Celtic FC Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2011/2012

Lawrence1895

the realpigiron wrote: »

Like the new strip though more Hoops the better.

Plain black socks with hoops? Cool, I want them :cool:

0:0 in that Helsinki match, I wonder, if Lenny enjoys himself

Dempsey

Great pass by McCourt, Samaras should have done better with that chance.

Celtic are picking up knocks all over the shop

Lawrence1895

Dempsey wrote: »

Great pass by McCourt, Samaras should have done better with that chance.

Celtic are picking up knocks all over the shop

I hereby prefer lethargic performances

Dempsey

Lars1916 wrote: »

I hereby prefer lethargic performances

In fairness, its more down to the Norwich players sticking the boot in regardless and the referee not using his whistle. They need toughening up, ya wont win titles without taking knocks!

Lawrence1895

Dempsey wrote: »

In fairness, its more down to the Norwich players sticking the boot in regardless and the referee not using his whistle. They need toughening up, ya wont win titles without taking knocks!

One of them being Whittacker? No more comment

Dempsey

Lars1916 wrote: »

One of them being Whittacker? No more comment

I was training myself, only tuned in around 9pm. What did he do?

Some difference in this performance (from what I've seen) and the Adam Drury testimonial :eek:

Lawrence1895

Dempsey wrote: »

I was training myself, only tuned in around 9pm. What did he do?

Some difference in this performance (from what I've seen) and the Adam Drury testimonial :eek:

Thought, you knew it. I only have a scrappy stream, shockwave player breaking down all the time and stuff like that

Dempsey

Decent performance from what I saw but the knocks to Zaluska & Forster have me worried. Hopefully they'll be ok.

PauloMN

Only caught a bit of it, but much better performance than against Ajax. Happy enough that we're in better form for CL qualifier next week, only downside was Forster potentially injured - will have to wait and see if he's ok.

Pre-season friendlies are about getting fit, giving some players an opportunity and experimenting a bit. Late goal was a shame, but on the positive side, there was some very good possession and passing play.

Have to say Bangura is simply gash though. Should never be near a Celtic shirt.

SomethingElse

Only 5 HJK players started tonight from the side that won 7-0 in the first leg. It would have been more advantageous for Celtic if the first game had been closer. Ah well, hopefully we'll give it a right go anyways

Dempsey

Only seeing this now :eek:

A Dub in Glasgo

I know, that jersey looks dreadful :pac:

ColeTrain

Dempsey wrote: »

Only seeing this now :eek:

It only needed a few stitches according to Mjallby!

A Dub in Glasgo wrote: »

I know, that jersey looks dreadful :pac:

The crest is like a bullseye. Maybe we're trying to hypnotise opposition strikers into shooting at it!

Mr_Spaceman

Is there a worry going into the Helsinki game a bit 'cold'? Especially after the uninspiring pre-season.

What will be the likely team? I'd imagine it'll be the strongest possible.

Savage Tyrant

Mr_Spaceman wrote: »

Is there a worry going into the Helsinki game a bit 'cold'? Especially after the uninspiring pre-season.

What will be the likely team? I'd imagine it'll be the strongest possible.

I'm quite nervous about it if I'm honest. And yes, I'd assume Lenny will field his best possible team.

Dempsey

We were far more lively against Norwich from what I saw of it (most of the 2nd half) but the only real issue so far of pre season is the lack of goals, the strikers arent doing enough imo. Inter Milan match should see Celtic up it another gear and hopefully the strikers put in a performance that would inspire confidence going into the HJK match.

No doubt it will be a full strength team bar injuries/knocks.

My XI vs HJK: Forster, Matthews, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Kayal, Ledley, Commons, Hooper, Samaras

Samaras over Stokes for work rate & Commons over Forrest for experience. The two lads to be brought on in the 2nd half though

Mr_Spaceman

Dempsey wrote: »

We were far more lively against Norwich from what I saw of it (most of the 2nd half) but the only real issue so far of pre season is the lack of goals, the strikers arent doing enough imo. Inter Milan match should see Celtic up it another gear and hopefully the strikers put in a performance that would inspire confidence going into the HJK match.

No doubt it will be a full strength team bar injuries/knocks.

My XI vs HJK: Forster, Matthews, Wanyama, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Brown, Kayal, Ledley, Commons, Hooper, Samaras

Samaras over Stokes for work rate & Commons over Forrest for experience. The two lads to be brought on in the 2nd half though

What?!

You're forgetting the sublime, game-changing, grace and guile of the talismanic Paddy McCourt.

It's late so maybe you just forgot...

Dempsey

Mr_Spaceman wrote: »

What?!

You're forgetting the sublime, game-changing, grace and guile of the talismanic Paddy McCourt.

It's late so maybe you just forgot...

He's on borrowed time imo

Mr_Spaceman

Dempsey wrote: »

He's on borrowed time imo

I was thinking maybe he'd get a run of games now that Celtic will skate the league. Why not?

