CALMAC – 6.5/10 – Did his isolation continue? Not quite – Negan showed up deeper than usual and we were able to construct decent chances after the break. It is still, however, a glaring flaw bang in the centre of our midfield, and one better European sides will exploit. The benefit of having somebody in tandem with Calmac was best emphasised in his late, exciting burst through their lines high up the park – when did you last see him do that? It’s a sign of confidence and security, enabled by a presence around him so the cautionary thoughts and weight of responsibility for holding the middle tight can take a back seat for opportune moments.
Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic. Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
NEGAN – 6.5/10 – Missed a sitter, set up the goal minutes later with some fine play. He remains a bit of a dichotomy – a luxury or a necessity? Is what he brings different or greater than others? Drifts in and out of the action when played high but tonight sat deeper and appeared more effective.
Reo Hatate of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
HAKUNA HATATE – 3/10 – Well, that was mince, Reo. He just never got into a ryhthm and passed up a handful of chances from great positions to play a killer ball or make a crucial touch. We awaited it all clicking into match-winning synchronicity but he remained consistent in his phishness.
LORD KATSUMOTO – 3/10 – Eh, alright, he’s a bit off the dynamic Daizen of last season but he’s still your vital closing-down machine in European competition. And maybe a little service or the right pass would have facilitated some Daizen Daizenery. Nope, hooked at half-time. sheesh.
TUTANKHAMUN – 5.5/10 – Ah, failed to beat the Mikey J two-good-games-on-the-trot record. This wasn’t the Ayrshire pies or the theatrical jags, this was mad-mental Red Star on their own patch; what did he have now? Well, the answer was keenness and promise when we got the ball to him. Which wasn’t often enough. The sort of player who wants to win you the game, exemplified when he had their fullback almost regurgitating his breakfast with just 15 to play. Can he come up with the magic if we can just get the ball to him this closing period? Nope. Hooked right after aforementioned moment of flair. Jeeeeee…sus.
YING – 4/10 – Birmingyang’s still here and Brendan prefers him over bhoys who want to stay and play for the jersey in these big games… I have no idea either. Deary me…
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It’s very clear that “progress in Europe” in the mind of Brendan the elite is not getting hammered 5-0 every game. Unfortunately, he is using domestic games as training sessions for this and the result is the most boring, anti-football performances we have seen since he last fucked off from the hot seat. You can see it with the players on the park, they are having to fight instinct to follow the stifling tactician’s instructions and it is to the detriment of the end product. Tierney is comfortably the best player in that squad. Compare his performances since returning to any he has put in at any club until he returned. He drives at defenders, makes runs into the box and supports high up the park. What has he done since he camr back here?
Can’t see Ralston getting back in the starting line-up. CD was brilliant last night and already getting European experience. If Liam Scales passing accuracy improved what a good defender we would have, he’s OK but needs to sort out his passing. I would play Maeda on the right. Yang is a liability. Inheacho is a player, once he’s 100% fit we’ll have a class act.