celtic, the hope is for each parties to come together, address their differences, and discover a direction forward, allowing all people to return to their shared ardour for assisting Celtic.

The talking points from Celtic’s training session with Marco Tilio and the confirmation of Kyogo’s status

Celtic are busy preparing for their subsequent fit at home to Motherwell on Saturday and the majority of the club’s international contingent have lower back to Lennoxtown.

Celtic take on the Steelmen in a 3pm kick-off at Celtic Park, the begin of a aggravating duration that will see 11 games played before the mid-season wintry weather ruin in January.

The solely two players, backyard of these injured, no longer concerned at the coaching centre this morning were Luis Palma and Alistair Johnston. Both stars will return on Friday, as confirmed with the aid of supervisor Brendan Rodgers in a media conference.

Kyogo shakes off head knock

The top news is that Kyogo Furuhashi has overcome what was once a doable concussion suffered in the in shape at domestic to Aberdeen prior to the worldwide break.

He was once on the receiving end of a vicious project from Dons defender Slobodan Rubezic, which received considerable criticism from Celtic followers and radio pundits.

The Celtic striker was pictured as part of the crew session on Thursday in a image gallery published via the club. [Celtic FC]

Kyogo had admitted he couldn’t take note the minutes in the aftermath of the incident however thankfully he has rested up to be capable to take part in education and, presumably matches, despite lacking out on latest Japan games.

Marco Tilio returns quickly

Celtic winger Marco Tilio was also pictured in training today, making it again rapidly from worldwide responsibility with the Australian U23s, where he commenced his first match because June in the early hours of Tuesday morning UK time.

Intrigue surrounds the signing from Melbourne City given he has yet to make an look for the Bhoys. But it’s clear he is concerned and does have a danger to galvanize Rodgers on the training pitch.

The Celtic boss has until now stated that the Australian has struggled to adapt to lifestyles in Scotland.

With such a dense length of fixtures ahead, hopefully he can exhibit he is well worth getting minutes soon. The supervisor will want to use the full depth of his squad to get thru this period, specifically with wingers Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda presently injured.

‘Talking more’: Erik Sviatchenko said the 23-year-old Celtic star is making a lot of buzz in the national media

The worldwide ruin is over and the Celtic followers can now appear forward to Saturday when Brendan Rodgers’ facet entertains Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

There has been lots to discuss about over the previous two weeks as gamers like Mikey Johnston, Luis Palma and Matt O’Riley all hit the headlines however nothing beats the bread and butter of home football.

But it was on global duty that O’Riley generated a lot of excitement in Denmark according to Erik Sviatchenko.

Sviatchenko stated [PLZ Soccer], “I suppose he’s still a little bit unknown to the wide fan of Denmark. But the media is speakme extra and greater about him.

“He’s having some interviews in Denmark too. So that’s usually a begin in some way for a player to get his title across.

“But he is at Celtic proper now and he’s by way of [under] the wings of Brendan Rodgers in some way. So there’s there’s so a good deal viable for him now to hold growing.

“And with a bit of luck he can he can maintain doing what he does the fine proper now and that’s performing. Having anyone with dreams and assists that’s what we need from the Danish gamers additionally for the countrywide team, and he can do that.

“Of course, it’s usually challenging to produce right away when you get your first cap. But there’s lots of workable and the media in particular is talking a lot extra about him now than they have been let’s say six months ago, a 12 months ago.”

The Danish midfielder has waited a lengthy time for his first senior cap and although his big day ended in a defeat, it looks that the national media are genuinely searching forward to seeing him play more.

And so they should. O’Riley has been a standout for Celtic each in the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League this season.

Tipped for a big-money move, O’Riley has additionally been attracting the attention of clubs in the English Premier League and in Europe after his superb displays towards Atletico Madrid and Lazio this season.

The world is simply Matt O’Riley’s oyster. The Celtic fans will be hoping that he sticks around for far longer than his new five-year contract says as he definitely is a distinct talent.

