Blame me says Grav
THOMAS GRAVESEN has admitted his part in last night's defeat.
The Danish midfielder was at fault for two of Manchester United's goals and has accepted it.
"I think it is easy to see why we lost this game - because of my mistakes," he said.
"I can only hold my hands up and say I'm the only player who cost us this game.
"We put in some unbelievably good crosses and made a lot of good attacks but I spoiled it all with my mistakes and I feel awful about that."
Evening Times
Celtic 05-07
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McManus v Lennon; Gronkjaer; Portuguese corruption claims...
McManus plays down Lennon clash
MARTIN GREIG September 15 2006
STEPHEN McMANUS insists he has buried the hatchet with the Celtic captain Neil Lennon after the pair squared up to one another during Wednesday's Champions League Group F opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
On the way back to the halfway line following the loss of the third goal, an incandescent Lennon confronted McManus following the 47th-minute winner scored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Lennon took issue with McManus over an aspect of the build-up which ended with a Louis Saha shot being saved by Artur Boruc, the Celtic goalkeeper, before the Norwegian netted the rebound.
The real transgressor had been Thomas Gravesen, who gifted possession to United in the build-up. Ironically, the Danish international tried to act as peacemaker between Lennon and McManus, but the 24-year-old defender insisted that his altercation with the club captain has now been forgotten about.
"It was a clash between two winners," said McManus. "He likes to give folk a bit of stick and I like to give it back.
Neither of us would back down because the two of us are fiery competitors.
"At that point, when you go 3-2 down, you want to punch someone's lights out. Thomas dived in to help out, and that's funny because he's the maddest of all of us. It was heat of the moment stuff. He [Lennon] is a fantastic team-mate and a great guy to have on the pitch.
"The most important thing is that it's left on the pitch. There will be no hangover. We're all team-mates and we're in this together. On the pitch we'd all do anything for each other."
The Parkhead club return to earth with a bump tomorrow when Dunfermline visit Celtic Park on league business and McManus insisted that they must regain their focus quickly to continue their domestic supremacy.
"Sometimes when you go back to the league it can be hard to raise it again, but we have to do it on Saturday and win three points to stay top of the table."
FC Copenhagen, Celtic's next Champions League opponents at Parkhead on September 26, are expected to be without winger Jesper Gronkjaer for several weeks after he injured his groin in the 0-0 draw at home to Benfica.
Meanwhile, Portuguese clubs, including Benfica, whom Celtic are scheduled to entertain on October 17, are likely to avoid bans from European competitions after FIFA dropped their threat to call an emergency meeting to settle a dispute in Portugal over the relegation of Gil Vicente for gaining eligibility for a player at a civil court.
The Herald
McManus plays down Lennon clash
MARTIN GREIG September 15 2006
STEPHEN McMANUS insists he has buried the hatchet with the Celtic captain Neil Lennon after the pair squared up to one another during Wednesday's Champions League Group F opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
On the way back to the halfway line following the loss of the third goal, an incandescent Lennon confronted McManus following the 47th-minute winner scored by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Lennon took issue with McManus over an aspect of the build-up which ended with a Louis Saha shot being saved by Artur Boruc, the Celtic goalkeeper, before the Norwegian netted the rebound.
The real transgressor had been Thomas Gravesen, who gifted possession to United in the build-up. Ironically, the Danish international tried to act as peacemaker between Lennon and McManus, but the 24-year-old defender insisted that his altercation with the club captain has now been forgotten about.
"It was a clash between two winners," said McManus. "He likes to give folk a bit of stick and I like to give it back.
Neither of us would back down because the two of us are fiery competitors.
"At that point, when you go 3-2 down, you want to punch someone's lights out. Thomas dived in to help out, and that's funny because he's the maddest of all of us. It was heat of the moment stuff. He [Lennon] is a fantastic team-mate and a great guy to have on the pitch.
"The most important thing is that it's left on the pitch. There will be no hangover. We're all team-mates and we're in this together. On the pitch we'd all do anything for each other."
The Parkhead club return to earth with a bump tomorrow when Dunfermline visit Celtic Park on league business and McManus insisted that they must regain their focus quickly to continue their domestic supremacy.
"Sometimes when you go back to the league it can be hard to raise it again, but we have to do it on Saturday and win three points to stay top of the table."
FC Copenhagen, Celtic's next Champions League opponents at Parkhead on September 26, are expected to be without winger Jesper Gronkjaer for several weeks after he injured his groin in the 0-0 draw at home to Benfica.
Meanwhile, Portuguese clubs, including Benfica, whom Celtic are scheduled to entertain on October 17, are likely to avoid bans from European competitions after FIFA dropped their threat to call an emergency meeting to settle a dispute in Portugal over the relegation of Gil Vicente for gaining eligibility for a player at a civil court.
The Herald
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Celts return to SPL with a win
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, September 16 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 1
(McManus 31)
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC… 0
CELTIC returned from UEFA Champions League action to the SPL against Dunfermline this afternoon, producing an effective if unspectacular performance to earn a merited 1-0 win.
After the 3-2 thriller against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, some believed that Gordon Strachan’s men would return to Glasgow nursing a hangover in the wake of their midweek exertions.
But, despite a number of enforced changes to the starting XI, the players responded with a professional performance, with Stephen McManus’s first half header enough to earn the three points and further cement their early lead at the summit of the Scottish Premierleague.
The first 45 minutes of this match were without doubt the most positive for Gordon Strachan’s men, who carved out a ream of chances, three of which fell in the opening ten minutes.
The first attempt was from Lee Naylor, who sent Pars’ keeper, Dorus De Vries scrambling across his goal to touch a long-range half-volley wide of his left-hand post.
Stephen McManus then saw a header from a Nakamura corner deflected over the bar and from the resulting corner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink forced another save from De Vries at full stretch.
Celtic’s Dutch striker enjoyed other chances in what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon and this attempt was followed by another back post header that sailed over the bar and he narrowly missed-out on a Nakamura cross after racing into the six yard box.
Midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who was making his home debut, also tested De Vries with a low shot from 23 yards and Shaun Maloney, a returnee after injury, fired a free kick from 24 yards a hair’s breadth over the crossbar.
Dunfermline for their part looked content to soak up the pressure and made only two forays forward in the half, once coming close to releasing Darren Young inside the penalty box, with the former Aberdeen man following this up with a long-range drive that was palmed away by Artur Boruc.
But Celtic were the team forcing the issue and it was through centre-half, Stephen McManus, that they broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.
The goal came from a Shunsuke Nakamura corner that was swept in at pace from the right and powerfully headed beyond the stranded De Vries and was one that was more than merited.
Kenny Miller also merited something from this match and after being chaperoned throughout the half by Dunfermline’s hulking centre-half, Sol Bamba, the Scotland man came tantalisingly close to breaking his scoring duck with a header that was turned away by the busy De Vries.
The next attempt came from Gravesen again, after a sliding challenge from the impressive Naylor allowed him to break toward goal before unleashing a powerful drive from 25 yards that beat De Vries and rattled back off the woodwork.
The Dane still had time to chase down the rebound and beat Aaron Labonte to the byline where he cut in a ball for Miller, who again thumped the ball over the bar and when the teams went in at the interval the biggest surprise was that Celtic were only one goal to the good.
That said, it was the visitors who enjoyed the first chance of the second half, with Jim Hamilton’s speculative cross almost sneaking in at the far top corner and followed not long after, by a Stevie Crawford shot that was fired in from range.
It was a much more positive start by Dunfermline who, perhaps encouraged by Celtic’s tendency to sit off, enjoyed an even-split in possession for the first time in the match.
Gordon Strachan’s men did carve out one notable opportunity not long after the hour mark, when a Kenny Miller lay-off almost allowed Neil Lennon to snatch what would have been another collector’s item.
The defensive midfielder’s shot sailed inches wide of the top-corner however and in the ensuing play, the home side’s malaise seemed to continue, with Celtic playing at a pedestrian pace.
The introduction of Aiden McGeady did provide some fresh impetus and it was in fact the young winger’s deflected shot inside the box that momentarily roused his team-mates and Vennegoor of Hesselink came within inches of meeting another Naylor cross to the near-post seconds later.
Kenny Miller also came close to beating De Vries with a looping header not long after this chance, but as the game entered the final ten minutes the pace again drained out of the match and there was precious little to stir the passions or raise the volume from this crowd of 55,894.
Many had in fact made for an early exit when Neil Lennon had another stab at goal, this time with a looping header which sailed over the bar and the final whistle came as something of a relief for the supporters and players.
Given the level of performance that was produced on Wednesday night in Europe, today’s match was a tricky obstacle and while it certainly won’t be remembered as a classic, it may be remembered as an important victory.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Lee Naylor
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, Maloney (McGeady 64); Vennegoor of Hesselink, Miller (Zurawski 81).
Subs: Marshall, Sno, O’Brien, Jarosik, Balde.
DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) De Vries; Shields, Wilson, McGuire, Bamba, Labonte; Simmons (Morrison 84), Mason, Young; Crawford (Daquin 78), Hamilton.
Subs: McKenzie, Tod, Morrison, Daquin, Ross, Wilson, Williamson.
Celtic F.C.
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, September 16 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 1
(McManus 31)
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC… 0
CELTIC returned from UEFA Champions League action to the SPL against Dunfermline this afternoon, producing an effective if unspectacular performance to earn a merited 1-0 win.
After the 3-2 thriller against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, some believed that Gordon Strachan’s men would return to Glasgow nursing a hangover in the wake of their midweek exertions.
But, despite a number of enforced changes to the starting XI, the players responded with a professional performance, with Stephen McManus’s first half header enough to earn the three points and further cement their early lead at the summit of the Scottish Premierleague.
The first 45 minutes of this match were without doubt the most positive for Gordon Strachan’s men, who carved out a ream of chances, three of which fell in the opening ten minutes.
The first attempt was from Lee Naylor, who sent Pars’ keeper, Dorus De Vries scrambling across his goal to touch a long-range half-volley wide of his left-hand post.
Stephen McManus then saw a header from a Nakamura corner deflected over the bar and from the resulting corner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink forced another save from De Vries at full stretch.
Celtic’s Dutch striker enjoyed other chances in what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon and this attempt was followed by another back post header that sailed over the bar and he narrowly missed-out on a Nakamura cross after racing into the six yard box.
Midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who was making his home debut, also tested De Vries with a low shot from 23 yards and Shaun Maloney, a returnee after injury, fired a free kick from 24 yards a hair’s breadth over the crossbar.
Dunfermline for their part looked content to soak up the pressure and made only two forays forward in the half, once coming close to releasing Darren Young inside the penalty box, with the former Aberdeen man following this up with a long-range drive that was palmed away by Artur Boruc.
But Celtic were the team forcing the issue and it was through centre-half, Stephen McManus, that they broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.
The goal came from a Shunsuke Nakamura corner that was swept in at pace from the right and powerfully headed beyond the stranded De Vries and was one that was more than merited.
Kenny Miller also merited something from this match and after being chaperoned throughout the half by Dunfermline’s hulking centre-half, Sol Bamba, the Scotland man came tantalisingly close to breaking his scoring duck with a header that was turned away by the busy De Vries.
The next attempt came from Gravesen again, after a sliding challenge from the impressive Naylor allowed him to break toward goal before unleashing a powerful drive from 25 yards that beat De Vries and rattled back off the woodwork.
The Dane still had time to chase down the rebound and beat Aaron Labonte to the byline where he cut in a ball for Miller, who again thumped the ball over the bar and when the teams went in at the interval the biggest surprise was that Celtic were only one goal to the good.
That said, it was the visitors who enjoyed the first chance of the second half, with Jim Hamilton’s speculative cross almost sneaking in at the far top corner and followed not long after, by a Stevie Crawford shot that was fired in from range.
It was a much more positive start by Dunfermline who, perhaps encouraged by Celtic’s tendency to sit off, enjoyed an even-split in possession for the first time in the match.
Gordon Strachan’s men did carve out one notable opportunity not long after the hour mark, when a Kenny Miller lay-off almost allowed Neil Lennon to snatch what would have been another collector’s item.
The defensive midfielder’s shot sailed inches wide of the top-corner however and in the ensuing play, the home side’s malaise seemed to continue, with Celtic playing at a pedestrian pace.
The introduction of Aiden McGeady did provide some fresh impetus and it was in fact the young winger’s deflected shot inside the box that momentarily roused his team-mates and Vennegoor of Hesselink came within inches of meeting another Naylor cross to the near-post seconds later.
Kenny Miller also came close to beating De Vries with a looping header not long after this chance, but as the game entered the final ten minutes the pace again drained out of the match and there was precious little to stir the passions or raise the volume from this crowd of 55,894.
Many had in fact made for an early exit when Neil Lennon had another stab at goal, this time with a looping header which sailed over the bar and the final whistle came as something of a relief for the supporters and players.
Given the level of performance that was produced on Wednesday night in Europe, today’s match was a tricky obstacle and while it certainly won’t be remembered as a classic, it may be remembered as an important victory.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Lee Naylor
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, Maloney (McGeady 64); Vennegoor of Hesselink, Miller (Zurawski 81).
