Watch Celtic star Rocco Vata score a stunner as he bags an Irish double on international duty

Celtic prospect Rocco Vata confirmed greater of his aim hazard tonight with a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland U21s towards San Marino.

Vata was representing his usa at that age stage for just the 2d time this evening, chosen in the starting eleven for the U21 Euros qualifying clash.

He netted a double on his U21 debut against the same opposition again in September and has now followed that up with a second-half trio of dreams this evening.

His first came from close range after a mix-up in the San Marino defence, but the 2d was once a luxurious strike from distance.

The Celtic youngster obtained the ball in the centre circle earlier than surging forward, coolly tricking an opponent before unleashing a fierce low shot from distance into the a ways backside corner. You can see a clip of the effort via X or embedded below.

San Marino 0-5 Republic of Ireland

Rocco Vata with the goal of the game as he advances forward and unleashes to the bottom corner of the San Marino net – his second in a matter of minutes.

RTÉ News channel and RTÉ Player https://t.co/MAhK8HZ6qV pic.twitter.com/SFMxQ2J4ou

— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) March 22, 2024

Vata would go on to net his 0.33 in the ninetieth minute, with San Marino thrashed 7-0.

Celtic brain Rocco Vata has a shiny Irish future

Although also eligible to play for Scotland and Albania, Vata has long been a section of the Irish formative years set-up and appears destined to emerge as a full worldwide for the country.

Turning 19 subsequent month, he’s also on the verge of making strides at Celtic. He’s training with Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad at Lennoxtown usually and appears to have moved on from the B crew set-up.

His contract is due to expire at the cease of the season but Rodgers has proven the membership have been in talks with him involving a new deal.

The teenager scored his first senior purpose for the Bhoys back in January and is now a steady section of Rodgers’ match-day squads, even though hasn’t been selected as a replacement since February.

The Celtic manager lately praised his growth and named him alongside Daniel Kelly as one to watch for the future.

On-loan Bhoys brain Bosun Lawal additionally started for the Irish U21 facet this evening.

Rangers’ supremacy against Celtic on and off the pitch earns them a spot in the Adidas Hall of Fame

The revered domestic strip between 1994 and 1996 brings again nostalgia to a positive era of supporters.

An iconic Rangers package has landed in the top 10 adidas strips in records and has been labelled a signature of the dominance they enjoyed over Celtic…on and off the pitch.

The revered domestic strip between 1994 and 1996 brings again nostalgia to a certain generation of supporters with legendary stars Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup and Ally McCoist wearing the package which protected the German sportswear’s three stripes on the sleeves. Walter Smith’s facet ran roughshod over Scottish soccer with a run of nine-in-a-row and the strip used to be part of an generation which has been heralded in a new list of the pleasant kits from adidas.

Four Four Two stated: “Rangers properly and sincerely dominated the Scottish top flight in the 90s, winning eight out of 9 titles in the course of the decade. And for the 1994/95 and 1995/96 campaigns, they had been not solely most beneficial to Glasgow arch-rivals Celtic in a footballing experience but a sartorial one, too. There’s so a good deal to love here: the badge subtly woven into the fabric; the excessive collar; how… BLUE it is. Superb stuff.”

Rangers star accepts ‘huge money’ move away from Ibrox; Celtic given boost after unsuccessful transfer

A roundup of the brand new transfer headlines for Hearts and Hibs opponents this week.

With the final months of the 2023/24 season now coming into view, clubs are beginning to put plans in location for their summer switch window spending.

There is nevertheless a lot of motion to hold an eye on in the Scottish Premiership, particularly with simply one point presently separating title challengers Celtic and Rangers. Their battle for the trophy will also have an impact on how properly they can recruit on the switch market, so let’s dive into some of the present day links.

Rangers superstar accepts ‘big money’ move

A lot of discuss has been surrounding Rangers star Borna Barišić and where he will pass next, as he is now well into the closing months of his contract at Ibrox. The left-back will leave Rangers at the end of the season and his next membership appears to be decided.

According to Football Insider, Barišić has finally reached an agreement with Trabzonspor, who have been linked with the Croatia global for some time now. The report claims that he has ‘agreed terms’ with the Turkish outfit and has normal a ‘big cash offer’ to move to the Süper Lig.

Rangers ‘have had no plans’ to offer Barišić a new deal and are comfortable to inexperienced mild his exit this summer.

