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John Guidetti – A New Celtic Star Is Born

I noticed a distinct air of confidence in Ronny Deila’s tone this week. He’s always been a positive type but recently he’s not quite looked himself. A lot of criticism has come his way with much of it non-constructive and quite vitriolic from ex-Celts like Chris Sutton. Deila is only human and there comes a point when no matter who you are self-doubt creeps in, particularly if criticism is shared so publicly and so often.

Victory’s breed confidence and yesterday he had the look of a man who had a large weight lifted from his shoulders and an assertive glint in his eye.

On the back of three very recent wins Celtic took to the field tonight looking to reach the semi-finals of the League Cup, a competition Deila has made clear he wants to win. We’ve been particularly rubbish in this tournament in recent seasons with defeats against the likes of Morton, St Mirren and Kilmarnock denting what should have been a period with far more cup silverware.

So how would it go? Six and easy!

Thistle started brightly playing some pleasing on the eye football but not creating any opportunities. Celtic seemed to get by their usual sluggish opening fifteen minute period…please sort this out! Great work for Mikael #Tache Lustig saw the masquerading Swedish pornstar cut inside and fire a beautiful left foot cross into the penalty area. It was inch perfect for Stokes but he headed wide when it looked far easier to score. A cross from the other side this time seen Lustig arriving at the far post and his goalbound header was blocked by Thistle keeper Fox. Celtic were now starting to play better and just on the half hour mark opened the scoring.

As he made his way to the edge of the penalty box Guidetti’s ankles were clipped. From the resultant free kick he curled a powerful effort over the wall and into the back of the net giving the keeper no chance. A great strike.

Celtic were on top but then on the stroke of half time a stroke of madness from Stuart Bannigan was to end any chance Thistle had of getting back into the game. Guidetti collected the ball on the touchline near the Thistle bench and as he passed it Bannigan came lunging straight into the back of his legs with a horrendous challenge that could have caused serious injury to Guidetti. Thankfully he recovered after treatment but Brannigan’s game was over as he gave referee Clancy the easiest decision of the season by showing the Thistle player the red card.

Half time saw one change with Wakaso coming on for McGregor. This change saw Stokes move into a preferred central area behind Guidetti and Johansen moving to the right.

The second half had barely begun when the formation changes were immediately rewarded. A flick over the top saw the now central Stokes glance the ball on and there was Izzy of all people to throw a right foot swinger of the ball and power it into the net. To say he was happy with his goal is an understatement!

Five minutes later saw the third goal that was fit to win any game.

A free kick was awarded to Celtic 25 yards out directly in front of goal. Guidetti had scored his two previous free kicks. He couldn’t make it three out of three could he? You better believe it! He lined up fired an unstoppable curling effort high into the top corner of the net with a shot that two keepers would have struggled to save. It was a strike of extreme beauty and while not quite in the Nakamura v Man Utd mould it was of a level of the upmost quality from a gem of a player.

The game was over but Celtic’s desire for more goals wasn’t and a handful of minutes later saw the Swedish striker secure his hat trick. Another rash challenge from a Thistle defender saw Guidetti stupidly fouled when there appeared no imminent danger. He grabbed the ball and fired a top class penalty into the corner of the net.

celtic

Griffiths (on for Stokes) grabbed Celtic’s fifth when a quality cross from Izzy saw the striker power a beautiful header into the corner of the net. A few minutes later and it was six when great pressing from Griffiths put keeper Fox under pressure and his clearance ricocheted off Griffiths foot and into the net.

Five goals in an incredible 23 minute spell!

In between the fifth and sixth goals manager Deila subbed Guidetti for Scepovic. Those in the stadium rose to a person and offered a standing ovation not seen for a Celtic player in many a day. He was that good.

The game was long over and Celtic were safely through to the semi-finals were they will play Aberdeen, Dundee Utd or Scotland’s newest club Sevco.

