Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic at Atlantas

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SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ ATLANTIS…

“NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise!… Surprise and fear… fear and surprise… Our two weapons are fear and surprise… and ruthless efficiency!” – Cardinal Ximinez, on unexpected things.

Kasper Schmeichel
Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic FC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 8/10 – Vast experience put to the test behind a defence haunted by the Dortmund spectres, now faced with the free-scoring Europa League Champions (should we repeat that one for Zombie lurkers? Not losers – Champions…). Kasper hushed the critics with a display of sanguine, savvy and speed – in feet and hands as his reflexes reflexed quite brilliantly to twice deny them a half-time lead. Commanded his box really well and never appeared under pressure when asked to pick a pass out of a heavily besieged defensive third. The stopper we need in times like these.

WAYNE GRETZKY – 7/10 – Did the Canadians send troops to Italy in WW2? No idea, but AJ must have thought he’d become embroiled in some trench warfare re-enactment with the unenviable task of stifling some fascist weapons. That took him some getting to grips with, as Frank Zappa out on their wing kept cutting inside and delivering killer balls with impunity. But the big Moose refused to be overwhelmed and worked his hooves off.Remarkably survived the 90 despite picking up a mad yellow when coming out of the tunnel, an utter bell-end
of a ref (yes, that one from Rotterdam) spanking him so early the shamrock pattern was still on my (first) Guinness. Bit of consternation late-on when he had less mobility than Stephen Hawking but hobbled through the remaining minutes; surely some earlier communication could have seen The Brickie on to shore up? Nonetheless, AJ takes home a proper warrior’s medal.

Auston Trusty
Atalanta BC v Celtic FC – UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC 1907 contrasts with Auston Trusty of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 League Phase MD3 football match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, on October 23, 2024. Bergamo Italy. Photo Roberto Tommasini

CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 8/10 – Well, strike me down with a feather off a Cantwell boa, Austin really has powers (see what I did there, Dr.Evil fans…). Hardly a foot or bum cheek out of place as his positioning and competitive instincts got a torrid test. Stood up to bombardment by both ball and bodies as they whipped in lethal deliveries high and low and followed up with midfield runners throwing themselves into the fray. All about focus and strength for a central defender in those frantic circumstances and he remarkably saw it through like a pimp daddy; not a ‘P.Diddy’ – that’s a whole other Ibrox story involving Gough, a public convenience and Pee Wee Herman. Tonight was the night the support gave the much maligned new NFL quarterback (well, he’s American, right?) a pensive nod of approval. Great game.

Sandman’s Definitive Ratings continue on the next page…

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. Yer a stingy bassa at the best of times, but go watch the game again. Idah was way better than a 5.5.