Celtic news update: in the midst of an honest Reo Hatate reality check, Nicolas Kuhn’s transfer is addressed directly

The Scottish Premiership leaders are in the market for exceptional as they seem to be to reinforce their title surge.

Celtic fans are eagerly waiting for the first arrival of the January switch window as Brendan Rodgers looks to add best to the league leaders squad.

Rapid Vienna ahead Nicolas Kuhn has been touted with a wintry weather switch to the Scottish Premiership with the versatile superstar doubtlessly presenting cowl from Oh Hyeon-gyu, Hyun-jun Yang and Daizen Maeda in the attacking positions whilst they are competing at the Asian Cup. The former Ajax and Bayern Munich man has impressed all through his two years in Austria and the 24-year-old has been tipped to amongst the first in the door for Celtic.

But requested about the prospect of Kuhn making a go to Glasgow’s east quit this summer, sports activities director Markus Katzer used to be quick to distance the attacker from a mid-season exit. Speaking to Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung, he said: “I anticipate that absolutely everyone will be with us in the 2nd half of the season, I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.”

Meanwhile, Reo Hatate has opened up on his damage torment that left him out of Parkhead action for months. The midfielder pulled up in the domestic tie of the Champions League conflict with Atletico Madrid and picked up a troubling hamstring injury.

He made his return to the Celtic squad on January two against Rangers however didn’t get on the pitch and has admitted to Soccer Digest he thinking his probabilities of going to the Asian Cup with Japan this month were toast. Hatate said: “I was once depressed that day, but I used to be in a position to quickly recover. It was once my goal, but then I received injured, so I thought it would be difficult, however on account that I was once selected like this, I hope I can do what I need to do.”

The midfielder has also expressed some sympathy for Kyogo. While he and Daizen Maeda will signify their u . s . a . at a fundamental tournament, Kyogo’s omission got here as a surprise, and Hatate has his friend in mind. He added: “My teammates and I choose to play in a vicinity like this, however I suppose there may be a role the place you can be selected or no longer selected, so I choose to do my fine whilst additionally carrying the thoughts of those people.”

Elsewhere, Sydney van Hooijdonk reportedly stays on the listing of January options for Celtic. TuttoMercato report that the Dutchman has been informed with the aid of Thiago Motta that he IS leaving the membership this month.

The son of former Hoops’ hero Pierre was touted with a pass to the Scottish Premiership champions in the summer but exit door for the 23-year-old as he was offered a risk to galvanize his boss in Serie A. However, the boos has reportedly told him time is up and he will be moved on with the Hoops and Werder Bremen monitoring the situation.

Union ‘condemns’ any inquiry into the integrity of the referee

The Scottish referees’ union “strongly condemn any commentary impugning” the integrity of officials.

The Scottish Senior Football Referees’ Association adds that “speculation surrounding the future appointment of referees” is “deeply unhelpful”.

The announcement follows a assembly between the Scottish FA and Rangers, who had asked for the audio from an Old Firm derby VAR ruling, whilst the governing body rejected a suggestion that Willie Collum be kept from officiating on future games involving the Ibrox club.

Collum was the video assistant referee at Celtic Park on 30 December.

Rangers stated the “overriding consensus” in their meeting with head of referee operations Crawford Allan was the choice of no handball towards Celtic’s Alistair Johnston was once wrong.

The SFA answered that they had been “disappointed” with Rangers’ feedback and entreated the membership to show “greater responsibility”.

The governing body went on to say they “immediately rejected” requests concerning to Collum distinctive in a social media publish from what they call a “recent official media partner” of Rangers.

During the derby, which Celtic received 2-1, Rangers’ Abdallah Sima was assessed to be in an offside position in the build-up to the penalty appeal, however Rangers insist this used to be now not mentioned with the aid of referee Nick Walsh and Collum.

The SFA described the incident as a subjective handball and not a clear and apparent error that required review, pointing out that if there had been a evaluate the offside would have been identified.

The SSFRA welcomed “the clarification supplied with the aid of the Scottish FA in relation to the recent Celtic v. Rangers healthy and, in particular, the affirmation that the supplementary offside photos have been supplied by way of the Scottish FA to help the media broadcasters and not at the instigation of the VAR or as phase of the VAR choice making method at the time of the incident”.

And they added: “We wish to reiterate our full guide for the VAR and on-field officials and strongly condemn any commentary impugning their integrity.

“We also note speculation surrounding the future appointment of referees. Such requests from any clubs are deeply unhelpful and we advocate the Scottish FA in categorically rejecting any recommendation that golf equipment will have an effect on in shape authentic appointments.”

Willie Collum returned to officiating following the dramatic Celtic vs. Rangers VAR match

The reliable took cost of Friday night’s in shape between Queen’s Park and Dunfermline

Queen’s Park’s Jack Turner is unhappy with Willie Collum all through the fit at Hampden.

Under-fire referee Willie Collum was again in motion on Friday night time as he took charge of the Championship match between Queen’s Park and Dunfermline.