The final act of the night was left to John Guidetti. He was subbed a good thirty minutes before the end but at the full time whistle alongside Izzy he made his way over to Section 111, an area traditionally where the Green Brigade could be found. He applauded the area for their continued support but rather than stop thirty yards away he continued walking towards them. He removed his heavy club jacket and then took his Celtic top off, walked towards the support and threw it to them.

This traditionally is the act of a player about to depart a club but in Guidetti’s case it’s very much different. It’s October and he’s going nowhere. This was the act of a player WHO GETS IT. A man who fully understands the vital importance of player and supporter connection. While one lucky fan acquired John Guidetti’s hat-trick Celtic top, tonight saw a new and very real hero emerge at Celtic Park.

Step forward John Guidetti. A Celtic star is born.

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Dan The Man
9 years ago

Get him signed , if they want £5m give them £5.5m just to make sure and don’t leave this to the last minute of the Christmas window.
this boy was made for Celtic and at 22 could surpass Henrik’s Magnificent 7 years.
We need a Guidetti song to make him feel at home hwen he scores just like Henrik, Pierre Di Canio and Cadete. There is a starter for ten Cadete-Guidetti shouldn’t take much composing.
Go get him PL.Guidetti is the start of the team building process to keep the Deady Bears in there place if they scrape back up.the Fans won’t forgive if this opportunity is missed. Never mind the wage structure just get rid of any player complaining about paying this boy more.

Bawsman
9 years ago
Reply to  Dan The Man

The £5 Million is a Daily Record invention.

He is on loan to us until next summer he cannot go anywhere.

In January he is a free agent and can negotiate a pre-contract agreement, or arrange a move anywhere in the summer when his loan deal runs out.

If he signs for us Man City would be due about £250,000 for the work they put towards his development.

The SMSM make stuff up, don’t buy it, it only encourages them.

jim orourke
9 years ago

Fantastic display tonight and credit where it’s due; I’ve been critical of new manager but hats off to him and players tonight.

Dan The Man
9 years ago

Just read John Mcl’s post on CQN and take back what I said about paying City £5M ,just pay Gudetti the money to make sure he signs the pre contract agreement!!!!!!

Macca
9 years ago

Was at the game myself with 3 of the kids and we all had a great time, My 9 year old now has a new hero and the tiny crowd meant we could walk round at half time and be close to all the goals.That said before yir man got sent off we were once again unconvincing against a Thistle side that threatened to embarrass us before our new hero scored a beauty and they went down to 10 men. Lets not get carried away

holy sea
9 years ago
Reply to  Macca

Macca,
I’m glad you enjoyed the game.
Only last we week,you said we were crap,going backwards and
no progress ?
I said,let’s see….
Yes,long way to go,but for me,the signs are good,very good,in fact !!

Frank McGaaaaarvey
9 years ago

This guy is just the spark we needed to ignite a damp squib of a season so far. I’m pretty sure we will do all within our power to make sure he stays a Celt beyond this season although we cannot compete with the Jersey Shores of the EPL. Get his boyhood hero Henke to have a quiet word in his ear. He loves the half-empty stadium, Imagine what this guy would be capable of at a full Parkhead with a CL atmosphere behind him?

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago

Fuck me bhoys calm down will ye he’s scored 3 goals against 10 man Partick and already we have fans talking about Larsson?

7 years at Celtic ffs Guidetti has been at Celtic 10 minutes.

Catch a grip.

bondibrian
9 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Aye right Charlie Shultz, how about you get a grib, stop yer moanin and allow us to revel in a possible new hero to the countless young Celtic fans who need one.

HAIL HAIL !!!

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  bondibrian

Amido Balde is the Messiah sure you know this.. 😉

Guidetti get’s another 200 goals then I’m all ears.

hh

andybhoy
9 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Spot on Charlie, the guy looks the biz and has that gallus streak about him, but also humble enough, as demonstrated when he went over to the fans and chucked them his jersey.
I love the look of him, but, so will other clubs.
If he continues to shine, he might just be the new hero we’ve been hankering for, for what seems an eternity and when I say this, I am not comparing him to Henke.
I also thought Lustig was different class.