UEFA fines Celtic again for their “offensive” and “provocative” behavior

The Celtic fans had produced a show earlier than the 2-2 draw and have now been punished

Celtic have been hit with a new €29k high-quality over a sequence of incidents in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid in October.

The largest of the three fines will value the club €17,500 and comes for a ‘provocative message of an offensive nature’ and is understood to be brought on through the Palestine flag display. UEFA rules don’t allow for flags of a political nature to be flown and there had been warnings put out prior to the round of fixtures for no Palestine or Israel flags to be flown by means of fans from other countries.

The ongoing fighting in the Middle East has endured to take lives and Celtic’s Green Brigade produced the display in the north curve whilst also handing out flags to the rest of the stadium for the duration of the game, having urged all fans to convey a Palestine flag to the match.

The other two fines consist of a €3,500 punishment for the lights of fireworks as nicely as an €8k first-rate for the blocking off of passageways inside Celtic Park.

Atletico Madrid had been additionally hit with a €3k high-quality for fireworks while they also got a warning for mistaken habits due to 5 or greater gamers being booked.

“That’s brilliant,” adds Hearts Sporting Director, “Celtic did a fantastic job of signing 26-year-old

Celtic have acquired a good deal reward from pundits and former gamers in the media for the wise transfer commercial enterprise over the years.

But it’s not very often you hear the hierarchy of rival groups in the Scottish Premiership delivering reward to the club. Especially as they have been so dominant.

That’s exactly what Hearts Sporting Director, Joe Savage has done. Savage is determined to improve the Edinburgh club’s business in the transfer market and pointed to Celtic as a exceptional role mannequin in that department.

Especially after they made a huge earnings on Portuguese winger, Jota.

Savage said [The National print edition page 37], “Every recruitment branch in the world desires to signal 21, 22, 23-year-olds.

“They play right here for a yr or two, and get flipped for x amount, however it is very uncommon it happens.

“The peculiar occasion [it does]. Look at Celtic with Jota – signed for £6m, bought for £25m. That’s exceptional recruitment.”

Celtic’s economic position is extremely healthy partly down to the fact that they can post, develop and then promote on gamers simply like Jota.

And they have been doing it for many years now. Jota is the one in a lengthy line of profitable transfers that Celtic have used to preserve themselves self-sustainable.

And he won’t be the last. Honduran winger, Luis Palma, has been tipped to land a big move after impressing with dreams and assists in the quick length he has been at the club.

And Denmark international, Matt O’Riley, is any other who has been advised that he will go for big money after his performances in the Champions League.

It’s a model that has served Celtic nicely and looking at the other gamers in the squad like Alistair Johnston and Liel Abada, it will proceed to do so for many greater years yet.

Celtic’s next spectacular Adidas release arrives ahead of the Christmas frenzy

Celtic have dropped the brand new batch of Adidas items ahead of the Christmas run-in. Whilst Scotland’s qualification for UEFA Euro 2024 has occupied a great deal of the conversation over the last week, center of attention returns to the Scottish Champions. The club have decided to get fans in the mood through releasing the today’s gear from the club’s package manufacturers.

The membership launched a vary of casual, vintage kit that will certainly go down a deal with with supporters.

🍀 Root for the team in classic adidas style with these wardrobe staples.

The new #CelticFC x @adidasoriginals essentials range, on sale now! 👇

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 20, 2023

Following on from their successful launch until now this year, Adidas have released a second version of the Gazelles.

🍀 Taking it back to their sport roots#CelticFC x @adidasoriginals Gazelle: on sale now ⤵

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 20, 2023

Cynically, Celtic and Adidas may be trying to make the most of the Christmas market and atone for their home shirt, which didn’t go down nicely with some supporters.

Earlier today, Footy Headlines validated that Celtic would be returning to the gold/yellow style shirt, which hasn’t been used on account that 2019/20. The colour scheme has had exquisite success, mainly when questioning of the run to the UEFA Cup Final in Seville in 2002/03.

