SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC @ THE GENE-SWAMP…
“I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and I mean to keep on doing so until the end.” – Abraham ‘I loved Jock Stein, RIP’ Lincoln.
Kasper Scmeichel at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 7/10 – You have to admire his focus and authority at the back. Got things sorted with his defence early on after dubious distribution, recognising the aerial threat we were up against. Executed probably the pass of the game with a drop-volley down the left which ultimately led to the opening goal. Followed that up with classic Schmeichel ‘keeping, racing out in anticipation to make a terrific block and stifle the follow-up too. Never an easy one for the goaltender on a skittery surface, but the Lego titan overcame the stickle-brick pitch.
A roundup of today’s action from Rugby Park 🎯 pic.twitter.com/6hT18KCmmm
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 14, 2025
Colby Donovan at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
MELLOW YELLOW – 6/10 – He’s raw and appeared somewhat anxious for periods – overthinking things and forcing the issue more than he needed. When he settled, though, he was just fine and I like his optimistic approach – still willing to get up the park after sweating some late pressure and contributed greatly to the penalty award with a last-gasp bit of wing-play and had the wits to pick out Jamesy.
Marcelo Saracchi at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
SCRATCHY – 6.5/10 – Enthusiasm for performing in those surroundings is a big bonus and thankfully he’s one of those busy players who always appear eager to get involved. And he also might be a bit mental too…Whether that involvement is any good is often debatable but Scratchy answered that query with a lovely whipped cross for Daizen to score a beauty. Very encouraging start to his Hoops tenure and maybe a surprise in the Greggs mould coming up if he keeps KT out of the side.
Liam Scales at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
OF JUSTICE – 6/10 – Well, the boots didn’t quite come up ginger after the dye job, and at times they were appropriate red for danger. Difficult to get the precision right on that pitch and Liam almost invited calamity a couple of times; then again, everyone gets their turn at torment on Killie’s dreadful home patch. However, he got through with the Gaelic Goikoetxea approach, matching their physicality well at set-pieces; Solid game.
Cameron Carter-Vickers at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
GET CARTER – 6.5/10 – If the Big Mhan’s got one attribute lacking in a complete stopper it’s his height. So Killie went and signed Shaq O’Neal to test his fortitude. Lacking a ladder, CCV used guile and some leftover springs from Bonnie Blue’s Ibrox mattress to combat the threat. All-round he and Liam did manage a decent resistance, given the number of times the ball was launched into our box. A good intense test, really, to keep them focussed for tough Euro games ahead.
Made my Monday morning with that springs comments 🤣🤣
Tounekti —One from the bottom drawer whose going to be a Celtic Star in the making . It’s good , at last , to see a Celtic winger ~(Jota excluded) who doesn’t turn back , when they receive the ball . He’s got speed , skill , balance and most of all confidence . One for the future , even on the basis of one game on a tortuous pitch .
Balikwishi —Who the F**K is doing the scouting for Celtic ? On the basis of two part -games , this lad doesn;t look as though he’s seen a ball before ; never mind play football with it . I hate to criticise anyone (Especially a Celtic player ) but , once again we’ve been sold a “Pup” .
The new striker —-( I can’t even pronounce his name , never mind write it) —Obviously not match fit but some good runs and flicks & touches—-Could be an asset especially in Europe .
1950’s level Blackpool stand up comedian gag about Balikwisha and his ‘tan’. Fucking garbage mate. Real Gammon with Alzheimer’s stuff. Think you’re funnier than you actually are. Silly old cnut.