SANDMAN’S DEFINITIVE RATINGS: CELTIC v TANGERINE DREAM…
“I think I’m quite ready for another adventure.” – Bilbo Baggins
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
THE FRIENDLY GHOST – 6/10 – Much maligned by frustrated supporters but favoured by a wise man. Not a lot to do today but punch one like it was painted with John ‘Bomber’ Brown’s coupon, and ping a contender for pass of the day 30 yards up the wing.
KATIE – 7/10 – Being solidly KT and enhancing the attacking threat is all we ask of him and it’s exactly what we got, capped by a fine supporting role in the important second strike. Encouraging to have him see out another full match.
Martin O Neill with Julian Araujo. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
AZTECO – 6/10 – Not played many minutes since fleeing the Sinaloa Cartel’s clutches, but this reformed hitman looked to offer us something a little more than Tony – extra dynamism and natural athleticism. He did heed the Brickie’s invaluable advice for entering the Scottish game, though – “Stud someone” – and escaped a wild late assault with a yellow. Remarkably, lol.
Celtic players celebrate Yang Hyun-Jun’s opening goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on January 10, 2026 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
OF JUSTICE – 8/10 MOTM – This is why you have Liam in your team. And why the haters’ understanding of the details of football lets them down; one Irish sage who knows his stuff reinstates the Barndarigg Beckenbauer and there’s a noticeable solidity about the Celtic core. When others start slowly, you need players like Liam who are on it from the first whistle. An assist for the opener, a goal-saving tackle to prevent an equaliser – game-changing involvement. Followed thereafter by stoic defensive work and well-executed tackles with timing that made it look easy. It’s not. Well played, that ginger fella.
🟢 Celtic produced a dominant performance to beat Dundee Utd 4-0, as Martin O’Neill returned to the dugout again ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/8pIY1SQ3lN
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) January 10, 2026
CRUSTY THE CLOWN – 5.5/10 – Maybe too relaxed after his traumatic solo adventures in the heart of defence. Still in recovery after last week’s Zombie-haunting, his casual fugue almost cost us but for Liam’s bail-out. When he’s on it, he’s been top quality. Can be forgiven for recent dips after carrying the team most of autumn/winter to date.
Back to the Future.
Hail Hail