Collum has faced the ire of Rangers this week after the official used to be worried in a VAR decision during last Saturday’s Old Firm derby between Celtic and the Ibrox club. His decision no longer to advocate a penalty to on-field referee Nick Walsh has led to Rangers requested the audio between the officials and reports that they do now not want Collum to be section of their fits going forward. It has resulted in a hostilities of phrases between the Glasgow outfit and the Scottish Football Association.

Collum shrugged this all off to take charge of the second-tier suit at Hampden, which finished 2-1 to Queen’s Park thanks to goals from Ruari Paton and Dom Thomas, with Ben Summers replying for the visitors. The whistler confirmed two yellow cards to Spiders players Thomas Robson and Paton, whilst Summers picked up a yellow for the Pars.

Alex’s Angle: The Seasonal Bleatings And The Skillfully Ignorant Lack of Reason

THE small object which has been detected orbiting the globe given that round 3pm on Saturday seems to have been recognized as a dummy belonging to a Mr P Clement of Govan.

Oh dear, the Ibrox supervisor is now not a glad chappie. It didn’t take too lengthy for a crack to show up in the veneer, did it?

After sixteen video games in the country, the Belgian used to be wall-to-wall grins and the world was a lovely place. One defeat and the smile has grew to become upside down.

VAR copped it at the weekend with some absurd and completely illogical feedback in the fall-out of a 2-1 loss to the champions at Parkhead.

This is the identical off-field technical assistance that used to be being praised to the heavens through the same Mr P Clements of Govan just closing month.

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? Picture proof that Abdullah Sima was once offside at the Alistair Johnston “handball incident”.

On November 26, the smirking gaffer delivered his unimpeachable view on VAR when he told The Herald: “I’m a fan due to the fact it makes the game extra honest.

“Of course, there are nevertheless some errors and some choices that remain in a grey area. There are a lot of opinions after games. People respond and are followers for one group or another.

“But, in the end, if you are objective, you can solely say VAR makes the sport more sincere than in my days. So, I’m a fan of that.”

No-one used to be unduly amazed at Clement’s rejoicing in the benefits of the multi-screen technology specifically as his team had been awarded a decidedly dodgy penalty-kick in the fourth minute of stoppage-time whilst they have been losing 1-0 to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

Once again, James Tavernier, with his SEVENTY-THIRD penalty-kick as an Ibrox player, regularly occurring the gift and scored to supply the site visitors a point.

OVER THE TOP…Connor Godson challenges Paulo Barenardo.

It had been a comparable situation, late in October with the group toiling 1-0 down to Hearts at Ibrox. With one minute to go, Connor Goldson theatrically threw himself to the floor as a corner-kick swirled into the box, ref John Beaton saw nothing untoward before being instructed by VAR to assessment the incident.

Surprise! Surprise! The suit legit lower back to the pitch and pointed to the spot. Monotonously, Tavernier, who had clearly struck the put up with every other penalty-kick in the first-half, trotted ahead and scored. Even worse for the Edinburgh visitors, they conceded in stoppage-time and went domestic empty-handed.

And it was once Goldson who was worried in the penalty incident in the north east when he flew thru the air as although he had been fired out of a cannon after the merest of touches from the hosts’ defender Stefan Gartenmann.

“It’s not a appropriate appear for Scottish football,” insisted Dons gaffer Barry Robson after his side had befallen the same spot-kick fate as the Tynecastle outfit.

The was no need for the manager to elaborate.

However, there was once a full-blown strop on the horizon when Clement’s team were no longer awarded a spot-kick. I didn’t notice if Michael Beale’s successor was truely stamping his ft like a petulant five yr historic who had just been knowledgeable he couldn’t get an ice cream, but it used to be a fairly mind-blowing temper tantrum.

He desired a spot-kick when the ball hit Alistair Johnston on the hand in an incident in which Abdullah Sima was sincerely offside in the build-up.

SEEING RED…Daizen Maeda is hauled returned by way of Leon Balogun before the Ibrox defender’s dismissal.

Disturbingly, the Govan chief additionally had an difficulty with the truth Paulo Bernardo had not considered crimson after a collision with the aforementioned Goldson while he believed right-back Johnston was once also a lucky Bhoy for no longer being dismissed after an aerial joust with Sima.

Maybe Clement might want to take a peek at the Bernardo-Goldson flashpoint again, courtesy of CQN, and reconsider his view on which of the fighters have been banished.

The Johnston/Sima incident isn’t really worth speaking about, however there could be a debate on the flailing arm from Dujon Sterling that smacked Matt O’Riley on the face. The Celt used to be floored and had to bear two minutes of onfield clinical therapy before making his way unsteadily to the touchline for extra repairs while blood gushed from his nose.

With the world searching on by using satellite tv for pc television, the traveling manager was at least astute sufficient no longer to bitch about the dismissal of Leon Balogun after he hauled down Daizen Maeda as the Japanese speedster raced in on goal.

HITTING THE BOTTLE…Philippe Clement in the dug-out at Celtic Park.

Clement, speaking to Sky Sports, bleated: “We performed 15 minutes with 10 players and that was the proper decision, it’s a purple card.

“But I have different questions additionally about, why not a handball in the first-half to get a penalty? It’s a clear handball.

