I’d be shocked if Brendan Rodgers is Celtic manager next season, and three reasons why: Hugh Keevin

The extent to which resentment lingers on was proven during the game at Motherwell ultimate weekend.

I would be amazed if Brendan Rodgers is nonetheless Celtic’s supervisor at the start of subsequent season, whether or not or no longer he wins the league title in May.

The baiting of Brendan made for an uncomfortable pay attention and watch over the past week. Resentment, rejection and retribution, the supervisor has had to face all of those poor reactions in the space of days. There need to have been moments in the course of the public fall-out from Rodgers’ verbal alternate with BBC reporter Jane Lewis on Sunday when he questioned what had come over him in June at his domestic in Spain.

That day when he abandoned his unique layout to take a year-long sabbatical and as a substitute accepted Dermot Desmond’s offer of a return to Celtic Park. Brendan’s press convention on Tuesday, when he explained himself after the post-match interview with Lewis at Fir Park, used to be strongly reminiscent of the first one he gave as returning Celtic manager in July. I wrote right here at the time that Rodgers appeared to be being interviewed below caution. Tuesday’s questioning earlier than the Dundee healthy was every other instance of interrogation dressed up as an interview.

The night before, BBC Scotland’s prime-time information broadcast The Nine unearthed a professor of linguistics to provide an academic’s opinion on someone announcing “good girl” to a female television journalist. The professor concluded that Rodgers’ words had been “ill thought out” and that words, when misused, had been “as horrific as violence”.

At that juncture, the case of Lewis versus Rodgers came in need of a judicial review. A verbal mis-step via the manager? No argument.

Violence? Why take the conversation in that course to the detriment of his character? Brendan has, of course, been the victim of battery through phrases from some of the Celtic support. He was referred to as “Judas” and a “rat” when he again to Celtic in the summer, the toxic verbiage used to condemn him for leaving for Leicester in 2019.

And the extent to which resentment lingers on was proven in the course of the sport at Motherwell closing weekend. The booing that accompanied his substitution of Tomoki Iwata offered evidence of the on-going disconnect between the manager and his in-house critics.

It was a vindictive response of the kind that provoked Rodgers to express his dismay at final Tuesday’s press gathering. That gathering, incidentally, used to be attended via a girl sports writer who had used her newspaper column that morning to say Rodgers had “belittled” Lewis with his “good girl” remark. Fair enough. That’s her opinion.

But she was at Lennoxtown to see if she could prolong the story into every other day with the aid of questioning the manager. What was to be won from doing that, other than fanning the controversy? Likewise, the BBC sent Lewis to Celtic’s rout of Dundee on Wednesday night. The pair should have been given a diplomatic destroy from every different after the occasions of four days earlier.

Brendan is the highest-paid manager in Scottish football history, of course, and cash can also soften the blow of having to take abuse at every turn. But the activities of last week, from the Celtic help to the wider media and even the employed gun from a university background, should have given Rodgers reason for reflection.

You don’t remain where you’re now not wanted and all that. We shall wait and see however it will be a source of light remedy for the boss today to immerse himself in some precise old- common paranoia. Conspiracy is always a remedy for fans. It takes their minds off the real world.

Mohamed Diomande of Rangers celebrates with Cyriel Dessers (Image: Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Today they can dive into the historical baloney about Hearts lying down to Rangers while making an attempt their damndest against green-and-white hoops. This stuff is of no final result to Rodgers. His biggest assignment is to confront the concept that Celtic are clinging on to the title race through their fingertips.

Criticising Celtic for their performances, or an unfathomable signing policy, is perfectly legitimate. Always business, in no way personal.

But personality assassination and abuse from his very own fans, and others from outwith the football-related media, is every other matter. Rodgers can mull that over whilst addressing if his team have what it takes to overtake Rangers in the league.

What takes place at Tynecastle will assist answer that question. The incorrect answer will assuredly bring retribution in keeping with the present day uneasy climate.

Captain Callum McGregor’s injury inspires “new experience,” but Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers shields him from himself

The skipper is a predominant doubt for the crucial showdown with Hearts at Tynecastle.

Brendan Rodgers is adamant he won’t take risks with Celtic skipper Callum McGregor.

