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Celtic Diary Thursday September 26: Imagine A Manager….

I’m maybe jumping the gun a little here but given time, evidence is mounting that this squad will be the one we tell our grandchildren about, as we allow them to push us, wrapped in a tartan blanket, to the bit at the corner flag where the wheelchairs congregate.

Maybe some of us already do…

A couple of weeks one of the hands at the ranch sent me this, and I can now say I know what he means…

Imagine a world where a manager has actually embraced modern football techniques.

A world of scientific based backroom staff who tell the manager when players, especially newly brought in players, are not yet ready to throw into the 1st team.

Imagine a manager who goes against his instincts and takes onboard this advice to his personal cost where he is blamed for not playing them in an important UCL qualification game.

A manager who despite this is still willing to embrace this advice and shows patience to gradually introduce these new players using all the information at his disposal.

A manager who is determined to show the doubters that his new approach will bring a new era of dominant football where players can be swapped to maximise results without any noticeable drop in performance.

A manager who is thinking not only going unbeaten domestically but winning every game. 

I think he may be on about Neil Lennon.

Celtic stormed to a 5-0 win over Partick Thistle last night to move within two games of a tenth successive domestic trophy.

They did it with goals from Vakoun Bayo, who is standing in for Oddsone Edoaurd, Tom Rogic, who asks for a game every now and then when his new wife is at the bingo, Scott Sinclair, who presumably forgot to tell the gaffer he still wants to play football, and Olivier Ntcham, who would get a first team slot in any side in Scotland.

And the man of the match ? Jeremie Frimpong, making his debut at right back, a position now with more options than a phone call to the bank.

One of the goals, a Ntcham missile that flew through the sky, was worthy of the very highest level, and worried opposition will now be worrying even more.

Whats notable isn’t that it was fringe players who performed so well, they did, but that they wanted to perform well.

Very often, a spell on the sidelines can lead to a player merely going through the motions, and as a result, he tends to remain on the sidelines, collecting his wage, turning up at training and occasionally pretending he gives a toss.

Not this lot.

Every single one of them played last night like it was a cup final, they cared, and if Neil Lennon has become less passionate, perhaps losing that fiery will to win -at least in public-then it can only because he’s shared it out amongst the players, and by golly, they’ve taken it on board.

There’s a new hero emerging from the ranks, and last night he showed a rebellious streak that will endear him to the support even more.

Image

What has he done to his collar ?

And why haven’t we all done it already ?

Partick manager Ian McCall was realistic in defeat..perhaps summing it all up in a way that other managers accept, but will be perhaps more reluctant to admit.

“It was a good first half but I knew Lenny would have a go at them at half-time and losing the goals so early in the second half killed us. The scoreline didn’t flatter Celtic, you just need things to go for you and a couple of moments went against us instead of for us – Tam’s goal being ruled out and then Ntcham hits one that could go anywhere. They were two great finishes to be fair.”

“After their start to the second half it was just a case of getting through the game with no injuries ahead of Saturday and we managed that. It was great to be back in a Thistle dugout but Celtic just have so much quality, so there’s no complaints.” 

He shouldn’t feel so bad, that was the 29th consecutive victory in domestic football for Celtic…

Image

 

 

Next up are Hibernian, and they must already be trembling about just how much pain Neil Lennon wants to inflict on Leanne Dempster…

 

As for Lennon, he seemed pleased with how things went… he was hardly able to contain his joy at full time..

“I’m delighted, ”  he exclaimed , as the whistle went

Manager: I'm delighted with the team's performance

 

“I said to the players afterwards that I was so happy with the performance. We were able to rest a few and those who came in excelled.

“On paper, these games are easy but we know they’re not. We asked them to find a little bit more in the second half and they certainly did that. There were some exceptionally good individual performances. It’s an excellent win and the most important thing is we’re into the semi-final.

“You could see what it meant to some of them to come in and play tonight. The likes of Tom Rogic got his first 90 minutes in a long time and you could see the work he’s done behind the scenes. He got stronger as the game went on and he looked like he was really enjoying him.

“Olivier Ntcham looked good and is playing with a lot of confidence. It’s a seamless transition for me to make changes and for the players to come in with the way John, Damien and the fitness staff train them during the week.”

On Frimpong, his enthusiasm shone through..