Footy Headlines teases an interesting change to Celtic’s away kit

Footy Headlines have teased an interesting update related to Celtic away kits. The website, that is famously the domestic to the most dependable output involving coming near near kits, tweeted on Sunday night the 2013/2014 away jersey with the caption ‘Back soon’.

💛🔙🔜 pic.twitter.com/NjBWrlT2Hx

— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) November 19, 2023

Celtic did no longer have a yellow/golden shirt at some stage in the New Balance years nor in the initial Adidas output. It would stand to reason that a rehashed version of the golden away shirt ought to be coming. Celtic closing wore the shirt in Neil Lennon’s closing season in charge at some point of the Irishman’s first spell. It is nearly synonymous with Kris Commons, such was once his intention scoring file that season.

It will be interesting to see whether this is a kit replace for next season or whether or not the club and Adidas are going to attempt to launch a fourth kit, as they did closing season.

Adidas have been quite successful due to the fact that assuming kit manufacturing from New Balance. This season’s home package caused some stir owing to the special sketch on the Hoops but fans have come to receive it, with some going as a ways as saying that the package is a future classic

‘Struggling’: ‘very talented’ player is advised to leave Celtic in order to save his football career

Celtic have such a giant first-team squad it is truly not possible to guarantee gametime to all of the players reachable to Brendan Rodgers.

The Hoops gaffer has admitted that he plans to trim the squad down in January and that exits for some players who are infrequently proposing will happen.

Mikey Johnston looks like he should be one that will go away both on mortgage or permanently as the Celtic winger has barely featured for Rodgers regardless of putting in very fantastic performances for the Republic of Ireland.

And the 24-year-old has been instructed by means of pundit, Mark Guidi, that if he wishes greater first-team football, he desires to leave the club.

Guidi said [The Go Radio Football Show], “The Liam Scales story is of course inspirational to any footballer that’s possibly struggling to discover his way.

“Mikey Johnston, I don’t see him beating or ever getting in advance of Liel Abada when he’s fit or Palma now or Maeda who’s on the different side.

“So I think Mikey Johnston’s a very proficient footballer however I think to get everyday football, I think he’ll need to go elsewhere.”

Johnston is but to begin a game for Celtic below Brendan Rodgers this season. Yes, an injury kept him out of the team at the start of the season but now he’s absolutely recovered, he’s only been considered once in a Celtic jersey.

Getting 25 minutes off the bench in the 0-0 draw with Hibs this season is not ample for a participant who has ambitions of being a ordinary for his country.

And it looks at the second that a move will be quality for him this season. Like Guidi, I additionally agree with that Johnston has no threat of getting in beforehand of Palma, Maeda or Abada when fit.

In fact, I would go as far to say that Hyunjun Yang is beforehand of Johnston in the pecking order. I concern Johnston’s Celtic profession may also properly be over and that it would be fine for all parties if he left the club as soon as a club is willing to take him.

‘Bad, bad man,’ The National media react to the current international performance of the 25-year-old Celtic player

Celtic’s players are starting to have a fantastic international week as the fixtures pile up.

Callum McGregor was crucial in Scotland’s 2-2 draw with Georgia on Thursday night, and TBR Celtic reported on Luis Palma’s 2-0 win against Mexico.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is the next in line. The 25-year-old Celtic defender started for the USMT in their 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago, and if the ratings from the US media are any indication, the Celtic defender has also impressed.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is a great ambassador for Celtic in America.

The’man mountain’ of a defender looked great as he helped the USA preserve a clean sheet, and it appears that the Celtic stopper has wowed the media.

Goal: (7/10) Provided physical presence in the few instances that T&T did go forward, which were few and far between.

ESPN’s review: “7 — Few complaints about the central defender that worked well with Tim Ream while providing crucial defensive interventions.”

