Celtic FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2014/15 Mod Warning post #6011

buckfasterer · 01-10-2013 06:06PM

Celtic team to play Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League:
CELTIC (4-4-1-1) Forster; Lustig, Ambrose, Van Dijk, Izaguirre; Matthews, Brown, Mulgrew, Samaras; Commons; Stokes
Subs: Zaluska, Biton, Balde, Rogic, Pukki, Kayal, Forrest

RoryMac · 01-10-2013 09:27PM

Well after more disappointment tonight I think Lennon needs to start giving a chance to some of the new/fringe players. We can't play games like tonight with players not in their natural positions.

Matthews at RM, Mulgrew Cm, Stokes in MF isn't going to help us win games at this level. Guys like Pukki, Rogic, Biton need games ASAP to get up to speed.

We've been a little unlucky with injuries but I don't think we've done enough to cover ourselves. We can take a risk in the SPL and give these guys a chance to prove themselves.

I thought tonight we needed a guy to make an impact like Watt did last year, a young guy that had no fear to run at Barca and get the ball forward. Sammy did his best work 2nd half getting in the face of Barca players and winning the ball, in the 1st half anytime he got the ball he was closed down by 3 or 4 with nobody supporting him.

I hope at the end of this CL campaign we don't look back and kick ourselves for a lack of self belief

eire4 · 02-10-2013 06:26PM

Well o so close to getting another great result against Barcelona. I thought our defensive shape and discipline was outstanding. In the end it probably is Browns red card that was the pivotal moment. Personally I thought it was harsh but the replays do show him making a kicking motion. It was so stupid and turned the refs decision into a 50-50 on the red card rather then just being a 50-50 decision on a yellow card for the original foul. Brown really has matured and become such a good leader and player for us over the last couple of seasons that it was not in keeping with the player he is now and more in keeping with the raw undisciplined player he was when he signed for Celtic back in 2007. But it happened and it probably cost us a point last night. Although I thought the 10 men battled amazingly well during that last 30 minutes.

With the Milan Ajax game ending in a draw we are still alive. But it is definietly do or die time now in terms of the Championls League when we play Ajax next time out at home.

Having said all the above I am very proud of our team and our club after last night. The fans did the club proud and I thought the team overall put in a very brave performance.

Pompey Magnus · 02-10-2013 06:36PM

eire4 wrote: »

Brown really has matured and become such a good leader and player for us over the last couple of seasons that it was not in keeping with the player he is now and more in keeping with the raw undisciplined player he was when he signed for Celtic back in 2007. But it happened and it probably cost us a point last night.

Let's not forget his idiotic off the ball tackle when we were 1-0 down against Milan, if I remember right he was lucky not to have seen red for that. A completely unnecessary foul to give away in a dangerous position which Milan scored from and killed off any chance we had of getting something from the game. Last night was not a completely isolated incident for him.

At any rate I don't think there is any debate but the ref was spot on in sending him off, it was intentional and the force he used is irrelevant. Even if someone (wrongly) argues it was only worthy of a yellow he was still due another definite yellow for the original foul.

Dempsey · 02-10-2013 06:43PM

What Brown did was silly but there is alot of merit in the argument that Neymar's reaction prompted the referee to change which card he was going to give him. Neymar's theatrics last night, and not for the 1st time in his career, was embarrassing for the sport.

RoryMac · 02-10-2013 07:25PM

I reckon it was the linesman that changed the ref mind from the yellow to red. He has the yellow out for the first foul then went for the red after a few moments. I'd like to think it was the linesman that changed his mind rather than Neymar's antics.

Either way it was the right call, have to agree with eire I've been impressed with Brown lately and his behaviour has been better, bit of step back last night but he's done far more right than wrong in the lastfew years

shanered · 02-10-2013 11:29PM

I thought they did fantastic, only to just miss out during the spell where forrest and mulgrew both had great chances, we where left standing a little when Barca did get that goal.
I think its a tough call for Brown's red card, it isn't exactly acceptable to make a angry motion in a moment of fustration towards another player, fair enough , was saying irrespective of contact players can throw punches at player without connecting to vent fustration, that is another red card in my opinion, but the simulation of Neymar just helps ruin the sport as a whole.
I we weren't the only ones to get a "light" red card, Zenit St Petersburg had a red shown for a tackle that actually made contact with the ball.
It just wasn't our night, but the team can hold their heads up high after the performance put in on Wednesday. I love Browns passion, its one of his main qualities, but unfortuinitely, comes moments like last night.
As said above, you take the good with the bad, and I do think we've definitely got more good outta Scott.

Dempsey · 03-10-2013 12:43PM

Congrats to Forster on another England call up. Unfortunately, I dont think Hodgson has the balls to drop Hart.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24384574

The Scottish Professional Football League has signed a new sponsorship deal with Irn Bru believed to be worth a "substantial six-figure sum".