 

“What you saw tonight is what we’re seeing in training. He took the opportunity to play tonight off the back of Moritz being out. I thought he was excellent. He can be delighted with his night’s work and it’s a good start.

“Frimpong is battling for a first-team place. As soon as we brought him in, he’s excelled. For a guy with a small stature he has lot of personality, energy and strength. We feel he could be a really good player here.”

. We feel he could be a really good player here.” 

 

Personality, energy and strength…to add to what the Ranch Hand said, imagine a manager building a squad in his own image…

 

There were no streams available for the match last night, Celtic deciding to block the usual sources as the feeling is that if there were no streams then people would come to the game, failing to realise just how many of us live too far away to make that practical, and completely underestimating how many of us would pay to watch one.

The usual excuse was trotted out…

Celtic TV
@CelticTV
For everyone asking about #CelticTV broadcasting live in the UK & Ireland. We are not the rights holders in the UK & Ireland for this competition. Our licence is for outside the UK & Ireland only. Thanks. 
Fair enough, but when the talks for those rights are back at the table, maybe the club should consider a bid, as there doesn’t seem to be too many sponsors throwing money at the game right now, and they’ll probably cost less than a couple of pies and a bovril at the ground.
Still, it’s refreshing to see such an effort put in to lock any illegal streams, and we can look forward with confidence to the club fighting for justice along with shareholders as the Resolution 12 issue moves towards a conclusion at the next AGM.
Can’t we ?
Though be careful, there was a drone over the ground last night, spotted by quite a few supporters, which is thought to be the Americans with a pre emptive strike in mind should Scotland and her oil decide to leave England to fester in its own pool of splendid isolation.
Or was Peter Lawwell using face recognition technology to try to isolate and ban those shareholders who will be looking for answers and action at the AGM ?
Was Bill Leckie using hi tech recording equipment to see if there was any evidence of sectarian coughing ?
Unless anyone does know what it was….I’m going for the latter.
The BBC might have felt the need to hire one last night as their elite sports reporters fell apart again…
BBC Sport
 
@BBCSport
 
Celtic are 4-0 up against Partick Thistle.
Elsewhere, Aberdeen and Hearts are also winning. 
Against each other ?
Meanwhile, Paul Sinha, who last week upset Radio 4 listening Celtic fans with his comment about Tommy Gemmell being a protestant was at it again last night on a quiz show called the Chase, where contestants win prizes for remembering their names and where they come from.
I didn’t watch it, but am reliably informed he was at it again with his disparaging remarks, this time not sectarian based, but performance based.
Well, at least he’s consistent…and he acknowledged this on twitter…
Paul Sinha
@paulsinha

Replying to

and @PeterSherry9 

I’m an imperfect person with imperfect opinions  . 
Thats one way of outting it, and in the interests of clarification… to make my own thoughts cear…it’s an early Etims

Knob of the Week 

Image result for paul sinha

award for this guy, who doesn’t seem to think before he speaks.

Then again, that might be a good thing.

 

Yesterday, we had this…

Jimboh September 25, 2019 at 11:07 pm · Edit · Reply →

Caption…
Desperate to win this year’s University Boat race the Oxford Cox introduces a new element to training sessions………..

Today…

 

Image

 

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Pat Higney
4 years ago

Caption: “ watch ye don’t cut yerself with that knife Vlad!”

jimmybee
4 years ago

Caption: Now your sure comrade its your flask of soup and not a bomb.

Arsene Parcelie
4 years ago

Caption:
Private Hook closes his eyes and prays that this time his fingers stay attached, as the first aid kit has no plasters left.

Paddybhoy67
4 years ago

Caption: Am I the only c**t in here that can fix mortars?

Southside Bhoy
4 years ago

“How many times have I told you not to let Bobo Balde screw the lid on to that flask?”

Bognorbhoy
4 years ago

Caption

Yuri I’m not sure this shell is like a scallop were you use a knife to open it

Bognorbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  Bognorbhoy

Or
Watch you don’t get a rebound from that axe ,it might hurt your shoulder.

Or hold onto that knife if it slips it could take someone’s eye out

Whitearra
4 years ago

Caption : ‘Hud on Shuggie, how about we just start a fire to get the kettle on’.

