Johnston is set to speak with Celtic amid concerns about the “weight of shirt”

Brendan Rodgers has praised ‘brilliant’ Mikey Johnston for the sparkling form he is exhibiting on mortgage at West Bromwich Albion, pronouncing that he will take a seat down with the winger in the summer time and discuss whether or not or no longer his future lies at Celtic.

Rodgers has been vastly impressed with the aid of what Johnston has produced for the Baggies in The Championship, with the Republic of Ireland international scoring six times in simply 10 appearances.

It is a stage of consistency that Johnston has struggled to replicate in a Celtic jersey in the course of his career, and while Rodgers has in no way doubted the 24-year-old’s ability, he did advocate that perhaps the ‘different weight of shirt’ was a aspect in his failure to nail down a ordinary vicinity in the club’s starting XI.

When requested what he had made of Johnston’s latest form at West Brom, Rodgers said: “Brilliant. I’ve said earlier than about Mikey’s talent.

“He has been here a lengthy time. Listen, the shirt is a specific weight of shirt when you depart here. But Mikey has constantly proven the talent.

“He has had a number of years where he has picked up loads of injuries and he wished to get a run of games. I spoke to him in the summer when he was searching to go on loan, and I said continue to be and get your education right, due to the fact you’ve no longer had a period of training consistently by no means mind playing games.

“He was once able to do that, then he featured in some games for us, and once he educated and featured it was then about getting him game time. He has gone and completed outstanding and proven the intelligence all and sundry knows he has.

“Hopefully he continues with that and then we can look at it again in the summer.

“He’s 24 years of age now, he’s no longer a baby, he is a boy who wishes to play. He has loads of intelligence and you’ve viewed that going down into the Championship. He’s scored some awesome dreams but it’s now not a surprise. You see him in training, and he has that ability.

“It’s all about the consistency and being fit and available. He’s proven that now over this section of the season and with any luck that continues till the quit of the season at West Brom.”

‘Incredible’: Brendan Rodgers claims one Celtic player is ‘a terror’ in training

Brendan Rodgers has paid tribute to Kyogo Furuhashi after the Celtic striker’s superb performance against St Johnstone on Saturday.

The Japan global is staying in Glasgow after failing to make the cut for Hajime Moriyasu‘s group in this international break.

Kyogo‘s goal-scoring shape hasn’t reached the heights we have viewed over the previous two seasons but after his performances in his final two games, the Celtic striker used to be in a defiant temper after sending a tremendous message to the Hoops fans this morning.

And he has simply acquired glowing praise from Brendan Rodgers as the Celtic supervisor labelled Kyogo as a participant who is ‘a nightmare’ to play against in training.

Rodgers stated [Daily Record], “We can go and let him go and do what he does first-class and rating dreams for us. He’s a extraordinary wee player.

“The closing two years he’s been among the top two or three players in the team.

“For him to come lower back in in opposition to St Johnstone and do as properly as he did was once terrific for him and I’m delighted for him as well.

He’s an absolute nightmare to play towards in training. I feel horrific for defenders each and every Saturday gazing them because I recognize precisely how they feel.

“He does so plenty for the team off the ball as well. It’s the same with Daizen [Maeda]. The both of them run their socks off. Their strolling stats are super when you look at them after a game.

“They recognize they get the benefit when they do the defensive stuff. We win the ball up excessive then they can go and score their goals. We scored a intention like that towards St Johnstone when we won the ball up high and Jamesy [Forrest] scored.”

Kyogo will surely be so essential for Celtic’s title defence. The striker has actually struggled to adapt to Rodgers’ style this season but now appears lower back to his best.

With Livingston and Rangers away after the global break, the Celtic fans will be hoping that Kyogo will be a nightmare for the opposition in these fixtures and now not just against his teammates in training.

Exclusive: Celtic advance to sign Nigerian striker and top goal scorer

Celtic, have reportedly set their attractions on a rising talent from throughout the pond. Fifteen-year-old Nigerian striker, Mezi Ikemba.

According to Blueprint.ng Ikemba caught the eye of Celtic’s scouting community with his pinnacle performances in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for under-15s. Born in 2009, Ikemba has grow to be a standout player in San Antonio.

Despite his young age, Ikemba’s capability on the subject suggests a vivid future ahead. Recognising his potential, Celtic have reportedly extended an invitation to the young striker for trials. This opportunity affords a hazard for Ikemba to show off his skills on a greater stage and take a enormous step forward in his promising career.

The invitation for Ikemba to trial underscores Celtic’s dedication to nurturing younger talent. As they embark on constructing a new education floor at Barrowfield, the club is keen on discovering and growing uncooked talent. Ikemba’s trial with The Hoops may want to be one of many young gamers to come through the doors of the membership in the next year.

Celtics Icon Chris Sutton calls the Rangers vs. Dundee game a “embarrassment”

The title race took a shocking flip these days for Celtic as Rangers’ modern Scottish Premiership fixture against Dundee was postponed today.

Brendan Rodgers took his crew to the pinnacle of the table in an impressive 3-1 win over St Johnstone yesterday afternoon and that piled the stress on the Ibrox club to go out and tightly closed a result at Dens Park and left Saints boss, Craig Levein, dejected.

But after the announcement used to be made to name off the game, Rangers will now want to wait until after the global damage to try and reclaim the pinnacle spot from a Celtic crew that just seems to be getting better and better.

And as the decision to delay The Dens Park fixture offers Celtic a small advantage, Chris Sutton believes that this is an ‘absolute shambles’.

The former Celtic hero posted on social media channel X, “A whole embarrassment for the Scottish top flight having the Dundee Rangers recreation referred to as off an hour and a 1/2 before kick-off.

“Absolute shambles how it’s come to this. Don Robertson, the ref rocks, up at 1020 for a pitch inspection… certainly a selection formerly would be wiser…”

Rodgers will be a completely satisfied Celtic manager

The Celtic supervisor will be delighted at this news. Although any individual may desire to text him due to the fact as he said yesterday, he has no interest in what’s taking place with Rangers today.

Like Rodgers, I am of path joking. The Hoops gaffer will be truly delighted that his crew sit on pinnacle of the league for the global break.

As I stated earlier, the psychological boost this will provide his squad will be large as Rangers now turn into the chasing team.

But returned to Sutton’s point, this is Dundee’s fourth postponement for a waterlogged pitch seeing that the flip of the year. Their fifth of the season in total.

The Dens Park facet had their St Mirren sport on the twenty ninth of January known as off and its subsequent rescheduled date in February due to a waterlogged pitch. They additionally had their New Year recreation with St Johnstone rescheduled for the identical reason. [BBC]

Aberdeen additionally confronted the identical destiny again in October after the Tayside club’s pitch couldn’t withstand a Red Weather warning.

Due to be televised stay on Sky Sports, Sutton is correct, this is no longer a accurate seem for Scottish football but extra so for Dundee who now are now underneath pressure to make sure the re-arranged fixture with the Ibrox club goes beforehand before the split next month.

Jota’s poignant celebration of the Saudi redemption arc locks in a powerful message for the cynics of the Celtic exit

The winger netted solely his 2nd intention for Al-Ittihad after earning a 2d threat in the Pro League.

Al-Ittihad winger Jota appears to have despatched a message to his doubters as he in the end kickstarted his profession in the Saudi Pro League.

The Celtic Treble winner has continued a nightmare season in the Middle East following his £25m departure from the Scottish Premiership – with former boss Nuno Espirito Santo now not registering the Portuguese celebrity for the list of foreign players allowed in the league squad. That left the 24-year-old forgotten by the defending Saudi champions and confined to cameos in cup competitions and occasional Asian Champions League appearances all that the attacker was allowed. But he has due to the fact been drafted out of bloodless storage by using modern gaffer Marcelo Gallardo.

The attacker used to be surpassed his first look considering December throughout a late cameo off the bench in the win over Al-Akhoud ultimate week – and was given a uncommon begin through Gallardo in the conflict with Al-Fateh on Saturday. Jota netted only his second aim when you consider that leaving Celtic Park closing summer time – and loved an emotional celebration.

After finding the bottom corner with his low force to make it 2-1 simply before half-time, he wheeled away wagging his finger earlier than he used to be mobbed via his teammates. Jota would spend an extra second lapping up the second with the fans as they celebrated.

He then turned to the bench – with substitutes rallying in the back of the participant as he seemed to put the nightmare opening months of his Ittihad career in the back of him. In a pointed gesture, he then turned to the camera and pointed to a beaming smile across his face.

The move regarded to be a clear signal by Jota that he is pleased with lifestyles in Jeddah – notwithstanding a disappointing start to his career in the Pro League. This is notwithstanding criticism from over his decision to go away Celtic and the prospect of Champions League soccer at the back of – as properly as hypothesis over a return to European soccer by terminating his contract.

The text that almost caused Celtic’s Greg Taylor to lose it outside Buckingham Palace

Top Line Summary

• The viable honour of a Scotland Euro call-up will mean everything
• Still have to focal point on making it a season to be aware at Celtic
• The loyalty of Scotland boss Steve Clark and being in with a shout
• Being a vocal member of the Celtic team

Getting a textual content to verify he used to be in the last Euros squad outdoor Buckingham Palace

Everything that Greg Taylor stated to the media beforehand of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership sport towards St Johnstone at Parkhead

You are in the Scotland squad. How vital is that to you in phrases of dreams this season?

