Connect with us

Blog

Celtic McAvennie Thinks That Celtic Should Give Up Neil Lennon’s Signature

Published

on

Celtic’s midfield is quite strong when everyone is fit. Not to mention Paulo Bernardo and Tomoki Iwata, Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate are also excellent choices.

Odin Holm arrived from Valerenga in his native country during the summer, but David Turnbull is another player who manager Brendan Rodgers has used frequently this year.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Celtic v Rangers – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 30, 2023 Rangers’ Dujon Sterling in action with Celtic’s David Turnbull Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough

In fact, the Scotland international made his debut against Ross County on Flag Day, winning 4-2 and scoring a brace. Despite Hatate’s comeback to fitness and the rise of Bernardo, he had a strong start to the season but has since faltered.

With 135 Hoops appearances under his belt, the 24-year-old is entering his fourth season with the team and is still regarded as a valuable member of the Parkhead squad. In spite of this, he has a contract with the club that ends at the conclusion of this season.

However, pundit and former Celtic Frank McAvennie disagrees that it ought to be renewed. Because of their depth in the engine room, he thinks Celtic should reduce their losses on Turnbull: “There are many players in midfield coming through, so I would let Turnbull go,” he stated (Football Insider). “They seem like better choices than Turnbull. He’s a good player and has done okay.

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

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

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

Kuhn arrives in Glasgow to seal Celtic deal

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

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

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

Marseille pull plug on Doig deal

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

Hibs now not taking Adryan on

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

Andy Halliday, centre, has become a peripheral figure at Hearts this season.

Halliday desired by way of Motherwell

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

Rangers linked with Langoni

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

Staggies land King

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

Celtic and the target have verbally agreed on personal terms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic transfer information – Lawrence Shankland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luis Palma’s season in numbers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The records that show Shankland should be lethal for Celtic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic switch news – Joe Gelhardt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gary Hooper’s record for Celtic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The records that exhibit why Celtic must sign Gelhardt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whatever Really Happened To Logan Bailly?

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

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

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

SAFE HANDS…Logan Bailly during one of his rare first-team appearances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Loan or permanent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg Taylor used to be the fall person for the Celtics when the inevitable transfer rumor started while he was ignoring crisis discussion

The left returned has long been the name on fans’ lips when it comes to where the Premiership champions might improve their team.

He’d need the skin of a rhinoceros if it didn’t hassle him a little bit. Not after all of this time.

Whenever the transfer market opens up for business, Greg Taylor is aware of the identical question being asked. And the equal reply being given. “Where should Celtic look to strengthen? Well, they could possibly do with looking at a left-back.” And but here he is, after four-and-a-half years, with greater than 100 appearances for the membership below his belt and all manner of medals on the mantelpiece.

If his is a function in need of an improve this January then it without a doubt didn’t appear like it on Tuesday night time as a rampaging Taylor smashed domestic the volley which sealed a 3-0 romp at St Mirren – and kept Celtic’s eight-point lead secure. So it’s no surprise his patience wobbled a little bit afterwards when it was once put to him that his supervisor may be sniffing around in the sales, searching for his replacement.

“It’s always been the case, hasn’t it?” was once how Taylor responded with simply the trace of a bristle before adding, “It’s been the same in each switch window because I signed here. It’s section of being at a big club.

“There will always be challenges and people breathing down your neck that want to take your jersey. Never relaxation on what you’ve finished beforehand and always attempt to listen to the coaches and the manager. That generally stands you in top stead.”

It has genuinely labored for Taylor. That attitude and work ethic was once what earned him the pass from Kilmarnock in the first place. It’s why he was once shoehorned into the starting line-up after Kieran Tierney left for Arsenal.

It’s why Ange Postecoglou made him an inverted mainstay, even notwithstanding shelling out nearly £4million on Alexandro Bernabei. And it’s why a manager of Rodgers’ calibre continues to maintain him in Celtic’s line-up.

Week after week, Taylor makes himself a first pick. He went on: “Berna is a pinnacle player. He has educated ever so properly in this period.