Subs: Marshall, Sno, O’Brien, Jarosik, Balde.
DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) De Vries; Shields, Wilson, McGuire, Bamba, Labonte; Simmons (Morrison 84), Mason, Young; Crawford (Daquin 78), Hamilton.
Subs: McKenzie, Tod, Morrison, Daquin, Ross, Wilson, Williamson.
Celtic F.C.
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Celts return to SPL with a win
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, September 16 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 1
(McManus 31)
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC… 0
CELTIC returned from UEFA Champions League action to the SPL against Dunfermline this afternoon, producing an effective if unspectacular performance to earn a merited 1-0 win.
After the 3-2 thriller against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, some believed that Gordon Strachan’s men would return to Glasgow nursing a hangover in the wake of their midweek exertions.
But, despite a number of enforced changes to the starting XI, the players responded with a professional performance, with Stephen McManus’s first half header enough to earn the three points and further cement their early lead at the summit of the Scottish Premierleague.
The first 45 minutes of this match were without doubt the most positive for Gordon Strachan’s men, who carved out a ream of chances, three of which fell in the opening ten minutes.
The first attempt was from Lee Naylor, who sent Pars’ keeper, Dorus De Vries scrambling across his goal to touch a long-range half-volley wide of his left-hand post.
Stephen McManus then saw a header from a Nakamura corner deflected over the bar and from the resulting corner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink forced another save from De Vries at full stretch.
Celtic’s Dutch striker enjoyed other chances in what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon and this attempt was followed by another back post header that sailed over the bar and he narrowly missed-out on a Nakamura cross after racing into the six yard box.
Midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who was making his home debut, also tested De Vries with a low shot from 23 yards and Shaun Maloney, a returnee after injury, fired a free kick from 24 yards a hair’s breadth over the crossbar.
Dunfermline for their part looked content to soak up the pressure and made only two forays forward in the half, once coming close to releasing Darren Young inside the penalty box, with the former Aberdeen man following this up with a long-range drive that was palmed away by Artur Boruc.
But Celtic were the team forcing the issue and it was through centre-half, Stephen McManus, that they broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.
The goal came from a Shunsuke Nakamura corner that was swept in at pace from the right and powerfully headed beyond the stranded De Vries and was one that was more than merited.
Kenny Miller also merited something from this match and after being chaperoned throughout the half by Dunfermline’s hulking centre-half, Sol Bamba, the Scotland man came tantalisingly close to breaking his scoring duck with a header that was turned away by the busy De Vries.
The next attempt came from Gravesen again, after a sliding challenge from the impressive Naylor allowed him to break toward goal before unleashing a powerful drive from 25 yards that beat De Vries and rattled back off the woodwork.
The Dane still had time to chase down the rebound and beat Aaron Labonte to the byline where he cut in a ball for Miller, who again thumped the ball over the bar and when the teams went in at the interval the biggest surprise was that Celtic were only one goal to the good.
That said, it was the visitors who enjoyed the first chance of the second half, with Jim Hamilton’s speculative cross almost sneaking in at the far top corner and followed not long after, by a Stevie Crawford shot that was fired in from range.
It was a much more positive start by Dunfermline who, perhaps encouraged by Celtic’s tendency to sit off, enjoyed an even-split in possession for the first time in the match.
Gordon Strachan’s men did carve out one notable opportunity not long after the hour mark, when a Kenny Miller lay-off almost allowed Neil Lennon to snatch what would have been another collector’s item.
The defensive midfielder’s shot sailed inches wide of the top-corner however and in the ensuing play, the home side’s malaise seemed to continue, with Celtic playing at a pedestrian pace.
The introduction of Aiden McGeady did provide some fresh impetus and it was in fact the young winger’s deflected shot inside the box that momentarily roused his team-mates and Vennegoor of Hesselink came within inches of meeting another Naylor cross to the near-post seconds later.
Kenny Miller also came close to beating De Vries with a looping header not long after this chance, but as the game entered the final ten minutes the pace again drained out of the match and there was precious little to stir the passions or raise the volume from this crowd of 55,894.
Many had in fact made for an early exit when Neil Lennon had another stab at goal, this time with a looping header which sailed over the bar and the final whistle came as something of a relief for the supporters and players.
Given the level of performance that was produced on Wednesday night in Europe, today’s match was a tricky obstacle and while it certainly won’t be remembered as a classic, it may be remembered as an important victory.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Lee Naylor
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, Maloney (McGeady 64); Vennegoor of Hesselink, Miller (Zurawski 81).
Subs: Marshall, Sno, O’Brien, Jarosik, Balde.
DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) De Vries; Shields, Wilson, McGuire, Bamba, Labonte; Simmons (Morrison 84), Mason, Young; Crawford (Daquin 78), Hamilton.
Subs: McKenzie, Tod, Morrison, Daquin, Ross, Wilson, Williamson.
Celtic F.C.
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, September 16 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 1
(McManus 31)
DUNFERMLINE ATHLETIC… 0
CELTIC returned from UEFA Champions League action to the SPL against Dunfermline this afternoon, producing an effective if unspectacular performance to earn a merited 1-0 win.
After the 3-2 thriller against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, some believed that Gordon Strachan’s men would return to Glasgow nursing a hangover in the wake of their midweek exertions.
But, despite a number of enforced changes to the starting XI, the players responded with a professional performance, with Stephen McManus’s first half header enough to earn the three points and further cement their early lead at the summit of the Scottish Premierleague.
The first 45 minutes of this match were without doubt the most positive for Gordon Strachan’s men, who carved out a ream of chances, three of which fell in the opening ten minutes.
The first attempt was from Lee Naylor, who sent Pars’ keeper, Dorus De Vries scrambling across his goal to touch a long-range half-volley wide of his left-hand post.
Stephen McManus then saw a header from a Nakamura corner deflected over the bar and from the resulting corner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink forced another save from De Vries at full stretch.
Celtic’s Dutch striker enjoyed other chances in what was ultimately a frustrating afternoon and this attempt was followed by another back post header that sailed over the bar and he narrowly missed-out on a Nakamura cross after racing into the six yard box.
Midfielder Thomas Gravesen, who was making his home debut, also tested De Vries with a low shot from 23 yards and Shaun Maloney, a returnee after injury, fired a free kick from 24 yards a hair’s breadth over the crossbar.
Dunfermline for their part looked content to soak up the pressure and made only two forays forward in the half, once coming close to releasing Darren Young inside the penalty box, with the former Aberdeen man following this up with a long-range drive that was palmed away by Artur Boruc.
But Celtic were the team forcing the issue and it was through centre-half, Stephen McManus, that they broke the deadlock in the 31st minute.
The goal came from a Shunsuke Nakamura corner that was swept in at pace from the right and powerfully headed beyond the stranded De Vries and was one that was more than merited.
Kenny Miller also merited something from this match and after being chaperoned throughout the half by Dunfermline’s hulking centre-half, Sol Bamba, the Scotland man came tantalisingly close to breaking his scoring duck with a header that was turned away by the busy De Vries.
The next attempt came from Gravesen again, after a sliding challenge from the impressive Naylor allowed him to break toward goal before unleashing a powerful drive from 25 yards that beat De Vries and rattled back off the woodwork.
The Dane still had time to chase down the rebound and beat Aaron Labonte to the byline where he cut in a ball for Miller, who again thumped the ball over the bar and when the teams went in at the interval the biggest surprise was that Celtic were only one goal to the good.
That said, it was the visitors who enjoyed the first chance of the second half, with Jim Hamilton’s speculative cross almost sneaking in at the far top corner and followed not long after, by a Stevie Crawford shot that was fired in from range.
It was a much more positive start by Dunfermline who, perhaps encouraged by Celtic’s tendency to sit off, enjoyed an even-split in possession for the first time in the match.
Gordon Strachan’s men did carve out one notable opportunity not long after the hour mark, when a Kenny Miller lay-off almost allowed Neil Lennon to snatch what would have been another collector’s item.
The defensive midfielder’s shot sailed inches wide of the top-corner however and in the ensuing play, the home side’s malaise seemed to continue, with Celtic playing at a pedestrian pace.
The introduction of Aiden McGeady did provide some fresh impetus and it was in fact the young winger’s deflected shot inside the box that momentarily roused his team-mates and Vennegoor of Hesselink came within inches of meeting another Naylor cross to the near-post seconds later.
Kenny Miller also came close to beating De Vries with a looping header not long after this chance, but as the game entered the final ten minutes the pace again drained out of the match and there was precious little to stir the passions or raise the volume from this crowd of 55,894.
Many had in fact made for an early exit when Neil Lennon had another stab at goal, this time with a looping header which sailed over the bar and the final whistle came as something of a relief for the supporters and players.
Given the level of performance that was produced on Wednesday night in Europe, today’s match was a tricky obstacle and while it certainly won’t be remembered as a classic, it may be remembered as an important victory.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Lee Naylor
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, Maloney (McGeady 64); Vennegoor of Hesselink, Miller (Zurawski 81).
Subs: Marshall, Sno, O’Brien, Jarosik, Balde.
DUNFERMLINE (5-3-2) De Vries; Shields, Wilson, McGuire, Bamba, Labonte; Simmons (Morrison 84), Mason, Young; Crawford (Daquin 78), Hamilton.
Subs: McKenzie, Tod, Morrison, Daquin, Ross, Wilson, Williamson.
Celtic F.C.
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Bobo Baldé kept out of team by good performances by Lee Naylor, Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus - Strachan
Lee Naylor, like Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell, has been playing through the discomfort of minor injury and Strachan lauded the indefatigability of his defenders.
"Lee maybe went down three times when you thought he wasn't going to get up again," said the manager. "He just doesn't want to be left out of the team.
"The spectre of Bobo Balde getting his place back is keeping the centre-backs going. Bobo is a big asset but, because of their performances, I don't have to rush him back."
The Herald
Lee Naylor, like Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell, has been playing through the discomfort of minor injury and Strachan lauded the indefatigability of his defenders.
"Lee maybe went down three times when you thought he wasn't going to get up again," said the manager. "He just doesn't want to be left out of the team.
"The spectre of Bobo Balde getting his place back is keeping the centre-backs going. Bobo is a big asset but, because of their performances, I don't have to rush him back."
The Herald
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Derek Riordan still in Strachan's thoughts
Strachan said: "Derek is in my thoughts. He is a good player. The problem for him is that Aiden McGeady was voted Young Player of the Month for August and Shaun Maloney was Player of the Year last year.
"But the under-21 rule doesn't help Derek or Stephen Pearson.
"We have to have three under-21 players in the squad, not including the goalkeeper.
"So I have to put players on the bench who maybe don't deserve to be there. It would be good to send these players out on loan but I can't do that.
"If Derek could get on the bench then there is the chance to get on and impress.
"But he could come in for the CIS Insurance Cup game against St Mirren on Tuesday."
The Scotsman
Strachan said: "Derek is in my thoughts. He is a good player. The problem for him is that Aiden McGeady was voted Young Player of the Month for August and Shaun Maloney was Player of the Year last year.
"But the under-21 rule doesn't help Derek or Stephen Pearson.
"We have to have three under-21 players in the squad, not including the goalkeeper.
"So I have to put players on the bench who maybe don't deserve to be there. It would be good to send these players out on loan but I can't do that.
"If Derek could get on the bench then there is the chance to get on and impress.
"But he could come in for the CIS Insurance Cup game against St Mirren on Tuesday."
The Scotsman
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CELTIC… 2
(Beattie 75, Zurawski 85)
ST MIRREN… 0
CIS Cup, Third Round
Tuesday September 19 2006
A really uninspiring performance from Celtic, although there were a few bright spots and we're through to the Fourth Round. Only three starters from our previous game: Boruc, Telfer
and McManus. Positives include the surprisingly competent performance of Darren O’Dea at left-back on his competitive debut; the return of Bobo Baldé to central defence after injury; and the performance of some of the fringe players, particularly Evander Sno. Sno ran the game from midfield, and although he looks untidy sometimes and his passes are sometimes under-hit, he is confident and willing to dominate the game.
Jiri Jarosik had a lunatic first half and was substituted lest he get sent off. His replacement, Aiden McGeady fared much better and was very productive, although he often failed to release passes on time. Had it not been for Jarosik's performance, Stephen Pearson could easily have been subbed as his effort could best be described as patchy, he did however provide the assist for the lively Craig Beattie's goal. Very few of the fringe players on display last night will worry the first team, least of all Derek Riordan who did very little.
(Beattie 75, Zurawski 85)
ST MIRREN… 0
CIS Cup, Third Round
Tuesday September 19 2006
A really uninspiring performance from Celtic, although there were a few bright spots and we're through to the Fourth Round. Only three starters from our previous game: Boruc, Telfer
and McManus. Positives include the surprisingly competent performance of Darren O’Dea at left-back on his competitive debut; the return of Bobo Baldé to central defence after injury; and the performance of some of the fringe players, particularly Evander Sno. Sno ran the game from midfield, and although he looks untidy sometimes and his passes are sometimes under-hit, he is confident and willing to dominate the game.Jiri Jarosik had a lunatic first half and was substituted lest he get sent off. His replacement, Aiden McGeady fared much better and was very productive, although he often failed to release passes on time. Had it not been for Jarosik's performance, Stephen Pearson could easily have been subbed as his effort could best be described as patchy, he did however provide the assist for the lively Craig Beattie's goal. Very few of the fringe players on display last night will worry the first team, least of all Derek Riordan who did very little.
