Celtic Banter Archive December 29 2020

 

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29 Dec 2020 22:01:08
What's the chances of football being stopped after tomorrow if country goes into lockdown. Not wanting to depress everybod, but it's a possibility due to increasing C.V. rates!

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29 Dec 2020 22:46:59
Wouldn’t rule it out chasaboy.

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30 Dec 2020 10:34:08
Said this a month ago because the country cannot get this under control and it the latest reports are correct, it's heading that way.
The points gap was always going to be a huge factor and there was no way we could reasonably close it before February, the way the fixture list was laid out. It's the ideal way for the establishment to even the score for last seasons vote.

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30 Dec 2020 11:48:43
I'm sure they wouldn't want a title "handed to them in a zoom conference call" surely it has to be "null and void" 😂 Let's see if the hacks campaign for that as much as they tried to do last season if it came to that.

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30 Dec 2020 13:17:19
I thought from last year that if they got far enough ahead on points this season they’d call the league. If not and they’re looking like winning it they will be issued with free red hand sanitisers and masks their fathers wore and miraculously allowed back into the stadium to witness it. I don’t see them surrendering that opportunity after 10 years winning nothing just because of a global C.V.

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29 Dec 2020 19:31:40
If we have learned anything from the last few derby's is we have been out played in midfield.
We have to stay in the game an go for it later.
We have to protect the back 4. And tbf rangers are a threat with the goals they are scoring.
Hazard
Ajer jullian duffy Taylor

Brown McGregor

Frimpong christie

Turnbull

Eddy.

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29 Dec 2020 19:49:21
There is one common denominator in the last few derbys when we have been outplayed in midfield.

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29 Dec 2020 20:14:45
Totally agree Aindoh, the midfield is where we've lost the battle to them in recent games and as much as I hate to say it, Brown has been getting found out in games when teams move the ball quickly and then slows down our ability to get the forward quicker.
For me Frimpong is a liability against them as the space he leaves at the back by not tracking back will get exploited and anyone with time to run at Duffy or Julien i. e. Kent, usually results in a free kick/ goal or Pen.
If NL starts Brown and if he's fit, he will, I'd play 2 upfront but I really want Soro to start.

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29 Dec 2020 20:15:13
Would be very harsh not to play Soro. Brown has been bang average this year although wouldn't suprise me if he did start.

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29 Dec 2020 20:30:44
Love Broonie but Soro must start and two up front is essential for 3 points. NL needs to assume we’ll lose 3 and will need to score 4.

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29 Dec 2020 22:08:58
Is there anyone here that actually thinks or wants brown to start on Saturday?
I can’t see lennon not playing him though although if we play well tomorrow we shouldn’t be changing the team.

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29 Dec 2020 22:50:51
Most common denominator about us being totally pumped on the last 3 games against Sevco and that is Lennon MR I haven't a clue how to set up against them or change things if it goes pear shaped.

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29 Dec 2020 23:21:35
I can see Celtic winning against Dundee Utd with a good performance tomorrow.
Lenny will play Soro at the top of the diamond in midfield with Griff and Eddy up front.
I can’t see him changing it for Saturday because he would be setting himself up for criticism if we fail to win.
This new setup and new personnel is our last chance saloon to save our season.
Lenny needs to stick with it because it seems to be working.
There’s no excuses for Saturday because it’s a decent surface and there’s no home fans.
We need to go there and be positive and play our recent formation.
I’m looking forward to both games and I think they’re coming at the right time.

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30 Dec 2020 03:03:41
Wouldn't have Duffy anywhere near that game. He's a carthorse and would be targeted at pace by Kent. Gives away far too many daft fouls in dangerous areas too and their biggest attribute is a good delivery, atm we struggle to defend set pieces. Ajer at RB is a no for me too as is Brown starting over Soro. I'd stick with the 4-3-1-2 and play the players that have performed lately. I'd probably rather Moi started over Christie in behind the strikers as well. Laxalt over Taylor, Tavernier would have a field day over Taylor if he started.

