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Celtic Diary Tuesday December 26: Boxing Day Against The Blues

That’s the fun , frivolity and laughter over for another year, though with Eastenders and Mrs Browns boys the BBC put a stop to all that around about eight o’clock last night.

Its back to work for Brendan and his bhoys with a lunchtime game against Dundee, who normally give us-but nobody else-a tricky game.

On current form, it should be a comfortable away win..

Celtic have won 75%, drawn 20% and lost 5% of their last 20 away games.

Celtic have scored in 90% of their last 20 away games.

Celtic have kept a clean sheet in 10 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 9 and draw 1 of these matches. 

Dundee have won 35%, drawn 20% and lost 45% of their last 20 home games.

Dundee have scored in 65% of their last 20 home games.

Dundee have kept a clean sheet in 3 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 2 and draw 1 of these matches. 

But these holiday fixtures have a habit of throwing up daft results.

After careful analysis of form, statistics and which players will have the bigger hangovers, I’m going 2-0 to Celtic. As long as Kristoffer Ajer is playing. If he isn’t, it’ll be 2-1.

 

Though listening to the manager, that may be subject to revision..

“It’s been a really good year,”

“But there are things we can build on and improve on. Thankfully, we have a group of players who have bought into that. They have the hunger. We never let then have a lazy day, the mentality is engrained in them. They have to fight, work and improve.

“We are in here at Celtic Park on Christmas Day. You have to work. It’s not rocket science. You could easily let them go home, but you have to earn your money. There is a price to pay. If you want success and to be consistent, then you must work. That is why we trained at 5.30pm on Christmas Day. It’s a privileged life, but you have to make sacrifices.” 

He also spoke about Moussa Dembele, the subject of a fictitious story yesterday which claimed Celtic had accepted an £18m bid from Brighton, which was rapidly dismissed by whoever at Celtic dismisses these sort of things.

“Moussa worked really hard against Aberdeen, but that is what he’s asked to do, “ 

“It doesn’t worry me about how many goals the strikers get, it’s no use to me if I’ve got one who scores 50 goals and the rest of the team doesn’t function. I said that when I first came in.

“If you play in this team, you have to be able to press from the front, you must be able to read the game defensively. Once you do that then you’ll get an opportunity to play. If you don’t there will be someone else getting that opportunity.

“I have three good strikers who understand that now and I think you young Edouard coming in has open up the eyes of Moussa and Leigh even more. Like I say, it’s about the team and the three guys know that.

“A striker will always want goals and game. But, for me, it doesn’t matter. We have built a team here to score from every area on the field, but there is a demand on that central striker.

“Modern day football is not just about just standing there and scoring goals; you’ve got to participate. But the players know that. There is no change from when we first came in.” 

He doesn’t seem worried about anything, although it does appear that Moussa may be on the move this winter.

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise if he does go. Oddsone Edouard is in on loan with a first dibs option.

And frankly, although Rodgers is happy with his contribution, the brutal reality is that he hasn’t adapted and dealt with that crucial second season, so it probably makes sense to cash in on him now, especially as its nearly time for his next injury.

Though one observer, presumably the guy who used to do the accounts at Rangers, offered food for thought…

No doubt the van Dijk windfall will be even less…

One might think that over at Sky sports, who broke the story yesterday, one fellow is a little, er, obsessed..

Another on the way out is Erik Sviatchenko, with the Record claiming Celtic will “rake in ” £1.5m for the Danish international, the wording of which suggesting we’re lucky to get anything for him, although in reality they have no idea what he’ll go for.

Theres anpother name thrown into the mix as a possible replacement for the three defensive amigos, though it would probably help if you understood Turkish.

Dusko Tosic, a Serbian at Beiktas is on the move, but is wanted by English clubs and so it may not happen.

Mind you, althopugh we perhaps don;t have a great deal of faith in the defenders, one of them is making a name for himself..

UEFA.com picks out a team of young players who have broken through in the UEFA Champions League this calendar year.

In order to narrow the field, we set the following criteria: i) aged 24 or under; ii) UEFA Champions League debut in 2017 or only limited prior experience and made a major leap this year. This is what we came up with: 

Defender: Kieran Tierney (Celtic), 20
At 20, Tierney has already played over 100 matches for Celtic and captained Scotland. Rated the best British-born left-back of his generation, the youngster’s assist for Leigh Griffiths’ goal in the 3-0 win at Anderlecht was Tierney at his swashbuckling best. 

To see the somewhat esteemed company he’s in, go to UEFA.com .

 

Caption competition from yesterday..

Image result for ice hockey player gif

VooDude December 25, 2017 at 2:13 pm · Edit · Reply →

Murty experiences the effects of the cold shoulder sooner than he expected. 

