Celtic F.C

[allycoops]

Celtic, Werder Bremen join Bosman battle for Le Mans star Daisuke Matsui

Le Mans winger Daisuke Matsui will have the pick of clubs when he comes off contract in June.

The Japan international is courting interest from Lazio, Genoa, Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen and Celtic - among others - as he prepares to leave France in the summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuHiX2VxAfI&feature=related

Good video that , Sheer Class Player, cant see him getting that much time on the Ball in Scotland though. But he'd certainly be a wothwhile addition the the SPL

[Tizzer22]

Revealed: Who was red and yellow carded and why after the final whistle to a volatile Old Firm derby

Scotland team-mates David Weir and Gary Caldwell were both red-carded after the final whistle at Parkhead as stars from both sides fought on the pitch and clashed in the tunnel.

Sportsmail can reveal Weir was red-carded for violent conduct and will be banned for Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone. Caldwell was sent off, also for violent conduct, and is out of Saturday's SPL game with Aberdeen.

And Celtic captain Stephen McManus was yellow-carded in the tunnel for 'adopting a threatening attitude'.

Tempers snapped as the final whistle blew, with Nacho Novo and Aiden McGeady involved and Weir and Caldwell grappling as well as the two club captains, Barry Ferguson and McManus.

The belated punishments took the overall crime count to three reds and five yellows on a night of astonishing drama in what was Clark's last ever Old Firm encounter.

Steven Naismith didn't even kick a ball all night, yet was booked for taking his celebrations too far after Nacho Novo had cancelled out Shunsuke Nakamura's opener.

The only man to see red during the 90 minutes was Carlos Cuellar, who handled Nakamura's net-bound drive in the second half, giving Clark his easiest decision of the night.

And the SFA will this morning open investigations into a second-half incident when Rangers team medical officer, Dr Paul Jackson, was struck by a missile as he treated goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

[Tizzer22]

Celtic Transfer News

On the back of a great win over rivals Rangers last night at Parkhead, Celtic are already looking to strengthen for next year?s campaign with possible moves for Spanish midfielder Moises Hurtado and Japanese winger Daisuke Matsui in the summer.

Celtic have been linked with experienced Espanyol defensive midfielder Moises Hurtado, who recently just signed a contract extension with the Barcelona based side. Hurtado is well known to Scottish football fans as the player who was sent off for two bookable offences in the UEFA Cup Final at Hampden Park in 2007.

Le Mans winger Daisuke Matsui has laso been linked with a move to Celtic in the summer, although they will have stiff competition in the guise of Werder Bremen, Genoa, Lazio and Wolfsburg as his contract ends in the summer with the French side. The major factors that may clinch the deal for Celtic is not money or the quality of football in the SPL- but Champions League Football and the prospect of playing with fellow Japanese international team mates Shunsuke Nakamura and Koki Mizuno.

[gazz10]

McGeady wins Player of Year award



Celtic's Aiden McGeady has been voted both Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year by his fellow Scottish professionals.

The midfielder, 22, was awarded the first honour ahead of his team-mates Scott McDonald and Barry Robson, as well as Carlos Cuellar of Rangers.

Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid was named the Manager of the Year.

There was also a Scottish Football Special Merit award for the late Motherwell captain Phil O'Donnell.


McGeady is the first player to win both awards in a single season since former team-mate Shaun Maloney in 2006.

"Obviously I am delighted. I've got to give thanks to the players who voted for me," he said.

"I think my game's come on an awful lot with the help of the coaching staff and the players I'm playing with, but I think the main thing is consistency."

The Republic of Ireland international played a key part in Celtic's European and domestic campaign this season.

McGeady scored his first Champions League goal earlier this season, the only goal in the 1-0 win over Benfica in November.



The 16-times capped midfielder has also scored eight goals in the Scottish Premier League as well as providing a number of assists.

Hamilton Accies won promotion to the SPL at the weekend and Reid said: "It's been a fantastic 24 hours for me.

"The big thing for me was obviously getting to the Premier League and this award caps it off.

"I didn't play in the SPL as a player so I've got a chance to do that as a manager and I can't wait."

