Buckie head coach promises to hit Celtic as he transitions from a football “lunatic” to a matchup with Brendan Rodgers

It’s been an unconventional route to the top for Graeme Stewart however he is promised to do the city proud when Buckie go to Celtic Park.

Graeme Stewart admitted he used to be in all likelihood a bit of a footballing lunatic when Buckie Thistle took the gamble on appointing him as their manager.

The Aberdonian, who is the longest serving supervisor in the Highland League, will lead his crew proudly out at Celtic in the Scottish Cup this weekend. It will be the largest game in the club’s proud records and for Stewart it is every other danger to thank the Highland League outfit for taking a chance on him.

‘Spider’ had been a player at Victoria Park and determined to dangle up his boots at 30 when he was circuitously given the manager’s job. It was once a go that didn’t come with regular approval as some of the Buckie directors puzzled the appointment of a participant who had his personal disciplinary problems lower back in 2014, first in a caretaker capacity. Stewart has had a number possibilities to leave however has remained loyal to Buckie and desires to get them into the Scottish Professional Football League ranks.

He said: “I have had two or three opportunities and I haven’t taken them for quite a number reasons. One, I love it at Buckie and the dream is to get them promoted. Buckie took a risk on me when I used to be a 30 year-old lunatic.

“I had a recognition of war with players on the pitch. “I was an aggressive participant and I used to get despatched off a lot. “They firstly asked Lewis MacKinnon, the captain, to take it and he said he desired me due to the fact I was once additionally teaching the under-20s, so I truely wasn’t their first choice.

“I said proper away I won’t play and I stopped enjoying because I desired the job. Some of the administrators virtually didn’t favor me but Gary Farquhar and Graeme Tallis took a risk on me, so I have a lot to thank Buckie for, in terms of giving me this opportunity. I like to think I have repaid them.”

Stewart has gone on to show himself as one of the top managers in the Highland League and wants to take them into the senior ranks. “I have additionally built a group here,” Stewart claimed “I have signed every participant at Buckie, three work for me and 1/2 have likely worked for me at some point.

“I promise them that if they come to Buckie I will be there for them. So if I used to be to leave then I would be going again on my word. We are making an attempt to construct some thing and if I commit for a 12 months or two then I am no longer going to go in opposition to that.

“I am also busy at work and I have two young kids below three and it would be challenging to up sticks and go to any other soccer club. If the possibility comes up in the future and the situations change then it would be something to seem to be at.”

Buckie Thistle celebrate against Broxburn

Stewart has won the Highland League with Buckie and been successful and now pitting his wits in opposition to Brendan Rodgers’s facet will be the remaining undertaking for him. He admitted: “It will be high-quality to meet Brendan Rodgers. He is a pinnacle manager and has managed at the very best level, so it will be properly to go up towards his team. It is exciting for me to undertaking myself against one of the best.”

Cup fever has taken over Buckie. The fans will journey south in their droves. Coaches have been booked however there is no risk of Stewart making an attempt to park the bus at Celtic Park. The former Inverness and Peterhead midfielder stated: “It is a one-off recreation and how many times is it possibly to happen in our lifetime? How many Highland League teams get to play Celtic or Rangers away?

“It is the dream. The city is taking part in it. There are 20 ordinary buses going and it will be fantastic. We aren’t going to Celtic Park to defend.

“We are searching to bother them. We aren’t going with a 5-5-0 formation. It will be a shape that can shield and attack. We aren’t going there to sit in, we prefer to get some photographs on goal.

“We will have a recreation plan. We will be fantastic but also at the identical time we will also be realistic. Celtic are massive favourites and rightly so.

“I can dream. We can all dream but the most necessary aspect for me is that my team and players go out there, supply the whole thing and do themselves, the club, their families, the city and the Highland League proud. If they do that then I will be delighted.”

State of play for Beck, Carter Vickers, and Kelleher in the Celtic transfer while van Hooijdonk gets closer to leaving Bologna

Brendan Rodgers will need to play the waiting game if he wants Liverpool duo Owen Beck and Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Irishman is keen to bolster his Parkhead ranks after securing winger Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna. A left-back appears probable to be on the agenda and Beck has been linked after starring on loan at Dundee in the first half of of this term. He has been recalled via the Reds amid damage issues at Anfield however with stars like Andy Robertson returning, Rodgers could pounce on Beck being made on hand again.

Jurgen Klopp’s facet “won’t make any remaining choice on Beck’s on the spot future until nearer the cease of the month.” according to Football Scotland. And there is set to be disappointment in pursuit of Kelleher, as goalkeeper comes into the mild with Joe Hart’s future as Celtic number one up for debate. Kelleher has been advised though, According to the Liverpool Echo, he won’t be leaving mid-season.

That said, Rodgers “may renew” his pastime in the summer. Sydney van Hooijdonk is another linked with making a cross to Celtic and the son of Hoops hero Pierre is being edged closer to Bologna’s exit door.

e According to Tuttomercato, Santiago Castro is close to a Serie A move that would put the Dutchman behind him and Joshua Zirkzee in the pecking order. He has ‘admirers’ in Serie B and the Eredivisie.

One man Rodgers dare not sell is Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA international is believed to be attracting the activity of Premier League sides consisting of West Ham, and David Moyes has issued a Hammer transfer replace amid the centre-back rumours.

He said: “We’ll attempt and do some business. There’s without doubt a wish from the club to try and do something, from me and everyone there. The next part is can we get the right gamers to fall in and get ones who can come in and assist simply now.

