So, we are ahead in the race already! Only 37 games remain! All we have to do is keep winning!
There will be more difficult teams (from Scotland, let alone Europe) visiting Celtic Park than Livingston, a team clearly over-awed by the occasion even their boss, former Celt, Kenny Miller (where did that boy go when he left Parkhead, by the way?). But Celtic dealt with things in a totally professional sort of way with two good first half goals and a performance in the second half which should have yielded a great deal more.
The game did not end well with the loss of a goal and the injury to Olivier Ntcham. While we wish Olivier a speedy recovery, his absence may not be a total disaster for we are rich in midfield players with Ryan Christie in particular due a long run in the team. And there is Lewis Morgan, who, I am told, is very good. Their chance to move up to the plate is nigh. We have a hefty programme with two games against the Greeks and a difficult trip to Tynecastle waiting.
It was nice to see big Jozo Simunovic back. I feel that he makes a difference. Even better to see Johnny Hayes back. We saw little enough of him last year, and let’s hope that he has a good season. And very encouraging is the possibility that we may get Patrick Roberts back. He is a great player.
But the star of the show was undoubtedly Danny McGrain, looking resplendent in that waistcoat. What an ambassador he is for the club! And what an inspiration for youngsters everywhere, having overcome diabetes, a weird foot injury, a fractured skull and a great deal of prejudice from those who thought he was playing for the wrong team!
So what about that other game? What a lovely sleep I had in my armchair in that second half! But I woke up to see Aberdeen’s equalizer. But Aberdeen have often flattered to deceive, and have failed to raise their game when they have to. Burnley was an example of that, but so too have been their Cup finals against us the year before last. And Rangers?
Well, they showed how much they really need Alfredo Morelos, don’t they? Gerrard actually said they were better with 10 than they were with 11. Think about that one, Alfredo!. Gerrard too in that lovely mellifluous accent of his seemed to use a word called “provoction”. That’s a new one to me! And how I loved that lovely theatrical dive for the penalty! Yes, it was a push. But was it as bad as that? Enjoyed the sectarian songs and God Save The Queen as well. They are the only ones left who sing that one nowadays! And Rule Britannia! Nice to hear that golden oldie too.
Still, that is the show launched! Nothing as yet to make us think that a “treble treble” is not possible.
David Potter
