Donati injured as reserves beat Dundalk 3-1

Dundalk 1-3 Celtic

I've only got some patchy details in from today's friendly at Dundalk which Celtic's reserve side won 3-1in front of 4,000 supporters.

Ben Hutchison, Michael McGlinchey and Nicky Riley were the unlikely scorers at Oriel Park.

Hutchison, who appeared as a late substitute in the 7-0 win over St Mirren the previous day, opened the scoring for Celtic midway through the first half but the home side equalised before the break.

Michael McGlinchey, who was linked with a move to Dundalk, scored the second for Celtic with Nicky Riley marking his first appearance of the season with a goal.

Massimo Donati who fell victim to an 'over-enthusiastic' challenge on the hour mark but the injury isn't thought to be too serious.

CELTIC Fox, Doumbe, Marr, Misun, Lafferty; McGinn, Donati, Miller, Conroy; Hutchison, McGlinchey. Subs Riley (Hutchison) Cawley (Donati)

CLICK HERE for match preview, CLICK HERE or HERE for great Celtic coverage

Help folk like Jinky

This Sunday Highly rated UK Rock band "Left Side Brain" will play Glasgow for the first time. Eclectic Therapy Music will donate all profits from the gig to The Motor Neurone Disease (Scotland) Campaign.We are all aware of the terrible disease after watching Jimmy Johnstone's brave fight. Although Jimmy's fight raised the profile of the MND Campaign they are still not served as much as many more popular charities and need our help to help fund the Research and advice given to MND Sufferers.The Rock Concert will be held at Glasgow Garage G2 and doors will open at 7pm with Live Music until 10pm. The cost is £5 per person and I would hope that the Celtic family can come along and contribute towards this very worthwhile cause.Left Side Brain are supported by Glasgow Band "Doves of Disorder" and Edinburgh band "The Laymanites".FUll details can be seen at www.myspace.com/eclectictherapy or through the MND(Scotland) home page.Hail! Hail!eclectictherapymusic

Music for Motor Neurone Disease please come and help

This Sunday Highly rated UK Rock band "Left Side Brain" will play Glasgow for the first time. Eclectic Therapy Music will donate all profits from the gig to The Motor Neurone Disease (Scotland) Campaign.

We are all aware of the terrible disease after watching Jimmy Johnstone's brave fight. Although Jimmy's fight raised the profile of the MND Campaign they are still not served as much as many more popular charities and need our help to help fund the Research and advice given to MND Sufferers.

The Rock Concert will be held at Glasgow Garage G2 and doors will open at 7pm with Live Music until 10pm. The cost is £5 per person and I would hope that the Celtic family can come along and contribute towards this very worthwhile cause.

Left Side Brain are supported by Glasgow Band "Doves of Disorder" and Edinburgh band "The Laymanites".

FUll details can be seen at www.myspace.com/eclectictherapy or through the MND(Scotland) home page.

Hail! Hail!

eclectictherapymusic

HELP FIGHT MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE

THE GLASGOW LEG OF THE LEFT SIDE BRAIN TOUR – ALL PROFITS TO MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE SCOTLAND.

SUNDAY 22ND FEB GARAGE G2 GLASGOW DOORS 7PM £5 ON DOOR


MANY THANKS

BILL

LEFT SIDE BRAIN

DOVES OF DISORDER

AND THE LAYMANITES

THANKS

DAVE

CFC SEASON TICK HOLDER J

HELP FIGHT MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE IN GLASGOW THIS SUNDAY NIGHT !!!

HELP FIGHT THE TERRIBLE DISEASE THAT JINKY FOUGHT BRAVELY



THE GLASGOW LEG OF THE LEFT SIDE BRAIN TOUR – ALL PROFITS TO MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE SCOTLAND.

SUNDAY 22ND FEB GARAGE G2 GLASGOW DOORS 7PM £5 ON DOOR


MANY THANKS


LEFT SIDE BRAIN "ONE OF THE BRIGHTEST LIGHTS IN BRITISH ROCK"

DOVES OF DISORDER

AND THE LAYMANITES

THANKS

DAVE

CFC SEASON TICK HOLDER J

Rangers could close, by Jim Traynor

That was a Kennedy moment, 8.20am on BBC Radio Scotland he uttered the words: "Rangers could close"

LISTEN HERE

Was I hearing rightly, of course because he almost said it again before quickly remembering the script of 'and there's no reason why Rangers would be immune, or Celtic or any other club'.