I'd honestly prefer him to Commons right now.

Dempsey

Mr_Spaceman wrote: »

I was thinking maybe he'd get a run of games now that Celtic will skate the league. Why not?

I'd honestly prefer him to Commons right now.

I'm quietly confident about Commons this season based on the fact that he turned up fitter for preseason than he was at the end of last season according to fitness tests done by Celtic. He had a terrible season last year but hopefully those niggling injuries are gone. He played well against Norwich too.

McCourt has had 4 years to add more to his game, he hasnt done that tbh. He's not a player I'd start in a European game, doesnt do enough when we dont have the ball which is very important at that level. I rather gametime be given to Twardzik, McGeouch & Ibrahim.

Dempsey

http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=2850

CELTIC go into the new campaign as the Scottish champions, and the top target for Neil Lennon’s side will be to retain that title they won so convincingly last season. There is also the aim of reaching the prestigious group stages of the UEFA Champions League, a competition that Celtic want to be competing in.

The forthcoming season is also an historic one as it marks the club’s 125th year, and looking ahead to a new season and a new era in Scottish football, Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has written an open letter to Celtic supporters, thanking them for their faithful backing of the team and the club, and urging fans to pack out Paradise and back the team as they continue to add to the unique history of our football club.

A give us your money open letter! :pac:

I must write an open letter to the board to get the finger out and sign a centre back and a proper striker!

SomethingElse

Dempsey wrote: »

http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=2850



A give us your money open letter! :pac:

I must write an open letter to the board to get the finger out and sign a centre back and a proper striker!

We've got Murphy back from his loan spell and hopefully a fully fit Bangura. If we have the two of them starting and Rasmussen on the bench we should have enough in that area.

I'd like to see Rasmussen get a run though, maybe three up front?

Dempsey

I know Murphy & Rasmussen are seen as lads that are suppose to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Do you really see us starting a European game with either up front and a 5 man midfield behind them, leaving hooper, stokes & Samaras on the bench? I'd like to see Murphy & Rasmussen sold because their wages could be better used elsewhere. Tony Watt looks better than both of them although not the same type of player. I'd like to see our top youth prospects getting rewarded with proper 1st time gametime rather than sign players of their ilk to pad the squad. Celtic managers in the past want our youth players to come through but they were not prepared to give proper 1st team opportunities to most. Very few players can bridge the gap the way things were being done, Lennon will probably have to do this now because of finances but Celtic needs to improve on this part of youth development.

PauloMN

Bangura has done nothing, absolutely nothing to warrant a place on this team imo. His EPL comments when he joined Celtic just look laughable now.

Samaras and Hooper are our best strikers. Stokes give a decent return in the SPL, but I'm not sure about him for big games.

RoryMac

PauloMN wrote: »

Bangura has done nothing, absolutely nothing to warrant a place on this team imo. His EPL comments when he joined Celtic just look laughable now.

Samaras and Hooper are our best strikers. Stokes give a decent return in the SPL, but I'm not sure about him for big games.

Bangura is a waste of space, hard to see what Lennon or his scouts saw in him, he looks like a guy who'd be last pick in a local 5 a side game.

Really can't see us attracting a decent striker to the club in this window, I think it's obvious we're not going to spend decent money even by recent standards.

I think the focus should be on lining up a decent centre half with a bit of experience at european level to help guys like Rogne, Matthews etc develop.

henke

So, any word on bids from the EPL for Bangura yet? I hear City haven't been active yet and they are interested in a striker :pac:.

Savage Tyrant

henke wrote: »

So, any word on bids from the EPL for Bangura yet? I hear City haven't been active yet and they are interested in a striker :pac:.

He turned down Barcelona apparently as the EPL is his preferred destination.

Dempsey

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2179530/Manchester-United-Arsenal-join-race-Celtics-Victor-Wanyama.html

Manchester United and Arsenal join race for Celtic midfielder Wanyama

£20m and he's yours! :pac:

PauloMN

Dempsey wrote: »

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2179530/Manchester-United-Arsenal-join-race-Celtics-Victor-Wanyama.html

Manchester United and Arsenal join race for Celtic midfielder Wanyama

£20m and he's yours! :pac:

Screw them big time for Vic, let's see some of that crazy EPL money.

Would be really sorry to see him go, same with Kayal, but I suppose Celtic will never be able to hold onto these guys for long the way things are. Unearthing potential gems and getting a season or two out of them is the best we can hope for.

Savage Tyrant

Dempsey wrote: »

Only seeing this now :eek:

A Dub in Glasgo wrote: »

I know, that jersey looks dreadful :pac:

Just seen the FC St Pauli goalie jersey is exactly the same only green. Looks savage.
I admit it looks cack in black though.

Eirebear

Savage Tyrant wrote: »

Just seen the FC St Pauli goalie jersey is exactly the same only green. Looks savage.
I admit it looks cack in black though.

It's a standard Nike template.

