Celtic Legend(s) Single handedly Take Scotland To UEFA League Glory!
Even in his physical absence, Irishman, Brendan Rodgers has used all his influence to ensure that Scotland progressed to the Final of…sorry, the UEFA League play-offs, against European powerhouse, WERENOTSURE in four months’ time.
I’d like to see their flag…
With a display of maturity, the Carnlough man had his match-winning gun, Anthony Ralston single-handedly tear up Poland in Warsaw. Well, he had a little help, but…
The Kazimierz Górski National Stadium has never before seen such excitement as ‘The Brickie’ took Scotland to levels never witnessed since the days of Oli McBurnie and Chris Iwelumo. I’m tearing up now.
Tony, (I’ve never met him, but I think I know him well enough to call him by his nickname), threw his arms into the air in delight as he watched his nearly-Celtic partner, John McGinn send the Scotland fans close to sobriety with a classic finish.
They’ll never forgive him for this, I fear.
When Scott McTominay, (who almost supports Celtic), struck an upright, you could see the anguish on Tony’s face. The Scots couldn’t help but be inspired by this!
Then, Billy Gilmour (yes, yes, I know he played for theRangers, but we all know where his heart really lies-his mum told me…) rocketed a piledriver off the bar to almost put his country firmly into the driver’s seat.
The Brickie congratulated him so much he went on to claim the Man of the match award; there’s no substitute for team support. Ok, maybe Cieran Slicker, but I’ve never heard of him, so that’s that.
When the ref blew for half-time, it was crystal clear that, with all the great chances, power play and control, Scotland would, in Brian Clough speak, ‘chuck it all in the bin’ at the death. I’m not sure which wag thought that but, he was (ahem) wrong!
Of course, Poland came out the traps in the second half and put Scotland under so much pressure that Stevie (Celtic man) Clarke considered bringing on full-back Greg Taylor (who actually plays for us) to bolster the strike force.
Remember Tynecastle anyone?
That would have meant taking off Andy Robertson, a wise move according to ‘that wag’, but Greg waffled away his time on the bench by watching highlights of Celtic v Red Bull Leipzig. Strange behaviour I thought.
Chances came, and went as The Brickie battled his tonsils to near silence. Of course, he didn’t win this all on his own!
The man who famously laughed in the face of ‘Chippie’ Neymar (well he spends so much time on the deck) was ably supported by past Celts who were clearly Bhoyant to reunite with their drinking buddy Tony on the International stage.
That wee guy Doak who did a runner
Craig Gordon, Stuart Armstrong and that wee guy Doak who did a runner after finding out Brendan was coming back, (you almost did too so wind your necks in!)
Who also played well? Lancaster’s own Patriot, Scott McTominay for starters. (Forget I said that). The gifted grafter was touted for a shock transfer to Celtic from Manchester United, but, according to social media, he was gash and should be nowhere near a Hoops strip.
They got that right according to the Neapolitan Ultras who have a dedicated song to go with their idol-esque banners flaunting the Englishm…, sorry, Scotsman’s fierce head after some sterling performances in Serie A. But, could he dae it on a cold, wet and windy Wednesday night in…Bergamo?
Oh, and, that fella Robertson
When he bulleted home his a last-gasp header to send the Tartan Army into apoplexy, we all stood and applauded as we remembered the “You’re too wee!” jibe which sent the Celtic youth packing back through Parkhead’s Gates. He was never gonna make it…
Well done, Scotland. (Tony Ralston was immense. His energy and tackling were first class. Delighted for him). That was a mature and controlled performance in a ferocious atmosphere away from home in Warsaw. Pope John Paul 2 will be excluding you all from his Heavenly petitions, but keep the faith…
The Tartan Army were superb and turned up in great numbers. Scotland well deserved their win and, writing from my home in Brisbane, I’m delighted for you all. Hope the draw is kind.
Eddie Murray
READ THIS…Time to join the Celtic Exodus to the blue sky
Follow The Celtic Star on Blue Sky – @celticstarmag.bsky.social
Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…
Best article yet brother. 😂
Why, thank you, Sir!