Michael Stewart believes Celtic will beat Rangers to the title, but another expert believes it is ‘far from over’

Brendan Rodgers’ league leaders dropped uncommon factors at home at Parkhead as Motherwell grabbed a 90th minute leveller however Rangers failed to capitalise with a last-gap equaliser of their very own at Aberdeen.

Michael Stewart reckons Celtic will beat Rangers to the title as soon as once more but fellow BBC pundit Kenny Miller has declared the race ‘far from over’

Michael Stewart believes Celtic will WIN the league title once once more as his fellow BBC pundit declared the race with Rangers ‘far from over’.

Brendan Rodgers’ league leaders dropped uncommon points at home at Parkhead as Motherwell grabbed a ninetieth minute leveller to secure a share of the spoils. Luis Palma was once denied from the penalty spot by means of Liam Kelly earlier than David Turnbull netted from 12-yards with just four minutes to play as he looked to have secured a slim win. However, the traffic had other ideas with Jonathan Obika sending the away followers wild after glancing domestic from a corner.

That handed Philippe Clement and his Light Blues the perfect risk to close some floor on their Glasgow competitors at the pinnacle however they had to settle for a point after a late VAR name deemed a pull on Connor Goldson with James Tavernier firing home from the penalty spot in added-time. Bojan Miovski had given the Dons an early lead and a aggregate of Kelle Roos saves and the woodwork kept Rangers out. Pundit Stewart has written off the title hopes of the Ibrox guys this season insisting the Viaplay Cup Final is a a ‘much greater statement’.

Kenny Miller – who performed for both Celtic and Rangers – doesn’t consider Clement and Co are out of the race but declaring it ‘far from over’ but concedes they MUST win games like the Pittodrie day out in order to put up a fight.

Speaking on Sportscene, Stewart said: “It used to be a big recreation nowadays that Rangers have dropped points in. I don’t see Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic facet dropping sufficient points for Rangers to go immaculately throughout the season to get themselves into the combat for it.

“I suppose Celtic will win the title. Certainly under Philippe Clement Rangers have improved, however I don’t see it sufficient for them to go and undertaking for the title. The cup remaining for me is a better sport for Rangers than these days was.

“Even if they had received that, I still suppose Celtic will have enough. But getting their arms on that silverware, the first of the season, is a a lot greater statement.
Miller added: “Today was once an probability to simply go and show that you’re serious. It was about getting into a title task at probably the 2d hardest venue on the card in terms of everything that comes along with that fixture. And you’ve went and just fallen short.

“Philippe Clement and his players might also experience they should have received it with the chances, it truly is great but they by no means gained it. They never bought the job performed so for me it is two-points dropped as much as it was an injury-time equaliser. That was once a chance to make a statement.

“If they want to get into a title mission – it is some distance from over – however they want to win video games like that.”

John Hartson has urged Celtic to bring back a former player.

John Hartson performed for Celtic for six very profitable seasons. Thus, he is aware of precisely what it takes to be triumphant at Parkhead and it appears like the Welshman would like to see one former participant make a return to Glasgow. Considering the circumstances, it is not likely but now not impossible with the aid of any means.

Celtic are heading towards an interesting January transfer window. Judging by using all the noise round the club, it feels like they will be lively in the winter, each in phrases of outgoings and incomings.

Celtic have been linked with a manageable pass to convey again Jota in January. It was once simply this summer season that the Portuguese winger left, after two exceptional seasons in the Hoops, to join Al-Ittihad in a £25 million move.

It would be an understatement to say things have not labored out for Jota at Al-Ittihad. He appears to be totally out of the plans there. And even though Marcelo Gallardo has replaced Nuno Espirito Santo as manager recently, it appears like the Portuguese winger is anticipated to be heading out, both completely or on loan.

John Hartson urges Celtic to carry back former player

As pronounced by TBR Football, Hartson stated on The Go Radio Football Show:

“Well, I assume that supporters would without a doubt like to see it going on it’s just whether or not the membership can shape the deal.

“Let’s now not overlook how appropriate he used to be under Ange. We obtained him on mortgage from Benfica as a young lad. Not very not plenty ride now not many first-team appearances for Benfica and he got here into the club and he was certainly terrific.

