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Predictions for Celtic vs. Rangers from Herald and Times sports writers

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12 months ago

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Celtic welcome Rangers to Parkhead this Saturday in the final derby showdown of 2023.

The top-of-the-table Scottish Premiership clash is set to be a cracker, however how will the suit pan out? Here our Herald and Times sports writers provide their predictions.

Jonny McFarlane – Celtic 1 Rangers 1

Clement’s facet are a definitely special proposition to the one that meekly fell to defeat at Ibrox previously this term beneath Michael Beale.

That said, it’s still a visit to Celtic Park with no away fans so the odds are certainly stacked against them. Both teams seem equally ravaged through injury.

While Brendan Rodgers’ guys have regressed in fine from closing year, the manager is still a canny operator in big video games and succesful of springing a tactical surprise. I suspect a tight, testy recreation the place a draw works for each clubs will lead to parity on the day.

Aidan Smith – Celtic two Rangers 1

Both teams are heading into this one on a distinctly degree taking part in area in phrases of squad strength and I reckon domestic benefit will show key. With no away fans inner Parkhead Rangers will be up in opposition to it from the off, it is a sink-or-swim territory, particularly with numerous gamers no longer having experienced this special ecosystem before in the past.

There might not be a lot in the sport at all and I trust a single goal will separate the groups in the end with contemporary champions Celtic simply coming out on top. Fingers crossed for a aggressive fixture with lots of hearth and pleasant on show.

David Irvine – Celtic two Rangers 2

There is no doubt Clement has changed Rangers on account that the ultimate assembly towards Celtic – and if his attitude is some thing to go by using then his facet may not be powderpuff in the face of the large event surrounded through 60,000 domestic fans.

Instead, it may want to carry out the quality in this Rangers team, and I’d be amazed if they did not score at Parkhead.

That said, I’d be just as stumped if Celtic failed to register in the derby stumble upon with Rodgers having masterminded many a memorable derby day triumph.

It’s now not often the case, but on Saturday after an predicted blockbuster opening, each facets may additionally nicely stop up being content with a point.

Ewan Paton – Celtic 0 Rangers 0

It’s not very regularly these teams fail to score, mainly in opposition to one another, but I cannot see this one being a classic.

Of course, neither aspect ever accepts losing in the derby, however, with Celtic very cautious of Rangers’ resurgence, and Rangers cautious that Celtic ought to lengthen the gap, each groups will be doing all in their power to make sure the recreation doesn’t end in defeat.

The traffic really come into this one in higher shape and likely with extra self-belief. I cannot see a Brendan Rodgers aspect slumping on the big stage in Scotland though, so I’ll go for a closely-fought stalemate with the pinnacle of the desk final as it is.

Matthew Lindsay – Celtic 1 Rangers 1

The loss of Cameron Carter-Vickers to injury is a serious blow to Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers beforehand of the cinch Premiership match in opposition to Rangers at Parkhead today.

But his opposite quantity Philippe Clement does not exactly have an abundance of choices up the front going into his first Old Firm sport in the East End of Glasgow – Cyriel Dessers is the solely specialist striker he has at his disposal.

It will be interesting to see which aspect is affected extra by using the absence of key guys – but I count on honours to finish even in the 2nd meeting between the age-old rivals this season.

Celtic, who got here below fireplace from their very own supporters after losing to Kilmarnock away and Hearts at home, have been a ways higher in their last two league outings in opposition to Livingston and Dundee.

But Rangers have been vastly extended for the reason that Clement took charge in October and I am positive they will, no matter the players they are missing at the again and in midfield, be some distance more competitive than they have been when they had been overwhelmed at domestic with the aid of Celtic again at the start of September.

Graeme McGarry – Celtic two Rangers 1

Philippe Clement has made a hugely mind-blowing start to life at Rangers, and he will be confident that his guys can go into the lion’s den at Celtic Park and come out with a result after defying even larger odds in Seville against Real Betis.

But Brendan Rodgers, going into his 15th Old Firm fixture and facing up to his fifth Rangers manager, will be looking for his crew to make a assertion here, and simply quell the momentum that is building on the other side of the city.

While each sides have injury problems, I feel that Rangers’ will have weakened them more, and Celtic come out on pinnacle in the midfield battle. That platform ought to permit them to just coloration the game.

‘That’s incredible’: When Mark Wilson learned about Mikey Johnston at Celtic, he was taken aback

Mikey Johnston has had a bit of a turbulent season with Celtic so far. Picking up the mantle from injured gamers like Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda used to be in no way going to be easy and it’s fair to say that the winger has struggled.

