What a Nightmare...


Listened to the Celtic V Donetsk game last night via the Celtic website. It costs me a fiver a month to subscribe; it's the only way for me to hear the live matches now that the BBC do not allow access to their live web casts outside of the UK. There was a problem with the sound/access & it kept dropping out. Imagine how frustrating it is to listen to a live match & as Celtic are in the opposing penalty area - the sound drops out. Happened for most of the match, but stopped after Donetsk scored. It must have been a boost in signal as thousands of Tims turned off their computers.

It was the worst I can remember Celtic being since the John Barnes era & if something isn't done soon, we will start to lose ground in the SPL as the players start to lose belief in themselves. So what's the problem? Obviously, the glaring defensive errors are costing us dearly; at no time this season & at any level - Europe or the SPL - have Celtic looked comfortable at the back. I think it's time for some new blood & if there is still an offer of 5/6 million kicking about for Bobo Balde, then I think it should be seriously considered. To buy in a couple of decent younger defenders with a bit of pace would see the cause furthered at every level - sorry Bobo but I've seen milk turn faster than you.

Although most of the current injuries have occured in Europe, I think that MON could employ a better squad rotation - as small as it may be - by playing the fringe dwellers & the young fella's in at least 50% of the SPL games - so that if they are called upon to play in the CL, they will be match fit & a lot sharper. I don't think it would lead to us dropping points in the SPL as ALL these players are able to compete at this level. It might even lead to a few of them beginning to shine; look how bright Beattie looked in pre-season... Also, GET RID OF THE DEAD WOOD that are collecting big wages for playing in the reserves.

I am loathe to criticise MON but if you are going to bring in someone with the potential of Juninho, then at least work out where you want him to play. I think he has struggled because he isn't comfortable playing so far out on the left. Stick him in the hole & let him do what he does best - annoy defenders. Camara has been looking better in the last few games but is still erratic when it comes to finishing.
Hartson has played well for 45 mins - all his fitness will allow. I would like to see him coming on fresh in the second half of a game - he seemed to relish coming off the bench with something to prove a few seasons back. Sutton's a great striker - give them a half each - Sutton could play the first 45 mins as striker & the remainder of the game in midfield.

Anyway, what do I know? I know this: Celtic MUST not only win against Donetsk at Parkhead, they must take them apart - for the sake of the UEFA cup & the pride of the players, fans & the club. It's not a big ask if you think about it - if we can't beat Donetsk at home - and CONVINCINGLY, we shouldn't be in Europe in the first place. We must not lose another game in Europe - a bigger task granted, but not impossible - it's time for a few players to earn their wages. The defender situation MUST be addressed in January, as it will not wait till the Summer. The loss of Henrik Larsson hurt Celtic in more ways than one; apart from being almost irreplaceable, there was so much attention paid to who could possibly replace him we forgot about the frailties of our defence. The only thing Henrik can to for Celtic now is to make sure Donetsk don't accrue any more points.

At the end of the day, a lot has been made of our paper thin defence but remember we didn't score last night, which has absolutely nothing to do with our defenders. Also, In my humble opinion, if Balde had remained injured & Sutton had played at centre half, we would still be in with a chance of CL fitba & guaranteed UEFA cup action. Last but not least, stop letting the Celtic board off the hook by buying into the EPL pipe dream - if it happens, I will be as delighted as anyone else but if we rely on it happening, it could be our downfall.

well that's cheered me right up...