Hazard
Frimpong Ajer Jullien Laxalt
Soro
Turnbull McGregor
Moi
Griff Eddy.

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30 Dec 2020 12:37:53
I would have :
Hazard

Ajer Julien Bitton Taylor

Frimpong McGregor Soro Christie

Edouard
Griffiths.

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29 Dec 2020 12:05:27
My team for the next 2 games would be

Barkas

Ajer
Duffy
Julien
Taylor

Soro
McGregor
Turnbull

Edouard
Griffiths
Elyounoussi

Eddy off the left and Moi off the right. Moi slightly deeper to support the midfield when out of possession.

It's all or nothing now. In my opinion this is the best 11 we can field on paper. Barkas is better and more experienced than Hazard. Duffy over Bitton for me as he is more of a physical presence and goal threat at set plays. Ajer over Frimpong again gives us better options at set pieces in attack and defence. Taylor over Laxalt as he is a better defender. As poor as Duffy has been at times how often have the full backs left him exposed. That won't happen with Taylor and Ajer in my opinion.

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29 Dec 2020 12:35:05
Del Bhoy that’s my team too with exception of Hazard in goal and possibly Johnston for Nelly Noosy.

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29 Dec 2020 14:14:35
JFP, Hazard did brilliant with the penalty saves in the final but during the game he was a bag of nerves and I think the game on 2nd the pressure will be 10 fold. That's my only reason for Barkas is due to the number of games played at a decent level. I think he would handle the occasion better.

Johnstone looks sharp since he has come back, I think he could come off the bench and have an impact but for me Elyounoussi is the better player and with him and eddy holding the ball up will allow space for Griffiths, Turnbull and Mcgregor to cause problems.

A lot of my mates question Duffy in there but I just think their forwards will not relish going up against him physically and would probably rub their hands at the prospect of playing against Julien and Bitton. I full expect their front 3 to be Morelos, Roofe and Kent so the more physicality we have through the team the better.

Not looking past tomorrow's game but I think the 11 that start tomorrow should be the 11 that start on Saturday.

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29 Dec 2020 14:30:49
It’s not going to happen but I’d play Bain in goals.
He’s got the experience of playing in a Derby game at Ibrox before.
And yet Bain won’t be in the squad for Saturday.
Celtic are not guaranteed to bring in a new keeper in the January transfer window.
Incredibly Lennon has stated that he’s content with what he has.

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29 Dec 2020 14:55:21
Del Bhoy good points and agreed as I said yesterday Duffy gives us the bit of dig we’ll need plus aerial threat at set pieces. You’re right one game at a time forget the game on 2nd January our focus should be on the Arabs.

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29 Dec 2020 15:49:31
Agree with buzz ad play Bain at Ibrox the three of them are much the same ability wise . but Bain has a confidence the other 2 don’t imo.

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29 Dec 2020 17:23:08
I worry about hazard but there is no crowd. some state of affairs we are in Jan and still don't know our best keeper. moi worries as well in these games his work ethic is questionable. hazard ajer bitton julien lb a toss up not much between them soro Callum turnbull Christie edfy griff.

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29 Dec 2020 18:06:44
The lack of toxic abuse and distraction will definitely help Hazard if selected. I agree he was a bag of nerves and made mistakes in the Cup Final, but he was thrown in at the deep end for one and secondly the defense was again all over the place; (not to mention Naismith's foul) and afforded him no protection.
His nerve and agility in the penalty shoot-out, plus two subsequent clean sheets, since could give him the 'Keepers jersey?
Barkas and Bain have both had very undistinguished games against Sevco where they conceded soft goals, so really the pressure is on the defense to protect whoever the keeper may be, with total concentration, marking, stop the crosses and cut-out the daft free kicks - although referees need no second invitation to award them.