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Celts go marching through
Gregor Kyle
CIS Cup, Third Round
Tuesday September 19 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 2
(Beattie 75, Zurawski 85)
ST MIRREN… 0
LATE goals by Craig Beattie and Maciej Zurawski were enough to smooth Celtic’s passage into the fourth round of the CIS Cup, earning a 2-0 victory over St Mirren at Celtic Park.
Both strikes came in the last 15 minutes of a match that perhaps suffered for the number of changes that were made to the Celtic line-up after the win over Dunfermline, perhaps in light of Celtic’s forthcoming derby meeting with Rangers and UEFA Champions League matches.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan opted to introduce a number of fringe players and others returning to full fitness into his starting XI and one of that number sparked Celtic’s first attack in the opening ten minutes.
It was a quick ball out from the back that sent Maciej Zurawski tearing up the right wing, where he did well to recover from a foul by Ian Maxwell and power over a low cross that was taken off the toe of Derek Riordan by the covering Saints defender.
Stephen Pearson had greater joy when taking advantage of Zurawski’s next piece of invention and with the Pole having rolled a lovely through-ball into his path, the midfielder clipped across a well-timed pass for Craig Beattie that was hit straight at Tony Bullock.
But minutes later he was cursing the former Dundee United keeper was at his very best, touching Beattie’s powerful header over the bar after the striker had been found by an excellent Telfer cross.
The St Mirren keeper produced one other outstanding save in this half, diving across the face of his goal to palm a curling Beattie shot to safety, but aside from this, there was little else to trouble him during this half.
At the opposite end of the park this somewhat makeshift Celtic defence did well, with Darren O’Dea looking solid at left-back and Bobo Balde up for the physical challenges after a number of months out with a stomach injury.
There were in-fact only a couple of hairy moments for the back four, the first of which came when Stephen McManus cannoned a back pass off of Artur Boruc’s shin and out for a throw-in and the second when Ian Maxwell sent his back post header thumping off the Celtic crossbar.
Boruc also did well to stop a long-range effort from midfielder Simon Lappin, but overall Celtic looked comfortable with St Mirren seemingly content to sit back and absorb their attacks.
That said, Gordon Strachan certainly had some choice words for his players and when they emerged from the tunnel several minutes later than their opponents, they looked to have new-found purpose.
With Aiden McGeady having replaced Jiri Jarosik, Celtic immediately broke forward and Derek Riordan curled an effort over the bar within five minutes of the restart, followed by a rasping drive from that went narrowly wide.
But after these early efforts Celtic slipped out of the game again and it took a jinking run into the box by Mark Corcoran to rouse them from their apparent slumber, with the St Mirren man’s shot being followed immediately by a Riordan effort.
Craig Beattie then came within a crossbar’s breadth of breaking the deadlock, sending his header off the woodwork and moments later, Maciej Zurawski was the next man to raise the hopes of this crowd of 32,587, actually beating the keeper only to see his strike flagged offside.
As the match entered the final 15 minutes there seemed to be a new urgency about Celtic’s play and when Pearson found Beattie’s run into the penalty box, the striker produced an emphatic finish.
With two bursting runs forward, McGeady did enjoy chances to set-up Riordan or Pearson and put the result beyond doubt, but both times the winger was slow in releasing the ball and squandered the opportunities.
But, with just five minutes remaining, there was time for Zurawski to crush the visitors’ hopes of a late equaliser, turning a McGeady shot into the net on the goal-line after Bullock had parried a Riordan effort.
The overall play may not have been inspiring, but Gordon Strachan will be happy that the defending CIS Cup holders have earned their place in the fourth round of this year’s competition.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Evander Sno
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Balde, McManus, O’Dea; Sno, Jarosik (McGeady 46), Pearson, Riordan; Zurawski, Beattie.
Subs: Marshall, Nakamura, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Cuthbert.
ST MIRREN (4-4-2) Bullock; Van Zanten, Broadfoot, Millen, Maxwell; Lappin, Murray (Anderson 82), Brittain, Reid; Mehmet (Sutton 70), Kean (Corcoran 61).
Subs: Smith, McGowne.
Celtic F.C.
Gregor Kyle
CIS Cup, Third Round
Tuesday September 19 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
CELTIC… 2
(Beattie 75, Zurawski 85)
ST MIRREN… 0
LATE goals by Craig Beattie and Maciej Zurawski were enough to smooth Celtic’s passage into the fourth round of the CIS Cup, earning a 2-0 victory over St Mirren at Celtic Park.
Both strikes came in the last 15 minutes of a match that perhaps suffered for the number of changes that were made to the Celtic line-up after the win over Dunfermline, perhaps in light of Celtic’s forthcoming derby meeting with Rangers and UEFA Champions League matches.
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan opted to introduce a number of fringe players and others returning to full fitness into his starting XI and one of that number sparked Celtic’s first attack in the opening ten minutes.
It was a quick ball out from the back that sent Maciej Zurawski tearing up the right wing, where he did well to recover from a foul by Ian Maxwell and power over a low cross that was taken off the toe of Derek Riordan by the covering Saints defender.
Stephen Pearson had greater joy when taking advantage of Zurawski’s next piece of invention and with the Pole having rolled a lovely through-ball into his path, the midfielder clipped across a well-timed pass for Craig Beattie that was hit straight at Tony Bullock.
But minutes later he was cursing the former Dundee United keeper was at his very best, touching Beattie’s powerful header over the bar after the striker had been found by an excellent Telfer cross.
The St Mirren keeper produced one other outstanding save in this half, diving across the face of his goal to palm a curling Beattie shot to safety, but aside from this, there was little else to trouble him during this half.
At the opposite end of the park this somewhat makeshift Celtic defence did well, with Darren O’Dea looking solid at left-back and Bobo Balde up for the physical challenges after a number of months out with a stomach injury.
There were in-fact only a couple of hairy moments for the back four, the first of which came when Stephen McManus cannoned a back pass off of Artur Boruc’s shin and out for a throw-in and the second when Ian Maxwell sent his back post header thumping off the Celtic crossbar.
Boruc also did well to stop a long-range effort from midfielder Simon Lappin, but overall Celtic looked comfortable with St Mirren seemingly content to sit back and absorb their attacks.
That said, Gordon Strachan certainly had some choice words for his players and when they emerged from the tunnel several minutes later than their opponents, they looked to have new-found purpose.
With Aiden McGeady having replaced Jiri Jarosik, Celtic immediately broke forward and Derek Riordan curled an effort over the bar within five minutes of the restart, followed by a rasping drive from that went narrowly wide.
But after these early efforts Celtic slipped out of the game again and it took a jinking run into the box by Mark Corcoran to rouse them from their apparent slumber, with the St Mirren man’s shot being followed immediately by a Riordan effort.
Craig Beattie then came within a crossbar’s breadth of breaking the deadlock, sending his header off the woodwork and moments later, Maciej Zurawski was the next man to raise the hopes of this crowd of 32,587, actually beating the keeper only to see his strike flagged offside.
As the match entered the final 15 minutes there seemed to be a new urgency about Celtic’s play and when Pearson found Beattie’s run into the penalty box, the striker produced an emphatic finish.
With two bursting runs forward, McGeady did enjoy chances to set-up Riordan or Pearson and put the result beyond doubt, but both times the winger was slow in releasing the ball and squandered the opportunities.
But, with just five minutes remaining, there was time for Zurawski to crush the visitors’ hopes of a late equaliser, turning a McGeady shot into the net on the goal-line after Bullock had parried a Riordan effort.
The overall play may not have been inspiring, but Gordon Strachan will be happy that the defending CIS Cup holders have earned their place in the fourth round of this year’s competition.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Evander Sno
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Balde, McManus, O’Dea; Sno, Jarosik (McGeady 46), Pearson, Riordan; Zurawski, Beattie.
Subs: Marshall, Nakamura, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Cuthbert.
ST MIRREN (4-4-2) Bullock; Van Zanten, Broadfoot, Millen, Maxwell; Lappin, Murray (Anderson 82), Brittain, Reid; Mehmet (Sutton 70), Kean (Corcoran 61).
Subs: Smith, McGowne.
Celtic F.C.
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Celtic 2 Rangers 0
Gravesen
Miller
Celtic dominated yesterday’s game for all but a twenty-minute spell at the beginning of the second half. Artur Boruc and the back four looked comfortable, although Lee Naylor appeared unwilling to spend any time on the ball and he and Stephen McManus were guilty of giving the ball away too often in the second half. Naylor can be excused as it was his first experience of an 'Old Firm' match. Gary Caldwell’s only mistake of any significance came late on when he allowed Kris Boyd to turn and shoot against the crossbar. The relationship between McManus and Caldwell has improved markedly over the last few games. Paul Telfer had an uncharacteristically good game, and was almost untroubled at right-back by either Charlie Adam or Lee Martin. One mix-up with the keeper was the only sign of his typical ineptitude. In central midfield Neil Lennon and Thomas Gravesen were quietly effective, although the latter occasionally played himself into trouble and began to drift out of the game in the second half until he moved to the right of midfield after Shunsuke Nakamura’s departure. Gravesen’s goal was not a classic, but he was alert to the rebound when Aiden McGeady's header was stopped by Allan McGregor. Nakamura and McGeady were adept at keeping the ball and troubling the Rangers fullbacks, with both having decent efforts denied. Up front, Vennegoor of Hesselink worked hard and brought a very good save from McGregor, although the ball rarely fell for him. His partnership with Kenny Miller is still in its infancy and they cannot yet read each others’ movement. Miller put in any even more energetic shift than usual. He missed one good opportunity in the first half, but made amends by chasing down a McGeady pass and poking the ball past the Rangers keeper for his first Celtic goal.
Maciej Zurawski and Evander Sno put a lot of effort into their cameo appearances.
For their part, Rangers were troubled by the combination of strength and pace in the Vennegoor of Hesselink-Miller partnership and carved out few chances, even in the period when they had most of the possession. Dado Prso was their most productive and tricky player and the keeper, McGregor, made some inspired saves.
Gravesen
Miller
Celtic dominated yesterday’s game for all but a twenty-minute spell at the beginning of the second half. Artur Boruc and the back four looked comfortable, although Lee Naylor appeared unwilling to spend any time on the ball and he and Stephen McManus were guilty of giving the ball away too often in the second half. Naylor can be excused as it was his first experience of an 'Old Firm' match. Gary Caldwell’s only mistake of any significance came late on when he allowed Kris Boyd to turn and shoot against the crossbar. The relationship between McManus and Caldwell has improved markedly over the last few games. Paul Telfer had an uncharacteristically good game, and was almost untroubled at right-back by either Charlie Adam or Lee Martin. One mix-up with the keeper was the only sign of his typical ineptitude. In central midfield Neil Lennon and Thomas Gravesen were quietly effective, although the latter occasionally played himself into trouble and began to drift out of the game in the second half until he moved to the right of midfield after Shunsuke Nakamura’s departure. Gravesen’s goal was not a classic, but he was alert to the rebound when Aiden McGeady's header was stopped by Allan McGregor. Nakamura and McGeady were adept at keeping the ball and troubling the Rangers fullbacks, with both having decent efforts denied. Up front, Vennegoor of Hesselink worked hard and brought a very good save from McGregor, although the ball rarely fell for him. His partnership with Kenny Miller is still in its infancy and they cannot yet read each others’ movement. Miller put in any even more energetic shift than usual. He missed one good opportunity in the first half, but made amends by chasing down a McGeady pass and poking the ball past the Rangers keeper for his first Celtic goal.
Maciej Zurawski and Evander Sno put a lot of effort into their cameo appearances.
For their part, Rangers were troubled by the combination of strength and pace in the Vennegoor of Hesselink-Miller partnership and carved out few chances, even in the period when they had most of the possession. Dado Prso was their most productive and tricky player and the keeper, McGregor, made some inspired saves.
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Hoops boss plays down Grav injury
September 24, 2006
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has played down fears that midfielder Thomas Gravesen could be out of action with a suspected fracture of a bone in his hand. Gravesen marked his first Old Firm derby with his first goal for Celtic in a 2-0 win at Parkhead on Saturday.
He complained of a sore hand in the second half, but Strachan was quick to play down suggestions that he could be bound for a spell on the sidelines.
He said: “Thomas thinks he’s broke his hand, but I told him that you play football with your feet and not your hand.”
Eleven-a-side
September 24, 2006
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has played down fears that midfielder Thomas Gravesen could be out of action with a suspected fracture of a bone in his hand. Gravesen marked his first Old Firm derby with his first goal for Celtic in a 2-0 win at Parkhead on Saturday.
He complained of a sore hand in the second half, but Strachan was quick to play down suggestions that he could be bound for a spell on the sidelines.
