I keep fearing that the Celtic bubble is going to burst some day, but there is no sign of that happening on last night’s showing.
The team goes from strength to strength even without a few star players and with a few enforced changes. For example, I was all prepared to make excuses for Lewis Morgan “being played out of position” etc. but he was superb with a brilliantly taken goal which showed the value of hitting the ball first time. I was also very impressed by Greg Taylor tonight playing his best game so far for the club.
The other two goals were good ones as well – Ryan Christie’s goal showing the value of having a go, and then when we were all beginning to forget about Mikey Johnston, on he comes and scores a splendid goal.
It would have been nice to see Leigh Griffiths get one as well, but you can’t have everything and in any case he very nearly did get one.
So we have won the group! And who would honestly have thought that on the night that we collapsed so pitifully that fine summer night to Cluj in the Champions League? We now look forward to the draw in a fortnight’s time, and even more do we relish the thought of another European night in February. ‘Tis a pleasant thought!
Those European nights are quite something, and well worth the extra money, all ye season ticket holders. A severely emasculated Green Brigade last night, but still loads of atmosphere and noise at a level that would be difficult to parallel in European or World football. And the Rennes fans were good as well – pleasant, friendly and doing a few things like the phone lights on at the 67th minute which should a genuine respect and even love for Celtic. So full marks to the lovers of Rennes!
Pity your players weren’t so nice though! A certain amount of exaggeration of injuries and one or two really sneaky tackles, I felt.
The team clearly responded to the atmosphere and produced some great entertainment for the fans. But we must now face the future, and Dingwall at 12.00 on Sunday will be light years away from the atmosphere last night.
It will be up to the fans to produce the atmosphere and to the players to reflect it on the field. And then we have Hamilton back home on Wednesday night before the game the following Sunday which is already bringing us out in goose bumps.
But we could hardly be better prepared. We look as if we are well equipped for any eventuality with near enough two men available for every place, a Manager who is clearly relishing the job and the situation, and a support who are animated, cheerful and confident.
The moaners of the “he is a joke” and “he is a disgrace” variety are all silenced. Let’s keep it that way! And let the moaners turn their spleen and bile on the politicians instead! One or two of them are a “joke”, you know!
David Potter
Neil Lennon post match interview is below…