“Why now not a second yellow card for some tackles and then at the cease of the recreation a lot of yellow cards? A few ordinary decisions in that way.”

When the peeved boss used to be informed there was an offside before the Johnston handball incident, Clement, with masterful lack of logic, responded: “The choice was once not made about an offside, the selection of no penalty was once made about the handball.

“That used to be the decision. So that was once a peculiar decision for me.”

Stick around, Phil. With Rangers in the vicinity, there are normally a truthful amount of ordinary selections from officials, on and off the pitch.

You’ll be relieved to understand a fair proportion tend no longer to go the way of your opponents.

ALEX GORDON

SFA Responds to Ibrox Statement following Celtic Loss

In an fascinating twist to the already dramatic narrative surrounding the current Glasgow derby, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) has reportedly disputed the Rangers’ account of a indispensable meeting held to talk about the VAR selection from the latest clash. [RecordSport]

This improvement provides any other layer of complexity and controversy to a saga that’s been simmering considering the final whistle at Celtic Park.

The Ibrox facet previously issued a declaration claiming that during the mentioned assembly with the SFA, there used to be a unanimous settlement that the no handball name against Celtic’s Alistair Johnston used to be incorrect.

audio from the in shape didn’t include any mention of an offside that would have negated the penalty, had it been given. This model of events has now been reportedly contested by using the SFA, hinting at a deeper disagreement between the two parties.

As the SFA reportedly challenges the Rangers’ narrative, questions occur about the authentic proceedings and conclusions of the meeting. Were the Rangers’ claims of an agreement on the VAR mistake accurate, or is there more to the story that has but to unfold?

While this goes on Celtic are taking part in some time out and taking a back seat to this bizarre and petulant meltdown. It‘s crazy what a derby defeat can do to a club.

Rangers furiously release a second statement on the Celtic penalty incident and criticize the VAR audio request timeline

The Ibrox club proceed to voice concerns over an incident in the Old Firm derby

Rangers have hit out the Scottish Football Association for no longer but disclosing the VAR audio from Saturday’s Old Firm defeat by Celtic, claiming that the governing body will now not meet until Wednesday to talk about the request.

The Ibrox club are unhappy about the situations surrounding a penalty claim in the first half of Rangers’ 2-1 defeat by way of Celtic at Parkhead. They choose to hear the discussions between VAR operator Willie Collum and match reputable Nick Walsh that led to the decision no longer to penalise Celtic defender Alistair Johnston for a handball offence whilst underneath stress from Rangers ahead Abdallah Sima. Broadcaster Sky Sports printed on air that there was once an offside towards Sima that is deemed to have outmoded any foul play from Johnston, with a still picture numerous minutes after the incident.

However, play restarted with what regarded to be a goal kick from Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart alternatively than a free kick for offside and Rangers manager Philippe Clement published he was unaware of the reasoning at the back of the officials’ actions. It has led to Rangers issuing every other announcement on Sunday, less than 24 hours after their first call for VAR audio to be released, criticising the “unacceptable” timescale for convening and saying their worries are developing over “the lack of transparency”.

A Rangers spokesperson said: “Despite repeated Rangers FC requests, the Scottish FA have so a long way failed to disclose the VAR audio to allow the club to understand the manner round the non-award of a penalty in the first 1/2 of yesterday’s Old Firm match. Rangers officials stand prepared to meet in-person or simply with the Scottish FA at any time to hear and discuss the audio. However, the Scottish FA are refusing to both share the VAR audio and meet until at least Wednesday, 5 days after the Old Firm in shape and after the subsequent spherical of Scottish Premiership fixtures. This is without a doubt unacceptable and heightens Rangers’ issues over the lack of transparency, for which the need is urgent.

“Rangers have realized no penalty was awarded as the VAR official, Willie Collum, concluded a handball offence had now not occurred in the first half. While the membership and most observers are astonished through this ‘professional’ view, we remain confused and concerned about the Scottish FA’s motivations for sharing an offside photo with broadcasters at some point of the 2nd half, when this was once now not the authentic cause why the penalty was not awarded.

“England’s Premier League and different main European Leagues function on a ‘nothing to hide’ basis, the place open communication and full transparency are reachable to golf equipment and the public on contentious VAR calls in a well timed manner. On a weekend where not solely Rangers but also fellow Scottish FA member clubs have foremost questions over doubtlessly match-changing incidents, our governing body would do nicely to heed that identical mantra.”

‘He got nowhere near him’: Rangers were led by the Celtic star, according to James McFadden

Callum McGregor is Celtic captain for a reason and he proved it during the 2-1 Glasgow derby win over Rangers.

From the get-go, Callum McGregor made it clear that he used to be the one who was going to run the show in the center of the park and dictate the tempo of the match.

It was a performance of high, high high-quality and similarly proof that he is one of Celtic’s best-ever midfielders due to the fact he offers when it things most.

James McFadden in reality loved his performance and how he bossed around Rangers playmaker, Todd Cantwell, as he told Sky Sports Football (30/12/23 at 2:50 pm).

Whether the Celtic captain used to be trying to win the ball lower back or development it forward, the entirety was once performed with aggression, high intent and just pure quality.