Troubled times indeed. Pre-internet we had our own upheaval and it took almost five years from the first signs of dissent against 'The Board' to seeing the White's and Kelly's departing to be replaced by Fergus McCann, a McCann with a plan if ever there was a man.

McCann managed to see off rivals for the ownership of Celtic including Gerard Weisfeld, Michael McDonald, Willie Haughey, Brian Dempsey and others to save the club as the Bank of Scotland prepared for the final whistle.

McCann took control, gave seats on the board to Weisfeld, McDonald, Haughey and others including a lot of Keane's in the form of Dominic, John and Eddie who had all played various parts in helping McCann to power and were willing to invest their own money to save and revive Celtic.

At the time Celtic had little going for it, a good support that was disillusioned, a fantastic history and Paul McStay. Not much else and there was never a hint of selling McStay to balance the books, Paul had suffered with the rest of us and wanted to be part of the revival.

Compare that picture to today and Rangers.

Every day has brought fresh drama and twists, after hearing Traynor say those memorable words another radio station mentioned Newcastle having bids in for two French based players... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. That will be the team that's been linked with Barry Ferguson, Allan McGregor, Madjid Bougherra, Pedro Mendes and almost anyone at Rangers except Kris Boyd.

The firm hand and text-book media management of David Murray is falling to pieces when the licence draining BBC have had Chick Young mentioning administration and Jim Traynor talk that Rangers could close.

Strange, strange times indeed and still over a fortnight to go in this fantastic month before the transfer window slowly and creakily closes down.

Murray's mistakes are surfacing by the day, he is being shown up as a deal-maker and gambler rather than the shrewd businessman that his cheerleaders have portrayed him as for the last 20 years.

Mistakes down the years have been brushed aside as the latest glitzy star has been signed for Rangers, usually snatched from under the noses of Real Madrid/Manchester United/AC Milan, alongside the ominous warning to the rest of Scotland that there will be more to follow.

The mistakes have been mounting up, times have been tighter at Ibrox in the last five or six years, Celtic have presented a consistent challenge and it's no longer such fun being chairman of Rangers.

Some Rangers fans have had misgivings but some calming words from Murray, stick together, we're all part of the family (nudge nudge) soon knocked the wind from any malcontents as the 9-in-a-row era was recalled and the rest of Murray's glory.

2009 however is a very different story, the moonbeams have been lost in space, their destination unknown, some of us don't even know if a moonbeam is good or bad news but we've all heard the phrase.

Rangers and Murray are on their knees and it has very little to do with the credit crunch that has closed Woolworths and saw HM Government take major stakes in Scotland's banks.

Murray's desire to spend a tenner for every fiver spent by Celtic is hitting home and hitting hard. He has never been able to savour Rangers successes without bringing Celtic into the equation.

He gloried in our troubles through the early nineties offering free advise on how to successfully run a football club/business. When he banned Celtic fans from attending a derby match at Ibrox he sneered that Celtic couldn't do the same because we were incapable of filling the stadium with Celtic fans.

For a decade now Celtic have had a bigger stadium and more season-ticket holders.

As the latest Admiral/Adidas/Nike/Umbro kit deal was unveiled as another stunning piece of business he questioned the unique Celtic strip wondering if such a design would ever be commercially attractive.

As Celtic opened up to offer supporters shares Murray triumphed that by bringing in Joe Lewis of ENIC with plans of hotels and intergalactic domination.

Today Murray and Rangers are in deep financial troubles with no life boats around to rescue them other than the players that won't be sold.

Last week as Kris Boyd was expected to sign for Birmingham City, managed by former Rangers boss Alex McLeish, Murray told his newspaper favourites that one player had to be sold and the move was to balance the books on his terms not at the request of the banks.

With those interviews about to hit the press the Boyd deal collapsed and suddenly the whole of football knew that Rangers had to sell a player, they had to bring in £4m (at least) or what?????

