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Celtic almost pulls off a remarkable comeback against Brighton in the Premier League International Cup on Friday

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8 months ago

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Celtic B performed their brand new fixture in the Premier League International Cup tonight, dropping 4-3 away to Brighton

The match took region at the AMEX Stadium, where Brighton’s first group play in the English Premier League, giving the younger Hoops a extraordinary experience.

Unfortunately, the opening duration didn’t go to diagram and the home facet located themselves 3-0 up thanks to Leigh Kavanagh and Mark O’Mahony, who scored a double.

Celtic did combat their way lower back into the fixture at 3-1 through the interval, with Mackenzie Carse cooly ending after a robust Bhoys press forced an possibility in the Brighton box.

Then, Rocco Vata showed off his pace, talent and finishing capability with an brilliant 2nd to make it 3-2 after fifty seven minutes.

Daniel Kelly due to this fact produced an gorgeous first-time end from a low cross into the box, banging it into the top corner for a 3-3 scoreline.

The youngsters built big pressure on Brighton at some point of the second half and created a couple of opportunities, only to be thwarted by gorgeous goalkeeping and a bit of shielding resilience.

It was once an open, exciting and lightning-quick ninety minutes. Unfortunately with what was once nearly the final kick of the game, Brighton netted a dramatic winner at 4-3.

Premier League International Cup valuable trip for Celtic B

Tonight was once Celtic’s 2nd fixture in this year’s edition of the adolescence event which pits the fine of the English academies towards choose groups from round Europe.

Celtic have been drawn in Group B and have future fits away to Chelsea and Southampton to contend with in December and January.

Finishing in the top two of their section, which additionally consists of Valencia, Dinamo Zagreb and Lyon, would see the younger Hoops growth into the quarter-finals. There is additionally a area for two of the first-class third-placed outfits throughout the three groups. Victories will be needed in the remaining two matches to have any hope of progression.

Regardless, tonight was a properly displaying from Stephen McManus’ and Darren O’Dea’s outfit and the youngsters can keep their heads high travelling back to Scotland regardless of defeat.

Nottingham’s crush calamity is avoided by Celtic, but sadly, the warning was disregarded

Forty years in the past this nighttime a large Celtic support had travelled down to Nottingham to play Brian Clough’s Forest in any other one of those Battle of Britain affairs. It used to be additionally a fighting of European Cup Winners with Celtic becoming the first British facet to win the Big Cup in 1967 and much greater these days at that time, was once the double European Cup wins for Nottingham Forest in 1979 and 1980.

The occasion was once the UEFA Cup Third Round first leg and the fit completed goalless, although Celtic had the better of matters and honestly need to have gained the match. They’d stay to remorseful about the missed opportunities at Celtic Park in the return.

It was once an actually freezing night and as we made our way to the City Ground what was once obvious was that no matter there being no signal of any bother the Police were in full rise up equipment and seemed to be spoiling for the assume aggro to get underway. Many supporters would have left it as late as viable to accommodate as a good deal time in the local pubs as possible earlier than heading to the game and as the visiting assist used to be so giant there used to be an inevitable late surge.

Supporters additionally seemed to have been delayed through buses being parked up on the bridge near the ground. As kick-off approached the Nottingham Police determined to open gates so whether you had. ticket or not, no-one stricken as the support had been ushered in throw open gates alternatively than turnstiles.

We included this match is some detail returned in 2020 but thinking it’s worth another look today.

Some replies to this tweet well worth looking at:

“Forest and the police weren’t prepared for the large variety of Celtic fans. Only a few turnstiles dealing with thousands of supporters. In the panic they opened a gate into one of the pens.”

“Can’t have in mind this one at all. It’s fascinating that, regardless of some fans for sure being in distress and requiring attention, there’s nonetheless eejits stood around making an attempt to rouse the fans. Different times. Sadly, this is not Forest’s solely journey of this sort of thing.”

“Me and my mate dogged faculty for that one – 1st European away tie. Don’t assume Nottingham had ever considered an away help that dimension earlier than – completely unprepared. The crushing used to be appalling – I recall the Celtic fans chanting ‘we are no longer animals’. Very lucky there had been no fatalities.”

“My first ever European away game. Ended up in the crush and came home with one shoe and bus home had a window caved in. Absolutely freezing.”

“Twelve hours to get home following day honestly great trip can’t believe it was once 37 years ago we have been in stand not caught up in crush thankfully.”

“That cease was vastly overcrowded. Opened the gates and ticket much less followers rushed in. Terrifying with these pens and fences.”

“I used to be there that night, got caught in a massive crush getting into the game, buses too close to the turnstiles if I keep in mind right.”

