Celtic are in Kilmarnock today for the lunchtime kick off against Kilmarnock. Hardly the most glamourous of fixtures, but one that will have timland a wee bit anxious, dare i even say excited, as the push for title number five enters the home straight.
Celts cannot afford to slip up, and , happily, with the exception of the permanently injured Jozo Simunovic, will be at full strength. Kilmarnock are missing three defenders, Syme, Westlake and Connolly so may reduce the back line to just seven or eight players, and they’re missing a winger in chris Johnston, so may add another holding midfielder.
Don’t expect a free flowing performance, this one is about grinding out a win.
Mind you, the diary’s caution, given it’s past performance in predictions, should have most of you scurrying to the bookies to put a 4-1 or a 5-1 win on.
Especially given the determination of Leaping Leigh Griffiths, who is on the verge of a memorable season;
Charlie Nicholas had a record of 48 in one season which someone mentioned to me and then there is Henrik Larsson’s record of 53 which is way beyond my reach,’
‘I still have nine league games to go as well at least one cup game and maybe even a cup final.
‘So if I try to score in every game between now and the end of the season maybe I could equal that record [Nicholas], but I am not counting my chickens too much. If I get to 40 I will be happy.’
‘It seems that every time I score a goal they keep comparing me to these records,’ said Griffiths.
‘If I can break a record and make a name for myself here I will be buzzing.
‘You see the pictures outside Celtic Park and around the stadium of Charlie Nicholas, Brian McClair, Henrik Larsson, John Hartson and Chris Sutton. They were all great strikers here and I want to be remembered just like them.’
See. Told you.
‘It’s weird to see that I have scored 35 and none of the others have got 10,’
‘It is surprising given the talent that we have got and the goals that are throughout the squad.
‘It is just one of those things that everything I am hitting seems to go in (except penalties, obviously-Ed ) but if the other boys could start chipping in with a few goals it would take the weight off my shoulders a wee bit.
‘Do I enjoy the responsibility? That’s my job. I was brought to Celtic to score goals. Every time I go out on the pitch I am looking to score but if other boys can chip in, too, then we will be brushing teams away.’
The other boys have chipped in, and the spread of goals throughout the team is something to be pleased about.
With his inclusion in the Scotland squad, things are looking up for the one time bad boy, and there cannot be a Celtic fan who isn’t pleased for him. Though he reckons he has a tough job to break into the Scotland team…
‘If I get a chance I will hopefully go on and put a performance in and show the manager what I can do,’ he added.
‘He has been to a few of the games, I think. He knows what I can do. It is all about taking that opportunity when I get it.
‘I am just hoping to be involved. I am not going there thinking I am the first-choice striker. That is not the case.
‘I am up against Fletch (Steven Fletcher) and Chris Martin who has recently been banging the goals in for Derby County again. Whoever plays the game will have a job on their hands. If I don’t start I will sit on the bench and wait my turn.’
Up against Fletcher and Martin ?
I think he’s taking the piss here.
But in a polite way.
Ronny Deila and John Collins nipped over to Falkirk last night to have a look at semi final opponents Second Rangers… and at first they must have been a little worried, as the Warburton Wunderteam stormed into a two goal lead…
This is going to be an absolute spanking here. Rangers electric.
Peter Houston has set up wrong here. Rangers wide-men running riot.
Rangers wide men ?
Anyhoo, supporters raced to the betting kiosks in the ground to put their few quid on a massive win for the Wunderteam…
Outside the ground, it was party time..