Every time there is a countrywide squad get-together and international video games come around you choose to be involved. This camp is no extraordinary and we understand this is the ultimate one earlier than the Euro squad is announced. Hopefully, I can attempt and provoke if given the opportunity.

You have been requested many instances about the opposition for your place. How do you view your probabilities of being on the plane?

All I can do is try and play well in every sport that I am selected for my club. If that is adequate to be on the plane in the Scotland manager’s eyes then brilliant. If it is now not then so be it it is someone’s opinion.

You are doing properly and taking part in properly at a successful club but by means of virtue of enjoying in the position that you do then you would possibly miss out on the Euros this summer. How difficult is that?

Of course, I recognize that. I have understood that due to the fact that I got here through from the under-21s the possibilities for me in my role have been going to be limited. I’ve received 13 caps already and every one of them I have loved. I by no means take it for granted because it has been difficult. I experience as if on every occasion I get the possibility I try and do my best for my country. We’ll see where that takes us come the summer.

The manager is loyal to the gamers who have served him nicely and we have considered that constantly for the duration of his time in charge. Is that one of the things that reassure you the most?

I suppose that has honestly helped the Scotland team in usual and now not simply me personally. I assume having that nucleus of gamers who are all pulling in the equal direction and warfare for each other. It does not be counted who plays in each sport we all want success for the nation. The supervisor has accomplished honestly nicely at that. On a private level, we have a awesome relationship. I had him at Kilmarnock and he did a lot for me in my career and he has multiplied me as a player. I am very grateful for that.

How much would it imply to you to be on that airplane this summer?

It would imply everything, of course. I used to be fortunate ample to go to the closing Euros we qualified for however I didn’t play. It was once a big honour. When you get that text via and you realise you have been going it was without a doubt special. It is some thing you prefer to take place again but I understand that it is not fully in your very own control.

There is a lot that you can still attain as a group at Celtic this season. If you are profitable that can solely assist useful resource your chances of going to Germany this summer, can’t it?

It is vital that your focus has to be the place it is currently. We have a big sport tomorrow and proper now that is the most necessary and then you have a couple of weeks the place you park it and the focus modifications to the national crew takes up your time. It will be an interesting run-in and hopefully, there will be success at the cease of it.

Does it feel that we are getting to the commercial enterprise stop of the season now?

Yes. We have only acquired 9 league video games left and optimistically two cup video games and when it receives to this stage it is the business end.

What form of task are you watching for from St Johnstone? Do you suppose it will be similar to the last game right here towards Livingston?

I suppose they have been playing 4 greater regularly but the ultimate time we performed them they performed a returned five. Maybe they will do that again tomorrow. We prepare for both methods and we are ready. We be aware of that they will be desperate to attempt and win the recreation as well. We recognize we need to be right at it and begin the game well.

How challenging has it been for you in the backline as there have been a lot of injuries? Is that challenging to adapt to?

Yes, it has. It is extra difficult. You would as an alternative have strong relationships and for them to be continuous. This season there has been a lot of cutting and changing in phrases of accidents (myself included). I had a couple of weeks that I missed. I assume that has been a frustration for all of us which include the manager. It is one of the challenges of the season and one of the challenges of being a footballer. You’ve just received to structure the new partnerships quickly and gel and take each recreation as it comes.

How large is this game? It is an chance to put stress on your title rivals by getting lower back to the summit of the table.

I don’t assume that is honestly important yet. We know that there are nine league video games to go and the most essential one is St Johnstone. We will try and take care of that and after the country wide team video games the focus will be firmly returned on Celtic and attempting to strive for success.

Celtic have overlooked Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers of late, you are one of the extra vocal members of the squad, do you take extra accountability when they are not there? Do you talk players thru games?

I don’t know if it is about taking extra responsibility. I discuss often as I am out there doing this each couple of games. I understand that it is section and parcel of being one of the extra experienced ones and being here that wee bit longer you need to take on extra roles and responsibilities. Hopefully, we can get these guys back quicker alternatively than later and we can all push in the one direction.

Do you see other quieter guys in the group puck up their voices when those guys are missing?

I think we spoke about it in the closing game. That is essential due to the fact we are missing Callum who is our captain and our leader. He is the most vocal and he speaks so well. Then you have Cameron who is a exceptional type of leader and leads through instance extra with his performance. I suppose we apprehend that it is not possible to replace these guys however we want to help when they are gone.

Is that the undertaking that the others set themselves to increase their requirements due to the fact these different guys aren’t here?

I think they may additionally do sub-consciously however it is also necessary to focus on your own position and do that to the nice of your ability. Normally if each and every participant does that then you will have good, collective success. You do not choose to be here, there and everywhere as you lose center of attention on what’s important and your very own position within the game.

You said before that you obtained a text to inform you that you were going to the Euros. What did it say? What was that second like?

It was from Frank Reilly who was involved with Scotland however he is not anymore. I have in mind I used to be in London and I knew the time was once drawing near for the squad to be named. I was once just outside Buckingham Palace and I was taking walks with the missus and I acquired the text through. It used to be probably remedy greater than something due to the fact you are so keen to be there. When that got here via it was once a feeling of pure joy.

When it came through did you let out large screams of excitement?

There were no big screams as such. It used to be more of a feeling of relief. I suppose my associate was greater stunned and concept ‘What’s going on there’? I defined that I was off to the Euros.

Did it simply say ‘You’re in’?

Let’s test it as I assume I have nonetheless bought it on my phone. Here it is: ‘Hi guys, you are all covered in the Scotland squad to be announced by Steve Clarke at 2:30 today. I will ship the itinerary out shortly. There you go. I was panicking for a minute there however that is how we determined out the ultimate time I was once referred to as up for the Euros.

‘Excellent’ player must undoubtedly regret leaving Celtic now, as he may be relegated

Celtic’s switch enterprise has virtually come below the microscope this season. The incomings have been underneath some serious scrutiny but so has one precise outgoing.

Carl Starfelt left Celtic remaining summer season to be part of Rafa Benitez at Celta Vigo amid rumours that he wanted to be nearer to his partner Jacynta Galabadaarachchi who left to join Portuguese outfit Sporting CP.

However, the Swedish international denied that and stated that while it would be nice to be close to Jacynta, it was football motives that ultimately decided his move.

At the time, the choice by Celtic to permit Starfelt to leave was criticised in some quarters due to the truth that Cameron Carter-Vickers had just gone through knee surgery.

Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke were both delivered in as replacements but, as we all know, they have failed to make a serious impression so a ways at the club.

So to endorse Celtic can also nicely remorseful about permitting Starfelt to leave last summer after all the issues we have had at the lower back is now not too a whole lot of a stretch.

However, it may properly be that Starfelt is the one who have to be looking again and wondering why he left after all that’s came about at his new membership considering the fact that his Celtic exit.

Described as ‘excellent’ by way of Ange Postecoglou, the 28-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Spanish facet and after a brilliant debut in the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, he has been an ever-present in Rafa Benitez’s team.

Starfelt then went on a run of 14 video games in the heart of the Celta defence however out of those, the La Liga facet gained simply one, lost seven and drew six as his career in Spain commenced to flip sour.

Benitez dropped Starfelt after that run and Celta then recorded their first win just earlier than the Swede picked up a thigh injury that saved him out for three weeks. [Transfermarkt]

However, Celta’s form persisted to dip and in spite of captaining the crew in their fifth win of the season, Starfelt now hovers above the relegation sector simply two factors clear [BBC] and now, Rafa Benitez, has been sacked this week after being thumped 4-0 by means of Real Madrid. [ESPN]

A dream cross has shortly became sour and Starfelt have to actually seem returned at his trophy-laden days at Celtic and think ‘what if’.

Aberdeen will request at this morning’s SFA meeting a 50/50 share of the tickets for the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic

The Dons have been denied 1/2 the tickets for the League Cup final towards Rangers in December by the SPFL.

Aberdeen fans at Hampden for the Viaplay Cup closing against Rangers in December. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson.

Aberdeen will demand a 50/50 cut up of tickets for their Scottish Cup semi-final with Celtic at a meeting with the SFA this morning.

The Dons have been drawn towards the holders in the last-four, with the clash at Hampden scheduled to take area on the weekend of Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.

It is expected the date and kick-off time for the conflict will be tested following Wednesday’s assembly – with Aberdeen v Celtic in all likelihood to be played on the Saturday – as properly as the ticket split.

Aberdeen’s hierarchy desire the probability to sell 50% of the tickets for the clash at the neutral venue.

The Reds are searching to cease a Scottish Cup drought stretching returned to 1990 this term, and securing the countrywide trophy comes with the rewarding introduced bonus of assured European group stage football next term.

Pittodrie chiefs are decided to have as many Dons fans at Hampden as viable to assist their crew attain the final – where they will meet either Rangers or Hearts.

Aberdeen had a request to have a 50/50 break up of tickets for the League Cup last towards Rangers in December rejected by means of the SPFL.