“Buses parked on the bridge, right outdoor the ground.”

“When I got home still had full ticket that used to be Hillsbrough second no training learned!”

“I assume there have been extra close to misses than we like to assume about.”

“It was once freezing all day.”

“And there were followers climbing the floodlights in simply Celtic tops and shorts.”

“The crush trying to get in the turnstiles was once terrible.”

“And Brian Clough appearing like a prick blaming Celtic followers and setting a banner a david hays feet.”

Hampden 57 was additionally at this recreation  and writes about what took place on Celtic Wiki. Here’s a flavour of his longer article on this cold and hazardous night time in Nottingham…

We reached the metropolis ground just after 6 o’clock, properly earlier than the kick-off time of 7.30. Even at that early stage there were huge numbers of Celtic fans outside–it appeared lots more than the 6000 or so that had been estimated would travel. Our tickets had been for the cease at the back of the aim and there had been massive queues outdoor the major admission gate. It seemed to take always for people to get in, and all the while the crowd was once getting bigger. It was obvious at this stage that the police have been now not capable to deal with the situation, as crushes had been opening to enhance in the queues.

Finally, we bought in round 15 minutes or so earlier than the healthy started, however there have been various hundred nevertheless outside, perhaps more. I understand looking at the pitch and half of it used to be absolutely frozen and regarded unplayable, with the other half, which had of course obtained some sun that day, searching playable. I was amazed they let the in shape go on, however I feel by means of that stage it too late to name it off.

What was once the situation by kick-off time?

It was once very bad. Many English soccer grounds at that time had pens, which sub-divided terraces into small, self-contained sections, divided through high fences. The pens had gates, however very few people could pass from one pen to another at any given time. We had been in the corner pen, which is the one you went into after passing through the turnstyles. It used to be by using this stage jam packed, however there didn’t seem to be any cognizance amongst stewards or the police, and no strive to open up the gates across all of the pens to enable the followers to filter via greater evenly.

So, the sport kicked off–what took place next?

By kick-off time, the nook pen where I was standing was once full, as used to be the adjoining pen. You should rarely see the park, because there had been so many humans in the end. But more and more human beings kept pouring into that corner pen. I have never been in such a packed, small, contained location with so many people. After a few minutes of the game, extreme crushing had started. We had been about half-way down the terrace, however were getting pushed via this mass strain nearer and nearer to the front. You didn’t so a whole lot walk as get swept along.

The game itself kicked off and Celtic appeared a contact nervous. Forest settled and almost scored when Gary Birtles ran onto a long ball that kept away from the Celtic defence. He ought to have scored however Packie Bonner made a great save. However, right after this, there had been some big surges of human beings into the pen with the fans at the front getting trapped in opposition to the excessive perimeter fences. It used to be surely terrifying, as you had truely no control over it. You couldn’t get out of the way, or move someplace else. It was once difficult to breathe, by no means thinking move.

I had been in crush kind conditions earlier than in Scotland–normally when you were leaving huge matches– but nothing I had ever skilled before or after would come shut to this. I saw one or two humans falling and it regarded certain there would be some serious casualties. Then, all of a sudden, a lot of the followers began climbing over the excessive fence onto the pitch. Before long it seemed that lots were doing this. Some the place additionally mountaineering into the next pen. A few even shinnied up the floodlights. This had the impact of relieving the strain a bit on those left in the pen. But there used to be no question of these fans coming back into the pens, so the sport was once delayed, for about 15 minutes.

What did the stewards and police do?

Very little in a constructive way at first. They seemed to simply watch people pour onto the area and have been no longer helpful. They seemed to see it as a crowd control issue, rather than a disaster in the making. I consider Brian Clough coming onto the area with a flag, possibly to please the ‘rioting’ Celtic fans. It was ridiculous, really, as no-one had grasped the gravity of the situation. Eventually, after what appeared an age, the police ferried fans round to one-of-a-kind parts of the ground, and the sport re-started.

Here are some supporter reminiscences from that night in Nottingham…

“I was once at the recreation in Nottingham. It used to be a very cold however it didn’t have any unfavorable influence on the Celtic support’s enthusiasm. I can consider some fans in reality dancing in some water fountains in the town centre even even though the temperatures have been so low.

“We went along to the ground in lots of time for the kick off and it was once obvious that at that point many had became up without a ticket.The police had been having issue controlling the giant numbers assembled. I cannot take into account any bad behaviour or hassle of any sort from the Celtic supporters.