Celtic given enhance on failed transfer

A range of clubs had enormously quiet January switch windows — some out of choice, some via being unable to land the deals on their iciness shopping list. Celtic had their eyes set on long-term target Hugo Bueno, who is currently struggling for ordinary sport time with Premier League outfit Wolves.

While the Hoops may additionally have neglected out on landing a deal for the left-back, a new record from TEAMtalk has claimed that Bueno arriving at Celtic Park ‘is still possible’ and a summer time cross may want to be on the playing cards instead. The 21-year-old is searching to impenetrable greater time on the pitch subsequent season and is reportedly ‘open to the journey of enjoying in Scotland’.

Signing a new left-back is a ‘priority’ for the Hoops so this ought to come as a massive boost once the summer transfer window opens.

Celtic’s title win over Rangers will not assist in this race, as Ibrox hero says both are nip and tuck beginners

Lee McCulloch celebrates winning the Premiership title in 2011 (Image: SNS)

Lee McCulloch is not involved about Gers lack of league prevailing understand how as champions haven’t had to go to the wire either.

Rangers legend Lee McCulloch admitted he’s bracing himself for some other dramatic last-day title decider.

But the former Ibrox hero has shrugged off suggestions Celtic’s serial winners preserve a key advantage over Philippe Clement’s Gers. The Hoops are no strangers to success having lifted 11 of the ultimate 12 domestic crowns. Meanwhile, Rangers’ solely latest style of league glory came in 2021 however it was infrequently a stomach-churning combat given they romped to Premiership victory with six games to spare.

Two years on, solely seven contributors of Steven Gerrard’s Invincibles squad continue to be at Ibrox. But McCulloch is assured the lack of league-winning experience won’t depend in opposition to his ancient facet – because no-one at Parkhead has been forced to battle all the way to the end line either. He said: “It is so tight. Really, actually tight. Rangers want anybody fit. They have been a wee bit unfortunate in the last couple of weeks with injuries, so I suppose it could go right to the wire.

“Is it a problem that so few of Rangers’ title-winners remain? Not for me. I don’t assume Celtic have acquired a whole lot experience when it comes to going to the wire to win a league – and Rangers don’t either. That’s just the way the Scottish recreation has been lately. Whether that journey comes from the manager, the gamers in the dressing room, or the leaders in there, it’s just about preserving your composure and, most importantly, going one sport at a time.”

McCulloch is aware of what he’s speaking about having been worried in three final-day shoot-outs himself. His first ended with ache at Pittodrie in 2008 as Walter Smith’s knackered UEFA Cup-finalists ultimately crawled domestic 2d to Gordon Strachan’s Celtic. But there used to be a deal with at Tannadice a yr later as Gers went to the distance to facet out their bitter rivals, with those scenes repeated at Rugby Park in 2011.

Asked to element the key to those nerve-jangling victories, three-time league champions McCulloch – talking as he helped announced Rangers’ summer season friendly with Manchester United at Murrayfield – said: “Basically, just win! We won the league at Dundee United and then Kilmarnock on the ultimate day. We had Walter as supervisor each times. It was simply all about winning first and foremost.

“Concentrate on yourselves, take every recreation at a time. Obviously the more video games you tick off, the higher the strain comes. Just pay attention on yourselves and forget about what all and sundry else in the league is doing.”

The strain on Clement’s facet has ratcheted up a notch after Sunday’s postponed conflict at Dens Park denied them the hazard to reclaim top-spot. They now head into the global destroy a point behind Brendan Rodgers’ Celts with that return time out to Dundee in hand. But McCulloch is guaranteed the Light Blues’ Belgian boss – a three-time league champion himself in his hometown – will handle the strain.

“He has played a huge role in getting the membership to the place it is now compared to where it was once at the start of the season below the preceding manager,” said Jig.

“So he’s bought to take giant credit. The manager is big, they are the leader. But it is down to the dressing room as well. It is about maintaining your self assurance and ultimate focused. I’m excited about the run in. He’s got journey of prevailing leagues and recognize what it takes.

“It’s simply whether Rangers can go sport at a time and win each game. Any yr you win a title, of route it’s big. It’s your bread and butter. That’s the one you want.

Rangers boss Philippe Clement (Image: SNS Group

“Now that Rangers are out of Europe, they can concentrate on Europe and their domestic form. So they have to take that nice from a negative. If Rangers do win it, it’ll be a high-quality fulfillment thinking about the place they had been at the begin of the season. If Celtic win it, well they had been expected to win it, weren’t they?