As Murray spoke he was breathing a sigh of relief, crisis over, maybe another player will be sold if a decent offer comes in but that's £2m plus received after Kilmarnock and Boyd have had their cut.

Now with Boyd still at the club a week later the question is being asked, 'what if they don't sell a player?'

We can all guess and speculate. Traynor appears to have put his foot in it, he's answered the question and it's not a popular answer or the answer expected.

With favoured agent Willie Mackay bombed out selling options are limited, there is no stampede for the untouchables while half a dozen recent signings hang around collecting their wages with no inclination to move on to help Rangers out.

The Rangers support appear divided, a campaign for change has been launched with almost as quickly a campaign to sort of change but not really, well maybe, but do it the dignified Rangers way counter launched.

Strangely protesting seems not to be the Rangers way, car park protests are for Celtic supporters, it's not the Rangers way. Strangely in the early 80s there would be regular crowds gathering outside Ibrox shouting for the removal of John Greig as manager before Celtic fans started similar protests against the club's owners.

In those days communication was difficult, there was no internet or mobile phones, the only way to gain publicity was on the Radio Clyde phone-in, organising and publicity wasn't as easy as it is today.

As bigger companies and even banks have found out recently speculation can be costly, whispering campaigns can gain momentum and the full extent of Murray and Rangers difficulties are unknown.

However being heavily involved in property at this time can't be reassuring, bankers aren't likely to be impressed with a property portfolio placed against increasing debts and borrowing.

Things change quickly these days, information seeps out and it's looking very concerning for Rangers as fresh developments come to light on a daily basis.

Succulent lamb was once on the menu, tomorrow it could be spam fritters all round.

Sunderland 1-0 Celtic

Celtic's reserve side lost 1-0 today to Sunderland in a friendly match played at 'The Academy of Light'.

The home side scored the only goal of the game ten minutes into the second half.

The game marked the Celtic debuts of Milan Musan and Niall McGinn who both signed for the club in December.

Musan gave an impressive performance at left-back, that phrase requires a bit of getting used to since it's our problem position, but if the 18-year-old settles in as quickly as it appears then he could well be involved in the first team at some stage this season.

McGinn had a quieter afternoon playing on the wing but should soon be up to speed after an impressive season with Derry City that saw him gain his first full international cap.

It was the reserves first game since December 22 when they beat Kilmarnock 1-0, Marc Crosas played in the game against Killie and got another 90 minutes which should bring help his match fitness and put him in line for a place in centre midfield.

Elsewhere Cillian Sheridan looked sharp and lively alongside Ben Hutchinson in attack with the reserve season resuming next Tuesday when they travel away to face Hearts.

SKIPPY'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Celtic to play Sunderland

Celtic's reserve side faces Sunderland today at 'The Academy of Light' with a 1.30pm kick-off.

Making their Celtic debut's will be Niall McGinn and Milan Musan while Marc Crosas will be given another ninety minutes to regain match fitness.

McGinn and Musin were signed during December with the friendly against Sunderland their first chance to play in a Celtic jersey.

The reserves haven't played since beating Kilmarnock 1-0 on December 22 when Ben Hutchison scored the only goal to keep the side clear at the top of the table.

Hutchison and Cillian Sheridan are in the side for today's match while Paul McGowan has gone out on loan to Hamilton Accies for the rest of the season.

SKIPPY'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER

An amazing Celtic year

 

What an amazing year, glorious and tragic in equal measures as we enter 2009 with 4-in-a-row in sight and our city rivals on the brink of more upheaval as we strengthen our domestic dominance.

HAPPY NEW YEAR VIDEO

Winning at Ibrox was the perfect way to end the year, a win that meant much much more than three points, welcome as they were.

Earlier this year we were way behind Rangers, back-to-back defeats at Ibrox and at home to ten man Motherwell seemed to be the end of the road and a long painful close season in the shadow of a Rangers treble win and a possible UEFA Cup triumph to eclipse the joys of Seville held dear by a generation of Celtic fans.

How could that happen?

Thankfully it never came to pass, Rangers drew away to Dundee United, the door opened a little, we hammered Motherwell at Fir Park, beat Rangers back to back and after the horrible death of Tommy Burns and his uplifting funeral we were partying from Tannadice to Paradice and beyond as an unlikely championship was warmly greeted.