He said: “Thomas thinks he’s broke his hand, but I told him that you play football with your feet and not your hand.”
Eleven-a-side
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From The Scotsman: Caldwell intent on keeping his place; suggestion of injury to VofH (but no quotes)
Gary Caldwell, whose form alongside Stephen McManus in central defence kept fit-again Bobo Balde on the substitutes' bench on Saturday, is revelling in his early success at his new club.
"I came here to play in every game," said the former Hibs captain. "At a club like this, you need to produce big performances week in, week out. Hopefully I'm doing that and long may it continue.
"We are building a good team here and are just starting to gel. We are looking forward to the Copenhagen match now. With the group we are in, it is a must win game for us."
Striker a Euro doubt
CELTIC striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is a major injury doubt for tomorrow's Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen at Celtic Park after picking up an ankle injury in the last minute of the Old Firm derby win.
He faces intensive medical treatment today to have any chance of making the match.
The £3.4 million signing already has one European goal after his strike against Manchester United.
Scotsman
Gary Caldwell, whose form alongside Stephen McManus in central defence kept fit-again Bobo Balde on the substitutes' bench on Saturday, is revelling in his early success at his new club.
"I came here to play in every game," said the former Hibs captain. "At a club like this, you need to produce big performances week in, week out. Hopefully I'm doing that and long may it continue.
"We are building a good team here and are just starting to gel. We are looking forward to the Copenhagen match now. With the group we are in, it is a must win game for us."
Striker a Euro doubt
CELTIC striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is a major injury doubt for tomorrow's Champions League clash against FC Copenhagen at Celtic Park after picking up an ankle injury in the last minute of the Old Firm derby win.
He faces intensive medical treatment today to have any chance of making the match.
The £3.4 million signing already has one European goal after his strike against Manchester United.
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More on Vennegoor of Hesselink's ankle from Reuters:
GLASGOW (Reuters) - Celtic have an injury doubt over striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink ahead of their Champions League Group F clash with FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The Dutchman suffered an ankle knock late in their 2-0 Saturday win over Glasgow rivals Rangers and is struggling to be fully fit.
Manager Gordon Strachan told a news conference on Monday: "He's sore today. He was able to play on for the last couple of minutes, but the adrenalin was flowing at the time.
"Since the adrenalin isn't there anymore and he has settled down, the ankle is a bit sore and puffy.
"We will wait until tomorrow morning but, if he can't make it, we've got people like Maciej Zurawski and Derek Riordan.
"We'd lose a good player but we'll have another one coming in," Strachan said.
Reuters
GLASGOW (Reuters) - Celtic have an injury doubt over striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink ahead of their Champions League Group F clash with FC Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The Dutchman suffered an ankle knock late in their 2-0 Saturday win over Glasgow rivals Rangers and is struggling to be fully fit.
Manager Gordon Strachan told a news conference on Monday: "He's sore today. He was able to play on for the last couple of minutes, but the adrenalin was flowing at the time.
"Since the adrenalin isn't there anymore and he has settled down, the ankle is a bit sore and puffy.
"We will wait until tomorrow morning but, if he can't make it, we've got people like Maciej Zurawski and Derek Riordan.
"We'd lose a good player but we'll have another one coming in," Strachan said.
Reuters
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Miller penalty breaks down defensive Danes GLENN GIBBONS AT CELTIC PARK
Celtic 1 Miller (36 pen)
Copenhagen 0
THERE was plenty of perspiration, but Celtic's victory over FC Copenhagen could hardly be described as sweaty. If Kenny Miller's first-half penalty conversion was all that separated the Champions League Group F rivals at the finish, it was the very least Gordon Strachan and his players merited from a performance of relentless ambition.
The result that took the Parkhead side from bottom to second place in the group was predictably difficult to achieve, but there was rarely much danger of their conceding a goal against opponents who appeared for most of the time to be imprisoned by their own rigid reliance on defending.
Given the Danish champions' reputation for tightness, few would take their seats in the expectation of witnessing a night of unbridled aggression.
In that regard, few would be disappointed, as Stale Solbakken's side spent most of the match demonstrating the defensive assurance that had brought them clean sheets against Benfica and Ajax in their two previous European outings.
By the time Miller gave Strachan's team the lead from a penalty, it had begun to seem as though such an occurrence would be their only clear route to Jesper Christiansen in the visitors' goal.
This is not to suggest that there was anything sluggish about the previous attempts. Indeed, the home fans would have been entirely satisfied by the constant, intelligent movement and the numerous series of accurate passing with which, in the 34 minutes that preceded the goal, they had produced some of their best football of the season.
But there was an alertness and a cohesion about Copenhagen's defending that confirmed that they were properly rehearsed in the business of protecting their goalkeeper. It was not difficult, either, to see the benefits of the experience of players such as Tobias Linderoth, Andre Bergdolmo, Michael Gravgaard and Marcus Allback.
For the last-named, it would be frustrating to be neglected in attack for such long periods and, on the first occasion he managed to break past midfield - following the clearance of a Celtic free-kick - to be run down by the alert Lee Naylor and turned back into that no-man's land from which he could do no damage.
There was, however, an insistence and inventiveness about Celtic's surges which was guaranteed to keep the tall and powerful Copenhagen defenders pre-occupied for most of the time. Until they took the lead, though, it was impossible to miss the hindering effect of the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
The big striker, as expected, had failed to recover from his ankle injury and his unavailability left Miller and Maciej Zurawski having to outwit their opponents on the ground, supported by the sometimes mesmerising play of Nakamura and McGeady.
Even when a home player gained a position in a wide area from which to cross - Paul Telfer, Nakamura, McGeady and Naylor were the most frequent examples - there was no missing the hesitation as they looked for a way to find the strikers' feet, rather than their heads.
It was Nakamura's quick feet which finally brought the breakthrough. The Japanese midfielder executed a double shuffle that teased Gravgaard into the tackle. As the central defender stretched into the challenge, the ball was gone, the Dane making contact only with Nakamura's left leg and pulling him to the ground.
Given Miller's misfortunes in the mater of compiling a portfolio of goals this season, he deserves great credit for reaching immediately for the ball and take the responsibility for what was clearly a crucial penalty kick. He converted with a low, right-foot drive to the left of Christiansen.
It was a moment of unchained emotion for the supporters, but one of deep encouragement for the players, who soon appeared likely to score a second as they maintained their high-octane tempo and kept the Copenhagen defence extremely busy.
But it was Christiansen who was required to prevent that second goal before the interval. Naylor's cross from the left, unusually, found Miller liberating himself from Linderoth's handcuff and leaping to make the header. The ball seemed likely to fly high to the left of Christiansen until the former Rangers goalkeeper got airborne and turned it away.
Solbakken seemed clearly to have issued his players with a different set of instructions at the interval, as they spent much of the second half defending and, therefore, keeping the general play much further upfield.
This did not bring an appreciable increase in the incidence of their attempts on the home goal - they remained, by and large, an imaginary event - but the new tactic did tend to reduce the number of occasions on which the home side imposed themselves in forward areas.
Even so, Celtic produced enough threatening moments to have at least doubled their advantage, not least when they were denied a second penalty over an offence by Gravgaard that seemed at least as illegal as the one for which he had been punished earlier.
This time, the defender simply barged Stephen McManus to the ground from behind as the defender tried to challenge for a free kick.
But it was a wonderful piece of inventiveness and fluency of their own that brought the Scottish champions the opportunity from which Miller could have completed a double and given his team the kind of cushion that would have insulated them against potential harm.
Gravesen supplied McGeady with a precision crossfield pass and the young Ireland international scooted through the inside-left channel towards the penalty area. Miller made a brilliant run across the face of the defence and McGeady's through ball was perfectly weighted.
Taking the ball on the run, however, Miller's attempted first-time shot with his weaker left foot sent the ball straight at the legs of Christiansen, who knocked it clear. It was a moment which, like the match itself, confirmed that teams do not always get from the Champions league all they deserve.
CELTIC (4-4-2): Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, McGeady (Pearson 86); Miller (Maloney 81), Zurawski (Beattie 73)
Unused subs: Marshall, Balde, Sno, Jarosik
FC COPENHAGEN (4-4-2): Christiansen; Jacobsen, Hangeland, Gravgaard, Bergdolmo (Thomassen 74); Silberbauer, Norregaard, Linderoth, Hutchinson; Berglund (Kvist 55), Allback
Unused subs: Gall, Thomassen, Wendt, Pimpong, Bergvold
The Scotsman
Celtic 1 Miller (36 pen)
Copenhagen 0
THERE was plenty of perspiration, but Celtic's victory over FC Copenhagen could hardly be described as sweaty. If Kenny Miller's first-half penalty conversion was all that separated the Champions League Group F rivals at the finish, it was the very least Gordon Strachan and his players merited from a performance of relentless ambition.
The result that took the Parkhead side from bottom to second place in the group was predictably difficult to achieve, but there was rarely much danger of their conceding a goal against opponents who appeared for most of the time to be imprisoned by their own rigid reliance on defending.
Given the Danish champions' reputation for tightness, few would take their seats in the expectation of witnessing a night of unbridled aggression.
In that regard, few would be disappointed, as Stale Solbakken's side spent most of the match demonstrating the defensive assurance that had brought them clean sheets against Benfica and Ajax in their two previous European outings.
By the time Miller gave Strachan's team the lead from a penalty, it had begun to seem as though such an occurrence would be their only clear route to Jesper Christiansen in the visitors' goal.
This is not to suggest that there was anything sluggish about the previous attempts. Indeed, the home fans would have been entirely satisfied by the constant, intelligent movement and the numerous series of accurate passing with which, in the 34 minutes that preceded the goal, they had produced some of their best football of the season.
But there was an alertness and a cohesion about Copenhagen's defending that confirmed that they were properly rehearsed in the business of protecting their goalkeeper. It was not difficult, either, to see the benefits of the experience of players such as Tobias Linderoth, Andre Bergdolmo, Michael Gravgaard and Marcus Allback.
For the last-named, it would be frustrating to be neglected in attack for such long periods and, on the first occasion he managed to break past midfield - following the clearance of a Celtic free-kick - to be run down by the alert Lee Naylor and turned back into that no-man's land from which he could do no damage.
There was, however, an insistence and inventiveness about Celtic's surges which was guaranteed to keep the tall and powerful Copenhagen defenders pre-occupied for most of the time. Until they took the lead, though, it was impossible to miss the hindering effect of the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
The big striker, as expected, had failed to recover from his ankle injury and his unavailability left Miller and Maciej Zurawski having to outwit their opponents on the ground, supported by the sometimes mesmerising play of Nakamura and McGeady.
Even when a home player gained a position in a wide area from which to cross - Paul Telfer, Nakamura, McGeady and Naylor were the most frequent examples - there was no missing the hesitation as they looked for a way to find the strikers' feet, rather than their heads.
It was Nakamura's quick feet which finally brought the breakthrough. The Japanese midfielder executed a double shuffle that teased Gravgaard into the tackle. As the central defender stretched into the challenge, the ball was gone, the Dane making contact only with Nakamura's left leg and pulling him to the ground.
Given Miller's misfortunes in the mater of compiling a portfolio of goals this season, he deserves great credit for reaching immediately for the ball and take the responsibility for what was clearly a crucial penalty kick. He converted with a low, right-foot drive to the left of Christiansen.
It was a moment of unchained emotion for the supporters, but one of deep encouragement for the players, who soon appeared likely to score a second as they maintained their high-octane tempo and kept the Copenhagen defence extremely busy.
But it was Christiansen who was required to prevent that second goal before the interval. Naylor's cross from the left, unusually, found Miller liberating himself from Linderoth's handcuff and leaping to make the header. The ball seemed likely to fly high to the left of Christiansen until the former Rangers goalkeeper got airborne and turned it away.
Solbakken seemed clearly to have issued his players with a different set of instructions at the interval, as they spent much of the second half defending and, therefore, keeping the general play much further upfield.
This did not bring an appreciable increase in the incidence of their attempts on the home goal - they remained, by and large, an imaginary event - but the new tactic did tend to reduce the number of occasions on which the home side imposed themselves in forward areas.
Even so, Celtic produced enough threatening moments to have at least doubled their advantage, not least when they were denied a second penalty over an offence by Gravgaard that seemed at least as illegal as the one for which he had been punished earlier.
This time, the defender simply barged Stephen McManus to the ground from behind as the defender tried to challenge for a free kick.
But it was a wonderful piece of inventiveness and fluency of their own that brought the Scottish champions the opportunity from which Miller could have completed a double and given his team the kind of cushion that would have insulated them against potential harm.
Gravesen supplied McGeady with a precision crossfield pass and the young Ireland international scooted through the inside-left channel towards the penalty area. Miller made a brilliant run across the face of the defence and McGeady's through ball was perfectly weighted.
Taking the ball on the run, however, Miller's attempted first-time shot with his weaker left foot sent the ball straight at the legs of Christiansen, who knocked it clear. It was a moment which, like the match itself, confirmed that teams do not always get from the Champions league all they deserve.