“I think the largest high-quality for Rangers is the supervisor coming in, altering the squad, giving them confidence, togetherness, displaying he can exchange his fashion of play from game to game. Depending on the state of the pitch, he would possibly go more direct. I suppose it’s pretty ballsy to have a supervisor to do that.”

Having worked underneath arguably the club’s best ever supervisor in Smith, McCulloch admits he’d have loved to pattern existence underneath Clement too. He said: “Of direction I would’ve appreciated to play for him. I’ve solely spoken to him a couple of instances but he reminds me of Walter a bit.

“He’s only been at the club a brief spell and I’m 100-per-cent now not evaluating the two. But like Walter, there’s a steeliness to him, he has a presence, a seriousness. If the team’s winning 1-0 or getting beat 1-0, you couldn’t in reality inform searching at him on the touchline. He’s a bit emotionless, which I quite like. And I think about the players virtually recognize him.”

Tickets for Rangers’ friendly conflict in opposition to Manchester United this summer time enter a pre-sale length from Wednesday, March 20, earlier than going on public sale on Friday, March 22, at 10am. Ticket expenses begin at £37 for adults and £19 for Under-16s. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster and Ticketek 

Scottish football news: Aberdeen manager candidate withdraws, Hearts blow, Celtic target speaks out, Rangers open to £15 million deal

The cutting-edge information and hypothesis around Scottish football on Thursday, March 21

Rangers open to £15m exit

Jack Butland has been a standout for Rangers this season following his arrival on a free switch ultimate summer, so plenty so that there was once a some surprise that the former Crystal Palace goalkeeper was not noted for a recall to the England squad for the upcoming friendlies towards Brazil and Belgium. The 31-year-old has validated to be one of the signings of the season in the Scottish Premiership with his shape said to be attracting hobby from golf equipment in the English Premier League. Butland is beneath contract at Rangers until 2027 and the Ibrox faithful would very a whole lot like him to see out his four-year contract. However, in accordance to Football Insider, Rangers will accept provides of round £15m for the shotstopper this summer.

Celtic target speaks out

Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in England. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

Joe Hart’s decision to name time on his playing profession has ensured that Celtic will be on the hunt for a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer. Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher has been formerly linked however his mind-blowing form all through his recent first-team emergence at Anfield whilst deputising for the injured Alisson ought to make a go extra difficult, with other clubs in England and abroad sitting up and taking note. Another name linked with the Parkhead membership is Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Çakır, with a £7.5m pass for the Turkey worldwide mooted. However, it appears the 27-year-old might also decide on to remain at his cutting-edge membership following comments made in the Turkish press. “I have been a Trabzonspor fan for the reason that my childhood, my father instilled this love in us,” he advised Gunebakis. “After spending a sure period of time in the early life structure, I was once promoted to the A Team. “I lifted four trophies. For me, it’s an exquisite feeling to win a trophy at the club I am a fan of. I’ve always been proud of that. It’s a excellent and honourable feeling to be the captain of this team. Playing for Trabzonspor used to be already my dream as a child. It offers exceptional pride to me, my household and my cherished ones.”

Aberdeen manager candidate withdraws

Elfsborg manager Jimmy Thelin has reportedly been scratched from the shortlist of plausible subsequent Aberdeen supervisor candidates. The Swede was once underneath consideration by the Dons board after being advocated via the club’s German advisors, however the 46-year-old has expressed a wish to continue to be with his cutting-edge club ahead of the new Allsvenskan season starting at the end of the month. Neil Lennon and Mark Fotheringham have each thrown their hats in the ring whilst Northern Ireland supervisor Michael O’Neill has additionally been linked. Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has set a target of appointing a new boss in the course of the current worldwide window and ahead of the all-important relegation crunch in shape against Ross County a week on Saturday.

Hearts surgical operation blow

Hearts have suffered a blow with the news that Craig Halkett requires a knee operation. The defender has been absent for the reason that choosing up an harm in the Scottish Cup win over Airdrie last month. According to the Edinburgh Evening News, the centre-back will bear minor surgery to look at the knee and determine whether he can return to full training. Hearts are nevertheless hopeful that the 28-year-old can play again this season relying on the effect of the procedure. Halkett again in December from a year on the sidelines with a ruptured ACL and made eleven appearances earlier than being forced off after simply 26 minutes of the suit in Airdrie.