The Parkhead boss is convinced he has the leaders to step up if his captain is ruled out of tomorrow’s showdown against Hearts. McGregor is a large doubt for the crunch clash at Tynecastle. Rodgers confirmed his captain is feeling Achilles and calf problems having been taken off at half-time in the 7-1 midweek win over Dundee. The supervisor published that McGregor informed him in conversations he can experience niggles at this time of a season due to his brilliant appearance report and the quantity of video games he plays.

Celtic’s Callum McGregor looks dejected

But with his on-pitch leader so precious and a string of video games just as huge as the crunch at Tynecastle looming, Rodgers is not organized to take gambles. McGregor’s nature potential that he will do the whole lot to be prepared for the key title hostilities in Gorgie. However, when asked if it may additionally be a case of protecting him and nearly saving him from himself, the Celtic boss said: “Well that’s exactly it, aye.

“With gamers like that in my experience, the guys who are usually handy and constantly playing, it’s such a new ride for them to be injured. It is one of these the place all players, in particular top players, they favor to play each game. So, you have to be mindful of it and you have to be conscious of the risk.

“We will sincerely take that into consideration due to the fact we are coming into into a certainly vital period. They are all large games. I said it at Motherwell, I stated it at some point of the week and I say it now for Hearts, they are all massive games.

“You are continually weighing up the risk. You can go into a cup ultimate and if there is nothing after that for a whilst then of route the hazard might be greater but you can take that risk. But with nonetheless quite a bit of the season to go and vital games, we simply have to weigh that up.”

Although dropping McGregor for Tynecastle would be an apparent and most important blow to the champions, Rodgers is adamant that he has other influential stars to help cover the Scotland star’s leadership. He said: “Yeah, the likes of Cameron [Carter-Vickers] and Ali Johnston now getting lower back up to speed and sturdy and fit, Greg Taylor is a gorgeous speaker as well.

“So that leadership from inside from guys like huge Joe Hart, these guys will step up. Someone of Callum’s exceptional and leadership qualities will constantly be a leave out if he isn’t playing. But that then is the duty of each person then to take that on board.”

McGregor’s capability as properly as his have an effect on on the team would additionally leave a gaping gap but again, Rodgers says it can open a door for any individual else to step through. He added: “Yeah, it’s an probability for any one else to come in.

“I’d love to get to the factor this season where all these players had been reachable and geared up to play together, and experience seeing them play together. But like I say, if it is one the place he isn’t on hand then the chance is there for any person else. We’ve viewed guys like Liam Scales taking opportunities this season and it’s what you want in a exact squad.”

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic players will learn from this even if they don’t win the title

Rodgers reckons Rangers warfare will stand his stars in proper stead whether they are the closing one standing or not.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers believes his gamers will only get higher from the journey of going toe-to-toe with Rangers – even if they give up up on the losing side.

Rodgers is locked into a two way battle for this season’s title having been knocked off the top of the table by his opponents from Ibrox as the two facets hurtle toward the closing stretch. The champions face a go to from Dundee in Glasgow tonight while Philippe Clement takes his team to face disruptors Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, searching to shield a two factor lead. With simply eleven video games left to play Rodgers believes the destiny of the championship is probable to go down to the wire. But he insists the drama and stress of going via the run-in will assist accelerate Celtic’s progression in the longer term.

Asked if he believes his batch of new arrivals are mentally sturdy adequate for the race to the line he said: “Well, something takes place they’ve acquired to achieve that. You can inform players and then you can show them however the greatest learning comes from the journey itself. That’s when you get the full development.

“I suppose this team now, being in right here at this phase of the season, will research from the experience. They are going thru that.

“So whatever occurs this year, they are going to be better for having lived the ride because nothing can prepare you for the expectations around a club like Celtic. When you come in here, with the greatest notions to learn and develop, however it is no longer till you trip that expectation to function and win.

“Big Adam Idah has stated it himself – about the depth of having to win each game. He’s gained 9 games and drawn two and he’s nevertheless wondering what the query is! So you have to journey it. And when you ride it then you develop further.”

Rodgers admitted that Celtic’s structure has been much less than convincing on account that the begin of the marketing campaign and that his gamers struggled to get up to velocity once more at the weekend when they came from behind to finally overcome Motherwell in damage time.