4 years ago

fecking screwtaps always the fecking same ( for older tims)

4 years ago

Caption, the Res 12 Bhoys get ready for action

alzyerpal
4 years ago

Caption ; With the spectre of liquidation once more looming over Ibrox, Bomber Brown employs some of the supports finest minds in an attempt to locate “ra deeds”

4 years ago

Young Elmer goes to extremes to get pesky wabbit

4 years ago

Caption:
Boris and Jacob reveal they are ready to get out of the EU with a bang

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: Charlie Saiz & friends gather in his back garden for a live podcast ‘ Combat cocks ‘

Auldheid
4 years ago

Caption.
You have to hit it in exactly the right spot or its curt…..

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Auldheid

Auldheid,
That’s what my other half said the other night 🙂

4 years ago

CAPTION

Cue for a song…

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O8OE4gedQuc

Monti
4 years ago

Just had an argument over a sausage roll with a member of staff in Sainsbury’s.
One sausage roll was reduced from a £1 down to 50p, i’ll have that thanks, however i wanted another one which didn’t have a reduced sticker on it but had a time written on it.
As i attempted to haggle with the noel hunt & point out it was now 09:50 & the time written on the sausage roll was 08:40 i wanted that one reduced to 50p as well.
He said it had to be ” two hours from the time written on the sausage roll ”

Hey you there, fck off & keep fucking off until you get back here, then fck off again.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You are welcome to stand in front of me & repeat that at any time of your choosing……
Remember your Kinky boots & silver platter, which will be served to you with your arse on it.

Tenshun.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

CS,
I think you have misread the tone of my reply, which wasn’t sent with your misunderstanding of it.
Lighten up now.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

CS,
I accept your apology 🙂

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Weered,
They were 🙂

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You cannae beat a pie on a buttered roll but a sausage roll or two does the trick.
Staple start to the working* day.

* Huns, ‘ work ‘ is something you do in order to get paid.
If any further explanation is required….ask your mother.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You should have waited as Vegan Sausage Rolls are worth it.

Sfa unfit fot purpose
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I got stuck behind a miserable cnut trying this pish at asda the other day…. Lol

Gash67
4 years ago

Of course it will be alright

I used to set my CAPs off all the time like this when I forgot my
gun

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Don’t worry I used to do this when I broke that wee key off the corned beef all the time.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

🙂

4 years ago

Caption: The last three rangers directors attempt to open Dave King’s money box.

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Monti gets a deal on a missile that’s just about to go off.

Mike
4 years ago

“I may be jumping the gun a little, but given time” About three years perhaps in HMP Stoke Heath. Because I tell my grandchildren about the “Lisbon Lions” now THAT was a squad, somehow I don’t quite think this currant squad will match those levels of attainment, but given time…
Usually I’m with you on all things Celtic, but given time..

Caption, a new delivery of Spice is on its way to HMP Stoke Heath.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Agreed, the Lisbon Lions will always be incomparable.

We’ve done 8IAR, a Treble Treble, Invincibles and a record 69 gaame unbeaten run and now we’re going to dominate. 🙁

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

We are the Dominatrix. But only if there is an opposition team to dominate. “Oh Miss Scarlet, why be an ostrich”? Miss Scarlet, I, I’ve always had a weakness for lost causes” Frankly my darling, I don’t give a damn”. They don’t hand out medals before October, while I am relieved at the start to this season, if only the planning had began long before the C.L. qualifiers, then we just might have had a chance at the C.L. group stages. Oh I want us to dominate domestically as much as anyone and to progress in the Europa, you cannot but feel another opportunity has been missed. Strategy dear bhoy, strategic planning, its no very professional, isit. 😉

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Yes, along with 8IAR, CL qualification was our big target for this season…and every season!

We look to be in a good position to have a better crack at it next year with the Eddy situation being the only potential fly in the ointment.

Having said that, Santa Ralph has promised us a new CF for Christmas, so we should be fine. 🙂

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Lustig, who the hell is Lustig? then just like London buses, three appear pretty much at the same time. So that position looks set, left back not so much. But I must admit that I do like our back line with the Wall being the bonus. If we can retain Eddy then all is good but with Wanyama acting as Broony’s apprentice then I would be a happy chappy. Much as I like Bayo, he would never take Odsonne’s place, so yes, keeping Eddy would be great. The Huns game last night, apparently the referee apologised to Holt the manager of Livvy because Helander should have seen a red card. I do not see them as serious opposition yet, big Mike the vulture is keeping their necks in the mud. Yeeha.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

They’re “serious opposition” to us in the sense that at the moment they seem to be able to beat everyone else.