Scottish football news: Rangers ace receives call-up, two important Celtic dates announced, new Hibs deal, Hearts confused by Shankland call

We speak you through a selection of soccer tales across Scottish soccer this Tuesday evening:

Hearts attraction fails

Hearts’ enchantment in opposition to Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card for simulation has been unsuccessful. The Jambos captain was once booked by means of referee Grant Irvine all through Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by means of Ross County in Dingwall and Tynecastie chiefs lodged a ‘wrongful caution’ claim on Monday to the Scottish Football Association. However, after reviewing Hearts’ submission and looking at video evidence, an unbiased tribunal at Hampden decided that Irvine made the right name and that Shankland’s yellow card stands. A announcement from Hearts read: “Heart of Midlothian is surprised to learn that the club’s appeal towards Lawrence Shankland’s yellow card for simulation towards Ross County has been dismissed. The opposing player’s knee can honestly be viewed connecting with Lawrence’s thigh, which we highlighted as proof at the appeal. The membership will learn the reasoning in the back of the dismissal later this week, at which point we may additionally comment further.”

New Hibs deal for Obita

Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland was booked for simulation against Ross County

Jordan Obita has signed a new deal at Hibs until June 2026, the cinch Premiership membership have announced. The left-back arrived at Easter Road ultimate summer from English League One outfit Wycombe. He has featured 37 times for Hibs this season in all competitions, scoring twice. Hibs boss Nick Sir Bernard Law said: “Jordan is an vital part of the squad. He has been one of our most constant performers all season and brings quintessential journey to the team. He has a younger household and is virtually playing his soccer at Hibs, so I am delighted Jordan has agreed to commit his future to the club.”

Scotland to stick with squad

Scotland have no on the spot plans to name up some other defender no matter being hit through issues at centre-back ahead of their pleasant double-header in opposition to Netherlands and Northern Ireland. Norwich’s Grant Hanley withdrew on Tuesday morning with an ankle issue, while Scott McKenna – on loan at Copenhagen from Nottingham Forest – was being assessed after selecting up a knock. Asked if a new centre-back was likely to be added, assistant manager John Carver stated at a press conference at Hampden on Tuesday afternoon: “No, I assume we’re just going to depart it as it is. We’ve obtained sufficient cowl in these positions so I suppose we’re pretty happy with what we’ve got.”

Livingston eye new sponsor deal

Livingston are looking for a new stadium sponsorship deal after revealing that their long-running agreement with Tony Macaroni is coming to an end. The duo have been partners on the grounds that 2012 and stadium naming rights have been incorporated in 2018, which led to Almondvale being nicknamed ‘Spaghettihad’. A club declaration read: “Livingston FC and Tony Macaroni these days announced that their long-standing sponsorship will be coming to a natural close. Tony Macaroni is the longest-running shirt and stadium sponsor in the club’s history and as such, the club would like to mark the quit of this deal by paying tribute to Sep Marini and all the crew at Tony Macaroni.”

Another two Celtic friendlies

Celtic have confirmed another two friendlies to go alongside their clash with Chelsea on July 27. Brendan Rodgers men will take on Manchester City at the Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Tuesday July 23 and will additionally face DC United at Washington’s Audi Field on Saturday, July 20. Celtic’s American defender Cameron Carter-Vickers commented: “We are fortunate at Celtic to have such a global reach and we hope as many supporters as viable can attend the fit in North Carolina – and of direction we will be doing our very great to put on a excellent exhibit for the fans.”

Yilmaz in Turkey squad

Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz has been referred to as into to the Turkey squad after Vincenzo Montella’s group suffered protecting injuries. Yilmaz has been capped six times via his country and will be handy for decision for the friendlies against Hungary and Austria.

I delayed his father at The Belfry while Aston Villa amassed £2 million to sabotage the Celtic transfer

Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Steve Bruce lifts lid on transfer pursuit of John McGinn back in 2018

Steve Bruce has revealed John McGinn was shut to finishing a go to Celtic earlier than he joined Aston Villa in the summer season of 2018.

