Celticfcblog

Youth Cup Final: Celtic v Rangers, April 23

2008-04-18T21:39:00.001Z

ON Wednesday, April 23, Celtic's brave and talented Under-19s will take on their Rangers counterparts in the Scottish Youth Cup Final at Hampden Park. Kick-off will be 7.30pm, but get along early, as sizeable queues are common at these matches.
Don't be put off by last year's horror show, when a powerful Rangers team cruised to a 5-0 win; this will be a much tighter affair. In fact, despite being underdogs, John McLaughlan's youngsters are at last beginning to show the determination and self-belief necessary to record a memorable victory.
That verdict might come as some surprise to those who read my last report, on a narrow cup win over Motherwell. But, hey, I'm not going to apologise for being honest. I wasn't over-impressed by that performance. However, having just watched Celtic TV's coverage of the 2-1 win over a strong Aberdeen side in the semi-final at Pittodrie, I'm feeling much more optimistic.
The Dons fielded first team regulars Chris McGuire and Sone Aluko. The wee Bhoys were minus big players such as Cillian Sheridan, Lawrence Gaughan and Graham Carey. Yet they showed they have the hearts of giants by tackling their opponents to a standstill and scoring two fantastic goals.
It came as no surprise to me that Kevin Cawley and Jason Marr were the names on the scoresheet. Both have been real leaders for this team this season, and have been justifiably promoted to the Reserves squad.
Just as pleasing was the drive and control that Richard Towell and Michael Tidser displayed in the centre of midfield. Paul Skinner produced a heroic performance between the sticks. And Michael Graham showed great pace and determination up front.
Add in mature performances from the young fullbacks, Grant Gallagher and Carlo Monti, plus real Irish grit from Danny Lafferty as a stand-in central defender, Paul Cahillane on the left of midfield and Declan Bunting up front.
Luca Santonocito will come into the reckoning for Hampden, as will Gaughan and, hopefully, Sheridan. It will still be a massive test for these young Bhoys, many of whom are only 17.
But at last it seems that they are truly standing up to be counted.
They now know that you can't hide in a Celtic strip; you can't be average; you can't settle for second best.
Next Wednesday, Celtic fans won't have to rely on my reports, those on the official website or the comments of a handful of other youth team watchers. Thousands will be at Hampden to make up their minds about these wee Bhoys.
And I back these kids to show that they have courage, they have talent, and they have the determination to make it all the way to the first team.
If they do that, they will be heroes, winners and champions.
Forecast: Celtic 2, Rangers 1.

BP Youth Cup: Celtic 3, Motherwell 2

2008-02-18T23:53:00.002Z

ON a dry, bumpy pitch at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, Celtic squeezed through to the next round of the BP Youth Cup with a hard-fought win over a taller, stronger Motherwell side.
The victory was deserved, as Celtic, for the most part, dominated possession while their opponents seemed more content to sit back in numbers and hit on the break.
Sadly, however, nothing can gloss over the fact that this was a poor-quality encounter which featured less than a handful of players whom I feel confident will have lengthy careers in the professional game.
And I fear that the Celtic performance was not helped by the team selection and tactics of the manager, John McLaughlan, which appeared (to me, a mere amateur) contrary to football logic.
If that seems negative, let me tell you about one moment of determination and brilliance that lit up the whole match for me.
Ten minutes from time, with the score at 2-2, the Motherwell right back attempted to fire in a cross from the edge of the box. It was blocked, with a flying leap, by the Celtic centre-forward Kevin Cawley.
As the full-back attempted to regain his bearings, Cawley nicked the ball off his toes, sprinted 20 yards, fed Declan Bunting, who was haring down the left wing, then sprinted past gobsmacked Motherwell defenders to present himself in the middle of the goal, 10 yards out.
If Bunting had delivered the cross, it would have been a goal of classic proportions. Instead, a series of passes ended with Michael Tidser slicing the ball well wide.
In essence, that summed up much of Celtic's performance here: plenty of passing, but no end product. And Cawley, throughout, was the one class act.
In the end, the wee Bhoys were grateful for two free-kicks from Tidser that bamboozled the Well defence and, in particular, Owen Jones, a Welsh goalie who played with Celtic Under-17s little more than a year ago.
But for long periods this looked like a disaster in the making. Especially after, a few minutes in, Celtic keeper Paul Skinner flapped at a corner and Motherwell midfielder Shaun Hutchison delivered a header which was adjudged a goal despite Cawley's best efforts to clear it off the line.
That put the wee Bhoys on the back foot for a long while.
They had started with Skinner in goal, Grant Gallagher at right back, Carlo Monti at left back, and Jason Marr and Laurence Gaughan in the centre of defence.
Due to a serious knee injury suffered by Irish left winger Graham Carey and a hamstring twang endured by giant striker Cillian Sheridan, the midfield and forward positions had been re-jigged. But surely it took a perverse vision of the game of football to come up with Mr McLaughlan's solution.
Paul Cahillane, a natural left winger who has been played up front on many occasions, was asked to start on the right of midfield. Michael Tidser, a strong central midfielder, was given the left flank. Ross Hepburn, Tidser's partner in the exciting 3-3 draw with Rangers at Murray Park earlier this season, was on the bench.
In their stead came Ritchie Towell, a stocky youngster who has played much of his football at right back, plus Luca Santonocito, a slight, talented, Italian lad who was simply overpowered time after time by players two years older than him.
The result was that Bunting and Cawley saw little of the ball in the first half, when the Celtic youths played pass after pass along the halfway line, only to end with Gaughan blootering the ball towards the giant Motherwell defenders.
My notes for the match tell me that after 13 minutes, Skinner was unlucky to be booked after challenging Well forward Mark Archdeacon (a tall, talented lad who is the son of the 1986 Love Street legend Owen, who was there to watch him) on the edge of the box.
After 24 minutes, Marr came to the rescue after a poor back-header from Gaughan. Then Bunting went close with a header from a long Tidser cross when, to my mind, he could have scored if more committed.
After 37 minutes, a Tidser cross saw Cawley cushion a pass expertly for Cahillane to volley just a couple of yards wide from the edge of the box. And a couple of minutes from half-time, a cute Santonocito pass sent Cahillane through on goal, but Jones blocked his shot.
At half-time, Derry Bhoy Danny Lafferty replaced the injured Monti. And only three minutes later Celtic were level, with Gaughan flicking in a Tidser free-kick at the back post.
Shortly afterwards, Bunting did well to squeeze a low cross through to Cawley six yards out, but his effort was smothered by Jones.
Celtic were on top, but all their good work was undone when another laborious passing movement along the halfway line ended with Gaughan giving up possession cheaply and Jamie Murphy eventually cashed in with a fierce shot.
It was obvious that Celtic needed more width. Cahillane was uncomfortable on the right, and Tidser is no left winger. So McLaughlan took off Cahillane and put pint-sized winger Joe Bradley on. It seemed to me at the time that it would have been more sensible to take off Santonocito, put Tidser in the centre of the park and Cahillane out left. But what do I know?
In any case, tactical arguments were rendered pointless by a sharp turn of events. And at the centre of it all was that Bhoy Cawley.
After 67 minutes, he controlled a long pass, flicked it over his marker, then volleyed in a fierce shot that Jones saved with his ankles. It would have been a superb goal.
Three minutes later, Towell fired in a superb 25-yard shot that cannoned off the bar straight to Cawley, who kept his cool to control the ball and fire it past the gallant Jones.
From then on the young King's Park kid dominated proceedings. First, he controlled a long pass, beat two markers and fired a shot just over. Then, with 13 minutes to go, he headed a Motherwell effort off the line amid a mighty scramble at the other end of the park .
Cawley then took advantage of a cute Santonicito backheel to fire another shot just over before his marathon run described earlier in this report.
Wee Kevin also popped up twice in the move that led to Towell being fouled 30 yards out just five minutes from time.
As before, Tidser's left-foot cross arced in towards goal, but it's not clear whether Bunting (who claimed it) got a touch before it bounced past Jones. As it was, Celtic were suddenly 3-2 ahead.
Motherwell still had the chance to take the game into extra-time, but Skinner bravely saved the day.
It was a result that showed the wee Bhoys have plenty of courage. Whether any more than one or two of them have the ability to make it to the first team is another matter.

PLAYER RATINGS:

PAUL SKINNER: Tall Irish keeper who does not command his area and seems hesitant too often. Needs a sea change of attitude and application to have any chance.
GRANT GALLAGHER: Young right back from Dumbarton, of fine Donegal stock. I've been impressed with him before but he offered nothing here. Hesitant in possession and reluctant to get forward. Needs to sharpen up massively.
CARLO MONTI: Smallish left back. Injured before half-time in a tackle which he basically chickened out of.
JASON MARR: The one positive, aggressive rock amid a "back four" sea of timidity and indecision. Not the best game I've seen him play, but certainly not helped by those around him. Powerful, skillful lad with a great attitude.
LAURENCE GAUGHAN: Tall, well-built defender who plays for Ireland and came from Liverpool. But I'm not a fan of centre-halfs who don't win headers and play silly passes. Had a couple of good moments, but for most part I thought of a word that rhymes with his surname: Shockin'.
PAUL CAHILLANE: Irish left-winger played on the right of midfield, he exuded frustration. Unlucky to be substituted, but I've not seen much progress over the last 18 months. Needs to give himself a good shake if he doesn't want to end up at Home Farm.
RICHARD TOWELL: Stocky lad who consistently showed for the ball and did a power of work. My hope for him is that his girth is puppy fat and that he'll be a 6ft 1in powerhouse within 18 months. His lack of appreciation as regards how to open up his body for passes and spread the play showed he is more right back or right midfield than central midfield. Worth watching.
LUCA SANTONOCITO: Tallish, but lightweight, Italian lad who was brushed off the ball far too easily by Motherwell's bigger, taller players. Left most of the midfield battle to Towell. Needs to grow up VERY quickly.
MICHAEL TIDSER: Set up two goals with his free-kicks, yet was singularly unimpressive in general play. Why? Because he can't play left of midfield, and he knows it. Not once did he try to go on the outside; he just checked in every time. Probably spent the whole game wondering why he wasn't being played in central midfield. I certainly did. Yet the fact that he didn't knuckle down to his appointed role suggests he has plenty to add to his game.
KEVIN CAWLEY: Last week I spoke to Mick Jackson, a Celtic star of the early 1960s, about Kevin. Mick agrees Kevin is a great wee player. He was the only member of the Scotland Under-19 squad who did not look out of place against Holland the other week. "But he's too small to make it," Mick said. "Well, you might be right," I replied. Before adding: "By the way, Scott McDonald did OK today, didn't he?" As the old saying goes: It's not the size of the man in the fight that counts; it's the size of the fight in the man. Wee Kevin has the heart of a lion, two great feet, boundless energy, a good football brain and tons of courage. Importantly, he also has the humility to listen to coaches. From the guy who knew Aiden McGeady was a player 10 years ago, I tell you: Watch this space!
DECLAN BUNTING: Gangly striker who won plenty of the ball in the air against towering big Well defenders. But a million miles away from threating JVOH or Samaras for a place. A Bhoy who, I think, will advance rapidly because of a willingness to listen, learn and try his heart out. Has to sort out his ungainly running style, though.
DANNY LAFFERTY: On as sub for the injured Monti. Commitment on an Anton Rogan level but, in all honesty, the bold Danny lacks technique and composure. Good lad, though.
JOE BRADLEY: Diminutive right winger in the Brian McLaughlin mould. Added a bit of pace and directness on the right flank.

Rangers Under-19s 3, Celtic Under-19s 3

2007-10-13T18:26:00.000Z

THE brave, battling wee Bhoys of Celtic managed to negate a strong Rangers youth team and an infuriatingly biased referee to secure a 3-3 draw at Murray Park.
Scrambled efforts from Kevin Cawley and Luca Santonocito had put the young Celts in a good position to go on and secure the three points.
But a ridiculous penalty decision from a referee who had displayed his bias from the opening minutes left Celtic glad to salvage a draw from an evenly-matched and entertaining encounter.
The Hoops had started with Paul Skinner in goal and his fellow Irishman Richard Towell at right back.
Carlo Monti was left back, with Laurence Gaughan and Jason Marr in central defence.
Kevin Cawley, who had done so well at striker this season, started at the right of midfield, with Ross Hepburn and Michael Tidser in the centre, and Graham Carey out on the left.
Up front, with Paul Cahillane and Cillian Sheridan injured, were the very young pairing of Michael Graham and Belfast Bhoy Declan Bunting.
After a slow start in which the referee turned a blind eye to several meaty challenges, Andrew Shinnie came close with a free-kick from 20 yards out.
After 16 minutes, a poor Carey free-kick saw John Fleck sprint forward 60 yards and skin Monti, but just as he was about to shoot, Towell thwarted him with a great tackle.
It was about now, with the game in the balance, that the referee, Alasdair Ross, began his prolonged bid to win favour with any watching SFA supervisors.
He booked Kevin Cawley for an innocuous foul, then also yellow-carded Bunting for an ill-advised lunge at Giorios Efrem, the Rangers left winger from Greece.
It was from that conceded free-kick on 34 minutes that Rangers took the lead, a long ball being flicked on to allow Andrew Shinnie to slot the ball under the hesitant Skinner.
Two minutes later Celtic equalised.
A free-kick rebounded to Michel Tidser 25 yards out, and his powerful drive almost broke the bar. The ball rebounded to Jason Marr, whose sclaffed shot gave Cawley the chance to net at the second attempt.
Before the break, Shinnie headed just wide for Rangers and Hepburn had a header blocked after a great Monti cross.
But, in all honesty, Celtic had struggled for 45 minutes due to the inability of their very young forward line to retain possession.
Things got worse at the start of the second half when the right-footed Efrem ran away from Towell, then played a great reverse pass which allowed Isa Bagci to net low past Skinner.
At this stage Rangers were on top. But the whole nature of the game changed with one substitution.
Michael Graham was replaced by Luca Santonocito, with the former Inter Milan youngster going to left of midfield, Graham Carey to right of midfield, and Kevin Cawley to striker.
All of a sudden Celtic had a player up front who was looking for passes from defenders and midfielders and confident enough to take on the towering Rangers defenders.
And the hitherto anonymous Carey began to torture the Rangers left back Steven Kinniburgh.
On 58 minutes Carey fired a shot just over the bar. Then the increasingly frustrated Fleck was booked after a couple of wild lunges.
Efrem had been a major figure for Rangers at the start of the second half, but that ceased after 61 minutes when Danny Lafferty came on for Richard Towell. The Derry lad went to the left of central defence beside Gaughan, but, more significantly, Jason Marr went to right back.
Efrem was not a force from that point onwards.
Celtic were now in total control of the game. A curling Carey free-kick missed the goal by inches. Then a Cawley corner was headed off the line.
There was time for the ref to give Lafferty a pathetically soft booking before the Celts equalised.
Cawley did well to set up Santonicito, who was halted by a two-footed, studs-up challenge which the referee deemed to be fair.
Rather than argue, the ball was shuttled right to Carey, whose cheeky back-heel set up the rampaging Marr for a cross that eventually fell for Santonocito to net at the second attempt.
At that stage, 73 minutes in, there appeared to be only one team liable to win.
Craig Connell came on for Michael Tidser, who was suffering from cramp. But a minute later Mr Ross continued his bid for a free pint in his local lodge with a ridiculously soft penalty which Fleck netted to make the score 3-2 to the home team.
Our brave young Bhoys could have been forgiven for feeling they were up against 12 men, yet once again they came charging back, with the ever-diligent Ross Hepburn firing just over.
Taking his cue, Graham Carey then cut in from the right and thumped in a 25-yard fizzing drive which Rangers keeper Scott Gallacher allowed to slip through his hands to make the score 3-3.
Celtic striker Declan Bunting hit the post late on as both teams - who were clearly greatly tired on a heavy pitch - battled for the winner.
In the end, both sets of supporters greeted the players with an appreciative round of applause.
If I have to be honest, a draw was a fair result. But I genuinely felt the refereeing was far from fair.
Alasdair Ross: remember the name!

Celtic:

PAUL SKINNER
A couple of times I would have liked to have seen him quicker off his line to claim long crosses. But he had no chance with the goals, and made a couple of good saves late on. Needs an attitude. Can Artur put him up in his flat and teach him aggression and arrogance?

RICHARD TOWELL
Young 16-year-old Irish right back who clearly has a bit of growing to do. Defended well in the first half against Efrem but struggled at the start of the second half. Looked a bit nervous about going forward. Hopefully he will have learned a lot from this match.

CARLO MONTI
Talented left back, but struggled at times to match the pace of John Fleck. Good left foot, but still tons of learning to go. Needs to work very hard on his physique and pace.

JASON MARR
Tall, athletic and totally committed defender. Won header after header in central defence, where he reminded me of McManus. But he transformed the game when he moved to right back and totally bossed Efrem and set up the second goal. A certainty to move into the Reserves this season. A very good central defender, but a potentially GREAT right back.

LAURENCE GAUGHAN
Powerful centre half. Almost gave away a goal by taking one chance too many at the back. But his physique and commitment make him an essential player for this squad. Taking his time to settle in, but he will be a great addition once he stops trying too hard and sticks to his strengths.

KEVIN CAWLEY
Started at right midfield, but spent much of his time trying to play two positions; he was over-keen to switch inside and try to link up with his mis-firing forwards. At times this made it hard for Towell at right back to link up with him. But all this changed when he switched to striker and began to show for the ball, hold it up, bring other players into the game and generally terrorise the Rangers defence. Scored the first goal, but I was more impressed by the influence he clearly has on this team - he is THE player that the defenders and midfielders look to link up with. Kevin has definitely had better games, yet his influence on this game was still immense. Never stops running, totally aggressive, great first touch, out-jumps players six inches taller than him. Should I tell you about the senior Celtic coach who has likened him to Larsson?

ROSS HEPBURN
Once again asked to play the holding role in central midfield, with his chances of getting forward curtailed. Yet he still came close twice to scoring. He and Michael Tidser went toe-to-toe with the much-vaunted Rangers midfielders and came out on top. Any team would be happy to have this selfless, talented and determined young lad in their team. One of his tough tackles near the end was bone-crunchingly superb. Another great performance from a great team player.

MICHEL TIDSER
Totally mature and controlled performance. Set up the first goal with a magnificent 25-yarder which almost broke the bar. Ended up with cramp, which obviously means he has to work harder on his fitness. But he has much to be proud of from a great perfromance.

GRAHAM CAREY
I'll not beat about the bush here: on a number of occasions that I've seen this young Irish lad I've considered him to be more about pose than delivery. And in the first half of this game, it was pretty much business as usual. But when Graham was switched to the right wing in the second half he REALLY came to life. He tortured the Rangers left back, Steven Kinniburgh, and was at the heart of many attacks. Then he cut inside and sent in a thunderous 25-yarder which the keeper made a mess of to secure the draw. If Graham can regularly repeat that 30 magical minutes of aggression, pace, skill and delivery, he really has a chance.

MICHAEL GRAHAM
Skillful striker who had one or two jinking runs but rarely troubled the giant Rangers defenders. Has to work hard on physique and pace, stop blaming others, and get some aggression into his play.

DECLAN BUNTING
Tall, skinny Belfast lad won a few headers against the big Rangers defenders but rarely held the ball up well. Hit the post late on, but then had another chance and decided to pass rather than shoot. A big step-up for him, and at times he looked over-awed. Has to work very hard, but has youth and enthusiasm on his side.

LUCA SANTONOCITO
Came on at left of midfield, which is clearly not his position. I'm told he prefers to play in the middle, but will take some time to adjust to the hectic nature of that role in Scottish fitba. Showed great enthusiasm to get into the box, and was rewarded with the second goal, which he celebrated with gusto. Just a boy, but now on a steep learning curve.

DANNY LAFFERTY
Came on as a left-sided central defender and made some great challenges. Booked for next to nothing by a clown of a referee, but played a key part in changing the game around, not least by allowing Jason Marr to move to right back. It's impossible not to like Danny's Rogan-esque enthusiasm, but he probably knows himself that he has to work very hard on the technical side of the game.

CRAIG CONNELL
Unlucky not to start, and did a great job for the team as a late replacement for Tidser in the centre of midfield.

Celtic Youths 4, Inverness 2

2007-09-19T00:27:00.000Z

Just after noon on Saturday September 15, 2007, I managed to escape from my onerous familial and commercial obligations to head along to Barrowfield to see how the latest bunch of young Bhoys were faring.
I was aware that they had made an unconvincing start to the season, having lost to St Mirren on the new St Anthony's grass pitch at the old Fifty Pitches site in Govan.
However, I still didn't arrive on time to see Kevin Cawley hit the bar with a header against Inverness Caledonian Thistle's young giants.
Less than a year ago I had seen the young striker miss a barrowload of chances against the same outfit; it now seemed I was in for an action replay. And I was not to be disappointed.
It took me a wee while to work out who was who in the Celtic line-up. In goal was the 16-year-old debutant Stephen Hall, who replaced the injured Paul Skinner.
Due to injuries and departures, Jason Marr filled in at right back, with Carlo Monti on the left and Laurence Gaughan, the new signing from Liverpool, in central defence alongside Derry's Danny Lafferty.
Irish lad Graham Carey started on the right of midfield, although he later switched flanks and even ended up at left back. In the middle, Ross Hepburn partnered another Irish kid, Eric Foley, with Michael Tidser on the left to begin with.
The aforementioned Cawley started up front with Paul Cahillane, and this pair had the Caley lads on their heels from the first minute onwards. But they were made to pay for missed chances on 39 minutes when the visitors broke away and Leslie netted with a cool chip.
Just two minutes later a Gaughan long ball was cleverly headed on by Cawley to Hepburn, whose low cross was dummied by young Kev to allow Tidser to equalise with a powerful drive from the edge of the box.
Craig Connell came on for Foley at the break, and the wee Bhoys made a storming start to the second half.
Within two minutes Tidser had threaded a through ball for Cahillane to run on and net coolly. Just five minutes later, Hepburn found Cahillane, who sent a wonderful defence-splitting pass through for Carey to net with a touch of class.
But the best goal came from a lightning-quick break which ended with Cawley sending a quite incredible reverse pass from inside his own half right into the path of Hepburn, who sprinted on to slot home Celtic's fourth.
Caley pulled one back late on with a Nakamura-esque free-kick from Gillespie.
There was still time for the quite awful ref to give a free-kick against sub Declan Bunting after he was almost cut in half at the end of the Inverness box.

Player ratings

Stephen Hall: The young debutant was, understandably, nervous in the early stages and almost lost a poor goal. But he had no chance with the two ICT strikes and went on to show courage and some good handling. Tall, talented lad.
Jason Marr: Last season's inspirational central defender had to fill in at right back, where he played for the Under-17s a couple of years ago. Struggled early on, and was partly at fault at the first goal. Yet this tall, athletic and skillful lad did enough to confirm my impression that this is the position he should make his own. Do Celtic want a full-back who can win a header? Yup!
Carlo Monti: Young, slight left back showed plenty of drive but is still adjusting to this level. Has to work hard on the training ground, in the gym and at the dinner table to ge the physique he'll need to compete at the top level.
Laurence Gaughan: Tall, broad centre-half signed from Liverpool showed good leadership qualities but seems a bit raw. This team needs his size and aerial ability, but Laurence has to work extremely hard on his touch, passing and composure.
Danny Lafferty: The Derry lad usually plays at left back, but filled in at central defence and, for most of the game, did a great job. But he almost gave away a crazy goal right on half-time when he attempted to dribble out of his own box. Needs to develop a hard, professional edge to his play.
Graham Carey: Talented Irish winger who started on the right, switched to the left, then ended up at left back. A really cool finish for the third goal. I'd like to see more aggression and self-sacrifice from him, as he often appears to be a bit greedy and even a bit lazy as regards his team commitments.
Ross Hepburn: Still running further and tackling more than anyone else in this team, and this week rewarded by scoring a goal and setting up another. No-one will have to tell this Bhoy to get fit, eat well and work hard in the gym, so my only tip for him is to concentrate on the technical side of the game and continue to show everyone that he is also a very talented lad.
Eric Foley: Young Irish midfielder showed some skill in the first half but picked up an injury and didn't re-appear after the break. Understandably, given his age, he kept things simple but, in time, he will learn that Celtic midfielders have to offer a genuine threat in attack, too.
Michael Tidser: This lad has taken a real stretch. Started on the left of midfield, then tucked inside and made a real impact. Scored a great equaliser. Won the ball well and passed it with aplomb. Sadly, though, I was unfortunate enough in such a small crowd to hear some of the "encouragement" he was dishing out to younger, smaller teammates. Next time, Michael, I hope to hear you being a real leader on the park.
Paul Cahillane: Clever Irish forward who sprinted clear to score a good second goal, then released a fantastic pass for Carey to net the third. Plenty of skill, although perhaps more at home as a left winger. However, I feel he could do with showing more aggression on the pitch and finding an extra yard or two of pace. A lot of hard work lies ahead before he can even get a sniff of top-team football.
Kevin Cawley: The poor lad was cursed by me coming to see him. As with last season's game against Inverness, he missed a barrowload of chances - yet he was still the best player on the park by some distance. Pace, control, aggression, tactical insight, great attitude: this guy's got the lot. Competed well in the air with guys six inches taller than him, leading to the flick for the first goal. And his reverse pass for the fourth goal was a thing of beauty. My tip for Kev: aim for the keeper's ankles!
Craig Connell: Came on at half-time for Eric Foley and did a decent job in the centre of midfield. But he has to do more than that to make an impression. Working hard at strength, fitness, technique and speed is essential.
Declan Bunting: Tall forward who looked about 16. Very eager in his debut at this stage, but I'll need to see him again to make a judgment.

Youth Cup Final: Celtic 0, Rangers 5

2007-04-26T23:26:00.000Z

THIS was, quite simply, an utter disaster for the wee Bhoys, with NO redeeming features. A game that was lost within the first 21 minutes and only fleetingly gave the impression that there was any chance of redemption.
Rangers were bigger, stronger, better organised, more ruthless and more disciplined. In fact, in the end, the final scoreline could have been even more humiliating.
At the most optimistic, it will perhaps serve as a wake-up call for some promising youngsters who thought they had cracked it.
Sadly, though, some teenagers may well feel they have done their careers no favours whatsoever with below-par performances in front of an 11,500 crowd and a coterie of senior Celtic coaches.
It would be too painful to go through the full list of this team's failings on the night. Briefly, I'll recall my view of the goals.
Five minutes in, Andrew Shinnie took advantage of hesitation by Danny Lafferty to drill a low shot past Skinner.
On 21 minutes (after several near misses by Rangers) Steven Lennon controlled a bouncing ball 30 yards out and volleyed a tremendous dipping shot past Skinner.
For a while, Celtic rallied. They went to a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Paul Cahillane withdrawn from the attack to the left of midfield, Graham Carey switched from left to right wing, and Kevin Cawley moved from the right to a floating role between midfield and linking up with Cillian Sheridan up front.
On the few occasions when Celtic actually attempted to play passes, it seemed they could rescue their disastrous start. But the long ball up to the isolated Sheridan became all too frequent and non-productive.
At least Celtic were dominating possession at this stage, as they did at the start of the second haf. A string of half chances came and went.
But 10 minutes into the second half Caddis overlapped Carey, the Irishman conceded possession, and Lennon sprinted past a Marr tackle. It looked an easy take for Skinner.
Sadly, as the Rangers player challenged, the Irish keeper let the ball squirm though his arms for an easy tap-in for Lennon. 3-0. Game over.
From then on, Celtic's play got increasingly desperate and disjointed. A reckless Marr tackle conceded a penalty on 65 minutes, from which Lennon easily completed his hat-trick.
And five minutes later Anderson was badly a fault in conceding possession, which led to Furman tapping in the fifth.
One thing to commend the young Celts about is that, with 20 minutes left, they continued to play football and didn't resort to thuggery.
Craig Connell came on for the injured Mark Millar in midfield, and tried to be busy and positive.
Carlo Monti made a good impression after coming on at left back for Lafferty.
And Andy Traub did nothing wrong after replacing the distraught Anderson at centre-half.

Player comments

Paul Skinner: Poor mistake at the third goal. He's made a few significant errors this season and doesn't command his area well enough. Has to decide how badly he wants to be a professional. Needs to improve on this.

Paul Caddis: Captain and key player, but was well shut out of the game by Rangers. Kept going to the end and was not culpable for any of the goals. A certain starter for the Reserves next season.

Danny Lafferty: Simply a disaster for the young Derry left back. Hesitant from the start, culpable for the first goal, and at no point showed the composure and technique expected of a Cetic player. Has a LOT of work to do to secure a professional career for himself.

Jason Marr: Powerful defender who did a lot that was good, but ended up demoralised. Conceded a poor penalty for the fourth goal. Hopefully he'll be at his proper position - right back - next season. This team needs at least one natural centre half.

Sean Anderson: Converted midfielder who has never looked comfortable or happy at centre-half all season. Tonight his frustration showed with forays into midfield and a bad mistake at the fifth goal. Subbed afterwards, more as a damage limitation exercise than anything. This lad definitely has talent, but his attitude tonight was unprofessional.

Ross Hepburn: Possibly Celtic's best player, given that he stuck to his job troughout and ran himself into the ground. Tried to keep it simple, but perhaps needs to be more assertive and even selfish. A good youngster who sacrifices himself for the team.

Mark Millar: Showed some nice turns and driving runs, yet largely missed out by a back four who seemed under orders to shell endless long balls at Sheridan. Definitely has talent, but is still a million miles from a first team start. Has to work extremely hard on his physique and also look to be a stand-out in games like this.

Kevin Cawley: Heart of a lion and bags of skill, he ran himself to a standstill trying to spark this team to life, but it was a night when nothing came off for him. Started on right of midfield, but didn't see the ball. Then moved into the "hole" behind Sheridan, and sparked some good passing moves. Had three shots, but didn't hit the target. Has a big year ahead of him next season when he will be one of this team's most influential players.

Graham Carey: Talented Irish winger, but appears to lack courage and appreciation of team play. Pulled out of a number of tackles and was partly culpable at the third goal. Has to realise very quickly that professional football is no place for posers.

Cillian Sheridan: Battled away gamely for 90 minutes to win possession against two thuggish centre-halfs, but at times his lack of technical ability was badly exposed. I've thought since the first time I saw him that he'd probably played too much GAA as a youth. Tonight confirmed that. Has to work extremely hard on his technique, or be written off as more Crawford Baptie than Chris Sutton.

Paul Cahillane: Clever, hard-working left winger who started at centre forward but was moved back to the left flank after 20 minutes. Due to Celtic's back-to-front approach, little was seen of him. Seems a nice boy, but has to get an edge to his game and learn to assert himself more.

SPL Youth League: Celtic 4, Inverness 2

2006-12-01T19:11:00.000Z

THE young Bhoys gained revenge against the only team to have beaten them in the league this season, and in doing so displayed that they have an abundance of guts and grit to complement their undoubted talents.
For long periods of the first 45 minutes it seemed Willie McStay's kids were about to come a cropper at a blustery Barrowfield against their bigger, stronger and older opponents.
But a half-time rollicking by the Under-19s' coach appeared to reinvigorate the Celtic teenagers, who stormed to a deserved 4-2 victory.
They had started the game with Paul Skinner in goal behind right back and skipper Paul Caddis, central defenders Jason Marr and Sean Anderson plus Danny Lafferty at left back.
Kevin Cawley was on the right of a midfield diamond, with Ross Hepburn taking up the holding role to give Mark Miller a platform to attack from. Graham Carey - a hat-trick hero last time out against St Mirren - was wide left.
Up front was human battering ram Cillian Sheridan , with Paul Cahillane playing off him.
On a pitch that was surprisingly firm and flat after the overnight storms, the wee Celts started highly impressively.
The passing and movement was crisp and incisive, a fact exemplified by a classy opening goal in the seventh minute.
After Ross Hepburn won the ball in midfield, three Irish lads linked up to split the Inverness defence.
Carey clipped a pass to Sheridan on the edge of the box, and his deft flick was expertly collected by CAHILLANE, who cut on to his left foot before curling the ball into the bottom corner.
Minutes later another superb passing move ended with Cahillane's curling cross being glanced wide by Sheridan.
The visitors struck back with a long-range shot which Skinner parried away. Then Caddis, after a weaving run, fed Carey in the box, but his fierce shot was blocked by the Inverness keeper.
After 23 minutes Marr came within inches of heading home a Miller free-kick.
However, 60 seconds later Inverness drew level with a goal which highlighted the fragility, inexperience and naivety of these young Celts when it comes to defending.
Marr did well to block a goalbound shot after a goalmouth scramble, but his teammates passed up a couple of opportunities to clear the ball.
That gave Inverness the chance to fire in a shot which rattled the post before WOOD stroked the rebound past the helpless Skinner.
The goal rattled the Celts, who began to play too many long balls to Sheridan. Nevertheless, they came close to scoring just after the half-hour mark when Cahillane fed Carey for a fierce drive which the keeper parried.
But worse was to follow for the wee Bhoys when the visitors edged in front after 33 minutes.
There seemed little danger as Skinner got himself in line behind a mis-hit 25-yarder.
Sadly, the big Irish keeper fumbled the ball and WOOD was once again first to the rebound to claim his second of the afternoon.
The blunder appeared to unnerve Skinner for a while, and he was perhaps fortunate to escape with just a yellow card when he downed an Inverness player at the corner of his box after a quick break. Fortunately for him, the visitor appeared to play the ball towards the corner flag before being fouled, so it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Celtic continued to huff and puff for the rest of the half, with tempers beginning to fray as a couple of young Celts attempted to play the blame game.
The half-time whistle helped to calm nerves and re-focus energies. And within minutes of the start of the second period it was clear McStay's team talk had done the trick.
Celtic looked a yard faster and a great deal more determined as they continually pressed their opponents, then reverted to their slick passing game when possession was regained.
After 50 minutes they pulled level. Marr was unlucky not to score when his header from a corner was cleared off the line.
The ball bounced high in the air just six yards out. But as a handful of giants pondered their next move, up popped CAWLEY, the smallest player on the park, to nod high into the net.
That piece of bravery gave every player in the Hoops a lift. Four minutes later Carey burst through on the left, but his cross was cut out with Cawley waiting at the back post.
Then Cawley won the ball on the edge of the box to set up Cahillane for a curling shot that drifted just over.
It really was one-way traffic at this point. Cahillane had a shot blocked. Then a great Sheridan pass put Carey through, but he drove over the bar. Carey had another chance after good play by Miller, but the Inverness keeper did well to parry his fierce drive.
Celtic neded a goal at this point, and they got it after 68 minutes after a fine, piercing run by Miller.
He passed to Cahillane, whose first touch took him away from goal. But he spun and clipped an inviting cross across the six-yard box which SHERIDAN headed powerfully home.
Caley came close five minutes later when a header from a corner slipped wide but the wee Bhoys refused to slip into bad habits and instead finished the game in style.
Inverness couldn't live with the intensity of their play, with the Celts defending from the front and attacking with pace and inventiveness.
With quarter of an hour to go, a quick Caddis free-kick was flicked by Cahillane to Cawley, who drove a superb low ball across the box which Sheridan scooped wide when it looked easier to score.
But the Hoops sealed the points on 78 minutes after the tenacious Cawley won a 50-50 ball in his own half and fed Cahillane.
Young Paul's early pass split the defence and SHERIDAN showed great acceleration and poise to run on and drill the ball low into the far corner of the net.
The Celts continued to push forward. A long Caddis cross almost sneaked into the net before quick-thinking by Miller saw his long throw set Sheridan free on the right, but his cross was just missed by the stretching Cahillane.
In a rare Caley foray, Skinner did well to tip over a fierce volley - then did even better to supress a smirk as the referee awarded the Celts a bye-kick.
Brian McEwan came on with five minutes to go for Marr, who appeared to have suffered a blow to his nose. And he saw Sheridan denied a hat-trick by a decent save from the Inverness keeper.
The full-time whistle came as a relief to the over-run visitors, who will no doubt have been as impressed as the Hoops coaching staff in the progress these young players have made in so short a time.
In a season in which the club have become virtually unbeatable at any level, these wee Bhoys are doing themselves and Celtic proud.

PLAYER RATINGS

Paul Skinner
The big Irish lad had a poor game. He started by flapping at a cross, then fumbled the ball to gift Inverness the second goal. And in the second half Caddis took a through ball off towards the corner flag when Paul should have been demanding it volubly. Needs a visit to the Artur Boruc School of Self Assertiveness to ensure that he begins to bully the opposition AND his own defenders. Big Paul has everything he needs to become a great keeper but has to command his box better and take pressure off his defence by holding crosses instead of parrying them. Keep the heid up, young man!

Paul Caddis
Another inspiring display by Captain Marvel, who continues to power forward with skill, pace and courage. Still a bit on the small side, so Inverness put a giant up against him to win long crossballs - but Paul gave him nowt. One small moan: some of his younger, less confident teammates will react better to encouraging words rather than carping. That said, Paul continues to inspire by his example.

Danny Lafferty
Fast becoming one of my favourite players in this remarkable squad. At times Danny's distribution can be a bit haphazard but he lacks nothing for determination and enthusiasm.
There's a bit of the Anton Rogan about big Danny as he surges forward on the left flank - no doubt a comparison enjoyed by the Derry lad's relatives. He has tons of work still to do on his game but he's in the right place to do that work if he wants it badly enough.