Rodgers could finally release Bernabei with Celtic’s search for “aggressive” £2.2k-per-week whiz – opinion

The Hoops are reportedly keen to add any other left-back to their squad this month.

The January transfer window opened for business at the start of this month and Celtic are reportedly eager to make up to 4 new signings for their squad.

Alongside winger Nicolas Kuhn, Football Insider currently suggested that Brendan Rodgers would also like to sign a striker, a goalkeeper, and a left-back to bolster his side in advance of the 2d half of the 2023/24 campaign.

The club’s wish to convey in another left-sided defender does not bode properly for second-choice Alexandro Bernabei in that position, as it may want to spell the quit of his career at Parkhead.

Rodgers ought to brutally ditch the Argentine full-back, who has been at the back of Greg Taylor in the pecking order, by means of signing some other left-back to take his place.

The Scottish Sun pronounced in December that clubs in Italy and Argentina have shown an interest in the 23-year-old dud, who has only played four times in the Scottish Premiership so some distance this season.

With this in mind, right here are three left-backs who Celtic could sign – amid mentioned interest from the club – to permit them to section methods with Bernabei for exact this month…

1. Owen Beck

Firstly, Liverpool youngster Owen Beck ought to be an superb addition for the Hoops to bolster their options at the back for the second half of of the campaign.

Dave OCKOP mentioned in the past this month that Celtic and Rangers are both keen on a deal to signal the Welsh defender, who spent the first 1/2 of the season on loan with Dundee in the Premiership.

His awesome performances in Scotland suggest that he may want to be a exquisite signing for Rodgers and, potentially, an upgrade on Taylor in the quantity three position.

As you can see in the desk above, the Reds prodigy comes out on top in a number of key defensive and offensive metrics at the same time as taking part in at the equal degree for a club decrease in the division.

Celtic have won 12 extra Premiership matches than Dundee and scored 31 greater goals. Yet, Beck has furnished greater best in possession via risk creation and dribbles to push the team up the pitch in transition.

These statistics endorse that the Hoops target ought to enhance the crew and depart Taylor as a second-choice, which would then push Bernabei out of the door.

At the age of 21, Beck ought to additionally be a great long-term signing for the Bhoys if they are in a position to convince Liverpool to part approaches with him on a everlasting deal as the talented gem has lots of time left beforehand of him to improve and improve as he beneficial properties greater experience.

2. Gijs Smal

A left-back who was linked with a feasible switch to Parkhead ahead of the January switch window was once FC Twente’s Dutch maestro Gijs Smal.

Rangers have also been touted with an activity in the defender, who has been nicknamed ‘Smaldini’ in his homeland for his similarities to the legendary Paolo Maldini.

Twente wanted a whopping price of £6m for the proficient full-back at the quit of ultimate season but his contract is due to expire in the summer season and he is reportedly set to run it down before assessing his selections in advance of subsequent term.

Celtic ought to swoop in to persuade the Dutch side to section ways with him this month as a substitute of losing the gem for nothing in the summer, as Smal’s shape for his membership at some stage in the 2022/23 marketing campaign suggests that he has the achievable to be a extraordinary signing.

Kai Watson – the founder of the Rangers Journal – analysed the 26-year-old ace and hailed him as being “aggressive” as a defender, which is backed up by way of his 3.2 tackles and interceptions per game in the Eredivisie last season – 1.1 extra per match than Taylor has managed in the Premiership this term.

The £2.2k-per-week whiz additionally assisted ten dreams and created 16 ‘big chances’ in 34 league matches for Twente in the course of the 2022/23 campaign.

Taylor, meanwhile, has assisted eight dreams and created thirteen ‘big chances’ in his last 77 league appearances for Celtic considering that the begin of the 2021/22 season.

This suggests that Smal may want to come in as an improve on the Scotland worldwide at both ends of the pitch if he can translate his structure over to the Premiership, which is why Rodgers need to reflect onconsideration on a swoop for him this month.

3. Tiago Araujo

Finally, Estoril left-back Tiago Araujo is any other option who has been linked with a manageable transfer to be part of the Scottish giants before the give up of the window.

Portuguese outlet O’Jogo currently suggested that the Hoops are plotting a swoop to sign the promising young Genius to bolster their squad in January.

The record introduced that the Liga Portugal club are now not prepared to money in on the proficient gem for anything less than €4m (£3.4m) as Benfica nonetheless personal half of of his ‘pass’ and would be entitled to their cut.

At the age of 22, Araujo is a player with plausible who ought to come in as a long-term project to in the end replace Taylor in the future, whilst permitting Celtic to ditch Bernabei now.

As you can see in the desk above, the Estoril teen ought to come in and provide greater satisfactory as a defender for Rodgers with his introduced physicality and capability to win possession returned for the side.

With 0.7 key passes per game this season, Araujo is perchance the least-exciting option on this listing in phrases of what the £3.4m-rated ac offers on the ball however should be a strong alternative if Celtic desire a back-up to Taylor who ought to strengthen and enhance over time, instead than an on the spot first-team quality signing like Smal or Beck.

What Has Become of…Alekandar Tonev?

BULGARIAN international forward Aleksandar Tonev was once but another underwhelming signing in the course of Ronny Deial’s two-year stint.

The versatile midfielder/winger arrived in August 2014 on a year-long loan from Aston Villa.