SENIOR SQUADS
Scotland v Czech Republic, March 24
Charlie Mulgrew
Scotland v Denmark, March 29
Scott Brown, James Forrest, Craig Gordon, Leigh Griffiths, Kieran Tierney, Charlie Mulgrew
Israel v Croatia, March 23
Nir Bitton
Honduras v El Salvador March 25 and 29 (WC Qualifier)
Emilio Izaguirre
Nigeria v Egypt, March 25 and 29 (AFCON Qualifier)
Efe Ambrose
Belgium v Portugal, March 29
Dedryck Boyata
Norway v Estonia and Finland, March 24 and 29
Stefan Johansen
Sweden v Turkey and Czech Republic, March 24 and 29
Mikael Lustig
Australia v Tajikistan and Jordan, March 24 and 29 (WC qualifier)
Tom Rogic
Denmark v Iceland and Scotland, March 24 and 29
Erik Sviatchenko
U21
Scotland v France and Northern Ireland, March 24 and 29 (Euro qualifier)
Ryan Christie, Stuart Findlay, Liam Henderson
Croatia v Spain and Estonia, March 24 and 28 (Euro qualifier)
Jozo Simunovic
Republic of Ireland v Italy and Slovenia, March 24 and 28 (Euro qualifier)
Eoghan O’Connell
Northern Ireland v Scotland, March 29 (Euro qualifier)
Michael Duffy
U20
Switzerland v Germany, March 23 and 26
Saidy Janko
U19
England v Georgia, Greece, Spain, March 24, 26, 29 (UEFA Elite round)
Patrick Roberts
Northern Ireland v Poland, Holland, Ukraine, March 24, 26, 29 (UEFA Elite round)
Conor Hazard
Scotland v Belgium, Croatia, Bulgaria, March 23, 25, 28 (UEFA Elite round)
Sam Wardrop, Mark Hill, Joe Thomson, Ross Doohan, Jack Breslin, Aidan Nesbitt
U17
Scotland v Denmark, Czech Republic, Switzerland, March 28, 30, April 2 (UEFA Elite round)
Jack Aitchison, Aidan McAdams, Broque Watson
Scotland v Denmark, March 28 (UEFA Elite round)
Wallace Duffy
33 in total, 18 from the first team squad.
The Wunderteam list is somewhat smaller.
About 33 names smaller.
Away from all that, there’s been a little bit of a conspiracy theory doing the rounds….are Level 5 paying people to comment on Celtic forums, such as this one ?
Fucking idiots.
Cut to the chase, and pay me. I’ll say whatever they want. Look, I coined the phrase Warburton Wunderteam. Without a hint of sarcasm.
For the right amount we could call it the E-Huns Diary.
All I’d have to do is tell them everythings fine, its the same club and the money’s in the bank and the daft bastards would think I was some sort of visionary scribe.
Back to todays game, and television exposure gives the support a chance to try to get the Resolution 12 issue into the national, and even international news.
By the way, all the facts are here, put together by Auldheid on CQN;
Resolution 12 Questions answered
Banners, chants whistles on the 12th minute are all well and good, but I’ve been thinking.
How about trying the marketing technique known as brand indetification ?
Now, the campaign is aimed at the SFA and the media in Scotland. We need a symbol, a hook, to use a marketing word, that will identify the SFA and the media every time this hook is put out there.
Think of hoover, a brand used to denote any type of vacuum cleaner, or Everest, the double glazing that said it was the best, and everyone now associates the two.
So, what message can we send out that will instantly make people think of the SFA and the Scottish media.
On the twelfth minute….
Thats right.
Arses.
A mass of bare bums waving at the cameras. That should get their attention.
Well, we’ve tried everything else, so why not ?
And then whenever anyone sees a plump buttock, they will immediately associate the image with the SFA and the media.
It could even be added to twitter and other social media.
Everyone post a picture of an arse. Real or perceived, and tag it Arses to the SFA.
For the third game in a row, I’m a little tense beforehand.
Its all getting a little exciting now…
As the caption competition shows… by the way, the winners pic will return as soon as I have time to choose one, instead of picking through replies that do little to add to the quality of the debate. From now on, offensive replies aimed at others will be altered, and then you’ll look stupid.
Might as well amuse myself.
anyway, the picture for today…
Caption Time
Is that the 30 million war chest floating in? The others reply we always thought it smelt fishy.
I don’t particularly like it when one of our strikers has a record to go at, it makes them more greedy and likely to take a chance when others are in a better position to score.
team waiting for the ferry to the Maribor game fantasising that they’re the Lisbon lions
Belter!
HH
Look It’s a banana boat full of huns coming up the Clyde.HH
How about a simple solution to those being abusive…get them to fek. As for caption: who mentioned rats fleeing a sinking ship? All we’ve got is floaters.
Yeah I’m one of the cunts I’m actually willie Johnston. I took speed and used to sit on the ball during old firm games. Closet Hun seeking attention on self righteous Celtic blogs I’ve got narcissistic personality disorder and I’m trying to create chaos but failing miserably because the Mensa hierarchy have got my number
Could it be that we are gong to play 4-3-3 vs Killie?
Rebus
Rebus, I mostly like your posts. However, if you can (honestly) identify a ‘system’ that Celtic are supposed to be playing then I bow to your superior fantasy. If there IS a system, at all, it’s one that encourages the opposition. The Bhoys are ‘all at sea’, every fucking game, and have no rudder.
