Celtic Diary Thursday August 14: Ain’t So Bad , After All.

Celtic overcame a stuffy St. Johnstone last night with a fairly convincing 3-0 second half romp. alright, maybe the words “convincing 2 and “romp ” are taking it a little too far, but it was impressive nonetheless.

Saints decided to crowd out any Celtic forward who came within twenty yards of their goal in the first half, which meant Celtic had all the possession but none of the penetration, though James Forrest, restored to the team after injury-and credit to him, he never got hurt last night-was given a fre role and he tormented the home side from all angles, but often running into a blind alley. Kris Commons suffered from enthusiastic man marking as well, so it was a bit of a worry as to where the goals would come from as the teams went in for their half time tea and sandwiches.

However, the nerves disappeared from both players and supporters when a saints defender dallied on the ball and Commons slid in to capitalise on the edge of the box, and when the ball broke to Anthony Stokes he rounded the keeper and eased the ball home.

Celtic were a different side after that. Partly because the three forwards were all replaced over a fifteen minute spell, and the lively and effective Derk Boerrigter earned a penalty after he was clipped in the box, and Nir Bitton, now with two “t’s ” in his name, converted for 2-0.

Then, with substitute Berget looking lively, and Stefan Johansen relieved of his duty to feed Kris Commons with every pass, we were even treated to the rare sight of a Celtic forward heading towards goal when the Norwegian had a half chance.

Calum MacGregor completed the scoring with a precision shot from the edge of the box which was aimed just where it would slither through the keepers hands.

Thats how I saw it, anyway.

So, is he still a lucky manager, or a tactical genius ?

It could be a bit of both, the decision to replace the front line was not only brave, but astute. Celtic were far more direct and certainly a lot quicker with the introduction of Berget and Boerrigter, and if we can get a big striker in , then we might well have a chance yet of group stage football in Europe.

Craig Gordon looked fit, sharp and commanding at the back, and actually gave the impression that he’d been in the team for a lot longer than he has. We might just have done some good business there.

Of course, we might be pleased with the way its turned out. but Sky TV, covering the game for us lazy buggers who can’t be arsed with a long midweek trip to the game, had in the studio Neil McCann, who gave us a very good reason to stay off the drink after his post match rant.

In it, he called Boerrigter a cheat, several times and became quite animated. In much the same way as commentators didn’t do when a Hibernian player was sent off during their recent Cup game against Second Rangers.

McCann, who allegedly received a tax free lump sum loan from Old Rangers as part of his wages, would know a cheat when he saw one , I suppose, but his venomous diatribe at the Dutchman seemed to be personal.

See ?

Still, no doubt the SFA compliance office will be looking closely at why Dunfermlines assistant manager is calling a player of another team a cheat.

Boerrigter was clipped, thats evident,and there was a wee nudge as well, so its a penalty. Maybe a soft one, but still a penalty.

Mind you, at least one St. Johnstone fan was unhappy, and took to the streets to complain;

Other than that, its three points in the bag, a huge confidence boost for players and fans alike, and now, when I have to get up at 4am on saturday, i can look forward to the trip and the game with optimism if not confidence.

And no doubt Fergus McCann will be relieved as well, otherwise he faced being kidnapped and used as a figurehead for the next revolution at Celtic…

Speaking of Saturday, anyone else going to the game needs to be aware of this;

CelticFC SLO @CelticFCSLO · 3h

Anyhoo, stung by Diary criticism about his lyrical waxing, Deila instead spoke to the club website;

The first 20 minutes of the first half was ok but the last 25 minutes of it wasn’t the way I want to see my team”,

“But in the second half we started to up the intensity and pressure and got more movement. It opened them up more and in the end we got the chances we needed and won the game.

“Tonight wasn’t perfect but the second half was a step in the right direction, and I know it’s going to be very good in a few months.”

Its hard to disagree with any of that. He looks like he’s adapting a little to life at Celtic, and is winning his battle with the dressing room.

Missing from the line up last night were Charlie mulgrew, suspended, Efe Ambrose, and Leigh Griffiths, apparently ill. Which presumably means someone is sick of him. He seemed okay in the bookies yesterday…

At the time of writing , there is no official news on whether or not Legia Warsaw have been successful in their appeal to UEFA after they fielded a suspended player. Indications from Poland are that the appeal has failed.

I rang the Daily Record to ask if they had heard anything, but none of their hacks were available. For whatever reason.

Celtic have had another request for a safe standing section turned down by the Glasgow City Council. Well, they don’t need the ground anymore now, do they ?

There can be no harm surely in creating a section for those who want to stand up during the game, which would allow them to sing and dance and possibly even create an atmosphere , and maybe the club should put a bit of pressure on them. Its all very nice having a tunnel that leads directly to city chambers underneath our boardroom, but whats the point if you never use it ?

Honestly, whats the point in making all that money if you can’t use it to oil the wheels of progress ? Get them round for a chat.

Safe standing is the way forward.

That isn’t Celtic fans, I’ve no idea where it is. Keith Jackson put it on twitter.

This is safe standing, at Perth last night.

Barry Robson, 1996-97 was a Rangers youth player. Despite this, he went on to have a successful career and play for his country.

Lisbon Lion again from twitter, and this iconic picture. Now, as he asks, why is it usually cropped ?