Jason Marr
The rock on which the back four has been built this season. He had to be brave to stand up to the aerial bombardment from the big Inverness lads - and he was. A fine big stopper with no lack of skill, although I feel a player in his position should be the loudest, angriest player on the park in order to marshall his colleagues and intimidate the opposition. Jason also came close to scoring a couple of times. Let's just say he was unlucky - because his parents wouldn't tell me how many "k"s there are in shocking! (;-0)

Sean Anderson
Tall, skillful midfielder who has done a superb job in the centre of defence since Andy Traub got injured. Not a natural header of the ball (I'm available to give him lessons on the skill that made me a legend for Muirend Amateurs' second team!) but has a good burst of pace and shows composure in possession. But, like Jason, he has to become more intimidating. Professional fitba' can be a nasty business at times - and central defenders have to be the nastiest of the lot. That said, big Ando deserves massive credit for another great performance.

Kevin Cawley
Not at his happiest on the wide right of midfield and towards the end of the first half it appeared to me that he'd let his head drop a bit. But he came back out for the second half in a determined mood and turned the game with his brave equaliser. Small and wiry, but with bags of guts and skill, he reminds me of a certain Swedish forward with his ability to out-jump much taller opponents and power fearlessly into tackles. There's much, much more to come from this lad.

Ross Hepburn
Another totally unselfish performance from the midfield workhorse, who ran and tackled all day and kept posession with short, sensible passes. Like Jason Marr, he does the unglamorous work with a minimum of fuss. But without his efforts and attitude this team would not be top of the league. How Archie Knox can ignore him for Scotland Under-19s is a mystery. Perhaps.

Mark Miller
A superb talent, he sped forward from deep positions time and again, beating three or four players at a time. But he has to learn when to release the ball to maintain momentum and wrong-foot defenders. Like Caddis, a 19-year-old veteran in this mainly 17-year-old team and, like Cap'n Paul, I feel he should be more aware of how unhelpful it can be when he lets his frustration lead to criticism that can demoralise his less experienced colleagues. That said, this very skillful player is a genuine prospect.

Graham Carey
No hat-trick this week for the swaggering left winger with the bright yellow boots. But it wasn't for a lack of trying, as Graham hammered in shot after shot with his big banana feet. Took a knock early on and seemed less than keen on tackling from then on. A great talent going forward, but the Irish lad has to work harder for his team when the other side have the ball.

Cillian Sheridan
Apparently crocked all week, the big boy struggled to get into the game for long spells of the first half. But he had a superb second period, with many examples of skillful build-up play to add to his two goals. The first was an easy header but the second was a superb finish. This lad has a big future in the game if he continues to improve at the rate he's done so far this season.

Paul Cahillane
I was delighted to see this lad get a goal as he sacrifices so much for the team with his thoughtful build-up play and selflesss passing. Seldom gives the ball away, and struck up a great understanding with Cawley in the second half. I'm not convinced that he's a natural striker, but this lad simply gives his all for the team and is a real prospect.

Brian McEwan
Came on for Jason Marr's bruised conk in the last five minutes and displayed skill and poise at centre-half. Shame about the mullet.

Aideninho: A work in progress

2006-10-05T23:31:00.000Z

PRAISE be, it seems like I was right a few weeks ago when I pronounced: It's Aiden Time!
Since then the wee genius has dominated matches for Celtic and is justifiably miles clear in supporters' Player of the Season competitions, such as the one run on www.kerrydalestreet.co.uk
And no wonder. His turns of pace, trickery, incredible ball control and passing have been a highlight of a particularly fruitful spell for the club.
Despite a disappointing evening in Manchester, he was immense against Rangers, transformed the CIS Cup tie against St Mirren, was marvellous against Copenhagen and scored the only goal of the game at Falkirk.
A run of rich form which culminated with the inevitable tabloid speculation that this wonderful player was being hunted by the likes of Spurs and Manchester United.
Nothing new there, I can assure you.
Liam Brady did everything he could to get a very young Aiden to Arsenal.
And Sir Alex Ferguson once enrolled Darren Fletcher in a bid to entice him to Old Trafford.
But the wee man is Celtic through and through. Once he knew the club's ambitions matched his own, he signed on the dotted line for Tommy Burns.
And I am certain this special talent is in no rush whatsoever to leave Celtic Park.
Sure, his agent will be proposing a compelling case for a new, improved, extended contract.
But why would Aiden leave the club he has always loved before he has achieved even a fraction of the things he wants to?
Think back to last season: the spindly kid who lost possession too easily and performed his defensive roles half-heartedly.
Now we have a veritable tiger who spent the first 20 minutes of the last Old Firm game booting Alan Hutton up and down the touchline.
And the big Rangers numbskull thought HE was going to be the one kicking Aiden!
Talk about getting your retaliation in first!
His run and timing of the pass for the second goal in that game was sublime.
It can't be denied that Aiden is now Celtic's most influential player.
But here is where I can tell you something that I am sure Aideninho is VERY well aware of:
THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
Young Aiden is going to get stronger and faster. He is going to establish more "game intelligence", knowing when the best time to release the ball is and where to position himself in defence.
He is going to learn to hit the target more often with his shots, rather than registering one goal out of every 40 or 50 efforts.
Aideninho will also develop an understanding of where and when are the most opportune times to execute his Michael Flatley-esque waggle of the right foot and also his incredible spin-turn, which adds a left-foot flick to the world-famous Cruyff turn.
There is so much more to come. And we are in the incredibly lucky position, as Celtic fans, of being able to see it unfold in front of our eyes.
John Hartson, on radio after the Copenhagen game, said Aiden reminded him of the late, great Jinky Johnstone.
An incredible tribute. And one to remember the next time any Celtic fan hums and haws at a momentary loss of possession by this superbly talented youngster.
Let me make this plain: We are extremely lucky to have young Aiden.
And we'll have him for a long time to come.
Is it not about time we showed our appreciation?

Celtic U-19s 2, Dunfermline U-19s 1

2006-09-21T22:23:00.000Z

WILLIE McSTAY'S young Bhoys battled their way to a deserved victory in blustery conditions at Barrowfield on Tuesday, with an injury-time winner from Cillian Sheridan sparing them the agony of throwing away two precious points.
The Celtic youths totally dominated Dunfermline after a classy opening goal from Sheridan but a catalogue of missed chances maintained the visitors' hopes of snatching a draw.
And when the Pars equalised with eight minutes to go, it seemed this extremely young Hoops side was about to be severely punished for their profligacy.
All the more reason, then, for the late, late clincher to be celebrated with unbridled joy by the ecstatic - and mightily relieved - Celts.
They had kicked off with big Irish lad Paul Skinner in goal, skipper Paul Caddis at right back and Derry kid Danny Lafferty on the left. Young giants Jason Marr and Andy Traub provided the central defensive partnership.
Classy Mark Millar started on the right of midfield, Ross Hepburn and Sean Anderson were in the middle and Ireland's Graham Carey celebrated his return from injury by patrolling the left flank.
Up front, the gargantuan Irish youth Cillian Sheridan was supported by the relatively diminutive Kevin Cawley.
Conditions varied between torrential downpours and gale-force winds to pleasant sunshine. Typical Glasgow weather! But at times it made passing and judging high balls difficult for all the kids on the pitch.
Not that it stopped the Celts racing into a fifth-minute lead, courtesy of a scintillating one-two down the right flank between Caddis and Millar which ended with the captain squaring the ball across the six-yard box to present Sheridan with an easy tap-in.
The wee Bhoys then settled down to a compelling rhythm of tackling, passing and moving that kept their opponents almost permanently on the back foot.
Millar and Caddis created havoc down the right, Carey showed nifty skill on the left, Hepburn and Anderson worked like Trojans in the centre of the park and Cawley buzzed about here, there and everywhere to link up play and pose a threat.
After 10 minutes, Sheridan headed just over. Then Carey flicked a Carey cross inches past, before a Carey corner was headed past by Millar.
After 23 minutes, a comical sand-dance shuffle by big Cillian bought him enough space 20 yards out to fire in a low shot that skidded inches wide.
And two minutes later Carey and Caddis worked a short corner which ended with a Sheridan header being deflected wide.
Unfortunately, Celtic lost their way a bit for the next 20 minutes or so, albeit in the worst of the weather. It wasn't until the stroke of half-time that Millar came close with a fierce 25-yarder that was saved by Pars keeper Greg Patterson.
At the other end, Skinner had next to nothing to do, thanks largely to some forceful defending by Traub and Marr, who won just about every aerial challenge.
At left back, Lafferty had endured a fairly mediocre first 45 minutes, misplacing several passes. But young Danny made a good start to the second half, setting up Cawley, who skipped past two defenders before cracking in a shot from the edge of the box that fizzed inches wide.
That was the start of an immensely frustrating period for the brave and talented forward as he created - and, sadly, missed - a host of chances.
On 48 minutes he was just a couple of inches short of being able to direct his header from a Carey cross under the bar.
Then a powerful Caddis drive was deflected for a corner. And on 57 minutes Cawley came desperately close. Forcing his way into the box, he dummied a defender before firing a low shot towards the bottom corner, only for Patterson to produce a great save.
Two minutes later wee Kevin latched on to a Sheridan flick and, one-on-one with the keeper, he tried to flick the ball home with his right foot. Patterson parried, but Cawley latched on to the rebound and shot with his left - only for the Pars keeper to block his effort again.
It was all one-way traffic as the Celts chased the second goal that would surely have secured the victory.
On 67 minutes, a Sheridan flick from a Caddis cross was saved. A Millar blast was deflected over, then Cawley jinked in from the left flank and fired in a shot from a narrow angle which was once again palmed wide by Patterson.
Not that Caddis was impressed, with the captain volubly informing Kevin that he had been in an excellent central position for a pass.
By now there was a hint of desperation about the Celts' play as they continued to fail in their attempts to convert their possession and skillful play into that all-important second goal.
On 73 minutes Carey got on the end of a Sheridan pass, but slashed his effort wide. Then great Millar-Caddis link-up play set up a low cross which Anderson volleyed over - with his teammates queueing up behind him.
Big Sean missed again when put through by Sheridan before Cawley headed over, this time from a Carey corner.
Given such wastefulness, a feeling of foreboding seemed to transfix the young Celts after Millar, with a tired challenge, gave away a free-kick on the edge of his own box.
Almost inevitably, from Nick Phinn's cross David Muir found himself all on his own six yards out to power a header past the helpless Skinner.
The Pars celebrated their apparent great escape with great gusto. That was the queue for McStay to shuffle his pack.
Striker Michael Graham came on for the exhausted Carey, with Cawley taking up the left midfield berth. Then Craig Connell came on for Hepburn, who had put in a phenomenal shift. Young "CC" went to the right of midfield and Millar moved into the centre.
But that Pars equaliser seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Celts, who struggled to regain their rhythm.
Yet just when it seemed that all they would have to show for their efforts would be a measly one point, a final burst of energy produced an incredible winner.
Cawley was pushed as he leapt bravely for a bouncing ball just inside the Dunfermline half. A free-kick was awarded, which was taken quickly and shuttled out to Caddis, as ever racing forward on the right flank.
To be honest, Paul's looping cross did not appear to be deadly, but the Pars had mucked up an attempt to play offside, leaving Sheridan free to glance a header past the stranded Patterson.
Escape to Victory? You bet. But it was a thoroughly deserved win. And one which will hopefully give this young team the confidence they need for their next match - against Rangers at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie next Friday, September 29.
It's a 2pm kick-off. Get there if you can and give the wee Bhoys a cheer.

PLAYER RATINGS

Paul Skinner: Tall, well-built Irish keeper had next to nothing to do - and no chance at the goal. But he came off his line sharply and his handling was good. It seems to me that his teammates trust him - a vital thing for a keeper.

Paul Caddis: Captain Fantastic once again. Quite wonderful when powering forward on the overlap and made no mistakes defensively. Occasionally narky with his colleagues, but that's what being a skipper is all about. Links up well with Millar, but occasionally the pair give the impression of being a bit of a clique. Simply has to keep working hard and leading by example.

Danny Lafferty: Poor first half, in which the tall left back's passing was largely either hesitant or misplaced. The fact that Carey hugged the flank meant he got few opportunities to get forward. But came more into it in the second half. Has to be more forceful and decisive in possession.

Jason Marr: Now settling into a decent central defensive partnership with Traub. The strong wind gave him the occasional problem when judging high balls but he hurled himself into several powerful headers and tackles. Gave nothing away. It looks like all the hard work on the training ground is starting to pay off for big Jason in a position that appeared to be alien to him not so long ago.

Andy Traub: Much more like it from this big lad. Used his strength and height to good effect, winning header after header as the Pars resorted to long balls. Was also much more vocal, bawling orders and encouragement and screaming his name when flying into challenges. One minor scare in the second half when he momentarily forgot that he's not Franz Beckenbauer and gave away a bad pass into the centre of midfield. That apart, he kept it simple, did his job... and left his keeper to freeze.

Mark Millar: Very skillful lad, although still on the small and slight side. Looked a class act when on the ball and his interplay with Caddis was a joy. But I feel he could be a bit more patient with some of his colleagues who, unlike him, are new to this level. He'll find that the best way to lead is by example, not by frustrated sniping. That apart, Mark continues to look a real prospect, even though he has a LOT of hard work ahead of him.

Ross Hepburn: Talented central midfielder, but here he gave his all for the team, running himself into the ground and winning tackle after tackle. Rarely gave the ball away either. Ross was a key reason why Dunfermline had to resort to long balls, as they had no joy trying to play through midfield. Subbed in the last few minutes after the Pars equaliser but put in a wonderful shift.

Sean Anderson: Like Jason Marr, Sean has taken an incredible stretch in recent months and now looks 6ft-plus. But sometimes players can take a wee while to adjust to their extra height. That may be a reason for Sean being slightly disappointing here, as at times his co-ordination seemed a bit awry. But this attacking central midfielder came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. And I'm told he's a highly rated prospect. Plenty of ballwork, fast-foot exercises and agility drills may get this big Bhoy back on song.

Graham Carey: Talented Irish left winger, with dazzling footwork, a decent burst of pace and fine delivery with his left peg. Was often double-teamed by the visitors after a promising start.
Subbed late on, perhaps due to tiredness, as he was injured recently. Maybe has to add a bit more positional awareness to his game, so that he knows when to drift inside to open up the flank for the full back. And could also do with being more diligent as regards his defensive duties. Was slow getting back a couple of times and also had a finger pointed at him for giving Muir a free header at the Pars goal.

Kevin Cawley: Could have scored six. Scored none. That just about sums up an incredibly frustrating afternoon for this skillful and spirited forward. But the fact that Kevin set up most of those chances himself reveals how much of a handful he was for the Dunfermline back four. Despite needing to stretch and fill out a bit, Kev lacks nothing when it comes to courage. Came deep to link up play, chased defenders, and took on men with ease. A real prospect with a first-rate attitude.

Cillian Sheridan: The Irish giant caused the Pars all sorts of problems and celebrated with a double. His sheer size alone makes him an invaluable presence for this team, but pretty soon he'll be playing against PLENTY of players who can match him for size and weight. By that stage, he will have to have improved his first touch, pace, agility and co-ordination. At times Cillian looked a bit cumbersome here. But I'm sure Willie McStay and his coaches will be working hard to polish off those rough edges.

Michael Graham: Skillful wee forward who is a year younger than most of the team - who are themselves a year younger than most of their opponents. Giving away two years is hard at this level. But Michael produced a couple of decent runs in the few minutes he was on the pitch.

Craig Connell: Like Michael Graham, a Scotland Under-17 squad member. The talented midfielder didn't have much time to impress but at least he got a taste of the action. Will be needed later in the season when injuries and suspensions kick in.

Subs not used: Fairley, McEwan, Kiely, Cahillane, Foley.

Celtic Under-19s 3, Hibs Under-19s 1

2006-08-26T18:37:00.000Z

THE young Celts battled their way to victory thanks to a powerful Kevin Cawley header and two flicks from giant Irish striker Cilliam Sheridan.
It was a great result for this very young team, the vast majority of whom were playing Under-17s football last season.
But I'm certain there is a lot more to come from this bunch of players once coaches Willie McStay and Joe McBride get to work on them.
There were two things that annoyed me about this performance. Firstly, the players were far too nice.
Plainly put, they tackled like big lassies.
I blame the parents for bringing their sons up too well. Football is war. We need battlers in there.
Secondly, there was too much back-to-front stuff, resulting in loss of possession. When they started playing the extra pass, bringing the full backs into the game, these Celtic young Bhoys looked like a different team. They actually looked like Celtic!
The team had a bit of a makeshift look about it due to injuries to the big Canadian kid Jacob Lensky and Irish boys Graham Carey and Paul Cahillane.
Irish keeper Paul Skinner started in goal, with skipper Paul Caddis at right back, Irish lad Danny Lafferty at left back and Jason Marr in the centre of defence with Andy Traub.
Mark Millar started on the right of a four-man midfield, but 20 minutes in he switched flanks with Sean Anderson.
Ross Hepburn played the holding role in midfield, with Kevin Cawley in front of him.
Up front were big Cilliam Sheridan and 16-year-old Michael Graham.
After a mundane opening, Celtic's first real chance came just before the half-hour mark when an Anderson free-kick found Sheridan on his own at the back post, but his weak header bounced wide.
Two minutes later a missed tackle by Lafferty allowed the Hibs 11 to fire in a shot which Skinner tipped wide.
The game came to life 10 minutes from half-time when a fierce Cawley shot was parried by the Hibs keeper, and from the rebound Lafferty's effort was tipped over the bar.
On 41 minutes, Graham went to a mazy run along the by-line, but his cutback was missed by Sheridan.
A minute later, Graham's driven cross was bulleted into the net by Cawley's header to put the Celts in front.
Anderson and Graham then had efforts as the young Celts looked like taking charge of the game.
But a minute from half-time Hibs drew level with a goal that exemplified this team's main failing.
At least three Celtic players had a chance to make a tackle or clear the ball before a fierce shot was parried by Skinner and the rebound was netted.
It was a soft goal against the run of play, but to be honest, Celtic had not played too well in the first half.
Thankfully, Willie McStay's half-time talk did the business as the young Bhoys came out fired up for the second half.
Four minutes in, Sheridan charged down the keeper's clearance and passed to Graham, who set up Cawley. But Kevin's placed shot went inches wide.
A minute later, Anderson chipped the keeper and was unlucky to see his effort hit the post, then Millar shot just wide after a fine run.
Hepburn came close with a 20-yard effort and Sheridan also hit the post with a long-range effort.
Celtic by now were totally dominating the game. Traub headed wide from a Millar corner before wee Mark set up Cawley for a fierce shot thatwas parried by the Hibs keeper.
By now the excellent Caddis was coming more into the game, and on 74 minutes he set up Sheridan with a swinging cross which the big Irishman glanced into the corner of the net to put the Celts in front again.
Two minutes later Anderson did well to win a tackle and set up Caddis for a shot that was deflected wide.
Then young Paul came close with a free-kick after Cawley was hauled down at the edge of the box.
Sheridan headed wide after a deep cross by Millar, but on 82 minutes the big Irish lad secured the win.
Once again it was the marauding Caddis who set it up, this time checking on to his left foot before curving in a cross which big Cilliam glanced into the corner.
A minute later, a long Hibs free-kick bounced off the bar before being cleared.
Brian McEwan then came on for the tiring Graham, with the sub fitting in at right back, Caddis going to right of midfield, Anderson into the middle and Cawley pushed up front.
From then on the Celts were never in trouble and saw the game out safely.
A great result. But there is a lot of hard work ahead.

Player ratings:

PAUL SKINNER: The big Irish keeper did not have a lot to do but he put nerves on edge with a weak punch when a ball was heading for his chest, then let a long cross hit the bar. Has to be more commanding.
PAUL CADDIS: Captain Fantastic. A wonderful wee player with a first-rate attitude. Set up the second and third goals with crosses and continually bombed forward. A great right back but, given the players in this squad, I feel he could do a real job for this team at right of midfield, with Jason Marr or Brian McEwan at right back. On the ball, he reminds me of Danny McGrain. How's that for a compliment?
DANNY LAFFERTY: Hard-working left back but did little going forward. Needs to add a bit of aggression to his game and play the easy pass earlier.
JASON MARR: Was a stand-out at right back for the Under-17s last season but has taken a real stretch since then. Did a great job in centre of defence here, reminding me of Stephen McManus. A good tackler, and made no silly mistakes in possession. A very professional performance.
ANDY TRAUB: Big blond stopper, he won plenty of headers but gave the ball away too often for my liking. Andy's in the team for his strength and height, so he should use that to the team's advantage by being much more aggressive and keeping his passing simple. Not the most technically gifted of players, so he has to be more of an animal.
MARK MILLAR: Started on right of midfield, then was switched to the left. A very skillful player but is still very slight. It may be unfair, but I feel Mark has got a lot more to offer as regards encouraging this very young bunch of lads. I'd like to see him being more of a leader on the pitch. I also feel his best position is up front.
ROSS HEPBURN: Put in a pile of work as the holding player in the centre of midfield, and really came into his element in the second half when Celtic totally dominated. At his best when he kept the play moving by bringing the full backs into play.
KEVIN CAWLEY: Played as the attacking midfielder, and at time found it hard to get on the ball. But this is a position wee Kev could make his own. Composed in possession , with a good burst of pace and plenty of aggression. Took his goal superbly and could have had one or two more. I'd like to see him interchanging with his central midfield partner more, just dropping deep to get on the ball and lure markers out of position. But this lad is a class act.
SEAN ANDERSON: Not a great game for the big lad. He started on left of midfield, then switched to the right. But only really came on to a game when he switched inside and let Caddis advance up the right flank. Big Sean is a central midfielder. End of.
CILLIAM SHERIDAN: Firstly, my apologies If I've got his first name wrong. Secondly, I have to confess to having written the big Bhoy off - before he scored the second and third goals. A very big lad, but he doesn't use that as much as I'd like him to. He should be bullying centre-halfs, not the other way about. He should also be showing more for passes and holding the play up better. A matchwinner today - but he needs to work hard on his game.
MICHAEL GRAHAM: Just 16, and it showed at times with his lack of confidence at taking on players almost three years older than him. Showed a couple of flashes of real skill but I feel he'd be better playing at his own age group for another year.
BRIAN McEWAN: Came on at right back for the last few minutes and did little wrong. But he was wonderful in central defence for the Under-17s last season, and that is where I feel he could do a really good job for this team. Skillful, agressive, and a good organiser.

Aiden McGeady, your time has come

2006-08-16T10:07:00.000Z

IT must have been more than 10 years ago that I first witnessed the mesmerising football talents of young Aiden McGeady. A scrawny lad of nine who looked as if he could be blown over by a gust of wind, he played centre of midfield for Our Lady of the Missions against Saint Anthony's in a semi-final for one of the Glasgow primary school cups.
The match was played on the huge Ashfield Juniors pitch near Possil, and Aiden's young opponents from Govan had obviously been told to pay him close attention. He was at all times marked by two players, but repeatedly managed to spin away to spray passes with his right and left feet or embark on lung-bursting dribbles.
It was clear then that he was something special. The Celtic scout desperately trying to engage Aiden's dad John in conversation obviously thought so.
But Mr McGeady, a former winger himself with Sheffield United in the mid-1970s, was adamant his son would not be rushed.
At the time, Aiden played 11-a-side for his school on a Saturday and seven-a-side with Govanhill Cubs on a Sunday.
It was not unknown even then for scouts and admiring coaches to take video cameras to his games to capture images of this phenomenon in action.
Not that he was the only promising player on show with Davie Docherty's Govanhill side. Several of his then teammates were later signed up by senior sides, including Mark Cassidy by Celtic and Richard Buckley by Aberdeen.
But it was clear that Aiden was the real star in the making. While the careers of others ultimately stuttered before fizzling out, I wasn't the only one who felt this young lad could go all the way to the top.
From then on I made a point of monitoring his progress. Liam Brady made a determined effort to take him to Arsenal, while Alex Ferguson tried to attract him to Manchester United.
However, from a selfish viewpoint I was delighted when Aiden decided to sign for MY club, Celtic. Which just happened to be the club his whole family followed, not least his Uncle Pat.
Despite, like Aiden, boasting Donegal connections, I had mixed feelings about him choosing to play for the Republic of Ireland.
I was well aware he had been bounced into the choice by the Scottish Schools Football Association's ridiculous decision to snub him, and also by the persistent encouragement of Packy Bonner among others.
But I knew his decision would attract the wrath of the sizeable minority in Scottish society who regard affiliation to Ireland as an affliction deserving of suspicion, if not downright hatred.
Aiden's decision showed courage, stubborness and a touch of impetuosity; attributes which he has continued to display throughout his Celtic career.
This twinkle-footed ball juggler did not linger long in Celtic's Youth or Reserve sides before being thrust into the first team - a meteoric elevation which he marked, fittingly, with a stunning debut goal against Hearts at Tynecastle.
For a while, there seemed to be no stopping Aiden. Against AC Milan in the Champions League, he dazzled Coloccini and Nesta with his footwork.
But he soon learned that most professional opponents were determined to nullify his strengths rather than admire them. And they were quick to take advantage of his failings.
Aiden's form suffered as every loss of possession was met by a chorus of harrumphs from large sections of the Celtic Park "faithful".
His nadir came in Bratislava, where his distressing performance in the shattering 5-0 defeat was topped by a horrendous miss in front of an open goal.
I said at the time that Aiden had to work harder on his weaknesses: his tendency to show too much of the ball to opponents; an unwillingness to put in a proper defensive shift when required; plus the glaring requirement to work like a beast in the gym and training ground to improve his strength and speed.
Lesser lads may have crumbled after such a setback. But Aiden, remember, has courage and stubborness.
Plus an impetuosity he displayed to good effect against Rangers in the back-to-back wins at Celtic Park last autumn which transformed Celtic's season.
Unfortunately, Aiden later followed up a match-winning performance against Motherwell at Fir Park by sustaining a serious injury. His season, to all intents and purposes, was over.
For an impatient lad like himself, the lengthy recuperation must have been tortuous. But it is clear that he used his time well.
Aiden is now clearly stronger and faster than he was last season. He has been Celtic's stand-out performer since July. And he has certainly played more than any other outfield player, barely missing a minute of the club's lengthy pre-season schedule.
In my opinion, he has been Celtic's man of the match in each of the first three league matches of the season.
His passes to set up Stilian Petrov's goals against Hearts and St Mirren were sublime. Aiden was desperately unlucky not to score against the Saints.
And his determination to chase back and tackle against Kilmarnock was exemplary. But much more of the same is needed.
There was a time when I feared Aiden would ultimately tumble into the dreaded "luxury player" category. A Saviola or Juninho Paulista, trusted only to attack and not defend. Claiming the right to operate only in the illusory "hole" between the forward line and midfield. Feigning indifference whenever opponents gain possession.
Such players are seldom trusted by more demanding managers who know that 11 men have more chance of winning a game than 10 and a half.
But Aiden McGeady is now in the Celtic team on merit as a fully-fledged midfielder. He is an essential component of Gordon Strachan's side, not a luxury.
His ball retention has improved. His end product has improved. His physique and pace has improved. His defending has improved.
In the absence of Shaun Maloney, Aiden has the chance to make himself an automatic first pick for Celtic this season. And for many seasons to come.
Now, ladies and gentleman, sit back and enjoy the show:
IT'S AIDEN TIME!

Celtic Bhoys prove they are World class

2006-05-22T10:35:00.000Z

AS you may just have noticed by now, I have enjoyed banging the drum on behalf of the remarkable bunch of youngsters who made up Celtic's Under-19 squad this season. I have tried to explain why this is the best crop of talented kids in a generation and also predicted that these young Bhoys can go all the way to the very top.
Now, from the unlikely setting of Belarus, comes proof that some of these lads could be truly world class. For six of them are in the Scotland squad which has qualified for the finals of the UEFA Under-19 Championships, to be held in Poland in the middle of July.
This is the first time in 20 years that Scotland have qualified for this event. Not only that, but they knocked out Europe's top-ranked team along the way.
Most of the current French squad won the European Under-17 title two years ago. Some of them were in the squad which won the European Under-19 title last year.
But after hammering Bulgaria 4-0, France could only draw 0-0 with Belarus, the hosts of this four-team mini qualifying tournament.
That left them needing to beat the Scots, who had chalked up 2-1 wins against Belarus and Bulgaria.
But the Euro champs were held to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling match held on Saturday in Minsk.
Hibs striker Steven Fletcher was the goal hero for Archie Gemmill's side, which included four Celts in the starting line-up.
Scott Cuthbert, as ever, was a tower of strength in central defence. Charlie Grant tackled everything that moved in central midfield, before shuttling the ball to either Michael McGlinchey on the right or Ryan Conroy on the left.
Simon Ferry, who had played earlier in the tournament and who set up Steven Fletcher's last-winute winner against Bulgaria, was on the bench. Sadly, he had struggled to shake off a groin injury he had picked up in the recent Youth Cup Final.
The only Celt not to see action was reserve keeper Scott Fox, due to the brilliant form of young Hibs goalie Derek McNeill.
Lee Wallace and Calum Elliott of Hearts, Gary Kenneth of Dundee United and Robert Snodgrass of Livingston also played, with Robert Cave-Brown of Norwich making up the starting 11.
But although the Celts have a total of one SPL substitute appearance between them so far, there is no doubt they are set to make a real impact in the first team squad within the next 12 to 18 months.
UEFA officials voted battling midfielder Charlie Grant the player of the mini-tournament. An incredible accolade, given the standard of opponents he faced.
Now the Scots go forward as one of the eight qualifiers for the finals in Poland. The Republic of Ireland - featuring Celts Darren O'Dea and Jim O'Brien - won't be there, as they lost two games in a row in Slovakia to be eliminated.
England probably won't be there either. All of which gives the Scots a great chance of finishing in the top four at the finals to qualify for next season's WORLD Under-20 Championships.
This wonderful success means that the six Celts will miss much of the club's pre-season training and will probably have to cancel their plans for a summer holiday.
But I hope everyone at the club will get behind them as they bid to prove something that I have suspected all along ...
That this batch of young Bhoys is truly WORLD CLASS!

Youth Cup Final: Celtic player ratings

2006-05-11T20:20:00.000Z

SCOTT FOX: A great game for the talented shot-stopper, who made crucial saves at crucial times - much as he has done all season. Young Scott reminds me of Jim Leighton in that he occasionally looks ungainly, but his talent is there for all to see. I was pleased to hear he has made it into the Scotland Under-19 squad, although he faces a battle to dislodge the Hibs keeper Derek McNeill, who had a sensational game against Celtic's youths earlier this season. Scott will have to work hard on his physique and his technique on cross balls. May benefit from a loan move to get some first-team experience in the First or Second Division.

PAUL CADDIS: Stricken by cramp late in extra-time, this talented attacking full back displayed great courage by continuing to give 100 per cent while clearly in pain. Didn't get forward as much as he usually does, mainly due to him being against a tough customer in Andrew Driver, who had destroyed Rangers at Murray Park in the cup quarter-finals. But on two or three occasions Paul showed the great skill and blistering pace that has made him a stand-out all season. A great wee player, but Hearts used that "wee" bit to their advantage, aiming a lot of their high balls to his flank. Paul slipped to give away a great chance to Mole in the first half, then the same player easily outjumped him for a free header in the second half. Paul has another season at this level, and it is to be hoped he has a growth spurt of Charlie Mulgrew proportions. Otherwise, he may have to consider a switch to a midfield role.

DEAN RICHARDSON: Not as flashy as some of the other Celts on display, but a solid and reliable customer who had one of his best games for the youth team until his tired header in 88 minutes set up the Hearts equaliser. That was unfair on the sturdy left back, who had been seldom troubled up to that point. Dean, however, doesn't have the pace or trickery of Caddis to make much impression further up the park. He will need to show total dedication to developing his physique, fitness and pace if he is to have a long career in the professional game. May well benefit from a loan move next season.

SCOTT CUTHBERT: He needed to be big and brave if Celtic were to withstand Hearts' aerial bombardment - and he was. Didn't miss a header all night and showed good pace and strength when the Edinburgh side tried to play the ball on the deck. Didn't hang about with his clearances - at one point actually clattering the ball off the roof of the South Stand. And at times his distribution could have been better. But the Scotland Under-19 captain is a fierce competitor who will undoubtedly force his way into the first team squad for the start of next season. One of the key men for the Celts in this final. An athletic stopper in the John Kennedy/Stephen McManus mould.

DARREN O'DEA: The Irish centre-back also needed to have a big game - and he did. Didn't miss a tackle, and competed well in the air. Some of his interventions were absolutely crucial. Big Darren had a couple of old-fashioned sclaffs along the way, and could do with a tad more composure in his clearances and distribution. But this fearless Bhoy is a born winner. Could perhaps do with a few months on loan to get first-team experience, but this is one player no striker would enjoy playing against.

CHARLIE GRANT: The cheer that went up when wee Charlie cemented the much-taller Calum Elliott in an aerial challenge summed up how quickly the large crowd had grown to appreciate this midfield battler's incredible tenacity. A real Man of the Match performance from this tigerish ball-winner, with the added bonus that his ball retention, passing and composure is also improving by the week. His incredible fitness was exemplified in the last minute of extra time when he won yet another tackle, then jinked inside a man before setting up Mark Millar for the clinching goal. Think Neil Lennon with more strength and pace, plus harder-tackling and even playing forward passes. A cert to be pushing for the first team squad at some point next season. And once he gets in, he'll stay there.

MICHAEL McGLINCHEY: A largely disappointing performance from the talented teenager, who got little change out of Hearts left back Lee Wallace when on the right of midfield, then started to suffer from cramp after being switched up front. But then he goes and snatches the all-important second goal! Michael is very talented, with two good feet and a bit of pace. But he is very small and slight - only slightly bigger than Maloney. He will need to follow Shaunaldinho's lead and work extremely hard in the gym and running track to get the strength and extra pace he'll need to make an impact against six-foot-plus defenders. Next season will be a crucial one for him.

SIMON FERRY: I was delighted that a sizeable crowd, plus TV viewers, got the chance to see why I have been raving about this brilliant midfielder all season. Hearts put a lot of effort into stopping him, yet he still bossed the game and made some quite brilliant runs. None better than the incredible effort that set up the opening goal. Found it hard at times because Hearts were playing a lot of back-to-front football, but was never slow to get back to help out his defence. Challenges for every ball in the air and is almost as hard a tackler as Grant. Tried to play on with a painful groin injury, but was forced off. And he earned a big plus in my book for being the first Celt to break off from the after-match celebrations to shake the hands of every one of the distraught Hearts players. I can find no reason why he shouldn't go straight into the first team squad for the start of next season. Why waste millions on a replacement for Petrov when the solution is staring us in the face?

TEODOR BJARNASON: A surprisingly poor 90 minutes for the big Icelandic player on the left of midfield, with many of his deft flicks finding maroon shirts. He wasn't helped by the fact the rest of the Celtic midfielders and forwards are predominantly right-footed, with their first instinct being to head for that wing. Battled away without seeing much of the ball, and got forward well to notch the first goal after superb work from Ferry. But Teddy came into his own at the centre of midfield in extra-time after wee "Si" limped off. A tremendous engine and bags of skill. May benefit from a wee loan spell to toughen him up. I reckon a few SPL clubs would be very interested in snapping him up.

JIM O'BRIEN: Non-stop effort from the big frontman, who ran his legs off for the cause without enjoying much luck in front of goal. It was no concidence that the two Hearts central defenders were struggling with cramp long before the end, having had to chase this rangy Bhoy for two hours. Didn't get a clear-cut chance but showed some wonderful skill and some great first touches. If he can work hard on his upper-body strength and convince Strachan that he has the hunger to make it to the top, big Jim could be starring for the first team before long.

PAUL McGOWAN: After the excitement of making the bench for the first team last Sunday, wee Gowser suffered a largely disappointing night as Celtic struggled to get forward with any fluency for long periods. Showed great skill and plenty of running, but made the wrong choice of pass on a few occasions and was generally outmuscled by the big Hearts defenders. Was a bit greedy towards the end of the 90 minutes when he tried a 20-yard chip when he had options right and left. Paul has made incredible progress this season but will have to do even more if he is to make the next step. Needs to work hard on his pace and physique and look to make an impression at Reserves level or out on loan next season.

MARK MILLAR: Capped off a fantastic season with a wonderful third goal which displayed his pace, skill and self-confidence. This 18-year-old lad has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few months, to the extent that he must have felt unlucky not to have made the starting 11. Showed great positivity on the right of midfield, repeatedly driving forward and showing no signs of being intimidated against his taller and broader opponents. Will surely take a stretch and fill out a bit over the next 12 months, and will be a key player for a totally new Under-19s squad next term. If he continues to progress at the rate he has done over the past six months, then Mark could go very far indeed.

RYAN CONROY: The tricky left winger transformed the game after coming on early in extra time. Beat his man time and again and put in several great crosses. Now in the Scotland Under-19 squad, but has a bit of work to do in the gym before he can expect to challenge for the first team. I wouldn't rule out seeing this talented lad at left back at some point next season.