Today, tell me, who EARNED the chance to play in the Hoops (against 2nd bottom of SPL table) Kilmarnock?
Rhetorical question. I had to witness it.
Craig Gordon earned his place, a clean sheet. Patrick Roberts earned his (45 min) place , with a few ‘out yer seat’ moments and Tom Rogic for his ‘stunner’. FFS keep him (TR) involved. If RD got anything remotely right today it was bringing on Tom Rogic, instead of Forrest. (BTW, when it seemed young KT was hurt and possibly going off, I fucking grimaced/winced/wrote to Lawwell? when I noted who the, warming-up, sub was. Boyatta, a ‘boy’ (of 25) who can’t position himself, a ‘defender’ who can’t tackle, can’t clear with his foot or head, really can’t do anything right. The ball becomes a ‘hot potato’ and the useless cunt just fires it at anyone, and misses. Efe Ambrose is twice or three times the player Boyatta is and I don’t rate him (Efe) for the Bhoys.
Finally, when we’ve got what we deserved, against Dundee, Hamilton etc., the sheep have been dropping points too. Gives us a very illusional/delusional view. We’re playing mince (as a team) and most of our opponents are just a lower grade of mince. Yet we’re just keeping heads above water. PISH.
Champions League? My arse.
HH
Vinnie,
When I deduce that Celtic are playing a system it does not follow that I think they are playing it well. I cannot remember the last time that I thought the team played well for most of a game. I agree that everything is a shambles right now.
Every game, no matter the opposition, I believe that we could lose. There are few credible players in the team at the moment. However, I do think that a better manager can get much more out of this group. Clearly, the Board has either decided to stick with RD or to get rid of him at season end. I hoped they would have done it earlier but perhaps nobody suitable was available.. So, I am gritting my teeth and seeing it out to the end of the season. If he goes then….I shall be happy to give the new guy a chance. If he is not gone then, I shall take a break from the club until he has gone. Rest asured he will be gone sometime during the next season because the decline will continue, and against a moderate team, his team will be shellacked. Once he fails in Europe again and we get the same nail bitter domestically next season, he will be gone. All that is clear to me, but what I do not know is how difficult a task it will be to rebuild the team.
On Boyata, I am not as down on him as you. Mind you I only get to see him via Celtic TV. He seems to me to be a player who is both inexperienced and short on confidence, but we all have a favourite that we want slate. I thought Efe was playing well until the RC game when he was shafted by the ref. Erik got a similar doing against Partick but seems to have weathered it so far.
It is not all dank and dark. Who knows how good Allan, Henderson, Christie, Nisbet will be, plus the odd surprise from the youths. Once we get someone who understands football in, there will be a dramatic improvement.
I understand your frustration, it boils over in me as well,
Rebus
CelticTV saying that Killie are going with ……………………………………………………………………………………………4-2-3-1!!
Interesting.
This is a big, big game for Celtic, as they all will be to season end.
Rebus
Alan Muir is the ref
Rebus
Lots of noise from Celtic fans.
Heard a story about A Muir,his father unabashed at a bowling club match proudly proclaimed that as long as his son refereed a match concerning “they fenian bastards” would get fcuk all.Not wide of the mark.
John,
He was the usual inconsistent mib today. Push after push, jersey tug after tug ignored when it was Killie and then heavy on the yellows for us.
How does he sleep at night?
Rebus
Tremendous diagonal ball from Killie gives Boyd a volley 2 yds out. Gordon saves.
Rebus
another diagonal ball over the top to our left causes a Killie break which Tierney snuffs out, just!
Rebus
We are getting caught on the left by diagonal balls. Tierney needs support there. CZR is leaving too much space for the LB to cover. Fine attacking play by both teams.
Erik misses a good header…should have scored.
Rebus
Studs up tackle on Tierney and he is down. Fortunately, he is up and about.
Killie break and chance for Killie.
Rebus
You can tell the teams struggling for creativity, how on earth can roberts christie and allan no get in this side, its a mystery to me. Il say it again biton offers nothing there are better players than him left out
Tierney could be one bad tackle away from going off.
Rebus
No creativity
Celtic appear too tentative going forward. Players hesitate before making a pass.
Anybody’s game at the mo.
Rebus
Looks like Tierney needs to come off. Pity…could be goodbye to his first cap.
Rebus
What a difference christie and roberts would make to this team , is ronny blind to that. Again biton non existant.
Boyata coming on. Tierney off. Mulgrew will move to LB.