Today..what is he doing ?

 

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Dziekanowski’s nightclub child
6 years ago

Caption: Murty hears that there’s a big pole in the pub ready to sign.

Mike
6 years ago

Caption, Every little helps.

Una
6 years ago

Caption: Murty receives his uniform from future employer tesco.

Mike
6 years ago

COYBIG COYBIG COYBIG.!!!!

Last Christmas I gave you my tart,
and the very next day you gave it away,
this year I’m giving it to Dundee food bank.

6 years ago

Murty intends to get his players back to basics – Tesco Basics! Well, EVERY LITTLE HELPS!

George Lazenbhoy
6 years ago

King tells murty to get himself down to the reduced section at Tesco to pick up his January signings

Big Shuggy
6 years ago

Caption: Hello I’m looking for bomber brown for some advice. Is he working?

Pensionerbhoy
6 years ago

Ralph,

Before I even read today’s Diary, thank you very much for yesterday’s classic. I hope it was not a great sacrifice to give up your time on such a special day. I certainly did not feel bad when my good lady left to visit her sister early doors and never for home till late. She seemed quite puzzled when I thanked her the best Christmas present ever – well since the kids grew up anyway. I hope you and yours and all our fabulous friends on here had a wonderful day. Now to today’s helping. I hope it is not just some left-overs from yesterday 🙂

H H

Alzyerpal
6 years ago

Caption: Pssst! D’yae want to buy any ‘4 in a row’ DVD’s

Cortes
6 years ago
Reply to  Alzyerpal

Terrific!

Monti
6 years ago

Dundee 1 Celtic 5

COYBIG!

Pensionerbhoy
6 years ago

Ralph,

That as a pleasant wee Boxing Day light lunch to help restore yesterday’s full stomach to normal paunch size. The media remind me of some of Frankie Boyle’s jokes. In spite of them being extremely offensive and thoughtless, you still have to spill a gut at them. That “rangers” guy is a dead cert for a top position at Hampden in the very near future. He would be a whizz when it comes to the TV deals.

We are in Dundee today and I have no fear. If we go behind, mike can let his sheep invade the pitch and get the game stopped. Should get away with it provided the collie dugs don’t go barking mad at the referee. All it needs is a bit of concentration which is something our players have not always concentrated on at these “easy” games.

Anyway, I need to get off to listen to my favourite channel, CTV, the one that always wins even when you get humped and has 11 men of the match on the field every week. And Spielberg thought he had created Dreamworks.

Caption: “What will you have Mr. Murty?” “Trebles and I’ll have ten in a row so I don’t have to remember Sunday.”

H H

jimmybee
6 years ago

Solid first half from the bhoys. But really Celtic fans cheer up Neil McCann what a stupid chant when he has just lost his father.
Could be 5 or 6 today if the mood takes young mikey looks a player lets hooe hes on the scoresheet soon.
Johnny Hayes looks to have took a sore one should have been a foul in my book but nothing wrong according to the officials.
Hope the injury isnt as bad as it looks.

Stevie D
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

The bit about “sad orange bastard” hardly applies either. Makes you cringe. Horrible wee rat-faced Uncle Tim jump-the-dyke bastard maybe but as much as he might try to ingratiate himself with that filth he’ll never be welcome in any of their lodges.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Caption: If Tesco did pole dancing clubs……

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

Caption: Wee Murty gets sent to the bar again while McCoist sings another Karoke song following a yet another drubbing from Celtic .

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

Easy win today – could have been 10 goals. Another 3 points in the bag and stretching the lead at the top. This will come in handy if we really want to have a go in Europa. We can send out a B team ( still as good as anything in the SPL) prior and post Europa League allowing out A team to give it a real go in Europe without worrying about versus Ross County a few days later.

PeteCon
6 years ago

Caption: “They telt me we couldnae afford Pedro’s boys and Walter said check oot Iceland but ah knew Tesco wis closer!”

PeteCon
6 years ago

Caption:
Barman “What you got there Murts?
GM “I got 6 tacos for Carlos Pena.”
Barman “That’s a good deal!”

Martin67
6 years ago

Caption: ‘Can I have the cheapest bottle of plonk you’ve got’ should wash down this Tesco value turkey dinner for one nicely #winning!

jimmybee
6 years ago

2cd gear second half Armstrong looked as if he couldnt be arsed.easy 3 pts.

Monti
6 years ago

That should have been 5 or 6 today, wasted chance after chance, dominated the match bust must convert possession into goals, well done though Hoops!
Hopefully Jonny Hayes injury isn’t serious!

HH

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: The year is 2018 & this chap has just finished his shopping in the Copland Rd aisle.