“I’ve touched on this before, the boys who aren’t taking part in as consistently as myself and others are so key to some thing success we get. These guys teach each day like it’s their final session. That’s the solely way you have success as a group. It’s just about attempting to preserve performance levels in coaching excessive for all of us and the manager will choose the team.”

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

Celtic’s Greg Taylor celebrates with Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley (Image: SNS Group)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg Taylor of Celtic scores

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brendan Rodgers talks about the passionate Celtic embrace with Reo Hatate as the boss explains why he is prepared for winter break

It has been a relentless period for the league leaders as the leagues goes into cold storage with the Hoops’ 10 points clear.

Brendan Rodgers wrapped up a storming finale to the festive season in Paisley – then admitted he’s determined for the wintry weather shutdown.

The Celtic manager has seen his aspect jump again from the brink of a full blown crisis in December to stop the first half of the marketing campaign by rattling off four successive wins. And that run capacity they go into the January wreck with an eight factor lead impenetrable at the pinnacle of the table. But, as a good deal as Rodgers can experience the momentum commencing to build, he admits he’s ready to put his feet up after spending most of the ultimate month battling in opposition to the wintry weather sniffles.

When asked if the season may be positioned on pause at the wrong time for his resurgent crew he responded: “Probably not. I have had flu and a cold for about a month, it has simply been so busy. I assume it’s a high-quality small period now for the gamers to get better because bodily the demands are so much, mainly how we favor them to play and how extreme we want them to be.

“So that will be great for them to recover and then we will get returned and we have loads of time to do a lot of work and be ready for our first cup game.”

Celtic romped to a 3-0 win in Paisley in opposition to a St Mirren side which used to be reduced to ten men before the half-time break when striker Olutoysi Olusanya was dismissed for booting Joe Hart in the face. And the overall performance at ease the supervisor who went on: “I suppose you can see that the group is getting higher and improving.

“Those consequences against Kilmarnock and Hearts, it was about gaining knowledge of from those. I suppose you can see the distinction in the group and how they are working. And every now and then you need that. To have success you want to have that bit of adversity.

“How the gamers have responded to that has been fantastic. Their mentality, their attitude, the speed, the tempo of the games is what we favor as nicely with a good deal greater creativity. The 2d phase of the season I am excited about.”

The win came on the heels of Saturday’s victory over Rangers however Celtic got here flying out of the blocks with early strikes from Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley – before Greg Taylor wrapped up the scoring in the second half. And Rodgers said: “It can continually be a complicated recreation mentally and bodily after a Rangers recreation but I concept we dealt with it virtually nicely and we made the start we desired to in the first ten minutes. It used to be top tempo, exact pace so that set us up well in the game.”

Celtic’s Greg Taylor celebrates with Daizen Maeda and Matt O’Riley (Image: SNS Group)

Rodgers was once additionally thrilled to send each Reo Hatate and Liel Abada on from the subs bench as the pair return to full fitness. He said: “You should see afterwards Reo was really quite emotional to be again out on the pitch again.

“He’s put in so an awful lot challenging work and he’s a big, huge participant for us. So with a bit of luck he can go away and get some minutes and hold his fitness up due to the fact when he comes back he’s going to be large for us in the second half of the season.

“So it’s extremely good for him to be again and Liel as well because he brings a distinct dimension to the team – he’s a purpose scorer but he plays wide, so he’s always walking into score. Having those two gamers will help us play the sort of football we desire to see.”

Social media in Celtic buzzes with rumors about Ola Solbakken

The Celtic social media sphere is abuzz with whispers and hypothesis about a plausible of Ola Solbakken signing for Celtic. This isn’t the first time the Norwegian proper winger’s title has been linked with the Hoops.

Two years ago, we at CeltsAreHere.com have been knowledgeable by his representatives that he was once presented to the club shortly after his standout overall performance that contributed to Celtic’s European exit. But the club signed Liel Abada for the position.

Since then, Solbakken’s ride has been much less than ideal. After signing with Roma in Serie A, the move didn’t pan out as expected, main him to a mortgage spell in Greece with Olympiakos. However, his time there hasn’t been fruitful, failing to make a massive affect and leaving fans and critics alike questioning his structure because his days in Norway.