The Rangers midfield, and the flattering-to-deceive Todd Cantwell, simply couldn’t cope with him as he called the shots.

All of that allowed the likes of goalscorer Paulo Bernardo, Matt O’Riley, the huge gamers and the inverted fullbacks to do their job going forward.

That was touched upon by James McFadden and how the dirty facet of Callum McGregor’s recreation isn’t appreciated.

“I assume it was necessary (on McGregor doing the soiled aspect of the game),” said McFadden. “We recognize how correct of a footballer he is. We recognize he will take the ball in any circumstance. His contact is always immaculate and his decision-making is brilliant.

“But his energy. His aggression to go and win the ball back. His anticipation. These are things, when you get that right and you are controlling the game, then you are having a standout performance.

“I simply think the way Callum McGregor speaks, he takes that leadership role and he relishes it. He surely enjoys being the captain. He constantly leads by using example. None more so than towards Rangers. You should see very early how aggressive he was once to attempt and win the ball back.

“Cantwell was nameless in the game. His job was in all likelihood to give up Callum McGregor. He bought nowhere near him. When Cantwell obtained on the ball, then Callum McGregor stopped him playing. He is stopping a primary danger in the Rangers team, even as additionally having a big affect on his crew as well. I thought he was honestly outstanding.”

Callum McGregor lays down a marker

You ought to argue the closing time McGregor put in an equally fantastic performance, the team had been selecting up three factors at Ibrox.

Whilst the magnificent Kyogo Furuhashi might show to be the distinction maker this season due to the fact of his goals.

Don’t sleep on someone like McGregor due to the fact his have an impact on on this team is simply priceless.

And if Brendan Rodgers is to guide the Bhoys to but every other title, then McGregor wishes to remain match because no-one else in the crew can possibly do the job he does.

‘Hope You Enjoyed It’ – Bernardo Sends Celtic Support An Insightful Message

Celtic intention hero Bernardo took to social media on Saturday night to have a good time his section in Celtic’s win against The Rangers.

The Portuguese big name blasted Celtic into the lead after the ball got here his way. The approach and capacity to seize the ball on the volley and maintain it down was once no stroke of luck.

The Portuguese midfielder has had a quiet begin to his Celtic profession however has burst into lifestyles in the previous two games scoring against Dundee and now the Ibrox side.

Writing on Instagram, the Celtic loan bhoy addressed the fans.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paulo Bernardo (@paulogbernardo)

A wonderful purpose from Kyogo just after the spoil made it a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for the bhoys as they noticed out the yr with a huge win.

Now, Bernardo and the relaxation of the Celtic players have to refocus. With one extra recreation left earlier than the winter ruin against St Mirren, the Hoops should now not get complacent. St Mirren have been doing very well and ought to cause us a lot of troubles if we’re not at it from the beginning.

The cause of Cameron Carter-Vickers’ Celtic problems is explained by Brendan Rodgers; return chronology

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says the knee operation Cameron Carter-Vickers went through in the course of the summer time has been the motive of the defender’s challenges at the Bhoys this season.

Carter-Vickers ended his 2022/23 season early and underwent a procedure on his knee to repair a long-standing problem he had been enjoying through, only returning to Celtic education at the tail-end of pre-season preparations.

He was thrust back into motion in early August however almost straight away picked up a hamstring damage that saved him out till October.

The United States international managed to make 15 in addition appearances earlier than limping out of the fit towards Dundee mid-week but it was clear he had been managing ongoing fitness issues even when making match-day squads.

Rodgers is now hoping his cutting-edge spell on the sidelines will allow him to utterly put together for a essential second half of of the season.

Celtic boss on Cameron Carter-Vickers injury issues

Confirming he’ll be out until after the iciness break, the Bhoys manager said [Herald Sport, 30/12 print edition]: “It’s been a assignment for Cam. Talking to the guys before, he hadn’t picked up a lot of injuries, he was once pretty robust. But considering he’s had his knee operation, it’s been a assignment for him.

“Speaking to John Kennedy and asking him about that sort of experience round the knee, you cease up compensating a lot. So it’s maybe going to take him a wee bit of time to get that rhythm returned again.

“That’s how it’s been for him. He in no way had a ideal pre-season. He was on his own. So, he’s always been catching up on his fitness. But optimistically he can get free of that for the 2d part of the season because he’s a top notch player and has achieved outstanding for Celtic in his time here.”

Thankfully the 25-year-old is no longer going to be out for a long-term duration – this used to be validated through Rodgers in his pre-match media conference.

Ideally, he’ll be again in training at some stage in the January downtime and returned in the crew for the return of the Scottish Premiership on January 27th at domestic to Ross County. That’s a month except matches that will with a bit of luck serve him very well.

What’s most important is that he is given the time to entirely relaxation up, as an alternative than be rushed returned into resolution too quickly. These ongoing issues have a tendency to increase if left unchecked and the closing aspect the player, or Celtic, needs is to go through a muscle tear.

Then we can be assured he’s prepared to get back to his pleasant once he is in contention.