“7” MLS Soccer Carter-Vickers, who started alongside Ream, had nothing to complain about as he and the defense recorded a clean sheet.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers: 8 — NBC Sports The Celtics’ running back is a bad, bad man. At the age of 25, he is clearly approaching his prime.”

Carter-Vickers is an important first-team member for Celtic.

Celtic’s £6 million signing from Tottenham Hotspur has been outstanding thus far this season. With the exception of his gaffe against Lazio, the US defender has been dominant in the Hoops backline.

Carter-Vickers, who has formed a combination with the excellent Liam Scales, seems just as strong this season as he did the previous two seasons with Carl Starfelt, averaging a 7.3 in the Scottish Premiership according to football ratings site SofaScore.

He has previously impressed at the international level. His return to US play in October had been widely anticipated, with the media claiming that he would bring’stability’ to what seems to be a frail backline.

Carter-Vickers’ next match is a return trip to Trinidad on November 21st, where Celtic fans will be praying for another strong performance and an injury-free CCV.

Another Celtic star qualifies for EURO 2024, which might be significant for the Bhoys’ form

After Scotland’s authentic qualification for next year’s European Championships booked a area for Callum McGregor and the rest of the Celtic contingent in the Scottish squad, every other Bhoys player may want to be heading to the principal tournament.

Matt O’Riley was on the bench for Denmark as they beat Slovenia 2-1 on Friday night, confirming their spot at the finals in Germany next summer.

O’Riley was a late addition to the Danish squad after missing out on the initial announcement but has now been protected in manager Kasper Hjulmand’s group in two consecutive global windows, giving the midfielder real hope of making a similarly push into his plans.

There’s even a threat he makes his debut for the country over the coming days, with Denmark taking part in away to Northern Ireland in a match that can now be used for experimentation with qualification secured.

Celtic should benefit from brought O’Riley motivation

O’Riley has already been in great shape for Celtic this season. He’s scored six dreams and assisted seven instances when you consider that Brendan Rodgers arrived at the club, marking him out as one of the Bhoys’ most superb performers this season.

High-profile pundits such as Chris Sutton are calling him the pleasant participant in Scotland right now. Meanwhile, journalist Fabrizio Romano reckons he’s now well worth over £25m in the transfer market.

Now, with the introduced motivation of potentially booking a ticket to his first-ever global tournament, we could see even more from O’Riley over the coming weeks and months.

It would be outstanding to see Hjulmand provide O’Riley a debut in Belfast on Monday night and mild a fire below the midfielder to prove himself in addition at membership level.

A hungry and ruthless O’Riley can be a terror for opposition defences at domestic and abroad. We could well see the quality of him from this factor onwards and that’s an thrilling thought.

Raging Rangers fan pulls pyro panic button over ‘fine’ as Celtic hero erupts into spiky on air ‘killjoys’ defence

Rangers followers display for the duration of the go to to Dens Park has sparked issues internal the SPFL.

Irked Mark Wilson has insisted that the SPFL are not being “killjoys” with the aid of searching to cast off pyrotechnics from the stands.

It came as the former Celtic defender fielded issues that the Rangers will be hit with an SPFL sanction following the controversial display in the stands against Dundee. The players were ordered to go away the pitch through ref Kevin Clancy just two minutes into the Scottish Premiership when a surprising show of pyro from the Rangers fans compelled a fire alarm to go off.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Government have expressed issues over the event and Dundee have slammed the moves of the away support. This sparked problem from Clyde 1 Superscoreboard caller Billy as he hit out at the pyro declaring: “As a Rangers fan I was disgusted with the aid of it. All the delays, and I know there is going to be a fine coming for Rangers.”

Host Gordon Duncan chimed in: “I’m definitely now not positive there will be. The SPFL handle these matters a bit otherwise to UEFA.”

That sparked a heated rant from former Hoops defender, stating: ‘There is a proper safety situation here for supporters. Never thought the players, it is horrific sufficient when you are disrupting them and your focal point on getting a fantastic outcome, however what about the followers that don’t have flares?