Perhaps you need to stare despair in the face to fully appreciate triumph but I wouldn't recommend it.

Again this season we've had our trials, watching Rangers win 4-2 at Celtic Park, a flattering scoreline on the day, was grim and scary as even Arthur Boruc lost his edge and a testing season loomed ahead whilst Rangers concentrated on the SPL as we faced the additional challenge of the Champions League.

The manager, the team and the squad have answered the challenge, 3-in-a-row hasn't made them complacent, it's made them hungry and the desire to avoid dark days is fresh enough to keep the team winning.

Twelve SPL wins on the bounce through autumn was a great achievement but there was still one question lurking over most of the present team... can they win at Ibrox?

Despite the title wins and Champions League qualifications there was still a cloud over the side cast by three straight defeats at Ibrox without even a goal scored.

Walter Smith's derby day record had taken a jolt in April with back-to-back defeats at Celtic Park but that 4-2 win gave legitimate grounds for concern and questions to be asked of the current team.

Did they have it in them to win at Ibrox against Rangers?

Were Hartley, Brown, McDonald, Caldwell, Robson and Samaras capable of winning at Ibrox, especially when the side is depleted?

Without Aiden McGeady, Shunsuke Nakamura, Shaun Maloney and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink fit only for the bench Celtic emerged winners, deserved winners with the players reputations enhanced by the result.

It wasn't pretty but the team held firm, limited Rangers chances and when the moment came Scott McDonald showed class in his finish to join that elite group of Celts to have scored the winner at Ibrox.

The new year promises much, a squad hopefully returning towards full strength homing in on the title and perhaps domestic silverware as well to cushion the blow of no European football.

JANUARY

Begins tragically with the death of Phil O'Donnell, never the greatest of Celtic players but a local boy that lived the dream, wore the hoops and refused to buckle despite the constant injuries that hampered his Celtic career. On 9 May 1998 Phil played his part on a great Celtic day as St Johnstone were beaten 2-0 to secure 1-in-a-row and end a near decade of misery. Barry Robson and Georgios Samaras join the club after the earlier signing of Andreas Hinkel from Seville.

FEBRUARY

Two impressive 5-1 away wins to begin the month away to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen with some special magic from Aiden McGeady the highlight at Pittodrie. Barcelona called and truth be told they wiped the floor with us, after six straight Champions League wins at home Lionel Messi, Thierry Henry and the rest give us the runaround despite the 3-2 scoreline.

MARCH

I'd rather forget. Out of the Champions League after a 0-1 in the Camp Nou is more acceptable than losing a Scottish Cup replay at home to Aberdeen after snatching a draw right at the death of the first match. A miserable month ends with a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox as the SPL slips almost out of sight.

APRIL

More misery as Motherwell win 1-0 at Celtic Park but two wins over Rangers keep the SPL race alive although help is required from elsewhere... assuming that we're capable of winning our remaining matches. Nakamura and big Jan score wonderful and contrasting goals in the 2-1 victory with McDonald and Robson the matchwinners in the 3-2 game.

MAY

Sadness and shock as Tommy Burns loses his fight with cancer just months after being part of the dug-out, an incredible turn out in Glasgow's East End mourn the loss just two days before the league is won at Tannadice with Jan the man again as the celebrations kick-off. Tannadice was a great setting to win the league, the United supporters concerned only with football matters and perhaps a little appreciative of Celtic's win after some rough decisions against Rangers in recent months.

AUGUST

Back for more but no big name signings, Shaun Maloney returns, Samaras's loan becomes permanent but a 4-2 loss from Rangers wasn't predicted whilst the Champions League draw pairs us with Manchester United, again, Villarreal, again and Aalborg.

SEPTEMBER

The start of a recovery, a devastating first half at Motherwell with four goals scored, another convincing win away to Kilmarnock but just one point from six in the Champions League ahead of the double header with Manchester United.

OCTOBER

Another clean sweep of SPL wins but nothing yet in the Champions League as we lose 3-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Striking situation getting very concerning with McDonald left on his own at Old Trafford although Cillian Sheridan emerges from virtually nowhere to score in his first SPL start against Hibs.