[Tizzer22]

Old Firm Preview

Rangers visit Celtic Park for the second time in eleven days on Sunday, live on Setanta Sports 1 from 11.30am, and again it is promising to be an absolute cracker.

If Celtic win they will open up a five-point gap over their city rivals, while Rangers can go back to the top with three games in hand.

However, a win for Walter Smith?s side will put them back in pole position and with three games in hand still remaining.

It is the final Old Firm derby of the season, a potential title decider, and with all the hype surrounding the game, another classic could be served up by the Glasgow rivals.

Celtic won the last clash with virtually the last kick of the ball and Rangers will be out seeking revenge and to prove they are indeed top dog in the city, because losing to your city rivals is not an option - it is looked upon as coming last, not second.

Rangers have only managed to score twice in their last six visits to the east end of the city, but they have only lost once in their last six games with the current SPL champions.

Celtic may have found some form at the right time and have won their last three SPL outings, although some would view last week's win over Aberdeen as very lucky and they have conceded just six goals in their last 16 games.

Scott McDonald might be off colour at the moment, but he has scored first in 12 of Celtic?s games this season and just might choose Sunday to return to form.

Celtic?s 2-1 win on April 16 at home against the title contenders was the first time they had scored against Rangers in five matches and they will be looking again for another performance like the last time.

Shunsuke Nakamura gave Gordon Strachan a real scare after a training ground clash with Barry Robson but he will be fit for the game. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Lee Naylor and Andreas Hinkel all look as if they will be available for selection.

Both Scott Brown and Gary Caldwell are both available again for The Bhoys.

Barry Ferguson is available after missing the game against Fiorentina on Thursday night, but Kevin Thomson is suspended and Carlos Cuellar will miss the clash after being sent off in the last game at Celtic Park, Christian Dailly will probably partner David Weir in defence.

Neil Alexander will again take his place in goal and there could be a rare place for Thomas Buffel because Dailly will move into defence. Or will Walter Smith use the chance to alter his attacking formation for this game?

Lee McCulloch, Allan McGregor, Chris Burke, Steven Naismith, Charlie Adam can only sit and watch the events unfold before their eyes, but one interesting battle should have everyone intrigued and that is the duel between Aiden McGeady and Nacho Novo after the Spaniard claimed he had the Republic of Ireland international in his back pocket during the last encounter at Celtic Park.

[Tizzer22]

Celtic Old Firm victory keeps title race alive

Celtic blasted the Scottish Premier League race wide open with a thrilling 3-2 victory over fierce city rivals Rangers on Sunday.

Although the Ibrox side have three games-in-hand, Celtic now have a five point advantage at the top of the table and have a realistic chance of securing their third title in a row - when only weeks ago their challenge seemed over.

The Parkhead team's goalscoring heroes were Australian striker Scott McDonald, who grabbed a brace, and Barry Robson, who converted from the penalty spot.

However, they were made to work hard for the win after goals from David Weir and Gabon international Daniel Cousin had cancelled out McDonald's opener to give Rangers a brief first half lead.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan was delighted with the victory and his side's battling qualities.

He said: "The second time we got the lead we were far more positive as the first time we were a bit negative.

"To claw our way back with some good football and determined stuff was very pleasing. When it went to 3-2 we started to enjoy it - which is unusual for me in an Old Firm game."

Walter Smith believed his side had merited at least a point but says they still have the advantage.

The Rangers manager said: "We started the match on top although Celtic finished the first half stronger and pinned us back.

"It was pretty even in the second half and I don't think either goalkeeper had much to do.

"We're disappointed we've not taking anything from the game. I thought we were good value for at least a point.

"If we win all our games and Celtic win theirs we will have a four point advantage and we never expected winning a championship would be easy."

Celtic had opened the scoring in the fourth minute with their first effort on goal.

Andreas Hinkel's long ball forward was headed on by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and, although appearing to be a yard offside, McDonald raced in on goal, took a touch and lashed low past Rangers' stand-in goalkeeper Neil Alexander.

However, Rangers restored parity in the 17th minute.

Steven Davis' corner was met by veteran defender Weir at the front post and he headed past Celtic's Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc from six-yards.

Rangers then scored an almost identical goal in the 29th minute.

This time it was Cousin who met Davis' corner at the front post to send a powerful header into the net via the underside of the crossbar.

