CELTIC face up to the task of the 2nd Champions League qualifying round against Nomme Kalju tomorrow night at Celtic Park.
See this two legged tie through and we’re at the halfway point of the quest to reach the Champions’ league group stages. The only thing that can beat Celtic tomorrow night is Celtic. We should have more than enough to defeat the Estonians Nomme Kalju, but given the warning Kilmarnock gave us all when they fell at home to Welsh Minnows Connah’s Quay Nomad’s we can’t afford to let thoughts drift beyond this tie.
As Champion Jumps Jockey Tony McCoy said “There is no place for arrogance or complacency in racing because you are up there one minute and on your backside the next.”
Those words are just as relevant for the Celtic player’s tomorrow night. If we stay focused we should steer a comfortable course and hopefully take a healthy lead into the return leg next week.
Monday’s draw already being made makes it difficult not to look ahead. Celtic know already they will play Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv or Cluj of Romania in the Champions League third qualifying round should they overcome Nomme Kalju, but we simply cannot afford to take anything for granted. Hopefully the fate of Killie has focused minds.
As such I’m fully expecting a strong side tomorrow with no risks taken with the personnel. The only position we now have concerns about is right back. For everything else we should now have natural players in their designated positions. I don’t see any risk with formation either. For now we’ll go 4-2-3-1. If it ain’t broke!
In Goal I’d expect to see Scott Bain. As much as Craig Gordon got a run out against Rennes in the pre-season friendly, in the competitive matches so far Scott has been the go to man. He had no chance with the goal conceded last week and he performed well in the away tie too making a particularly crucial save early on in Sarajevo. It’s Bain’s shirt to lose for now.
At left back Boli Bolignoli should continue. He looks a real threat getting up the park and linking with the forward line. This should be a night where Celtic will look to be on the front foot and although there were questions from the manager as to just how much licence he’d actually been given rather than took, he’s certainly impressed me so far.
With Kieran Tierney still working his way back to fitness the only other candidate would be Jonny Hayes. As such I fully expect Boli to continue his upward trajectory and get the nod tomorrow, with Hayes on the bench.
At right back it can only be Kris Ajer continuing to fill in. Tony Ralston clearly has little confidence from the manager as he didn’t play him in either leg of the first round and our ‘new’ signing Hatem Abd Elhamed is still waiting on work permits, visa and a medical. It will fall once gain fall to the big Norwegian to forego his usual central defensive position and fill in.
No fears at all as he’s done brilliantly so far, but we’ll need to move fast to get this position sorted. Hatem Abd Elhamed will be the first of two promised right backs. We await with baited breath (just as well we’re not holding it) for the arrival of the next. It’s vital we get it right.
In central defence it will be 2 from 3. Nir Bitton and Jozo Simunovic have played together to date and Christopher Jullien the £7 million summer signing has not been risked bar 45 minutes against Rennes and a recent bounce game. For me that changes for this tie. A home tie is perfect to blood Jullien and I think he should partner Simunovic with Bitton dropping to the bench.
I know it’s become a regular thing for Bitton to fill in at this time of the season for the qualifying games as we make the same slow progress to recruit every year, but Jullien has simply had enough time to get a base level of fitness. It’s now time to get the match sharpness added. With Ajer already pushed to full back we can’t compound the issue with having Bitton play and have two players playing out of position again. As these ties get harder the opposition get cannier. The fewer square pegs in round holes the better. Let’s get the big man bedded in starting with Nomme Calju.
The 2 central midfielders pick themselves. Both home and away the balance with Scott Brown performing the prowling defensive role and Callum McGregor picking off passes like an American Quarterback has been a fine balance. This defensive stability from Brown has allowed Calmac to roam freely and link with the more advanced players. His goal against Sarajevo in the 2-1 win last week was evidence of it. This pairing is already looking like the midfield foundations for the season ahead. That partnership will be vital.
And talking of linking with Callum McGregor. Celtic’s ‘10’ role needs to be filled by the ever improving Ryan Christie. In Sarajevo he looked good but as with many he understandably tired a little as the conditions took their toll. Last week however he grabbed that shirt and it’s going to take suspension or injury for anyone to get it back. He was everywhere. His goal was simply majestic but his overall play had creativity, a goal threat, vision and no little guts and fight. There was a cigarette paper between Calmac and Christie last week for man of the match. Ryan simply has to play against Calju and whenever possible as we try and progress through these increasingly challenging rounds.
Wide right James Forrest has what every defender dreads. Control and pace. You can see the fear in the eyes of defenders when he’s in full flow. There is an argument he’s been a wee bit slower in getting up to match sharpness than some but he’s a must for this tie. Forrest is a big game player. He was also voted The Celtic Star’s player of the year so we’re obviously wanting him on the Celtic turf continuing that form into this season. Jamesy’s selection is the clichéd no brainer.
Wide left has to be a tough one for Neil Lennon. My personal choice would be Scotty Sinclair given his goal scoring and assist record is simply sensational. He also has the experience in the bag. Despite my thoughts I’d suggest it’s actually likely that Scott will have his backside back on the bench.
Mikey Johnston if he’s shaken off the injury that side-lined him last week will more than likely start. There is no doubt his pre-season games earned him his slot and he grabbed the opportunity when the real stuff started in Sarajevo a fortnight ago with a hard working performance and a goal to get you off your seat. Much like Christie has grabbed his opportunity so too has Mikey Johnston. If fit he’ll start. There is one other ponderable in Lewis Morgan.
If Johnston isn’t ready yet I’m fairly certain even Morgan will get the nod ahead of Scotty Sinclair. Again he’s shown up well pre-season and did will interchanging wings with James Forrest in last week’s second leg against the Bosnians. Scotty Sinclair is becoming something of an afterthought these days. But that’s for another day.
Up front? There can only be one. Odsonne Edouard. The ice in the veins big game hunter. His first leg goal in Sarajevo sums him up. The coolest man on the park under the most pressure. He slowed down time in his mind before despatching his shot like it was the easiest thing in the world. He also worked his backside off that night.
You tend to feel there is a goal or two in us whenever French Eddy leads the line. He now looks like he’s revelling in the role of being the main man. At home I imagine him in a Smoking jacket with a fine red, lounging in a Chesterfield smoking a Cuban cigar. He plays like he’s doing just that. This football lark comes ever so easy to Edouard. I fully expect a couple of goals from the laid back marksman. He may even break a sweat, but it’s unlikely.
Which takes us back to Tony McCoy again, he could have been talking about French Eddy when he said . “Essentially, I am a dreamer. I’ve dreamed all my life. When I started, I dreamed I’d be Champion because it is a sport that is all about the people who win the most, and I have a fear of not winning”.
That’s what we’ll see from Celtic against Nomme Calju. No complacency, no arrogance just a fear of not winning.
Niall J
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