The SPFL allocated the Dons 19,500 tickets, with Rangers getting 25,000.

Aberdeen also had a request to the SPFL to draw for the end of Hampden each club gets for the League Cup remaining rejected.

Celtic suffers national radio derision, but Alan Brazil has Hoops’ back as commentator serves up Rangers and Hearts artillery

The talkSPORT host aimed the jibe at the Jambos as Ally McCoist tipped a ‘similar final’ to the League Cup in the past this season.

Alan Brazil aimed a jibe at Hearts via branding them ‘Rangers reserves’ as he tipped Celtic to lift the Scottish Cup once again.

The talkSPORT host was once joined on air by Ally McCoist as the topic of dialogue turned to Monday night’s semi-final draw with colleague Adrian Durham on the phone. He took the danger to wind-up Brazil by means of ‘congratulating’ Aberdeen for achieving the Final after they had been paired with Brendan Rodgers men however he was once having none of it, having a bite lower back at his fellow pundit and branding the managerless Dons in ‘disarray’.

McCoist then tipped a similar closing to the League Cup that Rangers lifted beforehand this marketing campaign by way of defeating Aberdeen at Hampden to put the first trophy of the season in the Ibrox cabinet – and that induced Brazil to intention a cheeky pop at Steven Naismith’s Hearts as he informed the Ibrox hero his side would e book a return ticket to the country wide stadium due to playing their ‘reserves’.

Durham: “The draw for the semis last night. It’s Rangers or Hearts to play Aberdeen in that final. So congratulations to the Dons.”

Brazil: “Oh you suggest that team that has no manager now that Neil [Warnock] has left and in complete disarray? Don’t you worry about it. Green and white ribbons on the Cup again.”

McCoist: “I assume you are right Aid. I suppose you are searching at a comparable cup last to the League Cup Final..”

Brazil: “Well Rangers are going to get there. You’ve obtained Rangers reserves haven’t you? So you are going to get there that is for sure.”

McCoist: “Oh dear me, he is concerned Aid..”

Brazil: “Get the plane ready. Get the aircraft ready.”

Bobby Madden provides uncompromising conclusion on 9 VAR incidents, answering Celtic fury and Rangers accusation

It’s been an explosive week in Scottish football with the former whistler presenting his professional opinion

Bobby Madden has delivered his expert view on the massive VAR moments making the headlines of late such as video games and decisions involving Premiership sides.

It’s been an explosive week in Scottish football with Brendan Rodgers accusing referee Don Robertson and VAR reliable John Beaton of costing his group at Hearts closing weekend as section of a post-match outburst. He’s because landed an SFA charge after being left reeling at the penalty awarded towards Tomoki Iwata for a handball following evaluation and the identical with the crimson card passed out to Yang.

The VAR technology has come under-fire with former pinnacle flight whistler Madden insisting it HAS acquired a number of principal choices ‘completely wrong’ as he took to the airwaves on BBC Sportsound to supply his opinion. Speaking about VAR and summing it up overall, he said: “In unique in the last couple of weeks its not been going very well. I assume no one can say that VAR has had a fantastic influence in the recreation in Scotland. There are obviously a lot of excessive profile decisions and yes some may additionally break up opinion but some for me are definitely incorrect and with VAR that should not be the case

St Mirren penalty declare away at Ross County

“I watched the sport live. There was once discuss of a practicable foul that would have been a penalty kick and of course the handball which was once identified. What I would say is it would be notably challenging for any fit reputable to pick out that contact live. But then it is the accountability of VAR to become aware of that contact.

“I am in one Whatsapp group now with a couple of ex and current referees. We discuss about selections and the solely cause I can recommend for that now not being awarded was once the motive that was then shared with the BBC. They didn’t even check for the handball and that is no longer acceptable. It is no longer acceptable.”

Hearts penalty award at Hibs.

“It is simply no longer a penalty. We are going to agree on this. Again, live thoroughly accept the decision. It looked as if there was contact there.

“I will always have sympathy, I will. I used to be 20 years in the game. When you are called for an on subject review, you see that on the reveal the referee in my opinion says ‘I’ve seen contact there it is there. ‘You want to be capable to remove yourself from that and say ‘Yes there is contact but it is in reality not a penalty kick’ then have the bravery to then go exchange the decision.”

Kilmarnock penalty vs Rangers

“That’s the handball? For me it is not. You can see at the factor of contact the arm is pinned at the side.”

Ross McCausland mission vs Motherwell

“The McCausland project I have watched so many times. I have jumped between yellow and red. Eventually I landed on pink for serious foul play due to the fact I think at the tempo he enters that assignment endangers the opponent. Playing the ball is now not an excuse. When you enter a venture at that pace, for me, it is endangering the safety.

“I assume when [Dan] Casey makes the mission that extension of the sole of his boot comes up. For me that is a herbal movement. But the pace in that challenge contacting the shin of the opponent is dangerous.”

Kilmarnock red card vs Dundee

“Frivolous appeal. I was once amazed when I heard the comments from Derek McInnes. There is a foul which begins outside the penalty region that continues into the penalty area. There is no possibility to play the ball it is a clear denying an obvious purpose scoring possibility so it is a pink card.

Warnock on time VAR took to give St Mirren penalty

“It took too long. It took over four minutes however what you would say it used to be two selections that day that took shut to four minutes or over. That was on the lower back of the midweek decision that VAR has probable checked a scenario too shortly and missed a handball that the majority believe used to be punishable up at Ross County. I suppose there has been a little nervousness.”

Celtic pen vs Hearts

“So the first penalty of the match, no.”

Celtic red card vs Hearts

“This all revolves round whether or not there was contact with the studs. People say it is distinctive in Scotland from England and UEFA/FIFA. UEFA send out clips each and every year to the referee assistant program. If you make contact with studs to the head or face they expect a red card. That is the standards referees are working towards.

Yang Hyun-jun fouls Hearts’ Alex Cochrane with a high boot

“If you make it with the laces or aspect of boot, if no excessive force. A yellow card. The referee and assistant consider I cannot identify any contact with the studs so ‘reckless, yellow card’. I think it is a yellow card. Even the slightest contact with a stud, there is no longer enough intensity.”

Hearts penalty vs Celtic

“The handball. No, not punishable. I think most human beings had been surprised observing that however I think from time to time VAR’s can get caught in this tunnel and see the contact and arm moving. There is no distance, unexpected ball deflected from a team-mate so close, it is no longer a handball.”

Michael Walker: Adam Idah’s entry to Celtic was met with anguish; nonetheless, he may become their hero

A player desires rhythm, managerial have faith and, most of all, minutes. The Irish striker is beginning to get all three underneath Brendan Rodgers

Imagine being Celtic’s No 9?

That idea jumped up closing Sunday at Tynecastle as Adam Idah prepared to take a penalty kick. It may now not be the most cherished of Celtic numbers – Johnstone, Dalglish and Larsson wore 7 – but there’s a weight to Idah’s new shirt, responsibility, honour, centrality of role.

As Idah stepped up the perception chimed with the anxiety inevitable in this situation, the theatre of it all.

It used to be stronger due to the fact of what had came about the day earlier than at Rangers and what this sport intended to Celtic in a simply tight title race. Rangers losing at home to Motherwell grew to become this into an possibility for Celtic. Victory would have taken Brendan Rodgers’s crew back to the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership.

Probably due to drama, we often connect greater significance to probabilities late in a sport than early on. But they all rely and this one for Idah came in minute 13.

If your correspondent’s eyes are working, he had touched the ball just as soon as to that point. It was once in the eighth minute, a fleeting touch at that, from a long pass from defence by way of Cameron Carter-Vickers. The ball had pinged round Idah. The recreation was once fast, Hearts have been lively. The play flowed as Idah held his position.

[ Brendan Rodgers adopts siege mentality in response to ‘narrative’ firmly towards Celtic ]

Hearts have to now not have had a penalty awarded in opposition to them, however they did. So right here was Idah, on his fifth begin due to the fact his unforeseen January loan go from Norwich City, with the threat to score his sixth Celtic goal – and with just his second touch?

It seemed likely, but Idah, possibly revealing a lack of previous involvement, struck a gentle shot straight at Hearts keeper Zander Clark. It lacked conviction.

Still, there was sufficient time to rectify this, barring that three minutes later Celtic had been down to 10 men when, in another questionable decision, Yang Hyun-jun, used to be shown a pink card for a excessive boot. 11 v 10 for 75 minutes or so, the game now had a different face.

Idah did his bit, he occupied two Hearts central defenders, however simply before half-time Hearts have been the beneficiaries of any other dubious penalty award – and they converted theirs. On a day of VAR interventions, Hearts then had a handsome 2d disallowed for most minimal of offside decisions.

Although Celtic got here again in the 2d half with their 10 men and Idah had a couple of pictures saved, Hearts did get their second purpose and Idah’s final action on the remaining whistle was once to make plain his discontent to the referee. It was his first defeat in a Celtic jersey.

Rodgers was without a doubt disappointed, but his post-match comment on Idah’s penalty used to be that he “needed to lift it a bit more”. There was no anger. Rodgers knows his new No nine has achieved his fair share of lifting in view that his arrival.