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

Being saying it for weeks when Lustig and Mathews return we will be a different side this Season.
The balance is back in the side the threat from both FB’s is there again and Mikael was superb last night agreed.
Guidettis a great prospect no doubting it and has had a fantastic start at Celtic I’m just hoping he’s here long enough to overtake Hoopers strike rate let alone Henriks.

I tend to look also at what a strikers input is off a ball and so far I like what I see he’s not too selfish to pass it to a team mate.

All good so far.

Dan The Man
9 years ago

Charlie, I think you will find that he has scored 8 Goals in 8 games since joining but of course we could always get rid at the end of his loan period and recall Pukkii then sit back and watch him on TV scoring for Southampton every week. They seem to recognize quality when they see it. You were probably saying not another dodgy Scandanavian after Henrik’s first game against Hibs.
What is it with some Celtic Fans they’d can find something to complain about when there is nothing to complain about. Let’s see ? The New Manager, The Board,PL,The Minimum Wage ,go and find a glass that fills to the brim Charlie and try and recognize a talent when it is biting you on the bum.

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  Dan The Man

Wrong on all accounts Dan.
I spottted Larssons talents long before most have heard of him as he tore Paul Ince a new arsehole over two games playing for Sweden and Feynoord long before we signed him.
He was playing on the left side of Midfield at the time and Ince got so frustrated at him he tried to kick him off the Park.
Ince at the time was considered a top player at United Henrik made him look like a fucking clown.
Guidetti has done exceptionally well so far at Celtic I am not arguing against that however he has also squandered a few chances you would have expected Larsson to take with ease.
To be comparing him to Larsson this early into his time here is a nonsense to me time and indeed Celtics appetite for taking him on full time will determine whether he will be the next King or not.

I’m just keeping it real bud and not letting a Hat-trik against a pish poor Partick get in the way of my judgement.

The freekicks were superb no qualms about that I hope he does it time and time again.

Time will tell….

Monti
9 years ago

If Celtic want to show intent about building a quality side then Guidetti must be signed permanently!
Not only is he an infectious character in the dressing room, he is scoring for fun and can obviously take a free kick, come on Lawwell, get it done.
Going back a game or two to the Astra game, why was Johansen taking set pieces when Mulgrew was on the park?

molledog
9 years ago

Been saying it from the first day he arrived, John Guidetti is the real deal. Get him signed at any price .Celtic FC have everything to win and nothing to lose on this guy he has a future at the very top. Take this opportunity Celtic.

holy sea
9 years ago

Good match report,Hector.
Your last paragraph,contained the salient points.Super Guidetti
does indeed get it.He wants to have an affinity with the
fans,and is not just paying lip-service to us.
Dan,as for a song,to the tune of don’t sack McCourt…..
‘ Please sign Guidetti,Johnny Guidetti,if you don’t you’ll have a riot on your hands….’
Let Lawwell get this message LOUD and CLEAR !!

melbournebhoy
9 years ago

Pay City hee haw. Direct all the cash to an offer for him in January.. Even if City get an offer from Swansea or whoever else is fighting relegation, they can do nothing if Guidetti says no.

9 years ago

Knock Knock!
Whos there?
Gary Hooper!
Och forget it,we have John Guidetti noo!

The Mhan
9 years ago

Big john seems to :GET: the celtic , me i love him as a player, the only hang up i have is (and i hope i”m wrong) is that he is using CELTIC to put himself in the shop window to be in a better bargaining position for a move to a EPL club?? HOPE I AM WRONG. Sign him NOW H H T M

The Mhan
9 years ago

Sorry ment to say, another EPL club from Man city to another EPL club

yestim
9 years ago

I am away at present and never got to see the game. has anyone got a link to watch highlights?
Thanks

Dan The Man
9 years ago

Guidetti says he used to get up early in Sweden to watch the Celtic v Deady Bears them spoils the image by saying he got up at 11.30. What a lazy Bhoys!!!!