Rebus
We need a couple of goals here. Killie still to get their penalty!
HT. Good game. No goals which is disappointing. Standouts are Tierney, who is off; Mulgrew and Griff. McGregor is in and out of the game. Brown looks a bit stronger but still not back to his best. Lustig is a pale shadow of what he was. We really need him to race down the wing and cross accurately now that Tierney is off. CZR is very strong when in possession but limited in skills.
We really need a goal here to settle the team.
Killie have two CHs who are industrial in their tackling. There is a lot of subtle pushing going on from Killie that the ref does not see. They are dangerous on the fast break mainly down our left. Higgenbotham is pulling the trigger on high over the top balls. This is their main threat.
Rebus
Can,t create,too slow can,t shoot unlessr we are circa 10yds out,give possession away far far too regularly,when the ball is at Broonies feet he doesn,t know what it is or what to do with it he is like a “bull playing a banjoe” and he,s our captain,couldn,t make it up or could you?
John,
Have you noticed how Brown gets tackled now and leant on by the opposition. They used to stand off him and show respect. What was his injury?
I hope he can work through this. He needs a rest and is in the team based on who he is.
Rebus
John Young, spot on comment.
I’ve never heard the term “a bull playin’ a banjo” (although I ‘get’ what you mean), but often heard “couldnae hit a coo/bull on the arse wi’ a banjo” an’ that kinda speaks volumes of our attempts on goal recently, on target, off target and goals scored (the only material thing). Just as well the sheep are more concerned wi’ their annual haircut and bath rather than tryin’ tae win a Title.
HH
Kazim Richards Bitton.Commons. No desire to go the extra mile you require when wanting to win a title. We have no pace in the wide areas especially with Tierney off.
Roberts and Forrset for Kazim Richards and Commons.Would be my choice to break them down.
The first half says it all, a team without any options trrying go through the middle,absolutely no pace, or width.
He stands at the side, but he does not see the dross in front of him, we need pace on the wings and cross balls to beat this plastic mob!
I dont see what CZR brings to the team??@
Nobody has any strength in their shooting but Griff.
Celtic pressure but no clear chances.
Rebus
Caption competition. The bunch of pussies across the river look wistfully towards Celtic Park and all of the history associated; still unable to accept that “their” club passed into oblivion in 2012.
Griff heads the ball down to McGregor inside the box but he takes too long to get a shot off and loses the ball.
Rebus
I want this 433 to succeed. Please, please…
Rebus
Killie playing rope a dope and Celtic helping them. They are trying to play through the middle which is packed. Use the wings for pity sake!
Rebus
Button is a passenger. He has to come off.
Think Kazim Richards looks a player
Is this the second bottom team that we are struggling against?
The team look as if they are tense. The ball takes too long to get into attack.
Rebus
Killie subbing Boyd for someone with pace. They are dangerous on the fast break. Hope we do not get caught.
Rebus
McGregor book questionably. Killie have got away with many of these challenges.
Killie shoot but Gordon saves.
Rebus
Taxi for Delia.
Like for like one clumsy git for another.
we badly need the old Brown in this game, but he is absent.
Rebus
Right i have completely had enough. People say how can you sack a guy who could win the double. Im sorry but you can when we have played like this all season. Fuck me enough is enough with this slow braindeed football with all the wrong players. Standing there like a damp squib as it unfolds this way every week. This guy cannot continue he is destroying our team
Rebus good report m8
Just glad josh macgennis wasn’t playing for killie a quick player would have different.
Roberts would be better on the left to get to the bye line not his poor side.
That’s why I thought at half time Forrest and Roberts for to go down their natural wings.
But 1-0 take it and move on.
Hail Hail
Gentlemen this is just dreadful stuff truly truly shocking
Sadly this is Killie game to win. Celtic lack cohesion.
Brown is awful.
Rebus
Johansen is a better midfield player than rogic or bitton will ever be.cant get a game.
Ps Delbhoy 100% correct
Griff has a great shot to the top RH corner but it just goes wide.
Rebus
Goooaaaasl
Shows you what I know ya fuckin dancer rogic lol
Hail Hail
Goal!!!! Rogic breaks the net.
Rebus
Cmon aussie cmon tom rogic best player we have fuck off with any arguments
What a strike, Rogic, stand up son…
Out of jail but piss poor.
A team without guile and pace in the middle of the park. Bitton Commons are too slow. Brown needs to get back to driving on.
Fabulous strike for a great goal overall performance still dreadful though