DIARMUID O'CARROLL: Can't quite work out why the big kid from Killarney didn't start the game, as his no-nonsense style and physical presence made him ideal for this type of opposition. Didn't get much of a chance in the few minutes he was on the pitch. But big Dermo has been on fire lately for the Youths and Reserves, and I hope to see him make the breakthrough into the first team squad next season. Could well do his chances no end of good by shining while out on loan to an SPL side.

Subs not used: Paul Skinner (Irish goalkeeper), Andy Traub (Scottish-born centre-half)

Celtic win the Scottish Youth Cup Final

2006-05-10T23:21:00.000Z

SCOTTISH YOUTH CUP FINAL

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2006, at CELTIC PARK

Celtic 3, Heart of Midlothian 1 (after extra-time)

Scorers: Celtic - Bjarnason (43), McGlinchey ( 105), Millar (119)

Hearts - Neill (88).

CELTIC'S young Bhoys secured their second league and cup double in a row with a thrilling extra-time victory over Hearts which epitomised the skill, courage and will-to-win that will propel the members of Willie McStay's squad towards lengthy and lucrative careers in senior professional football.
This was the last game at youth level for the vast majority of this remarkable bunch of players, practically all of whom will be playing for the Reserves next season or making their mark in the first team squad.
The fierce examination of their potential to which they were subjected to by a determined, tall and physical Hearts team will have given them a taste of the type of challenge they will face over the next couple of years.
It has to be admitted that some of our lads appeared to wilt under the pressure of their opponents' fierce and direct approach. Yet others excelled.
And, at the end of an extremely tiring season - during which many of them were called on to turn out for both the Reserves and Youth teams - it is to their credit that they finished here the stronger team amid an epidemic of cramped muscles.
After more than two hours of heroic endeavour by every teenager on the pitch, Celtic were deserved winners.
And no one deserved to lift the Scottish Youth Cup trophy more than Hoops skipper Charlie Grant, who gave the 4,000 or so spectators a masterclass in destructive tackling and sensible ball distribution.
Celtic had started with Scott Fox in goal, the superb shot-stopper who has been called up to the Scotland Under-19 squad.
At right back was the swashbuckling Paul Caddis, with the battling Dean Richardson at left back. In the centre of defence were Scotland Under-19 captain Scott Cuthbert and Irish stalwart Daren O'Dea, the pair having been called back from the Reserves, where they had previously snubbed out the likes of Kris Boyd and Nacho Novo.
Michael McGlinchey, the only Celt with an SPL appearance behind him so far, started on the right of midfield, with Simon Ferry attacking from the centre and Charlie Grant playing the anchor role. The skillful Icelandic lad Teddy Bjarnason got the nod for the left midfield slot.
Up front, the pairing was Jim O'Brien, who has sparkled for the Reserves this season, and Paul McGowan, who, like O'Dea, was an unused sub for the first team at Aberdeen on Sunday.
Hearts started with first team squad players Lee Wallace and Calum Elliott at left back and central midfield respectively. And immediately it was clear they had a size advantage over some of the Celtic lads, with practically the whole team that travelled through from Edinburgh measuring six foot or over.
In the opening minutes, many of the Celtic supporters were preocupied with trying to get a seat as, with the Lower Main Stand full, a handful of brain-dead stewards and police officers refused to allow the hundreds of fans packing the bottom passageway entry into the empty upper stand.
After 15 farcical and increasingly-angry minutes, common sense prevailed.
Have these clowns never heard of Hillsborough?
By this point Elliott had fired over for Hearts and a Bjarnason cross had just missed O'Brien after superb lead-up play by Ferry.
On 18 minutes, Fox made a fine save from a low, skidding shot by Denis McLaughlin. Eight minutes later Hearts captain John Neill was booked for a foul on Bjarnason, followed a minute later by Hearts striker John Mole being yellow-carded for a foul on Grant.
That summed up the action to that point, with the Jambos attempting to intimidate and out-muscle the Celts, who were clearly technically superior whenever they were allowed to play football.
It took the Celts half an hour to put together one of their trademark sweet-passing moves, it ending with a driven Caddis cross which was cleared to safety.
A minute later, the Hoops right back almost gifted his opponents the opener when he slipped, allowing Mole a clear run on goal. It took a great save from Fox to deny him.
That sparked 60 seconds of mayhem as Celtic immediately counter-attacked, with O'Brien winning a corner, from which McGlinchey's cross was headed inches over the bar by the soaring Cuthbert.
With Hearts expending prodigious amounts of energy in playing a frantic pressing game - a tactic that would come back to haunt them later as their players collapsed one by one in agony - chances were few and far between.
Celtic breathed a sigh of relief a couple of minutes from half-time when a McLaughlin shot was deflected a couple of feet wide. But seconds later the young Bhoys took the lead with a quite wonderful goal.
Ferry, so often the inspiration for this team, embarked on a lung-bursting 50-yard run that took him past three Hearts defenders and straight through on goal.
While such a scenario might be enough to leave lesser players over-excited, this consummate footballer retained enough composure to draw the keeper and then roll the ball across the six yard box for Bjarnason to stroke it into the empty net.
The goal seemed to energise Celtic. Within 30 seconds, Caddis had raced past two defenders on a blistering run and fired in a superb cross which was scrambled clear.
McGlinchey also had a half-chance before the half-time whistle sounded to puncture the Celts' momentum. It had come at precisely the wrong moment for McStay's Bhoys.
For if the Celts had found it hard to get into their slick-passing rhythm in the first half, things got even worse for the first 20 minutes of the second period.
Hearts pushed up at the back, compressing the play and denying the likes of Ferry, McGlinchey and Bjarnason room to play passes and dictate possession.
When the young Jambos got the ball, they wasted no time in getting it forward to their big strikers, fighting for scraps, putting the ball into corners and playing for set pieces.
It was very much an English-style game, but it was effective in piling pressure on the Celtic back line, who had to endure a blizzard of corners - I counted 11 for Hearts in the second half - and set pieces.
With so many big lads in their set-up, it was clear the Edinburgh side fancied their chances in the air as they fired cross after cross into the heart of the Celtic defence.
It is to their great credit that the powerful centre backs Cuthbert and O'Dea coped with the bulk of them, with big Scott particularly impressive at winning headers, while O'Dea's fierce tackles repeatedly stemmed the tide.
After 51 minutes, Fox flapped at one corner. Four minutes later, Hearts stopper Alan Lithgow headed just over. Then Wallace had another header that went over.
The best chance of all fell to Mole on 59 minutes when he outjumped the diminutive Caddis to a free-kick but sent his free header from eight yards just inches past the post.
As Hearts' frustration mounted, Eliott was booked for a scything challenge on O'Brien. Then Lithgow glanced another header just wide.
It took Celtic until the 63rd minute to make their first decent attack of the second half, Ferry setting up Caddis for a cross that was scrambled clear.
McLaughlin then headed over before Lithgow became the fourth Hearts player to be booked, this time for dissent.
By the time Grant had been booked on 77 minutes for persistent fouling it seemed the Celts had weathered the storm.
Indeed, by this stage the Hearts players were beginning to show signs of suffering from cramp.
With 12 minutes to go, Ferry set up Bjarnason for a jinking run which ended up with a low shot held by Hearts keeper Haraldur Bjornsson, who is presumably one of Teddy's fellow-Icelanders.
O'Brien was by this stage running the legs off the increasingly distressed Hearts centre-backs. On 84 minutes, McGowan tried a chip, which was saved when Celtic had plenty of men forward on the counter-attack.
Fox then made another brave save before wee Gowser was replaced by Mark Millar with only four minutes remaining.
Mark took up his familiar beat on the right of midfield, with McGlinchey moving into a withdrawn striker role as the Celts looked to close out the match.
And when Millar fed Ferry to cut inside and fire a left-foot shot just over the bar, it seemed the Bhoys were coasting to victory.
But two minutes from time disaster struck when a long cross to the back post by Andrew Driver was headed out weakly to the middle of the penalty box by Richardson.
Even then John Neill's shot took a cruel deflection to wrong-foot Fox, who could only look on in horror as the ball trickled into the corner of the net.
The Hearts players indulged in some childish taunting of the sizeable home support, yet even at this point I felt too many of their players were running on empty.
And when the final whistle went, the sight of at least three Hearts players lying on their backs getting cramped muscles massaged seemed to indicate their best hope would be to hold on for penalties.
Yet Hearts started extra-time brightly. A long-range Driver shot was well held by Fox before Elliott wrong-footed Grant on the edge of the box and sent a fierce, low shot inches wide.
After 96 minutes, Caddis set up Millar for a low cross that caused panic in the Jambos defence. But by this stage it was clear that Ferry had picked up a debilitating groin injury towards the end of 90 minutes and was struggling to run.
He was replaced by Ryan Conroy, who took up his usual spot on the left wing, with Bjarnason - who had up until this point been fairly peripheral to the action - moving into the centre of midfield, where he immediately looked more at home.
Hearts put Mark McCusker on for McLaughlin, then took off cramp victim Lithgow, replacing him with Matthew Park.
Celtic were by now in the ascendancy. A Caddis cross was deflected for a corner, then, from a great Conroy cross, McGlinchey volleyed over with his left foot.
By the time the second half of extra-time had started, it was clear half the Hearts team were struggling, while McGlinchey and O'Brien of Celtic were showing signs of cramp, to be followed soon after by Caddis.
After 106 minutes, Neill went close with a 25-yard free-kick. But from then on it was all Celtic. A long McGlinchey cross was well controlled by Conroy, whose fierce volley just cleared the bar - although the referee had, erroneously, already whistled for a handball against Ryan.
Hearts put on Steven Slater for Driver after 111 minutes, but four minutes later the Hoops forced their way back into the lead.
A vicious inswinging corner from the excellent Conroy fell for McGlinchey at the back post, who forced the ball home to spark scenes of delirium on the pitch and in the stands.
That was young Michael's last contribution, as he was replaced a minute later by the Irish striker Diarmuid O'Carroll.
And any fears the Celts might have had about losing their lead for a second time were dispelled a minute from the end of extra-time by a superb clinching goal.
Man of the match Grant, who was magnificent throughout, won yet another tackle, beat a man, and fed Millar.
The slightly-built 18-year-old veered in from the right flank past two Hearts players before, from 20 yards and with his left foot, he drove in a fierce, low shot which skidded into the bottom corner.
The Celtic players jumped for joy, the Hearts players slumped to the turf in exhausted anguish.
Minutes later, Charlie Grant was joyfully hoisting the cup above his head as his teammates and the Celtic fans chanted "Championees, Championees!"
It had been a battle, for which much credit is due to the young Hearts lads, who gave everything they had.
But they were beaten by the best young footballers in Scotland, several of whom will soon be savouring the cheers of 60,000 fans as they run out as first team players on to the same pitch they graced tonight.

(I will do a separate Player-by-Player piece on Thursday)

Celtic Reserves 2, Motherwell Reserves 1

2006-04-19T00:16:00.000Z

FIVE hours after the final whistle blew on this ultimately thrilling, but unconvincing, win for Celtic's second string it was confirmed that they were the Scottish Premier Reserve League champions for the fifth season in a row.
Defeat for Aberdeen at home to Dundee United and a 1-1 draw for Rangers at Livingston handed the title to Kenny McDowall's side after an afternoon in which they had seemed determined to squander their lead at the top of the table.
A last-minute goal by Darren O'Dea finally clinched the points for the Hoops and ensured a hat-trick of SPL titles for the club after the earlier triumphs of the first team and Under-19s.
But amid the celebrations, I feel several of those who took part in this match at the Shyberry Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie will have reason to fear for their futures in the famous green and white jerseys.
Plainly put, some of them don't look up to the task of mounting a challenge for a first team jersey and may have to make way in the near future for some younger and more confident contenders.
This was a disjointed performance, not helped by McDowall's continual tactical tinkering, which appeared to confuse his own team more than the opposition.
It was only when a trio of youth players were added to the fray in the last half hour that the Celts displayed any style, control or fluidity.
Celtic had started with a 4-4-2 formation, with David Marshall in goal behind right back Garry Irvine, left back Ross Wallace and central defenders Scott Cuthbert and Darren O'Dea.
Rocco Quinn started on the right of midfield, with Paul Lawson and Stephen Pearson in the centre and Michael Gardyne on the left flank.
Jim O'Brien and Nicky Riley made up the forward line. Well, at least to begin with they did.
And how things might have changed if the team's first decent move of the game had resulted in a goal. A flurry of quick passes set Quinn through on the right, but his low cross went behind the strikers and feel to Gardyne at the back post. But the effort by "Midge" was sliced wide.
Motherwell then had a golden chance to take the lead on 13 minutes when a sharp turn by the giant striker Abel Thermeus took him past Cuthbert, but Marshall did well to block his fierce shot.
The visitors suffered the first of a string of injuries when, after 27 minutes, striker Steve McGarry was led off with a head cut after an accidental clash with O'Dea. His place was taken by Stephen Maguire, son of Celtic Pools supremo John, who had shone in Well's Under-19 clash with Celtic at Shotts last Friday.
The Bhoys were struggling to find any rhythm. Quinn sliced a shot wide before Rocco's pass sent O'Brien clear on the right, but his cutback was miskicked by Pearson and fell behind Gardyne.
On 32 minutes, Well midfielder Darren Smith cut inside O'Dea at the edge of the box but sliced his left-foot effort well wide.
That was the cue for McDowall to make his first tactical switch, pushing Quinn up front and sending O'Brien out to the right of midfield. But the new front pairing of Rocco and little Nicky was to make no impression on Motherwell's central defenders Bobby Donnelly and William Kinniburgh.
A jinking run by Gardyne ended with the ball falling to Lawson on the edge of the box, but he puled his shot wide.
McDowall then switched to a 3-5-2 formation, putting Gardyne in the "hole" behind the two strikers and pushing Wallace forward to a left wing-back role.
Unfortunately, Ross forgot about the "back" part of that role, and right on half-time he stood watching as a low cross across the Celtic box fell to the man he should have been marking, Smith. It took a brave sliding block by O'Dea to keep the Celts on level terms at the break.
Motherwell started the second half with William Soutar on for right back Paul Quinn. McDowall then shuffled his cards again, pushing Riley out wide on the right, with Quinn and O'Brien now the front pairing.
A fe minutes later, Riley was replaced by Michael McGlinchey, who went into that "hole" behind the forwards, with Gardyne becoming the fourth player to occupy the right midfield spot. He wasn't to be the last.
But first Celtic's title hopes were given a nasty setback when, after a jinking run in the 58th minute, Maguire sclaffed a left-foot effort that wriggled between Marshall's legs before trundling into the corner of the net to put Motherwell 1-0 up. It was a sloppy goal befitting of what had been, up till then, a sloppy performance.
To the rescue came the Under-19 team's natural born winners, Charlie Grant and Simon Ferry. Wee Charie parked himself in front of the Celtic defence, pushing Pearson and McGlinchey forward in the centre. "Si" became the fifth player to try his hand on the right of midfield. And he was by far the most successful.
Almost immediately the change was evident. The passing was quicker and more accurate. At long last there was an urgency and determination about the Hoops.
After 64 minutes, Pearson was hauled down on the edge of the box, but Wallace's free-kick was cleared. A minute later, O'Dea met a Wallace cross but headed straight at Colin Meldrum.
Motherwell used up their third and last sub with 19 minutes to go when Adam Coakley came on for Smith. They were later to play the last 10 minutes with only 10 men after Kiniburgh limped off with what looked like a groin injury.
But by then Celtic were clearly in the ascendancy. After 72 minutes, Ferry broke down the right but his cross was scrambled clear. He then fired in a left-foot shot that went just wide.
Quinn then sent Irvine away, only for his cross to be cleared, before Wallace sent the ball over the bar from a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty box.
With 11 minutes left, Celtic equalised with a goal out of nothing. Irvine's long throw was aimed at O'Dea at the front post, but he was beaten to the header.
The ball, however, floated to Quinn at the corner of the box, who fired in a magnificent volley that rocketed across Meldrum's flailing arms and into the net.
With Celtic pouring forward, there was always the chance of a conter attack. And Thermeus looked to be in with a chance of a surprise winner when he sprinted through with only eight minutes to go.
He was halted, however, by a last-ditch tackle by Cuthbert, who made contact with just enough of the ball to persuade the referee not to award a penalty and flash a red card.
The young Celts were by now throwing everything at Well, with even O'Dea acting as an auxiliary centre forward. They seemed to have blown their last chance when Ferry sent Quinn clear, only for Rocco to shoot wide.
But in the 89th minute the Celts conjured up a bizarre winner that was ultimately to guarantee them the league title.
With the ball at Cuthbert's feet, the makeshift Motherwell defence attempted to play offside, but misjudged badly. Big Scott's long ball sent Quinn racing clear on goal, with O'Dea in support.
Spurning the chance to square the ball to the Irish defender, big Rocco ran in on Meldrum, then sclaffed a right-foot shot that looked to be heading wide.
But Well defender Soutar, running back at pace, slid in to stop the ball, which sat up perfectly, two yards out in the centre of goal, for the astonished O'Dea, who lashed it into the net before running off to celebrate.
It was a crazy winner for a strange game. But one that sealed the title for a club that seemingly can't stop winning.

Motherwell Under-19s 0, Celtic Under-19s 1

2006-04-14T21:54:00.000Z

AS the final whistle blew at the end of this thrilling match, Celtic's exhausted youths somehow found the energy to run towards each other, shouting and yelling, punching the air and jumping, before huddling together to dance in joyous celebration, chanting "Championees, championees" as their gallant opponents trudged lifelessly towards the dressing rooms.
A hard-fought victory, fittingly secured by a goal from player of the season Simon Ferry, had left Willie McStay's young Bhoys 10 points clear of their nearest challengers, Rangers, with only three matches left for both sides.
No one could claim the win was not merited; after a difficult opening 20 minutes Celtic had seized the initiative and, indeed, spent practically the entire second period camped in the Motherwell half, firing in shot after shot until finally the ball was forced past the home keeper and into the net.
But a true measure of their achievement can be garnered from the fact that the young Well team they deservedly defeated had only days earlier trounced Rangers 4-1.
And it has to be taken into account that this group's astonishing success had already seen key players such as Scott Cuthbert, Darren O'Dea, Ryan Conroy, Michael McGlinchey and Jim O'Brien promoted to the Reserves and unavailable for selection today.
Even so, McStay was able to field a formidable starting 11 to take on a Motherwell team which had his own son John at right back while, adding further irony to the occasion, midfielder Stephen Maguire was watched from the sidelines by his father John, managing director of the Celtic Pools operation which contributes more than £1million a year to the club's youth development operations.
Back in goals for the Under-19s came Scott Fox, recovered from injury and fresh from his first 90-minute appearance for the Reserves in midweek, a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock.
The back four had the merit of continuity, with Paul Caddis at right back, Dean Richardson on the left and big English lad Paul Hutchison partnering Denny's own Ryan McCafferty in the centre.
In midfield, Mark Millar started wide right, with Charlie Grant and fit-again Simon Ferry in the centre. Out on the left flank for a change was the Icelandic youngster Teddy Bjarnason. Up front, again, were Paul McGowan and the Kid from Killarney, Diarmuid O'Carroll.
The game was played at Hannah Park, the home park of junior team Shotts Bon Accord which boasts one of the largest playing surfaces in Britain. But although the pitch was big and reasonably flat, it was extremely heavy after recent downpours.
This hampered Celtic's silkier midfielders in the opening exchanges, with Millar, Ferry and Bjarnason all struggling to impose themselves on the game as their moves got, literally, stuck in the mud.
Motherwell, no doubt bouyed by their thumping win over Rangers, were full of running, closing down the Celts and getting the ball forward quickly. It was from one such long ball after 13 minutes that Well's centre-forward Adam Coakley outpaced Hutchison and fired in a shot that was heading for the top corner until it was bravely parried over the bar by Fox.
At this stage no one was doing more to stem the tide than Grant, who won every 50-50 tackle going and even a few that weren't even 30-70. Such was this one-Bhoy destruction unit's effect on the home team's resolve that Connolly lunged into a fierce tackle from the back on Charlie on one of his rare ventures down the right wing. How the Motherwell midfielder escaped a booking must remain a mystery.
Motherwell continued to enjoy a slight edge, helped in no small measure by the strong wind which blew down the pitch. It took some courageous blocks from Hutchison and McCafferty to keep out scoring efforts as the wee Bhoys struggled to find their rhythm.
As the battle grew more intense, Celtic's Millar and Well's Soutar were booked for some childish off-the-park squabbling.
If the slightly built Celt was annoyed by that, he was absolutely livid after 30 minutes when a looping Richardson cross was missed by the home keeper Alexiou but, in front of an open goal, young Mark seemed to be taken by surprise as the ball arrived at his right foot and lifted his volleyed effort over the bar.
Five minutes from half-time, a Richardson free-kick from the right was dropped by Alexiou, hit Hutchison on the back and bobbled inches wide.
At this stage it was clear Celtic had seized the initiative. It seemed the Motherwell youngsters' early efforts had begun to tell on their legs in the tiring conditions.
And right on half-time O'Carroll blew a golden chance, missing his kick six yards out when a Richardson cross from the left fell to him on the volley after being contested in the air by Millar and McGowan.
It had been a tousy, fiercely fought first half and a draw at this stage seemed fair. But Celtic came out for the second period determined to take full advantage of the strong wind at their back. And from the first minute they forced their opponents deep into their own half.
For the first 10 minutes, however, there was too much haste and not enough composure about the young Hoops' efforts. O'Carroll and Millar both tried their luck with ambitious efforts that whistled yards over and wide.
But the flow of the match was turned on its head by the mercurial Bjarnason, a ball-juggling wizard with magical control who had been relatively subdued for the first 55 minutes.
From then on, however, he was a constant menace to the home rearguard, and in particular to his own coach's son.
Big Teddy turned McStay inside-out before laying a ball back to the edge of the box for McGowan, whose curling effort slipped just wide. Then a superb, swaying, jinking run saw Bjarnason again set up McGowan for an effort that was blocked.
Meanwhile, Hutchison was booked for a cynical foul to stop Maguire breaking away and Well's Coakley was yellow-carded for raising his foot to Fox as the keeper attempted a kick-out.
By now the Motherwell goal was under siege. On 61 minutes, O'Carroll put Caddis through, but the marauding full back pulled his shot wide when McGowan and Bjarnason were better placed to score. Two minutes later a wonderful Ferry pass put Bjarnason clear, but his cutback was blocked. Millar's corner kick that followed whizzed just inches over the bar.
On 65 minutes, Grant was put through but, unaccustomed as he was to being so far up the park, Charlie was tackled before he could shoot. The resultant corner by Millar was headed goalwards by O'Carroll before being cleared off the line, with the Celts claiming in vain for a goal.
Only a minute later, a driven cross from Caddis was flicked on by Millar's head to Bjarnason, who produced a lovely piece of skill to lift the ball over a charging defender with his right foot before firing in a left-foot shot that cracked off the post. What a goal that would have been!
Alexiou's frequent kick-outs were struggling to make the halfway line, and Celtic were simply pouring forward in wave after wave. In 69 minutes, Millar chased 30 yards to win a tackle, then got to his feet to fire in a fierce shot that went straight at the keeper.
Seconds after that, McGowan fed Bjarnason and took the return pass, only to slice a weak shot that was easily saved. It was exhausting just watching the Bhoys as they battled ceaselessly for that elusive goal.
Millar fired in a shot which Alexiou saved. Then young Mark's fierce free-kick from the corner of the box was tipped over by the keeper.
When Bjarnason fired a right foot shot wide with only 10 minutes to go it began to seem that, despite their total dominance of the second half, the young Celts' title party was destined to be postponed.
It was then that Simon Ferry stepped forward to start and finish a goal of breathtaking quality. Surging forward from deep in midfield, he fired a pass at McGowan and ran past him at speed.
Simon collected the inch-perfect return pass at the edge of the box, then sidestepped a challenge to give himself a shooting opportunity. Still running at pace, he then jinked past the left back's desperate sliding challenge to go one-on-one with the keeper.
Lesser players would have panicked. Ferry simply rolled the ball past Alexiou's outstretched right leg and into the far corner of the net.
Cue delirium as ecstatic teammates engulfed the scorer at the corner flag. It was a goal fit to win any league title.
Motherwell's chances of staging a comeback were sabotaged within a minute by an act of petulance from Coakley who, as Caddis sprinted past him at speed, simply whipped the full back's legs from underneath him. A clear yellow card to add to the even sillier one he had picked up earlier.
There was only going to be one winner from here on in. Millar and Caddis set up McGowan for a shot which was blocked.
Paul Cahillane came on for O'Carroll with three minutes left and promptly sent a curling effort just wide. In the last move of the game, the young Irish lad had an effort well saved by Alexiou after being put through by McGowan.
Moments earlier Paul's compatriot Graham Carey had come on for the magnificent Bjarnason, who was clapped off the pitch by the few hundred spectators privileged enough to have witnessed his efforts.
Seconds later, the final whistle blew and the title celebrations began. It's becoming quite a habit for Celtic teams these days!

Bhoy-by-Bhoy ratings

Scott Fox: Was only called into serious action on one occasion, but his wonderful save from Coakley's fierce shot in the 13th minute was a key moment in the game. That apart, his handling was faultless as he picked up yet another clean sheet. Young Scott has played 18 of Celtic's 19 youth games this season and has only conceded 9 goals in those games. The statistics don't lie - this lad is a superb shot-stopper.
Paul Caddis: I believe young Paul has another year at this level, and he will be practically unstoppable by next season. Simply never stops surging down the right whenever Celtic have possession on that flank. Not his most productive afternoon, but played a key role in forcing Motherwell back towards their own goal. Wonderful ball control and a tireless runner. Just needs to grow and fill out a bit.
Dean Richardson: Mr Reliable faced a tough tussle early in the first half but then his inswinging free-kicks and crosses began to cause problems for the Well defence. Had the privilege of being able to sit back and watch Bjarnason at his best in the second half. Occasionally tries too hard to match the superb ball skills of some of his teammates. A dependable defender who has had a great season.
Ryan McCafferty: Up against it early on, but won headers and made blocks as Celtic behaved bravely against a strong wind and fired-up opponents. After the break, Well were forced to play it long, but big Rybo won everything that came his way. Has come into his own in recent weeks and is growing in confidence.
Paul Hutchison: Powerful big English lad doesn't try anything clever but wins everything in the air. Was caught out by Coakley early on and was delighted to see Fox make the save. From then on, he didn't give the Well forwards a sniff, and made some great tackles and blocks. More Mowbray than Beckenbauer, but every team needs a reliable stopper.
Mark Millar: Struggled early on in the heavy conditions but battled away and had a good second half. Mark will also be playing Under-19 football next season, when he could be one of the team leaders. Lovely footwork and a great striker of the ball, he could be a real prospect in a couple of years time if he works hard on his skinny frame.
Charlie Grant: Any rugby fans out there may have winced in admiration at some of the fierce tackles which Scotland captain Jason White put in during this year's Six Nations Championship; in football terms, his match is Celtic Under-19s captain Charlie. Around 5ft 8in of muscle and fierce determination, he ploughed through the mud to win tackle after tackle and put the fear of God on this Good Friday into Motherwell's midfield. Being tackled by this lad must be the equivalent of a car being hit by a train. Sheer devastation! During the close season he might want to work on his composure in front of goal, but that's a minor quibble against this battler after a true Man of the Match performance.
Simon Ferry: For the first 25 minutes I feared "Si" was struggling to shake off the injury that forced him off on Saturday. But then this inspirational player gritted his teeth and began to drive his teammates forward. He ran the show in the second half, playing passes and bombing into the box as Grant sat deep. But nothing came off until 10 minutes from time when he scored his wonderful goal. Undoubtedly the player of the season for this squad. Only 18, he is available for another year at this level but will almost certainly be promoted to the Reserves, if not the first team squad. May even be put out on loan for six months. Some team could be about to get VERY lucky!
Teddy Bjarnason: Did next to nothing in the first half apart from give the ball away when his deft flicks struck a divot or he was robbed of possession by the fired-up hosts, who were hunting in packs. But in the second half he was well-nigh unstoppable. Drifting in on to his right foot, cutting back on to his left, step-overs, dribbles, crosses, shots, the lot. Eventually Well had to double-team him in an attempt to halt his mazy runs. Big Teddy turned the match and almost scored one of the goals of the season. If he continues to progress at this rate, he could be a SPECIAL player. Got a deserved ovation from the appreciative crowd when he went off in the last minute.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: The big Irish lad should get his lottery ticket on because his luck is sure to change. Missed a pinch in the first half and had a header cleared off the line in the second. But he led the line superbly and outmuscled his direct opponents. A powerful Bhoy but, as a targetman striker, he has to be. Sure to spend much of the summer in the gym and could really make a push for the first team as next season progresses.
Paul McGowan: The team's top poacher was right out of luck in numerous occasions, with shots being blocked, saved or fizzing just wide. But continually showed for passes from the midfielders and linked up play well. Has come on a ton this season and will probably feature for the Reserves next season. Paul has the skill and eye for goal but will have to keep working on his speed and physique.
Paul Cahillane: The 17-year-old Irish kid only got a few minutes as striker after coming on for O'Carroll, yet could have scored a couple of goals. With a dearth of left wingers at this level, he may have to show some adaptability for the Under-19s next season. But from the way Paul has filled out in recent moths, it is clear he is working very hard.
Graham Carey: On for the last few seconds for Bjarnason on the left of midfield, and even got a kick of the ball! This confident and talented Irish youngster will be a big player for the Under-19s next season.
Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Mark Staunton, Andy Traub.

MOTHERWELL: Alexiou; McStay (Gormley 84), Smith, Reynolds, Quinn; Connolly, Soutar, Grant (Forbes 88), Russell (Kane 78); Coakley, Maguire. Subs not used: Martin, Nixon.

Celtic Under-19s 3, Kilmarnock Under-19s 1

2006-04-10T11:24:00.000Z

THE real significance of this hard-earned victory for Willie McStay's youth side, which takes them to the brink of retaining their league title, lay in the long list of talented youngsters who did NOT take part in it.
Cenntral defenders Scott Cuthbert and Darren O'Dea plus midfielders Michael McGlinchey, Teddy Bjarnason and Ryan Conroy and striker Jim O'Brien, who are all eligible for this age group, were rested ahead of the Reserves' crucial match on Tuesday night at Kilmarnock.
With regular keeper Scott Fox injured, the last thing the young Bhoys needed was to see influential playmaker Simon Ferry limp off after 40 minutes.
Yet it was in the subsequent period of the game that the Celts, shorn as they were of eight first-choice picks and fielding four members of the Under-17 squad, played their best football of the game and tied up the points.
They had started with Irish Under-17s keeper Paul Skinner in goal, with Paul Caddis at right back, Dean Richardson on the left and Ryan McCafferty and Paul Hutchison in central defence.
Mark Millar started on the right of midfield, with Simon Ferry and Charlie Grant in the centre and 17-year-old Canadian kid Jacob Lensky on the left. Up front were Paul McGowan and Irish striker Diarmuid O'Carroll.
In the early stages Celtic's main goal threat came from a series of inswinging corners taken from the right side by Richardson, but somehow Kilmarnock survived several goalmouth scrambles, with shots and headers being blocked on the line.
The left back also came close to scoring himself, but his 20-yard free-kick was tipped round the post by Killie keeper Peter Logan.
It really was one-way traffic, with most of Celtic's best play coming down the right flank, where Millar was impressive but Caddis was simply unstoppable. The marauding full back almost scored after 14 minutes when a driving run took him past two defenders, but he pulled his shot wide.
Millar should have done better than shoot into the side netting when put through by a superb Ferry pass. On 27 minutes, Caddis fed Millar for a drilled cross that O'Carroll was inches away from connecting with.
Two minutes later, Caddis robbed a defender on the by-line and set up O'Carroll for a shot that was blocked.
And five minutes from half-time, a flowing counter-attack after Kilmarnock's first corner of the game saw McGowan and Millar send Grant straight through, but the midfielder couldn't control the pass, and the chance was lost.
Caddis then stung the keeper's hands with a fierce 25-yard shot before Ferry limped off with what looked like a knee injury. He was replaced by 16-year-old Irish lad Paul Cahillane, who went to the right flank, with Millar pushing inside to join Grant in central midfield.
The switch did little to stem the wave of attacks towards the Killie goal. Lensky volleyed over after a Richardson corner had once again induced panic in the visitors' defence, before McGowan showed great skill to control a high ball then, in one movement, turn and volley a shot just wide.
It seemed incredible that after constant Celtic pressure the half-time whistle sounded with the game still goalless. But whatever coach McStay said at the break, it reaped an instant reward.
In the first move of the second half the ball was played out to Lensky, who had been starved of possession in the opening 45 minutes.
The big Canadian showed what we had been missing as he danced past two defenders with a dazzling piece of skill before cutting back a low cross which O'Carroll left-footed into the net from six yards out.
That goal settled the Celts, and six minutes later they doubled their lead thanks to the classy Caddis, who cut inside the box before unleashing a fierce shot into the top corner.
For a while it seemed the two-goal lead would allow the young Bhoys to turn on the style for the watching spectators, who included the club's chief executive Peter Lawwell and the writer and actor Tony Roper.
But a moment of slackness on the hour mark turned the game on its head. After a quick Kilmarnock counter-attack split the Celtic defence, Skinner did well to save from Loy, but the rebound fell to Cox, who tapped into the empty net.
McGowan had two long-range efforts saved before the Celts were almost made to pay dearly for their catalogue of missed chances when a deep cross was headed off the bar by Cox.
But just as nerves were setting in, Kilmarnock were made to pay dearly for a spot of petulance by their towering midfielder Jamie Adams.
The giant teenager had been sent off in the corresponding fixture in Ayrshire in October for a crude lunge at Grant, and it seemed he had learned nothing from that experience.
Having been booked in the first half here for a foul on Ferry, he had thereafter tested the referee's patience on several occasions.
But when he was tackled fiercely by Grant on 78 minutes, he reacted angrily to the young Celt holding his leg. The referee reacted by showing both players yellow cards, meaning the Killie youngster had to take the long walk back to the dressing rooms again.
Ireland Under-17s star Graham Carey came on for Lensky, and a minute later Celtic tied up the points.
McGowan showed some neat footwork at the edge of the box before teeing up O'Carroll, whose fierce shot took a deflection on its way past Logan.
The Hoops were now in complete control. Cahillane set up Caddis, whose shot was blocked, then Cahillane crossed for fellow Irish lad Carey, whose looping header crashed off the bar.
In the last two minutes, Scotland Under-17s defender Mark Staunton came on at right back, replacing Cahillane, who had picked up a knock, with Caddis pushing forward into midfield.
There was only time for Carey to come within inches of adding the fourth before the final whistle signalled the fact that these young Celts are now only one win away from securing the SPL Youth League title.

CELTIC: Paul Skinner; Paul Caddis, Dean Richardson, Paul Hutchinson, Ryan McCafferty; Mark Millar, Simon Ferry (Paul Cahillane 41) (Mark Staunton 88), Charlie Grant, Jacob Lensky (Graham Carey 79); Diarmuid O’Carroll, Paul McGowan. Subs not used: Owen Jones, Andy Traub.
KILMARNOCK: Logan, McGhee (Davidson), Wright, O’Leary, Wylde, Adams, Loy, Noble, Cox, Nolan, Flannigan.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Paul Skinner: The young Irish keeper had very little to do. Flapped at one cross in the first half, and was unlucky to see his one save of the game fall kindly for Cox at Kilmarnock's goal.
Paul Caddis: Imagine if Danny McGrain had been able to shoot and score goals! Well, here's what he might have looked like. OK, the bold Daniel Fergus is a legend but this swashbuckling right back seems able to go past players at will. Very diligent in his defending, too. Scored a great goal and could have had two or three more. Man of the match by a mile.
Dean Richardson: Becoming something of a dead-ball specialist. The left back took most of the corners and free-kicks, and strikes the ball superbly. Not quite as flamboyant as Caddis when coming forward, and could have got the ball to Lesnky more in the first half. But a very good team player who is becoming more influential by the week.
Ryan McCafferty: Quiet game for the big central defender, who was rarely tested. But will have been annoyed at the ease with which Killie carved open the Celtic defence twice in the second half. With Cuthbert and O'Dea in the Reserves, he can make this spot his own for the next few games.
Paul Hutchison: Giant English teenager looks about 35, and he lost nothing in the air. Should be more of a threat at set pieces at the other end, and must keep working on his positioning and concentration.
Charlie Grant: With so many lightweight attacking players in midfield after Ferry limped off, Charlie had his work cut out to ensure the Celts retained possession. The fact that Killie rarely got forward is testament to how effective he was. Could have scored in the first half, and showed a bit of "cuteness" to get the giant Killie player Adams sent off. But it was a fierce battle in the centre of midfield, and Charlie won that battle hands-down. Must keep working on the more technical aspects of his game, though.
Simon Ferry: A low-key performance from the talismanic midfielder, who was clearly troubled by injury, even before he limped off in the 41st minute. Seemed a yard off the pace and his passing lacked its usual crispness. Will probably have to be rested for a couple of weeks after picking up what looked like a knee injury.
Mark Millar: Started brightly on the right of midfield, where he linked up well with Caddis. Was then switched into the centre of midfield, where he worked his socks off in the engine room. Good to see such a talented attacking player knuckling down to unglamorous toil for the sake of the team. Still very slight, though, and looked out on his feet at times, so will have to continue to work hard on his physique and stamina.
Jacob Lensky: Fantastic when on the ball, but tends to fade out of the game for long spells. The big Canadian kid will have to get rid of any lingering shyness and start demanding the ball more often. Set up the first goal with some dazzling play, and can go past players at will. But his defending is of the "passive" variety and he seems to lack the aggression needed to flourish in the Scottish game. Still very young, though, and has everything else needed to be a success, such as pace, skill, height and build.
Paul McGowan: A frustrating afternoon for the wee poacher, who fired in a succession of shots from the edge of the box, all without success. Held the ball up well, though, and showed great ball control and pace. His link-up play with O'Carroll has the makings of a fine partnership.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: Seems to have got his confidence back playing with the youths and led the line superbly throughout the game. Scored two and was a willing runner into the channels. Had a good tussle with Killie's giant stopper Ryan O'Leary, who was watched by his father, ex-Celt Pierce O'Leary. All "Dermo" needs now is an extra yard of pace and a bit more confidence in his own ability.
Paul Cahillane: The slightly built 16-year-old left winger played for 47 minutes on the right of midfield and acquitted himself well. Came into his own late in the second half when he fired in a succession of dangerous crosses. Limped off two minutes from time. Could perhaps do with working harder on crossing with his right foot.
Graham Carey: Another left winger! Came on for the last 11 minutes and was unlucky not to score at least one goal. Seems very confident, with lots of pace and skill. Only 16, so will come into his own next season when he may be tried in central midfield or even up front.
Mark Staunton: The Scotland Under-17s centre-half came on at right back for the last couple of minutes but hardly saw the ball. Will feature regularly at this level next season.