NOVEMBER

Champions League, and European exit, after losing disastrously away to Aalborg after taking the lead. Six minutes from a home win over Manchester United thanks to a brilliant Scott McDonald goal but deep down most of us knew that we weren't equipped for the Champions League, however a UEFA Cup run would have been a decent consolation. Another clean sweep of SPL wins.

DECEMBER

Arthur has a wobbler at Hibs, Aiden and Gordon go bonkers against Hearts, Koki Mizuno scores on his debut at Falkirk and delight as Scott McDonald's goal beats Rangers to spark a flurry of text and emails involving McDonalds and 7up.

A wonderful Christmas time

How good was that?

Skippy's Christmas special video

As a game it was woeful, barely anything of note, hardly any goalmouth incidents, not many outstanding performances and little excitement or controversy.

But we all know that it's not just a game, it's not 90 minutes and three points. Winning at Ibrox is simply wonderful, in the mid eighties we had a regular run of it and again in the first half of this decade the wins came fairly regularly as well, even inspiring the stat the Neil Lennon won more SPL games at Ibrox than the messiah known as Paul le Guen.

Lenny was back at Ibrox again yesterday but a new generation of Celts added the label of 'Won at Ibrox' line to their cv.

SPL winners, some two or three times over, Champions League qualifiers, again achieved twice by some of the players.

Last season's title triumph was awesome and we're still feeding off it. The dark scary days that followed that home defeat from Motherwell are history as seven wins on the bounce, two over UEFA Cup finalists Rangers gave us a fantastic and unexpected league win on that strange, glorious and emotional night at Tannadice as our dreams came true.

Those league winners are now getting cocky, strutting their stuff and even a 2-4 loss to Rangers in August hasn't dented their confidence. A punishing Champions League campaign saw them bounce back domestically to overtake Rangers who had the benefits of a full week to prepare for SPL action as Gordon Strachan attempted success on two fronts against an injury list that almost became overwhelming.

The build up to Ibrox was dominated by who wouldn't be playing, no Shaun Maloney or suspended Aiden McGeady, Marc Crossas still short of match fitness, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink missing for three months and doubts over the match fitness of Barry Robson and Paul Hartley.

Pre-match and Shunsuke Nakamura is also out of the picture with flu and by half-time Andreas Hinkel had been kicked off the park. Despite those circumstances the resolve was solid stemming from a battle hardened core of Stephen McManus and Gary Caldwell through Hartley, Robson and Scott Brown to the magnificent Scott McDonald.

Our moany faced goal machine wasn't getting much support from Georgios Samaras whose going through an infuriating spell of almost always making the wrong decisions whatever the situation.

Remaining on the ball too long, passing when he shouldn't, beating one man too many and losing possession are all features of Sammy's play recently and they were in evidence again at Ibrox.

Until, until until the 57th minute when he got in a header in front of Davie Weir; with his back to goal McDonald knew exactly what he was doing.

With one touch on his chest to tame the ball, McDonald teed things up as he turned around to leave Kirk Broadfoot catching flies before skelping the ball over Allan McGregor into the net from 18 yards out before spinning away to celebrate in front of the Celtic support.

It was a moment of class and composure and richly deserved for McDonald who quickly corrected his scoring record against Rangers to 'three in two' from 'three in five' when he was interviewed on Setanta after the match.

Darren O'Dea was ready to come on before the goal was scored, Strachan stuck with his convictions and sent the Dubliner on in place of Koki Mizuno with O'Dea moving to left back pushing Lee Naylor further forward.

There was little threat from Rangers, although fraught with tension and fear of an equaliser there was no real panic with the central defenders dealing easily with Rangers crosses into the box and protecting the still shaky Artur Boruc.

When called upon the keeper was up to the challenge, blocking purposefully from Kris Boyd early in the second half when the striker was sent through on goal.

After the match the reaction from Celtic was sensible and restrained but after turning around a seven point deficit last season the same group of players are unlikely to throw away a seven point advantage on the back of a win at Ibrox.

The depth and determination of the squad has been tested and came out on top with a seven point advantage through the trickiest of circumstances.