“Does anybody ever assume about them being surrounded through the ones who managed to light these things up? There is a true protection problem – it is not due to the fact the SFA and SPFL choose to be killjoys. It’s due to the fact the protection officers don’t think there is a secure way of conducting it.”

Fans mild up the Bob Shankly stand with pyro at some stage in the cinch Premiership healthy between Dundee and Rangers at The Scot Foam Stadium at Dens Park on Wednesday night

Duncan then put it to Wilson that they might also need to come up with a protected way of allowing fans to use the general pyro: “How do you do that with some thing that incorporates heat? I’m no longer an expert.

“In my previous position I did some work with Police Scotland and they have enlightened me to some of the issues. I get that it appears colourful – however when it is to the detriment of your own fans definitely there has received to be some common sense. Are they in England? The largest league in the world? Do we need them?”

Record Sport understands that any sanctions for Rangers show up not likely as golf equipment have previously now not been punished if in a position to show they had taken reasonable precautions.

Who exactly is Kanji Okunuki? Celtic’s scouting subject is in the spotlight after Hearts completed summer research on Japanese sensation

Brendan Rodgers wishes reinforcements in January and the champions have reportedly been observing the Nurnberg attacker.

It should come as no shock that Celtic have been linked with any other Japanese talent.

The Hoops have reportedly been scouting Kanji Okunuki “intensively” over the final few weeks after playing massive success plundering the Japanese participant market below Ange Postecoglou. Kyogo is the primary man whilst compatriots Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda are key participants of the squad, with Brendan Rodgers persevering with to rely heavily on them notwithstanding a change in style when you consider that the Aussie’s departure. Tomoki Iwata stays on the fringes, however scored his first intention for the membership towards Hearts remaining month and looks like he has something to offer.

Yuki Kobayashi looks like he should be on his way out, failing to be quoted even all through a central defensive harm crisis, solely named on the bench once this season. Yosuke ideguchi has grow to be something of a forgotten man out on loan at Avispa Fukuoka again in Japan, although nonetheless has over two years left to run on his Celtic contract.

Okunuki ought to be the cutting-edge Japanese import to swell the ranks. But who is he and what would he add? Record Sport takes a nearer look.

Who is Kanji Okunuki?

The 24-year-old was once born in Saitama and advanced thru the youth ranks with local membership Omiya Ardija earlier than graduating to the pinnacle team in January 2018. 14 goals in almost 100 appearances caught the interest of Gornik Zabrze of Poland. He joined the Ekstraklasa membership on a season-long mortgage in August 2022, which blanketed an choice to make the deal permanent.

However, that wasn’t taken up and Okunuki joined Nurnberg ultimate summer. He’s scored four goals in 15 appearances for the Bundesliga two outfit and received his first call up to the Japan squad last month, however is yet to make his debut for the Samurai Blue.

What type of player is he?

Okunuki is right footed but performs on the left. With Liel Abada out injured and Yang set to join Oh in the South Korea squad for the Asian Cup, that ought to come in handy. He can also operate in the No 10 position and as a 2d striker, even though it is a No. 9 Brendan Rodgers virtually wants with Kyogo additionally set to be away with his country.

With nearly four possession recoveries in the opposition’s 1/2 per game, Okunuki would show up to suit Celtic’s urgent style, even if it’s no longer as extreme as it was once under Ange. He has two assists this season, though that quantity would be expected to go up playing in a crew like eltic’s, which dominates most video games and create extra chances.

Haven’t we heard his name before?

Yes, he was closely linked with Hearts last summer time before making the move to Germany. The Jambos had been in the market for a 2d striker or attacking midfielder and Okunuki healthy the invoice after Yutaro Oda impressed after an preliminary settling in period. However, a quoted price of £400,000 made him an luxurious proposition for the Tynecastle club and after an initial enquiry, there was no concrete approach, which allowed Nurnberg to get their man.