Lots of the Euro 2012 keepers had the same jersey.

blahfckingblah

any of the rest of you listen to over and over on a friday night? very entertaining if you're at nothing.

http://www.spreaker.com/show/oaoradioshow

ColeTrain

blahfckingblah wrote: »

any of the rest of you listen to over and over on a friday night? very entertaining if you're at nothing.

http://www.spreaker.com/show/oaoradioshow

Listen in sometimes. Housey does a good show!

Dempsey

CELTIC: Forster; Matthews, Lustig, Mulgrew, Izaguirre; Commons, Wanyama, Ledley, Samaras; Hooper, Stokes

Subs: Zaluska, Irvine, F. Twardzik, McGeouch, McCourt, Bangura

INTER: Handanovic; Zanetti, Silvestre, Coutinho, Sneijder, Guarin, Cambiasso, Milito, Ranocchia, Chivu, Jonathan

Inter subs: Castellazzi, Palacio, Mudingayi, Benassi, Mbaye, Bianchetti, Nagatomo, Garritano, Livaja

K.O. 1.30

Looking forward to this even though I dont think we'll win. Hoping for no knocks/injuries and players to show some cutting edge in front of goal although Handanovic is world class and was excellent for Udinese when we played them last year.

One thing, are Brown & Kayal carrying knocks?

Dempsey

25 minutes in and Celtic are playing very well, creating chances but not putting them away. Need to be more clinical in front of goal

Dempsey

Stokes is being stretchered off, splint being put on his leg

Mo Bangura comes on :(:pac:

Dempsey

1-0 Celtic @ HT

More of the same so far in the 2nd half

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd0DbI8s4As

RoryMac

Cracking goal, hopefully the Stokes injury isn't too bad.

Dempsey

Apparently Stokes has walked out to the sideline and was giving thumbs up to the fans, hopefully it was just a precautionary measure

Down to 10 men for the last 10 minutes, Commons is off with a knock, no subs left

EDIT

Finishes 1-1 but that doesnt matter. The performance when we had 11 on the field was very promising and we werent too bad when down to 10. Just hope that Stokes and Commons will be fine, Commons especially as he was excellent today

PauloMN

Feel much better going into the CL qualifiers after that performance. Some decent play for much of the game, definitely improved the last couple of games. Shame for FF, pulled off a couple of good saves, one of which unfortunately rebounded out for the Inter goal.

Wonder has Commons got his touch back that we saw in his first season... certainly looked like it from that cracking goal. Hope Stokes is ok.

Dempsey

Lennon wrote:

Both (Commons and Stokes) have badly twisted ankles. The next 24 hours important to see how they react. I think Kris would be a bigger doubt at the minute than Anthony.

Scott Brown was just a precaution. He's still coming back from surgery in June so don't want to overwork him

Thomas Rogne rested. James (Forrest) took a bang on his foot at training. Had it x-rayed this morning and it should be ok.

Kelvin Wilson has shin splits. He has been for a scan and there is just some soft tissue damage and he should be ok for Wednesday

We'll miss Commons more than Stokes imo. He looked sharp today, certainly more like his 1st 6 months

EDIT

Added more injury updates from Lennon

eire4

Good performance from Celtic today. Hopefully the injuries to Stokes and Commons are nothing serious and they are ok for Wednesday against Helsinki. Would have been nice to get the win but 1-1 isn't bad against Inter Milan and most importantly it was a good all round showing by Celtic today. Very important confidence wise I think going into Wednesdays season opener.

bobmalooka

Sky sports reporting we have made an offer to take vaughan on loan from norwich, would he make an impact for us? Its not like our squad needs to be any more bloated especially when we have good young lads who will come on leaps and bounds with more game time.

lubo_moravcik

Anyone going over to the games tomorrow or Saturday? Am on a ferry in the wee hours and can't wait for this game tomorrow night. Staying over for the few days and really looking forward to the Aberdeen game on Sat.

If anyone is over, give us a shout and i'll buy you a wee pint of heavy with a glayva chaser

eire4

It looks like Commons will be fit for Wednesdays against Helsinki although it's not looking so good for Stokes.

bobmalooka

eire4 wrote: »

It looks like Commons will be fit for Wednesdays against Helsinki although it's not looking so good for Stokes.

Happy to even have one of them fit after picking up knocks so close to the game.

Dempsey

eire4 wrote: »

It looks like Commons will be fit for Wednesdays against Helsinki although it's not looking so good for Stokes.

where did you hear that? heard both did light training and both will do another in the morning before a fitness test. i doubt stokes was in line for a start even if he was fully fit tbh

RoryMac

are any tv stations showing the game tomorrow?

TheBuilder

RoryMac wrote: »

are any tv stations showing the game tomorrow?

I heard its not on anywhere mate.

RoryMac

TheBuilder wrote: »

RoryMac wrote: »

are any tv stations showing the game tomorrow?

I heard its not on anywhere mate.

Cheers, that's what i'd heard too.