Tonev didn’t get off the most encouraging starts in the course of his new profession in Glasgow. Boss Deila needed cowl for James Forrest, struggling a succession of injuries, but, ironically, the new Bhoy sustained a pre-season knock and used to be out for a month.

He ultimately made his debut in a 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Parkhead in September, but, unfortunately, although he took the headlines afterwards it was once not for football-related matters.

Dons defender Shay Logan claimed Tonev had racially abused him at some stage in the match. The new Celt strongly denied the allegations. There had been no witnesses to the alleged incident, but, amazingly, the Bulgarian used to be found responsible by using the SFA and banned for an astonishing NINE games.

It was later cut to seven when the player’s previous accurate conduct used to be taken into consideration.

Celtic launched an appeal in opposition to the high-quality judgement with Tonev persevering with to protest his innocence. The SFA rejected the plea and the suspension stood.

The on-loan Villa ahead made a complete of 14 appearances for the Hoops and one of the closing was once as a late replacement in the controversial 3-2 Scottish Cup semi-final loss towards Inverness Caley Thistle.

Near the end, with Deila’s gamers crowding into the penalty container as they desperately sought an equaliser, Tonev was introduced with the perfect opportunity to put the ball into the danger zone.

Alas, he launched a pass into orbit and as the ball floated serenely in the general path of the stadium automobile park, any probabilities of a everlasting contract went with it it.

After quitting Villa that summer, the 29 times-capped global moved to Italy with Frosinone and Crotone in Serie A and then lower back in 2018 to his hometown with Botev Plovdiv.

Two years later, at the age of 32, he retired from playing.

Celtic have reached a “agreement” to sign a “technically strong” player, according to Sky Sports

The Hoops are edging closer to their first January signing…

Celtic are now reputedly close to announcing their first signing of the January window with a suggested goal now due to have a scientific after a “total agreement” was once reached with the Scottish Premiership champions.

Celtic slowly making moves in the transfer market…

Brendan Rodgers made his desire to add greater best to his aspect in the January window clearer than ever to the point the Northern Irishman has almost sounded like a broken record as he looks to guide Celtic to a third successive league title.

Back in December, the 50-year-old signalled his design for the mid-season market, declaring by Sky Sports: “There’s no doubt now that, one, the squad will come down in numbers and of course we need to add quality. There is no dressing it up, the team misplaced real nice gamers in the summer. That’s some thing that over the coming home windows we will seem to improve on.”

Nevertheless, departures have in general filled the short for journalists when discussing the Hoops’ switch business. Yosuke Ideguchi and Kwon Hyeok-kyu have left the membership for Vissel Kobe and St Mirren, respectively. Gustaf Lagerbielke, Yuki Kobayashi, Marco Tilio, Benjamin Siegrist and Alexandro Bernabei have additionally been mentioned as possible undesirables in the context of Rodgers’ squad heading into the 2nd 1/2 of the season.

Getting gamers off the books this window will be an essential endeavour for the Hoops to minimize wage expenditure; nevertheless, in extra exciting news, Celtic now seem to be to be on the verge of confirming their first iciness signing, as per a new development.

Nicolas Kuhn set to join Celtic…

Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has verified that Rapid Vienna winger Nicolas Kuhn is now on the verge of becoming a member of Celtic after attaining a “total agreement” for a fee in the vicinity of €3.5 million add-ons, with a scientific scheduled for Monday.

🚨Excl. Details Nicolas Kühn: DONE DEAL! He will join @CelticFC now!

➡️ Total agreement between the clubs / @skrapid
➡️ Medical on Monday in London ✔️

The 24 y/o has already arrived in London today 🛬

➡️ Contract 2028
➡️ Transfer fee: €3,5m + add-ons. @SkySportDE 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/PMMprdpkoi

— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 14, 2024

Celtic fans will be delighted to see a deal to signal the former Germany Under-20 worldwide now being shut to completion and their hopes of bringing the 24-year-old to Parkhead were situation to a important improve until now this week after The Scottish Sun published that Kuhn had been granted a work permit in advance of his move to Glasgow.

Labelled “technically strong” with the aid of Bayern Munich academy manager Jochen Sauer, Kuhn has notched three dreams and seven assists across 22 appearances this season (Kuhn statistics – Transfermarkt).

Providing pleasure and trickery in the broad areas, Kuhn will obviously be any person who Rodgers will seem to be to towards low-block defences in the 2nd half of of the season.

Journalist explains why Nicolas Kuhn’s transfer to Celtic is delayed; he will arrive next week

Celtic are shut to completing a deal to signal Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna. The Scottish Champions are searching to make the winger their first signing of the January window as Brendan Rodgers targets to enhance the high-quality of the first team.

There had been fears that a deal is being extended due to penny-pinching methods by means of the Celtic board; however, journalist Mark Hendry has clarified that the extend is down to Rapid trying to have a participant in the door to change Kuhn before permitting him to go.

🚨It’s always been about Rapid finding a replacement for Kuhn. #Celtic know that, it’s a waiting game but the feeling on both sides – as is clear in report – is that player likely to be in Glasgow next week.
“Haggling” is no issue as when Rapid give go ahead, it’ll be done. https://t.co/qbdVjnl91q

— Mark Hendry (@mhendry92) January 13, 2024

The player will, however, probable arrive in Glasgow subsequent week as Celtic look to improve ahead of the 2nd 1/2 of the season. The club are predicted to be in the market for a left again and a centre ahead as Brendan eyes increased depth ahead of the return after the winter break.