Asked if this patchy structure is a outcome of the state of affairs at the top of the desk he responded: “I’m now not sure. I don’t think so. I’ve been up right here earlier than when we’ve long past to Ibrox knowing if we lost the game we had been maybe three points or six points behind. But we nevertheless performed with freedom, first-rate and fight.

“But we can’t enable ourselves to overthink it. I suppose that’s what’s key. I suppose we simply have to play our recreation and that’s the steady messaging.

“The gamers are truely giving their all. They would possibly not have been at their best but they’re giving their best. There’s absolutely no doubt about that.

Celtic’s Adam Idah celebrates (Image: SNS Group)

“And, like I say, we have some truly vital gamers working their way lower back who can genuinely make the difference for us over these subsequent few weeks. Hopefully you see the stage develop again.”

And Rodgers believes the return to full fitness of protective stalwart Cameron Carter-Vickers could flip out to be a key component going into the remaining stretch. He said: “He’s been very vital for this team. He simply knows soccer – he is aware of the game.

“I usually say the centre back function is arguably the one role in the pitch where you have two gamers however it is one position. When you see what he does when he comes in, he stabilises Liam Scales or whoever he’s been playing with.

“He spent two years without a doubt taking part in with Starfelt and they had a notable connection, wonderful speed. Very little received in behind them.

“If you’re no longer having to run in in the back of so plenty then it skill you’re on the attack more. But, too frequently this season, he hasn’t been there, so teams have possibly been getting up the facets a little bit more.

“Having him back actually solidifies that and gives self assurance to the team. It’s virtually necessary for us to maintain him fit.”

Rangers acrobatics by Sutton cause laughter, but the Celtic hero refuses to respond to the question about the title

Sutton used to be underneath the kosh to admit he fancies Rangers for the title – however he just would not do it, to Robbie Savage’s dismay.

Chris Sutton had Robbie Savage in stitches live on radio – because he would not tell Rangers fans what they wanted to hear.

The Celtic hero will be on Sky Sports punditry duty on Sunday as Celtic look to cut the hole lower back down to two points after Gers hit Hearts for 5 on Saturday. At one factor this season it had appeared as if the title would be heading again to Parkhead, however it’s now the Ibrox aspect who are hot favourites with fans and punters after a excellent revival below Philippe Clement.

With the Glasgow still to face twice, though, each nonetheless maintain it inside their very own hands. That’s actually the noise coming out of Celtic where Brendan Rodgers is refusing to panic no matter the dramatic overhaul because Michael Beale used to be disregarded lower back in October. And it was once a similar vibe from Sutton who was once pressed on who he thinks will win the title.

He joined Savage on their BBC Radio five Live show on Saturday night and his co-host tried desperately to get him to admit he fancies Rangers to win the title. But Sutton had him in stitches with the gymnastics he pulled off to keep away from answering the query directly.

The former Parkhead striker did admit it was once ‘Rangers’ to lose’ and Savage notion he had him pinned when he said “it appears like it is over…” however Sutton then shortly clarified his point by means of adding “…or at least Rangers followers surely assume so.”

Savage asked the query a couple of times, no longer blissful with Sutton’s responses, but he solely went as far as to say: “At this moment in time, they’re favourites.” And a laughing Savage then advised him: “What a pathetic character (you are).”

His mouth is bigger than his club – Minnow’s manager criticizes Celtic

Celtic have been scalded by a footballing counterpart (cough)for being unwilling to be involved in an Atlantic League within European football. The assaults got here from the mouthy Shelbourne FC’s Vice-Chairman, Andrew Doyle, who has insisted that Celtic extra usually are content material in being top of the pile in Scotland and also-rans in European competition.

This is nothing new of course, as there have been rumblings for many years about Celtic leaving Scottish soccer to be a part of the English Premier League or some improvised European league involving groups of a similar stature who are starved of greater revenues because they play in uncompetitive home football. It has in no way come to fruition at any stage and it looks like it in no way will in any case.

With the disparity between the top five leagues and the rest developing at a fast charge with every passing year, the chasm that exists is on exhibit almost each yr in the UEFA Champions League group stages, which is why they determined to change the format from crew tiers to a league model. Not that this will significantly advantage groups such as Celtic however, as it’s merely to keep the giants of European football content that while longer and stall the onwards push for a European Super League.

