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Celtic Dairy Tuesday October 22

Its only October, but there seems to have been quite a few big games already this season in Europe. Season defining, is how they’ve been described , and tonights is arguably the biggest of all.

Celtic have to get something from the visit of Ajax. Its that simple.

In fact.to have any realistic hopes of progressing from the group of nobility, three points are needed. Anything less and we’ll be lucky to get European football after christmas, so its all hands to the pump, as they say.

Thankfully, it looks like manager Neil Lennon is up for it;

“I watched them on Saturday night and they came on strong in the second half and probably deserved something out the game,” he said. “They are going to give us problems the way they move the ball, the way they play the game, and they have good pace in the team in wide areas.

“I have watched them twice now. They don´t change the way they play in terms of formation. They do with personnel. They have players who are flexible and can play in a number of positions.

“They are very confident and have great belief in what they are trying to do. And they never panic. They were under pressure at times but we kept playing the same way and got stronger as the game went on.

“They are a typical Ajax team, a philosophy they have had for a long time. You look at the personnel, they have in the background – Overmars, Van der Sar, Bergkamp and Ronald de Boer – they have a wealth of experience, and quality as players, and they are passing that on to the young players.

“But we are ready and are looking forward to it. We know what´s at stake. The fact we are at home gives us a heads-up.

“It´s a must-not-get beat. I am confident in this team that we can perform away from home as well but winning the game would put us in a really good position within the group. Losing the game would probably end our aspirations for trying to qualify.”

As usual, the boss is banking on the crowd playing their part;

“It will be a different environment for them, a different atmosphere, and some won´t be used to it,” said the Irishman. “Barcelona were far more experienced and knew what to expect having been here last year, but for some of the Ajax players playing here for the first time, it may be something new.

“I know our fans will bring a huge amount of noise and passion to the stadium and I am hoping that will fire our the players up – not that they need motivating for the game but it will give them that extra spring in their step.”

Lennon will not have Scottt Brown or Kris commons in the team, but James Forrest should be available, as long as he hasn’t hurt himself yet.

“He’s an important player anyway but we are delighted that he looks fitter than he was,” added the manager. “The virus took a lot out of him but when he plays and is fit and healthy he is a huge player for Celtic. It’s great to have him back. It’s such a huge boost for everyone.

“Kris is a really creative player and James Forrest is a really creative player,” he added. “Unfortunately we haven’t had the two of them on the pitch at the same time in the Champions League as James was injured last year, and we haven’t had the opportunity to do so this year either.

“This lack of creativity is sometimes overplayed. Without question we have goals in us. We haven’t taken our chances so far in the group stages and we are hoping that will change tonight.”
Ah, thats a little worrying ” lack of creativity is sometimes overplayed ” . Surely the manager has noticed that Celtic can be somwhat predictable and haven’t been able to open up stubborn defences recently?  And thats without mentioning the poor returns from set pieces .

Joe Ledley, Mikael Lustig and Emilio Izzaguerre should all be in the side, and it looks as though Lennon will go with the tried and trusted again;

Forster, Lustig, Ambrose, van Dijk, Izzaguerre, Forrest, Kayal, Ledley, Samaras Stokes, Pukki.

The bench will be looking a little light, but we do seem to be down to the bare bones. In fact, its worth mentioning that when the team takes to the field tonight, those wee guys that come on with them in Celtic strips are the mascots, not the substitutes.

Ajax boss Frank de Boer used to play for the original Rangers team, which delighted hacks yesterday as they got to talk about the defunct club again, although de Boers memories of the ties are slightly painful.

“It was a great atmosphere in the games with the rivalry between the two clubs. I had quite a good feeling about it but I played against Henrik Larsson and he was a real pain in the ass at that time for Rangers.

“I had him under control but there was a free-kick and it just landed at his feet. I thought it was quite a lucky goal!