Given the quantity of extensive preferences that Celtic have, e.g. Mikey Johnston and Yang, the club may want to incentivise the deal by using providing a player on loan for the 2d 1/2 of the season.

Celtic recall Adam Montgomery as Fleetwood Town issue a statement

The Scotland teen continued a challenging spell with the League One club

Celtic have recalled youngster Adam Montgomery after an injury-plagued loan stint at Fleetwood Town.

The left-back, 21, signed a season-long mortgage deal with the Cod Army in a summer season pass that noticed him reunited with ex-Hoops captain Scott Brown. But the ex-Aberdeen and St Johnstone loanee’s time with the League One club has been reduce brief after just six appearances, his remaining coming in 3-0 defeat away to Northampton at the start of December.

A Fleetwood declaration read: “Fleetwood Town can affirm defender Adam Montgomery has been recalled by way of his guardian club Celtic FC. The 21-year-old featured six instances for the Cod Army, with his first being in the 2-0 home win over Tranmere Rovers in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

“Montgomery’s spell on the Fylde Coast was hindered through a succession of injuries which confined the defender’s time on the pitch in the course of his short spell at the League One side. Everyone at the membership would like to thank Adam for his efforts and wish him all the pleasant for the future again up north of the border the place he will join returned up with the Hoops.”

Celtic prospect Bosun Lawal is also on the books at Fleetwood, with the defender making 26 appearances so far. It’s been a turbulent few months for the Cod Army though, who currently appointed Charlie Adam as their THIRD manager of the season following the sackings of Brown and ex-Hibs boss Lee Johnson.

Marvin Bartley is perplexed and’shocked’ by a transfer claim involving Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi

Kyogo Furuhashi is a cult hero at Celtic and a player you can trust when you go into the largest of games.

Even even though the Japan big name hasn’t scored the quantity of goals he has beforehand scored, the quick-thinking participant has still delivered when it has mattered most for the team.

Cite Kyogo Furuhashi’s recent stunner towards Rangers, as well as his winner for Celtic at Ibrox beforehand on in the season.

But when a Celtic fan advised promoting the 28-year-old, it left Marvin Bartley ’shocked’ and he referred to there is ‘no chance’ he would let him go, as he told Clyde 1.

The Queen of the South boss is awaiting Brendan Rodgers to convey in ‘another striker’ at some point of the January transfer window.

But he made it clear that he would never get rid of Kyogo Furuhashi due to the fact of his significance to the team, and rightly so.

This is how the former midfielder shut down that transfer declare about one of Celtic’s nice gamers in recent times.

Kyogo Furuhashi at Celtic

“I am extraordinarily surprised, I am,” said Bartley. “If I was once a supervisor of Celtic, Kyogo would now not be a participant I would allow to leave any time soon.

“I comprehend he likely hasn’t hit the heights goal-wise this season, as he did in the previous seasons. I understand that. But his fine and the goal he scored (against Rangers) simply earlier than the wintry weather break, just goes to show what he is about.

“I suppose he is a exceptional striker. I assume he makes Celtic better. There are a lot of groups he would make better, by means of the way. For £7 million, I don’t think you are going to go out there and get an accelerated forward.

“They would possibly go and appear for another striker, however for me, Kyogo has to be the variety one. If he is fit, then he desires to play. That shocks me. That has and I am not swapping Kyogo for Batshuayi, no chance!”

Playing a back-up position to Kyogo Furuhashi

Hyeongyu Oh is away on worldwide duty with South Korea in advance of the Asian Cup games, but he is tasked with taking part in 2d fiddle to Kyogo.

It’s not an effortless factor to do due to the fact your recreation time is constrained and you have smaller possibilities to show yourself.

And whoever has performed that function over the years virtually can’t suit Kyogo due to the fact he is the difference-maker when it comes to winning trophies, as easy as that!

From his brace in the ultimate or his current winners towards Rangers, he is the decisive participant and that is very challenging to match.

Nicolas Kuhn is the next transfer target for Celtic, and Liel Abada is willing to be tested after receiving “offers.”

The full-back looks set to turn out to be the first signing of the January window to arrive at Celtic Park.

Celtic show up to be inching are closer to a deal for Rapid Vienna broad man Nicolas Kuhn – and Brendan Rodgers looks to be a ways from accomplished this month.

The German is a target for boss Rodgers and Parkhead chiefs have now stepped up their bid to land the 24-year-old, with Record Sport understanding the Scottish Premiership leaders are closing in on a £2million move. The Austrian side have already cited they will take delivery of a suitable price for Kuhn to depart during this window with talks ongoing with Celtic over the deal.

Sporting director Markus Katzer has already cited the membership ought to be tempted into a sale this month, stating: “Once we attain a sure amount, we have to think about it.” The Daily Mail kingdom that Celtic are “optimistic an settlement can be reached” to make Kuhn their first January addition – and the Hoops are said to be targeting a striker as a “priority” as soon as the former RB Leipzig and Ajax celebrity has arrived at Celtic Park.

Brondby big name Mathias Kvistgaarden had been a goal however the Danish side insist they are in no rush to promote amid a title fight. The 22-year-old is contract to the club till 2027.

Sydney Van Hooijdonk has additionally been linked but reports in Italy advocate he could acquire a 2d threat at Bologna having struggled for minutes so a long way this term. Corriere dello Sport claim the Dutchman will be brought out of bloodless storage against Cagliari with first-choice Joshua Zirkzee missing thru injury.