The Aiden McGeady incident has strengthened the hand of a manager who will never please a large section of the Celtic support but his stubborn desire to succeed can never be doubted.

The next game with Rangers is only five SPL games away. The gap between the top two is more likely to be extended rather than trimmed, if that is the case Celtic have the ideal opportunity on February 15 to put the SPL beyond Rangers.

Having fought and scrapped their way into this position it's highly unlikely that complacency will be an issue, especially with a squad of 20 players all capable of playing their part and entitled to think of themselves as first team starters.

Happy Christmas Hoops.

A grand wee read

At this time of year there is never a shortage of books about the hoops, inevitably of varying quality.

VIDEO REVIEW

Histories of the club tend to be rehashed versions of previous books with little original content aimed at the Christmas market where an easy present can be bought.

There are a few exceptions of course and The Celtic Miscellany is certainly that- exceptional.

There is no real theme to the book but there's something worth reading on every page, some new information, an explanation or a reminder of issues from the past.

Almost everything is in the book but it's random nature and meandering style gives the book a character of it's own.

All the main personalities in Celtic's fantastic history are covered, Murdoch, Johnstone, Tully, Auld and Hay etc, Brother Walfrid through to Larsson, Boruc and Nakamura, the supporters, the strips and the events that shape the club and as you read it and get thinking there is without doubt other areas of the club that a follow-up book could drift into.

The content isn't all sanitised, controversies are looked at refreshingly and honestly... I could go on.

If Santa doesn't drop The Celtic Miscellany your way then treat yourself to it and enjoy a grand wee read.

11-in-a-row Celts set for Europe

Another good solid team performance in the 3-1 win over St Mirren continued Celtic's domestic dominance as attention turns towards Europe.

VIDEO REPORT

Tuesday's game in Aalborg is huge, we could be on course for the Champions League or out of Europe altogether by the end of the game but I'll settle for the middle option of being on course for a UEFA Cup spot.

I can't see beyond a 0-0 draw between Villarreal and Manchester United which suits both teams and gives them a relaxing matchday 6.

Meanwhile Celtic have as good a chance as they are likely to get for a number of years to finally win away in the Champions League.

The regular pattern of three home wins and three away defeats has been broken this season and while the away record is poor there are very few teams that can match our home record and NO-ONE comes to Celtic Park in the Champions League full of confidence.

An interesting point that I've picked up is that we've rarely had 'must-win' away games in the Champions League. With our home record losing away has never been a disaster and there's no shame in losing to AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United or Benfica... FC Kopenhagen and Anderlecht however surely come into the winnable category.

The team looks to have the measure and maturity to see off the domestic challenge with 20 wins from the last 22 SPL fixtures as they again demonstrated in the 3-1 win over St Mirren.

It was scrappy at times but after having players involved in all sort of international games during the week they still had enough in the tank to hold off St Mirren in a lunchtime Saturday kick-off, two days after returning from international duty.

St Mirren had a few chances and near things but when you bring on Shaun Maloney as a substitute and have a German internationalist crossing to a Greek internationalist to find the net you always stand a chance.

The magic of Shunsuke Nakamura put the game beyond St Mirren before Cillian Sheridan scored his fourth goal of the season with the type of chance that strikers thrive on.

There's no time to rest before Tuesday's game in Aalborg but hopefully the importance of the match against a manager-less side in the bottom half of the Danish league should see our expensive talents rise to the occasion.

Getting a win in Denmark will give everyone a lift and guarantee European football after Christmas for the third year running, a tremendous achievement.

Put together the impressive domestic form and the confidence of being able to compete with the best in Europe and we should set ourselves up nicely for the challenges ahead knowing that our squad has the depth to cope and the experience of knowing what it takes to be domestically dominant.

Solskjaer set for Airdrie

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is heading for Airdrie with his Manchester United reserve side to take on the 9-in-a-row chasing Celtic reserves.

SOLSKJAER VIDEO

Unlike some supporters Celtic fans aren't short of big matches to enjoy at the moment with the Champions League in full swing alongwith the SPL.

The game at Airdrie's Shyberry Stadium kicks-off at 3pm on Wednedsay November 5

A reserve team clash between Celtic and Manchester United should be a game to savour with both clubs fielding teams comprising of players brought through their academies from basically worldwide scouting networks.