I can’t see Aberdeen chnging that given their Extra-Time ‘heartbreak’ last night.

We’ve just got to keep piling on the pressure and they’ll eventually crack, although it may take until the League Cup Final and the NtOF game at the end of the year to see them off the premises.

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Yes, in that sense its true that they are the best of the rest. But I sense that just now THEY are the ones feeling the pressure, more than we. Things can change though quite quickly and all it takes is one or two slip ups and then we are the ones left doing the catching up. So yes, we must keep piling on the pressure by winning. The only thing between us at the moment is that one win plus a better goals for and against. Our squad as well as being better with better players has more quality as well as number.

jimmybee
4 years ago

Caption : GB pyro training camp exposed.

Steve Naive
4 years ago

“ that bit where the wheelchairs congregate” ?
Firstly, they don’t, there are new parts and secondly, you should try watching the game from down there ( or where the Kano kids sit) It’s rubbish and you get soaked.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Until half time…….cough.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Pish!

George Lazenbhoy
4 years ago

Caption : the guy in the middle has been told just to close his eyes and not bother with those health and safety specs

Cortes
4 years ago

Caption: The old Sevco Shell Game ending in “Boom! Where’s my assets?”

The Cha
4 years ago

Caption “Careful with That Axe, Eugene”

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

For which we must all be thankful.

I mean, how would you use that to create a song for a player. 😉

Puggy67
4 years ago

There’s only one Johnny Hayes
There’s only one Johnny Hayes
A face fae Minder
Shirt fae Peaky Blinders
Walking in a Johnny wonderland.

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: Three loyalist paramilitaries attempt to break into the safe, having unsuccesfully searched for the combination.

Mike A
4 years ago

Caption: Serbia’s High Jump team start their new training plan.

Whitearra
4 years ago

Caption : ‘Be honest Shuggie, if it’s only a cup o’ tea we want, wid it no be easier just tae start a fire?’

mickyjd
4 years ago

Caption: Russian army were tasked with giving a visual representation of Sevco’s upcoming accounts.

R.St.Parsley
4 years ago

Caption:
Ibrox brigade of UVF launch first – and last – mission.

Monti
4 years ago

I read somewhere this morning that ” Cetic avoided ” rangers ” in the semi final draw.

Yeah, i was fretting about drawing them like….
MWAHAHAHAHA MWAHAHAH

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: MB games display their new pre Christmas board game ‘ Operation Ramallah ‘

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Should hit the shelves before Christmas.

4 years ago

Celtic Board has finally agreed to investigate Resolution 12

Sfa unfit fot purpose
4 years ago

Before work can commence on Boris Scotland Ireland Bridge, the government reveal who won the tender to decommission the munitions

Mark67!
4 years ago

Caption. With Lenny’s Celtic on their way here to Gdansk, this is the only way I can think of stopping the Green Brigade emptying our beloved club, shop and bar of every drop of drink we have.

jimmybee
4 years ago

Caption: Guy in the middle
Hail Mary full of grace ….

Cartvale88
4 years ago

Caption
Are you sure there’s a sausage roll in here?

Thought the reserve team were excellent, Frimpong looks a find.

Lenny has the team playing god football

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

Praise be to god football. 🙂

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Hallelujah!

sfa unfit for purpose
4 years ago

I don’t have ‘ celtic tv’ but I just saw the ‘ celtic tv ‘ highlights of the partick game on you tube.
Couple of questions ?

Are the cameramen all midgets ?

Who decided on the piss awful camera positions ?