Only a victory was good enough to keep Celtic in the SPL title race and in the 43rd minute they scored their second to level the match.

Aiden McGeady played a pin-point pass to the feet of McDonald 16-yards from goal and the little Australian cut inside before striking a right-foot shot that took a deflection before looping over Alexander into the net.

The game was flowing end-to-end in the second half but it was the home side who scored the fifth goal of the match from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.

Paul Hartley's pass put McDonald in on goal but the striker was unceremoniously bundled to the ground by Kirk Broadfoot, who was lucky to escape with only a yellow card, and referee Craig Thomson pointed to the spot.

In the last Old Firm game McDonald had missed a penalty and so this time responsibility fell to Robson who confidently drove the ball past Alexander low into the net.

Rangers' miserable day was compounded when Steven Whittaker was sent-off in injury time when he picked up a second yellow card for a crude challenge on Japanese international Shunsuke Nakamura.

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McDonald rues missing Celtic's first Old Firm hat-trick for 37 years

SCOTT McDonald re-ignited his sparkling debut season for Celtic yesterday by breaking his scoring duck in Old Firm matches and has now set his sights on winning a championship for the Parkhead club as memorably as he denied them one three years ago.

The Australian forward's double in the 3-2 win over Rangers took his tally for the current campaign to a hugely impressive 29 goals and he has long since earned the admiration of the supporters whose hearts he broke at Fir Park in 2005 with the two late strikes for Motherwell which helped the Ibrox men win the SPL title by the narrowest of margins.

With yesterday's victory for Celtic opening up the possibility of another photo finish in the championship race, McDonald hopes he can complete his redemption in the eyes of the fans who once cursed his name.

"It's great to get that monkey off my back, scoring in an Old Firm game for the first time," said McDonald. "After missing the penalty in the last game against Rangers 11 days ago, I was worried that people would start to talk about me doing it again in terms of costing Celtic a title.

"Fortunately I managed to play a part in our late winner that night and to now score twice in this win is huge for me. It would mean the world to deliver the title for Celtic this season and maybe people would stop reminding me about 2005.

"Scoring the early goal today gave me a huge lift, but this win will only be significant for us if we win our last three games and Rangers manage to drop points. We have got a bit of pride back, though, by winning the last two Old Firm games. It shows our fans there is character here. The team and players have taken a few hits, some of them probably rightly so because of some performances, so it's great to get back to winning ways.

"I think Rangers still have the stronger hand in the title race, because they will feel they can win all of their remaining games, but we just have to worry about ourselves. It is important that we keep believing and that the team stick together. We are 110 per cent behind the manager, we enjoy working with him every day, and there would be nothing sweeter than to get over the line in this championship and make it three in a row for him."

McDonald was denied the opportunity to become the first Celtic player since Harry Hood in 1971 to score a hat-trick in an Old Firm game, being pulled down by Kirk Broadfoot as he raced into the penalty area with 20 minutes remaining. The subsequent penalty kick was taken and converted by Barry Robson to secure all three points for Celtic and McDonald had no complaints at missing out on a little piece of history.

"Having missed the penalty in the last game against Rangers, it was decided before this one that there would be a change," he said. "I would liked to have scored my hat-trick to be honest. I was thinking about taking the penalty but there was no taking it off Robbo. Pretty much Robbo said 'I'm taking it' and that was it. It was the right decision because he stuck it away brilliantly."

McDonald's reluctance to argue was understandable given his penalty miss 11 days earlier, but he was delighted to make amends with his double yesterday. "It was exactly what I wanted – after the last game I was hungry for goals," he said. "The goals have not been coming thick and fast recently but I have been working hard and finishing in training. It was great to get the rewards. I didn't have much time to think about it, it was just touch and finish and bang and look around and say 'am I onside here?' because I was pretty much alone."

• Celtic have been cut from 5/2 to 6/4 to retain the SPL title after beating Rangers for the second time in a fortnight.

Rangers, who are now five points behind with three games in hand, are 1/2 from 2/7. Ladbrokes spokesman Robin Hutchison said: "Celtic needed to win both games and they've done so. With Rangers having so many injuries and suspensions it's game on."