CELTIC (4-4-2): Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Gravesen, McGeady (Pearson 86); Miller (Maloney 81), Zurawski (Beattie 73)
Unused subs: Marshall, Balde, Sno, Jarosik
FC COPENHAGEN (4-4-2): Christiansen; Jacobsen, Hangeland, Gravgaard, Bergdolmo (Thomassen 74); Silberbauer, Norregaard, Linderoth, Hutchinson; Berglund (Kvist 55), Allback
Unused subs: Gall, Thomassen, Wendt, Pimpong, Bergvold
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Celts win on SPL return
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Sunday, October 1 2006
Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
FALKIRK… 0
CELTIC… 1
(McGeady 84)
AIDEN McGeady’s late strike was enough to seal the win for Celtic as the defending champions returned from their latest UEFA Champions League adventure with a hard-fought victory over Falkirk.
This away win, which was clinched by the winger’s decisive 84th minute effort, came just four days after Celtic’s midweek result against FC Copenhagen and with Gordon Strachan fielding an unchanged starting XI, he will be pleased with both the three points and the character shown by his players.
It was at times a difficult match for the visiting side, who were continually pushed by a Falkirk buoyed by their recent 1-0 win over Hibs and driven on by the thought that their opponents could perhaps be suffering from a European ‘hangover’.
With this in mind, John Hughes’ men made a busy start to the match, forcing a couple of early opportunities and setting a high tempo that they succeeded in maintaining throughout the opening half.
They had however failed to present much in the way of a genuine test for Artur Boruc and Celtic meanwhile had similarly failed to trouble the Polish keeper’s opposite number, Scott Higgins.
It was not in fact until the 17th minute that they did create what could described as a clear cut opportunity, with Shunsuke Nakamura firing high over after being teed up by a Maciej Zurawski lay-off.
But after this attempt Celtic offered little in the way of a ‘follow-up’ and Falkirk continued to create the better chances, even making one unjustified appeal for a penalty after Boruc had blocked a back-post header from Jack Ross.
Yet for all their efforts it was Celtic who came the closest to breaking the deadlock in this half, with Kenny Miller clipping the bar after bursting through the defence in the lead-up to half-time.
The score however remained all-square and after the interval both sides came close with early attempts, with McGeady firing wide from 19 yards and Gary Caldwell sliding-in to block a Stokes shot after a Falkirk counter.
In the wake of this opportunity, Celtic manager Strachan made two changes, bringing on Shaun Maloney and Evander Sno in a bid to add fresh legs to a tiring midfield and in the ensuing minutes and with the match growing increasingly heated, Zurawski almost found Miller in the six yard box.
Maloney in particular, who is continuing his return to full-fitness after injury, was immediately influential, switching flanks and combining well with McGeady and he soon found his fellow winger with a cross which was fired over from around eight yards out.
Then, as the match entered the final stages and with Gow having screwed a long-range shot wide for the home team, the Celtic Youth Academy graduates combined again, this time to devastating effect.
Maloney was again the provider, breaking beyond his man on the right and placing his pass perfectly between two Falkirk defenders and on to the toe of McGeady inside the box.
The Irish internationalist then had time to take a touch, turn and then hammer his low shot past Higgins and into the far corner of the goal and take all three points for Celtic.
The remaining minutes were not without their drama and Lee Naylor had Artur Boruc to thank after being dispossessed inside the box and the left-back was also fortunate to escape uninjured after apparently being stamped on by Cregg.
However, Celtic held on to earn a win that could be recognised as particularly valuable at the end of this season.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Aiden McGeady
FALKIRK (3-5-2) Higgins; Ross, Barr, Milne (Scobbie 27); Moutinho (T McManus 72), Cregg, Latapy (Stewart 87), Thomson, Twaddle; Stokes, Gow.
Subs: Lambers, Dodd, McStay, Lima.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura (Maloney 59), Gravesen (Sno 59), Lennon, McGeady; Zurawski, Miller (Beattie 75).
Subs: Marshall, O’Dea, Riordan, Jarosik.
Celtic F. C.
Gregor Kyle
Scottish Premierleague
Sunday, October 1 2006
Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
FALKIRK… 0
CELTIC… 1
(McGeady 84)
AIDEN McGeady’s late strike was enough to seal the win for Celtic as the defending champions returned from their latest UEFA Champions League adventure with a hard-fought victory over Falkirk.
This away win, which was clinched by the winger’s decisive 84th minute effort, came just four days after Celtic’s midweek result against FC Copenhagen and with Gordon Strachan fielding an unchanged starting XI, he will be pleased with both the three points and the character shown by his players.
It was at times a difficult match for the visiting side, who were continually pushed by a Falkirk buoyed by their recent 1-0 win over Hibs and driven on by the thought that their opponents could perhaps be suffering from a European ‘hangover’.
With this in mind, John Hughes’ men made a busy start to the match, forcing a couple of early opportunities and setting a high tempo that they succeeded in maintaining throughout the opening half.
They had however failed to present much in the way of a genuine test for Artur Boruc and Celtic meanwhile had similarly failed to trouble the Polish keeper’s opposite number, Scott Higgins.
It was not in fact until the 17th minute that they did create what could described as a clear cut opportunity, with Shunsuke Nakamura firing high over after being teed up by a Maciej Zurawski lay-off.
But after this attempt Celtic offered little in the way of a ‘follow-up’ and Falkirk continued to create the better chances, even making one unjustified appeal for a penalty after Boruc had blocked a back-post header from Jack Ross.
Yet for all their efforts it was Celtic who came the closest to breaking the deadlock in this half, with Kenny Miller clipping the bar after bursting through the defence in the lead-up to half-time.
The score however remained all-square and after the interval both sides came close with early attempts, with McGeady firing wide from 19 yards and Gary Caldwell sliding-in to block a Stokes shot after a Falkirk counter.
In the wake of this opportunity, Celtic manager Strachan made two changes, bringing on Shaun Maloney and Evander Sno in a bid to add fresh legs to a tiring midfield and in the ensuing minutes and with the match growing increasingly heated, Zurawski almost found Miller in the six yard box.
Maloney in particular, who is continuing his return to full-fitness after injury, was immediately influential, switching flanks and combining well with McGeady and he soon found his fellow winger with a cross which was fired over from around eight yards out.
Then, as the match entered the final stages and with Gow having screwed a long-range shot wide for the home team, the Celtic Youth Academy graduates combined again, this time to devastating effect.
Maloney was again the provider, breaking beyond his man on the right and placing his pass perfectly between two Falkirk defenders and on to the toe of McGeady inside the box.
The Irish internationalist then had time to take a touch, turn and then hammer his low shot past Higgins and into the far corner of the goal and take all three points for Celtic.
The remaining minutes were not without their drama and Lee Naylor had Artur Boruc to thank after being dispossessed inside the box and the left-back was also fortunate to escape uninjured after apparently being stamped on by Cregg.
However, Celtic held on to earn a win that could be recognised as particularly valuable at the end of this season.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Aiden McGeady
FALKIRK (3-5-2) Higgins; Ross, Barr, Milne (Scobbie 27); Moutinho (T McManus 72), Cregg, Latapy (Stewart 87), Thomson, Twaddle; Stokes, Gow.
Subs: Lambers, Dodd, McStay, Lima.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura (Maloney 59), Gravesen (Sno 59), Lennon, McGeady; Zurawski, Miller (Beattie 75).
Subs: Marshall, O’Dea, Riordan, Jarosik.
Celtic F. C.
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Injury news: John Kennedy, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Mark Wilson
CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan welcomed the imminent return of John Kennedy but insists the big defender will not be rushed back into action.
Kennedy's left knee was shattered on his Scotland debut against Romania at Hampden in March 2004, and his promising career was put on hold. The 23-year-old has undergone four operations and overcame a depressing setback in his bid to regain full fitness.
Kennedy, however, has been training since pre-season and his long-awaited comeback could come against Dunfermline reserves next Tuesday.
Ahead of the Premierleague trip to Falkirk tomorrow, Strachan said: "John is training just now and we will see how he is at the end of the week, maybe Sunday.
"He's been training this week and he's looked quite comfortable. But we will let John decide because he's been out a long time.
"It's satisfying for me but huge for him that he is returning so we are keeping our fingers crossed."
The Scotsman (30/9/06)
Strachan on Vennegoor of Hesselink (29/09/06):
"I don't know (how long he will be out) as I don't really see the injured players - they disappear to the treatment room and it is a place I never go in.
Reuters
Mark Wilson is still expected to return at the end of October, or early November after breaking his metatarsal. There's nothing official though.
CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan welcomed the imminent return of John Kennedy but insists the big defender will not be rushed back into action.
Kennedy's left knee was shattered on his Scotland debut against Romania at Hampden in March 2004, and his promising career was put on hold. The 23-year-old has undergone four operations and overcame a depressing setback in his bid to regain full fitness.
Kennedy, however, has been training since pre-season and his long-awaited comeback could come against Dunfermline reserves next Tuesday.
Ahead of the Premierleague trip to Falkirk tomorrow, Strachan said: "John is training just now and we will see how he is at the end of the week, maybe Sunday.
"He's been training this week and he's looked quite comfortable. But we will let John decide because he's been out a long time.
"It's satisfying for me but huge for him that he is returning so we are keeping our fingers crossed."
The Scotsman (30/9/06)
Strachan on Vennegoor of Hesselink (29/09/06):
"I don't know (how long he will be out) as I don't really see the injured players - they disappear to the treatment room and it is a place I never go in.
Reuters
Mark Wilson is still expected to return at the end of October, or early November after breaking his metatarsal. There's nothing official though.
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Celts on international duty:
Bobo Baldé Guinea (v Cape Verde)
Artur Boruc Poland (Kazakhstan and Portugal)
Maciej Zurawski Poland (Kazakhstan and Portugal)
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink Holland (Bulgaria and Albania)
Stephen McManus Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Gary Caldwell Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Kenny Miller Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Aiden McGeady Ireland (Cyprus and Czech Republic)
Bobo Baldé Guinea (v Cape Verde)
Artur Boruc Poland (Kazakhstan and Portugal)
Maciej Zurawski Poland (Kazakhstan and Portugal)
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink Holland (Bulgaria and Albania)
Stephen McManus Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Gary Caldwell Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Kenny Miller Scotland (France and Ukraine)
Aiden McGeady Ireland (Cyprus and Czech Republic)
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McGeady injury hits Republic plans
Celtic winger Aiden McGeady is out of the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic.
McGeady is the latest casualty after going over on his ankle during training at Lansdowne Road, with manager Steve Staunton describing the incident as "a freak accident".
McGeady was taken to hospital for an X-ray and Staunton admitted the young Celtic star was "very doubtful" for Wednesday's clash.
If McGeady is ruled out, Staunton has 14 players on the sidelines for the visit of the Czechs.
Teamtalk
Celtic winger Aiden McGeady is out of the Republic of Ireland's European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic.
McGeady is the latest casualty after going over on his ankle during training at Lansdowne Road, with manager Steve Staunton describing the incident as "a freak accident".
McGeady was taken to hospital for an X-ray and Staunton admitted the young Celtic star was "very doubtful" for Wednesday's clash.
If McGeady is ruled out, Staunton has 14 players on the sidelines for the visit of the Czechs.
Teamtalk
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Aiden McGeady has undergone an x-ray which revealed that his ankle injury is "only a sprain" according to Irish officials. An FAI spokeman said "naturally we cannot confirm yet confirm the severity of the damage."
Craig Beattie has suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problem that has limited his appearances over the last year. "Craig has tweaked his hamstring," said Kenny McDowall, Celtic's reserve coach. "We'll have to see what the doctors say in the morning. "It's very disappointing because he has been working exceptionally hard recently. He's a bit dejected with it, but we hope it's only a minor setback."
Meanwhile, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is said to be in line to start for Holland against Albania tonight despite his recent ankle injury. Nowt official as yet though.
Info from Keep the Faith and The Herald
Craig Beattie has suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problem that has limited his appearances over the last year. "Craig has tweaked his hamstring," said Kenny McDowall, Celtic's reserve coach. "We'll have to see what the doctors say in the morning. "It's very disappointing because he has been working exceptionally hard recently. He's a bit dejected with it, but we hope it's only a minor setback."
Meanwhile, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink is said to be in line to start for Holland against Albania tonight despite his recent ankle injury. Nowt official as yet though.
Info from Keep the Faith and The Herald
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Vennegoor of Hesselink back in squad
GLASGOW, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Celtic's Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has recovered from an ankle injury and will be fit for the Scottish champions' game at Dundee United on Saturday.
The Dutch international suffered the injury in last month's 2-0 Old Firm win over Rangers at Celtic Park.
"Jan will be fit and back in the squad," Gordon Strachan told reporters on Friday, though the Celtic manager will be without Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady and striker Craig Beattie.
"Aiden has an ankle strain. In my day you went over on your ankle in the playground and got a bandage on it and got on with it," Strachan said.
"All I know is tomorrow when we play against Dundee United, he will not be fit."
Strachan said he was not certain McGeady would recover in time for next Tuesday's Champions League game at home to Benfica.