The Scot used to be one of key switch goal for Bruce in the summer time which accompanied Villa’s failed attempt of returning to the top-flight. Though McGinn’s £2 million go south of the border from Hibernian was held up as Villa modified possession after weeks of uncertainty related to the club’s future due to owner Dr Tony Xia’s financial issues.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Bruce explained: “I had heard his grandad used to be Celtic chairman. We had to stall. We did not have the £2million at the time and he was going to Celtic, but I had heard that his dad and grandad performed golf. I concept ‘I am going to try and get his dad down to supply us a little bit of stalling time’.

“We acquired him to The Belfry and bought the pro to play him – which gave us any other 4-5 hours to rustle up the £2million due to the fact we did not have it at the time. I am without a doubt pleased for him due to the fact he has became into a really, honestly pinnacle player.”

Bruce added: “I be aware Neil Lennon’s son telling me the nice player in Scotland was John McGinn. He used to be at Hibs at the time, Lenny, so I got straight on the smartphone to him and said we need to discover out about McGinn. So we went to work on it.”

McGinn helped Villa to advertising that season under Dean Smith and has given that made 162 Premier League appearances for the club. He was once made captain by Steven Gerrard before the begin of last season and following the appointment of Unai Emery, McGinn has played a key function in the club’s return to European football and push for Champions League qualification.

Plot intensifies; Crawford Allan resigns from SFA

The news broke on Monday that Crawford Allan, the head of referees at the SFA, is set to depart his role at the conclusion of the current season.

This announcement follows a tumultuous length marked via controversies surrounding the implementation and management of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) gadget for the reason that its introduction in 2022.

The plot thickens as sources shut to the situation, which includes Stephen McGowan of Mail Sport, suggest that Allan’s departure is no longer entirely voluntary.

It is understood that strain from top clubs in the SPFL has been a essential factor in this decision. These clubs have expressed vast dissatisfaction with Allan’s managing of VAR, pointing to a sequence of mishaps and controversies that have marred the system’s use in Scottish football.

Under Allan’s supervision, the referee department has confronted criticism for what many see as inconsistent and complex decisions associated to VAR, leading to calls for a trade in leadership. The SFA’s acknowledgment of these problems is evident in their pronounced pursuit of an external candidate from outside Scotland to assume Allan’s role.

Celtic has been vocal about its concerns related to VAR and its implementation. The club’s repeated expressions of discontent highlight the broader dissatisfaction inside the league.

Allan would be out faster had there been a prepared made replacement.

Maeda explains why he changed his appearance

After a week of hypothesis and intrigue Daizen Maeda has revealed the reason at the back of his new look.

At Tynecastle on March three the ahead performed with his trademark shaven look however there was once some thing special a week later when he scored a hat-trick in the Scottish Cup win over Livingston.

For two years Celtic followers have been used to the shaven look buzzing up and down the left flank, covering extra ground than anyone with the growth of his hair taking a bit of getting used to.

On Saturday at domestic to St Johnstone the vogue continued, there is now a dark head of hair down Celtic’s left, reporting for international duty the motive for the new seem used to be revealed.

Maeda has revealed why he stopped wearing a Bald head.
It was influenced by something his daughter said to him. ‘She doesn’t like the shaved head.’
She said she prefers Takumi Minamino’s hairstyle.
making the press burst into laughter → pic.twitter.com/JlQvGrvNHz

— 🍀🇯🇵Naru📽️Japanese Bhoy Studios🎨 (@CelticStudio_JP) March 18, 2024

When your daughter starts offevolved to inform you that she prefers the look of one of your worldwide team-mates it is time to take inventory and make some changes.

With almost a fortnight to go till Celtic are back in action, away to Livingston, Maeda’s new seem to be will have taken root as Brendan Rodgers and his squad center of attention on the run in and the chance to raise two trophies from a checking out campaign.

After two seasons at Liverpool Minamino moved to Monaco in the summer time of 2024.

Wyness reveals an exclusive Lawwell transfer that will shock Celtics supporters

Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness has insisted chairman Peter Lawwell and his Celtic board have carried out “the right component long-term” no matter fan backlash over transfer spending.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had prolonged spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a soccer consultancy advising elite golf equipment – insisted Lawwell is a “canny operator” having dealt with him many instances throughout his career.

Celtic’s solely permanent signing in January was winger Nicolas Kuhn for a £3million price – no matter the club’s 2022-23 economic accounts showing £40million of income and cash reserves of £67million.

The Hoops are additionally under stress from Rangers in the race for the Scottish Premiership title race, with their Old Firm opponents shifting two factors beforehand in current weeks.