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Strachan satisfied but knows title remains rivals' to lose

GORDON Strachan's joy over a second successive triumph in yesterday's Old Firm match at Parkhead may have been almost palpable, but it was not enough to tempt him to make noises about Celtic's chances of retaining the Clydesdale Bank Premier League championship they have held for the past two seasons.

The Celtic manager, typically, refused to look further ahead than next Saturday's visit to Motherwell, or to join the debate over the possibility of Rangers' defeat leaving them sufficiently unnerved to concede the four points in their remaining six matches that would allow their great rivals to take the title from their grasp.

"I would have no idea what impact the result may have on the championship," said Strachan after the 3-2 win. "And how anybody else reacts to it is up to them. I would have no insight into that.

"All I know is how it affects us, and what it means is that it makes us feel better about ourselves for a few days. Then we'll be back into the next assignment."

With only three fixtures to Rangers' six on the run-in, it is obvious that Strachan and his players will have to rely on the Ibrox side's faltering.

The likelihood of such a stumble may have increased with the injuries sustained by central defender David Weir and midfielder Steven Davis, which makes them very doubtful for Thursday's trip to Italy for the second leg of the Uefa Cup semi-final against Fiorentina and which may also keep them out of domestic action. Strachan and his players may also take encouragement from the curious statistic which shows that Rangers may be losing the winning habit.

They have triumphed on only two of their past eight outings, including the draw with St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final – they did win the penalty shoot-out – at Hampden eight days ago.

Strachan, however, preferred to dwell on the resurgence of form by his own team, their four successive victories – two against Rangers, one away to Motherwell and one at home to Aberdeen – seeming to signify an end to the run of set-backs that had afflicted them through the previous six weeks or so.

He was clearly pleased with yesterday's performance when he said, "I think the second time we got the lead (from Barry Robson's penalty kick), we were much more positive than we had been after we led early on. After the third goal, I thought, 'Yeah, you're really enjoying this now'.

"They realised what they'd done wrong in the first half and put it right.

" I was most pleased at simply playing the way we wanted, although I was disappointed at losing two goals to identical set pieces, corner kicks from the same side.

"They were very well delivered and there was bravery from Rangers in getting in to make the headers (Weir and Daniel Cousin), but it was really quite disappointing from our point of view."

It was when Strachan was asked if his team's comeback after being 2-1 down had been the response of champions that he revealed his pride in his players: "We are the champions till somebody takes it from us."

Remembering the penalty missed by Scott McDonald in the previous Old Firm match, Strachan was asked if yesterday's scorer, Barry Robson, had been nominated before the start.

"No, we'd agreed big Jan (Vennegoor of Hesselink) would take it, but, fortunately, I took big Jan off a minute before the penalty."

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Strachan sees funny side of Boruc T-shirt slogan

CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan made light of the antics of his goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, who revealed a 'God bless the Pope' T-shirt following the 3-2 win over Rangers at Parkhead.

After the game the Poland international, nicknamed the 'Holy Goalie' by the Celtic fans, took his goalkeeping shirt off to show the T-shirt with a picture of the Pope and accompanying slogan.

But Strachan joked: "He's not a bad lad, to be fair (the Pope]. If it was 'God bless Myra Hindley', I might have a problem."

It is not the first time Boruc has courted controversy in Old Firm matches. He was cautioned by police for making gestures to Rangers fans at a match at Ibrox in February 2006.

The Polish international also paraded a flag with 'Champions' written across it at the end of a 2-0 defeat by Rangers last year at the same venue. This season, Boruc angered Lee McCulloch, Barry Ferguson and David Weir by refusing to shake hands after a 3-0 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox, which brought condemnation from Strachan.

"If you get angry you should use it in other ways," said the manager. "It should make you tackle harder, run faster, jump higher." Boruc was also booked at the end of a 2-0 win at Easter Road in March for gesturing to Hibs fans.

[toto67]

Tis was a good win and cant say we didnt deserve to win it...Well Done

CELTIC


A feel a song coming on
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee


Everybodyyyyyyyy

Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee
Ohhhh Theeee Rangerssss Areeee Shiteeeeee

[Tizzer22]

SPL to request Celtic deal with goalkeeper Artur Boruc after Old Firm's papal T-shirt stunt

The SPL are poised to write to Celtic requesting that the Parkhead club deal with goalkeeper Artur Boruc internally.

