It was a struggle the whole game,” was the honest, if downbeat post match assessment from Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou whose young side lost 1-0 to Preston North End this afternoon in front of 2000 supporters.
The game’s only goal came from the penalty spot after referee Kevin Clancy decided that a Preston player running into a passively standing Scott Bain was worthy of a penalty kick. Not one Person player appealed for that decision as they looked to get on with the game with a corner kick. Someone should have warned Postecoglou about Scottish referees. Oh wait…
If you were looking for clues on how Celtic will like-up on Tuesday night in the Champions League against FC Midtjylland, then you’d be hard pushed to find many. Barkas played the first half and looked better that Bain, the Greek keeper’s confidence is improving and in that first 45 minutes he made two good save.
Bolingoli appeared for the first time since his exploits last summer and may well give Ange the chance to opt for him rather than the frustrating Greg Taylor.
Ajeti was the invincible man and that should open the door for Odsonne Edouard to start. He at least has a presence about him leading the line. Fellow Australian Tom Rogic didn’t look anywhere near match fit. Callum McGregor and David Turnbull were the best two in the first half.
Some of the youngsters had decent enough games but there’s a limit on how many of them can be risked against the Danes who performed well in the Group stages of the Champions League last season.
Here’s Ange talking to Premier Sports after the 1-0 defeat to Preston North End.
🍀 Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou gives his verdict on a disappointing preseason loss to Preston and what it means heading into the Champions League qualifiers
🗣️ “It was a struggle the whole game.” pic.twitter.com/gWUw7P8Ey4
— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) July 17, 2021