Peter Lawwell has ‘done the proper element for Celtic’, says Wyness

Football Insider detailed in February the large fan discontent on social media about the lack of spending – with former Celtic forward Chris Sutton also slamming Lawwell’s assertion on the issue.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I know Peter, I’ve dealt with him many instances on player transfers and I’ve determined how he’s run Celtic.

“They’re very canny operators, and I suppose they’ve done the proper factor long-term for Celtic.

“It’s constantly exceptional to have the assets handy if you do have to make a huge change and a new supervisor does come in. It’s super to have that luxury.

“They made a judgement at the time, they concept they had spent adequate to get success. It hasn’t proved to be the case – but with hindsight, it is convenient to say that.

“In football, everything’s 50:50. 50% of followers will hate the decision, 50% of followers will love it – that’s just the way it’s constantly been.

“The season’s now not finished, so we’ve just bought to watch this house and see this wonderful cleaning soap opera develop.”

Rodgers makes a cunning jab at the press

In a passionate defence of introducing Daniel Kelly to the fold at Celtic, supervisor Brendan Rodgers has brazenly criticised the idea that introducing young talent into the first group may want to be deemed a misstep.

Speaking to Celtic TV, Rodgers expressed his bewilderment and frustration at the criticism the club faces for its commitment to nurturing young gamers amidst a fiercely contested title race.

Rodgers remarked. He highlighted a specific instance where this method was once questioned: “I read somewhere the other week, that we had been surely being criticised for bringing a younger participant into the group which I locate incredible. We carry Daniel Kelly on in opposition to Hearts – it was once supposedly no longer what should’ve been done.”

Rodgers’ method is a mixture of pursuing immediate success and searching after the club’s future prosperity. By giving players like Kelly precious enjoying time, he believes he’s investing in the club’s long-term success: “Thankfully I look after the quick and the longer term of the club, and that’s bringing young players in to develop, to improve, supply them that experience and then hopefully they come to be higher players because they need to get that experience.”

Despite the criticism, Rodgers remains unwavering in his philosophy, stressing the significance of this developmental method for the sustainability of the club. “Hopefully, we can do that in the coming years, get these gamers in to assist support the group and eventually grow to be first-team players. That’s some thing that I will usually focus on.”

This defence comes at a essential time for Celtic, as they are in the thick of a title race, with the plausible to climb to the pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership with a win towards St Johnstone. Critics have often accused Celtic of not leveraging their childhood intelligence effectively, yet now face scrutiny for doing exactly that with Kelly. Rodgers clarified that while Kelly is not predicted to be the sole difference-maker, the journey and exposure he gains are invaluable.

Scotland’s Czech coefficient struggle now depends on Italians as Fiorentina was handed the task of saving the Celtic Champions League

It’s Fiorentina vs Viktoria Plzen in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals and Scotland have a vested interest.

Scotland’s hopes of a pinnacle 10 UEFA coefficient vicinity now lie with Fiorentina after Viktoria Plzen drew them in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

It’s the Scots vs the Czech Republic for the final spot in the top 10 which ensures a Champions League spot for the pinnacle flight winners up to 2025/26, a luxurious Celtic have enjoyed over the last two seasons. Rangers’ defeat to Benfica on Thursday capacity our aspects can add no more points to the board. But Plzen are still lively for the Czech Republic, and they will leapfrog us in the u . s . coefficient standings if they add any more to their total.

Even a draw in both leg will nudge them up a area and cross Scotland out of the top 10. That would imply no guaranteed automatic qualifier for the Champions League, even though if it is Rangers who win the league, they are likely to qualify anyway via their membership coefficient standing. It would additionally imply extra qualifying rounds to go via for the teams who finish in the other European places.

However if Plzen lose both legs, our spot is secure for another year. That would mean the modern-day status quo that has been in place for our aspects over the last two seasons, wherein the Premiership winners are assured Champions League football until the 2026/27 season.

And it will be Fiorentina the kingdom is cheering on, who downed Maccabi Haifa in a thriller to make it this far. Currently eighth in Serie A, it is one of the tougher draws, although Plzen will be respiration a sigh of remedy at averting Aston Villa.

The caveat to all this is that even if the Czechs leapfrog us into the pinnacle ten, there is one situation where our league winners could nevertheless robotically qualify for 2025/26. But only if it’s Rangers. The Ibrox side’s club coefficient means they are in rivalry as an automatic qualifier even if our country coefficient isn’t always enough.