Elsewhere, The Daily Mail file that Celtic’s “strength” to keep Liel Abada could be tested in the January window. The winger only penned a long-term contract extension on September 1.

At the time of the agreement, boss Rodgers stated there was “significant interest” in the Israel international. It is claimed that there were f”ive clubs probably keen on signing” Abada last summer.

Israeli winger Liel Abada finds himself in an unfavorable scenario. and quitting Celtic might be your only option following the Hamas assaults in Israel

• Fall-out from Hamas assaults has raised questions over the future of Liel Abada
• Celtic supporters have defied a membership ban to exhibit their guide for Palestinians
• ‘It’s completely indefensible’: Why Joey Barton is way out of line – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off

Former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was once asked to pick out the greatest project for any statesman. ‘Events, pricey boy, events,’ he replied.

The ink was barely dry on Liel Abada’s new contract at Celtic when activities in Israel modified everything.

Five weeks after the winger signed a new four-year deal, his fatherland got here below attack from Hamas, the violent fall-out elevating questions over his capacity to remain a player at the Parkhead club.

Fall-out from Hamas attacks has raised questions over the future of Celtic winger Liel Abada
On October 7, Hamas and different militant agencies primarily based in Gaza launched a go border assault on Israel which killed some 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.

Israel replied by launching a navy campaign to eradicate Hamas, with the BBC reporting extra than 20,000 deaths in Gaza, many of them girls and children. Israel’s own navy estimates recommend various thousand Hamas opponents have been killed.

Before a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, Celtic’s Green Brigade ultras crew held aloft a banner calling for ‘victory to the resistance’ in Palestine.

On a day when Hamas had just staged a massacre of innocents at a track pageant and taken hostages, the banner provoked anger in Israel and amongst the Jewish community at large.

In a u . s . a . which neither knows nor cares about perceived parallels between the history of Celtic and the displacement of Palestinians, it used to be considered as a group of football supporters celebrating the slaughter of Jews and an act of anti-Semitism.

Weeks after penning a new contract with the Scottish champions, Abada was once positioned in an unenviable position. The pressure from domestic grew to be as robust as the currents of the Red Sea.

Former Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton branded the Green Brigade ‘brainwashed and biased’ and accused them of aiding a terrorist organisation.

Israel worldwide Dolev Haziza, a participant with Maccabi Haifa, entreated his compatriot to leave Celtic with instantaneous effect, saying: ‘Liel Abada…you need to have moved on from Celtic a lengthy time ago. Go to every other club immediately. God will bless you even greater if you leave.’

Israel manager Alon Hazan described Celtic supporters as ‘anti-Semitic’, forcing the membership to reply on behalf of the vast majority of fans who surely prefer to watch their crew win video games of football.

Idan Vered, a winger with the countrywide team, played distant places for Red Star Belgrade before returning to Israel the place he now performs with Hapoel Petah Tikva.

‘When you’re an Israeli abroad, you join even more to your roots and Judaism, even more so now during the war,’ said Vered.

Celtic fans defied a ban from their club to display Palestine flags at Champions League tie

‘Everyone does notable advocacy, whether it’s Manor Solomon, Liel Abada or Daniel Peretz.

‘In Liel’s case, it’s something even greater because a lot of the Celtic fans came out against it and it’s a stupid crowd that behaves ignorantly. He’s a massive boy and he’s doing amazingly there.’

After October 7, Abada met with Parkhead directors, who promised to take the remember seriously.

Brendan Rodgers took him out for dinner and offered assurances that he was an essential and valued player at the club. Celtic additionally issued a declaration distancing themselves from the banner and warning that political messages have been unwelcome inside the stadium.

To the near three hundred individuals of the Green Brigade, the club’s stance induced accusations of double standards.

Celtic gamers had taken the knee to guide Black Lives Matter and expressed gestures of help for the human beings of Ukraine when Vladimir Putin’s tanks crossed the border from Russia.

While backing for the Green Brigade from the broader physique of the Celtic help was once with the aid of no means conventional – the ultras crew remain deeply divisive – the Champions League suit with Atletico Madrid on October 25 was preceded by way of a display of Palestinian flags by means of fans at Parkhead.

When UEFA reacted – as they so regularly do – with the aid of opening some other disciplinary case against the Scottish champions, Celtic excluded the fan team from home and away video games citing ‘repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct’. The ban, they insisted, used to be now not linked to the flying of Palestinian flags and banners.

As well as a choreographed display, fans raised individual flags against the wishes of their club

Instead, they pointed to a sequence of ‘safety-related’ incidents involving the Green Brigade September and October while referring ‘to evidence of the crew using banners and flags pertaining to to or related with terrorist companies worried in the conflict in the Middle East’.

The suspension of the ultras drew reward for Abada from Israel legend and former worldwide team-mate Eran Zahavi.

‘I assume the national group gamers abroad are doing an amazing job,’ said the former PSV goalscorer.

‘In the case of Liel Abada, you see that his club revoked season tickets to human beings who supported Hamas.’

By the time the winger made his long-awaited return from injury as a substitute in the latest 2-1 win over Rangers, the Green Brigade have been off the naughty step and had been allowed to attend video games again. Trepidation was once natural.

Fears of a blended reaction from fans on Abada’s comeback proved unfounded. His arrival as a replacement for Luis Palma in the 83rd minute provoked one of the loudest ovations of the match.