“The police eventually opened the exit gates and hundreds walked in with or except tickets. I did have a ticket and sensed that due to the fact of what I witnessed outside the ground. ie.The very giant crowds, that there was now the achievable for crushing within the stadium. I determined to watch the game from the top of the terracing as the crushing was once no longer as severe.

“From this point I could take a look at the place the worst of the problem was. Right down in the corner close to one of the corner flags it was once obvious that humans were being overwhelmed and there was once no way that they may want to break out from the hazard that they determined themselves in. My recollections of how the crushing was once stopped and then the subsequent wrongly described pitch invasion by means of the fans ,was that a fan or followers within the location worst effected by using the overcrowding wished help from the first aiders.

“When the first aiders opened the gate on the perimeter fence to help the supporters, many fans took the possibility to escape from the probably fatal situation they determined themselves in. This resulted in hundreds of fans being on the song and the pitch as well. The fans had to do some thing to assist themselves because no physique in authority regarded to understand what used to be going on it’s a miracle that no one died that night.

“I left the floor lengthy earlier than the sport finished and lower back to the bus, I used to be anxious of crushing leaving the floor and additionally very irritated at the incompetence of the Nottingham Police pressure and the way that they dealt with this major wearing event. Watching the highlights on television a couple days later I was once disgusted to see Brian Clough manhandling some Celtic fans who he had thinking have been inflicting trouble.” John McGoldrick

“Five of us travelled down to Nottingham via car, we arrived early morning on the day of the game, obtained a right breakfast internal us, then went spherical a few pubs, we ended up in a pub referred to as The Narrow Boat, and the landlord was once brilliant with us, let us go behind the bar and took photographs of us retaining up the tricolour whilst singing the Celtic songs. We stayed there all day, got on exceptional with the locals, who where broadly speaking Notts County supporters.

“Near the time of the kick off, the landlord even drove us to The City Ground in his car, when we got there, there used to be heaps of Celtic fans backyard the floor making an attempt to get in, one of the huge gates received put in or was opened up with the aid of the police.

“We managed to get in, but couldn’t get any further than the first pen, and it was heaving, I knew it used to be going to get worse, and I was once one of the followers that climbed up the floodlights, bought a outstanding view of the game, however it was once freezing, parts of the pitch which have been shaded all day had been nonetheless frozen, however it was once never going to get called off, because of the size of the Celtic support, which crammed three quarters of the ground.

“Nottingham in no way knew what hit them, and Clough acted like a clown, when the Celtic assist had to go on the pitch to get away from the crush in the corner of the ground.

“Celtic should have won the game down there, and we paid the fee at Celtic Park when they put us out, it should have been effortlessly a catastrophe if the followers hadn’t long past onto the pitch.
The day out was once great, we acquired properly appeared after, however you put followers into pens and too many flip up, it’s a disaster ready to happen, and it did at Hillsborough.

“Got to keep the faith, hail hail.” Stephen Kane

“I used to be working in London at the time. Knowing that tickets would be like gold dust I managed to get 4 tickets from a work colleague whose husband was a Forrest season ticket holder! We travelled up on the train at 10 am (crammed with Celtic fans) and spend the day in the city centre pubs. A huge Celtic aid descended on the town and we met lots of locals who should no longer believe the quantity of supporters who were there.

“An older guy we met was reading the neighborhood sports activities paper which cited the return leg “at Celtics 67,000 capability Glasgow ground”  he requested if it used to be a misprint !! We additionally witnessed some pockets of violent behaviour more often than not from Forrest fans.

“I recall waiting for ages to get in the small quantity of turnstiles with what appeared to be lots outside, I was once nearly there when a huge surge pinned me towards the wall right away to the left of the last turnstile. I knew if I didn’t get out of there quickly I would be in trouble and a 2d later when the stress eased, I managed to struggle myself into the turnstile. I have in mind the operator announcing “ Just Go, go, go” wasn’t even involved if I had a ticket and that is what triggered the problems inside the ground.

“For about 15 minutes after that the crowd poured in, ensuing in terrible crushing and fans spilling onto the pitch. Looking again it used to be a very hazardous situation, however Thank God no one used to be seriously harm as a ways as I recall.  As for the game, my abiding reminiscence is Murdo MacLeod missing a extraordinary hazard close to the end to provide us a first leg lead however unluckily we have been knocked out in Glasgow. HH” Andy Boyle

“Nottingham Forest vs Celtic – I was once at the game, my dad took myself and my brother to the City Ground, I used to be 13 years historic and take into account the crush, we ended up in the Main Stand the place we had been okay. Went to return at Parkhead, assume Davenport scored.” Paul Kelly