It’s all a little tricky though and it would be a great deal less complicated if Fiorentina did the usa a favour.

Celtic diehard says title battle is ‘finished’ as he joins forces with sports star to serve Rangers hero a home reality

The talkSPORT presenter and former champion jockey both aimed digs at Ally McCoist stay on air.

Celtic superfan Alan Brazil and former champion jockey AP McCoy couldn’t resist a wind-up with Rangers legend Ally McCoist by using suggesting the Scottish Premiership title race is “over”.

TalkSPORT presenter Brazil and fellow Hoops supporter McCoy each aimed a cheeky dig at the Gers all-time pinnacle goalscorer stay on air as they argued Celtic’s case after dropping their advantage at the league summit to Philippe Clement’s side.

Since the Belgian’s arrival at Ibrox, the Light Blues have grew to become the tide in their favour and opened a two-point lead at the top of the table, despite the Govan outfit having gained just two Old Firm encounters in the past three seasons.

McCoy immediately pushed aside the dramatic turnaround in Rangers, claiming: “It was getting a bit boring beating Rangers all the time.” That led McCoist to ask his opposite number, “have you given up in the league?”

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Brazil responded: “No, no, no the league’s over. I’ve instructed you before, the league’s over. We’ll beat you at Ibrox and at Parkhead.”

It follows a light-hearted trade between Brazil and McCoist as they reacted to Monday night’s Scottish Cup semi-final draw which paired Aberdeen with Celtic and Hearts against Rangers.

Both pundits poked fun at every different over the respective affection for Celtic and Rangers, with Brazil insisting Brendan Rodgers’ guys will hold the trophy. McCoist disagreed and reckons Celtic may not be involved in the showpiece final.

Reporter Adrian Durham began the conversation, stating: “The draw for the semis last night. It’s Rangers or Hearts to play Aberdeen in that final. So congratulations to the Dons.” Brazil then highlighted: “Oh you mean that crew that has no supervisor now that Neil (Warnock) has left and in whole disarray? Don’t fear about it. Green and white ribbons on the Cup again.”

McCoist then waded into the debate, commenting: “I think you are right Aid. I suppose you are looking at a similar cup last to the League Cup Final.” Brazil, aiming a brutal observation at Hearts, replied: “Well Rangers are going to get there. You’ve obtained Rangers reserves have not you. So you are going to get there that is for sure.” McCoist added: “Oh pricey me, he is worried Aid.” Brazil concluded: “Get the aircraft ready. Get the airplane ready.”

I don’t think- Steve Clarke’s disconcerting remark on McGregor

Steve Clarke has introduced to the confusion over Callum McGregor’s injury.

The Celtic captain has neglected the closing two hoops suits after being substituted at half time all through the 7-1 victory over Dundee.

At the time there was once no top notch alarm over McGregor however two days later he used to be missing from training and the defeat towards Hearts.

After undergoing scans on the calf/achilles problem Brendan Rodgers mentioned that the effects were inconclusive with the midfielder already ruled out of Saturday’s domestic in shape against St Johnstone.

That suit is observed via an international break, requested about the absence of the Celtic skipper from the squad The Scotsman reports Steve Clarke saying:

I had a brief chat with Callum with this week due to the fact I knew he used to be going to be lacking this camp, however no big problems transferring forward, I don’t think.

That last comment will reason a little challenge for Celtic followers who realise the significance of their membership captain.

A variety of last season’s most necessary gamers have left the club, when McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate are out injured the Celtic side is suddenly very light on experience.

There is not likely to be any replace on McGregor’s health earlier than Rodgers holds a media conference on Friday.

Brendan Rodgers opens up about Celtic wideman Nicolas Kuhn’s early problems, which saw him lose more than a stone

The £3m signing from Rapid Vienna has had a gradual start to life in Scotland but he confirmed promising symptoms in the Scottish Cup win.

The well-known Jock Stein line about the Celtic jersey now not shrinking to fit inferior players is written on the one of the partitions at Parkhead.

But the fact the kit could have achieved with a few more spins in the Parkhead tumble dryer for Nicolas Kuhn had nothing to do with his ability. The £3m January Brendan Rodgers signing from Rapid Vienna has had to beef up in his first couple of months in Scotland having arrived on the back of few weeks of sickness falling dental surgical operation that knocked kilos off him.