That kind of charge would not have been an difficulty for Celtic. However, Nurnberg’s willingness to let him depart and what kind of rate they would be looking for remains to be seen.

Conor McGregor praises the Green Brigade tifo as he unveils Celtic plans

Conor McGregor has said that he hopes to visit Celtic Park one day.

The UFC fighter used to social media to applaud a fan display put on by the Green Brigade several years ago as part of an online Q&A.

McGregor is a big Celtic fan, and he hasn’t been shy about admitting it.

During Kierney’s first stint under Brendan Rodgers, he formed a strong friendship with him.

This is incredible! Hopefully one day for sure! https://t.co/mpIDS40Val

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 15, 2023

His fellow Celtic fans have also been major followers of the MMA fighter.

McGregor was mentioned in a banner raised by the Green Brigade ahead of Celtic’s 5-0 triumph against Astana in Champions League qualifying.

His catchphrase, which he employed after defeating Diego Brandao in 2014, was “We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over!”

He earlier stated about the banner, “Celtic Football Club STAND UP!!!” This is what die-hard fan support looks like! What an amazing sight! What a group! Thank you very much!”

Now, in response to a fan on X, the 35-year-old addressed the famous banner once more and disclosed his plans to attend a Parkhead game.

“Any plans to visit Celtic Park in the future?” inquired one user. I’m sure you’d be greeted as a hero by all your brethren from across the pond. I’m sure Kieran Tierney would be pleased.”

“This is incredible!” exclaimed the Notorious B.I.G. Hopefully, one day!”

Gustaf Lagerbielke, however, almost signed for a “half-assed team in Belgium” before joining Celtic.

Elfsborg managing director Stefan Andreasson says the 23-year-old may have lost out on a transfer to Parkhead.

Lagerbielke joined the Scottish champions for £3 million during the summer transfer window and was thrust into the starting lineup in August due to an injury issue at center-back.

However, after the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers, he has failed to keep a regular starting spot on the team.

‘Amaizing’: Pundit believes Celtic have a 22-year-old player who is ‘frightening’

Celtic have a quantity of players proper now who are continuing to provoke pundits, media people and fans this season.

Luis Palma is certainly the man of the moment at Celtic right now as the Honduran enjoys the adulation of the supporters and his country’s media.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s goalscoring exploits proceed to impress as the Japanese striker netted as soon as more at the weekend.

But a pundit has been sincerely blown away with Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley this season. The 22-year-old has been in scintillating shape for Brendan Rodgers.

O’Riley’s goalscoring has extended so much under the Celtic manager this season that he has been attracting the interest from the likes of Spurs.

Former Scotland striker, Kevin Kyle, has admitted that he is a huge admirer of O’Riley and says that the midfielder is so good, it’s frightening.

Kyle stated [Open Goal], “You understand who I think is amazing? The boy [Matt] O’Riley is frightening. Callum McGregor is simply shoring the whole thing up and O’Riley simply goes anywhere he wants.

“But it’s how he takes the ball, how he receives it. He’s constantly on the half-turn. I don’t know.

“There’s being affected person but it’s his off-the-ball movement that permits him to get the opportunities.”

O’Riley’s form for Celtic has meant that he has already had to put up with some heavy switch hypothesis this season.

TBR Celtic shared this afternoon how Crystal Palace now keep an interest in O’Riley with reports claiming that any bids north of £10m will be ample to make Celtic think about accepting.

Yeah, £10m and the rest. Recently being valued at well over £12m, the amount of interest the Danish u21 international is attracting ability that any fee Celtic will ultimately acquire for O’Riley is likely to be north of £20m and more.

No doubt the nearer we get to the January window, the greater speculation we’ll hear about O’Riley however at least Celtic are secure in the know-how that after signing a new 5-year deal at the club, Celtic can demand top dollar for their prized asset.