“I used to be at the game , a bit worse for put on I ended up in the wrong quit of the floor , opened my coat to get my smokes out of my interior pocket , a police noticed my Hoops grabbed me and stated “Celtic is it ? “ then took me spherical to the Celtic end, opened one of the cages and threw me in. It used to be packed, but being sincere I glad of the body warmth as I’ve in no way been so cold at a recreation of football.” Alan , Montrose

“I used to be at the Forest recreation that night, loads of Celtic fans had tickets for the away end( Trent End. )I along with most of my mates had them, we had been taken round to the away quit through the turnstiles round the pitch and put into one of the pens. I never acquired to see the recreation as I spent it being pushed up and down the terrace, was relieved when the game finished, spent the whole sport squashed and struggling to breathe.” Bernard Kernan

“I used to be at Nottingham. Travelled down with  the Sons of Donegal Club who ran two buses, such was once the demand.  We arrived in properly time and bought true role on the terrace behind the goal however it just seemed to get stuffed up extremely quickly and we have been pushed to the the front and I understand a massive cop lifting us over the fence on to the track where we had been directed to the principal stand area which had lots of room. Sadly it was a game we should have won however Forest showed in the return game how correct a group they were. Hail Hail.” Jim O’Rourke

“My mate and I managed to get tickets and travelled from Fife by means of auto to Glasgow then received on one of the many buses running to Nottingham from Glasgow. If I take into account effectively the buses had been held on the motorway earlier than getting near the ground. It used to be chaos getting into the game, long queues and now not a great deal room. Once we have been in it was even worse I’ve in no way been in such a awful crush, we had to climb a fence from one section to the different to strive and get a bit greater room.

“The police were one hundred percent at fault for opening the gates and letting everyone in. Complete shambles. It was a freezing bloodless night capped off via no longer getting a end result then a bus with no heating all the way lower back to Glasgow.” Roy Finnie

“I had simply turned 18 when we went to Forest. It’s been notably tons covered the activities of that day and night. My Dad and myself spent a desirable few hours in a large pub in Nottingham earlier than the game, and I can vouch for the popular incredible environment and friendliness between the two sets of fans.

“My story is no distinct to most I’ve examine on the subject..we too climbed out of that first pen into the neighbouring, greater central one..as I said..I was 18, and full of youthful enthusiasm and bravado..but I consider my Dad was once scared..rightly so.

“There is one point the place I have to put forward an alternative view..yes,Brian Clough did appear to get preserve of the wrong quit of the stick on the night..the flag at Davie Hay’s ft etc..but in the following days when The Sun(Scum) tried to label it as hooliganism from us..(sound acquainted bringing Hillsborough into focus?) Clough came out and said the Celtic followers were great, and there was no hooliganism..just scared human beings trying to get away from danger..i sense it’s necessary that this is remembered..Clough typically obtained it right..eventually!

“I was once completely thrilled how Celtic played that night..we ought to have won easily..and I was once completely confident for the 2nd leg..so tons so, that I took bets from many at work that not only would Celtic win the game..but I refused to take bets on some thing much less than a three intention victory!..

“My Dad and myself travelled up from London for that game..and we were played off the park!..the queue of outstretched arms and very mild pay packet that week will live with me forever!” Noel McGrath

“I used to be at that game, was once the most scared I have ever been at a sport we obtained there early enough however the crowd wee crazy,I nonetheless have the whole ticket from this recreation as we acquired in a big exitgate that we had been overwhelmed in opposition to then when we did get in they had solely opened the first pen, I climbed over that one then the subsequent one however they appeared to take ages to open the pens up for what cause a don’t know as it was simply all Celtic followers at that end, if the followers at the front off the first pen hadn’t commenced mountain climbing on to the pitch God knows what would have happened.

“I’ve been going to video games considering I was a wee boy in the sixties and this was once the most scared I have ever been at a soccer match, the lead up to the game was horrible as nicely the town was shite, it used to be freezing and foggy,and it used to be a horrible sport as well,a hazy night time with the swally on the Motherwell nine in a row bus, but when I assume off it now it was just as nicely a used to be half inebriated cos if I wasn’t it would have been even extra scary.” McGarrell  via Celtic Noise

“I was there that night in 1983. I was once 15 and was a season ticket holder. I used to be in the lower government (Brian Clough) stand with my Grandad and we have been moved to the Upper tier as Celtic had our seats .Yes it used to be freezing, I take note the fence on the Bridgford stop collapsing and fans on the pitch, I have never seen so many coaches in the auto park we struggled although to find the exit it was that busy .Remember it properly . Kind regards.” Steve Cottingham

“I was additionally at that game, I was once living and working in Blackpool at the time and my father drove down from East Kilbride the night time earlier than to pick me up, I then took over the driving and we headed to Nottingham. Both of us sober due to riding and I thanked God for that many a time.