Beattie is ruled out after suffering a hamstring strain playing for the reserves on Tuesday in a 3-2 win over Rangers.
Reuters
GLASGOW, Oct 13 (Reuters) - Celtic's Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has recovered from an ankle injury and will be fit for the Scottish champions' game at Dundee United on Saturday.
The Dutch international suffered the injury in last month's 2-0 Old Firm win over Rangers at Celtic Park.
"Jan will be fit and back in the squad," Gordon Strachan told reporters on Friday, though the Celtic manager will be without Ireland midfielder Aiden McGeady and striker Craig Beattie.
"Aiden has an ankle strain. In my day you went over on your ankle in the playground and got a bandage on it and got on with it," Strachan said.
"All I know is tomorrow when we play against Dundee United, he will not be fit."
Strachan said he was not certain McGeady would recover in time for next Tuesday's Champions League game at home to Benfica.
Beattie is ruled out after suffering a hamstring strain playing for the reserves on Tuesday in a 3-2 win over Rangers.
Reuters
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Celtic injury news
Aiden McGeady - minor damage to his ankle, missed the game with Dundee United on Saturday, is looking to return for the Benfica game on Tuesday. No word from the club as yet, but McGeady says "Optimistically, I'm hoping to make Tuesday night". "It's going to be a push, because I'm struggling a bit, but that's my aim.
"The Champions League games are the ones you really want to play in and I feel with the help of the physios that I can make it."
Quotes from The Herald, 14/10/06
Shaun Maloney replaced McGeady in the starting line-up for his first start of the season following a hernia injury sustained in the summer. He was directly involved in two of the goals, assisting Vennegoor of Hesselink's goal.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink made a scoring return to the Celtic team on Saturday after his ankle injury sustained on the 23 September against Rangers. Edit - rumours abound that he is once again a doubt for the Benfica game.
Thomas Gravesen missed out against Dundee United after a hamstring strain. Again, nothing official, but his agent John Sivebaek said: "Thomas has a hamstring strain and I don't think he will be able to play against Dundee United.
"It is too early to say whether it will be a problem for the Champions League match next week.
"We are hopeful it will not prevent him from playing against Benfica because it is only a small injury."
Quotes from The Herald 14/10/06
Aiden McGeady - minor damage to his ankle, missed the game with Dundee United on Saturday, is looking to return for the Benfica game on Tuesday. No word from the club as yet, but McGeady says "Optimistically, I'm hoping to make Tuesday night". "It's going to be a push, because I'm struggling a bit, but that's my aim.
"The Champions League games are the ones you really want to play in and I feel with the help of the physios that I can make it."
Quotes from The Herald, 14/10/06
Shaun Maloney replaced McGeady in the starting line-up for his first start of the season following a hernia injury sustained in the summer. He was directly involved in two of the goals, assisting Vennegoor of Hesselink's goal.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink made a scoring return to the Celtic team on Saturday after his ankle injury sustained on the 23 September against Rangers. Edit - rumours abound that he is once again a doubt for the Benfica game.
Thomas Gravesen missed out against Dundee United after a hamstring strain. Again, nothing official, but his agent John Sivebaek said: "Thomas has a hamstring strain and I don't think he will be able to play against Dundee United.
"It is too early to say whether it will be a problem for the Champions League match next week.
"We are hopeful it will not prevent him from playing against Benfica because it is only a small injury."
Quotes from The Herald 14/10/06
Last edited by M-boy on 16 Oct 2006, 12:49, edited 1 time in total.
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DUNDEE UNITED… 1
(Hunt 5)
CELTIC… 4
(Nakamura 44, 48, 57, Vennegoor of Hesselink 53)
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Tannadice Park, Dundee
CELTIC returned from the international break in fine form at Tannadice Park, scoring four and blowing away their opponents in what was an entertaining and assured performance from Gordon Strachan’s men.
The players also showed the character to overcome some sticky moments in this match, with Shunsuke Nakamura levelling just a minute before half-time as United took an early lead.
But after the interval the champions’ class and quality showed as they took three from their opponents within the space of ten minutes and wrapped up the points, with midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura helping himself to a hat-trick.
With the first team squad only having re-assembled for the first time yesterday after a fortnight long international break, many anticipated a slow start to this match as the players re-adjusted and found their feet.
But United clearly had other plans, seizing an early and rare opportunity in front of goal to take the lead unexpectedly.
There were just five minutes on the clock when the ball was pushed forward with Collin Samuel and Stephen McManus challenging for the ball.
As he jumped, the Celtic defender took a heavy blow to the back of the head and as he lay prone on the ground, seeking treatment, his fellow defenders seemed to hesitate, pausing as the ball dropped for Noel Hunt some 24 yards out.
The Irishman however had one thought in mind and, having taken a touch, he looked up and hit a dipping shot that sailed through Artur Boruc’s outstretched arms and into the Celtic keeper’s bottom right hand corner.
While taking Celtic by surprise, the goal also succeeded in blowing away the cobwebs accumulated during the recent break and when play resumed, it do so at a fair pace with Gordon Strachan’s men looking for an immediate reply.
First Paul Telfer fired a long-range effort high, wide and handsome and then Jiri Jarosik nodded a near-post header over the bar before Shaun Maloney skinned full-back David Proctor and thumped a shot inches wide of Derek Stillie’s far post.
But despite their efforts it was Barry Robson who squandered perhaps the half’s most outstanding opportunity, fluffing his shot on the half hour mark after being found in space inside the six-yard box by Samuel in United’s next real counter-attack.
Aside from this effort however, the home side had mainly been focussed on jealously defending their one-goal advantage, but as the half drew to a close they began to grow in confidence and push forward and with five minutes remaining, Mark Kerr tested Boruc with what looked to be the last chance of the half.
Then, with just one minute of normal time remaining, Gary Caldwell lifted a long free-kick from the halfway line into the penalty box and from the resulting scrum, Celtic levelled through Shunsuke Nakamura.
As the ball bounced around in the box it first found Nakamura, before reaching the head of Vennegoor of Hesselink and then bouncing on to Jiri Jarosik who nodded the ball back down to the Japanese midfielder in space at the back post.
Nakamura was then left with the simplest of finishes and Celtic could even have extended their lead in the seconds that remained in the half, when a Telfer cross was struck beautifully on the volley by Jarosik, who inspired a remarkable one-handed stop from Stillie just before the whistle sounded.
But when Celtic emerged after the interval it would take them less than 15 minutes to effectively finish this match as a contest and earn all three of the points.
There were in fact just three minutes played when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink nodded on a Lee Naylor throw-in for Jarosik in front of goal, who swivelled in mid-air and missed an overhead volley, with the ball bobbling through to Nakamura at the back post.
With United failing to learn from their first half lesson, the midfielder was again left unmarked, in space and was able to simply tap the ball past the scrambling Stillie.
Now a goal behind, the home side looked clearly rattled and with Celtic’s next foray forward Vennegoor of Hesselink was able to burst right through the heart of the United defence, take a touch to carry the ball beyond Stillie and then show great composure to finish from a tight angle.
And then, just four minutes later, Nakamura was able to finish this match as a contest with over half an hour still remaining, lifting his delicate chip over the keeper from eight yards out after being found by Jarosik’s cut-back from the byline.
This goal had the demoralised home supporters filing out the exits in their droves and those who stayed were able to watch Celtic continue to dominate, with Jarosik, McManus and Maloney (on two occasions) coming close to completing the rout. Meanwhile United’s only crumbs of comfort were efforts fired wide by Noel Hunt and Christian Kalvenes.
As the minutes ticked away Gordon Strachan was able to rest several experienced players (with the forthcoming UEFA Champions League game against Benfica on Tuesday in mind) and the manager will certainly be pleased with a performance that so far, ranks among the most assured in the early months of this season.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Shaun Maloney
DUNDEE UTD (4-4-2) Stillie; Proctor, McCracken, Archibald, Kalvenes; Robson, Kerr, Cameron, Hunt; Duff (Conway 74), Samuel (Goodwillie 74).
Subs: McLean, Wilkie, Mair, Easton, Smith.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon (Pearson 75), Sno, Maloney (Riordan 72); Jarosik, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Miller 60).
Subs: Marshall, Balde, O’Brien, O’Dea.
Celtic F. C.
(Hunt 5)
CELTIC… 4
(Nakamura 44, 48, 57, Vennegoor of Hesselink 53)
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Tannadice Park, Dundee
CELTIC returned from the international break in fine form at Tannadice Park, scoring four and blowing away their opponents in what was an entertaining and assured performance from Gordon Strachan’s men.
The players also showed the character to overcome some sticky moments in this match, with Shunsuke Nakamura levelling just a minute before half-time as United took an early lead.
But after the interval the champions’ class and quality showed as they took three from their opponents within the space of ten minutes and wrapped up the points, with midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura helping himself to a hat-trick.
With the first team squad only having re-assembled for the first time yesterday after a fortnight long international break, many anticipated a slow start to this match as the players re-adjusted and found their feet.
But United clearly had other plans, seizing an early and rare opportunity in front of goal to take the lead unexpectedly.
There were just five minutes on the clock when the ball was pushed forward with Collin Samuel and Stephen McManus challenging for the ball.
As he jumped, the Celtic defender took a heavy blow to the back of the head and as he lay prone on the ground, seeking treatment, his fellow defenders seemed to hesitate, pausing as the ball dropped for Noel Hunt some 24 yards out.
The Irishman however had one thought in mind and, having taken a touch, he looked up and hit a dipping shot that sailed through Artur Boruc’s outstretched arms and into the Celtic keeper’s bottom right hand corner.
While taking Celtic by surprise, the goal also succeeded in blowing away the cobwebs accumulated during the recent break and when play resumed, it do so at a fair pace with Gordon Strachan’s men looking for an immediate reply.
First Paul Telfer fired a long-range effort high, wide and handsome and then Jiri Jarosik nodded a near-post header over the bar before Shaun Maloney skinned full-back David Proctor and thumped a shot inches wide of Derek Stillie’s far post.
But despite their efforts it was Barry Robson who squandered perhaps the half’s most outstanding opportunity, fluffing his shot on the half hour mark after being found in space inside the six-yard box by Samuel in United’s next real counter-attack.
Aside from this effort however, the home side had mainly been focussed on jealously defending their one-goal advantage, but as the half drew to a close they began to grow in confidence and push forward and with five minutes remaining, Mark Kerr tested Boruc with what looked to be the last chance of the half.
Then, with just one minute of normal time remaining, Gary Caldwell lifted a long free-kick from the halfway line into the penalty box and from the resulting scrum, Celtic levelled through Shunsuke Nakamura.
As the ball bounced around in the box it first found Nakamura, before reaching the head of Vennegoor of Hesselink and then bouncing on to Jiri Jarosik who nodded the ball back down to the Japanese midfielder in space at the back post.
Nakamura was then left with the simplest of finishes and Celtic could even have extended their lead in the seconds that remained in the half, when a Telfer cross was struck beautifully on the volley by Jarosik, who inspired a remarkable one-handed stop from Stillie just before the whistle sounded.
But when Celtic emerged after the interval it would take them less than 15 minutes to effectively finish this match as a contest and earn all three of the points.
There were in fact just three minutes played when Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink nodded on a Lee Naylor throw-in for Jarosik in front of goal, who swivelled in mid-air and missed an overhead volley, with the ball bobbling through to Nakamura at the back post.
With United failing to learn from their first half lesson, the midfielder was again left unmarked, in space and was able to simply tap the ball past the scrambling Stillie.
Now a goal behind, the home side looked clearly rattled and with Celtic’s next foray forward Vennegoor of Hesselink was able to burst right through the heart of the United defence, take a touch to carry the ball beyond Stillie and then show great composure to finish from a tight angle.
And then, just four minutes later, Nakamura was able to finish this match as a contest with over half an hour still remaining, lifting his delicate chip over the keeper from eight yards out after being found by Jarosik’s cut-back from the byline.
This goal had the demoralised home supporters filing out the exits in their droves and those who stayed were able to watch Celtic continue to dominate, with Jarosik, McManus and Maloney (on two occasions) coming close to completing the rout. Meanwhile United’s only crumbs of comfort were efforts fired wide by Noel Hunt and Christian Kalvenes.
As the minutes ticked away Gordon Strachan was able to rest several experienced players (with the forthcoming UEFA Champions League game against Benfica on Tuesday in mind) and the manager will certainly be pleased with a performance that so far, ranks among the most assured in the early months of this season.
WEBSITE MAN OF THE MATCH: Shaun Maloney
DUNDEE UTD (4-4-2) Stillie; Proctor, McCracken, Archibald, Kalvenes; Robson, Kerr, Cameron, Hunt; Duff (Conway 74), Samuel (Goodwillie 74).
Subs: McLean, Wilkie, Mair, Easton, Smith.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon (Pearson 75), Sno, Maloney (Riordan 72); Jarosik, Vennegoor of Hesselink (Miller 60).
Subs: Marshall, Balde, O’Brien, O’Dea.
Celtic F. C.