Adam Idah celebrates after scoring Celtic’s second goal against Dundee at Celtic Park Stadium last month. Photograph: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

[ Adam Idah to the rescue for Celtic as double seals late win over Motherwell ]

Idah has hit the floor scoring, as confirmed via his two goals at Motherwell the preceding Sunday, which kept Celtic close to Rangers. There had been two on his full debut, throughout Edinburgh at Hibs, two penalty kicks in fact. It meant that as Celtic organized for Hearts, Rodgers was once discussing Idah’s impact, which has been ample for Kyogo Furuhashi to be moved to the bench.

Celtic, Rodgers and the huge fanbase have continued a annoyed relationship this season and January’s sluggish transfer window did now not ease feelings. Idah, introduced at 10.29pm on transfer closing date day, was once caught up in an indignant sea of divided opinion. “Norwich City’s third-choice striker” was once the label pinned on any individual approaching his twenty third birthday.

Mark Lawwell resigned as head of recruitment remaining week around the identical time Rodgers mentioned his non-public position in getting Idah to Parkhead. There have been other golf equipment in England’s Championship eager but Norwich were reluctant to loan Idah to a rival.

“The agent knew I appreciated him as a young player,” Rodgers said. “When he instructed me he was once handy it excited me. The storyline or negativity about his being third-choice striker at Norwich, for me that wasn’t the case. I recognize the viable there with him. He’s come in and simply loved it.”

That Idah is fit and being chosen is no longer unconnected to his happiness in Scotland. A change of scene, of priorities, can additionally assist – Mikey Johnston is experiencing a similar upturn having left Celtic for West Brom in the Championship.

Idah has endured some horrible misfortune given that announcing himself with a hat-trick in the FA Cup at 18 in January 2020. That used to be three days after his Premier League debut. A bad knee injury saved Idah out for the bulk of 2022.

It has supposed Idah’s young career has mirrored Norwich City’s stop-start, relegation-promotion-relegation-stasis latest history. Daniel Farke, Dean Smith, David Wagner – Idah used to be on to his third club supervisor in three years earlier than opting for a new project at Celtic.

[ Without immigration there would be no Glasgow Celtic ]

He nevertheless has a long-term contract at Carrow Road, even although there is some scepticism in Norfolk about a participant with 17 goals in 115 appearances. But 76 – 66 per cent – of those appearances have been from the bench and of the begins solely 12 have been 90-minute long.

This season has been a continuation of a theme. It started with Idah scoring a 90th-minute winner at domestic to Hull City. But he did not get on to the pitch till the 86th minute. He used to be replacing Ashley Barnes, the 33-year-old signed from Burnley, no longer a confidence-booster for the Corkman.

The following Saturday Idah got three minutes, then 10 the week after. In the fourth Championship sport of the season he used to be once more a substitute, known as on after 14 minutes and changed after 85 He had just scored.

These can sound like excuses but a participant wants rhythm, managerial have faith and, most of all, minutes. Idah is starting to get all three and even although Celtic lost at Hearts and he was once section of the defeat, he was additionally committed, lively and his link-up play was once good.

The advantages to Ireland of a rejuvenated forward are as obvious as Idah’s attributes.

In Glasgow he appears like a Celtic participant already, their No nine When that used to be put to Cameron Carter-Vickers afterwards, he said of Idah: “Yeah, I mean, he is.

“He is really pretty funny. He makes the boys snort and is a super character.”

On Sunday it is Livingston at Parkhead in the closing eight of the Scottish Cup. Rodgers re-iterated his want to win it. There is a league title to scrap for.

It’s a massive three months for Celtic, Rodgers and Idah. He arrived to the sound of angst; he could have hero-status via May.

Rocco Vata ‘wanted’ by Watford as Celtic exit chatter grows, despite big new Parkhead contract offer

The 18-year-old will see his present day deal come to an give up in the summer having been at the membership given that the age of seven.

Watford reportedly hold a “firm” pastime in Rocco Vata despite small print emerging over the new Celtic contract provide on the desk for the Parkhead prospect.

Hoops chiefs have held ordinary talk with the younger striker’s representatives at CAA Base in current weeks amid rising hobby in the 18-year-old as his Celtic contract nears an end. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has also spoken in my opinion with the teen in a bid to get him to sign a new long-term contract, and The Athletic now document that a deal that would hold Vata at Parkhead till 2027 is on the table.

English Championship side Watford are the latest side reportedly maintaining close tabs on the Ireland U21 global with his deal set to expire. Como, Bologna and Sampdoria are all stated to have proven an pastime in the January window but he remained with the Scottish Premiership champions. The Hoops have turned down all tactics and made it clear they prefer Vata to prolong his stay.

Having made his first senior appearance in December 2022, Vata burst into the Celtic first-team previously this year following the iciness break. He scored his first senior purpose in the Scottish Cup victory over Buckie Thistle.

Since then, he has made just a three-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen at the start of February. Vata is understood to be keen on ramping up his senior football minutes having been a regular for the B crew in the Lowland League.

If a cross to Watford is executed Celtic would land a meagre six-figure development fee. The compensation owed via Watford would be round £239,000 as the Hornets are a class two membership in England.

£6.5m squandered: “Awful” washout who had his contract terminated drained Celtic of all remaining funds, according to some

The Hoops had a nightmare with the goalkeeper whose contract was once terminated.

Celtic will be on the search for a new goalkeeper throughout the summer time switch window after Joe Hart confirmed that he is going to retire at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old shot-stopper was signed by Ange Postecoglou on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer time of 2021, and has been a terrific servant for the club.

Hart started 72 of the club’s 76 Scottish Premiership matches between the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns as the Hoops won the title in both seasons.

Celtic had lots much less success, however, with the massive flop the former England international changed at Parkhead just beneath three years in the past – Vasilis Barkas.

How a good deal Celtic paid to sign Vasilis Barkas

In the summer time of 2020, former Hoops supervisor Neil Lennon swooped to signal the shot-stopper from Greek side AEK Athens for a reported fee of £4.5m, along with £1m-per-year in wages.

The move did now not go to graph for any of the parties involved, though, as Barkas failed to nail down a ordinary spot in the beginning XI for the Scottish giants.

He started out nine of the club’s first ten Premiership fits but then went on to spend 16 video games on the bench and only performed 5 greater times.

Scott Bain emerged as the first-choice alternative for Lennon between the sticks, as the Scottish goalkeeper saved 69% of the shots on his aim across 18 league outings for the duration of the 2020/21 campaign.

Whereas, Barkas, who was described as “awful” by pundit Frank McAvennie, only saved 60% of the efforts on his aim throughout 15 appearances in the Premiership, which suggests that he was once no longer accurate enough to begin over Bain.

Hart was then signed ahead of the 2021/22 campaign and the Greek goalkeeper went on to play just one league match, in which he conceded one aim and made zero saves, for Celtic that season.

How a good deal Barkas fee Celtic in total

The Hoops sent him out on loan to Dutch facet FC Utrecht for the 2022/23 term, and it stays unknown as to how a whole lot they contributed to his wages.

If they paid his wage in full, Celtic saved £1m last season but nonetheless paid £2m in earnings to the left-footed flop for his first two years in Glasgow, on top of the £4.5m fee they paid AEK to signal him in 2020.

The Scottish giants then terminated his contract one yr early, having in the beginning signed a deal till 2024, in the summer season of 2023 to permit him to sign for Utrecht on a free transfer.

This means that Celtic did now not recoup any cash for Barkas when they parted approaches with him on a permanent groundwork at the cease of the 2022/23 campaign, as the Dutch facet did not have to pay a penny to signal him.

Therefore, Lennon had a nightmare with that signing as the Greek massive rinsed the Hoops dry of a minimal of £6.5m – in transfer fees and wages blended – and failed to prove his really worth on the pitch earlier than having his contract terminated early.

I had the opportunity to join Manchester United for more money, but Celtic was the perfect fit for me

Few gamers would have grew to become down a Manchester United side in their pomp but for one legendary striker, Celtic was once the holy grail.

Henrik Larsson was dubbed the ‘King of Kings’ during an unforgettable seven-year spell at Celtic Park, scoring a whopping 242 desires in 315 games.

Henrik Larsson led Celtic to four Scottish Premier League titles

The Swede fired Celtic to 4 Scottish Premier League titles and crucially stopped Rangers from breaking the Bhoys’ report of nine league titles in-a-row.

But it may want to have all been very one of a kind for the revered striker had he taken up the possibility to leave Celtic for Manchester United in the 1990s.

“I had an possibility to go to Manchester United in the 1990s from Celtic,” Larsson told The Guardian. “I would have earned more, possibly £10,000 or £15,000 a week more. But I had just come off three and a half years at Feyenoord where it had been up and down.

“I had just found my feet [at Celtic] and I wanted to go on with that. We’d performed in the Uefa Cup, I played for Sweden, I didn’t sense I wished to go someplace else. I didn’t end up a celebrity at Barcelona, I grew to be a celeb at Celtic.”

Luckily for Larsson the teach to Old Trafford stopped for a 2d time in his profession in 2007, joining United in a three-month loan stint.