Unlike the rest of us in January, when most of us could have accomplished with transferring some of the iciness insulation, Kuhn didn’t have a whole lot to go spare. And it left the wide man feeling vulnerable – and written off by using some as no longer match to put on the shirt. Boss Rodgers refused to panic with the 24-year-old and the Hoops boss believes he noticed signs and symptoms on Sunday the former Bayern Munich and Ajax youngster is going to be really worth the weight.

Kuhn was like a new man in the 4-2 win against Livingston. Right from the off when he despatched Cristian Montano to the retail outlets in the first minute with a elegant dummy, it was once clear he used to be a man on a mission.

The attacker set up the first goal of Daizen Maeda’s hat trick with a first-rate dash interior and subtle curling cross, he had a hand in the second and was a constant danger down the proper flank.

Celtic followers can be speedy to rush to make judgements on new signings, however it now seems some might have been too hasty in pushing aside the wingers ability to measure up for the Hoops.

Rodgers feels Kuhn is finally up and strolling and he can help tip the scales in Celtic’s favour in the run-in. He said: “In fairness to Nicolas, I suppose we noted it before, for everyone not working with him every day and seeing the difference, when he first came in he was once in the midst of his destroy and I suppose he stated he’d lost seven kilos.

“You can think about that when you are solely mild anyway. To lose over a stone, I suppose he observed that he’d misplaced his strength and his running capacity. Nicolas is simply starting to settle in. You see he was a lit more positive, in the first half of in particular, and he did well.

“I suppose it used to be simply a bit of cramp at the end (that pressured him off). He’s of course not played as much. He ran his heart out. I’m sure he’s okay. So it’s been about building him up. I suppose he feels fantastic now. He’s nevertheless obtained a bit bit of work to do.

“But I think you saw that an awful lot extra aggressive method in his game, in one versus ones, taking human beings on, finding the skip for Daizen’s goal. So yes, that’s greater of what we want to see. It’s simply adaption. He’ll development I’m sure in his time but that used to be very good.”

There’s no doubt the hard begin also shook the kid’s confidence. It used to be clear in his cameo appearances he didn’t quite have the gung ho mindset that was once promised when he pitched up from Austria.

Kuhn tended to take the protected choice when the ball came his way. And too often it allowed packed defences the time to regroup and keep up the Hoops lengthy enough for assaults to fizzle out.

It was a extraordinary story towards Livi as David Martindale’s backline never received a moment’s peace. Rodgers said: “It’s about the tough work. Confidence is up there but there has to be a build-up to that. You’ve acquired to get your instruction right which all these guys are brilliant at – that intensity, that work rate.

“He’s coming to a country the place the depth and the expectations are huge. It’s about settling into that and then finding your rhythm. Some can do it straight away. With some it takes a little bit of time. You saw on Sunday, he was once an awful lot more aggressive, penetrating a whole lot extra with his passes and his one versus ones. He used to be a real hazard for us.”

Rodgers is hoping Kuhn can be a vivid new toy for the closing chunk of the season. But, speaking after Sunday’s match, he admitted he took a lot of pleasure from seeing one of his historic favourites dusted down again.

Rodgers’s affection for James Forrest is no surprise. But the fact bomb he dropped in his post-match remarks would possibly have been – when he claimed the evergreen ace used to be the pleasant winger at the club. It was likely sufficient to made the second man himself blush.

Rodgers said: “I was once probable at my happiest when James came on, as we saw authentic exceptional in the game. He was excellent. With the biggest respect, he’s the exceptional winger we have.”

Which possibly begged the question why Forrest has used so sparingly of late. The 32-year-old’s sub appearance on Sunday used to be his first sighting on the grounds that December 23, though there have been a couple of niggling accidents that have held him returned of late.

Rodgers is aware of Forrest can’t pretty do it week in, week out for ninety minutes like he used to.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t have a major position to play in the coming weeks. The boss said: “Sadly age catches up with each participant – or character for that matter.

“But he nonetheless has the capacity to make a contribution to the game. We saw that for 25 minutes on Sunday. You see the stage of pleasant he has when we are sustaining the attacks and there’s perhaps less walking back. He’s a terrific player and it used to be a pleasure seeing the way he saved the ball and labored it.”

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.

Join the West Brom News WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking switch information FIRST.

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