Yesterday Celtic ran out 2-0 winners against Dean Smith’s Norwich City, in what was a comprehensive and controlled performance from start to finish. A composed low strike from David Turnbull added to a delicious back heel flick from Daizen Maeda in the first half of the game. Although the score was 2-0 it wasn’t really reflective of the manner in which we managed the game, as we didn’t let Norwich strike a blow.
After the game, Ange Postecoglou revealed his delight at the result and general play as we head towards the first game of the new season versus Aberdeen next week. Amongst other things, he explained the situation around the injured Carl Starfelt and gave the supporters an update. The Swede has been out since his devastating injury in the Nations League qualifiers back in June.
“”We’re hoping Carl will join in training at some point this week. He’s in the last stages and doing all the physical stuff away from the group. So knock on wood, he’s passed every stage and the handover to the football department should happen. That means that hopefully within a week or two he’s ready to go,” Postecoglou said, as reported by Scottish Sun.
As we saw, Moritz Jenz came onto the hallowed turf at Celtic Park to make his debut in what was a special occasion for both him and Ange’s fellow Australian, Aaron Mooy. Moritz looks ready to go straight off of the bat, as he appeared to be strong in the challenge and comfortable on the ball when asked. Chris Jullien also came beside Moritz and looked as if he could step in if required.
The news that Carl will be available very soon is such welcome news though. Last year he received a considerable amount of stick – most of the time over the top and unwarranted. He overcame that unsteady beginning to form a formidable partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Joe Hart at the back, becoming the best defence in the country to add to their excellent debut season in the Scottish Premiership.
The squad is starting to look very robust indeed and is night and day to where we where at last year at this juncture. Hopefully, competition for places throughout the team drives levels up exponentially and helps Ange Postecoglou deliver more success in his second year – especially in European competition this time around.
Paul Gillespie