6 years ago

Lustig and Armstrong absolutely rotten the rest OK. Very easy win. Nothing spectacula. Clearly saving themselves for Saturday. Lets hope Big Kris starts.

Cartvale88
6 years ago

Caption
Ive nae cash to pay the bill, will you take a Morellos

Hope that Johnny is ok, overall a typical Boxing Day game

Noelskytrot
6 years ago

The caption pic looks more like that zombie fuck, Alan McGregor.

Good win for the Bhoys today, the Dee were never in it. Roll on Saturday for a bit of William skelping. I can’t wait.

Bognorbhoy
6 years ago

Caption ..

The uber is 10 minutes away ..time enough for another excellent eden mills invincible gin.

😉

Mike
6 years ago

So called journalist’s that publish “creative” stories should be penalised someway for posting pish stained stories. The Sky fud that is Kaveh Solhekol publishing that load of mince about Dembelle’s transfer to Brighton with his imagined £18. 00 mill. pound transfer.
He should change profession to “Jackanory” stories or fairy stories for weans. How they get away with it is beyond comprehension, they print fitba. fairy stories, what was the motive behind that, to unsettle the player or to unsettle supporters, who knows but he should be ashamed the brass necked twat.
Brenda…No talks, no sale, no transfer, just a vivid imagination from a nobody.

Mike
6 years ago

Celtic never got out of second gear today, Ajer once again will make it hard for Brendan to replace him, he is taking the chance to impress, a regular fixture in the team for an outstanding talent, another two games with clean sheets.
Gordon needs to punt the ball away to the other half when teams press from the front, his hospital passes oot once again nearly caused another injury.
Broony once again was a stand out breaking up and driving the team forward, a top player who just improves with age.
McGreger once again was mince, his jumping out the road when opposition players go 50/50 does him no favours, good when going forwards but when the tough get going, he just disny do it for me.
Forrest once again showed his talent, Ntcham was great and is improving, Griff. took his goal well and the rest were still on holiday and they could afford to.
Clancy and his two waspish assistants, well there is nothing positive anyone could possibly say about them.
Sorry about McCann’s faither but a minutes applause…really.

6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Said it a while back perhaps a better option would be to secure some quality DMF’s with a view to adapting them to the CB role if we are to continue with playing out from the back?
Ajer showed today how effective he can be when he steps up from the back and carries it over halfway.
Midfielders especially defensive minded midfielders are far more aware of the threat coming at them are generally comfortable in possession whilst decent in their distribution?
Having someone like Brown dropping back as they do so ensures no holes are left at the back.
He could end up saving us a few million Ajer if he continues to improve as he is.
Thought Brown was excellent today again.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

PISH

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

CS,
Ajer is a midfield player being used as a stop gap defender, he played well v Dundee but it’s one thing strolling out of the back & into midfield v Dundee, another thing entirely having to defend for large spells in the CL.
The notion he could ” save us millions ” is sheer nonsense.
We need to sign DEFENDERS!

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Brendan has already said that Ajer should become a centre back and that is his true position, you need to be able to read the game and prepare for where the ball is coming. I think that Ajer has those qualities and is improving in the air a necessary quality for that position. If we are going to start talking about C.L. players then the club simply cannot afford them, so we need to improvise. With the experience of Compper coming I think his role will be of directing and encouraging Ajer to continue his development.
He cannot surely rely on Boyata who always shoots himself in the foot with his dreadful mistakes.
A settled team, but more importantly a regular goalie and two regular settled centre backs will only strengthen the team, its an obvious team weakness at present.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

He’s a midfielder who can do a job at the back in domestic football, if you think Ajer is a good central defender at a higher level….

Farewell & adieu farewell spanish ladies……

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Sometimes you just have to look at what is under your own nose, 95% of the supporters would have had James Forrest out the door B.B, (Before Brendan) and now look at him, totally reinvigorated and showing his true ability. Give Ajer a chance he will be a stand out at centre back sometime soon, you heard it here first. Like you heard that McGinn will take over from Broony in time.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

It’s easier for some to see what’s under their nose than it is for others….cough.
I liked the look of Ajer yesterday, his confidence was there & an ability to pass and carry the ball into midfield.
But it was Dundee.
Ajer can only be judged as a defender in the bigger games i.e. Europe.
I don’t expect the club to sign big name, expensive defenders who are CL ready….but i do expect to sign DEFENDERS to play in DEFENCE!

I’m not convinced Ajer is a long term central defender.