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Gravesen out, JVofH, McGeady, Zurawski doubtful; Sno set for CL debut
Gravesen out for Celtic
By Lewis Rutledge - 16 Oct 2006
Gordon Strachan has confirmed that Thomas Gravesen will miss Celtic's UEFA Champions League clash with Benfica.
The Danish midfielder missed Saturday's 4-1 victory over Dundee United with a hamstring injury and he is still struggling with the problem.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (hamstring), Aiden McGeady (ankle) and Maciej Zurawski (hamstring) are also doubtful, but Strachan is refusing to be too downcast.
The Celtic boss said: "Gravesen is definitely out and that's the only one I would say is definitely out.
"There's still a few missing from training this morning, but that's football.
"We can't put a final 11 together until we see what is going on."
Dutch midfielder Evander Sno filled in for Gravesen against Dundee United and will make his first European start against Benfica.
"You can never be ready, really ready for your debut in the Champions League," said Strachan.
"But, it has to be done, it is part of the learning stage.
"Hopefully he (Sno) is going to play loads of games for Celtic in the future and become a better player."
Sky Sports
Gravesen out for Celtic
By Lewis Rutledge - 16 Oct 2006
Gordon Strachan has confirmed that Thomas Gravesen will miss Celtic's UEFA Champions League clash with Benfica.
The Danish midfielder missed Saturday's 4-1 victory over Dundee United with a hamstring injury and he is still struggling with the problem.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (hamstring), Aiden McGeady (ankle) and Maciej Zurawski (hamstring) are also doubtful, but Strachan is refusing to be too downcast.
The Celtic boss said: "Gravesen is definitely out and that's the only one I would say is definitely out.
"There's still a few missing from training this morning, but that's football.
"We can't put a final 11 together until we see what is going on."
Dutch midfielder Evander Sno filled in for Gravesen against Dundee United and will make his first European start against Benfica.
"You can never be ready, really ready for your debut in the Champions League," said Strachan.
"But, it has to be done, it is part of the learning stage.
"Hopefully he (Sno) is going to play loads of games for Celtic in the future and become a better player."
Sky Sports
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M-boy
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CELTIC 3
BENFICA 0
Scorers: Miller (56, 66); Pearson (90)
DARRYL BROADFOOT (The Herald) at Celtic Park October 18 2006
SURELY only a capitulation will deprive Celtic of Champions League involvement after the conclusion of Group F.
Kenny Miller enhanced his European credentials with two goals that helped spear Benfica before a baying Parkhead audience. A point in Lisbon when they next meet, on November 1, ought to be enough to ensure Celtic's passage into the knockout stages along with Manchester United.
Miller produced a second match-winning contribution in succession, after unravelling FC Copenhagen, to leave the Bank of Scotland Premierleague champions tantalisingly close to repeating the feat of rivals, Rangers, last season.
The Scotland striker led the line majestically in the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Two clinical finishes were just reward in a comprehensive defeat of supposed technical superiors. The facts were startling: Celtic enjoyed handsome swathes of possession and limited a waspish Portuguese forward line to pot-shots.
Miller was simply the showstopper of an ensemble cast. Regardless of Martin O'Neill's purported interest in Shaun Maloney, Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, must make a business meeting with the player's agent, John Halliwell, a priority this week.
Maloney excelled in the absence of Aiden McGeady. Sharp, skilful and incisive, he claimed an assist for Miller's second and was denied a spectacular effort that ignited this sparkling showpiece.
In what proved a night of collective accomplishment, Maciej Zurawski demonstrated his class in support of the lone striker and relieved the tension created by injuries to McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink. His hold-up play was integral to Celtic's dominance but so, too, the manual labour willingly undertaken by Evander Sno on his European debut.
The 19-year-old was a ponytailed powerhouse in midfield and proved a more than adequate deputy in the Thomas Gravesen role. In fact, given the Dane's sub-standard Champions League performances, the Dutchman looked a considerably more authoritative and disciplined alternative.
He left the field to a hero's reception, with Stephen Pearson making a memorable cameo appearance with the third goal.
On this evidence, referring to Lee Naylor as a 'steady Eddie' is doing the Englishman a major disservice. Defensive diligence is standard but how the forwards have grown to love his delightfully dangerous deliveries.
Benfica's prospects of progression hinged on an away win at Celtic Park. They, like FC Copenhagen, now require a minor miracle as their group rivals head off on the horizon.
Perhaps reassuringly for Gordon Strachan, the Portuguese side were without a trio of their pedigree players: Rui Costa, an inspiration even in old age, the dynamic winger, Paulo Jorge, and one half of their Greek midfield axis, Georgios Karagounis, were unavailable to Benfica coach Fernando Santos.
UEFA's insistence on approved audio only in the tantalising moments prior to kick-off had upset the traditionalists accustomed to a rousing rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. But an a cappella version was just as effective in stoking the passion and administering a metaphorical middle finger to hammy authority.
The early signs were encouraging and enduring. Within the opening minute, Maloney tested the instinctive reflex of Quim, the Portuguese goalkeeper and perennial butt of playground humour. Paul Telfer's throw-in was headed across goal by Zurawski and Maloney's expertly executed scissors kick desperately flung over the bar.
If that wasn't promising enough, Shunsuke Nakamura won a tackle. Throughout the first half, Celtic's short game was mesmerising. The ball zipped around the field attractively, taking the visitors aback. Were these not the stylistic standards expected of Benfica?
Strachan's side continued to confound the brawny Scottish stereotype. The frequency of their attacks left Quim queasy and he then emphasised a long-standing deficiency with a hapless flap at a trademark Nakamura cross.
The pace barely relented, but a besieged Benfica derived comfort from the fact that their goal remained intact amid the bombardment. Naylor's uncharacteristically over-hit cross dipped violently, provoking a panicky jab from Quim.
Having been redundant for much of the half, Celtic were almost caught out before the interval. Leo, a diminutive defensive dynamo, thrust forward and from his cross, Konstantinos Katsouranis headed over despite being unattended eight yards from goal.
The second half was just as engrossing. Celtic survived a swerving Simao free-kick which dipped just wide of Boruc's left-hand post. It failed to knock the hosts off their impressive stride.
Miller's persistence was rewarded in 56 minutes. Naylor, having endured a wasteful couple of minutes, delivered an exquisite low cross. Nakamura slid in hopefully and his scuffed shot fell invitingly to Miller, whose predatory finish caused utter bedlam.
Nuno Assis' smack off the crossbar minutes later was a sobering experience. It also spurred Celtic to seal the points swiftly. A keen breakaway by Maloney evoked shrieks of "pass it" as Miller pulled clear. But a drag back opened up the field and he found Miller in oceans of space to lash the ball past Quim.
Pearson then embroidered the victory with a clinical downward drive.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 88), Maloney; Miller, Zurawski (Jarosik 84)
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, Thompson, O’Dea
BENFICA (4-3-3) Quim; Alcides, Luisao, Rocha, Leo; Petit, Katsouranis (Nelson 71), Nuno Assis; Miccoli, Nuno Gomes (Kikin 77), Simao
Subs: Moreira, Anderson, Beto, Miguelito, Karyaka
The Herald
BENFICA 0
Scorers: Miller (56, 66); Pearson (90)
DARRYL BROADFOOT (The Herald) at Celtic Park October 18 2006
SURELY only a capitulation will deprive Celtic of Champions League involvement after the conclusion of Group F.
Kenny Miller enhanced his European credentials with two goals that helped spear Benfica before a baying Parkhead audience. A point in Lisbon when they next meet, on November 1, ought to be enough to ensure Celtic's passage into the knockout stages along with Manchester United.
Miller produced a second match-winning contribution in succession, after unravelling FC Copenhagen, to leave the Bank of Scotland Premierleague champions tantalisingly close to repeating the feat of rivals, Rangers, last season.
The Scotland striker led the line majestically in the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Two clinical finishes were just reward in a comprehensive defeat of supposed technical superiors. The facts were startling: Celtic enjoyed handsome swathes of possession and limited a waspish Portuguese forward line to pot-shots.
Miller was simply the showstopper of an ensemble cast. Regardless of Martin O'Neill's purported interest in Shaun Maloney, Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, must make a business meeting with the player's agent, John Halliwell, a priority this week.
Maloney excelled in the absence of Aiden McGeady. Sharp, skilful and incisive, he claimed an assist for Miller's second and was denied a spectacular effort that ignited this sparkling showpiece.
In what proved a night of collective accomplishment, Maciej Zurawski demonstrated his class in support of the lone striker and relieved the tension created by injuries to McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink. His hold-up play was integral to Celtic's dominance but so, too, the manual labour willingly undertaken by Evander Sno on his European debut.
The 19-year-old was a ponytailed powerhouse in midfield and proved a more than adequate deputy in the Thomas Gravesen role. In fact, given the Dane's sub-standard Champions League performances, the Dutchman looked a considerably more authoritative and disciplined alternative.
He left the field to a hero's reception, with Stephen Pearson making a memorable cameo appearance with the third goal.
On this evidence, referring to Lee Naylor as a 'steady Eddie' is doing the Englishman a major disservice. Defensive diligence is standard but how the forwards have grown to love his delightfully dangerous deliveries.
Benfica's prospects of progression hinged on an away win at Celtic Park. They, like FC Copenhagen, now require a minor miracle as their group rivals head off on the horizon.
Perhaps reassuringly for Gordon Strachan, the Portuguese side were without a trio of their pedigree players: Rui Costa, an inspiration even in old age, the dynamic winger, Paulo Jorge, and one half of their Greek midfield axis, Georgios Karagounis, were unavailable to Benfica coach Fernando Santos.
UEFA's insistence on approved audio only in the tantalising moments prior to kick-off had upset the traditionalists accustomed to a rousing rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. But an a cappella version was just as effective in stoking the passion and administering a metaphorical middle finger to hammy authority.
The early signs were encouraging and enduring. Within the opening minute, Maloney tested the instinctive reflex of Quim, the Portuguese goalkeeper and perennial butt of playground humour. Paul Telfer's throw-in was headed across goal by Zurawski and Maloney's expertly executed scissors kick desperately flung over the bar.
If that wasn't promising enough, Shunsuke Nakamura won a tackle. Throughout the first half, Celtic's short game was mesmerising. The ball zipped around the field attractively, taking the visitors aback. Were these not the stylistic standards expected of Benfica?
Strachan's side continued to confound the brawny Scottish stereotype. The frequency of their attacks left Quim queasy and he then emphasised a long-standing deficiency with a hapless flap at a trademark Nakamura cross.
The pace barely relented, but a besieged Benfica derived comfort from the fact that their goal remained intact amid the bombardment. Naylor's uncharacteristically over-hit cross dipped violently, provoking a panicky jab from Quim.
Having been redundant for much of the half, Celtic were almost caught out before the interval. Leo, a diminutive defensive dynamo, thrust forward and from his cross, Konstantinos Katsouranis headed over despite being unattended eight yards from goal.
The second half was just as engrossing. Celtic survived a swerving Simao free-kick which dipped just wide of Boruc's left-hand post. It failed to knock the hosts off their impressive stride.
Miller's persistence was rewarded in 56 minutes. Naylor, having endured a wasteful couple of minutes, delivered an exquisite low cross. Nakamura slid in hopefully and his scuffed shot fell invitingly to Miller, whose predatory finish caused utter bedlam.
Nuno Assis' smack off the crossbar minutes later was a sobering experience. It also spurred Celtic to seal the points swiftly. A keen breakaway by Maloney evoked shrieks of "pass it" as Miller pulled clear. But a drag back opened up the field and he found Miller in oceans of space to lash the ball past Quim.
Pearson then embroidered the victory with a clinical downward drive.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 88), Maloney; Miller, Zurawski (Jarosik 84)
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, Thompson, O’Dea
BENFICA (4-3-3) Quim; Alcides, Luisao, Rocha, Leo; Petit, Katsouranis (Nelson 71), Nuno Assis; Miccoli, Nuno Gomes (Kikin 77), Simao
Subs: Moreira, Anderson, Beto, Miguelito, Karyaka
The Herald
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M-boy
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CELTIC 3
BENFICA 0
Scorers: Miller (56, 66); Pearson (90)
DARRYL BROADFOOT (The Herald) at Celtic Park October 18 2006
SURELY only a capitulation will deprive Celtic of Champions League involvement after the conclusion of Group F.Kenny Miller enhanced his European credentials with two goals that helped spear Benfica before a baying Parkhead audience. A point in Lisbon when they next meet, on November 1, ought to be enough to ensure Celtic's passage into the knockout stages along with Manchester United.
Miller produced a second match-winning contribution in succession, after unravelling FC Copenhagen, to leave the Bank of Scotland Premierleague champions tantalisingly close to repeating the feat of rivals, Rangers, last season.
The Scotland striker led the line majestically in the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Two clinical finishes were just reward in a comprehensive defeat of supposed technical superiors. The facts were startling: Celtic enjoyed handsome swathes of possession and limited a waspish Portuguese forward line to pot-shots.
Miller was simply the showstopper of an ensemble cast. Regardless of Martin O'Neill's purported interest in Shaun Maloney, Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, must make a business meeting with the player's agent, John Halliwell, a priority this week.