Solskjaer himself was spotted as a teenager by United to add to the intake that included David Beckham, Paul Scholes, the Nevilles and Ryan Giggs whilst Celtic have brought through Stephen McManus, Shaun Maloney and Aiden McGeady in recent years with Cillian Sheridan, Darren O'Dea and Paul Caddis await the chance to impress.

A fortnight ago Celtic drew 2-2 with Spurs reserves at Lennoxtown with the 'London' club fielding a couple of million pound youngsters.

With supporters travelling from far and wide for the big match in the evening a trip to Airdrie wouldn't really be recommended but there are exceptions.

VIDEO PREVIEW

CELTIC 4-2 HAMILTON, first win of the week for the Celts

One of the youngest, and certainly one of the smallest, Celtic sides eased their way past Hamilton Accies tonight at Airdrie.

VIDEO REPORT

Willie McStay's side were three goals up after an hour and although they lost two goals in the last ten minutes that won't distract too much away from the quality of their performance.

Only Paul McGowan and Ryan Conroy had any real experience whilst Koki Mizuno looked lively and inventive joining McGowan in attack.

With Cillian Sheridan and Ben Hutchison with the first team squad in Manchester it was a case of keeping the ball on the deck as the midfielders fed McGowan and Mizuno.

From left to right we had Mario Conti, Richie Towell, Mark Millar and Kevin Cawley across the centre of the park and it was from a 5th minute cross from Conti that Celtic took the lead with Trent McLenahan deflecting the shot past his own keeper who wasn't shy at letting McLenahan know what he thought of things.

The unfortunate Trent almost added a second own goal shortly afterwards before McGowan showed his class to put Celtic two in front.

Jason Marr's perfectly weighted pass tempted Hamilton 'keeper Sean Murdoch off his line but McGowan lifted the ball over the advancing keeper then volleyed home before the retreating defender had the chance to intercept.

It was a classy strike from Gowser who was a cut above the rest of the players on the park but finds himself in limbo in being too good for reserve team football but unlikely to get even a chance of first team football.

Just before the half hour mark, with no other options open the impressive Conti decided to try his luck at goal and found the net with a well struck 25 yard drive.

After the break Celtic tended to play one or two passes too many but that's forgiveable in young players keen to impress and all clearly comfortable on the ball.

Marr popped up in attack in the 65th minute to knock home the rebound from a McGowan shot.

McStay used the remainder of the game to give three substitutes a run out with Graham Carey making a welcome return to action after eight months out through injury.

Hamilton scored twice in the last ten minutes taking advantage of some slack defending but the result and performance again demonstrated the depth of talent that Celtic have at all age levels.

VIDEO REPORT

TEAM: Fox, Marr (Gardner 71 min) Gaughan, Lafferty, Conroy, Cawley, Millar, Towell (Gallagher 85min), Conti (Carey 73min), Mizuno, McGowan

51 years on and 7-1 still has a special magic to it

Oh Hampden in the sun... 7-1!!!

Fifty one years ago, on October 19 at Hampden, the Celtic-Rangers derby match produced an incredible scoreline as the teams served up an eight goal thriller in the League Cup Final.

VIDEO OF THE GOALS (well 7 of them anyway)

Thankfully Celtic banged in seven of them with Billy McPhail leading the way with a hat-trick.

The Celtic team contains many legendary names, Charlie Tully, Bobby Evans, Bertie Peacock, Sean Fallon and Neilly Mochan are all still fondly remembered by older supporters but amazingly it was to be the last Celtic trophy win for all of them.

The celebrations must have been special but it was to be a long eight years before Celtic lifted another trophy which perhaps adds to the charm and mystique of the 7-1 match... not to mention the BBC 'losing' footage of the match before it resurfaced about 30 years later!

Bertie Auld had played for Celtic in both legs of the quarter-final win over Third Lanark as well as the semi final win over Clyde but wasn't selected for the final.

Bertie's story is great enough, signed three times by Celtic, a Fairs Cup Final appearance for Birmingham but nothing would have topped playing in Lisbon and also the 7-1 game... although Bertie is hardly short on talking points.

 

Enjoy the GOALS