Doyle published it kind of already is that way presently, with teams from smaller nations simply unable to compete with Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich on a everyday basis. The Shelbourne executive has mentioned the solely way to bridge the gap would be an progressive thought such as a cross-border league with teams from one of a kind international locations competing.

When requested whether or not Celtic should be involved in those plans, he stated: “Yes it could, of course, but Celtic would have to desire to be aggressive in Europe and my bet is they’re perfectly comfortable being at the pinnacle of a depreciating SPFL invariably and then being perennially uncompetitive in the Champions League.

“It’s a gravy educate and they’re on it. The new UEFA Champions League layout is even higher for them – extra European games equals even more European money for them. So lengthy as the contemporary device remains and Scotland’s place in the UEFA access listing stays incredibly high, Celtic are most unlikely to go for it. I think they’ll be very joyful to continue winning the Premiership greater years than not, where they’ll gain automatic access to the round of 32 and then get hockeyed there, but nonetheless get all that European cash,” he said to Scottish Daily Mail.

“That, of course, ensures that Scottish football remains hopelessly uncompetitive, because no one can match Celtic’s cash. Our structure would have exceeded all sensible UEFA standards due to the fact it benefited all stakeholders, now not simply Celtic and (the)Rangers, in Scotland’s case. The debate shouldn’t be whether there’s a fantastic league or no notable league.

“It’s whether or not UEFA or some other birthday celebration operates a revised model of the existing exceptional league, with extra competition and larger gain to all. The Champions League is already UEFA’s very personal great league. The champions of some countries, Ireland, for instance have never even performed in the damn thing, ever. So, of course, the device is broken. Completely broken.”

Paul Gillespie

“He Doesn’t Rate Them” – Pundit Says Celtic Duo Are Not Rodgers Signings

In a recent dissection of Celtic’s poor method in the switch market, the conversation has moved to how man players in the door over the past eight months have been simply players Rodgers wanted.

The club’s strategy to player acquisitions and departures has been under the microscope, specifically following the surprising retention of Gustaf Lagerbielke, regardless of anticipation of his exit. Lagerbielke, notably, has yet to make an look in the squad since his cross was known as off, an incidence that has no longer long past overlooked among the Celtic support.

In January, Rodgers and Celtic allowed players, including Marco Tilio, who has due to the fact that joined Melbourne FC on a mortgage spell, Hyeokkyu Kwon, who made the switch to St Mirren in Paisley, to hyperlink up with Stephen Robinson’s side, and the aforementioned Lagerbielke had one foot out the door, three men who only signed in the summer.

11th February 2024; St Mirren Park, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, Scottish Cup Football, St Mirren versus Celtic; Hyeokkyu Kwon of St Mirren on loan from Celtic takes a seat in the stand

Shock jock Ewan Cameron weighed in on the depend throughout his appearance on the Big Scottish Football Podcast.

Cameron posited that Rodgers has had little to no influence on who has come in the door to this point, and whilst Cameron is anybody we don’t normally agree with, the statistics seem to talk for themselves.

7th February 2024; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Daizen Maeda of Celtic and Maik Nawrocki of Celtic arrive for the match

Cameron’s analysis suggests a disconnect between Rodgers and acquisitions, citing their scant taking part in time as evidence, speakme about Lagerbielke and Nawrocki he said: “They’re really no longer Brendan Rodgers’ signings… He doesn’t fee them,” Cameron stated, hinting at a possible divergence in approach between Rodgers and the scouting department, with the latter possibly having more impact over these decisions.

Right now, due to the fact of injury, we have two players in the coronary heart of defence Stephen Welsh and Liam Scales who couldn’t get a sport over the previous two seasons while Celtic hoovered up silverware. Rodgers starting each or even one of them over both Nawrocki or Lagerbielke says a lot.

‘Needs to be better’: Paul Hartley predicts Brendan Rodgers’ chances of winning the championship at Celtic

Celtic are in a title race that may want to go to the wire, and Brendan Rodgers will need to navigate some complicated challenges to ensure his aspect are topped champions.

