OLIVER BURKE is proving himself to be a valuable addition to the Celtic squad. The Scotland forward – he can play through the middle or on the wing, should have had a penalty yesterday but the referee Willie Collum seems to have a different criteria for awarding spot kicks to rather than against Celtic.
Burke wasn’t at the club at the time but if he watches the highlights from the Aberdeen v Celtic game on 26 December last year he’ll get a better idea of what we’re going on about. If you are reading this Oli, watch this…for the first one, Collum gives the penalty despite Aberdeen’s Niall McGinn getting his cross away. The second one is even worse.
Anyway, five games into your Celtic career, you’re fast getting brought up to speed with what we’re up against.
Oli was speaking to the media at Lennxtown today and has also done an interview with Paul Cuddihy, the Celtic View editor – see HERE.
“I’m really enjoying myself. I’m really happy,” Oli said.
“I’ve feel like I’ve fit in with the team really well since Dubai and knowing a lot of the players already has really helped. I’m happy here and enjoying my football, and long may it continue.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be out there, putting in a shift and just to help the team as much as I possibly can and giving 100 per cent in every game I’m called upon.
???? #CelticFC are delighted to announce that @IndigoUnifiedUK will be @CelticFCWomen‘s new shirt sponsor!
➡️ https://t.co/EwAg0UuKqB pic.twitter.com/iwvK9Qf6Hs
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 4, 2019
“We’ve gone on a great run so far. The lads are on a roll at the moment and the morale is fantastic. I’m enjoying everything here – the feeling of stepping back out on the field and playing football, doing what I love. Every game is a lesson for me, and I’m learning each day, so it’s a great feeling.
“I’m at an age where I have a lot to improve on.
“I just want to keep learning each day and improve my game more and more. Now I’m getting more game-time, it’s going to help a lot more and help my confidence, and hopefully I can keep going.”
Yesterday’s eventual afternoon at McDiarmid Park may have resulted in a determined Celtic coming away with all three, vital points but it did come at a cost with the side picking up for injuries to Lustig, Christie, Edouard and Forrest and one suspension after Kris Ajer was sent off in the closing stages.
“Obviously, that’s not great, missing a few players with injuries and the red card, but we have a big enough squad.
“We’ve got enough players to fill in the gaps and I’m pretty sure that whoever is called upon will be ready for the test.
????️ @OliverBurke55 was next to speak to the media at Lennoxtown. #CELHIB
????️ “I’m happy here and enjoying my football – long may it continue.” pic.twitter.com/OL3TSGCJSt
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 4, 2019
“You have to be ready and we’ll have to see what happens. The manager chooses the team and I’m sure everyone is ready to go. It’s not ideal with the injuries, but we’ll see what happens.”
Both Olivier Ntcham and Dedryck Boyata trained today and there was also the welcome sight of Kieran Tierney beginning to train again, although he was doing his own individual work, rather than training with the squad.
Edouard’s injury might not be too serious and James Forrest looks like being out for a couple of weeks, although a scan will determine if this assessment is accurate.
Also on The Celtic Star…
Celtic Injuries – ‘Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations,’ Niall J
The Valencia file (Part 4) – A linesman’s flag prevents Celtic playing a European final at Hampden