Sydney van Hooijdonk ‘destined’ for Celtic transfer after unseen scouting mission The Ange factor could provide the final push

Reports in Italy state that the Dutchman is on the Parkhead agenda with January speedy approaching.

Sydney van Hooijdonk Out of favour Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk is “destined” to make a cross to Celtic in January, according to a report in Italy.

The son of former Hoops’ hero Pierre was touted with a pass to the Scottish Premiership champions remaining summer time but Thiago Motta closed the exit door for the 23-year-old as he used to be supplied a danger to galvanize his boss in Serie A. However, he has struggled for normal sport time netting simply one goal in his nine appearance this term – which have generally come off the bench.

Brendan Rodgers are in dire need of attacking reinforcements when the January window opens – with Yang and Oh Hyeon-gyu heading off for the Asian Cup with South Korea while Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi probable to observe when the Japan squad is announced. Reports in Italy had in the past claimed that Celtic chiefs had made “initial” inquiries over Van Hooijdonk’s availability.

And Corriere di Bologna now declare that the striker is “destined” to leave in January with Celtic’s eyes “falling” on the Dutchman. Bologna are stated to open to a deal if they can discover a replacement with Hoops scouts said to have watched the participant this term.

That should require a favour from former Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou. Several reviews in England say that the Tottenham supervisor is open to shifting on Alejo Veliz on loan – with Bologna registering an interest. That should be the domino that falls to set a Van Hooijdonk arrival at Bologna in motion.

The departure of Harry Kewell from Celtic is imminent

Harry Kewell in the procedure of finalising backroom staff ahead of Yokohama F. Marinos appointment…

Harry Kewell, First Team Coach of Celtic, looks on prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on March 08, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic coach, Harry Kewell is in the procedure of finalising his backroom team of workers earlier than he departs Celtic Park for Japan. The Australian was brought to the club two years ago, when fellow countryman Ange Postecoglou added the former Liverpool and Leeds United winger to his coaching staff. It used to be a profitable move all round which garnered foremost results as the Hoops romped to a home Treble remaining season.

The club’s wingers have all remarked how effective an affect Kewell has been on their very own respective careers’ but more importantly, around the whole group up at Lennoxtown generally. Kewell was once always going to harbour ambitions of moving into management again at some point following his stint in the English decrease leagues with various employers.

Harry Kewell, First Team Coach of Celtic, gestures prior to the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park on March 08, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Now that we comprehend the man that Ange introduced to the club is certainly leaving in the next few days and has just to finalise the contributors of his very own backroom staff for his new adventure. Brendan Rodgers has previously referred to he wouldn’t stand in any of his coaches’ way if they desired to attempt their personal hand at management on their personal away from Parkhead.

That now looks like becoming a fact and Celtic will as soon as again be on the lookout for a sparkling recruit at Paradise. Harry replaced Damien Duff in essence, after he determined to go his personal way a few years back when Postecoglou first got here into the club. We’re lower back to rectangular one in this respect once more and no doubt Brendan Rodgers will have his very own thoughts and perhaps even an eye on any person who he is aware of well.

No surprises but from what I’ve heard Kewell & Hutchinson to Yokohama #FMarinos both done 🇦🇺

Celtic’s Kewell will replace countryman Muscat at #JLeague club.

Fellow Aussie Hutchinson, who has been working at city rivals Yokohama FC, will return to Marinos as assistant. pic.twitter.com/Sp0eHwsvf5

— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) December 27, 2023

Paul Gillespie

Celtic mainstay excited about Rangers match for reasons other than opening up an eight-point lead

Perpetual undulations seem at work for Celtic in this season’s title race.

As they headed out of Dens Park late on Boxing Day after a pleasurable 3-0 success that put similarly distance between them and the latest back-to-back league defeats shaking the club to their core, there was only one discussion-point round Brendan Rodgers’ side. It took the structure of the likely need to keep away from defeat in Saturday’s derby to stop them dropping their region at the summit of Scottish Premiership. However, the storm-induced tour disruptions for Ross County that forced the postponement of their bitter rivals’ web hosting of the Highland side the following night has positioned a specific slant on the disagreement at the weekend.

Suddenly, it is a recreation that affords Celtic the possibility to set up an eight-point hole over opponents fully revitalised below Philippe Clement, but who have contested two fewer video games than the adversaries whose league crown is firmly in their sights. Yet, it is no longer this backdrop that it appears Greg Taylor is set to consider when he ruminates on a match-up where there is “only three factors on the line; like each and every other league game”. Instead, it is the full force of the complete 60,000 ability at Celtic Park willing him and his team-mates on – a end result of his club denying Rangers any ticket allocation – that appears to whet his appetite.

Three weeks ago, the atmosphere at the stadium used to be toxic with chants of ‘sack the board’ reverberating as Rodgers’ guys slumped to a 2-0 loss in opposition to Hearts that consigned Celtic to a first home league defeat in nearly three years. At least initially, the backing will be ordinary – as it was once even as Celtic trooped off the pitch at the cease of a first-half at Dens the place they have been unable to pressure a breakthrough. The Scotland full-back delighting in the travelling fans being “right up for it”, as is a given for Rangers coming to their patch. “[It is an] splendid feeling,” he said. “Having a stadium full of your own fans, right behind you pushing you from the second go. So it’ll be interesting and we are all looking forward to it.”