Aberdeen Under-19s 3, Celtic Under 19s 4 (a.e.t.)

2006-04-04T11:10:00.000Z

A REPORT BY ESTADIO

Scottish Youth Cup Semi-Final
Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Sunday April 2, 2006,

ABERDEEN… 3 (Maguire 72, 118, McInnes 101)
CELTIC… 4 (O’Carroll 42, McGlinchey 97, O’Carroll 102, McGowan 121)

THERE is a tingle of anticipation that comes with watching both the Celtic Under-19s (and the reserves when they are manned mainly by the U19 graduates). My attention is obviously very much focused on the wee Bhoys, but objectively speaking It appears to me that the future of Scottish football is being solidly supported by some tremendously exciting talents, and specifically in the case of Celtic, talents that play in what I recognise as the Celtic Way.
On Sunday at Pittodrie, on a beautiful fresh spring day, two teams not only vying for a place in the final of the cup but straining for supremacy over the longer distance of the league, met before a big crowd and with real passion, but most of all a banquet of skill, enthusiasm, effort and pride, presented us with a feast, the full flavour of which was held back until almost the final kick, of the final move, of the final attack, of the final minute of a breathless encounter.
The goals themselves are only one small but obviously defining part of the game; the real muscle, bones, and skin of this rite of passage was provided by the remarkably contrasting styles of play built from two flexible but disciplined approaches to how this magic game should be played out.
From the opening few minutes there was a clear maturity on both sides as any nerves quickly evaporated with both sides forcing the game at every opportunity.
Aberdeen were the more traditionally direct in playing the longer (not long) diagonal ball stretching the Celtic defence and then switching back into the middle for their two mobile lads up front to try to outpace Paul Hutchison and Ryan McCafferty in the heartland of Celtic’s rearguard.
It looked good at times as the ball was speedily moved from defence to attack, but after about five to 10 minutes it didn’t really appear as if it would bear much fruit as the Celtic lads in the middle of the backline worked so comfortably and confidently with Paul Caddis and Dean Richardson, forcing the Dons attackers to head away from goal to the cul-de-sac of the corner flag.
It was on winning the ball back that Celtic’s alternative shorter (but not exclusively) game style really impressed, entertained, and had us at times on our feet in spontaneous applause.
Whether it was Caddis springing forward from right back like a Danny McGrain of old, unbalancing and leaving the opposition in his wake, or Richardson starting a one-two, a one-two-three or even a advancing one-two-three-four as Celtic advanced in tidal waves, the effect was the same.
The movement of central midfielders Simon Ferry and Charlie Grant in support of strikers Paul McGowan and Diarmuid O’Carroll was non-stop and (even with Simon having a slightly subdued game) led to Celtic dominating, both territorially and possession-wise, the whole of the first half.
The Dons backline was beaten on numerous occasions as wide forays reached the bye-line and the ball was alternatively squared for an irrepressive O’Carroll or cut back for the late arrival of Ferry or left midfielder Teddy Bjarnason.
Red-clad bodies were thrown in all directions as net-bound strikes were parried by legs, backs, bums, heads and woodwork. The home keeper Kelly, deservedly at times and fortunately at others, also exhibited the luck that his surname suggests he may have inherited from his ancestors.
The goal when it did arrive on 42 minutes was apparently simple in its final execution of short corner, cross and header by O'Carroll. The skill and fluidity however stemmed from a series of triangles all the way down the right causing disorientation through the accuracy of passing and speed of control as Celtic gained an important half time advantage.
1-0, as we all know, is a tenuous lead, but the whole half had been characterised by the skills of right midfielder Michael McGlinchey, McGowan and Ferry and the incisive tackling and attack launching of Grant and Bjarnason. The team had operated to a pattern of pass and move, pass and move. Balls had been hit long and short and the foraging of the front men had caused some bemusement in the ranks of the home team.
Aberdeen had stuck to their own slightly more structured and in effect predictable style, and had caused few problems for Celtic’s defence where it was clear that everyone understood how they were to play, where everyone understood their colleagues, and everyone had the confidence to provide the solid control and passing game upon which just about every attack was based.
If Aberdeen were to get back into the game then it would either be as a result of a change in style or Celtic would have to make a mistake.
As the second half progressed Celtic continued to impose their will and style with Paul caddis again running a productive line down the right creating numerous opportunities. Time after time a bad bounce, a desperate tackle, or a slight loss of control caused the final pass to go astray. Time and tide will solve that problem!
Aberdeen also continued their approach and up until the 72nd minute it appeared that if Celtic didn’t score again then the game would end up as a 1-0 victory for the away team.
But then that little gremlin that exists in even the best engineered machines raised its ugly wee head and having squandered the ball in midfield, the Celtic defence retreated and was on its heels as it allowed Christopher McGuire to run unchallenged to within shooting distance.
Neither the defence nor keeper Scott Fox seemed to expect the shot which lodged in the back of the net, having passed just under the bar.
Charlie Grant appeared very angry, good man, not with any particular mistake but with the simplicity that it had occurred and with no attempt by any of the hoops to block the Aberdeen player’s run.
Extra time arrived and as the players quaffed their energy drinks, not a spectator left the ground!
The crowd had been supportive and vociferous in their allegiance. And it was to get more demonstrative (and disturbing) before the game was over.
Scott Fox in goal, had injured his calf in attempting to save the equaliser, so before the game restarted he was replaced by Irish keeper Paul Skinner.
Legs were tiring now and tackles started to be missed on both sides. Although Celtic continued to make chances through the overlapping of midfielders and full-backs, the breakthrough to regain the lead actually came from a simple corner and the undefended header from McGlinchey.
Michael then pulled up with cramp and, as we awaited the substitution, Aberdeen again equalised.
The high ball towards the corner flag on Celtic’s left should have been simply nodded out for a throw by Hutchison. Instead, he tried to glance it back infield where it fortuitously rebounded from the speculatively onrushing John Bruce’s head.
Bruce had a free path into the heart of the Celtic penalty box where, with the defence outnumbered and back-pedalling, he cut the ball back for a simple score for Ashley McInnes.
The disappointment and frustration was clear on everyone’s face and by their actions. But the solidarity of the team held and they got back to pressing the ball, pressing the opponents, and keeping the faith in their style.
McGlinchy had been replaced by on the right of midfield by Mark Millar and his fresh legs and penetrative skilful running had Aberdeen once more on the back foot.
Repeatedly the Dons defence was stretched and, as Millar again cut the ball back, this time for McGowan, the forward’s shooting foot was illegally hooked by the desperate lunge of a defensive block as the striker prepared to slot the ball into the net.
Undoubtedly a penalty, although Aberdeen midfielder Brian Neill was red-carded for his over-vociferous protests to the contrary. Unperturbed, O’Carroll restored the young Bhoys' advantage with with a cool and effective finish.
But then again, just as we were starting our countdown to the victory salute, Celtic repeated the mistake of the first equaliser - possibly through tiredness, lack of experience, or God just wanting to keep the crowd on edge.
Once again McGuire was allowed to run deep into the penalty box, where his shot across goal would have been saved by Skinner’s dive if six inches deeper, or would have gone for a bye-kick if six inches shallower.
Running at speed, it says a lot for the Dons striker’s vision and control that he hit the left foot drive perfectly and it nestled in the far side net just inside the post.
The noise from the Aberdeen support went up by 100 decibels as they gave us of the green and white persuasion absolute pelters.
With 118 minutes gone and the score at 3-3, the Damoclean prospect of penalties hung in the early evening air. Surely that would be a terrible way to end this match!
Step forward Mr Paul McGowan who, with one final foray into the Aberdeen area, twisted, turned, spun, and jinked and - with bodies converging and blocking just about every possible shot - chipped the ball over onrushing heads and the clawing stretch of Kelly.
The ball hung there for a while just looking at its own options as the Celtic fans blew and the Don fans sucked.
And then the net bulged!
Pandemonium extraordinaire.
The Celtic lads were 10 feet tall! The Aberdeen youth were slumped on the ground in abject misery. The Dons were finally vanquished and Celtic now had a final against Hearts to look forward to.
I can’t speak for the players, but I was emotionally and physically drained.
As far as Man of the Match goes, I thought Charlie Grant was tremendous, Michael McGlinchey absolutely fundamental to so much of our threat, Teddy Bjarnason a marvellous and creative entertainer on the day, and Diarmuid O'Carroll and Paul McGowan up front tireless in their ability to hold the ball up and bring others into play (as well as score marvellous goals).
Paul Hutchison, Ryan McCafferty and Dean Richardson were controlled and constructive at the back, and the couple of minor slip-ups will be erased pretty sharply from their repertoire.
But on Sunday, I’ll go for Paul Caddis. This boy was simply outstanding!
Just a couple of other observations. Firstly, the crowd.
Every time Charlie Grant got the ball, he was booed. Surely not simply because he has red hair, plays in midfield and has a passing resemblance to Neil Lennon!
This is the thin end of a disastrous wedge. For almost a hundred years the Scottish Establishment has failed to eradicate the cancerous sore of sectarianism within our national game.
The seeds of bigotry, no matter how blindly planted, are now taking root in Aberdeen of all places, where a young boy was roundly and widely ridiculed and undermined. (Charlie did seem to thrive on it mind you!)
And for those of you who see only a bit of provocative fun in all this, I would just say that in reality it wasn’t because of his hair or appearance. It was because of the institutionalised, pathetic, unthinking, destructive evil of poorly concealed prejudices.
If the SPL, SFA and Aberdeen take no action on this then they will be condemned by their own inaction.
Secondly, we had a woman referee. She was great!

ABERDEEN (4-4-2) :Kelly; Thomson, Thomas, Considine, Donald; Neill, Skinner, Bagshaw (McVitie 83), McInnes; Keily (Bruce 60), Maguire. Subs not used: Paton, Lamberty, Leask.
CELTIC (4-4-2): Scott Fox (Paul Skinner 90); Paul Caddis, Paul Hutchison, Ryan McCafferty, Dean Richardson; Michael McGlinchey (Mark Millar 101), Simon Ferry, Charlie Grant, Teddy Bjarnason; Paul McGowan, Diarmuid O’Carroll. Subs not used: Andy Traub, Jacob Lensky, Paul Cahillane.

Celtic Under-19s 1, Livingston Under-19s 0

2006-03-25T19:46:00.000Z

CELTIC'S young Bhoys heeded the words of showbiz legend Bruce Forsyth with this hard-fought, but largely frustrating, win over Livingston. As the big-chinned one was wont to say: "Points mean prizes." And the three points won here take the baby Hoops closer to their goal of retaining the SPL Youth League title.
The fact that the margin of victory was not greater owed much to the approach of the visitors from West Lothian. Tactically, they pushed up, compressed the play and stuck to a very vigorous pressing game.
More pertinently, they basically kicked anything that moved. The fact that they escaped without a single booking was wholly due to an inadequate performance from the geriatric match official, whose approach of handing out warnings galore only served to encourage the cloggers.
In the end, Celtic had only a coolly taken goal by Icelandic midfielder Teddy Bjarnason to show for their efforts, but a hatful of chances were missed in the second half.
Willie McStay's side had started the game with Scott Fox in goal, with Paul Caddis at right back and Dean Richardson fit again and regaining his berth at left back. The central defenders were burly English lad Paul Hutchinson on the right and the powerful Irish stopper Darren O'Dea on the left.
In midfield, Mark Millar started on the right with the pacy Canadian Jacob Lensky on the left. In the centre was Simon Ferry and the elegant Teddy Bjarnason.
Up front, the battling Killarney kid Diarmuid O'Carroll led the line alongside poacher supreme Paul McGowan.
Sadly, wee Gowser's game was cut short after just 15 minutes following a nasty stamp which the referee chose to ignore. Paul tried to battle on, but eventually limped off.
McStay reacted with a complete switch of personnel down the right flank. Central defender Ryan McCafferty came on at right back, Caddis pushed up to midfield and Millar went to centre-forward.
Such was Livingston's frenzied start that it took the Celts until the 17th minute to fashion a decent chance. A corner was cleared to the edge of the box, where Ferry lofted a clever header over the defence as it pushed out. Unfortunately, it fell to O'Dea on his right foot, and he pulled his shot wide.
Big 'Rybo' McCafferty had a nervous few minutes as he settled into the unfamiliar full back slot, but he set up the only goal of the game after 26 minutes.
His long pass floated over the Livi central defenders and found Bjarnason, who controlled it beautifully, beat a man, then casually passed it into the corner of the net.
The fact that a long ball had provided the goal came as no surprise, as Celtic had changed their tactics to counter the visitors' constant pressing. With Livi's defenders pushing out quickly to pressure Bjarnason and Ferry, McStay had demanded passes in behind the back four, with the strikers being told to get out of the way to allow midfield runners to beat the offside trap.
For a team which usually prides itself in its silky short-passing moves, the change came as a bit of a culture shock. But it was clearly the right decision by the team coach.
Indeed, after 39 minutes Bjarnason should have made it 2-0 when he beat the offside trap and latched on to a long blooter by Fox. But, straight through on goal, the Icelandic lad hit his shot against the Livingston keeper's legs when it seemed easier to walk the ball round him.
Before that, Livingston had missed their only chance of the game. And what a golden one it was. O'Dea fed his fellow Irishman O'Carroll on the halfway line, but big Diarmuid's return pass only found the Livingston No. 10, who ran straight through on goal.
Hutchinson, though, did well to close him down, and his shot soared a yard over the bar.
Celtic had clearly been hussled out of their stride by Livingston's tactics, including their merciless clogging of Caddis on the right flank. But at half-time, coach McStay steadied the ship and got his players to play the ball quicker and keep it simpler.
As a result, the second half was simply one-way traffic. First, Millar charged down the keeper's clearance, only for the rebound to clear the bar by a foot. Then Lensky teed up Bjarnason for a right-foot shot which Teddy pulled well wide.
After 54 minutes, Bjarnason put O'Carroll through, but his low cross for Millar was cleared from a corner. Richardson took the kick, which Hutchinson headed into the side netting.
Three minutes later, Richardson was again the provider from a free-kick on the right, and O'Dea was so unlucky to see his back-header crash off the bar.
On 65 minutes, another great move down the left saw Lensky and Millar link up to feed Bjarnason in the box, but when his effort was blocked, the rebound was sclaffed wide by Caddis on his left foot.
Young Paul came so close to making up for that gaffe 10 minutes later when he fired in a fantastic shot with his right foot which rocketed towards the top corner, only to be tipped over superbly by the Livi keeper.
With 10 minutes left, a long McCafferty pass sent O'Carroll charging into the box, but he got a bit over-excited and sliced his shot into the side netting.
Celtic's rhythm was disrupted again when Caddis was helped off after a nasty clash of heads. Young Irish forward Tim Kiely, who is just back after a long injury lay-off, came on and went up front, with Millar dropping back again to right of midfield.
Thankfully, the young Bhoys finished the game on top, with O'Carroll seeing a good left-foot shot saved at the near post, then Millar and Ferry linked up on the left before Millar's toe-poke skidded inches past the post.
Seconds later, Dean Richardson punched the air with joy and relief as the final whistle went.
It won't go down as the most memorable game these lads have ever played but, at the end of the season, they will remember what auld Brucie said...

PLAYER RATINGS

Scott Fox: Didn't have a lot to do. Saved a long-range shot early on and came off his line quickly to put pressure on the Livi forward when he was through on goal. Also did well in the second half to beat Sean Kerr to the ball after a poor Caddis pass-back. That apart, his shouting was largely good, although he would be well advised to cut out the heckling of referees. Leave that to me, Foxy!
Paul Caddis: Looked set for another McGrain-esque marauding performance from right back until McGowan's injury pushed him into midfield. Was hacked time and again, yet still kept trying to beat his man. Messed up one chance, then came close with a great shot. A class act. Looked a bit dazed after being taken off with 10 minutes to go.
Dean Richardson: Good to see him regaining his left back berth after an injury. Supplied a string of chances from the right flank with inswinging corners and free-kicks. Did nothing wrong defensively, but occasionally tried to be too clever in possession. One of the real leaders in this team, though, and will richly deserve his medal(s) at the end of the season.
Darren O'Dea: Good to see him back at Under-19 level, where his strength and no-nonsense approach made him a stand-out. Had a hard shift against a couple of agressive forwards but looked a class above them (although to be fair, Livi's No 9 Sean Kerr is a couple of years younger). Big Darren almost scored, too. Will be pushing hard for a place in the first team squad VERY soon.
Paul Hutchinson: Big English stopper won everything in the air and thundered into some meaty tackles. Kept everything simple. Doesn't look the most accomplished ball-player in the world but did a very good job for his team.
Mark Millar: Started on the right of midfield, where he had been excellent in the last game I'd seen him in, but was then pushed up front, where he struggled against Livingston's bully-boy approach. Still just a lad, with a bit of growing and filling out to come. Good in possession and a definite talent.
Simon Ferry: A relatively quiet game for Si, who was crowded out at the start, then saw Celtic play a lot of back-to-front stuff. But oozed class when he had the ball, and totally dominated the second half. Non-stop energy from start to finish.
Teddy Bjarnason: A man-of-the-match performance from the classy Icelandic kid, whose close control is a joy to behold. Scored one, should have had another, yet sprinted back time after time to break up Livi attacks. Perhaps needs a wee nasty streak to deal with some of the nonsense he's going to have to cope with, but this is one skillful player. A genuine prospect who will be a fixture in the Reserves team at the START of next season. After that... watch this space!
Jacob Lensky: When this big Canadian gets the ball at his feet, he takes some stopping. Tremendous pace and control, and very direct. But when the ball's not at his feet, big Jacob seems to fade right out of the game. Needs to get more involved. Seems a bit shy, and he is very young. But if he can add a bit of aggression to his game, Jacob will be some player. Great to watch.
Paul McGowan: Crocked before he'd had a decent touch of the ball. Sat and watched the rest of the game. The team really missed his selfless running and deadly poaching.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: A wonderful targetman performance from the powerful Irish teenager. He was an absolute glutton for punishment, showing himself for every clearance, holding off defenders, beating them for pace and winning the ball in the air. Will be a bit annoyed at his bad pass in the first half, and could have had a couple of goals late on. But he was the out-ball time and time again for Celtic and took more than a few whacks. Led the line superbly.
Ryan McCafferty: Has usually played central defence but came on here at right back. Struggled at first, but his long passes and early crosses set up several chances, including the only goal of the game. Faultless defensively, but will want to work on his composure in possession, as he rushed a few passes. But did well, considering he was out of position.
Tim Kiely: Young Irish forward who has been out for a while with a bad injury. Looks stocky, fast and powerful, but hardly got a touch of the ball in his few minutes on the pitch. Hope to see him get more playing time in the next few weeks.
Subs not used: Owen 'Casey' Jones (Welsh goalkeeper), Jason Marr (Under-17s right back, whose practice shots at half-time allowed me to make my debut as a Celtic ballboy!).

Celtic Under-19s 2, Hibs Under-19s 0

2006-03-11T19:11:00.000Z

CLAD in black but playing football that was at times simply dazzling, Celtic's youths maintained their healthy lead at the top of the table with a 2-0 home win over Hibs which was far more comprehensive than the final scoreline would suggest.
Much of the credit for the narrowness of the scoreline can be attributed to the young Hibees goalkeeper Andrew McNeill, who thwarted Willie McStay's Bhoys time and time again, his highly impressive performance being rounded off by two quite breathtaking stops in the second half.
One of the most pleasing aspects of this wonderful display is that it was achieved without five players who would normally be considered first choices at this level.
After their heroics for the Reserves against Aberdeen in midweek, Willie McStay was denied the services of central defenders Scott Cuthbert and Darren O'Dea, plus Icelandic midfielder Teddy Bjarnason and midfielder-cum-striker Jim O'Brien.
With usual left back Dean Richardson out injured, the Celtic back four had an unusual look about it. But it certainly didn't hinder them.
The ever-present keeper Scott Fox, watched by his shivering grandparents, was protected by right back Paul Caddis, central defenders Ryan McCafferty and Paul Hutchinson and, surprisingly, midfielder Ryan Conroy in the left back berth.
That allowed the tall Canadian lad Jacob Lensky to get a rare start for the Under-19s on the left of midfield, with Charlie Grant and Simon Ferry in the centre and Marc Millar on the right flank.
Up front, Paul McGowan was partnered by the powerful Irish striker Diarmuid O'Carroll.
Celtic almost got off to the worst possible start when a long clearance soared past the two central defenders. It took a brave stop by Fox to deny the visiting side's Number 9.
But the Celtic went in front on four minutes when O'Carroll was fouled as he tried to control a bouncing ball in the box.
The big Irishman took the kick himself, sending McNeil the wrong way to put the Bhoys in the black stuff one up.
The Celts took confidence from their good start and began to play some of the best football I've seen all season. After 12 minutes, O'Carroll knocked a ball to the back post, where Lensky produced a lovely cushioned lay-off to McGowan, who seemed certain to score.
But he was denied by a superb save from McNeil, who sprang to his right to palm the low shot from "Gowser" round the post.
A minute later, another flowing move saw Lensky feed Ferry, who played a sublime one-two with O'Carroll before his fierce shot was blocked.
Caddis was roaring forward at will, linking up well with the Millar and Ferry, and from one of his driven crosses Hibs were fortunate to see the ball scrambled clear for a corner.
Then Lensky drew applause from the sparse, frozen crowd with a sublime Zidane-like turn in the centre of the park that left two Hibees midfielders for dead.
Celtic were by now playing their opponents off the park, with skill and menace on both flanks, pace and power up front and every loose ball being seized on by the tenacious Grant and Ferry.
And it was sensational "Si" who doubled the Hoops' lead on the half-hour mark with one of his rare goals to round off yet another tremendous passing move.
It ended with Lensky feeding Ferry on the edge of the box, and he cleverly directed his shot low into the corner, with McNeil unsighted by a defender in front of him.
Hibs then injected an element of farce to the proceedings. Their No. 11 went down injured, and at first it seemed like he would be unable to continue. But as the youngster was led to the side of the pitch by the physio, he suddenly sprang to his feet to proclaim his readiness to continue - but too late, as his coach had already sent on a sub.
The young Hibee then proceeded to inform all and sundry that the No. 12 who had come on was the coach's "love child", before trudging in a huff towards the dressing rooms.
Well, "Daddy" might not have been too pleased with his "child" a few minutes later when he was booked for a stupid push on Millar, following a late tackle by the Celt. The ref then decided to even things up by also booking Millar. A tad cowardly, I reckoned.
A couple of minutes from half-time, a Conroy corner was flicked on by McCafferty and fell to Hutchinson, but the big stopper's effort soared over the bar.
The young Celts had the benefit of a strong breeze at their backs in the second half, and they started it like a whirlwind.
A great passing move (sound familiar?) ended with Ferry flicking a ball over the defence to put McGowan through, but his toe-poked effort was blocked by McNeil.
After 54 minutes, a fierce Conroy cross found its way to the back post, where his full back partner Caddis fired in a fierce shot that was somehow tipped over the bar by McNeil. A brilliant save.
Just after the hour mark, McGowan teed up Millar for a fierce blast, but it was straight at the overworked keeper.
With the Bhoys now utterly rampant, Ferry raced clear before passing to O'Carroll, whose thunderous shot whizzed inches past the far post.
After 65 minutes, the incompetent ref decided to book Ferry for dissent, when all the young Celt had done was query a couple of bad decisions.
Under a strict disciplinary system brought in by Gordon Strachan, the midfielder could have expected to be substituted, as dissent is simply not tolerated in the youth ranks.
But after a quick confab on the sidelines between McStay, assistant coach Joe McBride and the watching Tommy Burns, it was decided that Ferry had been harshly treated. He was allowed to stay on.
Two minutes later, he celebrated his reprieve by smashing in a 20-yard shot with his left foot that soared just a foot over the bar.
Young Irish winger Paul Cahillane then came on for Lensky, who had, in flashes, been exceptional.
Perhaps through a bit of tiredness - as they had played most of the match at a quite ferocious pace - a bit of slackness then appeared to come into Celtic's play. For the first time in the match, passes began to go astray and Hibs sensed they were still in with a chance.
Fox, in practically his only serious involvement in the second half, did well to punch clear a dangerous free-kick.
But in the closing stages, the young Bhoys reasserted their dominance, with Millar causing a panic in the visitors' box by sprinting to the byline to whip in a dangerous left-footed cross.
And it was fitting that the last incident of note in the match featured its two most influential performers, with Ferry hitting a fierce right-footed shot towards the top corner, only to see it tipped over acrobatically by McNeil.
With a CelticTV camera having recorded the action, viewers can expect to see some of this game on the box next week. If you love to see great football, played the Celtic way, then don't miss it.

PLAYER RATINGS

Scott Fox: Another clean sheet, but did well to avoid hypothermia, especially in the second half. Made a good block after two minutes and a good punch after the break. Will be annoyed about a mix-up with Hutchinson when he called for the ball, then fumbled it after big "Hutch" dummied it late. That apart, he saw precious little of the ball. Unlike his opposite number.
Paul Caddis: A flying full back in the Danny McGrain mould, and so unlucky not to score in the second half. Frequently bombed on past Millar on the right flank and was a constant menace to the Hibs rearguard. Superb.
Ryan Conroy: Possibly the first time in his career that he's played full back, but he never looked out of place. Living proof that good players can play anywhere. And in attack he gave Hibs terrible problems, especially as they were already struggling to cope with Lensky. Tons of pace, bags of skill and a wonderful striker of the ball.
Ryan McCafferty: Have to mention that he made one mistake in the first half, when he was caught in possession. I have to mention it, because otherwise big "Rybo" was near flawless. A diligent big defender with a fair bit of skill, and clearly the organiser in this makeshift back four. Has to keep working on his pace and build if he wants to get near the first team, but he strolled through this.
Paul Hutchinson: My first good look at the powerfully built English stopper, and it's clear he's going to be a formidable player if he keeps developing. Wins everything in the air and is a fierce tackler. Doesn't look altogether comfortable in possession, though, and was caught out in the second minute by a long kick-out, Fox coming to his rescue. But thereafter he did his job efficiently and twice came close to scoring at set pieces. With his build, there is definitely something there for the Celtic coaches to work on if the big man really applies himself.
Marc Millar: What an improvement! Earlier this season I was a bit sniffy about this slightly built lad's application when it came to the defensive side of playing on the right of a four-man midfield. I felt he'd been a bit lax at times against Hearts at Barrowfield. But here, he was absolutely impeccable. Every time Caddis went past him, young Marc became the right back. He was bright and pacy in possession, fired in crosses, linked up well with Caddis and Ferry, and never stopped running. Marc almost collided with me after bursting a gut to reach a ball on the byline and whip in a left-foot cross. And in the closing stages he sprinted back 60 yards to make a vital back-post interception after a rare Hibs counter-attack. His transformation is a great credit to the Celtic coaching staff and also to Marc himself. I now really believe that this Bhoy, who is a year younger than most of the other players in this team, has the potential to go all the way. Well done, son!
Charlie Grant: This guy simply strikes terror into his opponents when they see him throwing his stocky frame into tackles. His total commitment is scary at times. Hibs resorted to kicking him, as they knew they had no chance of getting the ball. There was almost a Neil Lennon moment when his young lookalike came close to scoring a VERY rare goal with a low shot. But wee Charlie's job was to break up attacks and feed the team's playmakers, which he did to perfection throughout. His first touch occasionally lets him down, and he doesn't look the fastest in the world - areas which he has plenty of time to work on - but this is one guy any team would want on their side. A real fighter and a real winner.
Simon Ferry: Continues to make the game look ridiculously easy; seldom giving the ball away and almost always choosing the right option with a pass. With Grant behind him, "Si" had more licence to get forward, which he did well. Scored with a clever right-foot shot, came close with a left-foot shot, then saw the keeper produce a superb save to deny him late on. Ferry is as close as you'll get to perpetual motion on a football pitch. Wins the ball, plays passes, beats men, one-two, shots, crosses. The lot. A complete player who was at the heart of some truly wonderful football. No one who sees him in action can doubt the wisdom of the club tying him up on a four and a half year deal.
Jacob Lensky: The big Canadian lad, who is only 17, had been considering a move to Holland a couple of months ago before being welcomed back into the Under-19s squad, and that could be a huge bonus for Celtic. Jacob is tall and well built, but has wonderful footwork and lashings of pace. Several times he left the Hibs right back for dead, and his "Zidane" turn in the first half was a fantastic piece of skill. He still has plenty of areas to work on - he tended to fade from the game for spells, his final ball could have been better once or twice, and he will have to keep working on his strength and stamina. But that is nitpicking, because the raw materials are certainly there. And at times in this game he was breathtaking. A real prospect.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: A wee respite from Reserves action for the powerful Irish forward, and he took full advantage. Showed great strength and skill to hold off Hibs' big central defenders and put in a first-rate "targetman" performance. Notched the first with a penalty after being brought down, and was unlucky not to score in the second half. The Hibees found him a real handful, and he played his part in a tremendous team performance. His chasing back and closing down of defenders were other indicators of his total honesty and commitment. The most complete young centre forward at the club.
Paul McGowan: For once, the Under-19s' goal machine was not on the scoresheet, although wee "Gowser" will still be wondering how McNeil got to his first-half effort. Not much luck in front of goal, but some of his running with the ball and interplay with the midfielders and O'Carroll was a joy. The twin strikers worked their socks off for the team. Paul seems to have stretched a bit, and certainly looks stronger and faster. For all that this natural poacher didn't notch, this was a much more complete performance from him. Still got a lot of work ahead of him on the training ground and the gym but Paul is progressing very well.
Paul Cahillane: With his former Belvidere FC manager looking on from the sidelines, young Paul got on for the last 23 minutes. Unfortunately, he didn't see too much of the ball in that spell.
However, I've seen enough of this Portlaoise Bhoy to know that he has tremendous skill and can beat his man at will. A natural left winger. More importantly, considering he started the season as a slip of a lad in the Under-17s, Paul looks to have taken a stretch and also worked very hard in the gym. If he continues to develop and show total commitment, he'll be a key player for the Under-19s next season. By then, so my Irish mole tells me, he may well have been joined by another couple of talented Irish boys.
Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Mark Staunton, Andy Traub, Sean Anderson.

Celtic Reserves 3 Aberdeen Reserves 1

2006-03-07T23:36:00.000Z

KENNY McDOWALL'S young side, currently chasing their fifth title triumph in a row, stormed to a stylish 3-1 win over SPL Reserve League leaders Aberdeen to match the Dons for points and goal difference but remain just behind them on goals scored.
It was a result for which the team coach deserves his fair share of credit, as his timely changes of tactics and personnel played a significant role in fashioning the victory.
In a move reminiscent of Gordon Strachan's inspired decision on Saturday to push Stilian Petrov into the forward line, McDowall switched Jim O'Brien from the right of midfield to centre forward, and saw the Republic of Ireland Under-19 star notch the opener.
Then, within seconds of switching Ross Wallace to the right flank, the pacy winger cut inside on to his stronger left foot and curled home a fantastic second goal.
The points were sealed when, after Michael Gardyne had been switched back to the forward line and Ryan Conroy brought on as a sub, both played key roles in the build-up to the third, which was scored from the penalty spot by Paul Lawson.
Former Scotland striker Stevie Crawford pulled one back late on for the well-beaten visitors to round off a thoroughly entertaining second half. Before the break, however, there had been very little in the way of excitement to warm the couple of hundred spectators seated in the South Stand at Celtic Park.
The home team had started with David Marshall in goal, Gary Irvine at right back, Darren O'Dea at left back and a central defensive partnership of Scott Cuthbert and Adam Virgo.
In midfield, O'Brien started on the right, with Lawson and Stephen Pearson in the centre and Wallace on the left.
Up front were the diminutive youngsters Gardyne and Michael McGlinchey. And it was in the forward line that the Celts struggled against a big, powerful Aberdeen side which included several players with first team experience.
Early on, most of the Hoops' best play came down the right, where Irvine and O'Brien linked up well. Following some sparkling interplay between the talented pair in the 15th minute, a cross was headed out to Lawson on the edge of the box, but his powerful shot was straight at the Dons keeper Kelly.
The closest to a goal in the first half came in the 22nd minute when a Wallace cross from the edge of the box was headed towards the top corner by McGlinchey, only for Kelly to tip it over the bar with a fantastic flying save.
Three minutes later, McGlinchey was only inches away from connecting with a powerful Virgo header across goal after a free-kick taken by Lawson.
Poor shooting and the linesman's flag saw to it that the teams went in 0-0 at half-time, with Celtic having enjoyed almost total dominance but lacking a cutting edge. So much so that Virgo had taken it upon himself to try a 60-yard shot after spotting Kelly off his line. But Pele he ain't. The keeper saved easily.
At the start of the second half, McDowall pushed O'Brien up front while moving Gardyne out to the right of midfield.
For his part, Aberdeen coach Sandy Clark switched Crawford - who had been struggling on the left flank to match the pace of O'Brien and Irvine - to centre forward, with John Stewart moving back to take his place in midfield. The Dons also switched to a back three, employing two markers in front of sweeper Andy Considine.
With Ritchie Foster, Gary Dempsey and Darren Mackie also in the Dons line-up, it was clear the young Celts faced a tough task.
Virgo emphasised the growing sense of urgency when, four minutes after the break, he surged forward to power in a 30-yard drive that was parried by Kelly.
Cuthbert then did well to shut down Foster on a rare Aberdeen break, but the Celts got the vital breakthrough after 58 minutes.
The build-up was simple, a long Cuthbert pass finding O'Brien racing clear after beating the visitors' offside trap.
The ball bounced awkwardly in front of big Jim, but he adjusted his stride superbly before sending a right-foot volley soaring into the net.
A minute later, a fine Lawson pass sent Pearson through but his tame right-foot shot was easily held by Kelly.
MacAulay then sliced wide from the edge of the box after a spell of Dons pressure. However, the young Bhoys were soon back in control.
In what was almost a carbon copy of a first-half move, Lawson's free-kick was headed across goal by Virgo, but McGlinchey's bouncing effort was hacked off the line.
That was young Michael's last contribution, as he was replaced by Conroy after 66 minutes. Instructions came on for Wallace to move to the right of midfield, with Gardyne going back into the forward line.
Seconds later, the move paid handsome dividends as wee Ross collected a throw-in, then jinked to the edge of the penalty box before curling a sublime, left-footed shot into the far, top corner of the goal.
Dons sub Chris Maguire tested Marshall with a 20-yard shot but with 20 minutes to go the Celts stormed three in front.
The move started on the left, where Conroy linked up well with Pearson before a loose ball fell to Gardyne on the edge of the box. Seeing that Pearson was continuing his run, wee Midge lofted a delicious ball over the defender's head for the ginger-haired midfielder to fasten on to.
Big Stephen was straight through on goal when he was brought down by a clumsy challenge from MacAulay. Referee Brian Templeton had no option but to point to the spot, although he did show a measure of mercy by not red-carding the Dons youngster.
Kelly got a hand to Lawson's fiercely driven penalty but the ball hit the bar before bouncing over the line to put the Hoops Reserves 3-0 up.
A rattled Dempsey was booked for a nasty foul on O'Brien before, on 78 minutes, the clearly exhausted Celt was replaced in the forward line by Nicky Riley.
Three minutes later Teddy Bjarnason was sent on for Gardyne, but the big Icelandic midfielder looked a trifle bemused at being asked to play as a striker.
A minute later, Aberdeen pulled one back when, after some sloppy defending, the ball fell to Crawford, whose shot was deflected past the helpless Marshall by O'Dea.
There was still time for Bjarnason and Riley to squander good chances against a Dons defence that had, by this stage, gone largely AWOL. A shame, since one more goal would have put Celtic top of the Reserve league.
But there is still time for Kenny's Kids to get the goals and points they need to make it five in a row.