We arrived at the floor in lots of time but still got caught in the crushing both outdoor and inside, I have in mind my father announcing to one of the police officers in cost outside the floor that he had higher open the exit gates to ease congestion, after a whilst this used to be performed and we surged in to the metropolis ground, we obtained directed into the first nook pen behind the dreams and found ourselves halfway down the terrace and up in opposition to the fence.

“I pulled myself up the fence and could see that straight away behind the dreams there used to be plenty of space, so my father and I each climbed over three specific fences and settled in in the back of the goals.

“Why the stewards and Police directed us and hundreds of others into an already packed place we will by no means know. Incompetence and unprepared for what was a extraordinarily small visiting guide almost precipitated a disaster. To me it was indicative of Police attitudes to the public during the Thatcher era and it appeared as though they were geared up hoping for a rise up alternatively than being there to assist and protect.” 50 Shades of Green with the aid of Celtic Noise.

“I was once there too…the crush in that slender road going into the floor was horrendous…I will constantly consider my historical man telling me (I used to be about 11) to hold my arms up go and with the drift of the crowd. It most absolutely saved me from falling and serious injury.. thankfully I used to be nowhere near the crowd surge that brought about the wall to collapse….it really used to be a very frightening evening.” Docco by using Celtic Noise.

Nottingham Forest v Celtic – Horror video shows what happened, listen to BBC’s Archie Macpherson

Another supporter’s account of his night at the City Ground in November 1983 as Celtic travelled with a huge guide to back them to play Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Cup.

It’s a fit that Celtic must have gained but the recreation is remembered extra for the dreadful crushing that happened just after kick-off as the Nottingham Police opened gates and packed heaps of extra supporters into tiny pens.  It was once a catastrophe waiting to occur and thank heavens that the Celtic assist used to be spared that night however it was a close run component and it could effortlessly have been our Hillsborough.

Sadly the lessons from this game have been disregarded through the English football authorities and the Police and it would be the Liverpool help who would face tragedy and the pointless loss of life.

“I used to be there that night but there’s a wee story in the back of it. I flew in from New Zealand the day before to shock my family as my brother used to be getting married, I had arranged to get a seat and ticket with the Shettleston Celtic Supporters Club which I had been a member earlier than I emigrated to NZ in ’82, so I landed one day, next day on the bus to Nottingham.

“When drawing near the ground after we parked the bus, you should see the troubles mounting, Celtic supporters that had tickets for other parts of the floor where refused entry and directed to the one end, when we acquired there, only three turnstiles opened… and as we obtained nearer to kick off the followers pushed to get to the turnstiles, nearing the turnstile I was once beaten in opposition to the wall, nearly blacking out before one of my mates physically picked me up ( at the turnstile entrance ) the man was once refusing to let us in unless we produced a ticket and really at that factor they opened the gates, next to the turnstiles.

“The rush was once frightening and as we bought to the terraces, the crush was a very frightening sight to see, we squeezed in but the fans saved coming and it obtained mental, you couldn’t move or put your arms in your pocket, you were just jammed subsequent to anybody round you and carried along. As it says sooner or later limitations gave way, the rebellion police deployed as they thinking the spill onto the floor was fighting and as mentioned Brian Clough threw down the banner at the Celtic dugout, whereupon Frank Connor picked it up and went after Clough.

“Davie Hay came over and after seeing what was going on and talking to fans on the pitch, he grabbed the most Senior Policeman around and demanded they move the fans into other components of the ground. A very scary night, one that lives long in the reminiscence and when I watched the Hillsborough Disaster years later from NZ and seeing the Doco’s, the symmetry of the situation created through the Police was once scary and sadly the classes had not been learned.” Stephen Deacon

Celtic have resolved the issue of Jota’s price

Celtic, all through their Annual General Meeting (AGM), cleared the air involving the inclusion of Jota’s switch rate to Al Ittihad in the monetary file for the year ending June, notwithstanding the deal being established on July 3rd.

This clarification came amidst beforehand uncertainties and speculations about the club’s monetary status and incoming funds.

In the year-end financial statements released earlier, Celtic’s robust monetary position was once evident, main many to speculate that the club used to be but to get hold of a great sum from Jota’s transfer.

The ambiguity arose due to the timing of the deal’s confirmation, which fell simply after the closing of the economic year. However, as mentioned by CeltsAreHere.com at the time, the deal used to be certainly blanketed in the June monetary report.

