SUBS –

Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring to give Celtic a 4-2 lead. Celtic v Falkirk, Premier Sports Cup, Quarter Final, Celtic Park, 22 September 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace
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TAKINTE – 8/10 MOTM – Impact required, impact delivered. That’s the way to ingratiate yourself to a skeptical support – set up two and score two; game done and dusted by your twinkling boots. I thought there were signs as his wellbeing increased following last winter’s traumatic weight loss; we had a few glimpses towards May. But now we get the value the scouts spotted – kinectic bursts of class and prowess – that finish for the fourth, like a birthday tribute to the King of Kings. Gentlepersons, we have a player here.

Celtic v Falkirk – Premier Sports Cup – Quarter-Final – Yang, Nicolas Kuhn and Paulo Bernardo after the Premier Sports Cup, quarter-final match at Celtic Park on Sunday September 22, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan
YING – 6/10 – Look, you weren’t the only one who hissed when K-pop bhoy appeared on the park at 1-2 down; hardly a switch-up for Palma was it? Well, just witness his first involvement – worked his way right across their box, ultimately defied by the keeper who did well to block his stinging effort. More than his predecessor’s managed all season. Takinte stole the comeback show thereafter, but this kid helped light the fuse.
GREGGS THE BAKER – 6/10 – Never thought you’d be happy to see Greggs come on? Of course you were. In he came and we got some shape together and added authority.
APOLLO CREED – N/A – Managed to appear more composed and solid in his fleeting appearance than both our other centre-backs combined.
THE TERMINATOR – 6.5/10 – Enter the quality. An injection of class and impetus to the middle had the midfield thrumming like a Lambo, Arnie a step ahead in thought and foot; exemplified by his peach of a through-ball for the fourth.
Incredible game and also well done to Falkirk and their fans. They played and excellent part in it which was so refreshing. They are better than any of the sides we have played so far in the league.
Two points that have been missed, although it may be a bit churlish to mention them.
One – notice the Falkirk wingers pull on Celtic’s LB at their 1st goal. This foul prevents him from attempting to block the shot. May he could have blocked, but maybe not. Nevertheless, it was a foul which the ref and linesman missed.
Secondly, for the VAR analysis at their 2nd goal, the winger again fouled a Celtic player, play went on and they scored. We all thought (including the commentator) that the VAR check was for the foul, however, in a clever distraction VAR checked for offside instead, thus allowing the goal to be awarded. SUBTLE!
CCV cannot be rested! Simple as that. Why BR didnae debut Trusty beside CCV is VERY strange .. unless slight niggle. Welsh & Palma shouldnae play for us again.
Felt sorry for young Valle as he was def held at the first goal & that is exactly what VAR is SUPPOSED to be for. Having Palma, Trusty & fuckin Welsh beside young Valle .. & a Hatate who needs dropped was no easy debut for the kid. Deserves a 2nd chance
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Hatate needs tae ask himself why the Japan manager won’t play him & not blame the league he’s playin in. Engels, Bernardo & Calmac best midfield at the moment imho.
Shame McCowan was cup-tied.