After being urged to more by way of Brendan Rodgers for his overall performance in opposition to Hibs a few weeks ago, the Republic of Ireland global observed that up with another poor displaying towards Kilmarnock in the 2-1 defeat at Rugby Park.

Back on the bench for the day trip to Dundee, it looked like Johnston was once out of the picture again at Celtic however after coming on as a second-half sub and notching a double, the 24-year-old has finished his chances of starting once more this season no harm.

But that wasn’t what surprised Mark Wilson. What astonished the former Celtic fullback was when he was informed that Johnston’s goals on Boxing Day had been his first for the club in over four years.

Wilson stated [Clyde SSB], “That’s incredible. I was once pleased for Mikey Johnston. He’s a player that’s taken a lot of stick from the Celtic fans.

“Brendan Rodgers obviously likes him. He’s added him into the team in vicinity that’s harshly judged anyway.

“Wingers get a difficult time when they are no longer continuously beating people, scoring or offering assists and Mikey Johnston has taken a fair bit of flack recently.”

I would advise that because he’s not scoring or creating that is the cause he receives the flack. Because as a Celtic winger, that is the absolute minimal you want to do.

In over eight seasons at Celtic, Johnston is still no closer to turning into a regular in the first group than he was when he first broke through.

If it’s no longer took place now for him then the chances are it may also never will. With Daizen Maeda and Leil Abada now returning to the first team, it appears ever extra probable that Johnston ought to be primed for some other prolonged continue to be on the Celtic bench.

Celtic legend Chris Sutton condemns the SFA for the ’embarrassing’ Sky Sports microphone ruling

Celtic hero Chris Sutton has blasted the SFA for their decision to block Hibernian boss Nick Bernard Law Montgomery from being mic’d up throughout the Edinburgh derby, calling it “embarrassing”.

The Easter Road manager had agreed to followers looking at on Sky Sports at domestic to hear him during the fixture after Hibs agreed to a request from the broadcaster.

It would have been a first in Scottish soccer along with Montgomery’s assistant Sergio Raimundo wearing a body cam.

And Sutton, who supplied live commentary for the game, did not hold returned when giving his thoughts on the decision.

Writing on X, he said: “Nick Bernard Law Montgomery used to be open and glad to be mic’d up for tonight’s Edinburgh derby.

“It would have been captivating to hear how he worked and his attitude ingame. But for anything purpose the SFA blocked it.

“The SFA are an embarrassment and caught in the past. Dear me…”

Meanwhile, Celtic coach Harry Kewell is poised “to leave the club in the coming days”.

This is in accordance to the Scottish Sun who declare that the Australian “edging closer to being appointed as the new Yokohama F. Marinos boss.”

Kewell did no longer journey with Brendan Rodgers’ side on Boxing Day as the Hoops defeated Dundee 3-0.

Reports in Australia  state that John Hutchinson, who labored with Ange Postecoglou at Marinos, is anticipated to be his No2.

Rodgers beforehand proven that he would not stand in the way of Kewell becoming a member of the former J1 League champions.

He said: “”Harry has already managed before, so it is no longer new to him. He has had a taste of it and I am always one that if team of workers members choose to expand their horizons then I am very encouraging of that.

“It is also a sign that you have talented people if other clubs want them.”

Sky Sports Pundit highlights the growing significance of the Celtic midfield player

Anthony Joseph has discussed the escalating cost of Matt O’Riley.

Two years in the past the midfielder used to be getting used to regular first crew soccer with MK Dons after developing annoyed with the way matters were stalling at Fulham.

When Riley McCree opted for the vibrant lights of Middlesbrough in January 2022 Ange Postecoglou switched his center of attention to League One with a £1.5m activation price bringing O’Riley into the cut and thrust of an SPFL title race.

After a Man of the Match debut at Tynecastle O’Riley and fellow January recruit Reo Hatate have been the riding pressure in a 3-0 Glasgow Derby triumph that saw Celtic pass into pinnacle place.

Over the closing two years the former MK Dons man has loved two Champions League campaigns, scored towards Lazio and picked up his first full cap for Denmark.

That growth has been noted elsewhere, in September O’Riley extended his contract till 2027 but Celtic’s method suggests that it is not likely that the incredibly gifted midfielder will be spending Christmas 2024 in Glasgow.