However, the response from back in his hometown continues to be robust.

Since October, the 22-year-old has come beneath sustained pressure to suppose cautiously about his future from both soccer figures and those on social media.

On Instagram, Abada was tagged in a submit depicting an Israeli supporter burning a Celtic shirt. Under a Hebrew caption, one line in English read: ‘For all you Celtic fans.’ Another branded him a ‘traitor to (his) country’ while a separate message read: ‘Shame on you for nevertheless being there.’

Caught between a rock and a challenging place, Abada has discovered the scenario hard and testing. A replacement in the 3-0 win over St Mirren in Paisley, the participant left the discipline as team-mates soaked up the acclaim of the away supporters. Every go now has to be cautiously calibrated.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers assured Abada that he was an important and valued player

Celtic’s transfer “collapses” as the club “focuses on” a player from Liverpool

The Hoops goalkeeper’s proposed move to Austrian facet Sturm Graz has fallen through

Celtic goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist looks set to continue to be at Parkhead for the time being after a proposed loan go to Sturm Graz collapsed following their decision to turn attentions elsewhere.

The Hoops’ third-choice stopper has made simply two aggressive appearances for the Scottish champions considering joining the club from Dundee United in the summer of 2022 below Ange Postecoglou, featuring in remaining season’s League Cup campaign.

31-year-old Siegrist was reportedly shut to joining the Austrian facet in search of more normal game time but the Daily Record claim that club officials “are now thinking about Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezlav Jaros as an alternative”.

It was cautioned that Sturm Graz has been working on a deal for the Swiss keeper for almost a month however have now decided to pursue different targets.

Siegirst finds himself at the back of modern-day No.1 Joe Hart and understudy Scott Bain in the pecking order, with Bain offering in the past this season when Hart used to be ruled out through suspension. He used to be anticipated to depart the membership remaining summer time however a managerial exchange averted him from slicing quick his irritating spell at Parkhead.

However, Brendan Rodgers now appears geared up to go some fringe players on and free up some money to invest in new arrivals. Siegrist used to be delivered in to assignment for the variety one jersey after impressing for the duration of his time at Tannadice, but his selection to join Celtic over a range of other switch preferences hasn’t worked out.

“I want to improve my reputation,” reputation.” To “carry the water” for Japan, Reo Hatate

Reo Hatate posted this update after training with the Japan squad beforehand of their Asian Cup opener in Qatar against Thailand on Sunday…

The Celtic midfielder pulled up with a hamstring damage in the opening minutes of Celtic’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on 25 October and was lacking from Brendan Rodgers’ side till coming off the bench in the closing degrees of the 3-0 win at St Mirren on three January 2024.

However Hatate used to be nevertheless blanketed in Hajime Moriyasu’s Japan squad for the Asian Cup alongside his Celtic teammate Daizen Maeda, whilst unusually ample Kyogo was overlooked.

“The weather is very appropriate for football, so I assume we can prepare very nicely as a team,” Hatate noted. “Individually, I’ve had a bit of a lengthy injury, so I want to prepare nicely while improving my circumstance as a lot as I can.

Celtic’s midfielder Reo Hatate during a friendly football match between Japan’s Gamba Osaka and  Celtic at Suita City Stadium in the city of Suita, Osaka prefecture on July 22, 2023. (Photo by PAUL MILLER/AFP via Getty Images)

“The surroundings in the crew is getting better, and I assume there will be a lot of tension in the lead-up to the game, however I choose to experience the parts I enjoy.

“I choose to make contributions as a lot as I can with my play in the direction of the championship we are aiming for. I choose to play in games, so I prefer to improve my reputation while enjoying my own way.

“As a private challenge, I desire to reap numerical results. I suppose my style of play requires me to “carry the water”, so I choose to play between the DF line and the players in the front of me in that area, and reap results,” Reo stated.

Reo Hatate talked about how motivated he is after today’s training🗣️

💬”We are here to be the champion in Asian Cup, so I’ll demonstrate my strengths as much as possible to win.”@CelticFC @jfa_samuraiblue pic.twitter.com/XTHDPgjgrG

— Yatao (@yataoda4) January 8, 2024

🏆
🍀🇯🇵Hatate’s post-practice comments https://t.co/LmcyDd7xcS pic.twitter.com/QoBnAYI56y

— 🍀🇯🇵Nar📽️Japanese Bhoy Studios🎨 (@CelticStudio_JP) January 9, 2024

🔹𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗜 𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘🔹
【2024.1.8 練習後コメント✍️】

17 MF/FW #旗手怜央

🏆AFC アジアカップ カタール 2023
⚔️グループステージ第1節
🗓1.14(日) ⌚️20:30(🇯🇵)
🆚ベトナム代表🇻🇳
🏟️Al Thumama Stadium(カタール)
📺#DAZN
🔗https://t.co/Tlg2677is8#頂点そしてその先へ#夢への勇気を… pic.twitter.com/wSdeR6BS5Y

— サッカー日本代表 🇯🇵 (@jfa_samuraiblue) January 9, 2024

🍀 Reo Hatate Song Live in Donegal 🍀 pic.twitter.com/vQN2Y4KuwT

— Eimhéar Rebel (@Eimhearrebel) December 18, 2023

Rodgers might find his next Ndidi in Celtic’s “unbelievable” £5.5 million swoop, according to opinion

The Hoops have been linked with an hobby in the central midfielder this month.