Larsson was again in his home united states of america with Helsingborgs but the end of the Swedish league season introduced him with the probability to taste Premier League action.

Despite his short continue to be in Manchester, Larsson admits he was honoured to characterize the club and singled out the hospitable welcome he received.

“I was solely there for ten weeks but Sir Alex Ferguson made me experience so welcome,” he added. “I used to be dwelling at the Lowry [hotel]. Louis Saha and Patrice Evra would take me to lunch, Wayne Rooney too. I thought: ‘Oh, they actually care.’ So you choose to do correct through them. It was once an honour to characterize Manchester United.”

The Swede fittingly got his hands on the Champions League trophy in 2006 as Barcelona got here from at the back of to beat Arsenal 2-1 in the closing in Paris.

His introduction as a second-half substitute modified the path of the match, supplying two assists to down Arsene Wenger’s guys at the Stade de France.

Larsson paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson and praised the welcome he received from the club

Now 52, Larsson has adapted to a existence away from football where he divides his time between being a grandfather, walking his own apparel line and taking part in a few rounds of golf.

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel left baffled by way of Erik ten Hag’s selections all through derby loss to Manchester City

Pat Bonner offers his assessment on Paulo Bernardo following Celtic’s defeat at Hearts over the weekend

Most of the coverage of Celtic’s weekend fixture against Hearts has been dominated by using the fit officers and VAR.

With Celtic now in the manner of appealing the crimson card given to Hyunjun Yang, the story surrounding the video refereeing at Tynecastle appears set to rumble on this week.

And while that contains on, an awful lot of the analysis of the game has been neglected. Like simply how plenty Celtic neglected Callum McGregor.

The Celtic captain has been ruled out for at least two video games by means of Brendan Rodgers but at Tynecastle on Sunday, his omission from the group used to be glaring.

So was the performance of his replacement, Paulo Bernardo. Now, in equity to the Portuguese, he was once taken off at half-time to permit the inclusion of Kyogo Furuhashi but Pat Bonner is still satisfied of the 22-year-old and has raised questions about what he actually contributes to the team.

Bonner said [BBC Radio Scotland], “They miss Callum McGregor, there’s no question about that. They’ve nobody to absolutely replace Callum McGregor.

“They are weak in midfield. They’ve lost Aaron Mooy, they’ve misplaced McGregor, [David] Turnbull is gone.
“And they haven’t bolstered in that position really.

“Bernardo’s come in. But what can I say about Bernardo? What does he make contributions to the crew from that perspective?

“Especially when you’re down to ten men.”

Callum McGregor’s importance to Celtic

Celtic have long past on and received a sport this season after being reduced to ten guys before. Joe Hart‘s red card against Livingston back in September in the 3-0 win intended Rodgers’ side hade to play over an hour a man down.

McGregor was once at the coronary heart of Celtic’s midfield that game even although Daizen Maeda stole the show.

But the Celtic captain’s absence was once definitely felt through the team and the fans will be hoping that McGregor will back in the inexperienced and white hoops sooner as a substitute than later.

Mikey Johnston ‘won’t go back to Celtic’ if West Brom tenure finishes, says Pundit

Mikey Johnston will go away Celtic for precise following his mortgage move to West Brom.

Speaking completely to Football Insider, former Hoops and West Ham striker Frank McAvennie admitted Johnston is a “damn desirable player”, but does now not have the personality to thrive at Parkhead.

The winger, whose deal with Celtic is set to expire in the summer season of 2025, achieved a six-month mortgage to the Championship Baggies and has seeing that notched three goals in seven league outings.

His modern-day aim was once a sensational one in the front of the TV cameras in Friday’s 2-1 win over Coventry City to grant in addition evidence of his enchancment in current months.

The 24-year-old has been blighted with injuries because his making his senior debut in 2017 and made simply three league begins for the Hoops this season before his go to West Brom.

Celtic loan famous person Mikey Johnston ‘will depart the club permanently‘

McAvennie has predicted that Johnston will stop his time with the Glasgow giants at the give up of this season and claimed he’d fare higher in the Championship than Scotland.

“He’s now not coming returned to Celtic at all,” he told Football Insider.

“My God, he scored two dreams [for West Brom], but he can do that up in Scotland.

“He scored two towards Dundee and all of a unexpected he was once the quality thing on account that sliced toast!

“It used to be incredible.

“He’s been at Celtic for years and he wasn’t getting into the team.

“There’s no doubting the boy’s talent.

“But when it comes to it at Celtic, that surroundings and the factor that drives people doesn’t motivate him.

“He goes into himself. I thrived on that, but Mickey doesn’t.

“He’s a damn excellent participant and the Championship is a properly level for him.”

Peter Grant says Celtic made a tremendous error by failing to sign a ‘magnificent’ Serie A talent destined for Juventus

Celtic have had foremost troubles in midfield this season as Brendan Rodgers has had to deal with damage troubles in key areas.

The Celtic manager has been besides Reo Hatate for a lot of this season and now faces having to deal with the loss of his captain, Callum McGregor, after a recent damage update delivered this week.

Coupled with the loss of Aaron Mooy at the start of the season and the current dip in Matt O’Riley’s form, there have been midfield troubles that have plagued Rodgers for much of this season.

However, with Hatate nearing health and O’Riley starting to seem to be sharp again, things are searching up a swe we enter the crucial title run-in.

But may want to our midfield troubles have been alleviated if Celtic made a key signing simply a few short seasons ago? Peter Grant seems to think so.

The former Celtic hero was speakme about Lewis Ferguson as he laments how the Parkhead membership didn’t take the probability to sign him earlier than his move to Bologna.

Grant said [The Go Radio Football Show], “To captain them [Bologna] as nicely and to communicate Italian, all these things, he’s been a credit score to himself and his family to go and do that and grab it with both hands. He’s been magnificent.

“But we said Celtic or Rangers need to have taken him. And we stated it all that time long ago before how properly he has done.

“We said at that specific time that the season prior, he was once enjoying in the incorrect function for Aberdeen.”

Lewis Ferguson at Celtic?

There is no doubt that Ferguson is a gifted player. But could he honestly have made it at Celtic at the time of his pass to the Serie A?

At the time of the go in 2022, Celtic had Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Aaron Mooy, David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley all competing for a first-team place at the club.

So it may want to be argued that while he would have been a properly signing at the time, it used to be truely not likely that Ferguson may want to have broken into the first-team squad by no means idea the starting eleven had he made the change to Celtic Park.

And at the same time as we can’t deny his quality now, no one may want to have foreseen his speedy upward jab to stardom in Italy.

Now heavily tipped to be part of Juventus, Ferguson looks set to net Aberdeen a exceedingly penny need to the Old Lady make their cross in the summer.

‘Awful’: Neil Lennon is unimpressed with Celtic player following his performance against Hearts on Sunday

Neil Lennon did now not keep again in his criticism of Adam Idah after the Celtic loanee noticed his first-half penalty saved as the Hoops have been crushed by Hearts on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers’ guys could have hardly persevered a greater irritating afternoon at Tynecastle. Celtic, of course, had the threat to capitalise at the top of the Scottish Premiership after Rangers were crushed by means of Motherwell on Saturday.

And it seemed as even though the whole lot was going to layout in the first 11 minutes. Hyun-jun Yang was once fouled internal the penalty place to provide Celtic the danger to take the lead from 12 yards.

Neil Lennon indispensable of Adam Idah after missed penalty in Celtic loss

It was Adam Idah who stepped up, looking to bag his sixth aim for the Bhoys following his loan cross to Parkhead in the January switch window.

Unfortunately for the champions, Idah’s penalty was put straight down the middle. And with that, Zander Clark was capable to keep the ball out with his legs.

Speaking on Sky Sports afterwards (broadcast on 3/3; 14:13), Neil Lennon suggested that the Republic of Ireland worldwide must have accomplished so plenty better with the penalty.

“It’s an lousy penalty. I mean, Zander Clark, he’s executed well. He’s kept his balance with his legs. But the contact from Idah’s terrible and it used to be a huge opportunity for Celtic to put down a marker early in the game,” he said.

Early intention could’ve changed everything

The afternoon simply went from awful to worse from there for Celtic. Yang used to be despatched off quickly after after catching Alex Cochrane in the face with a excessive boot.

Hearts meanwhile, would go on to score in either half as the Hoops have been beaten 2-0.

Celtic followers would be forgiven for questioning how the game would have been specific had Idah found the returned of the net. Idah had some shiny touches in the first-half, but it did now not pretty click on for him at the integral moment. And possibly that can also now not have been the case had the 23-year-old damaged the deadlock from the penalty spot.

Chris Sutton shares his views to Celtic defeat

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has answered to Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts.

With Celtic lacking a penalty, having Yang Hyun-Jun despatched off, and conceding a penalty, it used to be a controversial day for referee Don Robertson.

Sutton was quintessential of Robertson’s decisions after the game however praised Hearts’ performance in the win, with the Englishman deeming Iwata’s handball the wrong decision.

Sutton said (X), “Funny old title race over the weekend. Well carried out to Hearts👏👏Yang red card I clearly don’t like however apprehend why it used to be given. Iwata handball is so harsh however would have been awarded due to the fact of the position of his arm however he was once nudged however can’t say it’s a shock in Scotland…”

Sutton’s feedback are spot on; Yang’s red card and the Hearts penalty decision have been at first-class controversial selections and at worst the wrong decisions.