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

He has played 5 times at least in that position and we have I don’t think conceded once, I think he is gonny be a big star as a centre back, give him time, give him a chance, for a long long time I have wanted a big intimidating centre back, someone who makes the opposition think twice about challenging him and your right he carries the ball forward really well.
A big intimidating ball playing centre half….magic.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

BR states it might be morally right to sell MD because of filthy lucre that could be offered? Hope you don’t get an offer of mucho dinero for your services BR,even though you deeply love Celtic(you’re taking the piss-ed),you might find it “morally” right to leave…….

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Rob,
I think that’s a bit harsh on Brendan, the manager has reassured the support he is here for at least four years, i think he will stick to that.
As for MD going, the sooner we get a bid of 25m or more the better, doesn’t matter whether you or i like it, these are professionals doing a job.
If you got 15,000 a year in your job, then another company offered you 45,000 per year, you would leave your current job.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Agree about selling him but don’t kid on about it being morally correct.Money talks,we know that,I don’t have a problem with it.I don’t believe BR will see 10 in a row,money will talk to him in the next couple of years.Scottish football will not hold his interest or ambition for another 3 and half seasons…..

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago

Caption……..

So this is Christmas
and what have you done,
Another season over,
before it had begun.

And so this is Christmas,
we hope you have fun,
when you head to the East end
and we’re skelping the hun.

A very merry Christmas
and a happy new year,
We’ll be doin the huddle.
while you greet in yer beer.

Monti
6 years ago

Decent…..

6 years ago

Quality 😉

Merry Christmas Andy

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Cheers Charlie, nice to see you back.

Mike
6 years ago

Hey Dude, don’t be afraid, its a great poem couldn’t do any better,
nah nah nah nah nah nah, nah nah nah.

Noelskytrot
6 years ago

Caption,

Murty punting stolen Hogmanay cake and shortbread in Glasgow pubs in order to raise money for Sevco’s January transfer bids.

Wolfiebhoy
6 years ago

Heard you were looking for a DJ

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Wolfiebhoy

You mean a BJ?

Mike
6 years ago

Eva Peron.

So what happens now…..(another game against a pish stained team).
So what happens now..”.(another team who can only dream).
Where are we going to…(Win the treble for another year).
Where are we going to…(leaving the other teams to shed a tear).
Don’t cry for them there not worth it.

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: Can I have a Real Rangers Man cocktail please – that’s a measure of John Smith’s,a teaspoon of lard and a measure of Tropicana. So fat,bitter,orange, bar steward.

PeteCon
6 years ago
The real Anton Rogan
6 years ago

Caption.

Can I have 11 wurld class breakfasts please Mr Wotherspoon?

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago

Caption……

Sevco Christmas night out goes with a bang…….. sorry, a bag.

Devoy45
6 years ago

Caption: Murty has a Tesco bag full of alleged ‘beef’ Tesco ready meals which are 100% horse meat. “So what, he replies, I manage an alleged ‘football team’ which is really 100% horse shit!”

Mike
6 years ago

Shopping for talent in the bargain basement club on a no win no pay contract.
The MSSM media trying to make the mankies relevant, how they are hurting HO HO HO.
Oh how we danced on the night we were wed,
I laughed and I cried, trying everything to get you to bed,
and when I succeeded I suddenly went limp,
I blamed it on the drink, it was a temporary blimp.
my patience was rewarded and I stood quite erect,
only for you to storm out and swiftly reject.
it was never thus, I lie,
but sadly those wonderful days are passed,
for auld is my age and I canny be gassed. HO HO Ho, sherry anyone.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Babycham please….

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: ” Huns aren’t welcome in here, fuck off “

Mike
6 years ago

In my sleep she awakens me,
in my dreams she comes to me,
her voice is soft and alluring,
we never mention that she’s out whoring.

My eternal nightly dream,
she whispers to me, you ken what I mean,
to sleep in my dream,
of sticky toffee pudding topped of with caramel cream.
i’m feckin bored, when does the real fitba. start. Help!!

Monti
6 years ago

Surprised the Zombies haven’t moaned about having to play 24 hrs after Celtic, leaving them less recuperation and preparation time.

Noelskytrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti,

it’s not Friday so theres plenty of time for Jabba to get one out especially if theres any injuries at the ebtArena tonight.

Mike
6 years ago

They know what’s coming!! but I don’t want to hex the game, sometimes when teams have no chance, then no pressure and we become disappointed at the team’s lack of goals, like the last game when Clint scored at the end to get a draw, we were disappointed and they celebrated like they had won the C.L. For them this will be there C.L.

Noelskytrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,

personally I couldn’t give a feck how many goals are scored as long as we win, it’s still 3 points. I get what your saying as some folk who sit around me seem to think scoring 5-6 should be a norm for us, it’s bollocks. I’m going for 3-0 with Jamesie to score.

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

I like your style and concur.

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