Now, as per reviews from Celtic Underground, a well-respected supply for Celtic transfer news, Solbakken has been presented to Celtic as soon as more. This time, it’s stated to be a cut-price deal, a tempting proposition for the club thinking about the player’s conceivable and prior interest. His cutting-edge state of affairs in Greece is tenuous at best, with Olympiakos having the option to purchase but reputedly reluctant to proceed given his performance.

This opens a fascinating dialogue for Celtic supporters. Would Brendan Rodgers consider integrating Solbakken into a rejuvenated Celtic side? The prospect of acquiring a once-promising Genius at a decreased rate is enticing, and Rodgers’ acknowledged prowess for player development may want to reignite the Norwegian’s career.

However, the question remains: Is Solbakken the right healthy for Celtic’s current method and squad dynamics? His previous prowess in Europe is undeniable, but his latest structure raises professional concerns.

The transfer window is formally open and the club will absolutely enhance in this window however who will be coming in?

Would you like to see Celtic signal Ola?

Callum McGregor urges Celtic to advance following the “huge” Rangers victory

Skipper Callum McGregor had no doubts as to the magnitude of Celtic’s 2-1 win over Rangers at Parkhead on Saturday.

Midfielder Paulo Bernardo and Japan striker Kyogo Furuhashi scored both side of half-time earlier than Gers defender Leon Balogun saw pink for denying Daizen Maeda a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Gers captain James Tavernier decreased the deficit in the 88th minute with a trademark free-kick however ultimately Celtic moved eight factors clear of their rivals at the pinnacle of the Premiership having performed two games more.

Speaking to Celtic’s website, midfielder McGregor said: “It was a big win. Everyone knows what it potential to the membership and the supporters, so, first and foremost, that’s what you’re taking part in for – you’re enjoying for the satisfaction and you’re playing for the city.

“So it was once a high-quality win, a wonderful three factors and the performance, I idea for 75 minutes we were brilliant.

“They go down to 10 guys and we perhaps have managed the recreation a little bit better and we gave ourselves a bit of a fright at the end, but you couldn’t ask for any greater from the players, to be honest.

“The degree and the intensity and the pressing was once without a doubt great – the entirety you favor in a derby game – and Paulo with the great for the first purpose just units it off, and sets the tone for us.

“So it was once a high-quality performance, a great win and we just maintain going now.”

Brendan Rodgers, who continued his astonishing file against Rangers over two spells to 12 wins, two draws and just one loss from 15 matches, singled out McGregor for specific praise.

“Callum’s on a special degree to everybody on the pitch, with the greatest respect,” he said.

“The satisfactory that he has, the idea of football that he has, how he leads the group is simply certainly incredible, and when you want your top players to stand up, then he was there.

“I can’t speak particularly enough of him. I noticed him from my first time here the place he contributed so properly for me, and this time he’s leading the team and he does lead it properly.

“It was a super individual overall performance by using him and I’m very, very lucky to have him here.”

Observing his old team play Rangers in the Old Firm derby, Roy Keane was spotted in the Celtic Park stands

  • Roy Keane left Man United to play for Celtic earlier than he retired lower back in 2006
  • The Hoops were in action in opposition to their Scottish competitors Rangers at Celtic Park
  • Chris Sutton and Ian Ladyman provide their first-rate carrying moments of the 12 months on It’s All Kicking Off

Roy Kean used to be noticed watching his former side Celtic play Scottish rivals Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday.

The former Man United captain joined The Hoops again in January 2006 after his unceremonious departure from the Red Devils.

He would play for the Scottish champions for 1/2 a season, before announcing his retirment at the cease of the season.

But on Saturday, Keane was once viewed in the stands at Celtic Park these days gazing his historic aspect as they took a 2-0 lead in opposition to Rangers.

Paulo Bernardo smashed a half-volley past goalkeeper Jack Butland to put the hosts ahead, with Celtic searching to declare their 1/3 consecutive victory in the Scottish Premiership.