Do they ever catch the ball hitting the net , or are they always half a second late ?

jimmybee
4 years ago

Caption: I will get the genie oot the lamp if it kills me says Allah din

jimmybee
4 years ago

Alladin ^

Devoy45
4 years ago

Morning Tims. I feel for the first time in some years that we now have a squad where the quality stays as high whoever we put in. In the league, the team with the best depth in quality will win as injuries pile up. We have a few players who can play right across the back. I still want to see Sinclair in there more often and Griffiths as well. These guys might be key down the home stretch. We’ve got a few tough fixtures coming up: away to Hibs and Livvie home to Ross Coutny and then away to Pittodrie.
Bayo is good in the air, a threat we haven’t had in a while. It’s all looking good. Keep up the good work Lenny and the Bhoys. I’m grateful to be a Tim nor mind being a Fenian. In Scotland, we have free bus passes, free prescriptions and our children and grandchildren don’t pay university tuition fees. This means children from poor backgrounds aren’t excluded. It’s not all bad up here…

Owen Mullions
4 years ago

Caption:
Bigoted? Violent? Thick as shit? Then your Sevco needs YOU.

Mike
4 years ago

Still contesting his tax, Minty’s business is hitting the buffers, with his accounts hit with an “exceptional” charge of £1.2 million, tax liability. Owen Mullions right enough…

I want Victor, if he’s “Still Game” but keep Jack at Spurs, send fur Isa I love her.

Mike
4 years ago

Competition, competition, keeps all the players on their toes “Ballerina” footbaw. Beat every other team and then start playing with yourself. Everyone’s a winner baby… except the losers.

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Rotation should be a factor, you bring in loan players and pay a part of their wages, so yes they are a big benefit, likewise the young players bought in recently is a big plus. The only addition that I would like to see that could be positive is Wanyama, who would add strength and more physicality to our midfield. Outside of the Huns who are the only other team to bring in new players, the rest of the SPFL teams are going backwards. But playing against us is their chance to raise their game and as we know there can be the chance of an upset against us, so if we rest players they still need to be on the bench.
Hendry is not for me, he is not Celtic quality, when I observed him lazily sauntering back into defence it made my mind up that he should be sold. Morgan still needs a chance, but bearing in mind how many wingers we have, well it would be difficult for him to get a game.

jimmybee
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Agree with all of this ^

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Sometimes you have to face facts, not one Celtic supporter wants any Celtic player to fail, but its a perilous occupation. Some make it, most don’t. But when a player young or old has a lazy attitude then no amount of coaching can make him into a player. The modern players need everything in their armoury including talent, but most of all they must be prepared to work extremely hard, when they don’t have even that, then they will never make it, no amount of coaching can instil that.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Hendry needs games at another club, he will hopefully develop into a fine defender but you have to play games every week to develop.
MCGregor to Notts County & Christie to Aberdeen are two fine examples of this.
You need to play.
Good luck to the lad!

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

My old manager said he tried to loan me out several times……:)

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago

Another ‘virus’ after an injury for Griffiths.

Big Sutton is spot on

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Not seen anything, what’s the story?

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Like I said 2 weeks ago he wouldn’t be seen for a while

Others on here prefer to believe everything the club spoon feeds them

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Bad news, as I don’t know if Bayo will be banned for Cluj and maybe a couple of other Euro games, if considered violent conduct.

Back to wrapping Eddy in cotton wool before these games. 🙁

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

You didn’t believe him when he said there was no problem with Sinclair.

Multiple times you said there must be more to it

Strange that

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Oh the irony.

You invented a personal problem with Sinclair to explain his absence from the team.

No one, not Lennon or other club source, not media, not blogger, had said this.

Perhaps, pause and ask “am I being a hypocrite?” before posting.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Bgbolingoli – Great minds. 🙂

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Poor stuff.

Just because you cannot argue the facts (nb as opposed to your FACTs, which are anything but), you resort to abuse.

Once again, I accept your unconditional surrender.

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Random facts?

I forget more that goes on at Celtic than you know ya fuckwit

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

Haha made up facts

I’ve forgotten more that goes on at Celtic than you know ya balloon haha

Bgbolingoli
4 years ago
Reply to  Bgbolingoli

A full and interesting life?

At the age of 31 i can guarantee you that my life has been full and interesting. And I’ve also managed it without having to shoot anyone

jimmybee
4 years ago

Saturday evening 5.30 pm kick off for the semi final against hibs really getting out of hand.
Ach well at least it’s not murrayfield.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

I’m sure Hibs would’ve preferred a lunchtime ko, as would plod, so assume its a TV diktak to avoid clashing with a ‘big’ EPL game.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

I think it’s a good time for a kick off, more time for pre match pints…..and pies.
Nom nom nom.

