The stage was set. Saturday night football under the lights at Paisley, it had all the ingredients to be a cracking game of football, but ultimately it turned into a rather dire spectacle, although the ending was rather spectacular with only a moment of genius separating the sides…
Let’s make things clear, Celtic were woeful. We looked disjoined and devoid of ideas, and although we upped the tempo in the second period, we could have no complaints if it finished honours even. Matin O’Neill said afterwards that St Mirren were worthy of a point and he was spot on in that assessment.
But cometh the hour, cometh the skipper, one of our own Callum McGregor who came to our rescue, and not for the first time this season as he scored an absolute stunner with literally seconds remaining to snatch victory when it looked as if we had dropped vital two points in the title race.
READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – The Forbidden Zone v Celtic
It has been a week of very special goals in Scottish football. There were three world class strikes at Hampden on Tuesday night to see off Denmark who instead head to the play-offs, where they could end up playing the Republic of Ireland.
Then last night Callum McGregor, who retired from international football after the Euros in Germany, got in on the act scoring in the 95th minute with his own world class finish. The movement to position himself for the shot was outstanding and the finish was sweet and practically unstoppable.
READ THIS…“We just need some sort of unification again,” Martin O’Neill
St Mirren, particularly at their own place, are a tough nut to crack and it took that wonder strike for Celtic to collect our first away win in four matches. Now attention turns to Rotterdam on Thursday night before we head to Easter Road next Sunday and there’s another meeting with St Mirren in the Premier Sports Cup final, with a game against current Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts at Celtic Park before that.
READ THIS…Celtic captain Callum McGregor once again leading the way
It’s relentless and the squad is threadbare and quite obviously has gaps that need to be filled EARLY in January. And the club need to sort out what’s happening with the appointment of a new manager with Martin O’Neill saying last night that he’ll be unsure until Wednesday whether he’ll be on the plane to Rotterdam for the vital Europa League match the next day.
Celtic have asked shareholders to send in their questions, these could be collated and the answers given to the support so at least we have some idea where we stand. That’s surely not too much to ask and could actually help calm things down as we go into an absolutely crucial end of the year with three competitions to play for.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Last orders for Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter
Last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties – get your copy now before it’s too late! Here’s what you get…
- David Potter’s beautifully produced hardback book, the Celtic Historian final work before his passing. Your copy will also be personally signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain!
- You’ll also receive a complimentary copy of another brilliant David Potter book – Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style.
Order Celtic in the Eighties from Celtic Star Books and we’ll automatically add Putting on the Style. Please note postage will only be charged on one book so there is no cost to you at all for the Willie Fernie biography.
These two books combined will make a brilliant Christmas present!
When you are in a situation, like we find ourselves at present, then getting a winning result, out does performance levels, while playing catch up football imo?
Yet we can’t ignore our performance levels, which has become a feature for our team, during this calendar year also.
So we don’t know what to expect on a game by game basis, especially within our away games?
But can’t under estimate, the importance of getting a bit of consistency results wise, within the SPFL title race at present.
Even so, this is the third time already this season, where 1 point has been turned into 3 in the dying moments of a match.
Yet we were on the verge of our 5th goal less draw again this season also.
So of course claims can be made, that we are only papering over cracks, within our squad?
So was shocked by our midfield 3 not functioning whatsoever during the 1st half. Even moreso that the 3 involved, didn’t have the excuse of being away on international duty, to call upon either?
For our system of play to function properly, there is also a big requirement on our full backs, to have an impact?
Didn’t happen, especially for ralston, hence unable to get anything going down our right side, and the left side wasn’t much better, especially during that 1st half.
Also surprised by a number of changes within our defensive set up, all the same. Again Paulo not involved, which must start questioning what his current status within our squad currently?
Despite the number of injuries we have at present, still should have had enough within our squad, to be able to produce a better performance level, all the same imo
Our away performances remain a concern still, that’s been ongoing for to long now, for my liking.
So looking at big improvements within our next 2 fixtures.
But there again, would still take 2 victories, over 2 dire performances any day, with the current situation within our club?
Unfortunately can’t see our next 2 opponents being so forgiving if we produce the same shite again imo?