Roy Keane was spotted watching Celtic take on Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday

Roy Keane was spotted watching Celtic take on Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday

Keane played for The Hoops back in 2006 following his unceremonious exit from Man United

Keane played for The Hoops back in 2006 following his unceremonious exit from Man United

Celtc's Paulo Bernardo put the hosts 1-0 up at Celtic Park, wheeling away to celebrate with the home fans

Celtc’s Paulo Bernardo put the hosts 1-0 up at Celtic Park, wheeling away to celebrate with the home fans

Kyogo Furuhashi would double their lead after half-time, scoring a sensational goal from around 20 yards out.

The Irishman, who back one goal and one aid in 30 appearances for the Scottish club, hung up his boots at the age of 34 after an damage pressured him to retire.

Back in 2021, it was once suggested that Keane, who had earlier held teaching positions with Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and the Ireland national side, used to be also interested in changing Neil Lennon as the Celtic manager.

Keane, in fact, reportedly also held talks with the club about becoming their head educate however his appointment by no means materialised.

Keane would go on to play for Celtic for six months in 2006, before retiring through injury

Keane would go on to play for Celtic for six months in 2006, before retiring through injury

Kyogo Furuhashi would double Celtic's lead with a stunning effort from around 20-yards out

Kyogo Furuhashi would double Celtic’s lead with a stunning effort from around 20-yards out
Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership having only been beaten twice this season
Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership having only been beaten twice this season

He also published that he had the probability to take over as the Celtic boss again in 2014, but turned the provide down after he had now not felt wanted by using his former club.

Meanwhile, The Hoops sit down pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table having lost only two games this season.

Rangers sit down 2nd in the league, coming into the match 5 factors at the back of their rivals, no matter having been in flying form of late, going unbeaten in their ultimate 13 matches.

‘They might be brave,’ Celtic was asked if they would pay ‘£4m’ for a striker who scored more goals than Kyogo

Lawrence Shankland is a man in demand as he can’t cease scoring goals for Hearts.

When you are producing the fantastic he is showcasing on a weekly basis, then your name is going to be linked with the large boys and that is going on with Celtic.

With Brendan Rodgers searching to add greater chew to the ahead line ahead of the January switch window, Lawrence Shankland’s name has been stated as a possible target.

But with talk of Hearts perchance looking ‘£4 million’ for the 28-year-old, then Stephen Craigan thinks there is no hazard that any individual like Celtic would put that kind of cash down on the desk for him, as he told Sporsound.

Every Celtic fan knows that there is money in the bank and if large cash wished to be spent, then it could.

But that doesn’t mean splashing the cash on something and everything, even if, in the case of Lawrence Shankland, he is in the structure of his life.

After the Scotland star’s beautiful brace for Hearts towards St Mirren on Saturday, his future was once discussed.

Lawrence Shankland to Celtic?

“I simply surprise who would pay £4 million for Lawrence Shankland,” puzzled Craigan.

“Albeit, all the goals, but at 28, if any individual is looking for a resale cost on him, then they wouldn’t get anything back on him. Would Celtic (or Rangers) pay £4 million for him? I don’t think so. They would possibly be courageous and put in a cheeky bid with a sell-on or add-ons.

“But certainly, as a participant and a goalscorer, every body outside of Celtic and Rangers, would chunk their hand off for him.

“If Hearts desire to price him at £4 million and £5 million, if they want to give him a new contract, they would have to pay him as a £4/5 million player. That’s the threat with that.”

Lawrence Shankland and Kyogo Furuhashi

That’s ten desires in 18 Premiership matches for a player who is outscoring the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi this season.

Celtic’s Japanese big name was once returned on the scoresheet for the duration of the win over Livingston on Saturday, his seventh league goal of the campaign.

Yes, Kyogo had lately hit a bit of a patch, in phrases of his goals, but he is back up and jogging now.

And come the quit of the season, it wouldn’t be a shock if any individual like Kyogo and Shankland are scuffling with it out for the top-scorer prize.

 was comfortable for me and that he obtained to watch me play and it was gorgeous for us to get the result.”