PLAYER RATINGS

David Marshall: Had very little to do. Saved low down from Foster and clutched one long-range shot. No chance with the goal. Very vocal in his encouragement and occasional chastisement of those in front of him. And dealt well with pass-backs.
Gary Irvine: Stylish right back who linked up well with O'Brien in the first half. Had a couple of mazy runs and was solid in defence. Very comfortable on the ball. Appeared at one point in the first half to be told by McDowall to inject a bit more urgency into his play, but he is really starting to look the part again after his injury.
Darren O'Dea: Another solid performance by the powerful Irishman. He doesn't have the same attacking flair as Irvine. In fact, he is more of a central defender. Does very little wrong but could perhaps do more in an attacking sense.
Adam Virgo: Raised a laugh with an audacious nutmeg late in the second half, and also tried to score from 60 yards before the break. Really made an effort to burst forward and try to spark attacking moves. Looks cumbersome at times but is actually good on the ball and a fine long-range passer with a powerful shot. Mistimed one or two headers, but is a real take-no-prisoners tackler.
Scott Cuthbert: The watching Billy McNeill must have been impressed by the Scotland Under-19 captain's display, as the big man didn't even come close to losing a header all afternoon. Showed good pace, too, against a speedy Dons front pairing of John Stewart and Darren Mackie, who have both scored against Celtic's first team. Stevie Crawford also barely got a sniff against big Scott and Adam. Keeps it simple in possession and is getting better by the week.
Paul Lawson: Sat in the holding role in the centre of midfield and was pretty impressive. A lot more positive than previously, he pinged a lot of first-time balls to the feet of the forwards. Great range of passing with right and left feet, superb delivery from free-kicks and tried a shot or two. And REALLY blasted home his penalty. Would do a fine job for the first team if Lennon or Keane needed a rest.
Jim O'Brien: This is one confident dude. Gave Dons first team players Richard Foster and Steve Crawford a really hard time in the first half when he was on the right of midfield. He then made the vital breakthrough after being pushed into the forward line. Looks to have worked hard on "bending" his runs to avoid going offside. Great close control, good pace, and worked very well with Irvine in the first half. Came off, exhausted, in 78 minutes. You'll be seeing a lot of this Bhoy within a year or two.
Stephen Pearson: Played in the centre of midfield but pushed forward at every opportunity in a Petrov fashion. Shows great pace when closing down the opposition and never gave the Dons a moment's piece. The only shame is that his best chance feel to his weaker right foot. Was pulled down when straight through, leading to the penalty which made it 3-0.
Ross Wallace: A decent, hard-working performance on the left of midfield from the wee man, rounded off by a superb goal to make it 2-0. Didn't see much of the ball in the first half as most of the play was down the other flank. Made some great runs after the break, though.
Michael Gardyne: Smallest player on the park, and was outmuscled for most of the game. Yet in flashes he showed his class. Made a great run towards the end of the first half when he sped from the halfway line before being hauled down on the edge of the box. And his flick for Pearson that led to the penalty was delicious. Midge has to get into the game more and pose more problems to bigger and stronger players.
Michael McGlinchey: Played up front with Gardyne but tended to drift deeper to look for the ball and link up play. Showed good strength and technique to repeatedly hold off the taller Dons defenders but didn't get a look-in at long clearances. Smashing first-half header that was brilliantly saved, then saw an effort cleared off the line. A very clever, skillful player who showed good pace. But has to keep working hard on his physique and fitness.
Ryan Conroy: Came on after 67 minutes and played on the left of midfield, where he was eager to get the ball and show his skills. Very confident player who whips in a fantastic corner. Still got a wee bit to go as regards strength and fitness but is a great talent who could make an impact before long.
Nicky Riley: Replaced Jim O'Brien in the forward line for the last 12 minutes and showed good pace and skill on the break. But will feel he could have done better when, with two minutes left, he sprinted clear from the halfway line but was tackled in the box before he could shoot or pass. Yet another lad who is on the small side with a slight physique, so he really has to work hard in the gym to give himself a chance of matching the SPL's big hammer-throwers.
Teddy Bjarnason: Only on for the last nine minutes, and was played out of position as a striker. As such, he didn't get much chance to show his superb ball control and passing ability. Passed up a great chance when, on a two-against-one break, he failed to get the ball to Riley. Still a bit to go for the 18-year-old Icelandic lad before he can challenge for a first-team place but, at his best, he's a real joy to watch.
Subs not used: Michael McGovern, Craig Reid.

ABERDEEN: Kelly, Donald, Foster, Skinner (McInnes 72), Considine, Thomas (Chris Maguire 65), MacAulay, Crawford, Stewart, Dempsey, Mackie.

Celtic Youths win in Europe

2006-02-20T13:57:00.000Z

CELTIC secured their first trophy of the season on Saturday when an Under-18s side led by Willie McStay won the Coppa Arcobaleno at Manerba on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy.
A goal by Irish midfielder Graham Carey was enough to secure a 1-0 final win over a Sampdoria squad coached by former Juventus and Crystal Palace winger Atillio Lombardo.
Things had looked bleak earlier in the week when the young Celts lost their first match in the group stages 2-1 to Sampdoria, being robbed of a perfectly good equaliser by a poor refereeing decision.
But the young Bhoys hit back by beating Verona 3-0, then a Paul McGowan goal secured a 1-1 draw with Brescia to put the Celts through to Friday's semi-final.
Against Sturm Graz of Austria, Celtic turned on the style to win 3-0, with goals coming from McGowan, Mark Miller and the big Canadian midfielder Jacob Lensky.
Then the following day the Hoops got revenge for that earlier loss by beating the tough-tackling Italians in the final to clinch the prestigious tournament.
Among those in the squad were keepers Paul Skinner and Scott Fox, full backs Paul Caddis, Jason Marr, Dean Richardson and Danny Lafferty, central defenders Ryan McCafferty, Mark Staunton and Paul Hutchinson, midfielders Sean Anderson, Ross Hepburn, Paul Cahillane, Graham Carey and Jacob Lensky plus forwards Mark Miller, Paul McGowan and John McGeoch (my apologies if I've missed out a couple of players.
This victory could prove highly significant for Celtic's youth policy, as it will raise their profile on the continent as well as giving so many young players a taste for winning trophies.
Meanwhile, several members of the Under-19 squad stayed at home to draw 0-0 with a very strong Rangers reserves team last week.
And the remaining Celtic Under-17s were still strong enough to secure a 2-0 away win at Kilmarnock, with Kevin Cawley again on the scoresheet.
With Simon Ferry making the bench for the first team yesterday and Charlie Mulgrew scoring twice for Dundee United while on loan, things are starting to fall into place for the entire strategy laid out by Tommy Burns and enthusiastically adopted by Gordon Strachan.
I predict our triumphant teenagers will get to parade their trophy at Celtic Park in a fortnight.
Before then, the Celtic Under-19s face St Mirren at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie on Friday night (Kick-off 7pm) in the quarter-final of the BP Youth Cup - a repeat of last season's final.
Make no mistake, several of those you will see on the pitch on Friday will soon be turning out at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 fans.
So get along and give the Bhoys a cheer!

Rangers Reserves 0, Celtic Reserves 0

2006-02-15T22:09:00.000Z

CELTIC fans amused themselves with some mischievous bouts of Schadenfreude yesterday as their young reserves more than held their own against a Rangers team packed with players who, at various stages this season, have been considered first-choice players for the Ibrox outfit.
But while the displays of Kris Boyd, Olivier Bernard and Brahim Hemdani can only have added to the woes of the watching Alex McLeish, his Old Firm counterpart Gordon Strachan will surely have been cheered by the performances of David Marshall, Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry and Jim O'Brien.
The fact that the Ibrox side's keeper Stefan Klos was booked for time-wasting near the end of this encounter certainly highlights the superiority which the young Bhoys enjoyed in the latter stages of this match.
The tide of possession was fairly inexorable towards the German's goal from as early as the 20th minute, when Rangers were reduced to 10 men with the expulsion of hapless left back Olivier Bernard.
Yet even at that early stage it was clear the up-and-coming Celts would take more from the afternoon's contest than their over-the-hill and clearly demotivated opponents.
Celtic had started with Marshall in goal behind a back four of Gary Irvine, Cuthbert, Adam Virgo and Darren O'Dea.
Michael McGlinchey started on the right of a four-man midfield, with Paul Lawson and Stephen Pearson taking the central berths and Ross Wallace on the left. Up front were teenagers Rocco Quinn and Nicky Riley.
Against this young, confident and energetic line-up, Rangers fielded a clearly cheesed-off Klos behind a back four of Alan Lowing, Julien Rodriguez, Stephen Campbell and Bernard.
Hamed Namouchi played on the right of midfield, with Hemdani and Gavin Rae in the centre and Derek Carcary on the left. Up front were the SPL's leading goalscorer Boyd and the out-of-favour Spaniard Nacho Novo.
The pitch at freezing, windswept Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld was heavy to begin with and quickly began to cut up, rendering it unprofitable to attempt too much intricate passing through midfield.
Yet the young Celts began with a slick move, the ball being swiftly shuttled from Lawson to Riley to McGlinchey, who cut in behind Bernard to blast a shot into the side netting.
Kris Boyd, the scoring "sensation" so recently dubbed the new Ally McCoist by a fawning media, then missed a sitter to add strength to the growing suspicion that he is the latest in a long line of Rangers flops.
It came courtesy of a Novo cutback which found the former Kilmarnock forward on his own six yards out. Marshall could barely suppress a smirk as he saw the ball miskicked past his left-hand post.
The match, which had been evenly contested but uninspiring to this point, turned in Celtic's favour in the 20th minute when a long O'Dea pass sent Riley scurrying through on goal, only for his progress to be crudely halted by Bernard's cynical trip.
The referee surprised many in the crowd by producing a red card for the offence. Technically, he was perhaps correct, although the officials in Reserve matches usually tend to prefer a more lenient approach.
Disappointingly, it took Celtic a considerable time to show signs of exploiting their numerical advantage. Most of the play came down the left, with Wallace prominent, but the Hoops may have been better served testing their opponents on the other flank, given the loss of their left back.
A series of corners were won, from one of which Riley drilled a volley wide. But Marshall had to be quick off his line to block Novo following some hesitancy from Irvine.
Kenny McDowall's troops showed a much greater degree of urgency after the break, during which Rangers had put Paul Emslie on in place of Carcary.
With Rodriguez now attempting to marshall a back three, the Celts were soon pouring forward in waves.
A powerful Lawson surge saw him hit the by-line but his cutback was cleared. On 53 minutes, a tame Riley shot was saved by Klos, but a minute later Wallace failed to control a wicked, inswinging Quinn free-kick at the back post and the Rangers keeper scrambled across his goal to kick the ball clear.
Marshall did well to punch clear under pressure from Namouchi, but then Quinn missed a real snip. Rodriguez, who had been attempting to look composed in possession, was tackled by Pearson and the ball squirmed across to McGlinchey, whose pass sent big Rocco clear on goal.
But Quinn became just one more Celtic striker to discover that Klos is a formidable obstacle to beat in one-on-one situations.
The German keeper beat away two efforts in a row from the young forward, who then appeared to be held back by Rodriguez. But no penalty was given.
With 29 minutes to go, McDowall unleashed his eager subs Ferry and O'Brien, who came on for McGlinchey and Quinn. Simon took a roving role on the right of midfield, often cutting inside to give Irvine room to come forward on the overlap.
Big Jim went up front, where his powerful running immediately caused a headache for the tiring Rangers back line.
On 65 minutes, Riley was inches away with a curling shot from the edge of the box which went just over the bar. Then Lawson blasted a free-kick well over.
With 17 minutes to go, Rangers coach John "Bomber" Brown, put Dany N'Guessan and Robert Davidson on for Namouchi and Novo, the latter of whom appeared to react petulantly to the pelters he was receiving from some Celtic supporters.
Minutes later, Lawson volleyed over after a strong run to the by-line by O'Brien. Then Pearson was desperately unlucky when, at full pelt, he volleyed just over after another great O'Brien run.
By this time the Rangers tactics appeared to consist of playing offside and dilly-dallying over by-kicks - a ruse which eventually earned Klos a long-overdue yellow card for time-wasting.
On a rare breakaway, Boyd attempted a left-foot volley which soared high and wide, provoking a loud chorus of "Ee-aw, Ee-aw" donkey impersonations.
But in the closing seconds the young Celts came within inches of winning the match when, following a great passing move, O'Brien burst through, only to see his shot deflected inches wide. From the resultant corner, Pearson shot tamely past in what proved to be the last action of a frustrating encounter.
On their way off, the young Celts looked annoyed not to have won, while most Rangers players simply looked thoroughly miserable.
Strength in depth? We've got it. They haven't.

PLAYER RATINGS

David Marshall: A welcome reminder that this young man is STILL a wonderful keeper. Looked in the mood, and made several confident clutches under pressure. Quick off his line and brave on a couple of occasions. Not too busy, but had to stay on his toes. Big, strong and skillful. Any other team in Scotland would be delighted to have him.
Gary Irvine: Right back was confident throughout, and really came into the match after Ferry came on. Good on the ball and strong in the tackle. Similar build to Mark Wilson, so you won't be surprised to hear he lost a few balls in the air. Talented lad.
Darren O'Dea: Big Irish lad played at left back and put in a solid shift. Gave Namouchi nothing in the first half, prompting the Tunisian to switch wings. Not as comfortable coming forward as Irvine but played some nice long passes. Very vocal and commanding. Still reckon he's better in central defence.
Scott Cuthbert: Seems to get bigger, stronger and better by the week. The Scotland Under-19 captain gave Boyd and Novo nothing... except a few bruises. Won everything in the air and showed a good turn of pace on the deck. Kept things simple when in possession. A no-nonsense defender in the John Kennedy mould. Might even get a run-out towards the end of the season.
Adam Virgo: My, the big man likes a good sliding tackle. Powered into a few here which had the Rangers players jumping out of the way. Played in central defence, to the left of Cuthbert. Once or twice was made to look cumbersome by the pace of Novo but kept the little Spaniard quiet for much of the game. I've a feeling we won't see the best of the big man until next term, as he looks the type who needs a good, long pre-season training stint.
Michael McGlinchey: Played right of midfield and looked confident and talented when in possession. But he didn't get the ball often enough, mainly because Pearson and Wallace kept it on the left for much of the game. Some nice runs, but conditions didn't suit him. Subbed after 61 minutes.
Paul Lawson: Won the central midfield battle against Gavin Rae and Hemdani but the state of the pitch often robbed him of the chance to make a killer pass. Showed tremendous energy levels and a greater willingness to get forward. His long-range shooting, though, was a bit awry. Hopefully will get a few chances in coming weeks if Strachan looks to rest Keane and Lennon - or look for their long-term replacements.
Stephen Pearson: Non-stop effort in the centre of midfield, making several powerful runs down the left channel and bursting a gut to get into the box at speed. Unlucky not to score near the end. A potent weapon, and could still have a big role to play for the first team this season.
Ross Wallace: Played wide left of midfield and powered forward at pace to give the Rangers right back a torrid time. Kept possession well, but the blustery conditions robbed several of his crosses of their potency. Popped up on the right a few times near the end, where his invention almost unlocked the packed home defence.
Rocco Quinn: Battled manfully for more than an hour, giving Rodriguez a hard time with his pace and strength. Held the ball up well, whipped in some good crosses, and unlucky not to score in the second half. Those missed chances perhaps betray his lack of experience as an out-and-out striker. But the big lad is continuing to improve.
Nicky Riley: A big test for the wiry forward, who showed great skill, pace and confidence and was never afraid to take on the bigger Rangers defenders. Didn't get a lot of luck in front of goal but held the ball up and linked play well.
Simon Ferry: First game for young Simon since signing his four-and-a-half year contract, and it was clear here why the club was so keen to hold on to his services. Immediately won tackles, made bombing runs forward, looked to play early crosses and shots. Totally confident and positive in possession. And his clever positioning shut down the Rangers midfield and brought Gary Irvine into the game. Remember Billy Bremner? Yes, he could be that good!
Jim O'Brien: A very good 30 minutes for the big lad, who terrorised the Rangers defenders with his pace, skill and confidence. They eventually had to resort to playing offside against him. The fact Jim was caught a few times is a reminder that he has only been converted to striker this season. Has to learn to "bend" those forward runs. But I'm sure the watching Strachan will have been impressed, so Jim might be getting a look at the first team bench before long.

Celtic Under-17s 3, Hibs Under-17s 1

2006-02-11T21:41:00.000Z

AMID a downpour of freezing rain, a makeshift Celtic Under-17 team outplayed and outclassed their opponents from Edinburgh 3-1, despite the fact that several of this age group's top players had been pulled out to go with the Under-19 squad to Italy for a tournament in Bologna.
A measure of the ad hoc nature of today's squad can be adjudged from the fact that even long-standing members of the team couldn't give me the surnames of a couple of the players.
Yet at times this young Celtic team played dazzling possession football which left their opponents chasing shadows.
As I stated a few months ago, the Under-17 fixtures are actually games of THREE halves!
To be exact, three periods of 30 minutes. Non-competitive (i.e. the scores do not count, although the players are VERY competitive) and players can come on and off the pitch at the manager's discretion.
Celtic started with Owen "Casey" Jones, who plays for Wales Under-17s, in goals.
Right back was the powerful Jason Marr, with Danny Lafferty.
In central defence were Billy Gavenna and Ewan Moyes.
Tiny Joe Bradley was right of midfield, Carlo Monti started on the left, with David Wotherspoon playing the holding role in midfield behind Kevin Cawley, who usually plays at centre forward.
Up front was Scotland Under-16 player Michael Graham and the pacy "C.C.", alias Craig Conell.
Due to the downpours which had reduced the nearby grass pitches to quagmires, this match was played on the artificial surface at Barrowfield.
And it definitely took the young Celts a while to adjust to the alien surface, on which any firmly-struck forward passes invariably sped out for throw-ins or by-kicks.
With the likes of Mark Staunton, Ross Hepburn, Paul Cahillane and Graham Carey left out to prepare for Italy, coach Joe McBride took the chance to give several fringe players a start.
Early on, a maginificent defence-splitting pass from Cawley sent Bradley sprinting clear, but his cross ball evaded the onrushing Connell by inches.
The Celtic keeper Jones then made a brave save with his legs before the Bhoys went ahead.
Connell showed great awareness and skill to skin the last defender before squaring the ball for Graham to blast high past the keeper.
Gavenna then kept the Celts ahead by reacting quickly to boot a loose ball to safety after keeper Jones had spilled a dangerous cross under pressure.
That was one of big Billy's last contributions to the game, as he came off after the first 30 minutes with what looked like a broken hand.
His place was taken by Scotland Under-17 defender Brian McEwan, who immediately began to show his class and bring a sense of composure to the young Celts' defending.
After 40 minutes, wee Joe Bradley beat three players and set up Connell for a 25-yard shot which the keeper spilled. But with Bradley in a good position inside, Graham slashed the rebound well wide - and received a fair bit of stick from his teammates.
After 45 minutes, pacy striker Gary Livingstone came on for Carlo Monti, with Graham moving out to the left of midfield.
Five minutes later, McEwan rose magnificently to power in a header from a Graham corner which the keeper tipped on to the bar. A minute later, another Graham header was cleared off the line.
And young Brian's voluble expressions of frustration brought a blush to his father's face!
Graham then set up Livingstone for a chance, but the surface defeated the young Bhoy.
Welsh keeper Jones came off to be replaced by a giant 16-year-old from Newcastle, James Gilpin.
The young Englishman made an immediate impact with a brave punch under pressure.
A fierce 25-yard volley from Graham was deflected well wide by the head of his own colleague Moyes. The injured Connell was replaced by Michael Tidser.
But, with McEwan, Wotherspoon and Cawley now dictating play, the young Celts embarked on an incredible two-minute spell of passing and moving which resulted in Tidser volleying home the second goal right on the end of the second period.
The sparkling play continued in the third period, with Livingstone, Graham and Cawley all going close.
After 70 minutes, another flowing move resulted in Tidser being brought down in the box. Graham seemed keen to take the resultant penalty kick, but the ball was grabbed by the eager Cawley.
And young Kevin made no mistake form the spot, to put the young Celts 3-0 up.
A minute later, the Hibs No. 15 skipped past a couple of tackles before cracking home a magnificent 25-yard shot to make the final score 3-1.
Both teams had chances after that, but the control always lay with Celtic, and in particular their classy midfield pairing of Cawley and Wotherspoon.
The fact that, in the dying seconds, a Celtic breakaway saw Cawley sprinting the full length ofthe park speaks volumes for his stamina and commitment - and this from a part-time player still studying for his Highers.
In utterly awful conditions, this was a highly impressive performance from the depleted young Celts which clearly emphasised their depth of talent.
Several of these players will be in next season's Under-19 squad. And I look forward to them getting their chance with the first team in two or three years' time.

PLAYER RATINGS

Owen "Casey" Jones: Big Welsh Under-17 keeper made a good block early on, then dropped a cross under pressure. Rarely tested, though.
Jason Marr: Second time I've seen him at right back, and he really looks the part in this position. Tough tackler and very positive going forward. Should be seen at Under-19 level.
Danny Lafferty: Athletic lad, but seemed to lack "game intelligence". Pacy and strong but fairly new to the team. And, as I said, the surface was not conducive to long passes up the flanks. Will need a lot of coaching.
Billy Gavenna: Again, my apologies to his family if I've got his surname wrong. Big, strong centre half. Made a good clearance after the keeper dropped the ball. Came off after 30 minutes with what looked like a broken hand.
Ewan Moyes: Very vocal big stopper but technically limited. Did a very good job for the team on the day and did little wrong, but has a big "agricultural" stride which tends to suggest he won't have the ability or poise to compete at the top level. Very honest big defender, though.
Joe Bradley: Very talented wee midfielder who played out on the right wing. But he is TINY. My son, who is 12, is bigger. Some very nice pieces of play, but can't hope to compete at the top level unless he really puts a stretch on and finds some aggression. Steak, egg and Guinness, son!
David Wotherspoon: Wasn't over-impressed with him when he played for Scotland Under-16s in the recent Victory Shield internationals but he was probably Bhoy of the Match here. Sat in the central midfield holding role and showed great intelligence, skill and determination. Broke up play and kept possession extremely well. But, just to prove that 16-year-olds don't have ALL the answers, he missed his tackle leading up to the solitary Hibs goal. That apart, he was excellent.
Kevin Cawley: Usually centre forward in this team, but dropped deeper here to play as an attacking midfielder - a position that I believe is made for this Scotland Under-17 star. Non-stop energy from first minute to last, comfortable on left or right foot, with a great awareness of where and when to play the pass. Clearly THE class player on the pitch. Sometimes tried too hard to play the killer pass when a more experienced midfielder would have been happy to keep possession. But should be a cert for next season's Under-19 squad.
Carlo Monti: Talented left-sided player but, to an old donkey like myself, he doesn't work hard enough. Seemed happy here to just do enough to get by, and no more. Was substituted when playing left of midfield, then brought on near the end at left back. Will have to be far more assertive if he wants to achieve anything.
Craig Connell: Very willing runner at centre forward until he went off after about 50 minutes. Showed a lot of pace and skill, especially in setting up the first goal for Michael Graham. Will have to hold the ball up better, though, and work hard on his physique.
Michael Graham: Clearly a very talented player, as he has shown for Scotland Under-16s. But quite wasteful when in possession on a number of occasions. And once or twice went for a shot when teammates were in better positions. Has to realise that skill alone is no guarantee of a long professional career. Better ball retention is a must, as is the need to show his colleagues that he is a true TEAM player. Do that, Michael, and you WILL have a chance!
Gary Livingstone: Extremely pacy and honest centre forward who gave the Hibs central defenders a torrid time after coming on as a sub. Repeatedly took on and beat his man but often his final ball was just a yard away from being perfect. Looks very willing, though, and - as with all the Celtic players - allowances have to be made for the alien surface. I hope to see him continuing to improve because he's the sort of forward any defender HATES playing against.
Brian McEwan: Brought such a deal of composure to Celtic's defensive play. Attacks the ball well, yet always looks to play football when in possession. So unlucky not to score two goals with headers from corners. A real team player who exudes confidence and a tremendous will to win. Once or twice I though he'd maybe need lessons from me on when is the right time to BLOOTER a ball, but I get the impression this lad is a real WINNER. Look forward to see him forming an Under-19 partnership with Mark Staunton next season.
James Gilpin: Big 16-year-old keeper from Newcastle who came on about halfway through the game. Made a couple of brave saves, but was helpless for the Hibees' goal, which was a beauty. Good size for a keeper, mind you.
Michael Tidser: What a stretch this boy has taken! Seems to have grown quite a bit since I last saw him against Rangers a few months ago. Came on at left of midfield and hammered home the second goal. But seems to have a bizarre running style, which I'm told is due to a recent injury. May take his body a wee bit of time to catch up with his recent stretch but he showed a lot of poise and skill.

Youth Cup: St Johnstone 0, Celtic 3

2006-02-08T13:13:00.000Z

I couldn't get to this game, played at McDiarmid Park, but a fellow CelticQuickNews poster, the one and only Estadio, managed along to Perth. I asked for a few details of the match, and he sent me this wonderful report by email. I am sure you will all agree it's a delight to read:

THIS was a marvellous game played with passion and an abundance of skill by both sides.Celtic were for the first time in my memory actually much more physically developed than St Johnstone, but it was later pointed out to me that they were also on average a year or so older.
We lined up in Strachanesque 4-4-2 with the Spine of the side being Cuthbert, Grant, and O’Carroll with McGowan doing a foraging front role consistently making himself available for the pass to foot. Teddy Bjarnasson seemed to be operating in the free attacking midfield role advancing to supply and support the front two and wide midfielders at every opportunity.
Complementing Teddy was Charlie Grant who operated in a similar vein but in a more defensive and containing role, but still with his eye to the attacking potential.
This allowed a display of great fluidity which deceptively also required tight discipline, continuous communication, and real confidence in your team mates.
For the majority of the first half Celtic dominated with a free flowing series of sharp, confident hard passes to feet, moving for the return and turning the St Johnstone defence.
Teddy’s creative abilities were central to most of the moves as he moved across his three midfield partners, picking up the initial pass and starting off the moves, with either Jim O’Brien or Diarmuid O’Carroll.
Chance after chance came our way but through a little lack of composure and experience, coupled with some smashing goalkeeping and last gasp defending, we couldn’t quite get the ball in the net.
Infrequently St Johnstone made us work really hard at the back, and the rarity of this pressure was down in particular to the prodigious efforts of Charlie Grant. In his slightly more positive Neil Lennon role, he cajoled and drove everyone forward by effort, willpower and composed skill as he firstly filled the occasional gap, won just about every tackle and header, and most importantly ensured that Teddy and Jim O’Brien were fed with a feast of opportunities for attacking fast and often.
On the rare occasions the times the ball did get through in that first half, the back four, under the direction of Scott Cuthbert, both literally and figuratively head and shoulders above anyone else, ensured that nothing unnecessary was given away.
St Johnstone were relying on a mistake which really never came, although their skill and quick movement ensured that our concentration had to be maintained!
As the second half got underway, it became obvious that Celtic’s pressure would pay dividends and as St Johnstone started to fragment slightly under the constant attacks, an unstoppable hard and low diagonal cross from Mark Millar on the right, was met by O’Carroll at the far post and he confidently met it first time to put Celtic, a more than deserved, one goal up.
Teddy Bjarnasson was dictating more and more, perhaps sometimes over-elaborating or not seeing the potential defence splitting impact of a simple wall pass, but at all times displaying great close control and ball retention.
Jim O'Brien was causing palpitations both to the under-siege St Johnstone rearguard and also to the coach who must have burst every blood vessel in his body as he tried to scream his team to stop Jim and his enthralling runs into their heartlands!
When we brought on Paul Cahillane, Jim O’Brien who had delighted us with so many direct and magnificently skilled runs, dropped into the middle swapping on a regular basis with Teddy as they kept St Johnstone corralled within their own last thirty yards.
Jim Eventually got his deserved reward as he in turn rewarded the crowd with a marvellous drive from just outside the box to put Celtic in a relatively comfortable position.
Graham Carey’s third goal, from a slight deflection was perhaps a little fortuitous, and while St Johnstone played well and did not deserve a real battering, the 3-0 scoreline was a fair reflection on the gap in development and the relative number of chances.
The big difference however was the maturity of the teamwork coupled with the intrinsic skills and fitness of a Celtic team that wanted to play, to play for each other, and to play for a constantly enthusiastic Willie McStay.
The best teams have big characters who never hide and either through their obvious presence never allow times to get hard, or when they do are always there to add that extra bit of bite, guile, bravado or sheer gallusness!
Celtic have a few of them coming through!Whether the players go on as I said in an earlier post is always open to question. But I will say that while just about everyone on the field (St Johnstone as well), looked eminently capable of going further up the hierarchy of professional football, Scott Cuthbert, Teddy Bjarnasson, Jim O’Brien, Paul Cahillane, and Charlie Grant seem to possess at the moment an extra fuse that if lit could explode into a cascade of future talent!
If two of them make it, then that would be nice, but in the meantime I will continue to get along and watch them, not just as the feeding tube of the first team, but as a tremendously entertaining team in their own right!

Estadio

Celtic Reserves 2, Dundee United Reserves 1

2006-01-19T09:34:00.000Z

THE best news about this game came 24 hours after it finished, when it was confirmed that 18-year-old midfielder Simon Ferry had NOT suffered a broken ankle following a ridiculous challenge from Dundee United's Barry Robson.
Sometimes you have to wonder about the mentality of some so-called "professional" footballers. Just 10 minutes from the end of this relatively meaningless encounter, Robson, who had enjoyed a largely frustrating time due to the close attentions of Celtic's young right back Gary Irvine, was dispossessed by the ever-industrious Ferry.
As the young Celt sprinted away with the ball, Robson hared after him like a spoilt wean whose dummy had just been pilfered. Making no attempt to get the ball, he then launched into a tackle-come-assault that left his teenage opponent writhing about in an agonised heap.
It should have been a straight red card for this clown; instead he was let off with a yellow one, itself a rare sight at reserve matches.
As the stricken Ferry was helped from the field, I wondered if Robson felt proud of himself that he had potentially crippled one of the country's best young prospects.
Fortunately, it now appears that young "Si" suffered only bruised ligaments, although this injury, as I know well from several knocks inflicted on me during my long and undistinguished amateur career, can be pretty excruciating at the time.
That means it won't be long before Simon retakes his place in a Reserves squad which is getting younger and more exciting by the week.
In this match at Airdrie's Shyberry Excelsior Stadium, they faced a United side containing several familiar faces. Up front was former Hearts striker Lee Miller, who was partnered by Scotland Under-19s player David Goodwillie.
In midfield was the oafish Robson and ex-Rangers and West Brom veteran Derek McInnes. And at the back was the giant Garry Kenneth, the only player on show who could claim to have scored a winning goal for Celtic in a Scottish Cup Final!
The young Hoops had David Marshall in goal behind a back four of Gary Irvine, Scott Cuthbert, Darren O'Dea and Mr Perpetual Motion himself, Mo Camara.
In the centre of midfield was team captain Paul Lawson and the tireless Stephen Pearson, while on the flanks were Michael McGlinchey and the exciting left winger Ryan Conroy.
Up front was the powerful and strong-running pairing of Rocco Quinn, resplendent in a half-grown beard, and the impressive Irish striker Diarmuid O'Carroll.
This line-up dominated possession from the first whistle. United's right back Stuart Abbott had a particularly torrid time of it, with Conroy running at him time and again, beating him on the inside and outside with ease. And on the few occasions when he managed to hold Ryan up, he saw the pacy blur of Camara thundering past him on the overlap.
On the right flank, McGlinchey tended to drift inside a bit more, but Irvine was rarely able to get past him towards the by-line. Nevertheless, young Michael showed some great skill, with some dazzling, twisting runs which pulled defenders all over the place and opened up space for others.
However, Celtic's most dangerous attacks originated down the left flank, from where Camara and Conroy fired in a succession of dangerous crosses.
On 18 minutes, Quinn set up O'Carroll for a good chance, but Diarmuid's fierce drive went inches past the post. Then a cute McGlinchey chip sent Pearson through on goal, but the big man's control let him down at the vital moment and the chance was lost.
O'Carroll, whose strong running into the corners posed a constant menace for the United defence, robbed Kenneth to set up Quinn for a shot which whistled just over the bar.
And on 27 minutes, a typically fierce, inswinging corner from Conroy was missed by United keeper Craig Samson but no Celt was on hand to capitalise on his mistake.
The breakthrough came on 31 minutes, and was a just reward for some classic centre-forward play from Quinn. Big Rocco took control of the ball in his own half and sprinted forward before setting up Conroy on the left. Quinn then raced into the box for the cross, which whizzed just inches over his head. But Lawson, who was following up at the back post, blocked a defender's clearance to set the ball up for Rocco, who drilled it into the bottom corner.
Coach Kenny McDowall then ordered a switch of flanks for McGlinchey and Conroy in an attempt to copy the formula used so successfully by the first team. Minutes later, some more classic dribbling from McGlinchey set up Camara on the by-line for a driven cross which somehow missed everyone, before United fashioned their only real chance of the half.
The solid central defensive partnership of Cuthbert (now shaven-headed!) and O'Dea had meant Marshall was a virtual spectator until 37 minutes, when a chipped pass sent midfielder David Robertson racing past a poor attempt at an offside trap. The United player just beat the Celtic keeper to the ball at the edge of the box but his attempted lob sailed a foot over the bar.
Celtic's inability to hold their line at the back cost them a cheap equaliser at the start of the second half when a Robson free-kick found Miller in acres of space to volley past Marshall.
Simon Ferry then came on for Conroy, taking up a post in central midfield, with Pearson pushing left. And the young sub made an immediate impact, winning a throw-in near the right corner flag. It was hurled into the box by Irvine, and somehow the bouncing ball found its way to Quinn, who rifled home his, and Celtic's, second.
On 70 minutes, hard-tackling midfielder Charlie Grant came on for McGlinchey and pacy striker Nicky Riley replaced O'Carroll. But with all three subs committed, Celtic were then reduced to 10 men by Robson's assault on Ferry.
Celtic seemed content to take the sting out of the game, with Cuthbert and O'Dea once again impressing with some powerful and uncompromising defending.
The young Celts almost made it 3-1 when Pearson ran clear down the left and squared to Riley at the back post. But the youngster's shot slid agonisingly past.
But just before the final whistle Marshall preserved the win with a flying save to keep out a McInnes piledriver. A timely reminder of this young goalkeeper's prodigious talent.
Of immediate interest to Gordon Strachan is the fact that Lawson, Pearson and, especially, Camara looked fit and willing, should they need to be called upon in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, though, it has to be massively encouraging for everyone at Celtic that 12 of the 14 players on show for this Reserves side are 21 or under, with seven of them, in fact, aged just 18. And make that NINE if you include the unused subs, keeper Scott Fox and defender Craig Reid.
The priority for the rest of this season will be to get this exciting group of players toughened up with first team training, reserve matches against SPL fringe players and, hopefully, occasional run-outs for the first team.
I have no doubt that the likes of those mentioned above, plus others such as Paul Caddis, Teddy Bjarnason and Jim O'Brien will feature in some friendlies and testimonial games over the next few months.
By the start of next season, as many as half a dozen of them could actually have been incorporated into the first team squad, with one or two mounting strong claims for starting places.
Hopelessly optimistic? Let's wait and see.