Gerry
9 years ago

His agent might play a big part in this so I hope we have someone to shut him up. We can obviously sign him pre-contract in January putting everything to bed, can Man City recall him from loan and stick him in the reserves if he does and we refuse to pay anything in January? Will bigger budget clubs be calling his agent and offering big bucks if he signs pre-contract with them?
He seems to get it as others have said, I hope he is strong of mind and says “I love it here, and want to stay” and that’ll be that. He could play for years with us and still go on and try another league, Lawwell’s new wet dream if he does after VVD goes.

The Mhan
9 years ago

If we need to put up some sort of a fee wee should maybe try an opening gambit of somewhere in the region of 1 million and see how we get on, or wait untill his contract run out ? but we may lose him , as i suspect there is a agent in the woodpile here trying to make a quick buck. H H T M

holy sea
9 years ago

Gerry,
I am sure EPL rules,prohibit the signing of pre-contracts between clubs.This is another plus point for us.However,his agent may tell him to keep his options open.As agent,gets bigger cut.Lawwell has to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
And,in so doing so,making the laptop loyal sick.

The Mhan
9 years ago

got to give him a chance he seems to be CELTIC minded and likes to play to the gallery, a show man if you like? BUT this is wot we need right now someone who will make the fans sit up and take notice BUM ON SEATS

The Holy Poet
9 years ago

Some of the credits here are going a bit OTT but we all want someone to, hopefully, look forward to receiving the ball. For me just now it’s Broony but love the way this plays, full of passion and fearless committment.

The Mhan
9 years ago

Am an ould jungle mhan myself ,fhull of passion (nat kno? )not to sound trite to THE HOLY POET H H , I just think we just want to see our club go forward and not be lorded over by a load of press lackies who cow-tow to them over in the dark side, and who want to see our manager, Ronnie D fail. i do see wee shoots of GREEN sprouting up and i look forward to winning every possable competition we enter,the future is bright ,its green and white. H H T M.

Bart
9 years ago

Give credit where credit is due the new look celtic are starting 2 look good, now giving rangers a thrashing is the priority, from bart the seagam bhoy

Tourtenay
9 years ago

It appears that a number of people are getting in a panic over Celtic not yet getting the signature of the young Guidetti simply because he is banging in the goals in the SPL.
Well take your minds back to Hooper who was far more prolific and over a longer period at Celtic, a proven penalty box goal scorer hell, he was even mentioned as a possible cap for the mighty England!!but no one down south was even remotely interested in him and it wasn’t until the 11th hour when he was punted to Norwich and where is he now, warming the bench on a regular basis and that is in the championship not the EPL.
There will not be a cue of English clubs looking to sign JG simply because they do not rate goal scoring in the SPL they think their reserves could come up here and do it on a weekly basis, they just don’t rate the SPL.
So stop worrying JG will stay because he will realise it is the best place for him.
HH

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  Tourtenay

Spot on Tourtenay.
I believe Guidetti may well have a point to prove at Celtic he will know fine well Henrik Larsson gave our Club 7 glorious years in his prime before he secured his dream move to Barca.
He knows at Celtic regardless of the strength of our League he will get regular Football and European Football year after year so long as he and the other strikers do their jobs in the big games.
He’s a kid who used to play Football bear feet in Africa so I don’t think money is his primary motivation he can launch a successful career at Celtic then reap greater financial reward further down the line once he has proven himself here.
I think he may have spoken to Henke at some point or in the near future and he will be told you can be someone at Celtic.
He has the potential to be a star as did Henrik it took Celtic to allow him to shine so bright he dazzled one of the Worlds Great Clubs into coming to get him.
That’s the lure for Guidetti.

I think he will take the opportunity myself.

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