Iain in Alberta
4 years ago

Griffiths out with a virus. Jozo out 3-4 months. Calvin Miller out for rest of season after ankle surgery. We are already looking thin on the ground for centre backs but Nir is back in training on Monday, also Mikey back Monday.
I had high hopes for Miller but it looks like his time at Celtic is finished due to this injury and his contract expires at the end of the season. Good luck in the future Calvin Miller.

For Hibs Fforster.
Thor, Jullien, Ajer, Taylor;
Brown, Ntcham;
Forrest, Christie, Sinclair;
Eddy;

Mo Ely, Bayo, Morgan on as subs.
It was good to see Sincs get some game time and hopefully his time out in the cold is over. Give Calmac a rest.

Yoker Bhoy
4 years ago

Good info and team selection Iain. I’d also like to see Calmac rested but I’ve got the feeling Lenny will pick him anyway.

Yoker Bhoy
4 years ago

Whatever happened to the Hibees?

This must be the Edinburgh side’s worst run of form for quite a few years – 4 defeats and one draw in their last 5 league outings. They did get a ‘win’ the other night after a dross 120 minute slog at Rugby Park the other night to go through on penalties, but only two shots on target after two hours of football, shite pitch or not, does say something. Their ‘road to nowhere’ sideways and backwards passing which has crept into their play is doing them no favours. Heckingbottom, who had such a good start last season, is really under fire at the moment, not just because of his side’s lowly league position but also due to the mind-numbing mince being served up week in week out. Their more creative players such as Stevie Mallan (although he did score a screamer against Hearts last weekend), Scott Allan (who came off the bench the other night) and Daryl Hogan have all been struggling to find consistent form while they haven’t adequately replaced DM lynchpin Milligan who left at the end of last season. Josh Vela, brought in from Bolton, has been trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to fill this void while newly-signed Swedish midfielder Melker Hallberg is really an unknown quantity as he has only just started to feature for the first team. Their biggest weakness of all for tomorrow’s game is likely to be in the centre of defence as Darren McGregor hasn’t fully recovered from injury and Ryan Porteous, definitely their best CB, was red-carded (albeit in the 120th minute) the other night. He will also be suspended for the LC semi-final. Up front they have the options of playing either Kamberi, a real dangerman in recent times but currently out of sorts, or newly signed sturdy Welsh centre-forward Christian Doidge, who has an impressive recent scoring record for Forest Green Rovers (where Jack Aitchison is now on loan), but still hasn’t broken his duck for Hibs. The gaffer is maybe only two bad games away from the sack so it’ll be interesting to see his game plan against us. In the past Hibs have caused us real problems with their aggressive play, often keeping us on the back foot. Although that’s unlikely to happen tomorrow, I doubt very much that the home team will be overly defensive. It simply doesn’t suit their style. Their team selection could look something like this:

Maxwell

Naismith Jackson Hanlon Stevenson

Vela Hallberg Allan James

Doidge Kamberi

Our recent league record against the Hibees at Easter Road has been pretty dismal – not a single win in the last four games – although we did manage a fine 2-0 victory there in the Cup shortly after Lenny took over as caretaker boss last February. Despite the fact we seem to be going from strenth to strength of late, we still have a couple of issues. Griff supposedly has now picked up a virus and won’t be available (all this is starting to become a real concern) and I haven’t heard any more about our loanee RB Bauer, who was injured against Killie. If he can’t make it, young Frimpong could be drafted into the squad again after enjoying an excellent debut the other night. I imagine Eddy will start but, with Bayo suspended for Thursday night’s clash with Cluj, it could be very wise to take the Frenchman off in the 2nd half, especially if we are cruising to an easy win. I doubt it will happen but I think Sinclair is due a start for a change so I’ll pick him in my XI even though Elyounoussi is more likely to get the nod. Whatever team is selected I think we should have quite a comfortable day’s work but our defence must still be wary of Kamberi & Co, just in case they suddenly re-produce their form of old.

Forster

Elhamed Ajer Jullien Boli

Brown McGregor

Forrest Christie Sinclair

Edouard

Subs: Gordon, Frimpong, Hayes, Ntcham, Rogic, Elyounoussi, Bayo

Prediciton: Hibs 0 Celtic 4 (Edouard (2), Forrest, Christie)

COYBIG

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