With VAR in place, there are in reality no excuses for Celtic subsequently losing three points due to poor refereeing and VAR decisions.

Refereeing decisions ultimately changed the route of the game, with a pink card and penalty towards Celtic hard to come again from.

Adam Idah will also seem back on his performance this afternoon with disappointment after his penalty omit down the center of the goal in the 13th minute, which Hearts goalkeeper Zander Clark saved.

Celtic’s ‘strange’ transfer decision saw the target’s worth become the second-highest amount in SPL history

Carlton Palmer has called the choice for Celtic not to include a purchase option in their January mortgage of Adam Idah “strange,” and they’ll now have to pay a near report charge for him.

Idah never had a huge impact in his a hundred and fifteen senior video games for Norwich. The striker’s very best Championship desires tally earlier than this season was three in 17 games, in the 2020/21 season.

He did commence to display respectable contact in the first 1/2 of this campaign.

Indeed, Idah notched six dreams and an assist, enjoying all however one of the video games he used to be on hand for. More than 1/2 of his goals came in the first eight games of the season.

As such, with his production losing and Jonathan Rowe, Josh Sargent and Gabriel Sara all in appropriate nick in the front of goal, the Canaries allowed him to go out on loan to Celtic.

The striker’s go to the Glasgow outfit aided Brendan Rodgers’ search for attacking talent.

TEAMtalk published at the again stop of the January window that Idah was making the cross on a temporary basis.

Also revealed in that special document on the go was once that Celtic were now not which include a purchase choice in the deal.

Celtic transfer choice branded ‘strange’

That’s some thing that would possibly now be grating on them, as Idah hit the ground strolling immediately, with five desires and an help inside his first five games.

Palmer has hailed the striker for his structure in Scotland, and believes it suggests Celtic have messed up by means of now not consisting of a price in the deal.

“It’s a very, very bright start,” Palmer told Football League World.

“It’s odd that Celtic didn’t agree a fee for him.”

Palmer expects Idah price has risen exponentially

Palmer also suggests that the fee Celtic will now have to pay will show to them that they ought to have put a fixed fee in the mortgage deal, as Idah is really worth way more than he would have been in January given his pinnacle start.

“It stays to be considered what the parent will be. But it will be extra than the authentic £3million that used to be touted at the start,” Palmer said.

“For a player of his age and as an international, the rate may want to be round £10million, which would be considered as a sensible fee for a participant of his ride and stature.”

That’s a big upward push on the initial rate Celtic should have bought Idah for, which would have proved a steal and something Norwich ought to have carried out nothing about.

But a £10million switch is uncharted territory for the Hoops, and it would signify the 2nd most-expensive deal in the records of the Scottish Premiership.

Only Rangers’ deal to signal Tore Andre Flo from Chelsea in 2000 was extra high-priced – that £12million would be worth a lot extra now, though.

It stays to be considered whether Celtic will drop the big sum on Idah at the end of the season, but they’ll simply choose to land him for excellent if he continues up with these stellar performances.

Ex-Celtic star| ‘I’M HAPPY TO GET ANOTHER GOAL’

Mikey Johnston believes he’s “getting joy” in anything position he’s requested to do after scoring his third intention in Albion hues at some stage in Friday night’s triumph over Coventry City.

The winger lit up complaints inside six minutes of the sport at The Hawthorns, scoring a close to equal strike to his curler in opposition to Plymouth Argyle two video games prior.

But notwithstanding claiming three large factors against a aspect chasing down a top-six spot, the 24-year-old reiterated how targeted his Baggies team-mates are on matching their robust domestic structure with two away fixtures coming up subsequent week.

He said: “I’m blissful to get any other aim and three points is the most vital thing.

“When I reduce inside, I be aware of I’ve obtained the capability to bend in that form of finish.

“I do it in training a lot and fortuitously it’s beginning to pay off. It’s some thing I exercise a lot and I’m reaping the rewards.

“I’m learning each day the way the manager wants to play and every week he’s acquired a sport plan, and it seems to be working.

“I’m getting joy, whether or not I’m enjoying on the internal or the outside so I’m blissful and the primary thing today was once about getting three points.

“The lads have been laughing with me about the goal when I obtained in the changing room.

“But this was an necessary sport for us and the supervisor confirmed us the table before the recreation and we knew a win used to be the most vital thing.

“It’s a desirable hole to have at this point, we’ve bought every other huge one coming up and a couple on the street that we want to win as well.

“We’ve acquired a lot of players coming back. I assume our squad’s very sturdy so it’s vital for everybody to operate when they get the hazard as well due to the fact they comprehend there’s anybody else at the back of them waiting to get their chance.

“We’ve been sitting in fifth for quite a while now so we choose to either stay there or push on, and the solely way to do that is by means of getting three factors every week going forwards.”

JOHNSTON

New target: Celtic officials are now exploring a move to sign “highly rated” 27-year-old international report

The Liverpool ‘keeper ought to be out of Brendan Rodgers’ reach.

 

After Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart introduced that he’d be retiring at the end of the modern-day season, Brendan Rodgers is searching for a new wide variety one beforehand of the 2024/25 campaign.

According to latest reports, the Hoops “would love” to signal Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool, who simply stored a clean sheet in the Carabao Cup closing success over Chelsea, however there are limitations in the way of a deal.

The first of these is the “big-money fee” Liverpool are possibly to demand for the Irishman, one that his Carabao Cup closing overall performance may additionally only inflate, and some other is the pastime from teams in the Premier League. Kelleher may also pick to remain in England if he can, as an alternative than make the move up north to the Scottish Premiership.

With that in mind, it is sensible for Rodgers and the Hoops to begin searching at some alternatives, simply in case a deal for their predominant alternative doesn’t come off, and one potential Plan-B has now emerged.

Celtic laying groundwork for Cakir move

According to Turkish outlet Gunebakis, relayed by Sport Witness, Celtic are interested in Ugurcan Cakir at Trabzonspor. Rodgers has Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist at his disposal but he wants to “reinforce” between the sticks with a higher name.

Celtic have been carrying out a “comprehensive” search for alternatives throughout the world, and Cakir has earned a region on their shortlist. They cost his consistency and his national team profession – he’s been capped 26 times by Turkey – and they’re also aware that “giant clubs” have in the past taken notice.

They may want to “knock on the door” of the Super Lig membership over a plausible deal at the cease of the season, however they comprehend it may not be handy to attain an settlement because Trabzonspor regard Cakir as “the apple of their eye”. Celtic are already working to understand how a good deal they will have to pay to signal the membership captain.

Cakir is one of the fantastic ‘keepers in Turkey

Cakir, who’s been known as “highly-rated” by Conor McGilligan back in 2020, has been with Trabzonspor seeing that 2011, gathering greater than 230 senior appearances with the membership – 29 of these have come this season – with the 27-year-old retaining 9 easy sheets for the Europa League chasers.

 

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A post shared by Uğurcan Çakır (@cakirugurcan)

He’s finished either first or second for shutouts in the past three seasons and will hope to make a late run up the leaderboard earlier than the cutting-edge campaign is out. Trabzonspor are currently the ‘best of the rest’ in Turkey at the back of title contenders Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, who have a 24-point benefit over the relaxation of the division.

Cakir played each minute for Turkey at the last European Championships and will hope to be the variety one for this year’s event too, as the Crescent-Stars, in a crew with Portugal and the Czech Republic, attempt to make amends for their group-stage exit in 2021.

Pundit explains why Matt O’Riley hasn’t been playing as much for Celtic lately

Matt O’Riley’s overall performance trajectory this season at Celtic has been a subject of much discussion amongst fans and pundits alike.

Soccer Football – Scottish Premiership – Rangers v Celtic – Ibrox, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 3, 2023 Celtic’s Matt O’Riley in action with Rangers’ Kemar Roofe Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

The Danish international, who had a stellar start to the season, has seen a substantial dip in his contributions in phrases of dreams and assists due to the fact that his last league purpose and help in the 3-0 win over St Mirren on January 2nd.

This decline in structure coincides with interest from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid during the January switch window, an provide Celtic chose to decline, leading some to speculate whether or not the transfer talks impacted O’Riley’s performances.

However, Andy Halliday, a current Motherwell player and pundit on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard, gives a extraordinary perspective on O’Riley’s latest form. Halliday suggests that the trade in O’Riley’s role inside the team could be a contributing element to his quieter presence on the field.

“Yesterday [Sunday], he performed as phase of two 8s. Whereas earlier than he played as a sole range 10 at the back of whoever the striker was,” Halliday defined on Clyde 1 SSB.

“Since Adam Idah came in there have been two or three games the place it’s been Idah and Kyogo and he’s been the deeper one enjoying alongside Callum McGregor.

“Yesterday, he wasn’t the sole range 10. It was him and McGregor as two high 8s.

“When he was once that sole variety 10, he was that one to they pockets of house in the front of the striker and that’s what he used to be doing but now it’s a bit extra crowded.”