Assessing his situation Joseph instructed The Celtic Exchange (19 minutes 20 seconds):

There’s no doubt that there are plenty of clubs monitoring him, the factor is with Inter Milan, they are thinking of making a pass in January so that is the difference. Whereas you have clubs like Aston Villa, West Ham, Atletico Madrid, you have all sent scouts, monitoring the situation but Inter Milan see it as an opportunity- we prefer to get him in now simply so that we impenetrable him.

So that changes it a little bit but  Celtic is in a very good role concerning Matt O’Riley. He’s just signed a new contract, a bumper contract at that. Celtic rejected £10 million from Leeds United in the last couple of days of the switch window and that kind of sparked Celtic trying to get him down on elevated terms.

I mean when Leeds had been coming in with £10 million bids the idea process was, actually from the conversations I had, I don’t assume Celtic would have entertained whatever underneath £15 million.

But even £15 million in all likelihood wouldn’t have done it. It would have had to be around £20 million to open that conversation, I suppose anyway.

And with a new contract that’s received to be the case again. The fact he signed a new contract I would reckon Celtic wouldn’t open the conversation till except there was once £20 million perhaps even up to £25 million.

On Friday Sky Sports were walking with a declare that Inter Milan had been looking to signal O’Riley on loan with a deal in vicinity to make that go everlasting in the summer.

That type of deal is one that Celtic can without difficulty face up to with around £50m predicted for participation in subsequent season’s Champions League which comes with triumphing the SPFL Premiership title.

Bids subsequent summer season in the place of £25m will be challenging for the Celtic board to resist with the big question being whether Mark Lawwell has recognized a like for like alternative with doubts round after the summer 2023 intake of seven task signings.

“What a fantastic player,” The 26-year-old Celtic star has excelled for Scottish football, according to a BBC Pundit

I assume each Celtic fan will agree that their team have a quantity of players that light up the Scottish game.

Off the pinnacle of my head, Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley and Cameron Carter-Vickers are three that have vastly expanded the nice within the Scottish league.

But when you genuinely delve into it, there are at least half a dozen. Look at Callum McGregor. The Celtic skipper has emerge as one of the most adorned gamers in the history of the game due to his achievements with the club.

But it was none of these players that BBC pundit, Allan Preston, mentioned. In fact, Preston believes that Daizen Maeda is the one player that Brendan Rodgers has missed the most this season as the Celtic manager appears to get his season again on track

Speaking in the course of the 2-0 win over Livingston, Preston stated [BBC Sportsound], “I assume he’s brilliant. He’s been such a splendid player for Scottish football and for Celtic most importantly.

“It’s his work rate, his want and he in no way offers in.

“And Brendan Rodgers has, sadly, missed that in current weeks.”

The Japanese winger is now not regarded for his goalscoring ability but his industry on that left flank really hurts teams defensively and in the attack.

The 26-year-old winger’s pace is electric and he appears to have an engine that approves him to run all day lengthy without getting tired.

He has been fundamental to Celtic over the final two years and there is no doubt he will proceed to be as Rodgers appears to shield the title this season.

Getting himself returned to full fitness, Celtic will want Maeda going into the final two video games of 2023 as Dundee and Rangers await.

Six points in these two games will go a long way in helping Rodgers win the league title once more and Maeda will be pivotal to that.

David Martindale observes the Celtic penalty gripe as Paulo Bernardo ‘handball’ departs, leaving the irritated Livingston coach questioning

The Lions slumped to a 2-0 defeat to the Scottish Premiership leaders at Celtic Park.

Livingston boss David Martindale reckons his facet should have had a penalty against Celtic as he claimed Paulo Bernardo handled the ball.

The first-half flashpoint would come before a quick-fire one-two punch from Brendan Rodgers side as Kyogo Furuhashi and Liam Scales bought on the scoresheet to put the sport beyond the Scottish Premiership’s rock backside side. In the build-up to the head knock to Tom Parkes – which saw him compelled off – the defender thumped the ball toward aim and it regarded to strike the hand of the Benfica loanee on the edge of the box, earlier than Cameron Carter-Vickers would ultimately clear the danger.

Referee Matthew MacDermid did no longer factor to the spot whilst Alan Muir in the VAR room also did now not considered any need to intervene to aid the man in the middle. However, Martindale used to be satisfied following the full-time whistle that the ball had struck the hand of Bernardo before the break.

Asked about the Celtic flashpoint, he said: “I’d need to see it slowed down. It’s a handball. They stated his hand was inside, but we’re on the iPad and we didn’t have hazard to zoom in to see whether it’s a shirt line or below.