“We also lost in the last minute to Celtic again so hopefully this will be third time lucky. It’s going to change sometime and hopefully luck is now on my side. ”

Ajax have struggled away from home this season, but de Boer reckons that is all about to change;

“We have doing better and better in each match recently and I know that when you keep playing better the good matches will follow. There is a great chance it will happen here.”

He doesn’t sound overly confident, does he ?

“Our players have to enjoy this kind of atmosphere. For me, with the people shouting at you, it was a great adventure.

“When you are young, you want to play in this kind of stadium. It can only give you more adrenalin in your body to perform.

“If you are worse than your normal level then maybe you’re not good enough to play at this level.

“You can be nervous when the referee starts the game but you must get rid of all the nerves and enjoy a great stadium and great pitch.

He’s waffling…

“At the derbies between Real Madrid and Barcelona there is a great atmosphere.But also Rangers against Celtic and of course when I played for Galatasaray against Fenerbahce. Those three classics are, for me, the best in Europe and maybe the world.

“They are unbelievable to get involved in, especially as a player.”

Yep, signs of nerves…

“Of course we would prefer to win the game. If we want the potential to finish in second place then the best thing is to win. That might also put us in a good position for third place.

“To lose is the worst option but a draw could maybe be enough because in two weeks’ time we have Celtic in the Amsterdam ArenA.

“If we lose this game it gives Celtic a big advantage so we want to get three points from Celtic Park if we can.

“Kris Commons and Scott Brown are key players for Celtic. Brown is the leader and Commons is the technical player, so they are very important and it’s not good for them to lose them.

“But there are still quality players left, so we’ll concentrate on our own game.

“The most important thing I tell my players is to play their own game and show guts.

“We want to play as we did in the second half against Twente, to create that many chances.

“If you play in a big game like that and make four good chances in one half, then that’s fair enough I think.

“If you can do that in two halves you’ll be satisfied.

“I was satisfied at our second-half performance. I had that feeling after the match and still have it.

“We want to play in Europe after the winter break, so we really want to win or at least we’d like a draw.

“That’s very important. If we lose it will be really difficult, but that goes for both teams.”

Er, Frank, they’ve gone..

There was a song we used to sing when the de Boers were at Rangers, one called Ronald, one called Frank, one missed a penalty, the other one was a plank.

I think that was how it went. Perhaps someone could remind me, and him, at the game tonight.

Incidentally, which one was he ?

The game is available live tonight from a number of sources, such as Fox Sports Net; Fox Soccer 2Go; Sky Sports 3 (UK); Sky Go.

STV are showing the Arsenal game, and although they don’t get a choice in the matter, someone at the channel should stick up for Scottish football, and try to make sure that the champions of Scotland are shown on free television in their own country. If, of course, we are lumped in with the English, we should get the corresponding financial reward of the bigger country.

Greek striker Georgios Samaras gave us all a few words of inspiration to get us in the mood for the game;

“I am fully committed to Celtic. I’ve had six years here and they have given me everything.

“I am almost 13 years away from my home country and trust me, it is not easy to be away from family and friends for so long.

“But even in the tough periods I feel Celtic is my home.

“Both of the sides want me to stay and in the end there will be a solution.

“In my mind is always, ‘What memories will I have when I retire?’

“I have been away from my country, family and friends to play at a high level. All those sacrifices I have made and am still making, all the running, everything.

“At the end of your career, what will you remember?

“My opinion is, if you play at a Premier League club finishing 11th or 12th in the table, the only thing you will remember when you retire is the money.

“I don’t care about money, that’s for sure.

“Even if I don’t play in the top level next season or I go to a club that’s not like Celtic, I’ll leave with six years at Celtic and I will see my medals.

“Also the Champions League nights here. I always try to explain these nights to other people, but there are no words to express the atmosphere in the stadium.

“It’s everything. From the warm-up, to the Champions League anthem, to during the game and after the game. Everything.

“I have had a couple of Champions League nights this season and still can’t find the correct words to express all that I see, feel and hear.

“That’s the most important thing for me. I will see medals on my wall and be able to remember something good.”