Maloney excelled in the absence of Aiden McGeady. Sharp, skilful and incisive, he claimed an assist for Miller's second and was denied a spectacular effort that ignited this sparkling showpiece.
In what proved a night of collective accomplishment, Maciej Zurawski demonstrated his class in support of the lone striker and relieved the tension created by injuries to McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink. His hold-up play was integral to Celtic's dominance but so, too, the manual labour willingly undertaken by Evander Sno on his European debut.
The 19-year-old was a ponytailed powerhouse in midfield and proved a more than adequate deputy in the Thomas Gravesen role. In fact, given the Dane's sub-standard Champions League performances, the Dutchman looked a considerably more authoritative and disciplined alternative.
He left the field to a hero's reception, with Stephen Pearson making a memorable cameo appearance with the third goal.
On this evidence, referring to Lee Naylor as a 'steady Eddie' is doing the Englishman a major disservice. Defensive diligence is standard but how the forwards have grown to love his delightfully dangerous deliveries.
Benfica's prospects of progression hinged on an away win at Celtic Park. They, like FC Copenhagen, now require a minor miracle as their group rivals head off on the horizon.
Perhaps reassuringly for Gordon Strachan, the Portuguese side were without a trio of their pedigree players: Rui Costa, an inspiration even in old age, the dynamic winger, Paulo Jorge, and one half of their Greek midfield axis, Georgios Karagounis, were unavailable to Benfica coach Fernando Santos.
UEFA's insistence on approved audio only in the tantalising moments prior to kick-off had upset the traditionalists accustomed to a rousing rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. But an a cappella version was just as effective in stoking the passion and administering a metaphorical middle finger to hammy authority.
The early signs were encouraging and enduring. Within the opening minute, Maloney tested the instinctive reflex of Quim, the Portuguese goalkeeper and perennial butt of playground humour. Paul Telfer's throw-in was headed across goal by Zurawski and Maloney's expertly executed scissors kick desperately flung over the bar.
If that wasn't promising enough, Shunsuke Nakamura won a tackle. Throughout the first half, Celtic's short game was mesmerising. The ball zipped around the field attractively, taking the visitors aback. Were these not the stylistic standards expected of Benfica?
Strachan's side continued to confound the brawny Scottish stereotype. The frequency of their attacks left Quim queasy and he then emphasised a long-standing deficiency with a hapless flap at a trademark Nakamura cross.
The pace barely relented, but a besieged Benfica derived comfort from the fact that their goal remained intact amid the bombardment. Naylor's uncharacteristically over-hit cross dipped violently, provoking a panicky jab from Quim.
Having been redundant for much of the half, Celtic were almost caught out before the interval. Leo, a diminutive defensive dynamo, thrust forward and from his cross, Konstantinos Katsouranis headed over despite being unattended eight yards from goal.
The second half was just as engrossing. Celtic survived a swerving Simao free-kick which dipped just wide of Boruc's left-hand post. It failed to knock the hosts off their impressive stride.
Miller's persistence was rewarded in 56 minutes. Naylor, having endured a wasteful couple of minutes, delivered an exquisite low cross. Nakamura slid in hopefully and his scuffed shot fell invitingly to Miller, whose predatory finish caused utter bedlam.
Nuno Assis' smack off the crossbar minutes later was a sobering experience. It also spurred Celtic to seal the points swiftly. A keen breakaway by Maloney evoked shrieks of "pass it" as Miller pulled clear. But a drag back opened up the field and he found Miller in oceans of space to lash the ball past Quim.
Pearson then embroidered the victory with a clinical downward drive.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 88), Maloney; Miller, Zurawski (Jarosik 84)
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, Thompson, O’Dea
BENFICA (4-3-3) Quim; Alcides, Luisao, Rocha, Leo; Petit, Katsouranis (Nelson 71), Nuno Assis; Miccoli, Nuno Gomes (Kikin 77), Simao
Subs: Moreira, Anderson, Beto, Miguelito, Karyaka
Article from The Herald tea information from Celtic F. C.
BENFICA 0
Scorers: Miller (56, 66); Pearson (90)
DARRYL BROADFOOT (The Herald) at Celtic Park October 18 2006
SURELY only a capitulation will deprive Celtic of Champions League involvement after the conclusion of Group F.Kenny Miller enhanced his European credentials with two goals that helped spear Benfica before a baying Parkhead audience. A point in Lisbon when they next meet, on November 1, ought to be enough to ensure Celtic's passage into the knockout stages along with Manchester United.
Miller produced a second match-winning contribution in succession, after unravelling FC Copenhagen, to leave the Bank of Scotland Premierleague champions tantalisingly close to repeating the feat of rivals, Rangers, last season.
The Scotland striker led the line majestically in the absence of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink. Two clinical finishes were just reward in a comprehensive defeat of supposed technical superiors. The facts were startling: Celtic enjoyed handsome swathes of possession and limited a waspish Portuguese forward line to pot-shots.
Miller was simply the showstopper of an ensemble cast. Regardless of Martin O'Neill's purported interest in Shaun Maloney, Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, must make a business meeting with the player's agent, John Halliwell, a priority this week.
Maloney excelled in the absence of Aiden McGeady. Sharp, skilful and incisive, he claimed an assist for Miller's second and was denied a spectacular effort that ignited this sparkling showpiece.
In what proved a night of collective accomplishment, Maciej Zurawski demonstrated his class in support of the lone striker and relieved the tension created by injuries to McGeady and Vennegoor of Hesselink. His hold-up play was integral to Celtic's dominance but so, too, the manual labour willingly undertaken by Evander Sno on his European debut.
The 19-year-old was a ponytailed powerhouse in midfield and proved a more than adequate deputy in the Thomas Gravesen role. In fact, given the Dane's sub-standard Champions League performances, the Dutchman looked a considerably more authoritative and disciplined alternative.
He left the field to a hero's reception, with Stephen Pearson making a memorable cameo appearance with the third goal.
On this evidence, referring to Lee Naylor as a 'steady Eddie' is doing the Englishman a major disservice. Defensive diligence is standard but how the forwards have grown to love his delightfully dangerous deliveries.
Benfica's prospects of progression hinged on an away win at Celtic Park. They, like FC Copenhagen, now require a minor miracle as their group rivals head off on the horizon.
Perhaps reassuringly for Gordon Strachan, the Portuguese side were without a trio of their pedigree players: Rui Costa, an inspiration even in old age, the dynamic winger, Paulo Jorge, and one half of their Greek midfield axis, Georgios Karagounis, were unavailable to Benfica coach Fernando Santos.
UEFA's insistence on approved audio only in the tantalising moments prior to kick-off had upset the traditionalists accustomed to a rousing rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. But an a cappella version was just as effective in stoking the passion and administering a metaphorical middle finger to hammy authority.
The early signs were encouraging and enduring. Within the opening minute, Maloney tested the instinctive reflex of Quim, the Portuguese goalkeeper and perennial butt of playground humour. Paul Telfer's throw-in was headed across goal by Zurawski and Maloney's expertly executed scissors kick desperately flung over the bar.
If that wasn't promising enough, Shunsuke Nakamura won a tackle. Throughout the first half, Celtic's short game was mesmerising. The ball zipped around the field attractively, taking the visitors aback. Were these not the stylistic standards expected of Benfica?
Strachan's side continued to confound the brawny Scottish stereotype. The frequency of their attacks left Quim queasy and he then emphasised a long-standing deficiency with a hapless flap at a trademark Nakamura cross.
The pace barely relented, but a besieged Benfica derived comfort from the fact that their goal remained intact amid the bombardment. Naylor's uncharacteristically over-hit cross dipped violently, provoking a panicky jab from Quim.
Having been redundant for much of the half, Celtic were almost caught out before the interval. Leo, a diminutive defensive dynamo, thrust forward and from his cross, Konstantinos Katsouranis headed over despite being unattended eight yards from goal.
The second half was just as engrossing. Celtic survived a swerving Simao free-kick which dipped just wide of Boruc's left-hand post. It failed to knock the hosts off their impressive stride.
Miller's persistence was rewarded in 56 minutes. Naylor, having endured a wasteful couple of minutes, delivered an exquisite low cross. Nakamura slid in hopefully and his scuffed shot fell invitingly to Miller, whose predatory finish caused utter bedlam.
Nuno Assis' smack off the crossbar minutes later was a sobering experience. It also spurred Celtic to seal the points swiftly. A keen breakaway by Maloney evoked shrieks of "pass it" as Miller pulled clear. But a drag back opened up the field and he found Miller in oceans of space to lash the ball past Quim.
Pearson then embroidered the victory with a clinical downward drive.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 88), Maloney; Miller, Zurawski (Jarosik 84)
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, Thompson, O’Dea
BENFICA (4-3-3) Quim; Alcides, Luisao, Rocha, Leo; Petit, Katsouranis (Nelson 71), Nuno Assis; Miccoli, Nuno Gomes (Kikin 77), Simao
Subs: Moreira, Anderson, Beto, Miguelito, Karyaka
Article from The Herald tea information from Celtic F. C.
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thelip
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tom4nash
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Kudos to the Green and White.thelip wrote:I was going to post about Celtic earlier but decided to wait to see how long it took someone to mention their fantastic achievement last night. Almost a whole day!
Come on guys, credit where credit's due
(Not directed at M-boy who keeps this thread ticking over very nicely)
Personally, I try not to step on the toes of someone who's taking care of their club's info.
And, yes, M-Boy's doing a bang-up job....
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M-boy
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Judging by his location, I think thelip is the one doing thattom4nash wrote:Kudos to the Green and White.thelip wrote:I was going to post about Celtic earlier but decided to wait to see how long it took someone to mention their fantastic achievement last night. Almost a whole day!
Come on guys, credit where credit's due
(Not directed at M-boy who keeps this thread ticking over very nicely)
Personally, I try not to step on the toes of someone who's taking care of their club's info.
And, yes, M-Boy's doing a bang-up job....
. I'm doing alright, especially after last night.-
M-boy
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Vennegoor of Hesselink says he may miss important games against Benfica and Hearts next month through injury.
He said: "I had really no chance of making the Benfica game and, to be honest, I don't think I'll be playing for two or three weeks now.
"It's disappointing because these are the types of games I came to Celtic for."
Info from Teamtalk
He said: "I had really no chance of making the Benfica game and, to be honest, I don't think I'll be playing for two or three weeks now.
"It's disappointing because these are the types of games I came to Celtic for."
Info from Teamtalk
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M-boy
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M-boy
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CELTIC… 2
(Craigan o.g. 16, Zurawski 66)
MOTHERWELL… 1
(McDonald 77)
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Not a lot to report on. Celtic were a bit flat after the midweek exertions. Nakamura was excellent, creating both goals with perfectly weighted balls to Zurawski. The first goal required a wee help by a Motherwell defender as Zurawski miss-hit the shot, but the second was coolly dispatched under pressure. A third goal was wrongly denied by the referee who 'saw' Maloney handle the ball.
Motherwell were a bit more attacking than they usually are at CP and were rewarded when the Celtic defence failed to deal with a free kick and left Scott McDonald on his own at the back post. That made the end of the game less comfortable than it should have been.
McGeady returned after injury as a sub for Maloney who did not have his best game in the hoops. As at Dundee United the previous Saturday, Jarosik played the last 25 minutes as a striker, but did not look comfortable in the role.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 78), Maloney (McGeady 60); Miller (Jarosik 69), Zurawski.
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, O’Dea.
MOTHERWELL (4-4-2) Meldrum; Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson; Lasley, McGarry, Kerr, Foran; McDonald, Elliot (Clarkson 70).
Subs: Smith, Kinniburgh, McBride, Fitzpatrick, Connolly, Coakley.
(Craigan o.g. 16, Zurawski 66)
MOTHERWELL… 1
(McDonald 77)
Scottish Premierleague
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Not a lot to report on. Celtic were a bit flat after the midweek exertions. Nakamura was excellent, creating both goals with perfectly weighted balls to Zurawski. The first goal required a wee help by a Motherwell defender as Zurawski miss-hit the shot, but the second was coolly dispatched under pressure. A third goal was wrongly denied by the referee who 'saw' Maloney handle the ball
.Motherwell were a bit more attacking than they usually are at CP and were rewarded when the Celtic defence failed to deal with a free kick and left Scott McDonald on his own at the back post. That made the end of the game less comfortable than it should have been.
McGeady returned after injury as a sub for Maloney who did not have his best game in the hoops. As at Dundee United the previous Saturday, Jarosik played the last 25 minutes as a striker, but did not look comfortable in the role.
CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Telfer, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor; Nakamura, Lennon, Sno (Pearson 78), Maloney (McGeady 60); Miller (Jarosik 69), Zurawski.
Subs: Marshall, Balde, Riordan, O’Dea.
MOTHERWELL (4-4-2) Meldrum; Quinn, Craigan, Reynolds, Paterson; Lasley, McGarry, Kerr, Foran; McDonald, Elliot (Clarkson 70).
Subs: Smith, Kinniburgh, McBride, Fitzpatrick, Connolly, Coakley.
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