While the younger brother was given a beginning berth, the Celtic stalwart watched the first 71 minutes of the match from the bench. By the time he entered the fray, Hearts had installed their 2-0 lead and Kenneth Vargas had replaced Alan. “Off the back of that end result the location is buzzing,” endured Forrest, “and I idea we deserved it as well. We had a game diagram and each participant carried it out. If you’re going to locations like that you want all and sundry at it and I think all and sundry was. When you’re taking part in against Celtic, you can work on it throughout the week but you comprehend they have exquisite gamers that can hurt you so maybe you need to trip your good fortune at instances as well, which we did. But I suppose we had been quite cozy in the sport and the area was once buzzing, specifically after the end result the week before.”

Brothers James Forrest (Celtic) and Alan Forrest (Hearts) battle in a match between their sides earlier this season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

That was once when the Tynecastle outfit misplaced to Aberdeen and, in a tightly-contested league that reminded them just how large every end result can prove to the standings. Which is why, having re-established themselves in 0.33 spot and with video games coming thick and speedy over the festive period, Forrest needs the capital membership to push ahead and produce results succesful of backing up as an alternative than undermining that Parkhead win, beginning in Saturday’s third-v-fourth domestic Premiership clash with St Mirren. “We have 4 video games coming up in two weeks,” stated Forrest. “Celtic is a difficult area to go so it’s a bonus getting that end result however it stands us in true stead now for the next four games.”

That relentless pursuit of victories is some thing he has watched James and Celtic adhere to at some stage in their extra than decade-long dominance of the Scottish scene, backing up wins with extra wins. “This is one where we have a difficult aspect in St Mirren, who have done clearly well, and are on the equal points as us,” stated the Hearts player, who has been utilised as a winger and wingback but thrived in a more advanced function as Lawrence Shankland’s strike accomplice ultimate weekend. “They are right with us in the table so simply due to the fact we have had a result like that, you can’t take your foot off the gas. You don’t underestimate them due to the fact we know their strengths but we recognize that this is one, alongside with the three coming after, are the place we want to kick on rather than take a step back.”

Looking to take time at some point of the iciness wreck to consider just how

Report: Celtic is vying to sign a player for £35 million who has sobbed on the field this year

With Celtic searching to add some serious fine to their ranks in January, it doesn’t get any extra serious than this.

Brendan Rodgers has constantly bemoaned the fact his crew are lacking excellent and with Kyogo Furuhashi clearly struggling to find goals, it seems the Celtic manager has flip to the English Premier League to solve his striking ills.

A record from Ojogo has claimed that Celtic are main the race to sign Portuguese striker, Fabio Silva.

The 21-year-old used to be signed by way of Wolves for over £35m [BBC] in 2020 but after a disastrous two seasons at Molineaux, the youngster is stated to be looking to cross on.

The report claims, “Fábio Silva is making ready to go away Wolverhampton when the market reopens and the striker’s future have to go thru Scottish football, where he is disputed via Celtic and Rangers.”

Fabio Silva’s Wolves woes

The younger striker has discovered it difficult to live up to his rate tag as he has only scored five dreams in 72 appearances for Wolves. [Transfermarkt]

Clearly struggling, the final straw for Silva was when he ‘conceded’ a penalty in the demise minutes towards Sheffield United remaining month.

With the sport poised at 1-1 and Wolves nevertheless unbeaten, the teen challenged George Balldock in the penalty box. It regarded like no contact was once made as The Blades striker was once already on his way down.

The penalty was once awarded and backed up by means of VAR, and Wolves misplaced the game and their unbeaten start to the season.

Silva used to be inconsolable on the pitch and this regarded to be the icing on a very bitter cake as the youngster’s torrid time at the membership continued.

His confidence have to be shot to pieces and perhaps a cross to Celtic ought to do him the world of good. With the quantity of chances Celtic creates, Silva might also fancy rebuilding his career and self assurance in Paradise.

A loan deal is extra in all likelihood if a go used to be ever to take place as Celtic could now not have enough money to pay the kind of outlay that Wolves did on the striker.

And with his income at £42k per week [SalarySport], Celtic ought to cowl that quantity easily. This is one we will watch closely as the January window nears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Trending