Neil Doncaster should be sacked if he doesn't have a main sponsor in place by Christmas.

premierstone · 03-10-2013 12:43PM

I don't think anyone can really argue against the red card, the intent and stupidity are enough and he deserved to walk.

However what I would have loved to have seen and indeed in other instances like this was the referee red carding Brown but also yellow carding Neymar for his embarrassing theatrics.

PauloMN · 03-10-2013 01:02PM

premierstone wrote: »

I don't think anyone can really argue against the red card, the intent and stupidity are enough and he deserved to walk.

However what I would have loved to have seen and indeed in other instances like this was the referee red carding Brown but also yellow carding Neymar for his embarrassing theatrics.

While I kind of agree, I just think that would cause too many problems i.e. if you are carding a player for simulation, it becomes very hard to justify a red given to the other player.

Brown really should know better, he has enough experience now at this level. Real shame he lets himself down with this stuff.

premierstone · 03-10-2013 01:40PM

PauloMN wrote: »

While I kind of agree, I just think that would cause too many problems i.e. if you are carding a player for simulation, it becomes very hard to justify a red given to the other player.

I fully understand your virewpoint and its nothing something I ever honestly see happening, but I do think it can be both a foul and simulation or unsporting behaviour at the same time.

dundalkfc10 · 03-10-2013 01:54PM

Dempsey wrote: »

Congrats to Forster on another England call up. Unfortunately, I dont think Hodgson has the balls to drop Hart.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24384574

Neil Doncaster should be sacked if he doesn't have a main sponsor in place by Christmas.

He said today that Forster has a big future ahead of him but it would be wrong to throw him into 2 important games

Really Hope Hart makes a mistake to cost them a place in Brazil (most overrated keeper around at the minute)

Lennonist · 03-10-2013 02:14PM

Forster should be first pick for England, he's head and shoulders above Joe Hart......I'll get me coat.

Forster should be first choice though.

Dempsey · 03-10-2013 02:21PM

dundalkfc10 wrote: »

He said today that Forster has a big future ahead of him but it would be wrong to throw him into 2 important games

Really Hope Hart makes a mistake to cost them a place in Brazil (most overrated keeper around at the minute)

He had the chance to cap him in friendlies and chose not to. Hart's form hasnt changed much since then. Hodgson has backed himself into a corner with his goalkeeper selections and Hart's form has dipped for club and country because his place is currently an automatic choice.

PauloMN · 03-10-2013 02:59PM

premierstone wrote: »

I fully understand your virewpoint and its nothing something I ever honestly see happening, but I do think it can be both a foul and simulation or unsporting behaviour at the same time.

That's the bit I kinda agree with.

You are correct, it can be both, and certainly was the other night with that incident. Neymar was simulating big time, but imagine Brown and Lennon if Neymar had got a yellow and Brown was off.

I think only one incident can be realistically dealt with at the time on the pitch. Maybe some retrospective penalty like a card or a fine could be issued after the event if deemed necessary in cases like that.

PauloMN · 03-10-2013 03:00PM

Lennonist wrote: »

Forster should be first pick for England, he's head and shoulders above Joe Hart......I'll get me coat.

Forster should be first choice though.

He's not even good at the ads..... Sammy is defo the man for the Head and Shoulders gig. :pac:

bobbysands81 · 03-10-2013 03:00PM

Would love to see Forster getting an England call up.

Bad mistake by Hodgson I not blooding one of his reserve keepers and giving them international game time. Ruddy and Forster have a single cap between them, lack of international experience could cost England if anything happens to Hart.

Lennonist · 03-10-2013 03:25PM

Vote for Fraser in this online poll from The Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/football/poll/2013/oct/03/joe-hart-england-world-cup-qualifiers

premierstone · 03-10-2013 04:12PM

bobbysands81 wrote: »

Would love to see Forster getting an England call up.

Bad mistake by Hodgson I not blooding one of his reserve keepers and giving them international game time. Ruddy and Forster have a single cap between them, lack of international experience could cost England if anything happens to Hart.

Like what? People actually realise that he is sh!t and has been for over a season now?

Pompey Magnus · 04-10-2013 04:54PM

Ambrose has signed a four year deal, I'm pretty happy about that.

Dempsey · 04-10-2013 05:11PM

Pompey Magnus wrote: »

Ambrose has signed a four year deal, I'm pretty happy about that.

A few high profile mistakes aside, he's been a solid signing and he's only 24. He had only 2 years left on his deal so its good to get that done now. If he improves on attacking the ball in the air, be it defending or attacking set pieces of our own, he'll be excellent.