O’Riley is still influencing the game with some of his passing play, but he’s not as concerned as followers would like further up the pitch. With Celtic chasing the title, O’Riley will need to play a massive phase in the last 12 games.

Matt O’Riley’s three-word statement following Celtics’ thrilling victory

Celtic’s 3-1 victory in opposition to Motherwell got each person emotional, such as the gamers after the game, who celebrated a critical three factors with the supporters.

Matt O’Riley is one player who, in particular, wears his heart on his sleeve on the pitch however at the equal time is considerate in what he says off the pitch.

The Danish midfielder had a very clear message to supporters after the game.

Posting on his Instagram story, O’Riley delivered some motivational phrases to Celtic fans: “Until the end”, he said.

Despite rumours over a summer season exit, O’Riley is embracing the title race with his focal point entirely on conserving the Scottish Premiership title.

In just over two years at the club, he has verified time and once more to be a reliable player, and alongside Callum McGregor in the center of the park, Celtic have two players who are greater than ready for a title challenge.

O’Riley is most likely a critical player to have in the dressing room, with his combination of professionalism and talent clear for all to see.

He is no longer getting carried away with what must be a pursuits win at Fir Park, however at the identical time, he appreciates what a triumphing intention in stoppage time can do for Celtic’s title aspirations at the give up of the season.

Kris Boyd was attacked by Celtics fans live on television, but the Rangers hero had the final say with a loaded ‘happy people’ jab

The away assist at Fir Park gave the former Ibrox striker plenty of stick after the Hoops late turnaround.

Grinning Kris Boyd clapped back at Celtic fans who gave the Rangers hero stick after late drama in the win over Motherwell.

Going into the closing ranges of the Scottish Premiership showdown, it seemed like Brendan Rodgers’ aspect have been set to drop greater points in their bid to defend the title. The sport used to be poised at 1-1 going into damage time – before Adam Idah netted his 2d of the game and Luis Palma put the clash out of reach of the Steelmen at Fir Park.

That sparked jubilant scenes in the away quit – which is just at the back of the Sky Sports cameras where Boyd was once working on punditry duties. Following the full-time whistle the TV coverage cut back to studio anchor Eilidh Barbour in the gantry with Boyd, James McFadden and ex Hoops defender Charlie Mulgrew discussing the flying finale in Lanarkshire. However, stick from the Celtic end aimed at the ex-Ibrox striker was once sincerely picked up through microphones.

While the panel tried to tune out the tirade as fellow pundit McFadden tried to make a factor on the game, Boyd couldn’t resist firing returned at the goading punters. He used to be quick to factor out what the result intended for the league table.

Rangers moved five factors clear on Saturday with a 5-0 rout of Hearts. Boyd quipped: “There is a few completely satisfied humans for reducing a five point gap at the pinnacle down to two.”

‘Horribly’: Don Goodman calls the West Brom star “disappointing” during the draw with Hull

West Brom superstar Mikey Johnston was slammed by Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman for the duration of the first half of of the clash versus Hull City.

The attacker produced terrific footwork to create the opening at the MKM Stadium, only to drag his effort wide.

“It’s brilliant, and there’s a section of you that feels he’s performed the challenging bit in sitting the defenders down,” Goodman stated stay on Sky Sports Football (12.50pm, 24 February).

“The movement of Diangana is good, it opens up the area for Johnston to get that ball on his proper foot, but he simply drags it horribly. He’s underneath a little bit of pressure, he’s nowhere near the target, that’s the disappointing thing.”

Mikey Johnston flying high at West Brom

Johnston has been an immediately hit under Carlos Corberan, with the attacker producing quite a few top displays when you consider that joining from Celtic in the wintry weather transfer window.

His pace and direct going for walks have been difficult for defenders to deal with, and that was without a doubt the case at the MKM Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Baggies, the Republic of Ireland global is only on mortgage at The Hawthorns, though it does stay to be considered what precisely his dad or mum club have deliberate come the quit of the season.

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He would certainly be a welcome addition at West Brom on a permanent basis, however for now he must truely get on with the undertaking at hand as the Albion proceed their search for advertising back to the Premier League.

Carlos Corberan has used Mikey Johnston well since he arrived from Celtic

Corberan can also go away the MKM Stadium with questions to be requested of his players, however average the man in the dugout ought to be thrilled about taking a factor lower back to the Midlands.

Ex-Sunderland boss was sighted at Celtic’s training prior to the Fir Park match

Former Sunderland, Hibs and Dundee United boss Jack Ross has been spotted at Celtic training. The 47-year-old has been out of management since his short stint at Tannadice used to be ended by way of a 9-0 humbling through Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic. Ross has a suitable relationship with Brendan Rodgers, linking again to the Irishman’s first season at the club.

Now, Ross has been noticed at Lennoxtown as Rodgers prepares his crew for Sunday’s must-win sport against Motherwell at Fir Park.

👀 PICTURED: Ex-Hibs boss Jack Ross spotted at Lennoxtown this morning as Celtic train ahead of the weekend’s clash with Motherwell pic.twitter.com/zTM1zrBYFH

— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) February 23, 2024

Ross ran Rodgers’ Celtic while supervisor of Alloa Athletic and St Mirren in Rodgers’ first campaign. His success in Paisley caught the attention of Sunderland, who swooped to rent the Falkirk-born Ross. After appearing in the Netflix Documentary and failing twice at Wembley, Ross was sooner or later dismissed and he wound up at Hibs. Ross used to be in all likelihood unfairly disregarded by way of Hibernian, who struggled to replicate the form that they loved beneath Ross. It was probably due to the truth that he led them to Hampden however was once unable to get finals over the line. Notably, he left Easter Road before Celtic’s League Cup win over Hibs in December 2021.

Chris Sutton responds to the unexpected Celtic news

Chris Sutton used to be quick to react to Joe Hart announcing his retirement from goalkeeping- thankfully it will be at the stop of this season and no longer immediately!

The former England keeper has been a key component in two seasons of sudden success at Celtic with optimistically further trophies and acclaim to come earlier than this season is completed.

After 138 Celtic appearances Hart has decided that this will be his last campaign, when July comes around there will be no pre-season slog of throwing his physique into every other gruelling campaign.

Turning 37 in April it will be all over for Hart at the stop of this campaign which will optimistically be concluded at Hampden in the closing of the Scottish Cup.

Sad to see Joe Hart retiring at the end of the season. He’s had a brilliant career. Top goalkeeper, top guy👏👏

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) February 22, 2024

After the failures of the 20/21 season when Vasilis Barkas, Scott Bain and Conor Hazard shared goalkeeping obligations except and sense of conviction Ange Postecoglou became to Hart after Barkas and Bain had played in his three opening matches with defending a clear issue.

From third choice at Spurs Hart delivered authority and management to a Celtic side that lost three of their first seven SPFL suits however ended up lifting the SPFL title as well as the League Cup.

Last season Hart made it a easy sweep of honours with a domestic treble to healthy his medal collection from Manchester City.

There will now be no speculating over Hart’s intentions with the guessing sport centred on Celtic’s Recruitment Team to see who they come up with the take Hart’s location with Bain or Ben Siegrist especially not going to be contenders.

Exclusive: Celtic receives a crucial injury boost with the return of a key player against Motherwell

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender is curiously equipped to return as Celtic fighting Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race.

It is an truly massive weekend in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic who presently discover themselves 2d in the league table, two points behind opponents Rangers.

That gap could prolong to 5 points before a ball is even kicked with Philippe Clement’s aspect due to host Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday. A win for the home aspect would see them extend their lead but any slip up would supply the Hoops the opportunity to regain top spot.

Brendan Rodgers’ aspect face a day out to Fir Park on Sunday to take on Motherwell who presently sit ninth. With such a large match with doubtlessly big implications for the title race to come there is good information for supporters with a key player curiously set to return from harm this weekend.

The Scottish Sun have said that Cameron Carter-Vickers is back training with his Celtic teammates and will make his return from injury at Fir Park this weekend. The former Tottenham Hotspur centre lower back has been struggling from a hamstring injury and has managed simply one look due to the fact the end of December.

He missed a month of action but was once able to return at the quit of January in a 1-0 home win over Ross County but managed simply over an hour before being substituted. However, he has due to the fact acquired three weeks of ‘intensive care’ and is apparently suitable to go as soon as once more but Brendan Rodgers might also be cautious about throwing the United States international straight into the action in Lanarkshire.

Carter-Vickers made 20 appearances this season in all competitions before his December injury. He is now in his 1/3 season at Celtic Park, having signed permanently in 2022 after a successful loan spell from English Premier League aspect Tottenham Hotspur, and has been a key phase of the Hoops’ defence ever since.

‘Toxic’: Mark Guidi implies Dermot Desmond would have to make a ‘unpopular’ choice at Celtic

There are deep-rooted problems at Celtic that will want to be sorted if the club are ever to make any growth with Brendan Rodgers at the helm.

With the criticism being fired at the club since dropping factors in opposition to Kilmarnock at the weekend hitting fever pitch, Mark Guidi believes that there is some thing ‘toxic’ going on at the back of the scenes at Celtic that majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond, needs to deal with.