This confusion was addressed at the AGM, attended by means of CeltsAreHere, the place Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay, demonstrated that the proceeds from Jota’s switch have been accounted for in the June monetary statements.

The clarity furnished at the AGM reassures stakeholders of Celtic’s dedication to monetary duty and strategic planning.

The astuteness of Celtic’s economic method is in addition exemplified by way of their anticipation of the upcoming 6 percent extend in Corporation tax in the next monetary year. By making sure that as plenty income as possible, including the proceeds from Jota’s transfer, was once accounted for in the ultimate financial year, the club demonstrates shrewd economic foresight. This go is now not solely about adhering to fiscal guidelines but also about maximizing monetary efficiency. Whether the deal was formally concluded in June or July is much less enormous in contrast to the fact that the groundwork and negotiations for the deal have been finished inside the ultimate financial year. This strategic decision to capitalise on the existing tax fee before the hike is a testomony to Celtic’s proactive and prudent monetary management.

The clarification at Celtic’s AGM dispels any misconceptions related to the club’s economic report. The membership is in awesome form financially.

“Questionable”: According to national media, the £6 million Celtic player appeared “awkward” during yesterday night’s national team game

In Friday night’s 2-1 loss to Trinidad & Tobago, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers earned his 16th cap for the US National Men’s team.

Carter-Vickers and the US team, however, overcome the Trinidadians 4-2 on aggregate to go to the next round of qualification for the 2024 Copa America.

However, the Celtic defender didn’t play his best for his nation. Carter-Vickers, who is often trustworthy and dependable, had a bad night, and the US media picked it up.

MLS Soccer: “After letting the striker get in behind, the Celtic defender might have been more resilient in stopping Reon Moore for Trinidad’s opening goal.

“He was solid overall against a physically strong frontline, but his distribution could have been better.”

ESPN: “A few excellent defensive stops, though at times he raised doubts when the hosts applied pressure to the USMNT back line.”

USA Today: “Carter-Vickers faced some difficulties and was surpassed in strength by Moore in the opening goal.”

The Celtic center back generally made some poor decisions when it came to bounces and long balls over the top, but he did improvise a few headers in those situations that were just barely enough to stop more harm.

“It wasn’t his best night at the office, but his play was more steady in the last thirty minutes.”

Although the £6 million acquisition from Tottenham obviously struggled to reach his best form, many of his colleagues weren’t playing at their best too, so I don’t think that will have a long-term impact on his status with the American club.

Carter-Vickers put an end to rumors that he might leave Celtic due to his outstanding play, saying earlier in the season that he is content at the team and has no plans to leave.

The news that their star defender will be returning from international duty without an injury gives Celtic supporters a sense of relief as they prepare for a challenging stretch of games that will stretch through the end of December.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic conclusion features Kristoffer Ajer, who predicts triumph for the Scots

KRISTOFFER AJER doesn’t buy into the principle that you in no way go back. The massive Norwegian savoured the danger to return to Glasgow on Sunday nighttime on international duty, even though it was some thing of a bittersweet ride as a guest at Scotland’s qualification party.

He has additionally been thrilled to see the return of Brendan Rodgers to these parts, with the Celtic manager playing a pivotal role in the early degrees of his career development.

It was once Rodgers who first advised that perhaps his prodigious galloping gait would be appropriate greater to the centre of defence than the midfield, and who honed him into a player who made a valuable contribution to the club earlier than eventually making them a proper exact few quid with his go to English Premier League aspect Brentford.

For that, Ajer will always be grateful. And his love of Celtic endures just as much as his gratitude toward Rodgers. He is positive that the reunion between these parties, which has got off to a extra than first rate start, will stop again in a flood of silverware.

“It was once extraordinary to come returned to Scotland,” Ajer said.

“I loved my time in Scotland, so it used to be terrific to be back again.

“It’s exquisite to see my ancient supervisor again at Celtic as properly and to see them doing so well again. I am virtually completely satisfied for them due to the fact Celtic will usually be special to me.

“Brendan was once gorgeous for me, the way he helped me, the way he spoke to me. The one-to-one conversations he had with all of the players was once amazing.

“When I signed for Celtic at 16-years-old I used to be a central midfielder. I assume the intention used to be always to grow to be a centre again eventually, however the supervisor noticed that very early.

“I went out on loan to Kilmarnock and that was important for me to get some sport time, however he usually kept in touch. He’s a top, pinnacle manager. I am completely happy to see him returned and doing well.

“Do I count on him to be profitable the second time round? One hundred percent. I have no doubt he will be successful due to the fact he’s a tremendous manager.”