“I suppose it’s hand but whether it’s a pen or not, I couldn’t see.”

Fabrizio Romano affirms Inter’s transfer intentions amid link to Matt O’Riley

Fabrizio Romano has updated followers on Inter Milan’s transfer plans amidst hyperlinks to Celtic superstar Matt O’Riley. The Italian switch guru took to Twitter/X to verify that Simone Inzaghi’s aspect are fascinated in signing Medhi Taremi and Tajon Buchanan.

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley has been linked with the Serie A club in advance of the January window. The 22-year-old has been gorgeous this season below Brendan Rodgers and the manager said he wouldn’t favor to lose quality when that is what he was once looking to add.

The document from Sky Sports suggests that Inter are eager on signing the Danish Internationalist on a mortgage with the responsibility to purchase in the summer. It would be a switch that may want to affect Celtic’s 2d half of the season and, with his a lengthy time period contract, he wouldn’t come cheap.

Rodgers will want to preserve a keep of the midfielder and deliver a quantity of first group picks into the squad in January.

‘He has come in for criticism’: Martin O’Neill defends the “really fine” player who costs £1 million for Celtic

Joe Hart is Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ number one goalkeeper, however you have to query for how long?

On one hand, the 36-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and his performances in Celtic colours this season have been indifferent.

From iffy performances in the Champions League to getting sent off towards Livingston, Joe Hart can’t argue in opposition to these who have criticised him.

But legendary supervisor Martin O’Neill is any one who is still a fan of the Celtic man by way of adding that he ‘still thinks he is a surely satisfactory goalkeeper’, as he told PLZ Soccer.

There are no arguments that the £1 million signing has served the club well after he was added in by using Ange Postecoglou.

Winning the Treble will by no means be topped and it’s something Joe Hart can put at the top of his listing of achievements.

But as some are indispensable of his efforts in between the sticks, he is getting the support of Martin O’Neill.

Joe Hart’s criticism at Celtic

“Joe Hart has come in for a little bit of criticism previously on,” stated O’Neill. “But I nonetheless think he is a really nice goalkeeper.”

Joe Hart’s replacement

Given the troubles Brendan Rodgers is dealing with all over the pitch, it now wouldn’t be a shock if the club waited till the summer time to convey in Hart’s replacement.

Perhaps the wise name would have been to do it in January due to the fact it then permits that player to settle in.

But given the huge modifications Rodgers desires to his under-performing squad, the center of attention will likely be elsewhere.

Rodgers and Clement want the same Portuguese striker for January, and Celtic and Rangers are “at the front of the race” for him

Celtic are set to do fighting with Rangers once again, this time for the signing of Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That’s according to O Jogo, who say the Old Firm duo are both eager on the striker as he looks to leave Molineux in the January transfer window, with Parkhead and Ibrox plausible destinations for him.

The newspaper reports that Silva is ‘preparing to depart Wolves’ when the market reopens and it appears he will be directed closer to Scottish football, the place Celtic and Rangers both have their eye on him.

The 21-year-old has another unnamed Spanish facet interested in him too, however the two Scottish teams, currently first and 2nd in the table are ‘at the front of the race’ according to O Jogo’s information.

Silva wants to go away again after barely proposing under Gary O’Neil this season and repeat the success he loved out on loan with Anderlecht and then PSV Eindhoven.

It is that which has presumably attracted Celtic and Rangers as they seem to bolster their squads for Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement.

Both sides aren’t entirely quick of options, with Celtic having Kyogo Furuhashi, Hyeon-gyu Oh and Johnny Kenny as striker selections while Rangers have Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Kemar Roofe and Sam Lammers at their disposal, but actually see Silva as a step up on what they’ve got.

With simply two factors separating Celtic in first from Rangers in second, it’ll show to be a hard desire for Silva to make, need to they be the ones he has to pick out between as O Jogo suggest.

“I’m going to make a public statement.” Pundit believes Celtic man regrets ever joining the team

With Celtic apparently going thru a difficult spell at the moment, pundit, Ewan Cameron, believes all is no longer well behing the scenes at Parkhead.

After watching Brendan Rodgers‘ submit match interview, Cameron seen something odd about the Celtic manager and made a claim that Rodgers regrets coming again to Paradise.

Cameron stated [The Big Scottish Football Podcast], “Brendan Rodgers didn’t seem to be like he cared either. He stated he variety of anticipated it. Or it didn’t surprise him.