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29 Dec 2020 18:31:59
Always thought Duffy needs the solidity of a flat back four, this in turn will give a bit of confidence and security to whoever is in goals. After that, Soro, Turnbull, McGregor and Christie give mobility back to front. Eddy and Griff just need enough service and they will do damage. We know we have the better players, if they click we are sorted.

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29 Dec 2020 08:11:33
Whatever happens this season we are in for a major rebuilding job in the summer. In defence Duffy will be gone with Ajer also likely to be off. That leaves us with Julien who is bang average, Welsh and Bitton. I know he maybe ain't everyone's cup of tea but Declan Gallacher is low risk and better than we have at present. Id also try and get Benkovic who has lost his way but is without question better than our current CH's if fit. If we get a result against the Mob I'd push for both in this window. Thougts?

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29 Dec 2020 10:05:33
I would take Gallagher over Duffy any day of the week, while I like Benkovic he is a bit injury prone.

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29 Dec 2020 10:48:57
If the deficit is 14 points or less after Ibrox the league is there to be won this season and I would expect as a minimum the manager is backed with reliable SPFL players and a proper keeper to get us over the line. Gallagher would be a solid addition to help us get the 10. In the same vein, Paul McGinn is playing very well at the moment and would be a good short-term replacement for Elhamed if the board aren't keen on making big signings with the manager's future uncertain. If we don't have a goalkeeper lined up to sign ahead of the window opening however I will not be happy.

I expect we'll see some loan signings from England, but if we don't claw back any points before mid-January then the rebuild job for next season should begin. Welsh and Hazard are two I'd like to see get a run in the team if the league is gone.

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29 Dec 2020 11:58:12
Eff me lads he's hardly kicked a ball in 3 years. and can't get in a mince Cardiff team oh and he's always injured. agree when fit and playing he's a player but we can't afford another sitting in the stand.

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29 Dec 2020 12:23:49
Agreed Mally the only way he should be back at Celtic Park if it’s via Lourdes.

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29 Dec 2020 13:29:00
I wouldn't be against bringing Gallagher in but I didn't realise he was 30 so we'd be better off with a long term signing.

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29 Dec 2020 15:32:39
A fit Benkovic is a PLAYER (better than Sumonovic) , the obvious issue is keeping him fit, BR has said as much recently which is why he's available for loan in January.
I was looking forward to Duffy signing but unfortunately he's struggled big time. There's been talk of personal issues that have affected him, unsure if this is the fact his family are in Derry or its something else. I still believe, lack of pace aside, he can do a job for us if we set up correctly and I'd love him to turn this around.
Do we play him against the current buns, I'm not so sure as if it goes wrong the season is done.
As has been said, come the summer there will likely be several players leaving either because they want away or are crap.
Our transfer policy needs to be overhauled, priority should be investing in youth and bringing them through, adding 3 or 4 quality players in the summer (not half a dozen or more at 2M or 3M.

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{Ed007's Note - Duffy's "personal issues" stem from his dad passing away suddenly in May at the age of only 53.}

29 Dec 2020 15:38:41
JAW as Gallagher is relatively low cost signing due to being out of contract soon makes it a no brainer, get him in and send Duffy back.
Would free up funds into the bargain, for me it's a no brainer.

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29 Dec 2020 16:42:08
Ed 007 that would explain a lot losing your old man is a hard one especially at that age and don’t think he got up to speed before his confidence took a beating. I’d like to see him given an chance and think he can do a job for us. Martin O’Neil didn’t rubbish him but I think alluded to just wanting him to do what he does best as a no nonsense centre half.

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{Ed007's Note - It took me years and rehab for my drinking to get over my dad - who was only 58 - dying mate (do you ever really get over it or just handle it better?) and as I said about young Jack Aitchison I'd never attack anyone who lost their way after losing one of their parents.
Have a wee read at THIS JFP.}

29 Dec 2020 19:00:37
Hi Ed, I had no idea about the big man's Dad. Like you and I'm sure some of the bhoys on here, unfortunately, I also know only too well what that's like and although I was very young at the time, it's a hole you cannot fill.
We all try to deal with what life throws at us in the best way we can and I'm sure Shane can do that but it will take time.