As Sportsmail revealed yesterday, Old Firm match delegate Willie McDougall will accuse the Polish international of 'irresponsible behaviour' when his report arrives with the SPL tomorrow.

Boruc's decision to celebrate Sunday's 3-2 win over Rangers by donning a T-shirt of the late Pope John Paul II has overshadowed a vital triumph for Gordon Strachan's side.

Yesterday, former SFA security chief and police officer McDougall's missive had yet to arrive at Hampden.

When it does so, however, SPL executive chairman Lex Gold is likely to pass the matter over to Celtic's board of directors.

The SFA are the only body with the power to punish Boruc for what Rangers supporters regard as an inflammatory gesture.

And the governing body have no intention of acting after referee Craig Thomson ignored the incident.

Instead, the SPL will write to the club concerned. Celtic will then be asked to issue a private warning to the player as to his future actions.

Boruc is no stranger to controversy where opposition supporters are concerned.

Privately, however, senior Celtic figures are querying why such a T- shirt should be regarded as provocative and remain circumspect over Boruc's actions.

Manager Strachan, for one, has already brushed the matter aside.

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Celtic fan dies after Govan attack

A Celtic supporter died on Sunday evening after being attacked by a gang of youths in the Govan area of Glasgow.

Patrick McBride, 51, suffered a heart attack after the incident, which is believed to have been perpetrated by three men.

The trio, all aged 21, were arrested in connection with the attack and are slated to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday.

Very sad to hear another Celtic fan dieing after a old firm match, RIP to a fellow tim

[Tizzer22]

McGeady targeted in street fracas

Aiden McGeady was targeted by drunken Rangers fans in a street fracas outside a Glasgow nightclub in the early hours of Monday morning.

McGeady was with teammate Scott McDonald in the Bamboo club celebrating Celtic?s 3-2 win over Rangers on Sunday afternoon.

A threatening mob showered the Scottish-born Ireland international with abuse when he left the club, with a scuffle breaking out on the street.

The incident was over in a matter of seconds, but McGeady is ready to co-operate with police if required.

A Celtic spokesperson said: ?The players made the club aware of this incident on Monday. Aiden has made it clear he?d be more than happy to co-operate with the police as both players were undoubtedly the aggrieved parties in this unfortunate incident.?

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Celtic On The Way To ?12 million ?

CELTIC and Rangers have been handed an added ?12 million incentive to win the SPL - the chance to go straight into the Champions League group stages.The all-British final between Manchester United and Chelsea in Moscow next month means the Scottish champions should automatically get into next year's competition.The only scenario which could see them have to go through qualifying is if Arsenal manage to finish in second place in the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners are four points behind United and Chelsea in third place in the table with two games remaining in the 2007/08 season.Celtic qualified for the Champions League automatically back in 2006 after Barcelona won and went on to reach the last 16 for the first time in their history.The side which finishes second in the SPL will have to go through qualifying.

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mcmanus targets return for fir park clash

Newsroom Staff
STEPHEN McManus is hoping that he will be able to play a full part in Celtic?s last three league games of the season.

The Celtic captain suffered a calf injury during last weekend?s 3-2 victory over Rangers and had to be replaced by Darren O?Dea.

But McManus is doing everything he can to be available for the Hoops game with Motherwell at Fir Park tomorrow, Saturday, May 3.

?There are still three games to go and I don?t want to miss any of them,? he said. ?I will see how it goes but I took a bang on the calf and it?s more of a strain really.?

McManus was speaking at the official launch of the Phil O?Donnell Tribute Match, to be played at Celtic Park on Sunday, May 25 between Motherwell?s 1991 Scottish Cup-winning side and Celtic?s title-winning side of 1998.

?Phil was a role model,? McManus said. ?I was fortunate to know him before I can in full-time at Celtic. I was a young kid who left school at 15 and Phil was at Hamilton as well. He had a lot of respect for everyone around him.

?The important thing now is that this is his match. It is a great way to celebrate Phil?s life, for his family and everyone that knew him and played with him. He was such a fantastic guy and a great player."