“I think there’s probable a combat going on behind the scenes politically. I’m additionally going to throw some thing out there.

“I suppose Brendan Rodgers these days regrets coming back. He regrets coming back. Everything about it.
“He wasn’t fully accepted when he walked via the doors. The Celtic fans had been ready to soar down his throat.

“And that’s what’s taking place proper now. And then Brendan Rodgers is now deflecting and hinting that these are no longer my players. This is now not who I favor to be playing.

“There’s Lagerbielke, they spent £3 million for him in the summer, apparently he’s up for sale in January.
“So I suppose there’s there’s a wee bit of infighting at the back of the scenes.”

Rodgers’ demeanour was once strange. Considering this was a manager who was, apparently, definitely livid with his team’s first half perfomance towards St Johnstone, the way the Celtic manager reacted after a meek home defeat in opposition to Hearts just doesn’t sit down right.

Despite bieng very honest about how the team performed, the followers would have been waiting for an agrier response from the Celtic manager.

The Celtic followers certainly made their feelings actually clear on Saturday and it seems now that Rodgers must make sure he alternatives up six factors from his subsequent two games.

With one of them being Rangers, the stress is definitely on the Celtic manager to beat his closest rival because if he doesn’t the fans will need to look at the league table over the New Year with Rangers sitting on top.

Nat Phillips, who had a bad loan experience, is returning to Liverpool

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips will return to Merseyside in January. The centre back has been up at Celtic in view that the summer season window, presenting aid to Brendan Rodgers’ backline amidst an injury crisis.

16th September 2023 Celtic Park, Celtic versus Dundee Amadou Bakayoko of Dundee takes on Nat Phillips of Celtic Photo ActionPlus David Young

However, The Record reports that Phillips will return to his dad or mum club, citing lack of first team action.

Since arriving from Anfield, Phillips has made eight appearances and was once terrible in his cameo towards Hibs as properly as being at fault versus Killie. The huge defender has come in in spite of now not enjoying a lot of video games and has not impressed.

It is predicted that upon return to Anfield, the Englishman will be sent out on mortgage once more to get first group football.

However, Brendan Rodgers has been full of praise for the 26-year-old due to his commitment in training. The Irishman has utilised Phillips as his 1/3 defender in the back of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales. With Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke struggling to be concerned in suit day squads, Phillips departure would hopefully improve their efforts in education as they look to get into the first team.

‘A long while’: Pat Bonner reacts to Celtic fans chanting’sack the board’ during the team’s loss against Hearts

You have to say, the reaction from the Celtic followers at some point of the defeat in opposition to Hearts on Saturday used to be something that has been bubbling up for a while.

It was solely ultimate week that the gamers had been nonetheless unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, only to suffer a deserved loss to Kilmarnock.

What has been most annoying about Celtic’s performances below Brendan Rodgers has been the lack of chew and speed in the team’s play.

Some point closer to the Celtic board and why greater cash hasn’t been spent on proven stars to take the membership forward.

But, when fans started to get restless the day gone by and chants of ‘sack the board’ have been ringing round Parkhed, Pat Bonner disagreed with it all, as he told BBC Radio Scotland (16/12/23).

The Bhoys legend referred to that he ‘didn’t like to see’ the fans arguing amongst themselves, which sparked in the 2nd half.

At 2-0 down, any other poor displaying from the team, and no response after the break, the followers were solely going to react in one way. And you can’t blame them!

But Pat Bonner was also keen to mention that the group is still sitting pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic fans chant ‘sack the board’

“I suppose somebody is having a go at the Celtic board,” said Bonner as the crowd began to get restless.

Then when the first rounds of ‘sack the board’ chants went round the ground: “They are still in a role (to win the league). It’s nevertheless too early.

“It has been a whilst in view that I have viewed that response – we lost a lot of focal point there round the game. I have obtained to say, thinking about Celtic are nonetheless top of the league – I don’t like to see the followers arguing amongst themselves.”

Celtic v Livingston

There is now going to be huge, large strain on the players against Livingston subsequent Saturday.

You feel that the team have to get out of the traps from the get-go, or else, the players will sense strain like never before.

Three games remain earlier than the year is out – Livingston, away at Dundee and then Rangers.

Just win those matches, and whilst it doesn’t alternate much, it does add a feel-good component returned into the membership due to the fact it is truly needed right now.