“Personally, I can’t see it going on however if there’s a deal there and the clubs get together and Jota wants to come returned and the club wishes him to come back.”

Considering the circumstances, it feels unlikely that Jota would return to Celtic in January. His wages should be a hassle and he has been linked with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United as well.

That being said, if it is solely a momentary mortgage deal, possibly going to Celtic makes more experience for Jota than any other club. He already is aware of what to anticipate at Parkhead and is a demonstrated success in Scotland.

Also, it would supply Jota the danger to rebuild his reputation. Another failed cross somewhere after how matters have turned out at Al-Ittihad is no longer what the celeb from Portugal needs.

Scouts sent: Celtics are considering signing a “unbelievable” new jewel for Rodgers, according to the report

The Hoops appear to be in the market for reinforcements.

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has appeared settled because returning to Glasgow in the summer season and now reportedly has a proficient youngster in his points of interest as the January window approaches.

Celtic’s title hunt and January plans…

Celtic are in a commanding function at the top of the Scottish Premiership table and have the hazard to extend their lead at the summit of the division to eleven points on Saturday, the place they will take on Motherwell at Parkhead in their first match lower back after the international smash concluded.

Of course, competitors Rangers will have two games in hand by using the time Saturday’s round of Scottish top-flight suits conclude; however, constructing an benefit over their arch-rivals will allow the Hoops to heap brought strain on Phillipe Clement’s facet in the hunt for the title.

Despite the ferocious nature of the festive period, Rodgers will additionally have one eye on January as he appears to bolster his squad depth. As mentioned by means of The Daily Record, the 50-year-old commented on his side’s plans for the mid-season window, stating:

“The concept now is to make positive we bring in better. You can get suitable players in January. But it’s availability and affordability.”

“But there is no doubt that if we’re to beautify the squad in January then we’ll need to carry in any person who is going to improve us.”

Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk is someone the Bhoys have reportedly enquired about as they search for any other striker. Meanwhile, Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller has also been mentioned as a younger face who could come in to add every other dynamic to Rodgers’ packed engine room.

Keeping the theme of prodigious talent that ought to end up at Celtic, a new report has indicated that the Scottish champions are now embroiled in a tussle with various different high-profile golf equipment to impenetrable the services of a rising star.

Celtic scout Sam Curtis

Celtic have recently scouted St Patrick’s Athletic defender Sam Curtis and are amongst a snatch of golf equipment eager to land the FAI Cup winner as soon as the January window opens, as per a document from 90min.

Labelled “unbelievable” with the aid of teammate Tom Grivosti, Curtis is also being courted by means of Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. At the equal time, Hull City, Leeds United and Middlesbrough are additionally monitoring his situation.

Curtis, who performs predominantly as a right-back however can also cover in central defence, has made 39 appearances in all competitions all through 2023, registering three desires and three assists in the procedure (Curtis statistics – Transfermarkt).

Cited via The Irish Independent, Chelsea captain Reece James clearly reached out to the 17-year-old to offer recommendation if he ever needed some hints of the trade from an elite professional; however, the Navan-born gem is refusing to get carried away despite the England international’s variety words. He noted in a current interview:

“I used to be delighted, it was brilliant. I am basing my game round him, but as I said, I want to be the first Sam Curtis, no longer the next Reece James, however it’s high-quality to have him there. I’m simply glad he reached out. He is an inspiration to me. I’m very privileged and very blessed.”

With Celtic placing the defender on their radar, it may also do Curtis no damage in his quest to in addition his profession by having anyone like James suggest his talents, even though whether he ends up in Glasgow any time quickly stays to be seen.

Marvin Bartley’s Queen of the South gaming rage is somewhat defended by Chris Sutton

Marvin Bartley’s passionate rant about his Queen of the South gamers gaming too plenty has been in part backed by Chris Sutton.

However, the former Celtic star insists the rookie supervisor cannot use it as an excuse for dropping the quantity of games they have so a ways this season.

The Doonhamers sit down eighth in League One, simply four points ahead of bottom-placed Edinburgh City.