It was once exceptional for Ajer too to capture up with some historical friends on Sunday, though it used to be a barely bizarre experience for him to be taking part in towards the likes of Ryan Christie and Greg Taylor.

Memories of lining up on the same aspect as them at the country wide stadium dominated his ideas when he walked again out onto the Hampden turf.

“Yes, [it used to be top notch to see] Ryan, and Greg was once also one of my groomsmen at my wedding,” he said.

“It was once distinctive to see them, and I want them all the great for the summer.

“I have magnificent memories. I used to be standing there listening to the country wide anthem and in reality enjoying the moment. I have quality buddies in Glasgow and playing towards them on Sunday was special.

“I had some wonderful memories. I have in mind we beat Motherwell right here [in the 2018 Scottish Cup Final], that used to be amazing. It was once my first big cup final. The 1-0 win over Rangers used to be additionally special.

“It’s always distinctive to see them and I wished them all the best.”

That was once a gracious gesture from Ajer, who nonetheless – like most Norwegians – carries something of a niggling resentment over the two-goal turnaround Scotland by some means engineered in Oslo to spark wild scenes of party for the Tartan Army, the one minute and forty four seconds that efficiently killed Norway’s hopes of reaching Germany.

“Yes, that was the killer,” he said.

“We played well up to the crazy two goals. That was once of course disappointing.”

Equally as gracious though was once his evaluation of Scotland’s chances of making an have an effect on at the European Championships subsequent summer.

Ajer just ignored the Steve Clarke revolution at Kilmarnock having loved a loan spell at Rugby Park a few months earlier than the now Scotland supervisor pitched up in Ayrshire, but he feels he knows him and his crew properly sufficient to predict that the Tartan Army could be in for a event to remember.

“Are they a group that can do something at the Euros? Absolutely,” he said.

“They are a very strong team, who play for each other. They have a very nice squad so I am certain they can do well. They have a notable chance.

“They make it challenging for each group they play. You saw they beat Spain 2-0, so they can beat everybody on their day.

“It’s going to be exciting to see them there – I just wish we should be there ourselves.

“We knew it was going to be a hectic sport [on Sunday]. Both facets like to assault and there were going to be big spaces on a large pitch at Hampden. It used to be probably interesting to watch.”

‘Excellent technician’: Celtic have a ‘beast’ of a footballer, according to Russell Martin

Southampton manager, Russell Martin, has advised of how he is a big fan of Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley, as he nears his first worldwide cap for Denmark.

O’Riley was called up once more to the senior Denmark squad but has, so far, failed to win his first cap for the country. But Martin recollects the time he located the 22-year-old at MK Dons and it appears that even now O’Riley is at Celtic, he is nonetheless a large admirer of the youngster.

Martin said [The Herald Sport pullout print edition page 6], “I ought to see proper away that Matt was once a notable footballer. He is an definitely terrific technician. Let me inform you some thing about Matt: his mentality used to be straight out of the top drawer. At MK Dons he used to be each manager’s dream.

“He was the consummate professional in his preparation. He was once honestly into that and the recuperation aspect of the game. He was once a real pupil of soccer and used to be genuinely interested in how he ought to take his game to the subsequent level and be the high-quality he should be.

“He is bodily a beast too. I said when he first signed for Celtic that he would be one of the first-rate players in the Scottish Premiership and I am delighted for him that he has confirmed that assertion to be correct.

“He’s grown into his function at Celtic and tailored to Scottish football so well. It is no longer hindsight or being clever after the event, I continually knew he would.”

Matt O’Riley’s top notch Celtic career so far

Signed by Ange Postecoglou for £1.5m in January 2022, O’Riley arrived in Scotland as an unknown midfielder with many Celtic followers questioning how he would suit into the team.

Those questions were rapidly answered as he made his debut towards Hearts at Tynecastle when O’Riley set up the winner with a super help in the 2-1 win in the capital.

O’Riley used to be additionally one of the high-quality players on the pitch when Celtic annihilated Rangers 3-0 the following month to go top of the league the place they couldn’t be shifted.

With a league title in the bag, O’Riley used to be searching forward to Champions League football for the first time in his career. And he didn’t look out of place.

In fact, O’Riley was so blissful in a Celtic jersey when Callum McGregor was injured, the 22-year-old stepped into the Hoops captain position and ensured that domestically, Celtic remained unbeaten.

As for his time under Brendan Rodgers, O’Riley’s game has been taken to the subsequent stage as he’s now becoming one of Celtic’s first-rate gamers as he mixes it with Europe’s elite with club and country.

What next for Matt O’Riley at Celtic?