Despite Rangers’ comeback under Clement, the Celtic icon is still confident in the title contest

The former Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers boss is tipping his historical club to raise the Scottish Premiership title again.

After a massive week in European football and a cup remaining taking location this Sunday, now not to mention various key Premiership fixtures for both sides, it is perhaps easy to overlook the first Old Firm derby is quickly approaching.

Celtic and Rangers will go head-to-head at Celtic Park in their remaining fixture of 2023 on December 30 in a in shape that, as ever, is possibly to have huge ramifications on the title race. The Hoops currently have a 5 factor lead over their Glasgow opponents however Philippe Clement’s guys do have a game in hand.

Last weekend’s defeat to Kilmarnock for the reigning champions, mixed with the fact that the Gers have not misplaced a healthy since the Frenchman’s arrival, has many predicting a title race that could go the distance. However, on Celtic legend remains assured that his ancient membership will as soon as again go on and raise the trophy at the stop of the season.

Paul Lambert used to be talking to Betway and believes that the Hoops are still very tons ‘favourites’ to win the league. He said: “It’ll be very hard to claw the title-fight again if they lose the subsequent Old Firm game. This will be Phillipe Clement’s first trip of the Old Firm, whereas Brendan and the Celtic gamers know all about it.

“There will additionally be a ban on Rangers followers – some thing it’s crazy to me as followers are such a huge part of the rivalry. We saw the equal element happen at Ibrox returned in May – and I assume that was once terrible, too.

“Clement is strolling into a recreation the place his global ride means nothing. This sport is specific from any different because of what it stands for. If Celtic win, I suppose they’re in the drivers’ seat. If Rangers get a result, then the title race will be back on. However, I still suppose Celtic are favourites as they’re at home.”

‘He isn’t going anywhere’: John Hartson identifies a Celtic player who is here to stay

Callum McGregor has been Mr Reliable and Mr Consistent in Celtic colorations for a variety of years now.

That fresh-faced teenager, who went on-loan to Notts County in 2013 and performed alongside Jack Grealish, is now proudly the Celtic captain and guiding the crew to trophy after trophy.

After 443 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, John Hartson thinks these numbers will accelerate even similarly and he will end his career at Parkhead, as he told Go Radio.

At the age of 30, this is Callum McGregor at the top of his powers.

There is no purpose for him to pass somewhere else due to the fact he is playing his excellent football, the captain of his boyhood club, enjoying in Europe’s elite opposition and prevailing trophies galore.

And even as ‘nothing surprises’ John Hartson in the game, in regards to players transferring at any time, he is certain about Callum McGregor.

Callum McGregor’s Celtic career

“The one players you seem at inside this Celtic side,” stated Hartson. “You seem to be at McGregor. He is a stay, he isn’t going anywhere, in my opinion.

“He is in there. He is captain. Celtic via and through. He has been here all his career. I would assume anybody like that would end his career at Celtic.


Important few weeks for Celtic

That win over Feyenoord was once crucial, not simply because it stops talk of Celtic being winless in Europe, however it was also a first-rate response from the weekend.

But heading towards that Rangers recreation on December 30, the crew have a number of huge games coming up, beginning with Hearts at the weekend.

Yes, the unbeaten streak is over in the Scottish Premiership. But if that draw with Motherwell, first-half displaying against St Johnstone and defeat in opposition to Kilmarnock is the worst of it, then carry the rest of it on.

Wretched bastards! John Hartson responds angrily to his television detractors

Other than placing the ball in the net John Hartson appreciated nothing higher than a precise 50-50 undertaking on the park- or a 40-60 to make it interesting.

He revelled in the physical challenges, a £2m teenage signing at Arsenal, scoring in a European ultimate at the age of 20 and up towards the odds almost every time that he pulled on the red jersey of Wales. He cherished it.

In retirement, in his thirties he defied the odds in his best ever battle, against cancer. Looking at him these days you’d by no means think about what he went thru in the summer season of 2009.

Some keyboard warriors are effortless meat for massive John, if people don’t like his enthusiasm for working on Celtic Champions League suits that is their problem. He ain’t going to exchange his style for a seat on the Sportscene sofa.

Late on Wednesday night large John put is thoughts collectively alternatively well interior one tweet.

In distinction to Hartson, Rob MacLean sounded like he had lost out to Rory Hamilton in a draw for a area on the TNT Sport Christmas jolly to Seville.

Other than the tired old Champions League facts that Celtic fans are very familiar with MacLean had nothing to add to last night’s viewing.