Celtic Reserves 4, Livingston Reserves 0

2005-12-20T22:40:00.000Z

A CROWD of around 50 frozen souls looked on from the plastic seats of Airdrie's Shyberry Excelsior Stadium as Celtic's second string strolled to a comfortable 4-0 win over a young Livingston side. Significantly, first team manager Gordon Strachan was not among the chittering few - but he was at the game, sitting snugly behind a glass screen in a heated sponsor's booth.
From his privileged perch, he is sure to have been impressed by the pace and inventiveness with which Kenny McDowall's Bhoys moved the ball about, especially in the first half. But no doubt his primary reason for racing out to Lanarkshire after training was to check on whether the giant Chinese defender Du Wei was ready for first team duty. And there can be little doubt that he is!
Tall and elegant, majestic in the air and pacy on the deck, with a lovely first touch and tons of composure, Du Wei would add a completely new dimension to Celtic's defensive play. He does seem to be still struggling with the language, but his colleagues seemed to intuitively know exactly what he meant by his deep grunts and shouts of "Waaah" with which he indicated his availability for a pass and ushered his fellow defenders up the park following a clearance.
Talking of his fellow defenders, I would be far from nervous if this this back four was sent out to strut its stuff in front of 60,000 in the SPL. Despite the opposition being modest, the defenders are to be commended on their diligence, even though David Marshall would have no doubt preferred to have at least some opportunities to exhibit his shot-stopping prowess.
Surprisingly, Celtic started with the giant Adam Virgo at right back when some observers (OK, that's me!) thought he'd be given a chance in central defence. Adam certainly has the build of a stopper, but put in a decent shift down the right and looked pretty formidable when he got up a head of steam on the overlap, even in the closing minutes. So let's nail this myth for good – this 22-year-old lad is FIT!
Over at left back was Charlie Mulgrew, who looks to be at least 6ft 3in, thus making him and Virgo possibly the biggest full-back pairing in the history of world football!
Du Wei's partner in central defence was the comparatively diminutive Darren O'Dea, a mere smout at 6ft 1in. Yet he hardly lost a header and steamed into some fierce challenges.
In the centre of midfield were the classy playmaker Paul Lawson and the strong-running Stephen Pearson. On the flanks were two slight youngsters, Michael McGlinchey on the right and Michael Gardyne on the left.
Up front were the battling Irish targetman Diarmuid O'Carroll and the pacy youngster Nicky Riley.
From the start, this 11 gave an exhibition of scintillating pass-and-move football, switching play from side to side with ease and seldom squandering possession cheaply.
It took only six minutes for the first goal to come. Virgo passed to McGlinchey 40 yards out on the right, and the youngster veered inside at pace, speeding away from two Livi midfielders before slipping a cute ball in behind a static back line.
The pass ran into the path of O'Carroll, who had made a clever, curving run across the 18-yard line, and big Diarmuid wasted no time in slotting the ball into the corner of the net.
Virgo helped to set up two promising attacks on the right. He found O'Carroll with a long pass in behind the left back but the striker's cross was cleared. Then the big right back thundered forward to power in a cross which fell to Gardyne, who set up Riley. The little frontman skipped past one challenge before sending a lovely chip inches over the bar.
Little Nicky, however, did not have long to wait for the goal he so obviously craved, and this time it was set up by neat play down the left.
In the 16th minute, Mulgrew and O'Carroll linked to send Gardyne scampering towards the by-line before he drove in a waist-high cross.
It appeared to be too far behind Riley to pose an immediate threat, but the wee forward threw himself backwards before twisting his neck to meet the ball and send an incredible header arrowing into the bottom corner.
Older fans may know what I'm talking about when I say it was reminiscent of a goal the great Denis Law scored against England in 1966. Younger fans will just have to use their imagination!
Five minutes later Riley was sent through again by another good long pass from Virgo but, instead of passing to the supporting O'Carroll, he elected to attempt a delicate lob which was pawed away by Livi keeper Duncan Monteith.
Big Adam's no-nonsense direct play continued to cause problems for the visitors. In 32 minutes, his long pass down the right channel again sent O'Carroll clear, but his low cross was cleared. Three minutes later, Virgo sent in a fierce shot that was deflected inches wide.
The resultant corner was flapped by keeper Monteith to the edge of the box, and Gardyne raced in to hammer a left-foot shot into the net to put the Celts 3-0 up.
Five minutes later came the best move of the match. Lawson pinged a 40-yard crossfield pass to Virgo, whose cushioned lay-off was made into a slick one-two by McGlinchey. Adam then ran on to power in a cross which fell to Gardyne 10 yards out, but sadly his rushed effort soared over the bar.
With the game won, and nothing in the way of atmosphere to inspire them, the Celts appeared to take their feet off the gas at the start of the second half.
But after a turgid 12 minutes, McDowall freshened his pack by taking off Mulgrew and Riley and putting on 17-year-old midfielder Simon Ferry and the athletic Rocco Quinn.
The team shape changed to an adventurous 3-5-2, with Virgo and O'Dea either side of Du Wei at the back, McGlinchey and Gardyne as wing backs, Ferry on the right of a central midfield trio alongside Lawson and Pearson, and Quinn joining O'Carroll up front.
Ferry immediately made his presence felt with astute passes and strong tackles, yet hardly deserved the brutish assault from Kenny Adamson that earned the Livi midfielder a deserved yellow card.
Gardyne and McGlinchey continued to get in crosses on the flanks, while Du Wei earned a round of applause from the "crowd" for some cool play at the back.
Celtic made it 4-0 on 73 minutes when Pearson charged down a clearance and raced up the left flank before squaring for Quinn to slide in and send his 16-yard shot speeding into the bottom corner.
Four minutes later, Lawson's inswinging free-kick was knocked inches wide by McGlinchey at the back post. Then, from wee Michael's lofted corner, Du Wei soared majestically to send in a header that was cleared off the line, although the referee then blew for a free-kick to Livingston.
With 11 minutes to go, Ryan Conroy looked set to come on for the tiring Gardyne, but then Lawson, who appeared infuriated by something or other, launched into a silly tackle on Livingston midfielder Martin Scott and was deservedly booked - and promptly hooked by a furious McDowall.
There was still time for 18-year-old left winger Conroy to show some class on the left and for Pearson to send Quinn racing through on the right, although the striker's driven cross was deflected away from the onrushing O'Carroll.
It was a comfortable win, with the fitness and enthusiasm of Virgo and the class of Du Wei obvious pluses for the watching Strachan.
For the longer term, the promise shown by O'Dea, Mulgrew, Lawson, Ferry, McGlinchey and O'Carroll bodes well.

PLAYER RATINGS

David Marshall: Did well to keep himself awake, as he didn't have a single save to make all match. Clutched a few crosses and came off his line well, but almost conceded a comical own goal when he threw a headed Darren O'Dea passback over his left shoulder. The ball went out for a corner but the ref had already blown for an infringement. But we already know what this young lad can do. Here's hoping he keeps his spirits and fitness up until the inevitable opportunity to shine comes round again.
Adam Virgo: Can't remember Celtic ever having a bigger right back - he makes even Roy Aitken look like a weakling. But the big man powered up and down the right and thundered into some meaty challenges. Seems a bit too fond of the long pass but, to be fair, the clever running of O'Carroll turned many of them into excellent passes. Late on, he missed with a sliding tackle to let a Livi player break clear but, all in all, it was yet another step forward by the big man. Still looks more of a stopper, but would certainly add a lot of power and directness to Celtic's defending if selected at right back. He can really belt a ball, too.
Charlie Mulgrew: Another giant, though not as muscular as Virgo. Yet! Big Charlie is a cultured footballer and strikes the ball wonderfully with his left foot. Looked much better in the air, where he clattered into some towering challenges, and showed good pace in his attempts to get forward on the overlap. Not troubled defensively. May well get an outing for the first team at left back sooner rather than later, perhaps against Clyde in the cup.
Darren O'Dea: Won header after header, despite being the smallest player in this giant back four. Yet the Irishman is certainly no midget. The term "no-nonsense" sums him up perfectly. Not too proud to clear his lines, and a fierce tackler. Good shouter, too. Just 18, and a real prospect in central defence or left back. Should be ready to mount a bid for a place in the first team squad next season.
Du Wei: Big "Dooey", as his colleagues call him, (and you can place bets on who Hooey and Looey are!) simply strolled through this game. Leapt really well to win some crucial headers on the few occasions when Livingston managed to fire crosses into the box. Reads the game well, has lots of pace, and rarely looks hurried in possession. A fine passer of the ball, too. Made one or two mistakes in the last 10 minutes, but Gordon Strachan will know if these were down to the flat nature of the match or lack of fitness. He seems a good bet to grab a place in central defence on Boxing Day. And I predict the home support will LOVE him!
Paul Lawson: The young central midfielder had an excellent first half, pinging passes left and right and showing great energy and composure. Found things a bit tougher in the second half when Livingston brought an extra man into midfield to deny him and Pearson space. Deservedly hooked by Kenny McDowall for picking up a stupid booking in the last 10 minutes - his second in the last two games. But he's still an excellent player who would let no one down if called on to turn out for the first team. If he "goes to school" alongside Keane, Lennon and Petrov in training, he'll be ready to make a starting jersey his own within 18 months.
Stephen Pearson: Showed a great burst of speed to set up the fourth goal and always tried to be positive. His pace is a great weapon on the counter attack. But the big man struggled to find space at times. If he does go out on loan, he would do a terrific job for teams like Sunderland or Livingston who mostly have to sit back and rely on hitting teams on the break. I still feel the best is yet to come from the big man but at present it's hard to see where he would fit into Celtic's starting 11.
Michael McGlinchey: Talented and pacy 18-year-old kid who played on the right of midfield then, for the last half hour, as a wing back. More of an attacking player, he set up the first goal with a great surge and was hauled down on the edge of the box after another fine run late on. But you don't realise how small he is until he stands next to Virgo; in amateur boxing terms, it's like a flyweight next to a super-heavyweight! Still young enough to stretch a bit upwards but must continue to add muscle, strength and pace. DEFINITELY a future first team star, but the harder he works in the gym (and at the dinner table!), the quicker he'll get in there.
Michael Gardyne: Wee "Midge" had a pretty productive first half, setting up the second goal for Riley with a good run and cross before drilling in the third. Worked hard as wing back on the left in the second half but appeared to tire in the last 15 minutes when he gave away possession cheaply on a couple of occasions. I suspect he was about to be taken off until Lawson got booked and hooked. For the last 10 minutes he played as more of an attacking central midfielder. But, talented though he is, wee Michael is probably the smallest of all the young Celts and will have to work REALLY hard in the gym to give himself a chance of a first team slot. In fact, a loan move for the next five months may do him a lot of favours.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: This Bhoy really did look the part! The big 18-year-old Irish lad is as brave as they come, and took a savage battering at times. But he kept coming back for more; coming deep to show for the ball and hold it up, or spinning away behind the left back to chase Virgo's long passes towards the corner. A defender's nightmare! Took his goal superbly well and was a tremendous "out" ball for the defenders. I particularly liked his loud yells of "Shoiytt!" whenever he lost possession. There are a few strikers in front of him just now, but at some point over the next 12 months this honest lad will get a wee chance. And he has everything needed to make the most of it. The Irish Mark Hughes? Come back in two years and tell me if I was wrong.
Nicky Riley: Much more like it from the pacy striker. Scored a superb goal and could have had another two. A clever, skillful player, but not as big or brave as big "Dermo". Another who could perhaps do well with a spell out on loan.
Simon Ferry: On for the last half-hour, and immediately stamped his authority on the game. Played on the right of a three-man central midfield and rarely gave the ball away. Ended up with stud marks up his thigh after a scandalous tackle from a Livi midfielder. But he just got up and got on with it, and was soon thundering into more meaty sliding tackles. Fearless, talented, two great feet, reads the game well; ach, I've said it all before. Not 18 till next month, but being given more and more playing time with the reserves. I just KNOW that Strachan really rates this lad.
Rocco Quinn: Powerful runner with a good first touch, he linked up well with O'Carroll for the last half hour. Took his goal really well, and made another good break near the end. Big Rocco must have been injured lately, as this is the first time in a while that I've seen him. Reckon he and the big Irish Bhoy could be a pretty formidable striking partnership at this level.
Ryan Conroy: A 12-minute run-out for the 18-year-old left-sided midfielder, who was used as a wing back but still managed to fire in a couple of dangerous crosses. Must be about 5ft 11in but still a bit on the slight side. Despite his recent call-up to the bench for the Dunfermline game, young Ryan will need to work hard on his strength and pace before he can be a contender for the first team. But he could be there or threabouts within the next 12 to 18 months.

Celtic need to be Keane on change

2005-12-19T22:30:00.000Z

DID you see Roy Keane last week when he was paraded as Celtic's new signing? His face looked thin, almost painfully thin; the same sort of honed, fat-free look usually reserved for Tour de France cyclists and Olympic-standard middle distance runners.
As he surveyed the media ranks with a steely glare, his eyes occasionally lit up with a revealing glint as he described how arriving at the stadium and meeting some of the squad had convinced him he had made "the right decision".
Several times in his soft Cork burr, he described how he was facing up to a new "challenge". Several times he said the fans would judge him by what he did "on the pitch". At least twice he said he'd come to Celtic "to win trophies".
And, pointedly, he made the statement, later to be repeated, that he had always demanded high standards of himself and his teammates... and that had never been a problem "until three or four months ago".
At first, I wondered why Keano had kept saying the same things over and over again. Then the solution came to me in one word: Discipline.
He had decided what he wanted to say, and he just kept on saying it, caring not one jot for the insistent probing of the assembled press hacks, desperate for a slipped word or off-hand comment round which their editors could compose a disparaging headline.
All the while, the bold Roy sat there, muscles taut with concentration, eager to flex them on something more meaningful.
And when he said the words "training pitch", his eyes appeared to narrow, his muscles flinch. These were the reactions of a professional sportsman longing to be at home.
And in Roy Keane's case, "at home" means the training pitch and playing field. Here, too, he is disciplined. Here, he demands perfection of himself - and others. Far from this being a problem for Gordon Strachan, as Charlie Nicholas so illogically opined, it is a manager's dream.
And Sunday's lethargic, error-strewn, uninspired performance by Celtic at Inverness will have blown out of the water any suggestion that Keano will struggle to get a game in the Hoops' starting XI.
This insipid display was crying out for a sense of urgency, drive and sheer will to win; qualities that the combative Corkman has in abundance.
And any worries Strachan may have had over who to drop to make way for Roy must have been dissipated by the all-round mediocrity of Celtic's midfield during this encounter.
Shunsuke Nakamura and Aiden McGeady fluttered about the fringes to little real effect as a well-drilled Inverness side continually troubled the creaking Celtic back line with power, pace and, above all, simplicity.
Their boundless energy exposed the fading fitness of Stilian Petrov in the heart of Celtic's midfield. The Bulgarian has, of late, seemed to be carrying at least one injury, and has looked increasingly jaded and exhausted.
And invariably behind him on Sunday, too often at walking pace, came the supposed team leader Neil Lennon, whose continual throwing of his arms in the air and petulant strops became increasingly infuriating as the match wore on.
Such was the speed and direct nature of Inverness's attacks that our captain was seldom in position to make a timely intervention. More significantly, he too often killed the pace of Celtic's own attacks and on only one occasion did he make anything approaching a meaningful contribution to the build-up play on the edge of the opposition's box.
With such studied negativity, Lennon does little to shoulder the creative burden, allowing the opposition to double-team our other midfielders.
Could a fit Roy Keane do more? You know the answer to that.
More to the point, every other manager in Scotland knows it.
Sure, Keano might sit deep for the majority of a match. But the opposition would ignore his goalscoring prowess at their peril.
That is why, if everyone was fit, Neil Lennon may have cause to fret for his starting place. On Sunday's showing, he could have few complaints.
However, it must be conceded that Celtic's biggest problem yesterday was the hesitant performance of the entire back four.
Stephen McManus perhaps needs a rest, with Du Wei taking his place. Roy Keane COULD play at the back, but I feel this would be a waste of his talent.
With Bobo Balde set to be missing for several weeks, the next match against Livingston would be an ideal opportunity for Strachan to try out an Adam Virgo-Du Wei pairing in central defence.
The ease with which Barry Wilson sped past Ross Wallace, plus the vulnerability to high balls to the back post, mean Ross Wallace must be looking over his shoulder at the prospect of Mo Camara retaking his place or, more intriguingly, the 6ft 3in Charlie Mulgrew getting a run-out.
And now is the time for Craig Reid or Gary Irvine to launch a sustained challenge to Paul Telfer at right back, now that Didier Agathe seems destined for the exit door.
Recent turgid performances have given Strachan all the excuse he needs to freshen up this Celtic side for the second half of the season. He has competition for every position.
Every player must be made to realise that a sub-standard performance will lead to a loss of a starting jersey.
After Sunday's dismal showing, only Artur Boruc should be sleeping easy on Christmas night.

Motherwell Reserves 0, Celtic Reserves 2

2005-12-07T16:06:00.000Z

GOALS from Diarmuid O'Carroll and supersub Paul McGowan sealed for a young Celtic Reserves team a victory that truly smelled sweet - thanks to the sugary aromas wafting over from the McOwan's toffee factory next door to Stenhousemuir's ramshackle Ochilview Stadium.
The Nou Camp this wasn't. And I'm sure I spotted some dairy pastures on the road into Larbert that were a good sight flatter and less muddy than the shoddy pitch our Bhoys were asked to play on. Given the bumpy surface, the freezing wind blowing in from the Ochil Hills and the fact the referee was called RICHARD GOUGH (honestly!), then the lads could have been forgiven for thinking this was simply a match to endure, rather than enjoy.
So it is much to their credit that they battled till the end to fashion a decent result, with several youngsters doing their chances of future progress no harm at all with assured performances.
Unusually under the new club regime, the young Celts employed a 3-5-2 formation, with Irish keeper Michael McGovern having precious little to do behind a very effective back line of Craig Reid on the right and Charlie Mulgrew on the left, with another Irish lad, Darren O'Dea, keeping things nice and simple in the middle as a no-nonsense sweeper.
Didier Agathe returned to the right wing-back position he made his own during Martin O'Neill's reign but showed little enthusiasm for the fray before limping off two minutes into the second half. The fact that Celtic's play immediately improved with the introduction of Under-19 star Jim O'Brien in his place was no coincidence.
Over on the left flank was Tony McParland, the injury-plagued winger who recently had a short trial spell at Coventry City. Paul Lawson celebrated his newly-extended contract agreement with an imperious display in the holding role in central midfield, with Icelandic kid Teddy Bjarnason oozing class on the right and Stephen Pearson showing several impressive bursts of pace on the left.
Up front was the ever-eager Nicky Riley and the combative Irishman Diarmuid O'Carroll, who had a fascinating tussle with Motherwell's 6ft 6in centre-half Steve McDonald before a head knock forced him off late on.
The unused substitutes were all from the Under-19 squad: Sandy Wood, Dean Richardson and Ryan McCafferty, with a special mention for their Irish colleague Garry Walsh, who sat and shivered in the stand with the rest of the "crowd" of 80 or so.
The bumpy surface and energetic pressing of the young Motherwell side made studied passing moves a rarity in the early stages, when the ball took a fearful hammering and, sadly, too many long balls found their way to the head of Well's humungous stopper McDonald, who was able to comfortably swat away the challenges of the diminutive Riley.
A goalmouth scramble after five minutes gave Agathe a chance close in, but the ball was on his left foot, and it ended up about 20 yards over the bar. Then Didier linked well with Bjarnason and Reid to burst past two players and send in a low cross which was cut out by a defender.
Motherwell's only chance came when McGovern raced from his area to head clear a long ball over O'Dea's head. It fell to ex-Celt Kevin McBride but fortunately his attempted lob from 40 yards floated over the bar.
An indication that the Celts were coming to grips with the surface came after half an hour when Mulgrew, Lawson and McParland linked well in a tight space on the left. Wee Tony then raced to the byline and sent in a low cut-back which Lawson met on the edge of the box, but his fierce shot was blocked.
The breakthrough came after 37 minutes, and owed much to the growing confidence of Lawson and McParland. Paul pinged a tremendous 40-yard crossfield pass which the left wing-back collected before taking on his man and sending a low cross into the box. It fell for Riley, who laid the ball back to Pearson on the penalty spot.
Big Pearo seemed certain to score, but his fierce shot was magnificently parried by Colin Meldrum. Unfortunately for the Well keeper, the ball fell kindly for O'Carroll to squeeze it into the net from a tight angle.
A minute later, Bjarnason set up Agathe on the right, but his low cross was sent well high and wide by Riley, no thanks to the slippery surface.
The half petered out, with the only excitement being my victory in the race to the pie stall, narrowly pipping a promising young contender named McNeill. Billy, I think his first name is. ;-) He was accompanied by his old colleague Mick Jackson, who famously scored a screamer in a friendly against the brilliant Real Madrid in 1963. Aye, but who got their steak & onion pie and bovril first, eh?
At the start of the second half, O'Carroll and Pearson linked up well on the left, then Riley was bundled off the ball on the edge of the box. From the free-kick, Lawson curled in a superb effort that clipped the top of the bar.
O'Brien came on for Agathe after 48 minutes, and soon after his throw-in was hooked on by O'Carroll into the six-yard box, with Well right back Paul Quinn sclaffing a clearance that came within inches of being a comical own goal.
After 57 minutes, a Lawson dribble set up McParland for a skidding low shot that was tipped just past by the diving Meldrum.
Midway through the half, Bjarnason showed great composure to spread the ball wide to O'Brien, who set up the overlapping Reid for a cross which Meldrum, under pressure, dropped. It fell kindly to Bjarnason, who showed great coolness to dummy two diving defenders before setting himself up for what looked a certain goal.
But Teddy slipped at the vital moment and saw his effort come off the side of his right foot and screw wide.
On 78 minutes, Lawson, who had earlier complained of being elbowed off the ball, was booked for hauling down Darren Smith to halt a rare Motherwell breakaway. Three minutes later, an O'Carroll lob saw Riley beat the offside trap and race into the box, but he couldn't get the bouncing ball to run kindly for him and his shot was blocked for a corner.
With just five minutes to go, McGowan came on for O'Carroll, who had banged his head after challenging the giant McDonald for a high ball. Moments later Gowser ran through to lob the keeper, but he had already been flagged offside.
But the wee man wasn't finished yet.
On 89 minutes, O'Brien was hacked down near the corner flag. Mulgrew came across to whip in a wicked inswinging cross which McGowan met at the back post, leaping to send a downward header bouncing into the net.

MAN-BY-MAN COMMENTS:

Michael McGovern: Had next to nothing to do, which was great credit to the defenders in front of him. Handled a few crosses well but was lucky to see a headed clearance volleyed over by McBride. Could perhaps do better with his kick-outs, as the ones that weren't sclaffed unerringly found McDonald's head. But that's a petty quibble. Mick did well to keep himself awake.
Craig Reid: Just back from a lengthy injury lay-off, but if this is how good he looks in his first game then this lad could be special. Very fast, great composure in possession, good header of the ball, too. Absolutely ideal for a three-man defence but looks as if he could mature into an accomplished right back. I was very impressed. Welcome back, Craig!
Darren O'Dea: Showed great maturity in the middle of the back three, immediately realising that this was no surface for attempting any Franz Beckenbauer "playmaking sweeper" impressions. Won every tackle, didn't try any risky passes, and looked very good in the air, even to the extent of occasionally beating the Well centre-half McDonald a few times, despite being about four inches smaller. Looks like a determined defender who reads the game very well.
Charlie Mulgrew: On the left side of the back three, but pushed forward a lot to support McParland, who played more like a winger. Very good touch for a big man - he looks 6ft 2in at least - and is the team's free-kick expert, boasting a tremendous delivery with his left foot. Apparently Gordon Strachan thinks highly of him, but will he be a left back or central defender? His height says centre-half but his ball skills say full-back. A very talented young man he is. And if he fills out a bit in the gym, he'll be pushing for a place in the first team squad at the start of next season.
Paul Lawson: I have a vague recollection that, in a previous report, I suggested to this player that he should develop an angry side. Hmmm, maybe the lad reads his reviews. Up till now I've seen Paul do the simple things well... but not much else. Here, he ran the show. Playing the holding role in central midfield, he won tackles, pinged passes, dribbled, fired in shots - and got booked! It was for a good professional foul, bringing down a breaking attacker well away from the box. But Paul also snarled at the ref and opponents and looked every inch the BOSS in the middle. With Simon Ferry and Teddy Bjarnason mounting strong challenges for squad places, Paul knows he has to fight to continue his progress into the first team proper. Having seen this performance, I'm now much more confident that he has what it takes to go all the way.
Didier Agathe: Sad to say, Deedee did little to convince this onlooker that he has the hunger to resurrect his first team career at Celtic Park. Restored to his once-favourite position of right wing-back, he appeared only in flashes. Made one trademark run past two defenders but otherwise seemed sluggish. And he was slow to get back on the right on a couple of occasions. Went off with what looked to be a slight strain early in the second half. Sadly for Didier, Celtic then enjoyed their most effective period of the game.
Teddy Bjarnason: What a classy performer! Despite the mud and bumpy surface, he always looked to have time on the ball. Very rarely rushed a pass, displaying bags of skill and confidence. Played on the right of central midfield and blended in seamlessly with first-team squad players Pearson and Lawson. Showed tons of stamina and pace, too. Another step forward for the Icelandic lad, who seems certain to break into the first team squad next season.
Stephen Pearson: Struggled at first to get into a match in which for much of the first half the ball was battered over the midfielders' heads. But showed a willingness to burst forward at pace from his position on the left of central midfield. Set up the first goal when his fierce shot was parried. Linked up well with Lawson and Bjarnason and certainly looked fit. He won't be keeping a video of this match in his collection but did enough to suggest he'll be ready when needed by Strachan.
Tony McParland: My first look in ages at the injury-hit left winger. Showed a great willingness to take on his man on the handful of occasions when Celtic managed to get the ball to him. Fired in some good crosses and certainly looks to have bags of skill and decent pace. Set up the first goal with a run and cross, then was inches away from scoring in the second half. Not the biggest, but a good team player. Sadly, the fact that he was allowed to go on trial to Coventry indicates his future may lie elsewhere. Interested spectators at this match included Dundee United boss Gordon Chisholm and coach Billy Dodds.
Diarmuid O'Carroll: For long periods it looked like it was going to be a frustrating day for the powerful Irish striker, who gives 100% commitment, holds the ball up well and packs a mean shot. But he kept battling away and got his reward when he was on hand to nick the first, a good poacher's goal. In the second half he had a very physical battle with the gigantic Well centre-half Steve McDonald, challenging him for every high ball and giving him a very uncomfortable time all in. Still available for the Under-19s but looks to be a real battler. And, at around 6ft tall, he is a great build for a centre forward in the Mark Hughes mould. Reckon we'll be seeing a bit more of the bold Diarmuid!
Nicky Riley: One to forget for little Nicky, who did well for the Under-19s last season but seemed ill-suited to the physical battle here, where the ball was in the air for long periods. Usually a pacy lad who is good at running with the ball, but his attempts to do so here were betrayed by the bumpy surface. Kept challenging in the air and put pressure on defenders' clearances but I thought he lacked a bit of confidence, as was evident when he beat the offside trap in the second half but couldn't get the ball under control quick enough to score. Would like to see him on a better pitch before passing any hasty and unfair judgments.
Jim O'Brien: This is one confident lad! Came on for Agathe after 48 minutes and immediately made himself at home, demanding possession, taking on his man, firing in crosses, doing step-overs, flicking the ball through his legs and so on. And I bet Craig Reid on the right of Celtic's three-man defence was happy to see him. Big Jim powered up and down the flank, but the minute Well broke on the left, he immediately tucked in to the right back slot, allowing Reid to provide cover in the centre for Darren O'Dea. Textbook stuff. This lad has the build, the skill, the match intelligence, the confidence and the application. I expect big things from him over the next 12 months.
Paul McGowan: On for the last five minutes, the powerful wee striker - possibly reminiscent of our Seventies star Dixie Deans - should have been happy to get a kick or two of the ball. But the Under-19s goal machine just loves to put that ball in the net. Despite being flagged offside, he executed a perfect lob over the keeper. And in the last minute, in the heart of a six-yard box populated by giants, he leapt highest to nod the second goal. That was just about it from wee Gowser. Not bad for his first taste of Reserves duty, eh? And there will be more of that to come for him, especially next season.

Celtic Reserves 3 Dunfermline Reserves 0

2005-11-22T22:30:00.000Z

ALAN THOMPSON ran the show as a strong Celtic Reserves cruised to a 3-0 win over a young and outclassed Dunfermline side. An omen for Saturday, perhaps?
Certainly it appeared as if several players currently on the fringes of the Hoops first team were keen to stake claims for starting roles in Gordon Strachan's ever-improving outfit. Principal among these was the aforementioned Thommo, who parked himself in the middle of midfield and dictated possession for the 80 minutes he stayed on the park.
The Englishman must have made a good impression on the manager, who watched the game from behind a glass screen with his sidekick Gary Pendrey, who would both have been a good deal warmer than the few dozen spectators who shivered on the Airdrie stadium's icy plastic seats.
The biting cold and lack of atmosphere meant players had to work hard to provide their personal motivation, but some tried harder than others.
Celtic simply dazzled down the left, where the tireless Ross Wallace repeatedly hurtled forward from left back, showing boundless energy and bags of skill. He also displayed some admirable defensive positioning at the back post on the few occasions that Dunfermline actually managed to get forward.
Wee "Rosco" linked extremely well with Stephen Pearson, who was wide left of midfield. The pair of them weaved all sorts of intricate patterns with their passing and moving, leaving the opposing defenders in a constant daze.
Indeed, Wallace, Pearson and Thompson were such a magnet for the ball that the right-sided players, Gary Irvine and Didier Agathe, rarely got a look-in.
Perahps the interplay was overdone, though, as by the time a crossing opportunity had been created the strikers Rocco Quinn and Michael Gardyne were usually being tightly marked.
With Thompson sitting deep in the centre, Paul Lawson took the chance to get forward more and ping in a few shots. Some of his passing was a joy.
In the centre of defence, Adam Virgo was powerful, commanding and very vocal - always a plus point for a centre-half. Beside him, Charlie Mulgrew had a tough task in the air against the beanpole Pole Bartocz Tarachulski but looked comfortable on the deck.
David Marshall got little chance to impress. He dropped one simple cross, then made a fine double save. And that was that.
Celtic went ahead after just four minutes. Thompson fed Wallace who, on the byline, turned the right back Jamie McCunnie inside out - a la Nakamura - before putting in a good cross that was cleared to Thommo on the edge of the box.
His fierce volley was parried by the keeper Greg Paterson and Gardyne was on hand to knock home the rebound.
Celtic made chance after chance, with the Pars barely getting a touch of the ball. Wallace burst through to crack a fierce shot off the bar, then Pearson had a shot blocked after a powerful run.
The second goal, after 24 minutes, followed a great passing move between Pearson and Thompson which ended with the tall youngster steering a cute right-foot curler into the far corner.
Michael McGlinchey came on at half-time for Quinn, who had tweaked a hamstring, with the youngster going to right midfield and Agathe going to striker.
The chances continued to come, with Virgo, Pearson and Gardyne all coming close in the early stages of the second half.
McGlinchey then missed a chance after a mazy run before Pearson squandered a sitter.
With 10 minutes to go, coach Kenny McDowall took off Thompson and Gardyne, replacing them with the Under-19 stars Teddy Bjarnason and Simon Ferry.
There was still time for Agathe to complete the scoring in the last minute following fine build-up play by Lawson.

PLAYER RATINGS:

David Marshall: It was 32 minutes before Dunfermline managed to trouble him... and he promptly dropped a harmless cross. Perhaps he can blame hypothermia. Marsh then made a fine double save but had little to do in the second half.
Gary Irvine: Tidy young right back did little wrong and charged forward at every opportunity. Just back from injury. Shows good composure on the ball but looks a bit on the slight side. To the gym, young man!
Ross Wallace: Excellent. And I mean "Excellent!" Absolutely tireless with his forays up the park and chasing back, wee Rosco kept the ball well, always showed for a pass, has great pace and fired in a stream of tempting crosses. His link-up play with Pearson was superb. Some time soon he will get his chance in the first team - and Mo Camara will find it very hard to get back in after that. He can do everything Mo can do - but he can do it a lot better. The new Ashley Cole? Watch this space!
Adam Virgo: With Du Wei out injured, the BIG English lad played on the right-hand side of the central defensive pairing and is obviously being groomed to stand in for Bobo Balde when the big man heads off to Africa in January. Very like big Bobo in that you wouldn't like to get in his way when he gets up a head of steam. Thundered into some meaty sliding tackles and looked good in the air. His passing was also miles better. He can ping the long passes with the best of them and also appears to be a good, and very vocal, organiser. Not up against much, but he is now starting to look the part. However, can we please get him a bigger jersey and pair of shorts! No, he's not fat, but he is one bulky Bhoy!
Charlie Mulgrew: I didn't realise Charlie was THIS tall! The former Under-19s left back looks like he has taken a stretch and lost a lot of "puppy fat". So much so that he now looks a bit on the skinny side. Hopefully he can get enlisted for the Stephen McManus Weightlifting School. Very comfortable on the deck but muscled off the ball near the end of the first half and also beaten in the air a few times. Methinks he also needs a few lessons from the Centre-Halfs' Academy of Dirty Tricks. He has got the height and skill to be a central defender but now needs a bit more bulk and street-wise "nouse". Could be challenging "Big Mick" for a place by the start of next season.
Didier Agathe: Distinctly unimpressive and lacklustre, I got the impression he was merely going through the motions. Played wide right of midfield in the first half. Rarely beat a man, and his crossing and passing was sloppy. Switched to centre forward in the second half, where he didn't convince, although he scored in the last minute. We know, and Didier knows, he can give so much more. And he won't be starting many first team games until he does.
Paul Lawson: Along with Thompson, Paul completely dominated the centre of midfield against two young opponents. Thommo sat that bit deeper, while Paul got forward more, though not quite as effectively as Stilian Petrov does. Hit a good first-half shot and struck some wonderful long-range passes. Very neat and tidy, seldom gives the ball away, but I'd like to see a bit more aggression and self-assertion in his play. Seems content to be a bit-part player when, to grab the first team manager's attention, he has to be a STAR at this level. Get angry, Paul!
Alan Thompson: It will probably not surprise his critics one jot that Thommo picked up a completely unnecessary booking for dissent in the first half. But that angry comment to a linesman about a foul not awarded for a clear push on Virgo at least illustrated the Geordie's commitment to a lifeless encounter. He must have touched the ball at least twice as much as any other player on the park. Pinged some lovely passes left and right, fired in some impressive shots and cajoled his young teammates throughout. Thommo looked completely at home in the centre of midfield, where he may find he is competing with Neil Lennon and Petrov for a starting slot. Now looks a bit lacking in pace for the left midfield slot. But I'm sure Strachan will have been impressed with his performance and attitude here.
Stephen Pearson: Dazzled on the left wing, where he showed a great understanding with Wallace. Pearo took the ball inside, then fed young Rosco on the overlap. Or came in to swap passes with Quinn in the box or Thommo on the edge. And his goal was a beauty, curling it in with his right foot. The big man looks very fit and very confident. If McGeady is pushed into the forward line this weekend, don't be surprised to see Pearo taking his slot on the left flank.
Rocco Quinn: Big 19-year-old centre-forward held the ball up well but didn't get much chance to shine. Most of Celtic's play was on the flanks and he rarely got close to the crosses that came in. Converted from a midfielder and looks like he's still trying to learn the striker's trade. Appeared to tweak a hamstring near the end of the first half and was substituted at the break, so no chance of him being a solution to this weekend's striker crisis.
Michael Gardyne: Nicknamed Midge because he's about the size of one. Skillful lad, but really needs to develop blinding pace and a very powerful upper body to cope at the top level with much bigger defenders. Showed a good poacher's instinct to bundle home the first goal. Needs to work hard on the training ground and in the gym if he's to stake a claim for a permament place in the first team squad.
Michael McGlinchey: This 18-year-old lad was promoted from the Under-19s squad to the Reserves last season, which shows how highly he's rated. Played on the right of midfield after coming on at half-time but later on had a wee spell up front. Very skillful player in the McGeady mould who goes past defenders with ease and has great positional sense. I feel he still has a bit of growing to do and could definitely do with a bit of bulking up. Look for him grabbing a seat on the first team bench before the end of the season.
Simon Ferry and Teddy Bjarnason: The two Under-19 midfielders came on for the last 10 minutes and showed their usual skill, composure and guile, although the game was long dead by then. They will both be making many more appearances for the Reserves as the season progresses and could be set to challenge for places in the first team squad by the beginning of next season. As I've stated several times in recent weeks, both could more than hold their own.