After signing a new deal in the summer, and 4 trophies to his name, Celtic have managed to stave off any hopes of golf equipment from England hoping to steal the talented midfielder.

But that hasn’t stopped the hypothesis surrounding him. Linked recently with Crystal Palace, O’Riley is also attracting the interest of the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Recently valued at nicely over £10m by using a current football study, it appears that when O’Riley does finally cross on, Celtic will receive a hefty switch fee for his services.

Brendan Rodgers gives you Matt O’Riley verdict at Celtic

The Celtic boss is a big fan of O’Riley. Since coming to Celtic in the summer, Rodgers wasted no time in telling O’Riley what he have to do to take his game to the subsequent level. And he hasn’t disappointed.

With six desires and seven assists, the Denmark u21 worldwide has been implausible for Celtic this season.

Rodgers himself has said of the midfielder, “But with Matty, I’m so, so comfortable for him [after signing a new deal].

“He gets out of the sport what he puts into it, he’s so professional, he has huge quality, and like I said when I got here in, we simply wished to get more dreams into his game.

“In fairness to him, his timing and his finishing is quality. It used to be a huge goal. He will only get better, he is only 22.”

Shining once more in this season’s Champions League, it is solely a count of time before one of the clubs from Europe comes and tempt O’Riley away from Celtic.

But until then, the Celtic fans will experience the teenager as he has been one of the standout players at the club over the past two seasons.

The verdict of Liam Scales as the Celtic defender faces a challenging Dutch attack in Amsterdam

Celtic defender Liam Scales will be disappointed that his Republic of Ireland side suffered their today’s defeat away to the Netherlands on Saturday night time however he got here through the 90 minutes with private credit.

Scales lined up in a central back-three, supported by wing-backs, as Dutch boss Ronald Koeman fielded an elite attack of Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons.

Weghorst’s purpose after 12 minutes was once sufficient to tightly closed the 1-0 victory they needed to verify their qualification for next year’s Euros.

That came as a end result of some ramshackle Irish defending with Nathan Collins fended off by using Weghorst a ways too easily, who turned, sprinted and finished with aplomb.

Ireland faced extreme strain all through the relaxation of the ninety minutes but Scales confirmed bravery and defensive resilience to assist forestall a heavier defeat, with goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu also taking part in a big role.

A busy night time for Liam Scales vs Netherlands

The 25-year-old made some quintessential interventions all through the qualifying fixture, perhaps most extraordinarily to flip away a complicated Denzel Dumfries ball into the field in the 35th minute that had Weghorst waiting to pounce for his second.

Overall he had 70 touches of the ball and his distribution used to be ordinarily crisp and accurate, with 89% completion. In contrast to his Celtic performances, however, he didn’t get a great deal probability to development into the opposition half.

He gained six of his 9 duels contested, all of which came on the ground. He successfully gained four of five tackles, made two interceptions and a clearance.

There used to be one demanding second in the 2nd 1/2 when he clashed heads with Simons. For a second it looked as if he may have to go off however he received to his toes and soldiered on as the Irish similarly pissed off the Dutch.

As Scales, and the rest of the Irish defence tired, with their teammates pushing for an equaliser, there used to be a fair bit of space for the domestic side to exploit but Southampton goalkeeper Bazunu was there to preserve firm.

The Celtic man, whose FotMob rating got here in at 7.1, has accomplished his possibilities of prevailing greater caps in an Ireland shirt no harm at all, even if Ireland determine to part ways with Stephen Kenny and are trying to find a new supervisor at the quit of a disappointing qualifying campaign.

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

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

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

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

Rangers overtake Man City for midfielder

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

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

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

Celtic and Rangers fighting for equal target

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

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

Jota regrets leaving Celtic; January departure is likely

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Financial Fair Play used to be not fixed, and it benefits them. The proof being that they have taken all the high-quality players. Atletico left because we didn’t choose UEFA to sanction us. and without the English teams, there used to be no way to continue.”
<h3>Celtic were given a second chance to sign a £4 million striker who scored 19 goals last season</h3>
<img class=”size-full wp-image-54 aligncenter” src=”https://topsport4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1767654876-768×512-1.webp” alt=”” width=”768″ height=”512″ />

<strong>Celtic ought to have a 2nd hazard to convey in Sydney van Hooijdonk in the January transfer window as Bologna are ready to think about presents for the Serie A misfit. </strong>

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

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

<img class=”size-full wp-image-33 aligncenter” src=”https://topsport4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GettyImages-1258430770-768×512-1.jpg” alt=”” width=”768″ height=”512″ />
<strong>Celtic like Sydney van Hooijdonk</strong>

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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