While the snipers tip away Hartson has a very full diary as his views are sought on European matches, the EPL and Wales worldwide matches. He also speaks Welsh.

Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic future is closely scrutinised on TV, but his unwavering queries are met with clear replies

Reshmin Chowdhury has already caught the ire of the Parkhead fans this term after a brutal stats bomb was dropped.

TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury went two-footed in on Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers before the Champions League clash with Feyenoord – earlier than a late winner saw her flip the script.

Chowdhury left the Parkhead fans in disbelief on matchday 5 following late heartbreak at the arms of Lazio when she slaughtered Rodgers – and also started up Neil Lennon. The Irishman used to be on punditry duty as the miserable winless run in European competitions stretched to 15 games as they bowed out of the Champions League.

And earlier than the healthy she stuck the boot in on the Parkhead boss once once more as she clashed with Lennon over the future of Rodgers following the give up of the Hoops’ European campaign. After rhyming off the painful states from the Group E campaign, she asked Lennon: “How a lot strain is Brendan Rodgers beneath then?”

Lennon tried to snigger off the question, as he said: “At Celtic you are always two defeats away from a crisis, but I don’t suppose any huge quantity of pressure – in particular from the board…” However, the host cut in.

She threw again to the criticism of Rodgers after he left for Leicester City – and how his return cut up the Parkhead fan base. She quizzed: “What about the fans? Because of the way he left and got here back, now not everybody universally loved the notion of having him lower back at Celtic.”

Lennon replied: “That is authentic however Brendan is an elite supervisor and he has verified that. There is a rebuilding manner and he will be disappointed with the Champions League campaign, there is no question of that, however to say he is under pressure – below scrutiny extra than anything.

“We are out of Europe now, it would be fantastic to win this recreation and it would be important – however the whole focal point on that will be on attempting to hold the championship again and the strain will begin to build for the give up of the month with Rangers in town.”

However, following the full-time whistle and Gustaf Lagerbielke’s late winner she flipped the script stating: “Only his second win in the Champions League for Celtic – I suggest that is large for him in phrases of relieving a little bit of strain on him.”

Lennon responded: “No question. Brendan wishes to be at the best level and be profitable at the perfect level. He will see this as a constructing block.”

Chris Sutton responds to Celtic’s Champions League victory, saying, “The rot has stopped.”

Chris Sutton stored tabs on Celtic’s Champions League conflict against Feyenoord from the London International Horse Show tonight.

The former striker has watched his old membership suffer a decade of distress in UEFA’s elite competition as they took some heavy beatings while coming close to breaking the long going for walks mission for their first home win considering the fact that October 2013 towards Feyenoord.

There used to be nothing at stake tonight besides for a 2-8m euro payout with Celtic anchored in backside spot with Feyenoord looking ahead to Europa League football in the new year.

Luis Palma opened the scoring with a 33rd minute penalty however the Dutch champions regarded to have secured a factor in the 82nd minute when Yankuba Minteh shot home unmarked from 12 yards out.

That looked like any other difficult success story for the hoops however right on the 90th minute Gus Lagerbielke headed home from shut range after being picked out through a extraordinary go from Matt O’Riley.

After eight minutes of stoppage time Celtic, and Sutton with the horses, had been able to celebrate.

Kyogo’s goal drought is not his fault, Brendan Rodgers tells Celtics critics, explaining in detail why the star isn’t scoring

Kyogo hasn’t hit the goal for the Hoops considering the fact that a 6-0 win over Aberdeen in November.

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Kyogo Furuhashi will lead Celtic’s assault towards Feyenoord – and insisted he’s not to blame for the striker’s current intention drought.

Rodgers left the Japanese talisman on the bench for Sunday’s shock defeat at Kilmarnock after losing him out of the group for remaining week’s home win over Hibs. But the Parkhead boss tested on Tuesday night Kyogo will be pitched again in from the begin for his side’s final Champions League game of a catastrophic marketing campaign against the Dutch large guns in Glasgow’s east end.

And he rubbished any suggestion that his own tactical approach has been immediately to blame for a miserable run which has considered Kyogo net only as soon as in Celtic’s last 10 games. Asked if Kyogo will change Oh Hyeon-gyu in his assault Rodgers replied: “He will play. We have to be truthful to Kyogo and some of the other boys as well. They can’t play in every single game. You lose that speed and intensity.