Hopefully we'll hear about Stokes, Samaras & Ledley soon enough.

RoryMac · 04-10-2013 05:53PM

Good news on Ambrose, early days but I think he looks like forming a good partnership with Van Dijk.

Starting to worry a bit about Samaras & Ledley now though, I'm sure signing them up was a priority and the rumour mill for the winter transfer window will be ramping up soon. Need to get it done asap

I heard Stokes had agreed a new deal in principle a few weeks ago, not sure why it's taking so long to sign but' d sure it's just a matter of time

Dempsey · 05-10-2013 02:12PM

Looks like Matthews is off injured via stretcher. Landed awkwardly on his shoulder, could be dislocated.

Dempsey · 05-10-2013 02:22PM

1-0 Stokes

Dempsey · 05-10-2013 03:08PM

2-0 Commons

EDIT

Another wonder save by Forster

bobmalooka · 06-10-2013 10:16AM

Dempsey wrote: »

2-0 Commons

EDIT

Another wonder save by Forster

Great goal by commons, I don't understand why there hasn't been any concrete interest in him from other clubs (not that I'm complaining)

Not G.R · 06-10-2013 10:25PM

Watching MotD... 3 ex Celts starting for Southhamton today. Nice to see.

Dempsey · 07-10-2013 01:37PM

Looks like Commons might return to from international retirement. Looks like the novelty of staying at home changing nappies has worn thin! :pac:

Looks like Matthews could be out for 2-3 months, seeing a specialist today over his shoulder. He was doing alright despite being played out of position this season.

And we are still interested in Alex Buttner. Apparently was told he can leave Man United.

EDIT

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11781/8961842/celtic-striker-anthony-stokes-reveals-frustration-at-contract-impasse

Celtic striker Anthony Stokes admits he is no closer to signing a new deal and has warned he will consider his options in January.

"I'm now getting to the stage where I can sign a pre-contract in a couple of months so if it stays like that I'll need to see what my options are and take it from there," Stokes told the Daily Record.

"I've always said I want to stay, that I'm happy here, but it's getting to the point where I haven't got long on my contract and every player wants a bit of security.

"We're not really close with the new contract - it's pretty much the same.

"I turned down the last deal and there's not really been too much discussion since then. I don't know what the problem is, I can't answer that."

Personally, I think he needs to up his work rate to get the contract he wants. He doesnt work hard enough when we dont have the ball and that has been the case since he arrived at Celtic. Watching him in games where Celtic dont dominate possession is painful. He's a 15-20 goal a season striker in the SPL which is the minimum expectation of a Celtic striker thats 1st choice imo

EDIT

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11781/8957694/neil-lennon-upset-by-tv-image-showing-holding-knife-against-him

Neil Lennon is disappointed at the behaviour of some fans following Celtic's Champions League defeat against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

"You have to have a sense of perspective on this," said Lennon. "I mean there's a guy in the paper today holding a knife to a picture of me on a frozen TV screen but that is sort of laughed off.

"It is upsetting for my family more than anything else. It doesn't affect me all that much but what is concerning is the mindset of some people.

"Whether it's innocent or they think it's funny, for me it is disturbing. You like to think those days have gone but obviously not.

"I'll leave it to the proper authorities to deal with it," he continued. "It has been getting better recently. For the last couple of years I have been free to get on with my life and on with my job.

"But some people think it's a bit of harmless fun. If it is done in the privacy of the home fine, but why put it on a public forum?"

I'd say his family cant wait for the day he leaves Celtic.

Lennonist · 07-10-2013 08:11PM

There's a deal on the table for Anthony Stokes. I'd like him to stay because he has shown some improvement and he has talent. He's a decent player, but Celtic aren't going to be giving him a huge wage rise. I doubt that there will be a whole lot of lucrative options and offers open to him if he decides to leave Celtic. He should take what's offered to him if he wants to progress his career, he wont be playing CL football again if he leaves that's a definite. If he goes he'll most likely end up in the championship I reckon. Maybe he thinks Celtic will eventually sign another striker and he wont be first pick anyway? Get deals done for Samaras and Ledley. Stokes' best deal is probably on the table, he can take it or leave it, if he's smart he'll take it.

Lennonist · 07-10-2013 08:21PM

Dempsey wrote: »

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11781/8957694/neil-lennon-upset-by-tv-image-showing-holding-knife-against-him

Neil Lennon is disappointed at the behaviour of some fans following Celtic's Champions League defeat against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

I'd say his family cant wait for the day he leaves Celtic.

If he does leave at some stage in the future, it would be a disgrace if that nonsense has anything to do with it. It would be a serious hammer blow to Scottish football if someone can't ply their trade without having to put up with threats from opposing fans.

Celtic FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2014/15 Mod Warning post #6011

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