They were thumped 3-1 on their personal patch by Kelty Hearts at the weekend, and no matter their lofty ambitions at the begin of the campaign, things are searching bleak for the Dumfries club.

Bartley publicly criticised his gamers after their ultra-modern loss, choosing up on individual errors earlier than divulging a gaming habit culture amongst the squad.

The ex-Hibernian and Livingston midfielder printed that some of his players have been playing video games consoles for up to seven hours the day before a match. He pointed out that this simply would have an damaging effect on their practise and concentration levels.

Sutton understands Bartley’s point, however he did throw in a caveat that it’s no longer likely to be the overarching motive for their nine league defeats so far this term.

He instructed BBC five Live Sport’s Wednesday Night Club: “I think this is extra of an difficulty for youthful children who dream of enjoying recreation at the perfect level, now not always for expert players. They can select and pick what they prefer to do.

“In fairness to Marvin, I like the factor that he is making but I do not know how he can say that is why they are dropping games. How can he decide that and how a whole lot other teams are gaming?

“He can’t use that as an excuse and he cannot simply blame that. How does he recognize how much other groups are gaming, how do we qualify that?

“I simply maintain this clearly easy in the way I think of this – there are a lot of younger children who are desperate to become expert in any sport. You want to push yourself, so when you hear youngsters moan and say I wasn’t quite top enough to get there – and they have sat and gamed for hours and hours each week.

“That is a waste. I think there is some thing in the 10,000-hour rule – you stand a a ways better danger if you are going to put the exercise in.”

‘I know for sure’: What columnist Giorgos Giakoumakis thought of Harry Kewell’s coaching at Celtic

If there is one factor Celtic followers love more than a profitable player at the club, it’s an extraordinary teach as well.

Because a correct coach is in reality really worth his weight in gold to a club. And if you seem at Celtic over the years, they have been blessed with them.

From Billy Stark, Tommy Burns, Murdo McLeod, John Kennedy and Gavin Strachan, they have all performed their bits to make sure success passed off at Celtic.

And they have also helped to improve gamers at the club who in any other case might also no longer have made it. Look at what Burns did for the likes of Paolo Di Canio. It is nicely recognised that the fiery Italian credited the legendary Burns for turning his journeyman career round at Celtic.

Just this week, Brendan Rodgers told how Kennedy and Strachan are both accountable for one of a kind areas of the crew and why Luis Palma singled out Harry Kewell in his goal get together at Ross County.

And speakme of Kewell, it looks that the Australian coach used to be working his magic the minute he came to Celtic. That’s according to journalist, Mark Guidi.

The now radio pundit explains how he knew exactly how Giorgo Giakoumakis felt about Kewell when the large Greek striker was once at the club ultimate season.

Guidi said [The Go Radio Football Show], “He [Brendan Rodgers] inherited him and didn’t need to keep him on. But he genuinely received to be aware of him and would have performed his homework.

“He would have asked John Kennedy about him and, clearly, he’s had rave reviews.

“And I understand for certain the likes of Giakoumakis sincerely rated Harry Kewell’s input that he used to put in with him.”

Harry Kewell is proving to be so vital for Celtic

The 45-year-old instruct was once brought to Celtic through Ange Postecoglou in June 2022. And proper away he appeared to have made his mark.

Credited with working tough with gamers in the training ground, Kewell’s desire to work beneath Brendan Rodgers after Postecoglou left the membership is clear.

And it seems to paying off with now not solely gamers from the Ange era, however additionally below the new manager. Kewell was once at pains to factor out that there are 4 gamers at Celtic who are terrific on the coaching ground.

Callum McGregor was singled out as the one who drives the standards but if it wasn’t for Kewell’s enter as well, the buy-in from the gamers wouldn’t additionally be there.

So it’s clear that the Australian has been a effective and important addition to the Celtic backroom group and it can’t be underestimated simply the fee a appropriate train can be to a taking part in squad.

Luis Palma calms concerns about injuries while posing with a Honduran physiotherapist

The Hoops winger regarded to be in top spirits no matter picking up a ‘small discomfort’

It used to be published beforehand on Monday that Celtic star Luis Palma had picked up a slight injury problem after playing for Honduras.