Celtic could seem to bolster their midfield options this month after the January transfer window opened for commercial enterprise at the start of final week.

It used to be currently stated by using HITC that the Hoops are one of the clubs interested in a swoop to signal LDU Quito defensive midfielder Oscar Zambrano.

The outlet claimed that Celtic and Rangers are both maintaining tabs on the awesome teenager but are but to make a formal strategy for his services.

Whereas, Premier League side Bournemouth are in ‘advanced’ talks to impervious a deal for the Ecuadorian whiz, who has been likened to Chelsea superstar and compatriot Moises Caicedo.

The Sun have due to the fact claimed that the Cherries and Luton are both prepared to pay £5.5m for him, but the hold-up is due to an difficulty related to a 15% sell-on clause that would be owed to the teenage talent that his membership desire him to waive.

If the Hoops can win the race for his signature then Brendan Rodgers could land his subsequent version of Leicester City battler Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi’s closing full season with Rodgers in numbers

The pair’s closing full season together came during the 2021/22 campaign as the Nigeria global made 19 Premier League appearances in midfield for the Foxes.

Ndidi showcased his immense defensive pleasant with 5.4 tackles and interceptions made per sport and a duel success fee of 54% in the top-flight.

He additionally completed 80% of his attempted passes and did not make contributions with a single goal or assist to assist his group at the pinnacle give up of the pitch, which illustrates how a lot the shielding midfielder focused on preserving the opposition out.

The following campaign, Ndidi averaged 3.7 tackles and interceptions per fit across 27 matches for Leicester as they were relegated underneath a combination of Rodgers and Dean Smith.

The statistics that exhibit why Zambrano may want to be Ndidi 2.0

Celtic’s head coach may want to unearth his next version of the Foxes big name by using snapping up Zambrano, who has the possible to be an superb midfielder.

At the age of 19, the £5.5m-rated enforcer is not the completed article and, therefore, may not be in a position to match the protecting output that Ndidi used to be in a position to produce in his top years for Rodgers.

However, his form for Ecuador at the U20 World Cup closing yr suggests that he has the fundamental tools to function effectively as a wide variety six.

Zambrano averaged 4.3 tackles and interceptions per in shape and received 55% of his duels across 4 appearances for his country at the tournament.

However, he only managed 2.0 tackles and interceptions per clash throughout 24 Serie A fits for his side for the duration of the 2023 campaign, which suggests that the Hoops target is still getting to grips with first-team soccer and that there is nevertheless development wished for him to excel in a senior setting.

Kenny Dalglish hits back against Rangers criticism while defending Willie Collum

Celtic and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has criticised Rangers for their reaction not being awarded a penalty in the latest derby at Parkhead.

Willie Collum who was on VAR responsibility for the fixture, has confronted extreme criticism for the decision.

It has led to statements from both the Ibrox aspect and Scottish FA over who is right and wrong about the incident.

And Dalglish feels referees are already under adequate pressure.

Writing in the Sunday Post, he said: “Rangers had been a ways from completely satisfied with the performance of Willie Collum in last weekend’s game.

“Willie was once on VAR obligation and didn’t name for fit referee Nick Walsh to evaluation a handball through Celtic’s Alistair Johnston.

“It regarded like a penalty but it was once null and void as Sima was once offside in the build-up. However, Rangers prefer readability as to how the selection was reached.

“They have met with the SFA and they would like the audio launched of the conversations of the officials from the game at Parkhead.

“It’s additionally been cautioned they have requested for Willie now not to officiate in any greater of their games.

“Willie might also well have made a mistake. But it would have been an straightforward one. Does he deserve to be solid aside because of it?

“No, I don’t suppose he does.Referees are below adequate strain as it is. Has no person at Rangers ever made a mistake?

“I’m all for transparency however that sort of component would need to contain all golf equipment and all of the Hampden hierarchy.”

Ibrox meltdown prompts SPFL crisis discussions

Next week, Scotland’s referees and SFA chiefs are due for a integral chat amidst the ongoing Willie Collum saga. [SunSport]

The main agenda is the aftermath of Rangers’ complaint concerning Collum’s choices at some point of Celtic’s win.

Crawford Allan, at the helm of referee operations, is bracing for a tense come across as countless officers experience let down by the SFA’s response to the incidents from the December 30 Glasgow Derby match.

While there hasn’t been any whisper of a repeat of the 2010 referees’ strike, the mood is expected to be fiery as Collum’s friends exhibit their support. There’s a strong sense that it’s time for unity, particularly after the way the Ibrox membership has performed itself in the aftermath of their defeat. Especially leaking to their favored journalists in the media that they’ve requested Willie Collum not to officiate their matches. It would be a unsafe precedent to even entertain that notion.

The incident The Rangers are most aggrieved about is a penalty decision that would never have stood. There’s a consensus amongst Scottish football that they are taking part in to the galleries.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 30, 2023 Celtic’s Kyolgo Furuhashi scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

A 12 months in the past in the same fixture Collum failed to give Celtic a penalty for a blatant hand ball at Ibrox, there was once no meltdown from Celtic.

We at CeltsAreHere are advocating for these discussions to usher in a new generation of transparency for referees and the SFA.

It’s necessary to open up about VAR decisions and the referees’ notion processes. Without this openness, we’re just leaving room for baseless speculations and conspiracy theories.