“Oh’s executed well when he’s come into the game. A bit like Mikey, he gets his start and then obviously the team performs nicely in opposition to Hibs so you let that beginning crew begin apart from Cameron Carter-Vickers with a view to making changes.

‘But you need a properly squad and you need to give some relief to players, mainly with him and the quantity of work he receives through.”

Rodgers has been blamed for this drop off for deploying Kyogo in a deeper function than the one which was once earmarked for him through former boss Ange Postecoglou. But the supervisor hit lower back by insisting Kyogo has gone against his personal instructions.

He said: “We went via his video stuff the other week. We appeared chiefly at the fact I don’t need him shedding in so much. When you’re playing in a lot of video games where groups are sat deep, you don’t get a kick of the ball actually until it comes into the box.

“So what do you do? You begin wandering. His energy is his penetration. That’s his strength, running in in the back of and timing his runs. You have to make 10 runs maybe to solely get in once however that’s your job as a striker.

“So there’s been nothing changed in that. There’s been without a doubt nothing different asked of him due to the fact his power is enjoying off the ultimate line, timing his actions and being instinctive in the box.

“He’s now not a dribbler, he’s now not any one who does drop in. He can do it however it’s not his strength. And that’s continually the assignment for a striker who wants to affect games. But he’s very receptive. He’s not a baby, remember, he’s 28 years of age.”

Kyogo and Oh celebrate

Rodgers additionally printed that neither Cameron Carter-Vickers nor Daizen Maeda will make the squad for tonight’s tie, notwithstanding rejoining the squad in training the previous day after harm layoffs. He said: “They won’t be concerned tomorrow. Cameron trained this morning, however it is probable too an awful lot of a risk. He will be reachable for the weekend.”

That capacity Nat Phillips is likely to begin towards the Eredivisie champs regardless of a shaky performance capped off by an personal purpose in the Rugby Park defeat. But Rodgers insist the blame for that loss stops at the manager’s door.

He said: “Listen, I think it is a collective. It can by no means be pointed at one player. I thought in the first half we performed very well. We played with exact velocity and should have scored extra than one goal.

“But from the very outset of the 2d half of we didn’t play. If there is all of us to blame for the result, blame me. It is down to the manager to pick out the team. No, it was a disappointing result.”

Another team has now formally offered to sign a “outstanding” Celtic player in the bidding battle – report

One Celtic player is starting to come to be a target remote places beforehand of the New Year, with any other club making an offer for his services.

Celtic switch update

The Hoops have been busy over the summer following Brendan Rodgers’ return to Parkhead, with a range of additions being made in multiple areas of the pitch.

Alongside all the arrivals, there were also some departees, and the club without a doubt made a profit in the summer, mainly due to Jota’s big-money exit to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad. As nicely as Jota, Celtic additionally obtained prices for Carl Starfelt, Albian Ajeti and Conor Hazard, and via the looks of things, the club ought to soon convey in cash for another player in 2024.

Celtic outcast Yosuke Ideguchi made the cross again to Japan until now this year, joining Avispa Fukuoka back in February. Since then, reports have claimed that the J1 League prefer to secure his services on a permanent deal.

However, in a new Celtic switch update from Japan, relayed via The Glasgow Times, the Hoops have already obtained an provide from Avispa Fukuoka and now fellow Japanese aspect Vissel Kobe are also stated to have made a “formal offer” for the midfielder.

Yosuke Ideguchi’s profession at Celtic

Ideguchi arrived in Glasgow returned in January 2022 and is under contract until 2026, however, things haven’t worked out for the Japan international. He has ignored a variety of video games via damage due to the fact placing pen to paper in Scotland and has made just six senior appearances in inexperienced and white. His injury problems have endured while on mortgage at Avispa Fukuoka.

Former Greuther Furth boss Damir Buric previously heaped reward on the player, though, saying:

“In regards to Yosuke, I can only speak the best. He is an exquisite individual with top notch character. First of all I was very impressed with the way he got here returned from that serious injury. What impressed me most was once the way he was working for the duration of his time out with the injury.

“It was simply unbelievable, nearly like soldier. He confirmed such a remarkable attitude and high-quality approach. He was extraordinarily disciplined, took in each and every additional coaching session of bodily rehabilitation and invested all of his time in getting returned as quickly as he perchance could.”

He appears to be a player with quality when fully fit, however, unfortunately, Celtic haven’t viewed that model of the participant enough, so a everlasting exit ought to make sense for all involved in 2024, whether that be with Avispa Fukuoka or Vissel Kobe, making this one to watch.

 



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