As matters stand, the Bhoys are taking part in catch-up following a sequence of activities closing weekend that led Rangers to trap top spot in the Scottish Premiership ahead of the modern-day round of fixtures.

Rodgers’ side dropped the ball in opposition to Kilmarnock at home, surrendering two factors in a feeble manner courtesy of David Watson’s header at the death.

Nevertheless, the show have to go on for Celtic, who tour to face Motherwell this Sunday at Fir Park in a must-win game, factoring in the context of the title race.

Willie Collum has been appointed referee for the clash, which will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football from 12 pm sharp.

Heading into proceedings, the Hoops may also be as many as 5 points at the back of if situations go with the flow in a positive route elsewhere. However, there is no margin for error, regardless of occurrences outdoor our control.

Paul Hartley has his say on Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Taking a trip down memory lane, former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley found himself in a similar quandary to his historic club’s contemporary occasions inside his two profitable title-winning campaigns at Parkhead.

The 47-year-old has had his say on whether the Bhoys can claw lower back the two-point deficit they need to overcome under Rodgers.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, Hartley believes that Irishman is the ‘ideal man to settle things down’ over the coming weeks, comparing the scenario to his own experiences beneath Gordon Strachan.

He stated: “Brendan won’t panic. He is far too correct a manager. He was once very truthful after the Kilmarnock game last Saturday and admitted Celtic didn’t put in the overall performance he desired or expected.

“But he has properly gamers and he is the ideal man to settle matters down again. Brendan has won so plenty in his career, and he will stay calm and clear. Gordon (Strachan) used to be the equal in 2008 — he made things genuinely simple

“We knew it used to be a case of struggle and fighting to get the wins. Myself and Barry Robson performed together in midfield towards Motherwell and it worked well. We gained that game 4-1 and it used to be a real turning point.

“We had to play Rangers twice soon after,  and we gained each of them. Suddenly, we had the momentum in the title race, and we never seemed back. Brendan will be aware of that Celtic will need to be better shifting forward, but there is a long way to go this season.”

Celtic need to stay calm in the face of growing pressure

Realistically, there is usually an aspect of stress at Celtic due to the exceedingly high requirements held at Parkhead.

Nevertheless, prevailing is all that matters proper now, and three points on Sunday ought to assist breed some self assurance to take into a run of climactic fixtures.

Five league matches continue to be before the Bhoys journey to face Rangers at Ibrox on April 7th, making it imperative that Rodgers’ guys don’t drop any extra useless points.

Should they build some momentum in the next weeks, there may also nevertheless be a likelihood they can warranty the future of the Scottish Premiership title will be in their very own hands.

Chris Sutton ends Happy Clapper live on radio as he witnesses the Celtic “fear factor” vanish before his eyes

Sutton believes Rodgers has to raise the can for horrific outcomes and wasn’t having the defence that they had been pinnacle of the league until today.

Chris Sutton put the blame for Celtic’s descent closer to crisis at Brendan Rodgers’ feet – and reckons everyone who doesn’t recognize where fans are coming from absolutely does not get the Scottish game.

The Parkhead membership drew with Kilmarnock yesterday and allowed Rangers the risk to go clear on their personal at the top of the Premiership today. Their rivals obliged, beating St Johnstone 3-0 and with Celtic having as soon as regarded so in manage of the title race, it’s now Gers who are favourites to go on and carry it in May.

Discontent has been brewing in Glasgow’s east give up for a while with followers feeling the club have sat still. Much of the frustration until now has been directed at the board for failing to invest but now there is a real feeling Rodgers is dramatically underperforming with a squad that have to be doing better.

Sutton was requested for his ideas on the count number on BBC Radio five Live and he sympathised with fans getting on Rodgers’ back. He said: “There’s a lot of unhappiness among the fanbase about Celtic now not spending a massive quantity of money, however my point is Brendan Rodgers should be doing better domestically than he is at this moment in time with the gamers he has available.”