We need a big game from the big man tonight. Without the leadership of Scott Brown on the park, this could be the opportunity for Samaras to inspire his team mates.

Whilst he can be infuriatingly ineffective at times, Samaras loves the big occasion, and if he picks up where he left off when Brown departed against Barcelona, then we might see something special tonight.

I can see Celtic winning quite comfortably, maybe 3-1, but I can also see us losing 1-0. Which covers the waterfront as far as predictions go. What I would like to see though, is a leaf taken out of the Sean Fallon book of coaching.

In his biography, reviewed elsewhere on the site, Fallon talks of the need to start a game at a high tempo, as it can be very difficult to raise it to order.

He hated to see players walking over to take throw ins and corners, and would shout at them to get a move on.

That is what we need tonight. We need to start at one hundred miles an hour and get faster as the game goes on, so that the crowd becomes louder, the tension gets transferred to the visitors as they are swept aside by energy , enthusiasm and pure, pure football.

Its going to be 0-0 , isn’t it ?

None of the teams wants to lose. The managers have more or less said that.

Statistically, Celtic are favourites to win. As if that means anything.

There have been reports of trouble from the Dutch fans, apparently a boots chemist on Central station in glasgow suffered damage last night.

Strathclyde Police are ready to deal with anything however;

” We are waiting for that moment when the Dutch fans sing the “Roll of Honour ” , and then we will make a move ”

The youngsters are also in action today. they face the young Ajax side at Livingston this afternoon, and forward Denny Johnstone is looking forward to the game;

“I think everyone´s just determined to get some points on the board,” Johnstone told the official Celtic website. “If you look at the table we´ve got no points from two games so everyone is feeling exactly the same. We really want to win the double-header against Ajax. We think we have the quality to beat them twice.”

If you can, get along and give them a cheer.

Dutch U-21 keeper Warner Hahn has obviously read yesterdays diary…

The 21-year-old believes his form has warranted the attention of other clubs, but does not know if he is a target for Celtic.

“It’s logical because I am in good form right now,” Hahn told Dutch TV NOS regarding the reported interest.

“I have also read that Celtic are following me, but I haven’t heard anything from that club so far.”

Hahn’s agent Revien Kanhai is aware of interest in the 6ft 6in keeper, but insists it is premature to suggest a deal is close to being agreed.

Kanhai told Algemeen Dagblad: “There are several clubs who have let it be known they are interested, but any news that a deal is almost done is very premature.”

Charlie Mulgrew also went on to twitter to deny that the naked picture he sent out was him

‘Just to clear things up that picture I posted last night isn’t me and apologies to anybody that took offence ”

Never thought it was, Charlie. But thanks for pointing out there is a bloke in the picture as well.

Journalist and author Phil macGhiollabhan has echoed the thoughts of many in a recent article, as he helps to keep the issues of foodbanks and living wages in the spotlight prior to Celtics AGM

phil mac -this is a good read, and deserves a look.

Meanwhile, David Leggat, one time journalist now reclusive outlet for all things connected with the dark side claims he has been threatened, and is under police protection.

leggoland-under-police-protection-after

I guess irony can be pretty ironic sometimes, as the befuddled blogger is not averse to issuing online threats himself, and if anybody actually ever paid attention to him then he too may have been in trouble in the past.

But, forgetting all that for a moment.

We have a game tonight. And the day glo picture from the Ajax- Celtic game back in 1982 prompted memories of listening to the game on Radio Clyde, as George McCluskey fired in the winner in a 2-1 victory that sent Celtic through to the next round.

So, what happened next ? A lot of cheering.

Who is this guy, and what part did he play in that game ?

Right, I’m away to pass the time as productively as i can before the game starts.

 

C’mon the Hoops

 

 

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Andy
10 years ago

Graeme Sinclair – he marked Cruyff, at least on the dressing room chalk board that’s what he was meant to be doing! He also brought the ball forward for our opening goal.