Palma excelled as his us of a beat Mexico on Friday night as the winger provided an assist. Honduras boss Reinaldo Rueda tested to Diez after the recreation however, that the 23-year-old used to be worried in a tussle that resulted in a ‘small discomfort’

Rueda said: “Luis Vega has a discomfort in his shoulder, and a small soreness that Luis Palma has in a duel he had with Sánchez, we have those situations, today we will have our first training session. Yesterday restoration work used to be done, all joint mobility used to be motivated and there we will see the evolution of the entire group.”

But judging by using Palma’s mood a few days after the clash, his harm is not too cumbersome. After a slow start to his Celtic career, the winger has in view that excelled in the green and white hoops and has nailed down a function on the left winger for Brendan Rodgers’ charges.

It would have come as a big blow if Palma was to pass over any of Celtic’s upcoming Premiership games – however all appears to be nicely after a grinning Palma posed for photo with Honduras physio Jorge Pachecho, who uploaded the snap to his Instagram before Palma shared it to his personal account.

‘I’m sorry to say it,’ Kenny Miller wishes Rangers had one thing this season that Celtic has

Celtic are sitting incredibly at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a wholesome eight-point lead over their biggest rivals, Rangers.

Granted, the Ibrox club nonetheless have a sport in hand but Celtic have the points in the bag which keeps the stress on Philipe Clement’s facet when domestic obligation resumes next week.

The Celtic help have been playing what they have been gazing from Brendan Rodgers‘ aspect so a long way this season.

The 6-0 win over Aberbeen epitomises the attacking fashion Rodgers is imposing at Celtic. But what that result additionally showed is the togetherness the Hoops side have as a team. Especially after that 6-0 mauling from Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

And that is some thing that former Rangers striker, Kenny Miller, needs his historic team had.

Miller said [Daily Record], “I’ve watched the clips intently. The likes of Lawrence, Todd Cantwell and Abdallah Sima are all making runs off the striker.

“What I’m no longer seeing is the subsequent part. And this is what the supervisor will prefer next. Cohesion. That’s what pulls teams apart. And I hate to say it however it’s probable what separates Celtic and Rangers proper now.

“Across the city, they’ve had actual brotherly love in their play for a while beneath Ange Postecoglou and now Brendan Rodgers. The gamers recognize the actions of each other. That’s why Celtic have an power inside their attack – there are two or three things happening at once.

“Look at Kyogo Furuhashi’s goal against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League at Parkhead. It’s the ideal example, in terms of his link-up with Matt O’Riley. It was once almost telepathic.

“For me, that’s the subsequent step for Clement and his Rangers squad in phrases of their attacking play. It’s about relationships forming between players. When you get that, it becomes 2d nature.”

I additionally hate to say it, however I am in agreement with Kenny Miller. The crew spirit that Brendan Rodgers is building at Celtic is clear to see.

Kyogo Furuhashi’s function in the team has absolutely modified below the Celtic supervisor and that has led to him no longer enjoying in his favored role.

Other gamers ought to have spat the dummy and let it have an effect on them however not Kyogo. He knows that his role now advantages the team and permits the goalscoring burden to be shared with the aid of the midfield.

That’s why Celtic followers are seeing the likes of Matt O’Riley and David Turnbull finding the returned of the net extra often.

And long may additionally that continue. Because as long as this team stays together and plays for every other, the league title looks like it will return to Celtic Park this season.

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

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

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

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

Rangers overtake Man City for midfielder

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

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

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

Celtic and Rangers fighting for equal target

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

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

Jota regrets leaving Celtic; January departure is likely

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Financial Fair Play used to be not fixed, and it benefits them. The proof being that they have taken all the high-quality players. Atletico left because we didn’t choose UEFA to sanction us. and without the English teams, there used to be no way to continue.”
<h3>Celtic were given a second chance to sign a £4 million striker who scored 19 goals last season</h3>
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<strong>Celtic ought to have a 2nd hazard to convey in Sydney van Hooijdonk in the January transfer window as Bologna are ready to think about presents for the Serie A misfit. </strong>

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

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

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<strong>Celtic like Sydney van Hooijdonk</strong>

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

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

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

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

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