That was when host Robbie Savage cut in, pointing out they have been pinnacle all season until Rangers took over on Sunday. But Sutton wasn’t having that as he blasted back: “They’ve been papering over the cracks with their performances. You do not pretty apprehend Scottish football, 2nd is last. You can not be behind in Glasgow. There are Celtic followers out there now who assume they can’t perhaps win the league. I do not always agree with that due to the fact there’s a lengthy way to go…”

This was where fan Paul was once added into the conversation and he agreed with Sutton. He did however add that they have no threat of winning the title enjoying like they did towards Killie – and raised the point that Rodgers should be able to do extra with the present day crop of players, many of whom have regressed under his tutelage.

Sutton replied: “This season, Celtic have dropped so many points domestically. What would worry me about yesterday is that Kilmarnock had greater pictures than Celtic in their very own back yard. There’s no longer a worry issue any more when groups home teams play Celtic. They don’t worry them, they fancy their chances.

“People can smartphone in and tell me if I’m wrong, however I don’t take into account the closing time that happened. You look at durations this season, away to Aberdeen, away to Hibs, Kilmarnock 2d half. Teams are enjoying Celtic off the park. That is the fear and that, domestically, falls on the manager.”

Joe Hart of Celtics is candid and believes there will be “difficult” questions after Kilmarnock’s draw

Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart used to be one of the few gamers to get away with skip marks in the Bhoys’ 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock yesterday.

The 36-year-old earned a in shape rating of 7.9/10 for his exploits, making five saves and completing 30 of his 35 attempted passes on what turned out to be a dreary day at Parkhead [Sofascore].

At present, the four-time Golden Glove winner has an uncertain future in Glasgow, given that his contract expires at the stop of the campaign.

Nevertheless, Hart appears decided to give the whole thing to declare silverware in what may want to be his remaining season at Celtic, leading via example seeing that the turn of the year.

His commitment also can’t be questioned. Back in January, Brendan Rodgers revealed that the skilled wide variety one has been living north of the border without his family during his stay at the club.

Rodgers shed some mild on his future closing month, stating: “We haven’t spoken about it (what occurs next). At that age, I think he’s simply glad to be playing. Joe’s family is down south so he’s proven brilliant commitment to be up here.”

Granted, there are likely higher goalkeepers on hand in the world of football than Hart and sentiment shouldn’t be reserved when due diligence takes place surrounding his attainable successor.

However, his mind-set is 2nd to none, and he will go down as a fantastic servant when he passes via the Parkhead doorways for the last time.

Joe Hart makes frank admission as Celtic draw with Kilmarnock

In the aftermath of the Bhoys’ disappointing stalemate with Kilmarnock, Hart didn’t mince his phrases when analysing his side’s performance.

Giving some trustworthy answers, the Shrewsbury-born man admitted Celtic didn’t deserve three points and indicated some ‘difficult questions’ would be asked amongst the crew in days to follow.

Hart cited [Celtic FC YouTube]: “We almost managed to walk away with three points in a sport where we didn’t play specifically well, however I assume conceding the late intention solely highlights it wasn’t a notable overall performance and we probable didn’t deserve the win.”

He then added: “We had been hoping to get over the line as an alternative than dictating the game; the tempo, it wasn’t there in the final 20 minutes, which is the commercial enterprise end of the match where we assume to dominate, however we didn’t today, and Kilmarnock stayed in it and received the result.”

When requested about how the Celtic squad will look to recover from the result, Hart finished with the aid of saying: “You discuss about it, you highlight it, you ask people questions, some challenging questions and see what answers people are going to give, who’s willing to be there in the large moments, who wants it?

“That’s for all of us to seem to be at ourselves in the mirror. There’s a long way to go; there’s lots we can nevertheless gain this season, and with challenging work and dedication and every single one of us pulling in the same direction, we nevertheless consider we can do it.”

Joe Hart’s remarks surrounding Celtic stand up to scrutiny

Anyone who took in the game the day gone by could’ve identified that Celtic were searching to grasp in towards Kilmarnock as an alternative than having an urgency to put the recreation to bed, which is regarding in itself.

Not for the first time this season, the Bhoys went into their shell and have been punished by means of a tender purpose late on after failing to do the fundamentals when it mattered.

This isn’t a signal of a crew that is outfitted to go all the way in the title race, even though we will need to wait and see if Rodgers can get a higher tune out of the players over the coming weeks.

Amidst a “chorus of boos,” a BBC Pundit described one Celtic player as “terrific.”