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29 Dec 2020 19:17:25

Ed 007 that article was a hard read. The answer to your question is no - you don’t get over it - and yes you just learn to handle it better. Some holes in life just can’t be filled. It will be 20 years ago for me in 2021 and I think about him every day. I can very much identify with big Duffy’s comments. His da was a young man at 53 and he’s lost him at 28 before seeing him play at Celtic Park where he took him as a laddie. It must have ripped the heart out of him running on to that park. He’s got trying too hard written all over him. I’d love to see him getting a chance and coming good.

I don’t know if you’ve heard this song by the Fureys - My Old Man - but it says it all for me Ed.

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{Ed007's Note - Yeah that's a lovely song mate 👍

29 Dec 2020 20:28:18
FFS JFP, what are you trying to do to us? There's no a dry in in my house! A song I know but haven't heard in years, beautiful with lyrics that resonate oh so much.

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29 Dec 2020 20:53:25
Sorry Pedro - if it’s any consolation I was bubbling like a big wean listening to it again too. God Bless . 🙏☘️ jfp.

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29 Dec 2020 21:40:53
No bother JFP. Their memories live on until we meet again.

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29 Dec 2020 21:51:39
Pedro, goodnight and God Bless ma good friend. and may God hold you. may God hold you. may God hold you in the palm of His hand. jfp.

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29 Dec 2020 21:56:55
God Bless JFP and Hail Hail.

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29 Dec 2020 07:29:31
Every club in the spfl has conceded a pen or in our case penalties as we have 5 against us along with Aberdeen and hibs. but one club has conceded Zero pens. guess who. mmmm.

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29 Dec 2020 10:48:01
Funny enough I was reading an article about penalties awarded in the SPFL and one of the things mentioned was that.
Sevco top the table when it comes to the frequency of penalties handed out in the Scottish Premiership, according to a report from the CIES Football Observatory.

Since the 2017-18 season, the Ibrox club have on average obtained a spot kick every 411 minutes - a total of 23 from 105 matches.

Celtic were seventh in the list of the nine clubs who have competed in the top-flight throughout that period, earning a penalty every 681 minutes (14 from 106 games) .

I notice that, this season, they are maintaining their record in that.

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29 Dec 2020 05:56:05
I can’t believe it’s 13 years already since that tragic day when we lost Phil O’Donnell.
A great man with a young family.
I remember being behind the goals when he scored the 2 goals in his Celtic debut at Firhill.
Phil helped Celtic win our first trophy in 6 years in the 1995 Scottish cup final.
Phil was also in the team that won our first league title in 10 years against St. Johnstone in 1998.
He was only a youngster when he helped Motherwell win the Scottish Cup in 1991.
And it’s a fitting tribute by Motherwell to name one of their stands at Fir Park in his honour.

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29 Dec 2020 14:25:48
I was s young trainee at Motherwell I'd have been maybe 14 I was cleaning boots in the boot room when he sighed for Celtic and came into collect his stuff told me to Keep his boots he wouldn't be needing them as he was off to paradise.

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29 Dec 2020 15:39:42
He tended to be injury prone but had a tremendous engine for playing midfield box to box up there with Petrov. He was a top class footballer and more importantly a top class guy. His injuries hampered him otherwise was in a similar class for me as quintessential midfielder and legend that is Paul McStay and to John Collins. An absolute tragedy.

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29 Dec 2020 17:42:22
That’s cool for a young Celtic supporter.
Have you still got his boots Jaw?

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29 Dec 2020 19:32:42
Buzz I honestly don't know what happened to the boots over the year's but I had them pride of place in my bedroom for I think his whole Celtic career whilst I lived at home. He knew I was a big Celtic fan as did most the first team squad as I used to celebrate Celtic goals when I had to help out on match day's with kits and ball boy duties 🤣🤣🤣.

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