Guidi stated [The Go Radio Football Show], “It simply looks toxic. It appears poisonous at Celtic behind the scenes.

“And I stated in this programme two or three weeks ago, something’s received to give. The fans are now not having the present day set-up.

“I suppose their anger is more toward the boardroom and recruitment. The manager’s no longer blameless and supporters are now not letting him off.

“I think at the back of the scenes, I suppose we can all be a part of the dots, humans are jockeying for position behind the scenes.

“And it will sooner or later come down to Dermot Desmond. This is where, when you’re the majority shareholder, you may also want to make large decisions. Potentially unpopular ones with human beings you may have worked with for a range of years.

“So Dermot Desmond has to decide, ‘Who do I choose to stay at my football club who can lead us fantastic in certain departments?’ and make his selection from there.”

Something is now not quite right at Celtic

Now I am now not privy to what goes on in the back of the scenes at Celtic but it is clear, even just searching at the product on the park, that some thing is no longer quite right.

I wrote an opinion on TBR Celtic that Rodgers needed to stop continuously talking about adding first-rate in the January window.

Why? Well, put it this way. Imagine going to your work each day and giving it your all and then listening to your boss say publicly that the crew he has at his disposal doesn’t have the essential quality.

Yes, we can all see it, however pronouncing it publicly will not assist the self belief of the gamers one iota now not solely in their very own performance however in their supervisor as well.

The club’s recruitment strategy is also one that baffles the fans and having players signed for hundreds of thousands of pounds in the summer season and surpassed a five-year deal solely to be told months later that they are now not good adequate is simply one of the most weird goings on at the membership for as lengthy as I can remember.

Whatever it is Desmond needs to do it wishes to be accomplished shortly due to the fact this season is in risk of becoming a trophyless one if the current popularity quo continues.

Roll up, roll up, roll up, Celtic Park’s fantastic title giveaway is already underway

Yesterday morning, before we played Kilmarnock, I tried to be positive.

In my article, I stated we needed to lay down a marker, rating a hatful towards McInnes’ side, and put some intention difference between us and the Ibrox side.

Instead this morning, we’re a factor ahead, with one game more played.

What I witnessed on the park the day prior to this has killed, totally and utterly, any optimism that I had left with regard to us triumphing this title.

I don’t even choose to go into the game, there’s nothing high-quality to speak about.

I cannot, in all conscience, proceed to be in any way high-quality about what’s going on at Celtic Park.

It is nearly like gazing a shut relative succumbing to a terminal illness, and feeling definitely powerless in the expertise that there’s nothing you can do to quit it.

I suppose that’s how many of us experience proper now.

I put a few posts up on the Read Celtic Facebook web page yesterday, and the reactions I received exceptionally a great deal spoke volumes.

There used to be no person pronouncing we’ll pull this out of the bag.

Nobody announcing we’ll locate our shape and win this title.

No Lawwell fans on announcing that the board are doing a awesome job.

THERE WAS JUST A TOTAL AIR OF RESIGNATION FROM ALL CELTIC FANS THAT THIS TITLE IS GONE.

Nobody sees us winning it now.

Nobody.

Collectively, as a fanbase, board supporters or not, most, if not all, are starting to wake up to the realisation that the terrific title giveaway is now in full swing at Celtic Park.

While Chairman for life, Peter Lawwell, is fiddling away, whilst Rome burns.

Not once, however twice, if what we all count on to unfold happens, will he have overseen the concession of a league title to a 12 year old economic basket case of a club.

A club, which yr on yr considering the fact that it crawled out of the grave of it’s predecessor, has recorded financial losses in the tens of millions.

He will have managed to pull off this incredible feat with £70 million in funds sitting in the bank gathering interest.

You’ve acquired to hand it to Peter Lawwell, he actually knows how to suck the life out of this club.

Since he got here lower back in January 2023, the club has deteriorated into something almost unrecognisable, in comparison to what it used to be earlier than his return in the area of simply over a year.

CULMINATING IN THE ABSOLUTE SHAMBLES WE WITNESSED AT CELTIC PARK YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

Celtic is in reality an elevator that is headed down, whilst after this afternoon in Perth, the Ibrox elevator will most probable have eventually surpassed us on it’s way up.

Even, if with the aid of some sort of miracle, they drop points there, I don’t believe our current squad has the belly for this title race.

Personally, I have the equal feeling I had 3 years ago.

I have now resigned myself to the reality that we aren’t succesful of triumphing this title.

If, by using the end of the season, we are second, I will have performed my mourning well in boost of that outcome.

Just as I did three years ago.

Anything after that is a bonus.

As I predicted in an article a couple of days ago, the media are wetting themselves at the prospect of the Messiah turning in the title to Ibrox.

None greater so than Hugh Keevins, who, in an article in this morning’s Record engages in hitherto unseen degrees of sycophancy as he fawns over Philippe Clement.

He likens him to Walter Smith, after much less than 4 months in charge.

OUR CLUB IS GIVING CRETINS IN THE MEDIA LIKE KEEVINS OXYGEN TO SPOUT THIS KIND OF TRIPE.

This is as self inflicted as it comes.

We’ve drawn all of this on ourselves, well, we haven’t, however Peter Lawwell and his cronies have.

The absentee Landlord is genuinely more interested in his golf exploits, than he is in the membership that matters to tens of lots of us fans.

I’ve been over the course time, and time again, in relation to the failings of the Celtic board this season.

I’m sick of discussing them, we’re all acutely conscious of what they are.

After yesterday, I can no longer proceed to defend Brendan Rodgers either.

He general this mediocrity from them, and he looked hapless at times on the sideline yesterday.

It’s a sad day in your management profession when the likes of Derek McInnes has your measure.

McInnes has owned Rodgers this season, with a squad of players that value a fraction of ours.

The Irony in all of this is that it might also be down to one club that we give up up trophyless this season.

And that membership doesn’t play out of Ibrox.

Kilmarnock fee us a shot at the League Cup.

They’ve now taken 4 critical factors off us in the league, which ought to sooner or later value us that competition as well.

If we move paths in the cup, I wouldn’t be assured we’d have their measure there either.

Especially after what I witnessed yesterday.

RODGERS REFUSAL TO CHANGE HIS STYLE TO ADAPT TO THE DEMANDS OF THIS LEAGUE IS WHAT WILL ULTIMATELY COST HIM HIS JOB.

One of my everyday commenters on Read Celtic, Michael O’Hare, had this say, and he doesn’t miss the mark:

When the supervisor suggests his players didn’t do this or that as he expected, then he need to ask the question, “Why not?” That’s his job, that’s what he’s paid for.
What is clear to me is that Rogers’ past records has been profitable to start with, but as time has lapsed that success waned. It occurred at Liverpool and Leicester City. The cause is handy to determine. Adopting a particular style of tactical play, to the factor of rigidity, is complete madness. It doesn’t take lengthy for the opposition to read the game and make the splendid response to counter it. Rogers final 15 video games at Leicester City proved that. Even now, he nevertheless adopts the equal blasé mind-set in publish in shape interviews. I regard that as insulting – we are now not idiots. He has got a proper squad of players to choose from. If his preferred gadget is now not effective, then exchange it as an alternative of digging a deeper hole

There’s nothing I can add to that.

It hits the nail on the head.

That, combined with our inept, flaccid, and useless board, is what will fee us the title this season.

At the time of writing, the Ibrox aspect are 1-0 up at St. Johnstone.

A 1/2 an hour from now, they should be top.

Roll up, roll up, roll up, the brilliant title giveaway is in full swing at Celtic Park!

There’s nothing else I can name it.

Cheers Pete!

Celtic supporters show up to the Rangers Women game and send a message to the Ibrox club despite all away tickets being cancelled

Several wore T-shirts exhibiting the message ‘football without followers is nothing’ – an obvious dig at the Ibrox club for travelling followers out.

Celtic followers were seen celebrating in Ibrox at full-time of the SWPL derby clash – no matter Rangers cancelling ALL away tickets at quick notice.

Fans from both aspects had been set to be in attendance for the table-topping showdown however Rangers announced late closing week that all tickets for away punters had been pulled. They claimed this was due to Genius received that ‘risk’ supporters had purchased briefs, however Celtic launched a declaration branding the selection ‘hugely disappointing.’

But where there’s a will, there is a way for some fans. The game, which completed 1-1 after Natasha Flint’s purpose early in the 2nd 1/2 was cancelled out by Rangers’ Mia McAulay, used to be broadcast live on BBC Alba. And TV cameras caught photos of the players celebrating with a small range of touring followers who had determined their way into the stadium. As they applauded their heroes, several wore T-shirts displaying the message ‘football barring followers is nothing’ – an obvious dig at the Ibrox club for travelling followers out.

It comes amid the backdrop of a impasse between the men’s teams who still refuse to permit away fans into Ibrox or Parkhead for league derbies. The Light Blues offered Celtic tickets for the conflict at Ibrox in September but the Hoops rejected any allocation, citing safety fears.

It stays to be viewed if that deadlock can be resolved before the give up of the season with the next men’s Premiership derby due to take area on April 7. The female will also meet again at least as soon as this time period but the post-split fixtures are but to be announced.

Callum William McGregor comments on Celtic dressing room admission