Youth Cup: Celtic 3 Queen of the South 0

2005-11-13T22:11:00.000Z

DESPITE a flying start, Celtic's Under-19 squad failed to hit the heights for most of this Youth Cup tie and were grateful for two late strikes from Paul McGowan that finally saw off the brave challenge of their visitors Queen of the South.
The lads from Dumfries, who were backed by a sizeable and noisy following, were obviously thrilled to have the opportunity to turn out at Celtic Park and battled bravely throughout.
They were a well organised outfit, with some towering forwards and defenders, although their most accomplished player was a small lad in the centre of midfield called Jack Steel, who looked no more than 16.
However, there can be little doubt that the best team made it through to the next round of the competition, as Celtic enjoyed almost all the possession and pinned the Queens back for long spells, with the visitors sitting for much of the time with 10 men behind the ball.
As such, there was little space for Celtic's forwards to play in until late on when the Queens appeared to tire - no suprise, perhaps, as they had played a league match just 24 hours earlier.
Yet for the first 10 minutes it appeared that a rout could be on the cards.
In Celtic's first attack, McGowan was fouled on the edge of the box, and from the resultant free-kick Ryan Conroy curled a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner.
With Paul Caddis marauding forward from right back, it seemed a second goal would follow soon after. A neat passing move saw the defender race to the byline and cut the ball across the face of goal, but there were no takers.
But after 25 minutes Queens ventured forward and gave the Celtic defence two major scares in as many minutes. For the first, the giant Queens centre-forward burst into the box and put the ball past Celts' centre-half Andy Traub, who lunged forward but did not appear to make any contact. But the striker went down and was very aggrieved when the referee didn't point to the spot for a penalty.
Just over a minute later, the same striker burst past the hesitant Traub but was held up by his fellow central defender Scott Cuthbert. Keeper Scott Fox came off his line, anticipating a shot, but Traub came back and slid in to tackle. His block rebounded off Cuthbert and hurtled towards goal.
Fortunately, Fox pulled off a magnificent reflex stop to parry the ball to safety.
In effect, that was Queen of the South's last serious effort on goal. But they continued to frustrate the cup holders.
Central midfielders Simon Ferry and captain Charlie Grant monopolised possession and continually switched play from left to right as they probed for openings. Caddis was the main outlet on the right, allowing wide midfielder Gary Walsh to tuck inside.
On the other flank,Conroy showed good trickery, supported at all times by left back Dean Richardson. But strikers Jim O'Brien and Paul McGowan got very little change out of the determined Queens defenders, who marked them extremely tightly.
The main hope of a goal lay in the excellent link-up play between Ferry and Caddis. On 29 minutes, the midfielder's superbly weighted pass was caught by the right back on the by-line and, at full pelt, he whipped in a cross to the back post which Conroy met and headed down towards goal, only to be denied by a flying save from the Queens keeper Sweeney.
Five minutes from half-time, Walsh set up Conroy from a short corner to whip in a great cross which Ferry headed wide. There was only time before the break for Traub to thunder into a challenge which blocked a shot from the Queens striker, who had been set up by a poor first touch by the Celtic defender.
The second half was simply one-way traffic. Four minutes into it, a low, fizzing 25-yard shot by Caddis was touched past the post by Sweeney.
On 59 minutes, a cute Richardson pass inside the full-back set Conroy up for a cross which prompted an almighty scramble in the box, with McGowan's effort eventually being hacked clear.
A clever McGowan back-heel put Conroy clear in the box but he pulled his effort well wide. On 67 minutes Caddis beat three players before trying a left-footed shot that was blocked.
Then Ferry's left-footed effort soared over. Celtic were in complete control but appeared to be getting increasingly frustrated by their attempts to grab that vital second goal.
With 22 minutes to go, Willie McStay made a double switch, putting Ryan McCafferty into the centre of defence in place of Traub and replacing one young Irish lad with another, Paul Cahillane coming on for Walsh.
Cahillane took up position on the left of midfield, with Conroy switching to the right, and immediately the tricky Under-17s player began to make a favourable impression.
With 10 minutes to go, he threaded a pass through to O'Brien, who shot into the side-netting before noticing the linesman was flagging for offside.
A minute later, Cahillane set up the second goal, jinking towards the byline before swinging in a cross which the keeper Sweeney seemed to have in his grasp. Sadly for the youngster, he let the ball squirm out of his gloves and McGowan poked the ball into the net.
John McGreoch then replaced Conroy, with the sub going to striker and O'Brien pushing across to the right of midfield.
With five minutes left, McCafferty met an O'Brien corner with a powerful header which was cleared off the line.
Then, with injury time approaching, Celtic grabbed their third with the slickest move of the game.
Richardson powered forward on the left before threading a pass in between two defenders for Cahillane, who played a cute first-time lay-off into the path of McGowan on the left-hand edge of the box. Wee Gowser took the ball on the run, speeding past one man, then cutting inside on to his right foot and stroking a curling shot into the far corner.
In the end, a comfortable scoreline but a far from comfortable match for the young Celts, who were made to work hard by their gallant visitors.

PLAYER RATINGS:

Scott Fox: Only had one save to make, but it was a belter at a crucial time. It reinforced my admiration for his lightning reflexes. Also showed that he is comfortable with the ball at his feet, making a couple of impressive passes.
Paul Caddis: What a wonderful performance by this talented right back. Surged forward time after time, showing control, pace and intelligence. Put in some great crosses and hit some impressive 40 and 50-yard cross-field passes. Linked up extremely well with Ferry. Very rarely gives the ball away. Still got a bit of growing and filling out to do but this lad has a real chance. A joy to watch today.
Dean Richardson: Another competent performance from the powerful left-back who also played some insightful passes. But unlike Caddis, Deano seems to advance to about 40 yards out and stop. Does his job well for the team but I've not seen enough from him yet to suggest he could make the step-up to first team level.
Andy Traub: Big and powerful young central defender who wins the ball well in the air and is a fiercesome tackler. But still seems to lack a bit of concentration - he could have given away a penalty and a goal within a minute of each other in the first half. And his best tackle came after he'd set up the Queens centre forward with a poor first touch on the edge of his own box. Still too many blooters for my liking; I'd like to see him show a bit more composure on the ball.
Scott Cuthbert: A class act. Won everything in the air against a giant opponent and showed impressive pace on a couple of occasions. Very composed on the ball. A real leader, who bawled instructions to his colleagues throughout the game. A stick-on for the first team squad, perhaps even as early as next season.
Gary Walsh: Stocky right midfielder had a pretty quiet game, mainly due to the fact that Paul Caddis was a magnet for the ball down that flank. Didn't do too much wrong, but the young Irishman has certainly had better days. Not helped by the Queens' defence-in-depth tactics which saw him denied time and room. Hopefully just a one-off from him, as this lad has been impressive in other games.
Charlie Grant: Powerful wee Neil Lennon clone is possibly the most terrifying tackler I've seen at this level; several times I winced as he hurtled in. Unfortunately, a couple of his most desperate tackles were to rescue possession after he'd given it away with poor control. Along with Ferry, Charlie ran this game in midfield, but I'd still like to see him show more daring, inventiveness and composure around the other team's penalty box. Then again, maybe he IS Neil Lennon!
Simon Ferry: The most accomplished player on the pitch, yet an unusually ineffective performance. Kept bombing forward, Petrov-like, hoping to get on the end of a flick in the box, but the chances simply didn't come his way. Didn't need to show his full range of passing against a camped-in defence but did link up superbly with Caddis on the right. Like Cuthbert, Simon could be a contender for the first team squad next season. A minor quibble; he could perhaps do with working on his long-range shooting, which could be a potent weapon against packed defences.
Ryan Conroy: Made a great start with his unsaveable free-kick after just two minutes. Whipped in some lovely set pieces and struck some magnificent long-range passes. Made a hash of a chance in the second half. Like Walsh on the other flank, he was largely frustrated by the tight marking of the opponents. Certainly a talented Bhoy who has a great chance.
Jim O'Brien: The big striker got more and more frustrated as the game went on. At one point in the first half he looked to have gone in the huff until Willie McStay bellowed at him to get into the box. Showed great close control and had one superb turn in the second half which ended with him being brutally hacked to the ground. He was caught offside too often in the first half, so will have to learn to time his runs better. Just not his day, but he's a smashing big player.
Paul McGowan: Showed great poacher's instincts to nab two late goals at the end of a match in which he was given very little room or time, and struggled to get into his stride. Gowser has a lot of strength and a lovely first touch, plus great vision, as he showed with a great backheel to set up Conroy. But he'll need to find a bit more pace to get away from giant defenders. A lot of talent, but has a lot of work to do.
Ryan McCafferty: Big Rybo came on for the last 23 minutes or so and did nothing wrong. Won the ball well in the air, has a good first touch and is a good passer. Certainly a more natural footballer than Traub. Just has to look at Scott Cuthbert and Stephen McManus to realise the work he'll have to do in the gym to become a first-team contender.
Paul Cahillane: The young Irishman changed the game in the last quarter of the game. He went past the Queens right back at will and sent in a stream of tempting crosses. Fortunate to see one being dropped by the keeper to set up the second goal but has to be commended for the cute pass that set up the third as well. Just 16, he kept it all a lot more simple than he had for the Under-17s a few weeks ago and looked a miles better player for it. Just keep beating your player and whipping in crosses and you'll be a star, son. Still small and slight, but definitely worth watching.
John McGreoch: On for the last five minutes at centre-forward but didn't get a chance to do anything. Very fast and committed, though. My spies tell me he's probably the fastest player in this team but have yet to see him get the chance to show how skill and composure he has.

Celtic U19s 3, Hearts U19s 0

2005-11-07T19:33:00.000Z

SOMETIME soon, when the "Bobby Lennox Castle" Academy is up and running, Celtic may be able to offer spectators something akin to reasonable facilities in which to watch the club's young players in action. At present, though, we have to suffer the indignity of being shepherded behind the goal at Barrowfield to stand in what is effectively a muddy, puddle-strewn piece of spare ground.
Were it not for the dazzling array of talent on display, I would be sorely tempted to give these games a miss. As it was, the 60 or so spectators at this SPL Youth League match seemed to be almost all parents or grandparents of the players.
The aforementioned mump and moan is merely to explain why I still cannot be 100 per cent sure who scored Celtic's second goal in this encounter. To my failing eyes at the wrong end of the pitch, Paul McGowan robbed the Hearts keeper at the edge of the box as he attempted to deal with a long Scott Cuthbert clearance. Wee "Gowser" then laid the ball back to Jim O'Brien, who finished with the coolest of lobs into the empty net.
That goal, after 31 minutes, effectively sealed the points. Only thing is, the official website reported that it was O'Brien who set up McGowan to score. As my eldest daughter would say: "Whatever!"
The important thing was that these Celtic youths, who were mostly smaller and younger than their towering Hearts opponents, gave the teenagers from Edinburgh a football lesson, with some truly sparkling passages of play.
And at the heart of most of it was Simon Ferry, the stocky 17-year-old midfielder who simply ran the show with an accomplished display of tackling, passing with both feet and some scintillating runs.
Take the best parts of the games of Neil Lennon and Stilian Petrov, put them together in a 5ft 8in package of perpetual motion (topped, sadly, by a shocking "Look what a big seagull did to me" haircut!) and you'll have an idea of how good this young Dundonian is.
To my mind, he's a cert for next season's first team squad.
One move after 33 minutes epitomised his appetite for the game. He helped break up a Hearts move with a cushioned pass to right back Paul Caddis on the right-hand edge of the Celtic box. Simon ran on to collect the return pass, then sprayed the ball wide to Ryan Conroy on the left. As the Scotland Under-19 midfielder raced up the line, Ferry sprinted into the box, where he met Conroy's inch-perfect pass with a diving header that went a yard or so past the post. What a goal that would have been!
In the end, Celtic won comfortably. Yet for the first 20 minutes the play had largely been confined to the adjoining astroturf pitch, courtesy of some agricultural clearances from the Hearts rearguard. Then Ferry started to make the Tic tick. A 50-yard crossfield ball from him found Caddis, as ever, bombing up the right, and Celtic won a corner.
The ball was whipped in by Conroy to Marc Miller at the back post, who shot high into the net.
Next it was the turn of another player who will soon be a first team contender, Scott Cuthbert, to make an impact. In one amazing spell, the powerful big centre half won three tackles in a row at the edge of his own box.
And on 31 minutes, his fierce challenge in midfield led to the aforementioned second goal.
Celtic were now playing with flair and style. Ferry set up Caddis with a clever backheel. Then Conroy burst in from the left, beating three players before firing in a left-footed shot.
Keeper Scott Fox made a good save low down to his right before the Hearts centre forward blazed over their best chance after good work from their left winger, Driver.
In the second half, Caddis came forward to blast over from 20 yards before beautiful interplay from Ferry and Teddy Bjarnason saw Conroy's cross met on the half-volley by Simon, but his effort went just over.
Fox then had to make a superb diving save to keep out a header from Driver before Ferry once again showed his class.
He burst down the right and fired over a cross that was hooked over his own goal by a desperate Hearts defender. But when the corner was cleared, the pacy Driver was sent clear down the left - only to be dispossessed by Ferry, who had chased back all of 50 yards.
To cap off a superb performance, Simon Ferry burst through on the counter attack in the closing minutes, drew the keeper and squared for McGowan to tap into the empty net.
It had been a sparkling performance by a star in the making, and Gordon Strachan came straight from training to watch the last half hour of it.

MAN-BY-MAN RATINGS

Scott Fox: What little he had to do, he did very well. Saved low down to his right in the first half but made an incredible stop in the second half, diving full length to parry a header that looked a certain goal. Also held some good crosses well. An excellent performance, well appreciated by his granny and grandad, who were perched on wee foldaway seats behind the goal.

Paul Caddis: Very fast and skillful right back, he thudded into a few impressive tackles and hurtled forward on the overlap time and time again. Well suited to the new Celtic tactics. Occasionally left a bit exposed by young Miller on the right of midfield but Paul certainly has plenty of promise. Still a bit slight in the build department, so he'll need to fill out a bit over the next year or two. And he'll also want to eradicate the lapses of concentration that let Hearts in behind him at the back on a couple of occasions.

Dean Richardson: Powerful left back who does his job quietly but effectively. But perhaps he'll need to offer a bit more than that to take the next step in his career. Tended to stand back and watch the talented Ryan Conroy take on his man rather than race past on the overlap like Mo Camara. Did nothing wrong defensively but I'd still like to see him offer more in an attacking sense.

Scott Cuthbert: The Scotland Under-19 captain has spent most of the season in the Reserves, so I presume an injury to Ryan McCafferty was the reason for him returning to the youth side. Very powerful lad who played on the left side of central defence and looked a class above the rest of the defenders on show for either side. Clearances with both feet, towering headers, plenty of pace, loads of bawling and good composure on the ball. He'll be pushing for a place in the first team by the end of the season.

Andy Traub: Powerful big centre-half played to the right of Cuthbert and showed a great improvement from the last time I saw him against Kilmarnock. Won just about every header against the big Hearts forwards and put in some truly bone-shuddering tackles. No complaints on that front. But he looks very young and, dare I say it, a bit shy. Will need to shout and bawl a bit more and give everyone the impression that he truly belongs at this level. That would perhaps give him the confidence to take a bit more care with his distribution, which was a bit on the panicky side at times.

Marc Miller: Small and thin, but pacy with bags of skill, this 17-year-old forward was played on the right side of midfield, perhaps to further his education and sharpen up his reading of the game. Showed up well going forward and looked a real menace anywhere near the opposition's box. Was also on hand to knock in the first goal from point-blank range and could have had another before half-time. But he looked rather less keen on the defensive side of the game and on a couple of occasions left Caddis exposed. Has to work hard on his positioning and fitness. It must be borne in mind, though, that he showed bags of guts up against boys who were much bigger and stronger than him. A real talent who will need careful nurturing.

Simon Ferry: Have I not said it all already? This lad is going to be a star. Is being measured for Neil Lennon's jersey, and can certainly play the holding role in front of the defence. But he has so much more to his game than that. Superb passing with either foot, great reading of the game, and a real goal threat at the other end of the pitch. Hard to believe that he's still only 17. I have it on good authority that Gordon Strachan is VERY enthusiastic about this Bhoy.

Teddy Bjarnason: Another assured display from the new Wieghorst! A beautiful running style, with the ball seemingly tied to his feet, and he put in a great shift in the middle of the park alongside Ferry, the pair of them totally dominating possession and keping the ball off of the Hearts players for long spells. Seems to be getting stronger and fitter by the week. As I predicted, he's now starting to feature in the Reserves' line-ups. Should be on the fringes of the first team squad by the start of next season, perhaps featuring in a friendly or two. Another one who could be a real star if he keeps working hard.

Ryan Conroy: Scotland Under-19 midfielder, Ryan again ran the show on the left side of the pitch, taking on players with ease and whipping in some magnificent crosses. Even tried his luck with a long-range shot with his right foot. Tall and pacy, he has everything needed to be an important player for the team in a couple of years' time. Could maybe do with adding a half-stone of muscle to his frame before facing up to the SPL's hammer-throwers. Set up the first goal with one of his superbly-struck inswinging corners.

Jim O'Brien: Big Jim is a natural right winger but is also showing great promise at centre forward, where he has a better build than Miller to stand up to the "meaty" challenges of giant defenders. Won a few headers, held the ball up well and linked up with "Gowser" to good effect, especially at the second goal (no matter who scored it!). Very skillful and pacy with an eye for goal, he'll soon be a regular for the Reserves. One of those who could be in contention for the first team squad within a year and could, therefore, benefit from a short spell on loan elsewhere. There would be no shortage of teams willing to put him straight into their starting line-up.

Paul McGowan: Stocky wee striker with bags of pace and strength plus a great first touch. Has come on a bundle in recent games thanks to the confidence-building trick of sticking the ball in the net. Reminds me mostly of wee Shaun Maloney, but "Gowser" is actually a better goalscorer. Because of his lack of height, Paul will need to continue to work on his strength and pace to enable him to hold off and then get away from defenders. Will be the main man up front for the Under-19s for the rest of this season.

Garry Walsh and John McGrough came on as subs in the last two minutes for Marc Miller and Jim O'Brien. Skinner, Staunton and Cahillane were the subs not used. Charlie Grant was suspended for this game.

All we are saying is give youth a chance

2005-11-03T00:05:00.000Z

Having seen practically every Celtic player from the age of 16 upwards in action this season, I can say with certainty that one young player outshines the rest of an extremely dazzling bunch.
He can go past two and three players in succession, has ball skills to die for and a mean shot with both his left and right foot. What's more, he is just 19.
Who is this mysterious genius? None other than Aiden McGeady, last season's wonderkid who is making good use of his time on the sidelines to build up his physique, work on his tactical awareness and stoke up a fierce determination to prove his doubters wrong.
Personally, I find it incredible that such a talented teenager should have attracted so much criticism at such an early stage in his career. Don't get me wrong, Gordon Strachan was right to leave him out of the team when he did. But to then be effectively written off by a small minority of fans must have been like a dagger to the heart of this lifelong Celtic fan.
Aiden's problem is that he is too good. As a youngster, he could simply beat players all day for fun. He never had to chase back and tackle or worry about his defensive position simply because, when he was on the pitch, the other team couldn't get the ball off of him.
The professional game is a different kettle of fish. As he showed against AC Milan, he has the talent to thrive at any level. Now he has had to work on the other, less glamorous sides of the game.
For a while, such was his impatient determination to play in next year's World Cup, it seemed Aiden would be wanting a move in January. Since then, Ireland's elminition and a heart-to-heart with Strachan have refocused the attentions of this mercurial attacking midfielder towards re-establishing himself in the Celtic first team.
The imminent departure of Shunsuke Nakamura on international duty for Japan will give him the opportunity. His performances for the Reserves and his appearance against Motherwell last week indicate he is in the mood to take it.
I certainly hope so, because Celtic do not want to be in the business of losing our most talented players. And the vultures, I can assure you, are circling.
Manchester United have had their eye on Aiden for several years. As have Arsenal, whose youth development coach Liam Brady has long been an admirer.
Yet such is the talent in the Celtic ranks that McGeady is far from being the only young player on whom envious eyes have been cast.
Craig Beattie, Shaun Maloney and Stephen McManus are only in the first team now because offers for them from several Scottish and English clubs were rejected in the past two years.
A number of lower-league clubs are hovering round our Reserve and Under-19 squads in the hope of, at the very least, picking up a talented loan signing in January who could transform their season.
Appreciation of Celtic's depth of talent at Under-17 and Under-19 level is not just confined to readers of this blog. Their matches are attended by a plethora of scouts; all there to see the Bhoys brigade, of course.
English teams are represented, as are most SPL clubs.
Indeed, even our greatest rivals have been making a concerted effort to address their obvious dearth of promising players in the 16 to 18 age bracket by trying to tempt one or two of our best talents.
Such seemingly unprincipled poaching comes as no surprise to those who work in the football development field; it is an occasionally vicious business.
Celtic, however, are in the extremely fortunate position of having enough skilful and determined youngsters in our ranks to make up the bulk of our first team squad for many years to come.
The first job is to hold on to that talent. The second is to develop and nurture it until ready for the first team.
Then, when talented players such as Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry and Michael McGlinchey step on to that Celtic Park pitch, it will be the duty of every fan to excuse their occasional and understandable lapses and cheer to the echo their every success.
Something to be borne in mind the next time that a certain 19-year-old lad steps into the breach for our beloved club.

Kilmarnock U19s 2, Celtic U19s 5

2005-10-24T04:55:00.000Z

A SUPERB hat-trick by Paul McGowan inspired Celtic's Youths as they stormed back from two goals down to record a fantastic win over a powerful and competitive Kilmarnock side in the bizarre setting of an agricultural college on the outskirts of Ayr.
Willie McStay's side were helped by a late sending-off for one of their opponents but there can be no doubt that his talented youngsters thoroughly deserved their victory, which also featured fine goals by Gary Walsh and Teddy Bjarnason.
The countryside setting and 11.30am kick-off may have been a shock to my system but it also seemed to unnerve the Celtic teenagers in the early stages.
They had started with Scott Fox in goal, Paul Caddis and Dean Richardson at full back and Ryan McCafferty in the centre of defence with debut Bhoy Andy Traub.
Gary Walsh was right of midfield with Ryan Conroy on the left-hand side of the central pairing of Charlie Grant and Teddy Bjarnason.
Up front was Marc Miller and Paul McGowan, a stocky lad with lots of pace, confidence and courage.
Yet things had looked bleak for the Celts when they got off to a horror start by going behind after just four minutes.
A long ball from the left went over McCafferty's head and Bryson got in front of Traub to walk the ball past Fox and stroke it into the empty net.
As Celtic struggled to find their rhythm on a pitch with grass too long for slick passing, Kilmarnock doubled their lead after 19 minutes.
The giant midfielder Adams won a header just inside the centre circle, then bombed forward to latch on to a clever backheel from striker Cox before thumping the ball past Fox.
Commendably, the young Celts refused to panic. And they got a break after 25 minutes when a poor throw-out from the Killie keeper put his left-back under pressure from the ever-alert Walsh.
The Irish lad robbed the defender and raced into the box before toe-poking a shot which took a deflection and looped into the net.
From then till half-time the young Bhoys pounded the Kilmarnock goal without reward. Conroy had two chances in two minutes, sending a shot just over, then seeing a cute lob drifting just wide. Then a superb Bjarnason pass sent Miller scampering clear but his cutback was hacked away before McGowan could pounce.
Miller then had three chances to score. Straight through on the keeper, he tried a lob that was pawed behind for a corner. Then his header from a Conroy cross was saved before another header from a Walsh cross was blocked by a defender.
Celtic were playing thrilling football, switch the ball from side to side, with Conroy and Walsh showing up well on the flanks and Caddis getting forward on the overlap.
Despite being one behind at half-time there was no sign of panic. McStay and his assistant Joe McBride Jnr urged their players to keep to their quick, passing football, with the ball on the deck.
For 15 minutes, the Celts poured forward in waves but got no reward. From a quick free-kick, Bjarnason burst into the box but his shot was saved. Then Conroy's shot hit the side net before a great move saw Miller hit the by-line and cross for Walsh, who misjudged his header.
Conroy made another great run to the by-line and crossed for Miller, whose hook shot squirmed wide.
A goal had to come, and it did on 63 minutes.
More slick passing and interplay saw McGowan pick the ball up 25 yards out, veer to the right, then crash in a great right foot shot that skimmed off the greasy surface and rocketed in off the far post.
Kilmarnock came back into the game for a spell, with Fox lucky to escape when Bryson hooked wide after a penalty box scramble caused by a mix-up between the keeper and Caddis.
A great break from a corner saw Miller stride on before firing a shot over the bar. But then Adams, an absolute giant of a teenager who played in the centre of midfield for Kilmarnock, was sent off for his second booking after a reckless lunge at Grant as the young Celt was trying to head a bouncing ball.
Celtic took immediate advantage. They pressed the Killie defenders, leading to a weak back-pass which the keeper came well out of his box to kick away.
But Grant blocked his clearance and the ball fell kindly for McGowan to pass into the empty net.
On 82 minutes, McGowan got a deserved hat-trick with a sublime chip from the edge of the box. And there was still time for Bjarnason to crack in the fifth from the edge of the box after good set-up play by Conroy, who had been put clear by a superb turn and pass from McGowan.
McStay gave Irish left winger Paul Cahillane and young forward John McGeoch the last five minutes but by now the game was over, with the much younger and smaller Celts thoroughly deserving their win, which was achieved without the likes of Simon Ferry and Michael McGlinchey, who have been promoted to the Reserves, and also Jim O'Brien, who was on international duty with Ireland.
This trend is likely to continue for the rest of the season, as more Under-17 players are asked to make the step-up to playing at this age group.

Man-by-man ratings:
SCOTTFOX: Talented shot-stopper had little chance with the two goals but from then on had little to do until late in the game when he made a spectacular diving save that was much appreciated by his grandparents on the sidelines. Sometimes seems keener to shout at the referee than his own defenders, a fault that led to one second-half mix-up and may also have seen him substituted if he'd been booked for dissent, in keeping with the new club policy. But I've seen in other matches that this kid has a big future ahead of him.
PAUL CADDIS: One of the younger lads, he looked smaller and slighter than most of the opposition. But after a quiet first half hour he came more and more into the game and did some tremendous work on the overlap. A natural right back with plenty of skill and a big heart. Now he needs to work on that physique.
DEAN RICHARDSON: Powerful left back who did a lot of good work in defence. Didn't get forward as much as Caddis, but that was mainly because Ryan Conroy in front of him took care of most of the attacking play on the left flank on his own. A quietly effective performance.
RYAN McCAFFERTY: Big lad who showed leadership qualities with the way he cajoled his teammates back into the game after a horror start. His central defensive partnership with Andy Traub looked pretty ropey early on but "Ry-bo" quickly got the back four working as a unit and Celtic didn't look back. Good in the air, looked composed on the ball but didn't try anything fancy.
ANDY TRAUB: This big centre-half was making his first appearance for the Under-19s and I really feared for him after the first 20 minutes. I felt he was rather guilty of ball-watching at the two Kilmarnock goals and for a while he looked a bag of nerves. McStay turned and told the subs to warm up - including U17 stopper Mark Staunton - but, helped by McCafferty's encouragement, big Andy settled and came on to an effective game. His height and power in the air was certainly needed at set pieces against the the handful of Killie giants. Looked a bit stiff on the ball at times but I'm sure he'll have picked up a lot of confidence from playing an important part in a great win.
CHARLIE GRANT: He looks like Neil Lennon, he plays like Neil Lennon, he girns like Neil Lennon and he gets under the opposition's skin like wee Lenny. Wee, stocky central midfielder with ginger hair and a fierce will to win. The captain drove on his team with a string of crunching tackles and crisp passes. Doesn't try anything too fancy but rarely gives the ball away. At 2-2, the six-foot-plenty Killie midfielder attempted to flatten him with a ludicrous challenge. Wee Charlie just picked himself up, brushed himself down, and saw his assailant trudge towards the showers. Moments later, Grant charged down the keeper's attempted clearance to set up the third goal. I hope he keeps working on the fancier parts of the game, so that he can surprise us some week with some dribbling and long-range shots. But he's one guy any team would be happy to have in their line-up. A born winner.
TEDDY BJARNASON: I've said once or twice before that big Teddy sometimes appears too "nice" but I'm happy to take my words back. This Icelandic lad just oozed class here as Grant's partner in central midfield. Reminded me at times of big Morten Wieghorst at his best. Mesmeric footwork when running with the ball and a lovely striker of the ball. Hit a great first-half pass for Marc Miller and thumped home the fifth goal. Yet his most impressive passage of play was when he chased back 30 yards, won the ball with a tackle on the edge of his box, then got straight back to his feet and raced 60 yards up the park with the ball at his feet. Great stamina, great talent, and should be a regular feature in the Reserves before long.
GARY WALSH: Small, powerfully-built Irish lad started on right of midfield. Very pacy, as he showed when he surprised the Killie left back to rob him of the ball and score Celtic's first goal. Linked up well with Paul Caddis. Very comfortable on the ball and showed a great appetite for work as well as a willingness to take on his opponent. A big player for this team and definitely one to watch.
RYAN CONROY: The Scotland Under-19 star had a superb game on the left of midfield. Very talented and confident, he looked a different class from most of his opponents, who at one point looked to have decided simply to try to hurt him. But, like Grant, he just got to his feet and got on with it. I got a good close-up view of him in the second half and was very impressed. Fired in shots and crosses with both feet. Ryan's quite a tall lad compared to many of his teammates, which won't do him any harm at senior level. Like Teddy, he'll be in the Reserves soon. And then... who knows?
MARC MILLER: Has been very impressive since making the big step-up from the Under-17s but this wasn't a brilliant match for him personally. Struggled to get into the game against the big and aggressive Killie defenders but kept plugging away. Has pace, bags of skill and a bit of attitude. On another day he could have had four goals. He'll be at this level for at least another year, which give him plenty of opportunity to time his runs better and link up nore effectively with his teammates. This young lad will be a great goalscorer as long as he keeps working hard on the training ground and in the gym.
PAUL McGOWAN: Everything that went wrong for Miller went right for his forward partner. Paul is another of those wee, stocky, pacy players that Celtic seem to have an abundance of. I was very impressed with the way he held the ball up and brought others into the game, despite being up against much taller defenders. Showed great control and strength and was a real handful for the killie back line. And he got his reward with three fabulous goals. One was down to pace and persistance, the second was great skill and a great shot, while the third was a truly wonderful lob. The confidence simply oozed out of him. If he matches this standard on a weekly basis he could be something special. And the lad has a bit of cheek about him: after putting Celtic 3-2 up at a tousy stage in the game, young Paul let his enthusiasm get the better of him with regards his celebratory gestures and shouts. To his credit, Willie McStay had a wee word with him on the sidelines. Minutes later, Paul chipped the keeper, then turned to the sidelines, put his finger to his mouth and walked silently to the halfway line. That's the spirit, Paul, keep up the good work.
PAUL CAHILLANE: Young Irish lad from the U-17 squad came on for the last five minutes, replacing Charlie Grant and taking up his stance on the left of midfield. Got to the by-line with one of his trademark dips of the shoulder but was then sent flying by a thumping, but fair, tackle from Kilmarnock's Thomas Nolan, who I once coached at St Fillan's Primary School. A nice taste of the big boy's game for Paul, who was superb for the younger team against Rangers last week (see below). Will probably get a few more run-outs at this level as the season goes on.
JOHN McGEOCH: Took Marc Miller's place at centre forward for the last five minutes but didn't see much of the ball. Did fire in one shot which the keeper saved. Looks fast and enthusiastic but impossible to make any clear judgment. Apart from saying that if he's good enough for Celtic, he must be pretty good!

Rangers U-17s 2, Celtic U-17s 2

2005-10-17T03:56:00.000Z

NOW here's an intro that any football journalist would give their eye teeth to write: This was a game of three halves!
Well, three periods of 30 minutes to be exact, which is how the SPL clubs arrange their Under-17 fixtures. And over the course of 90 enthralling minutes at Murray Park on Sunday afternoon I took plenty of heart from the promise shown by Celtic's fledgling professionals.
At times I had to remind myself that these were 15 and 16-year-old schoolboys I was watching, such was their confidence, maturity and level of fitness.
The scoreline, such as it matters, shows that Rangers salvaged a draw from a match in which they were for large spells outplayed. And they deserve credit for not giving up when they were 2-0 down and being outclassed.
However, it's not the score that matters but the development of potential first team players that is all-important. And the Celtic coaches Joe McBride Jnr and Tom Boyd must be very pleased with the crop of youngsters they are bringing through at present.
The whole team looked comfortable on the ball, several showed flashes of rare skill and they looked a yard sharper and faster than their much-larger opponents.
Celtic started with young Irish keeper Paul Skinner in goal, with Jason Marr at right back and Scotland Under-16 cap Carlo Monti on the left. The centre of defence was Brian McEwan, complete with headband to cover a wound caused by a headbutt from a Dundee United youngster last week, and Scotland Under-17 stopper Mark Staunton.
Right of midfield was the predominantly left-footed Irish lad Graham Carey, with his compatriot Paul Cahillane on the left. In the centre was Paul McInnes and Scotland U-16 player Ross Hepburn.
The forward line was the pacy Gary Livingstone and the talented Scotland Under-17 striker Kevin Cawley, who tended to go deeper to look for the ball and held to build attacks.
Throughout the game Celtic looked to play passes on the deck, moving forwards in waves with good trickery on the flanks from Carey and Cahillane and enthusiastic overlapping from Marr and Monti.
Several times in the first 30 minutes the Celtic wide players got in behind the Rangers defence, only to see the final cross elude the strikers. They were unlucky early on when Cawley's thundering free-kick hit the bar.
However, Cawley was instrumental in the opener 10 minutes into the second period. He cut in from the left and beat two men before his left-foot shot spun off a defender and fell kindly for Livingstone to thump home from close range.
Four minutes later Cahillane was tripped in the box and Carey confidently slotted home the penalty. At this point the young Celts looked like delivering a bit of a hiding to the stunned Rangers side.
But they paid dearly for five minutes of slackness which allowed their opponents back into the game. First, a run down the left by John Fleck (nephew of the ex-Ranger Robert) saw the ball fizz across goal. Monti's clearance was uncovincing and the Rangers number 12 hammered the ball past Skinner.
Then Fleck, who had been well marshalled throughout by the Celtic full backs, was given too much time 20 yards out and sent a cute lofted drive into the far corner.
With players on both sides tiring on a surprisingly heavy pitch, there were several chances for both teams in the final period. Carey was desperately unlucky to see his shot hit the post and Cawley was denied by the keeper's legs when straight through.
Michael Tidser played the last 33 minutes in the centre of midfield and Scotland Under-16 striker Michael Graham came on up front for Livingstone at the start of the third period.
I was struck by how uncomfortable the towering Rangers defenders looked when on the ball. Their only prospect from this group appears to be Fleck, who is still just 14 but has a very powerful build and can strike the ball well with both feet. However, he was well marshalled here.
I have to add that the match was played in good spirit, with barely a bad foul despite the obvious total commitment of both squads.
Celtic played with great intelligence and purpose. If certain players learn to release the right ball at the right time, this bunch could really rip teams apart.
As it is, you could make a case for any of the 13 lads who took part going on to enjoy long and successful professional careers.
Such promise at such a young age is certainly reason for optimism for all Celtic fans.

Man-by-man ratings:

Paul Skinner: Not as tall as the Rangers keeper (who was a "flapper" of the first order!). Very efficient in almost all that he did. It said much for Celtic's dominance that this young Irishman barely had a save to make. He looked comfortable with the ball at his feet - a vital skill for modern-day goalkeepers. At set pieces, the giant Rangers defenders caused problems in the Celtic defence and Paul came out a couple of times to punch clear when perhaps I would have preferrred him to hold the ball. Confident lad, but didn't feature enough for me to make a proper judgment on his capabilities.
Jason Marr: Strong-running right back. Always willing to receive the ball, overlapped effectively on occasions and made a few tremendous sliding tackles. Occasionally caught out of position but looks a real team player. Kept the Rangers "wonder kid" Fleck very quiet for most of the game.
Carlo Monti: Stocky, powerful left back. Obviously a very talented lad and looked very comfortable in possession. However, I did get the impression that he's not a natural defender. Made a bad mistake at the first Rangers goal but that should not take away from the promise he showed going forward. Linked well with Paul Cahillane. Would like to see him pushed a bit further forward.
Brian McEwan: Central defender who was a bit leaner and smaller than his Rangers equivalents, but a hell of a lot more skillful. Good pace and very comfortable in possession. Played more of the sweeper role and, to his credit, always made the effort to direct his clearances and headers towards his own team. This lad has a bit of style, although his eventual chances of making a career in central defence may depend on his physical development. A good prospect.
Mark Staunton: Powerful centre-half who won every header, despite being smaller than the Rangers centre forward. Occasionally looked a bit uncultured with blooters up the park, and may perhaps be better advised looking for a teammate with some of his clearances. But one rampaging run in the third period showed that this lad has a lot of talent. He's a real winner and will be praying he ends up 6ft 2 in rather than 5ft 10in.
Ross Hepburn: Put in a power of work in the centre of midfield. Showed good promise going forward although he looked fairly exhausted by the third period. Kept to the obvious team plan of winning the ball and spreading it wide to the two Irish lads. Good team player.
Paul McInnes: With Hepburn, he had a lot of work to do in the centre of midfield and did it very well. Made a couple of powerful runs forward before being substituted near the end of the second period. Slightly taller and better built than Hepburn at present. Kept winning the ball and passing it in the real engine room of the side.
Graham Carey: Ireland Under-17 player who is obviously fancied as a bright prospect. Took a lot of the set pieces and scored the penalty to put Celtic 2-0 up. Predominantly left-footed but played on the right of midfield, he cut in several times to fire in dangerous shots and crosses and was unlucky to hit the post late on. However, I found him a bit greedy and he tended to want too many touches on the ball. Obviously a very confident and skillful lad but will have to learn a bit more awareness about when to release the right pass to teammates. One to watch.
Paul Cahillane: Not quite as powerful as Carey but has a lovely dip of the shoulder to beat players. Consistently got past the Rangers right back but struggled to find Celtic players with his crosses. Once or twice tried to take on an extra man when Cawley was screaming for a pass. Brought down for the penalty. Skillful player who will need to develop physically and also learn some match awareness as regards the right time to pass.
Kevin Cawley: A star in the making. Quite thin and wiry at present but never stops working. With a bit of luck, he could have had a hat-trick. Came deep looking for the ball, showed great pace and skill, strikes the ball well, and is willing to chase back and make full-blooded tackles. Has great awareness of how to find room around the box but numerous times his pleas for a pass went unanswered. A real prospect, although I feel his best position will be as an attacking midfielder, much like Petrov at his best.
Gary Livingstone: With Cawley dropping deep, Gary was often left up on his own to fight for possession against two giant Rangers defenders. Small but powerfully built. Has plenty of pace and willingness to work but got little joy for much of the match until he slotted home the first goal. He had another effort cleared off the line. Perhaps harshly, I felt he could have made better-timed runs to cash in on the number of times the Celtic wide players got to the by-line. He needs a master-class from a good poacher on how to get a yard or two in the box.
Michael Tidser: My apologies to his family if I've got his name wrong! Came on for Paul McInnes in the centre of midfield and did his best to get involved. A bit smaller and less powerful (I'd guess he's a year younger) but, like his teammates, always wanted the ball and showed great composure in possession. The game got pretty stretched in the third period but Michael put in plenty or running and did not look out of place in a very talented side.
Michael Graham: Scotland Under-16 striker came on for Gary Livingstone. Like Tidser, looks a year younger and thus smaller and lighter. But despite coming up against some giants in the Rangers rearguard he kept showing for the ball and showed great awareness for timing his runs into areas which made it easy for his teammates to pass to him. Looks to have tremendous skill and was unlucky on a couple of occasions. I will watch his progress with great interest.