Capt Artois
10 years ago

I think you’ll find that is the one and only ‘Graeme Sinky Sinclair’, the man who stopped Cruyff in the 2nd leg. He also scored one of my favourite goals in a 4-2 gubbing at a rain soaked Love St in April 84. He ran from his own box playing at least 3 or 4 one-twos before lashing it away beyond the flailing keeper. Well, that’s how I remember it…..

elcormaco@gmail.com
10 years ago

Raging. I had to give my ticket away when ofsted phoned on Thursday to come and inspect my work. Don’t they know CL is on?
Loved big Sammie s words. A copy should be sent to Gary Hooper. And please Celtic, sign him up. He can drive you mad, but he is unplayable at times,.loves the club and if you continue along the sign them to sell them policy you need some people who know the club and the level fans are looking for.
Got a bad feeling.about tonight though..come on the hoops

Pensionerbhoy
10 years ago

Ralph

Back one day. Do one comment. And the rest is history – well confined to the basement somewhere. Yes, I know, the basement is the best place for rubbish. Let me tell you this. Someday, all my gems will shine before the world and you will really appreciate what I am – the best trash in the business.

Just a couple of things I must say.
1. Read the Sean fallon biography. It is a great book by a fine author about an exceptional human being, not just a footballer. If you want to know about commitment to Celtic, then this is a must read.
2. I think your review was an excellent description of both the book and its author. Thank you for an honest and accurate summation.
3. TV is a disgraceful farce and the sooner we get a dedicated Scottish TV channel, the better. What? There is? So that is not the silent movies channel? Ah well, English domination again then (I mean the wife, by the way). Oh for something new (not another wife. I mean four’s enough for any man, especially at the one time).
4. Graham Sinclair whose undistinguished career had at least two Dutch highlights.

H H and here we go for no.2

San Miguel
10 years ago

well done Ralph – you got all the way through the diary without mentioning Dutch Caps once.

CarlJungleBhoy
10 years ago

OK it’s Graeme Sinclair, but the photo above is from 2009. – Apparently he visited the Celtic Superstore when Bertie Auld was in attendance and got conned – not only into buying a replica shirt identical to what he wore when he marked Cruyff – but – just out of sight in the trolley beside him, Bertie had mamanged to sneak in ….a pair of Celtic gardening utility gloves, slippers, assorted toothbrushes, some baby’s dummies ….a celtic scarf rubber duck, a hoopy the hound golfbag cover… etc etc etc…

10 years ago

graeme sinclair….he ran like he had bobo balde in his left boot and nelly the elephant in his right boot……but we’ve had worse players…….he was like an early version of Anton Rogan…..you never really knew what you were gonna get…..reliable was not a word associated with mr sinclair.

Frank McGaaaaarvey
10 years ago

2-1 for the Hoops tonight in yet another tense, nervy, edge of the plastic seat game. Gets us right back on track for that 2nd place spot, or 3rd at worst.

How can someone be a threat to Leggobrain by simply ‘knowing where he lives’? Are they going to come round and seal his medicine cabinet with superglue? Meaning he might have to borrow some anti-psycho pills from fat Sally?

Run Sammy Run
10 years ago

Ah Graeme Sinclair…I always remember him from the Sporting Lisbon game, one of the best Celtic games I’ve been at, I remember every one of those goals like it wasn’t that long ago. My abiding memory was that Sporting Lisbon had a Brazilian boy called Jordao, or something like that, who ripped us apart in the first leg away from home. Anyway, they kicked off the game and passed the ball out to him on the right wing and he immediately started to do some fancy footwork. Up comes Graeme Sinclair from left back and steams right into the boy with his studs high, nearly ripping his nuts off. You could hear the lad squeal from half way up in the jungle. Nowadays Big Sincy would have been sent off but back then the ref just gave him a ‘None of that now son’ and gave them a free kick. Jordao barely touched the ball the rest of the half and was substituted at half time..Great memories!
C’mon the hoops…2-0 tonight

Doc
10 years ago

result

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