Although Rangers’ response to their loss has been less than mature, a push for greater readability is some thing each person have to get behind.

Rodgers says Declan Rice was “all set” for his move to the Celtics

The experience to sign a participant is frequently akin to a high-stakes game of chess, crammed with surprising turns and last-minute changes. Brendan Rodgers, with a seasoned eye and a wealth of experience, recently shared a charming glimpse into this world, highlighting the elaborate dance of participant acquisitions.

His candid recollections disclose simply how shut Celtic came to signing now-prominent Arsenal and England midfielder, Declan Rice, at some point of his initial tenure with Celtic.

Rodgers, didn’t mince words when he mentioned the inherent complexities of sealing deals, he told Celtic TV: “Ideally, you’d desire to get them in [early]. Deals can be elaborate and things that may have been there for three or 4 months can fall away.” His phrases replicate a truth customary in football circles – the unpredictable nature of player signings. Despite months of planning and negotiation, the direction to a profitable switch is by no means guaranteed.

The story of Declan Rice serves as a perfect instance of the volatility that golf equipment like ours navigate during switch windows. Rodgers recounted the saga with a hint of what may have been: “I remember when I used to be here the first time, we spent about three months looking for Declan Rice to come in. Declan was once all set to come in and then all of a sudden they had an injury, he stayed and obtained in the crew and the relaxation is history.” This anecdote underscores the fragile nature of switch deals, the place a single harm or a unexpected exchange in situations can redirect the direction of a player’s career.

Rodgers’ reflections additionally shed light on the club’s strategic strategy to improving the squad: “We have a number of positions we desire to prioritise; there are other positions the place we won’t be in a position to do anything till the summer, I comprehend that. But what I do comprehend is that we choose to enhance the squad and the club are very happy to support that.” This declaration provides reassurance to the fans, declaring the club’s dedication to strengthening the group and acknowledging the ongoing guide from the club’s management.

As supporters, we are regularly on the edge of our seats, eagerly looking forward to new signings and dreaming of the potential have an effect on that player can make. Rodgers’ insights remind us of the complexities and challenges that lie at the back of each transfer. It’s a world the place meticulous planning meets unforeseen circumstances, where months of effort can unravel in an instant, but also where resilience and adaptability can lead to exciting deals.

There are many close to pass over memories at each football club. Celtic have had extra than their honest share over the piece. From David Ginola to Giroud.

Bobby Madden highlights the ‘amazing’ penalty call in the Celtics vs. Rangers game

Bobby Madden has expressed his views on Rangers’ claims that talks with the Scottish FA concluded the non-award of a penalty for handball against Celtic’s Alistair Johnston on Saturday used to be incorrect.

The former FIFA referee asked customers on social media ‘What did humans expect?’, as he pointed to the launch of the subsequent offside image as the ‘outstanding issue’.

The ex-Scottish legitimate insists that mistakes will take place with subjective choices involving handball.

Responding to this evening’s news, he wrote on his new X account: “What did humans expect? Referee overlooked call on field, understandable in my opinion.

“VAR didn’t think it was a penalty and didn’t check APP. Mistakes happen involving subjective decisions. Releasing the offside image sometime later is the exquisite issue.”

Replying to his other X users in the thread, he made some further feedback about the situation.

He wrote: “Not the exceptional seem that’s for sure. It wouldn’t have been the VAR that later launched the offside image, that would be who used to be overseeing VAR operations.

“They’ve probable realised pen need to have been reviewed and shared offside to try exhibit penalty couldn’t have been awarded.

“The individual overseeing VAR would have shared the offside image, probable wondering it was a right concept to exhibit that that penalty couldn’t be awarded either way. I’d say that used to be an error on their part.”

On the undeniable subjectivity over the handball rule, he added: “Handball interpretation is a shambles. Look how nearly each handball is debated. Put your self in that especially pressurised environment with all the quite a number criteria and guidance and mistakes will happen.”

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Rangers FC nowadays met with Scottish FA officials to talk about the VAR handball name and subsequent miscommunications from Saturday’s Old Firm match.

“From the meeting, there was once an overriding consensus the VAR decision of no handball was incorrect.

“Having listened to the audio, there is no mention of a manageable offside at the time of the handball decision. Rangers is also deeply concerned at the haste at which the inaccurate no-handball call used to be made.

“Rangers has appealed to the Scottish FA to launch the audio and provide an explanation for this decision, and future contentious choices involving all clubs, to the public, as would be frequent practice in England for such a decision.

“The club has made a quantity of particular requests that it hopes the Scottish FA will reply to in order to improve matters going forward.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tiago Araujo, Scott McKenna and Ola Solbakken

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HARRY KEWELL’S TIME AT CELTIC IN QUOTES

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

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

Kyogo and Harry Kewell

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kris Boyd

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

Chris Sutton

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

Pat Bonner

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

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

Kyogo celebrates

James McFadden

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

Neil Lennon

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

Billy Dodds

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

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

Tam McManus

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

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

 

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

Turnbull and Gustaf Lagerbielke

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

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

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

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

Ben Siegrist

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

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

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

Gustaf Lagerbielke

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

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

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

Maik Nawrocki

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

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

Nat Phillips

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

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

Yuki Kobayashi

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

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

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

Alexandro Bernabei

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

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

David Turnbull

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

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

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

James McCarthy

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

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

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

Kwon Hyeok-kyu

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

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

Matt O’Riley

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

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

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

Marco Tilio

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

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