Not a bad night at all! The best word, however, was “competitive” as used by John Hartson in that Celtic have become “competitive” in this section. We have won back our self-respect in Europe, and we have a chance, although a great deal depends on how Salzburg and Leipzig do in three weeks time, and how hard Salzburg will try!
But we must now concentrate on our own game against Rosenborg. There must be no more of the performances that we have seen in the past in the “urine yellow” and these games which have been, frankly, an embarrassment. Can we not make a major effort to wear the green and white, and to play as if we are a Celtic team?
Last night was recognisably a Celtic performance. The young Lions all excelled, and if I single out Ryan Christie, that does not imply any criticism of anyone else. But the development of Ryan has been a sight to behold in the last few games as he develops into a very complete, even an inspirational player. And thankfully, he seems a level headed sort of lad who can cope with all the deserved adulation that is coming his way.
But there is a lot more to happy about in this team. The main thing, and it is so obvious to everyone, is that they all want to play for Celtic, and that they all love the club and the awesome support that absolutely cascades from the terracings. It is for these reasons that I do not fear the visit of Salzburg (or anyone else). I do however fear for the urine yellow in Norway!
The goals were well made and well taken. Well done James Forest and Kieran Tierney for the first one. The loss of the goal was a blow and a lesser Celtic team might then have buckled, obeying the apparently immutable law of heaven that Celtic must yield in Europe. But not this team! The fightback was immediate (you can’t really get much more immediate than 14 seconds, can you?) and effective, and Odsonne Edouard (whom quite a few of us have had doubts about) proved his worth once again.
Leipzig were a difficult team to play against. We had to dig deep, but the players were prepared to die for the club. Various bits of the anatomy were used to keep the ball out at times, and maybe we did get a bit of luck now and again, particularly in the latter stages when the same man hit the bar and then fired over. But we deserved our own luck.
We did have our weaknesses. I have long been an admirer of Mikael Lustig, but tonight he really should have done a lot better at the goal. We badly need a right back, but maybe it would be a mistake to charge out and buy someone in January. Let us look in our own ranks instead. I seem to recall quite a few characters in our youngsters who might just fit the bill. It is worth thinking about. In addition, the introduction of Mulumbu was a strange one. Admittedly it was only ten minutes but the poor chap seemed out of his depth. Lewis Morgan would have been a more viable option.
Tonight may not guarantee European football after the New Year. It has however given us back our European credibility.We must now build on that, and let us approach the Rosenborg game with the knowledge that we are Celtic, and we can play football! And oh yes, what about wearing green and white? Or must we be compelled to listen to all the vacuous cant about “sponsors” and “contracts”? Forget all that! We are Celtic! Let us act like Celtic and look like Celtic! Glasgow’s green and white! Glasgow’s urine yellow does not have the same ring, does it?
The TV highlights were brief and did not really give the impression of the majesty that was and is Celtic, although we had the agreeable sound of Michael Owen (who has in the past found it difficult to hide his love for Celtic) saying that Celtic Park in its glory is the best atmosphere he has played in! Good on you, Michael!
And so we come down to reality, and face Livingston on Sunday at Almondvale. Not an easy game, but well within our capabilities, and I would like to see a few judicious changes with Lewis Morgan getting 90 minutes, and possibly Mikey Johnston as well. I want to see some more of our young lions. And of course, it goes without saying – I want to see them in a green and white jersey. Don’t you?
David Potter
Also on The Celtic Star…
Jim Craig – A much needed win on Tony Mowbray’s Celtic debut…See HERE.
“The supporters were absolutely magnificent,” Celtic boss hails the faithful…See HERE.
Lights, camera, action! You’ll Never Walk Alone…See HERE.
Sensational! Celtic! Oh la la! French Eddie’s magical 14 second response…See HERE.