The Dundee success following on from a convincing-enough 2-0 home win over Livingston prompts the belief in an anticipated temper swing. Taylor, though, doesn’t concur with the contention that in the aftermath of the Hearts reverse – on the returned of a second-half fall down that resulted in a 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock – there may additionally have been too lots of a rush to forget about that even this season Celtic have proven they can be a pressure to be reckoned with. “No, I wouldn’t say so,” Taylor said. “We had disappointing performances and, when that comes, you get a bit of stick. That’s normal, in particular at a club this size. The supporters demand performances and results. The two defeats together weren’t suitable enough, so, no, I suppose it used to be justified we took a bit of stick, but there are a lot of boys in there [the dressing room] with big, broad shoulders who can take it and go out and show [people] wrong.”

The first leaks of Celtic’s 2024/25 home kit have surfaced

Adidas is currently entering the last year of its five-year partnership with Celtic, initiated in 2020, and has produced a range of football strips that have sparked various opinions among fans.

The designs have oscillated between being hailed as special and elegant to being criticised as unappealing.

The modern speculation about subsequent season’s home shirt, primarily based on leaks mentioned by Footy Headlines, has stirred up discussion. According to these leaks, the new design, which follows a latest Adidas template, has not been officially confirmed yet.

However, if the leaked designs are accurate, the upcoming shirt is already producing strong reactions, with some suggesting it could be regarded one of the least favourable Celtic shirts to date.

This is a diagram that’s been mocked up that Footy Headlines believes will be close to the completed article.

Breaking the hoops… that won’t go down well.

What some followers might think about a daring and sparkling look, others may see as a departure from subculture or an aesthetic misstep.

For Celtic and Adidas, the challenge lies in balancing innovation with tradition, ensuring that new designs admire the club’s rich heritage whilst also appealing to present day tastes. As the present day contract nears its end, it stays to be considered how this partnership will evolve and what impact it will have on the future aesthetic of Celtic’s kits.

Pundit asserts Since Rodgers’ initial stint, Celtic has been considering strikers

It is no mystery that Brendan Rodgers and Celtic are in the market for a striker this January. Marco Tilio has already been misplaced to the Asian Cup, and so ought to the likes of Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Oh, and Reo Hatate.

This may want to immediate the Hoops into signing a new frontman, and in accordance to Portuguese outlet O JOGO, they are one of two aspects main the race for Wolves striker Fabio Silva.

The 21-year-old moved to Molineux for a enormous 40 million euros (Transfermarkt) as a teenager. He is nevertheless but to spoil into the first-team in the Black u . s . a . after spells on mortgage at PSV and Anderlecht the place he made a combined fifty one appearances, and registered 22 goal contributions all-in.

Any move for Silva would be a loan, but he is a participant who has long been on the radar at Parkhead, in accordance to Andy Walker: “He used to be on Celtic’s radar a quantity of years ago”, he stated (Go Radio via Daily Record). “I consider doing a recreation down south and he used to be enjoying for Wolves. They were all talking about the activity from Celtic. He has obtained skill. He has received capability and performed at a right level. That was throughout Brendan’s first spell in charge.”

Undoubtedly, the champions want reinforcements in attack. Questions have been raised, though, over whether or not Silva is the tested nice that is needed.

Just 21, it would be unfair to count on a player of his age in a hotly contested title race. The judgement of Brendan Rodgers will need to be trusted, however, and Silva virtually looks like a man who is of activity to the Parkhead gaffer.

‘I was told,’ Sky Pundit explains why Celtic did not sign a striker this summer

Celtic’s seeming incapacity to signal a striker in the summer time switch window used to be down to one key purpose according to Sky Sports’, Anthony Joseph.

Joseph said he used to be informed that the reason why Celtic never purchased another striker was once down to another summer season signing’s ability to play that ahead role.

Joseph said [The Celtic Exchange Podast], “Celtic nearly have been saying, surely what I was being told, used to be that that they’re not going to be getting a striker in earlier than the stop of the window.

“And also with one supply telling me that Luis Palma can additionally play up front. And I keep in mind placing that out there was that it’s searching increasingly more not likely that Celtic will go again in for Kvistgaarden, they are not likely to carry in a striker because Luis Palma can also play up front due to the fact that was once what I was being told.”

Now I can apprehend the club’s, or Brendan Rodgers‘ reasons for this. With Hyeongyu Oh as the backup to Kyogo Furuhashi, having Palma handy as a 1/3 alternative negated the necessity to payout for any other frontman.

Indeed, even Daizen Maeda can fill in as a lone striker however this design had one deadly flaw. It appears that injuries and the terrible form (or quality) of the other summer signings were not taken into account.

Losing Maeda and Leil Abada to injury has been a large blow for Rodgers. That coupled with Hyunjun Yang and Mikey Johnston both failing to impress meant that the Celtic manager’s capability to utilise his squad efficaciously has hurt consequences on the pitch.

With no creativity from the broad areas, Kyogo has struggled to hit the goalscoring structure that the Celtic fans have come to be accustomed to as the team’s current struggles have shown.

