We could have done with a total and unqualified success, and last night we duly got one. A good, noisy crowd, an eager Celtic team, chivalrous and sporting opponents who never resorted to fouling, two good goals and a scrappy one (but the build up was good!) and some football which really should have yielded more goals but for some disappointing finishing and a goalkeeper with the knack of getting his body in the right place at the right time to keep the ball out.
Several very good things – Mikey Johnston continues to impress, Ryan Christie was first class when he came on as indeed was Emilio Izaguirre, and Dedryck Boyata (like him or not) was a bit of class at the back, teaming up well with Kristoffer Ayer, and Scott Sinclair deserves some praise for his part in Callum McGregor’s excellent goal.
Some not so good things – Craig Gordon’s kicking does not, even now, inspire confidence although the rest of his play was good, and Mikael Lustig has has better games.
The opposition was not of the best, but the important thing is that we have won through to the sectional stage.
No-one can say what today will bring in the draw, nor in the comings and goings of the transfer market. Years of experience have taught me not to believe all that one reads of hears and no doubt we will get surprises and shocks on the last day of the August cattle market. It will indeed be a relief to get it out of the way so that we can concentrate on what we have, and work with the squad.
I would however make one observation. The atmosphere last night was great – a full Celtic Park and loads of singing and flag waving. Now, why would Boyata or Dembele even contemplate turning their back on that?
Where on earth, and I mean ON EARTH is there a better atmosphere than that?
David Potter