Hopefully with the benefit of hindsight, Rodgers will now seem to be to January to see if he can bolster that vicinity of the team because if he needs to win this title and the £60m that goes with it, the Celtic manager will need to enhance his firepower.

‘Conversations I had’: A Sky journalist discusses the sum he has heard Celtic would accept for Matt O’Riley

The activity in Matt O’Riley from other golf equipment so a ways this season has been huge. The midfielder has been in fantastic structure and is attracting interest from golf equipment throughout Europe.

The 23-year-old’s upward jab to stardom has been quite wonderful and it seems that as his worldwide attention grows alongside his performances in the Champions League, Celtic should earn a fortune if, and when, they figure out to promote him.

So what can Celtic count on to fetch for O’Riley? A report fee? That really looks to be what the club will be searching for after Anthony Joseph shared what he’s been advised would be an desirable sum of money to make Celtic do business.

Joseph stated [The Celtic Exchange Podcast], “Celtic is in a very top function regarding Matt O’Riley. He’s simply signed a new contract, a bumper contract at that.

“Celtic rejected £10 million from Leeds United in the remaining couple of days of the transfer window and that kind of sparked Celtic looking to get him down on accelerated terms.

“I imply when Leeds have been coming in with £10 million bids the thinking method was, certainly from the conversations I had, I don’t assume Celtic would have entertained anything under £15 million.

“But even £15 million probable wouldn’t have finished it. It would have had to be around £20 million to open that conversation, I assume anyway.

“And with a new contract that’s got to be the case again. The reality he signed a new contract I would reckon Celtic wouldn’t open the conversation until until there used to be £20 million perhaps even up to £25 million.”

For me, I hope Celtic don’t appear to promote O’Riley in January. With the league title in the balance and a £60m Champions League bounty up for grabs, it would be foolish for the membership to even ponder it right now.

If Celtic can get the league title over the line then they need to at least strive and hold onto the 23-year-old for some other season.

One extra crack at the Champions League may additionally be enough to tempt him to stay on but Celtic must enhance as a consequence due to the fact O’Riley won’t be joyful to continue to be on the incorrect cease of any more embarrassing results in Europe’s top competition.

Brendan Rodgers makes allusions to Reo Hatate’s impending comeback

The Celtic Star attended the post-match media conference at Celtic Park this afternoon after the Hoops defeated Livingston 2-0, a scoreline that flattered David Martindale’s relegation favourites who furnished a perfect instance of anti-football this afternoon and should be proud of preserving the scoreline decent having had zero photographs at goal and zero corner-kicks.

Jessica Elliott attended on behalf of The Celtic Star and even managed to have a wee chat with the supervisor after the convention ended. Here’s what used to be said:

Q: Feels like you’re getting again to your historic selves?

Brendan Rodgers: “Listen, it used to be a very correct win. It’s obviously been a difficult week on the back of the two league results that we’ve had. Naturally, when you’re a Celtic player or coach, it’s now not what you want. But today, I thinking the gamers have been excellent. Right from the first whistle, the tempo in the game was certainly good. We could manage the game. Created lots of possibilities and possibly the players didn’t get what they deserved out of the game, which was once probably a higher score line. Some in reality accurate moments in the recreation and delighted with the overall performance and win.

Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park  on December 23, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Q: You spoke the day before today about harmony and how every body needs to get at the back of the team. At half-time, there could’ve been frustration about not scoring but there wasn’t?

Brendan Rodgers: “Clearly, the supporters here, they’re no longer daft. They recognize football. You know, there’s been a few games here where we haven’t been as comprehensive as what we had been going into half-time, however I assume they can see that we have been developing opportunities, we simply hadn’t put the probabilities away.

“That’s what I strengthened to the players at half-time. Just that you have to be power now. You don’t want to change anything, simply keep the structure, hold the speed in the game and the possibilities will come. Thankfully we got the early breakthrough, and we may want to push on from that.”

Luiyi de Lucas of Livingston vies with Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park Stadium on December 23, 2023 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Q: Is it necessary that Kyogo received a goal?

Brendan Rodgers: “I suppose he’s three dreams short of where he was final season. For me, it’s greater important for the team. The team desires it. Clearly, strikers, attacking players, it’s their job to create and rating dreams so I suppose you seen the alleviation in his face. He was pleased to score and it used to be a precise finish due to the fact he’s read it well, move comes and it used to be fantastic for him to get the goal, due to the fact he had some different opportunities that didn’t quite drop for him. From a crew perspective, it’s precisely what we needed.”

Q: What’s Kyogo like? Does he get a bit down when he doesn’t score or is his confidence nonetheless high?

Brendan Rodgers: “I suppose it’s one the place there’s in all likelihood been moments of frustration for him this season because he maybe hasn’t quite had the ball through or maybe had the runs in in the back of that permits him to get into positions that clearly highlights his clever movement. But he’s stored going. He’s saved persistent. He’s of course got this shoulder issue, however he’s kept working and that’s important.

“Like I say, he’s simply brief of where he was once remaining season in terms of goals, however I suppose any striker – they favor to get goals. For me, it’s not about just the striker because you can have a striker that receives 40 goals but it’s not excellent if the different participants of the group aren’t contributing. So yeah, exceptional to get a aim for him. Also great to get one from a set piece as well. For me, we need to be plenty higher in that area, so we looked a threat from these moments and needless to say get the intention from Liam.”

Q: Pleased with the contribution from Luis Palma?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah. I assume seeing that he’s come in, in equity to him, he’s created dreams and scored goals. Like you say, he’s very right on these dead ball situations. It was once proper contribution from him.”

Q: Does Reo Hatate have a danger of playing on Tuesday or Saturday?

Brendan Rodgers: “Possibility, however we’ll simply have to see on that. He’s been out on the grass and he’s been working well. He appears sturdy and fit. We’ll simply have to verify that and weigh up the risk.

“For the 2d part of the season, he’s going to be huge for us. He’s such an instrumental player and the dynamic that he offers the team. He hasn’t featured plenty in the first part of the season however a sport he got here in to until now on in the season, the whole pace of the sport used to be different.

“That’s what we’re about, that tempo, that intensity. So the quicker we get him back, it’ll be like a new signing for us.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic shoots at goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Livingston FC at Celtic Park Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Q: Maeda came in these days and did his bit. Is Abada close to returning?

Brendan Rodgers: “He’s getting there as well. We’ll just have to see with Liel. He’s been out for a little while, however I think, for the likes of Liel, if it’s now not for the next few video games then virtually by using the 2nd part of the season, he should be a gorgeous help to the team.

“Daizen receives his recreation time today. You can see he’s not thoroughly suit however it’s every other recreation for him, another 60 ordinary minutes and that’ll help him.”

Q: Does having Maeda return to the beginning line-up help elevate the tempo of the team?

Brendan Rodgers: “Football will constantly look exclusive if you’ve got gamers with the profile of velocity in the game, and that’s how this group has been built. The minute you take that out, that penetration to go in behind, then everything can be in the front and that’s no longer how my groups work or how this team works. You can see the chance he affords in behind puts human beings on the backfoot and then it places you into depth which is the place you choose to go due to the fact you favor to create possibilities and be able to score goals. So, he gives us that and it’s precise to have him back. And when Abada comes back, he’ll supply us that and we’ll see what we can do in January as properly to amplify that.”

Brendan Rodgers gives Chris Sutton a slap for “going through the motions” in the Celtics game

BRENDAN RODGERS has refuted suggestions from former Celtic striker Chris Sutton that he is ‘going through the motions’ at some stage in his second spell in charge of the club, saying that he nevertheless has the fire to carry success to Celtic Park.

Speaking on the Daily Mail ‘It’s all Kicking Off’ podcast earlier this week, Sutton argued that Rodgers had to count on greater of the blame for current ‘flat’ performances, saying: “At the second this Celtic team are disjointed and going thru the motions. And there’s a fair argument to suggest Brendan Rodgers has been going through the motions this season.”

But the Celtic supervisor gave short shrift to Sutton’s comments, saying that he would never have had the success he has during his profession if he wasn’t giving his all to his job.

“That’s the first I’ve heard of that,” Rodgers said.

“In my career, I wouldn’t be sat right here if I went thru the motions in anything.

“I had no massive enjoying career, no large records in the game. I had to fight for the whole thing I received in the game.

“That will continually be the case. I’ve in no way been granted any privileges in my existence as a younger coach and as a manager.

“So, no, I’ve sincerely now not long past via the motion, that’s for sure.

“[The fire]’s nevertheless constantly there. I’m here to win, I’ve stated that before, and I understand how to win. It’s now not new.

“I stated that to gamers in here in the past in the season, when we had the game in opposition to St Johnstone at home. I’m here to win, now not to draw and simply not to lose games. And I be aware of how to win. And that’s something that, over time, with any luck I can exhibit here.

“I was here in my first time with a group of players who I used to be able to maximise the attainable of simply all of them. It will be the identical here. With the right profile of gamers – and players we can bring up – they will do that. That’s what I’ve performed all my career.

“So, no, I’m really not going via the motions. It’s a exclusive duration of my managerial career, however I’m virtually not going thru the motions.”

While he bristled a little at that accusation from Sutton, Rodgers insists that the flak presently coming his way after the defeats to Kilmarnock and Hearts has no effect on him or on his team.

“I don’t hear to it,” he said.

“I assume there used to be criticism due to the fact we misplaced but I couldn’t tell you where it’s come from or who it’s been given from.

“That’s phase of the role of a manager. You learn to alter that. I’m also one who, with experience, in no way receives too emotional with words.

“I determine matters logically and the truth was that we weren’t correct enough. For some thing reason. Second 1/2 towards Kilmarnock, towards Hearts – we weren’t excellent enough. There are classes there for us as a team. Hopefully we can heed these lessons, that’s part of the challenge.

“In phrases of criticism, listen, it takes place when you’re no longer winning. It’s some thing that should have an effect on you when you’re a very younger manager, but it doesn’t [affect] me.

“I’m here with a mentality to make this proper and with a bit of luck we can supply that.”