Celtic Reserves 1 Hibernian Reserves 0

2005-09-23T20:01:00.000Z

HE'S played against Ronaldo and his fellow Brazilian superstars in a World Cup match watched by hundreds of millions of viewers; now Du Wei can say he's played against Amadou Konte and a bunch of Hibs kids at a rainswept Shyberry Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie in front of a "crowd" that barely reached 80.
Talk about going from the sublime to the ridiculous! But this SPL Reserve League match was a vital step in the Chinese defender's progress towards a place in the Celtic first team. And he certainly did himself no harm with an assured and near-faultless display, even allowing for the limitations of the opposition.
Celtic won 1-0 thanks to a crisp finish by Michael Gardyne in the 25th minute after a run and cross from the recuperating Didier Agathe. Little "Midge" had several chances to add to his tally in the first half, but his finishing was wayward.
After the break, Celtic sqaudered a hatful of chances. Du Wei headed well wide when a Ross Wallace corner found him all on his own eight yards out; what's Chinese for "heid like a thruppeny bit"?
Aiden McGeady rounded the keeper before slicing his shot into the side netting. Then young sub Michael McGlinchey missed an easy header before having a shot cleared off the line in incredible fashion by Hibs centre half Darren McCormack.
Hibs had a couple of chances late on but were foiled by a fine save by David Marshall and a great tackle by Rocco Quinn.
Celtic thoroughly deserved their win but I'm sure fans are more interested in the quality of the players' performances.
Here are my views:

DAVID MARSHALL: Very little to do. Hacked clear after a bad pass-back by Wallace in the first half, then spread himself well late on to block a Konte effort. Totally in command but could perhaps be more vocal in encouraging and ordering about his defenders.

SCOTT CUTHBERT: Last season's centre-half and captain for the Under-19s performed adequately at right back. Flawless defensively but chastised on one occasion by coach Kenny McDowall for his positioning in support of the forwards. Possibly a future first team captain - but in central defence, not full back. Should see him in the first team squad later this season.

ROSS WALLACE: Obviously being groomed as a stand-in for Mo Camara. Nominally the left back but bombed forward at every opportunity. Kept possession well and threw in some magnificent crosses. Unable to judge his defensive capabilities due to Hibs' inability to get forward for much of the game.

ADAM VIRGO: A big, big lad. Doesn't look overweight to me and kept going till the end. Rarely troubled defensively. His running style reminds me of Alan Stubbs but he certainly doesn't have the big man's passing ability. Far too fond of the "blooter" - which may have been appreciated by Brighton fans in the midst of an English relegation battle but is likely to be sniffed at by Celtic fans dreaming of a Champions League campaign next season. Needs to work on his composure and pace.

DU WEI: Seemed bemused by the complete lack of technical ability displayed by his towering opponent Konte. The Chinese defender won most of his headers cleanly and showed good anticipation. Excellent in possession and could add a touch of composure to the first team's defence. But will obviously have to work on his command of English to improve his communication with his teammates. And could perhaps do with being a bit "nastier". Football may be a non-contact sport in China but it most assuredly is not that in Scotland. Hope to see him on the bench soon.

PAUL LAWSON: As ever, impeccable in possession. Always available for a pass and kept things simple most of the time. But sent McGeady clear with a marvellous long ball and was unlucky when a fizzing shot from long range went straight at the keeper. Has obviously learned from Neil Lennon how to keep the game simple. Could now learn a bit from Stilian Petrov about being a goal threat. First-rate squad player who is still improving.

ROCCO QUINN: Tall, powerful youngster who partnered Lawson in the centre of midfield. Good all-rounder who saved an almost certain goal with a fine tackle at one end then almost scored with a shot from the edge of the box near the end. Was being urged by McDowall to get himself forward more. Good engine, and showed good footwork at times. Petrov-esque. Could be seeing him on the bench later in the season.

DIDIER AGATHE: Started at right of midfield an ended up at centre forward. Some nice touches and set up the goal but clearly a bit short of optimum fitness. Looks as if he needs some serious training - and no doubt he'll get it. Perhaps needs another two or three weeks to get back into the first team.

AIDEN McGEADY: Frustrating at times and ended up looking pretty frustrated. Should have scored after rounding the keeper and also had a good shot saved. But still tends to run with the ball too much and is over-elaborate at times. I reckon he needs another yard of pace to take him away from top class players. He didn't hide, though, and could still be a key player for Celtic this season, especially when Shunsuke Nakamura is unavailable. Needs to protect the ball better and play more simple, percentage passes until the right option presents itself.

MICHAEL GARDYNE: Wee Midge did well early on, linking up to good effect with McGeady, Lawson and Quinn. Great close control and can shoot with either foot. But needs to continue to work hard in the gym and at sprint training to compensate for his lack of height. Don't reckon a loan spell at another club would do him much harm (I noted that Morton boss Jim McInally was at the game).

DIARMUID O'CARROLL: Big, strong, bustling Irish striker. He had a hard time against an uncompromising Hibs central defence. Showed great pace to chase long balls into the corners and won his fair share of headers. Not a vintage performance, though. Perhaps another who would benefit from some first team action at a slightly lower grade.

MICHAEL McGLINCHEY: Replaced O'Carroll after 61 minutes and made an immediate impact. Should have scored with a header from a Wallace cross but sent his effort wide. Then very unlucky to see a classy effort kicked off the line. Was used more as an attacking midfielder for the Under-19s last season and that is where his best position undoubtedly lies. Still too slim for first team duty but a tremendously skillful lad who could be a contender next term if he fills out a bit.
TEDDY BJARNASON: Tall Icelandic midfielder who came on for Gardyne with 10 minutes to go and played on the left. Elegant player who shows great composure on the ball. Languid running style reminiscent of Billy Stark. Another who may benefit from a January loan move to toughen him up and add a bit more urgency and confidence to his game.

Points mean prizes: Hibernian 0 Celtic 1

2005-09-20T06:34:00.000Z

AT full-time in this match, Celtic captain Neil Lennon strode up to keeper Artur Boruc and planted a big, sloppy kiss on his forehead. For seconds earlier, the big Pole-in-the-goal had secured a vital victory for the Bhoys with a crucial block to deny Hibs sub Steven Fletcher a last-gasp equaliser. Yet for the first half-hour of this SPL encounter it had seemed inconceivable that Gordon Strachan's side could end up being so close to dropping two points.
The Celts, clad in their new all-black strip, had completely dominated the opening half hour, playing their best football of the season and carving open the home defence at will. It took them just six minutes to take the lead. A cute John Hartson lay-off gave Shunsuke Nakamura the chance to run at a spread-eagled Hibs defence. Such was their disorganisation that no one was within 10 yards of Stilian Petrov as he latched on the the Japanese midfielder's pass, then strode into the box before rifling a low shot through the legs of home keeper Zibi Malkowski.
For a long spell thereafter it seemed only a matter of time before Celtic added to their tally. Mo Camara, rampaging up the left wing as usual, set up Hartson for a shot but the Welshman dallied and the chance was lost. Then an Alan Thompson pass was misjudged by Hibs left back David Murphy and Nakamura raced into the box, only to fire a tame shot at Malkowski.
Maciej Zurawski then had an effort charged down, before Hartson again produced a tame effort from close in.
Hibs' only chance of the first half came from a Steven Whittaker shot which took a deflection. But Boruc spread himself well to parry the ball. Ivan Sproule also appealed for a penalty when blocked in the box by Bobo Balde but referee Craig Thomson rejected his half-hearted claims.
As the second half started, it was clear the Hibs team had been injected with new life by a fiery team talk from manager Tony Mowbray. All of a sudden the tackles were flying in, Celtic's midfielders were been closed down quickly and possession was being lost all too easily.
An injury to Thompson saw Stephen Pearson come on to take his position on the left of midfield after 49 minutes but the switch appeared to unbalance the Celts. The midfielders and defenders were not helped by the difficulty they were having trying to get the ball to the static Hartson and strangely-subdued Zurawski.
Nakamura also faded from the picture, although he almost produced a wonderful second goal when his 25-yard free-kick hit the post with Malkowski beaten.
Hibs came close again through Whittaker, who ran across the pitch before firing in a fierce left-foot shot with Boruc got a fingertip to - although the referee gave a goal kick. The official was no more impressive in the game's nastiest incident when Sproule squared up to Paul Telfer. The pair locked heads before the Hibs youngster appeared to swing with both hands at the Celtic right back. Incredibly, Mr Thomson merely booked Sproule while also showing yellow cards to Telfer and Balde.
Strachan attempted to inject more energy into the Celtic side by sending Craig Beattie on for Hartson. The move almost paid instant dividends when Beattie advanced into the Hibs box before firing in a shot that rebounded off Malkowski's legs for a corner. From the set-piece, Nakamura played the ball to the edge of the box to Lennon, who crashed in a screaming shot that was just inches over.
How the Celtic fans would have loved their skipper to find the net in his last game before facing an SFA panel for his conduct in the recent Old Firm game.
Nakamura was then withdrawn and Shaun Maloney came on, once more showing good pace and appetite for the game. Hibs were continually finding the central defensive pairing of Balde and the ever-improving Stephen McManus to be insurmountable barriers.
But with the game deep into injury time a pass from Kevin Thomson split Telfer and Balde to leave Fletcher with the chance from eight yards. But in his path he found the hulking figure of Boruc, who guaranteed Celtic's third successive shut-out and SPL win.
Indeed, in their last seven games Gordon Strachan's men have won six, scoring 17 and conceding four - the only blip being that controversial encounter at Ibrox.
Sunday's alarming second-half slump will have convinced the manager, players and fans that much more hard work needs to be done to sustain the momentum towards securing the SPL title and other domestic honours.
But many more teams will struggle this season against Hibernian's talented youngsters. And very few of those teams will be good - or lucky - enough to leave Easter Road with all three points.
And what do points make...?

Hope for the future: Celtic U-19s 4, Aberdeen 1

2005-09-04T01:16:00.000Z

THIS was an Under-19s fixture but to an outsider it would have seemed at first sight to be a "catchweight" contest between two differently-aged sides. Aberdeen were big, strong, powerful and well organised, while only four players in the Celtic team looked to be any bigger than 5ft 8in. This came as no surprise to the dads beside me, who were able to identify a good number of the players as members of last year's Under-17 squad, while, indeed, a handful are actually still eligible for that team.
With players such as Scott Cuthbert, Craig Reid, Jim O'Brien, Teddy Bjarnason, Diarmuid O'Carroll and Michael McGlinchey having been promoted to the Reserve squad, Willie McStay is fully aware that his new team will struggle at times this season due to the sheer height and strength of the older players they will face.
And struggle they did early on in this match at a sunny Barrowfield, as they were pinned back by the young Dons and gave up an early goal, although it would be churlish to deny the quality of the volley from the edge of the box after a half-cleared corner.
That strike benefited from a stiff breeze which favoured the visitors for the first 45 minutes, but the Celts battled back into the game and from about the 20th minute on they dominated possession, stroking the ball about with confidence and only being let down by some bad luck and poor finishing in front of goal.
This was remedied in a dazzling spell at the start of the second half when two goals from Paul McGowan plus strikes from Mark Millar and Gary Walsh secured a well-merited victory.
The midfield duo of Charlie Grant and Simon Ferry took control of the match, while goalkeeper Scott Fox deserves heaps of praise for two incredible saves in the first half.
A blow-by-blow account will be posted later on the official Celtic website, but these are my impressions of the young Bhoys' performances:

SCOTT FOX: Spiky-haired keeper, not the biggest, but a great shot-stopper. I saw him make save after save against Rangers last season, and here he made two wonderful stops with the score at 1-0 to the young Dons. For the first, Ryan Bagshaw burst through one-on-one after mistakes by both centre-halfs. The Aberdeen striker drilled a low shot towards the corner but Fox got down quickly to stop the ball with his left hand. Then just before the break a cross to the back post was met by the Dons left winger, who nodded a downward header which seemed a certain goal. Somehow, Fox got across to scramble the ball round the post for a corner. A save reminiscent of Gordon Banks against Pele in 1970 - I kid you not. Fox is a fabulous shot-stopper but could do with commanding his box a bit more. Booked for shouting at the ref after the Dons goal. Plenty of talent for goalkeeping coach Jim Blyth to work on.
PAUL CADDIS: Skinny right back with tons of composure and determination. A fearless tackler as well. Rarely wasted a ball. One to watch, but will certainly need a couple of years to develop physically. Steak, eggs and one pint of Guinness every two days for you, m'lad. Just the one, mind!
DEAN RICHARDSON: Blond-haired left back looked comfortable on the ball but didn't really impose himself on the match. He wasn't helped by the lethargy of Lensky in front of him.
PAUL HUTCHISON: Tall, powerful centre-half who won just about everything in the air. Didn't try anything fancy with the ball. One bad mistake which gave Bagshaw a chance but shows promise.
RYAN McCANN: Central defender who is similar to Hutchison but wasn't as commanding in the air. Also made a boo-boo in the build-up to the Bagshaw chance. Just a lad, though, and certainly has the build to make an impact at a higher level.
GARY WALSH: Chunky wee right midfielder who showed good pace and notched a goal. Fired in some lovely crosses in the first half, too. One to watch.
CHARLIE GRANT: Small, ginger-haired midfielder who loves to tackle and keeps possession well. Remind you of anyone? This Lenny look-alike dominated midfield alongside Ferry but perhaps needs to show a bit more menace and invention near the opposition penalty box.
SIMON FERRY: Sheer class. Stocky midfield dynamo who does the lot - tackles, tracks back, keeps possession, dribbles, shoots with left and right foot and isn't scared to get into the box. Missed a sitter in the first half, mind you. But if anyone in this team is going to make the grade, it's this Dundonian lad. And no, I'm not related. Pure quality, by the way.
JACOB LENSKY: Tall, elegant Canadian played on the left side of midfield. Showed good technical ability and has a powerful shot with both feet. But... despite Fargo (or was it Kelso?) singing his praises, I thought this lad showed a lack of pace and, indeed, enthusiasm. Willie McStay was screaming at him to get in at the back post for some of the crosses which Walsh and Caddis threw in. Has to show a lot more determination, drive and "heart" if he's to make it. Sorry if that sounds harsh - after all, he is just a lad. But anyone who hopes to have a chance of making the first team should be shining at this level. So come on, Jacob, prove me wrong.
PAUL McGOWAN: Wee, chunky (again!) striker who struggled at first against the towering Aberdeen defenders but hit a fine double after the break. Will have to learn to hold the ball up better but, given his youth, a fine performance.
MARK MILLER: Scotland Under-17 striker is blessed with bags of pace and a great deal of confidence. A bit on the skinny side at present, so will need to fill out a bit. Just ask Paul Caddis for that diet sheet! Mark scored a good goal but deserves the Play of the Match title for chasing back in the first half and sliding into a tackle which knocked over the Aberdeen water bottles - and coach Sandy Clark! Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood, respendent in a crisp white shirt which struggled to hold in his gargantuan gut - almost wet himself laughing as the former Rangers striker was knocked on to his behookie. Nice one, Mark. And you've a real chance, son, if you learn a few tricks of the trade from Hartson and Zurawski.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable and encouraging performance. Given the comparative youth and lack of height and strength in this squad, they may struggle at times this season. But the sole aim at this level is not trophies and medals (nice though they are) but developing players for the first team. To that end, Willie McStay's already on to a winner with Simon Ferry.
I'll keep an eye on the other lads as the season progresses to see if any more develop into contenders.

Due Wei: How will he fare?

2005-09-03T12:41:00.000Z

The transfer window has slammed shut, leaving Celtic just one extra player to add to its squad: Du Wei, the 6ft 4 in revered captain of China.
For sure, the signing will open up more commercial possibilities in the Far East but what can we expect on the field of play?
I'm sure China have played against a wide range of opposition in recent years and my informants tell me our big centre half is certainly technically gifted.
However, he will maybe take some time to truly adjust to the pace and aggressiveness of SPL combat.
As such, the fact that big Bobo is still among us will act as a valuable buffer.
Our Guinean defender can be trusted to look after the more aggressive of the SPL forwards. Du Wei will be granted time to acquaint himself with the cultural differences while at the same time exhibiting his own composure in possession and passing ability.
My hope is that we've signed a lanky Alan Hansen. He will certainly be given every support to establish himself in our first team.
As Celtic sail into these uncharted waters, let me assure you that I will be at the Under-19 game against Aberdeen on Saturday. A full report will be posted here on Saturday evening.

Magic moments: Dunfermline 0, Celtic 4

2005-08-29T08:44:00.000Z

WHAT a difference a week makes. From the depths of despair, mixed in with a fair sprinkling of anger, following last Saturday's Old Firm game, Celtic fans now have the luxury of a fortnight-long gloat about advancing up to second place in the league while our biggest rivals tumble down to fifth. All thanks to an incredible weekend in which Rangers lost 3-0 at home to Hibs and Gordon Strachan's Bhoys beat Dunfermline 4-0 at East End Park.
Two results which any fan of the Hoops could barely have dreamed about beforehand. And the best thing about it all is that, while Celtic achieved their result without playing particularly well, two of their summer signings will have gained considerable boosts to their confidence by getting on the scoresheet for the first time.
Shunsuke Nakamura's second-half strike was certainly welcome for a player who was a peripheral figure for much of this match. His goal was almost a carbon copy of an effort he had in the first half, which was also set up by Maciej Zurawski.
Aahhh.. Magic. The misfiring Pole whose teething troubles in adjusting to the Scottish game had caused so much angst to so many Celtic fans and evoked so much mirthful scorn from gloating media observers who should have known better.
Perhaps the former Wisla Krakow striker reads this blog, for had I not said in my own match preview:
Zurawski - who is, believe me, a class player - will start up front with Hartson. My own hope is that Magic Maciej is much less selfless this weekend and instead turns poacher, sniffing about the porous Pars back line for his first Celtic goals.
Those words certainly came true. And just as well, for this was an at times alarmingly poor performance from a Celtic side which clearly missed the influence of the suspended Neil Lennon and Alan Thompson.
Given those absences, Strachan opted to stick with the same defence which has played the last few games - Artur Boruc in goal, Paul Telfer and Mo Camara at full back, Bobo Balde and Stephen McManus in the centre.
Midfield was always going to be a problem. And the manager was hit by a late blow when Shaun Maloney was ruled unfit due to a back injury.
He opted for Adam Virgo in a holding role beside new captain Stilian Petrov, with Nakamura starting on the left and Craig Beattie on the right.
Zurawski again partnered John Hartson up front, but this time the Pole showed he would not be content to play second fiddle.
Celtic actually started the match poorly, being pinned back by an eager Dunfermline side who threw a couple of inviting crosses into the penalty box for their giant Polish striker Bartosz Tarachulski to attack.
Yet it was his compatriot Zurawski who opened the scoring at the other end after just five minutes. Collecting a Camara pass on the left side of the Pars penalty box, he cut back past two tackles before rifling in a fizzing low shot which beat keeper Bryn Halliwell at his near post.
If that was sublime, Celtic's second was ridiculous. After 10 minutes, a miskicked clearance by a Dunfermline defender saw the ball ricochet back to Halliwell, who sclaffed his kick along the ground. It then rebounded off Scott Wilson's ankle straight to Hartson at the edge of the box, who simply steered it into the empty goal before wheeling away to celebrate with a big, daft smile on his face.
At 2-0 up so early in the game, I would have expected Celtic to take command. Instead, they slipped into possibly their worst passage of play since that disastrous Artmedia match in Slovakia. Possession was surrendered with alarming frequency and the home team sensed they were still in with a chance.
The problem was all in midfield, where Nakamura was failing to pick up the runs of Pars right back Greg Ross and Virgo was struggling to get anywhere near the ball as the impressive Lee Makel dominated possession.
After a series of scares, Dunfermline looked to have been given a lifeline when, in the 29th minute, ex-Celt Mark Burchill chested the ball down in the box and was bundled over clumsily by the hapless Virgo. It was a clear penalty, which Burchill himself took, sending his kick low to Boruc's left-hand side. But the big Pole reacted well, and parried the shot for a corner. It was the wake-up call Celtic needed.
Strachan switched Beattie to the left of midfield to match the runs of Ross and Celtic began to make chances again. A fabulous run by Zurawski ended with him pulling the ball back for Nakamura, whose shot from the edge of the box was straight at Halliwell.
Then a surging Camara run saw the ever-eager left back square the ball for Beattie in the box. But the big man's first touch was poor and, from an acute angle, he slashed his shot into the side-netting.
Celtic were in many ways fortunate to go in at half-time two goals ahead. And the start of the second half showed only minor signs of improvement. A slack piece of play by Balde on the edge of his own box saw him dispossessed but the danger was cleared. Then Boruc did well to hold on to a skidding shot by Darren Young.
But it then became clear that Celtic's pace on the break would be too much for a ponderous Pars defence. Beattie surged clear of Tod to set up Hartson for an effort which Halliwell saved at the second attempt.
Then, on 58 minutes, the magical Zurawski showed almost balletic balance and control to skip past two challenges out on the left wing and advance into the area before sliding a pass across the six-yard line for Nakamura to net with ease.
Another debutant off the mark. And three points in the bag.
Seconds later, Strachan made a long-overdue switch, taking off the toiling Virgo and replacing him with young Paul Lawson.
Zurawski was cruelly denied his second goal when his fine header from a Camara cross was wrongly ruled offside. Then the game's other two Poles got involved in the action. And it was Boruc who again came out on top, spreading himself bravely to block an effort by Tarachulski.
And poor defending in the box saw Darren Young get in a free header that went wide.
Zurawski got a deserved second goal on 74 minutes when he cashed in on more poor defending. Hartson's flick-on of a long ball forward should have been cleared by Scott Thomson, but he let the Pole muscle his way on to the ball before hammering his shot past Halliwell.
There was still time for a Noel Hunt header to be cleared off the line by Telfer. And for Aiden McGeady to replace Zurawski in the last minute - a gesture by Strachan which afforded the Man of the Match the confidence boost of a standing ovation from the delighted Celtic support.
It had been far from a vintage team performance, but Celtic were guided to victory by the efforts of the aforementioned Magic man, Boruc, Petrov and - a couple of lapses apart - some stout defending by Balde.
The rest of the back four battled away well. Beattie showed great diligence and his pace will be a real threat. Nakamura was anonymous for most of the first half but came more into the game after the break. Hartson got his goal and set up one but was fairly average. Virgo was simply out of position and fared poorly. Lawson brought a degree of composure to Celtic's passing in the last half hour.
A satisfying result, though, especially as Lennon, Thompson, Pearson, Maloney and Agathe will be available for the next match, and possibly even Sutton, too.
But will there be any new faces - or departures - in the last couple of days of the transfer window?
Watch this space!

Dunfermline v Celtic preview

2005-08-27T08:52:00.000Z

Well, what a week that was. The emotional fall-out of that Ibrox defeat (which I still believe the referee Dougal bears main responsibility for). Then the pain of watching the draws for the Champions League and even UEFA Cups taking place without our name being even mentioned ... except amid our eternal protagonists' guffaws when they drew Artmedia.
I am sure they will find they are no pub team but, as we latterly discovered, they have severe limitations.
The ramifications of that debacle in Slovakia still cast a pall over the entire club. The financial cost was immediately evident. The personnel cost became clear with Aliadiere's huffy defection to West Ham and the obvious reluctance of the continent's more prominent free agents to cast their lot in our direction.
Yet amid the wreckage I glimpse glints of hope and inspiration. And one of my greatest wishes is that we follow the example of a club which was one of the first victims of Martin O'Neill's re-born Celtic.
How could we forget that heady night five years ago when we mugged Ajax 3-1 in their own magnificent Amsterdam ArenA? Sure, they had talent. But we were street-wise.
Only thing was, in the return leg they played us off the park and we ended up praying for the whistle to secure a 1-0 defeat. Imagine cheering a home defeat!
But we did, because it secured our passage into the Champions League.
So what did Ajax do? They learned their lessons, got themselves tougher, and won the Dutch league that season by a country mile. They also showed up well in the next season's Champions league with a team built almost entirely from players they had reared through their own youth academy.
The lesson for Celtic is clear. We cannot expect to attract top-level foreign signings now that we have failed to reach the ECL promised land. Now the priorities must be:
1. Win the league.
2. Do it with as many of our own home-reared players as possible.
To that end we are extremely fortunate that we have as manager Gordon Strachan. Now, I know that sounds almost as treasonous to those who have already decided the wee man is a disaster. But let's examine the evidence of what he has achieved so far in his short reign.
At the end of last season Celtic fans demanded:
1. Get rid of the deadwood.
Result: YES. A ruthless forced exodus.
2. Get the team playing more attractive football.
Result: YES. The team now attacks with verve and invention.
3. Sign a playmaker.
Result: YES. I think we're all agreed Nakamura fits the bills, even if his lack of defensive diligence has forced a re-shaping of midfield responsibilities.
4. Give the young players a chance.
Result: YES. Maloney and Beattie have become valued members of the first team. Darren O'Dea has been brought into the squad. Aiden McGeady says it makes a tremendous difference to the youngsters to know the manager is on the training ground and appreciating what they do.
5. Use substitutions to better effect.
Result: YES. Strachan's switches (especially when he brings Maloney on) have added fresh impetus to Celtic.
6. Work hard on tactics on the training ground.
Result: YES. The uninitiated may find it hard to believe that for the last five seasons the first any Celtic player knew for certain about his task for a game was one hour before kick-off when Martin O'Neill read out the team. Players had been told general facts about the opposition but no-one knew for sure where they would be playing. Strachan is more in the Mourinho mode with his attention to detail. If Thompson had stayed on the park a bit longer last weekend, we might have had a chance to find out how succesfully Strachan had sussed out Rangers.

Yes, you've guessed it: I like Gordon Strachan. I like the progress he has made so far. My only complaint is that he didn't grasp the nettle quickly enough, but let the O'Neill old guard confuse his focus in the first few weeks.
With Lennon and Thompson out and Balde set to leave, all we need is a Hartson injury to leave our new manager having to find a completely new team. Yet some people will still call for his head after inevitable preliminary stumbles.
However, I do not believe one of those stumbles will occur this weekend.
Dunfermline are a poor team led by a tactically-inept manager. Unless they replace Leishman, they will tumble towards relegation.
It's hard to pick a starting line-up, given that Agathe and Pearson are apparently now close to fitness again.
My own hunch is that Strachan will start with Boruc in goal; Virgo at right back, Camara on the left and Balde and McManus in the middle.
I think the manager will eschew the midfield diamond for a more straightforward four-man midfield with Telfer and Petrov in the holding roles and Maloney and Nakamura in the wide positions, taking turns to switch flanks.
Zurawski - who is, believe me, a class player - will start up front with Hartson. My own hope is that Magic Maciej is much less selfless this weekend and instead turns poacher, sniffing about the porous Pars back line for his first Celtic goals.
My belief is that we will play with a pace and control that Dunfermline will simply be unable to match.
Should we get a goal within the first half-hour, the scoreline could become impressive.
The Pars forward line should not trouble our defence. Famous last words? I certainly hope not.
A sizeable win would buy Strachan the time he needs to complete his August purchases (and sales!) and truly impose his far-sighted will on our team.
I wish him every success.

The Art of War: Ibrox preview

2005-08-18T08:25:00.000Z

THE big build-up is on as players, coaching staffs and fans on both sides prepare for the crucial, possibly season-defining, clash of the Old Firm at Ibrox on Saturday lunchtime.
Every coaching manual under the sun will be being thumbed at this moment but I base my own predictions on the oldest coaching manual of them all: The Art of War, written by Sun Tzu around 2,500 years ago.
The adviser to a Chinese warlord, he laid out the basic tenets of strategy that have to be adhered to if you wish to guarantee victory over an adversary.
So, as the Battle of Ibrox approaches, let's just have a wee gander at what he reckoned needs to be done:

SUN TZU SAYS: Without constant practice, the officers will be nervous and undecided when mustering for battle; without constant practice, the general will be wavering and irresolute when the crisis is at hand.
The one major plus for Celtic since Gordon Strachan arrived is that he is a training ground coach. He has drilled the players to full fitness. Week by week they have shown signs of understanding better his tactics. Meanwhile, there have been signs of a culture of slack at Ibrox. They were extremely lucky to beat Inverness. Their victory over Anorthosis owed much to the energy of Ricksen, who is unavailable. And their loss at Aberdeen showed that their whole defence is unsettled. In fact, the whole team doesn't look fully fit.

SUN TZU SAYS: All warfare is based on deception.
Gordon Strachan has dropped big hints about changes to personnel this week. The wee man has shown himself to be imaginative (sometimes TOO imaginative, as with Ross Wallace against Artmedia). Will he spring another tactical surprise this weekend?

SUN TZU SAYS: When able to attack, we must seem unable. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
Rangers will be roared on by their fans to pour forward into attack against us, reckoning (perhaps justifiably) that our back four is our weakest link. But one goal lost in the last three games suggests rapid progress is being made by Celtic's defensive unit. More to the point, any reckless attacking by Rangers may well give us the opportunity to make use of our potent counter-attacking ability, with our pacy players (Maloney, Petrov, Zurawski, Beattie, Aliadiere?) liable to split their porous defence wide open.

SUN TZU SAYS: If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him.
With Ricksen already out, Celtic's forwards should be aiming to rile the Rangers new boys Rodriguez and Fanfan into rash tackles, especially around the box (with Nakamura-San about!). And we should be right in the face of Ferguson, Lovenkrands and Novo from the start, as they may be unable to resist the urge to earn themselves a red card.

SUN TZU SAYS: If he is taking his ease, give him no rest.
Strachan has stated frequently that he wants the Celtic team to be able to play a high-speed pressing game for 90 minutes. This prevents the opposition from picking their passes to their forwards. It also gives Celtic more chance of winning possession in areas where swift counter-attacks can reap valuable rewards.

SUN TZU SAYS: If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
We must be utterly prepared for the Rangers tactics of a quick ball over the top for Novo and Lovenkrands to get goalside of our full-backs and behind our central defenders. Telfer and Camara must stay deeper to close gaps between themselves, Balde and McManus. In midfield, Lennon, Petrov and Thompson must win their individual battles with Rae, Ferguson and Murray. Up front, Hartson, Nakamura and A.N. Other (I'd play Beattie) must be prepared for the physical assaults and intimidation they will face. There must be no fear. We must be sure of ourselves and utterly confident of victory.

SUN TZU SAYS: Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
If we keep a clean sheet, there is no chance that we won't get at least one goal against their disjointed and one-paced defence. Their hesitancy at set pieces is already apparent.

SUN TZU SAYS: Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.
Let's not make their central defenders look good by just clattering long balls towards John Hartson; get Nakamura on the ball and get him to thread balls inside their full-backs for the runs of Petrov and Zurawski/Beattie/Maloney/Aliadiere.

Hey, you don't get previews like that from the likes of Traynor and Leckie, do you?
For what it's worth, Mr Sun Tzu reckons we'll win 2-0!

Making sense of Murray's convoluted empire

2005-08-15T09:35:00.000Z

THREE times in the past fortnight David Murray has deemed it necessary to deliver a message via his poodles in the Scottish press. First, he expressed his contempt for Graham "YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE" Spiers by all-but ordering Rangers fans to stop reading The Herald because its chief sports writer did not afford him the continual unquestioning reverance that the likes of the Daily Record's James Traynor so regularly does.
Then Murray reacted quickly to a suggestion that Rangers FC plc would have to pay some of their Champions League earnings to former shareholders ENIC. Club executive Martin Bain pointed out that the payments were the liability of Murray Holdings Limited - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Murray International Holdings Limited, who are, by virtue of common control, a related party to Murray Sports Limited, who own Rangers Football Club plc. Confused? Heck, I've hardly started.
Finally, Murray put out the message over the weekend that even though Rangers looked to be in line for a 10million pound Champions League cash boost - and also that their finances were looking good and everything in the garden was rosy - there wouldn't be as much as a single Turkish lira for Alex McLeish to spend unless he got rid of the likes of Lovenkrands, Ball, Mladenovic or even, perish the thought, Stefan Klos.
This information was a bit of a shock to the typical Rangers fan with his supremacist theories and total faith in the fiscal magnificence of his club's supremo. Yet outsiders may have detected a certain nervousness about the conflicting and increasingly frenzied messages emerging from Ibrox.
So, purely as an academic measure, I decided to take a look at the last published accounts of the overall holding company of the Murray empire, on which every major financial decision taken at Rangers Football Club is dependant.
At first glance, it all appears fairly mundane. Murray International Holdings is ostensibly involved in the metals, property, mining and private equity businesses. In the year to January 31, 2004, it made an annual profit of 18million pounds on a turnover of 248million.
Which was an improvement on the 6.6 million loss it made the previous year on a turnover of 266million.
But then you start to notice the incredible influence which a subsidiary company has on the overall accounts. And you start to wonder about how many people' jobs are being put at risk to placate one man's ego trip.
Straight away in their accounts you notice the 7.6m write-down of a loan note in 2003. This refers to a loan given to Murray Sports Ltd (ie, Rangers). The accounts also note the write down in the same year of a 4.27million investment in the share capital of Murray Sports.
Sums due to Creditors in 2004 are up from 254million to 310million but this is balanced slightly by having Debtors of 129 million.
Except that the amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings are 10m; amounts owed by joint venure undertakings are 4m; amounts owed by related parties are 9.6m.
And then there's the 53m loan note to Murray Sports, "due for payment in the event of a sale of all or substantially all of the shares, assets or businesses of RFC Investment Holdings Ltd and/or subsidiaries."
It adds that "interest is payable at commercial rates only in the event that Murray Sports has sufficient accumulated distributable profits". Try getting a deal like that for YOUR business!
By whatever method it was reached, Murray International Holdings Ltd announced it had net borrowings of 230m. Oh, but it has also guaranteed bank borrowings of subsidiary and associated undertakings of 140m. Hmmm, perhaps RFC plc make up a bob or two of that amount.
The accounts noted that MIH had sales of 4.5m to Murray Sports but purchases of 296,000. Wonder who is footing the bill for those Lear jet flights!
Murray International Holdings' accounts were boosted by several significant disposals throughout the year, including the sales of PPG (Lothian) Ltd, VIDA Sports, Short Sided Soccer and the event catering division of Le Bistro Catering Ltd.
The listed companies under the MIH banner include (all 100 per cent holdings unless stated otherwise):
Murray Group Management, Murray International Metals (90 per cent), Austin Trumann Steel, Premier Alloys (90), Northern Steel Stocks, Forth Steel (93), Multi Metals, Premier Property Group, PPG Metro (52), PPG Land (95), GM MIning (60), Eden Waste Recycling (57), Charklotte Ventures, Response Handling (95), Azure Support Services (70), Le Bistro Catering (70), Carnegie Information Systems (95), November Liesure.
David Murray owns more than 90 per cent of the shares of MIG while his son DD Murray owns almost all the rest. But a Bank of Scotland subsidiary, Ubercor Investments, own 11.5 per cent of the issued share capital, while Noble Grossart Investments own 5.5 per cent.
Murray's good friend Sir Angus Grossart is, of course, on the MIH board. He is also chairman of the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
To me, it is all so far a tawdry tale of how an otherwise-admirable Scottish business has been hijacked to provide a financial safety net for an otherwise bankrupt football club whose owner has had ambitions beyond his club's capabilities.
But then you realise that the accounts were issued BEFORE the company bought ENIC's 20.2 per cent stake in Rangers in August 2004 and BEFORE the company underwrote Rangers' share issue for almost 50 million and, in effect, took EVEN MORE DEBT into the company.
Murray International have recently been making big noises about it being an exceptional year in the metals business. They certainly need it. The company also bought over the Alexander Dennis bus group.
If I worked for that firm, I might feel slightly nervous that my owners were diverting so much of the conglomerate's liquidity towards a failing football club.
But then again, maybe I'm just biased. I'll certainly be an interested spectator when their accounts to January 31, 2005, are released at the end of next month.
So let me ask an expert: Weeron, what do you make of this?

Thomson beats the boos: Celtic 3 Falkirk 1

2005-08-15T07:58:00.000Z

INSPIRED by two fantastic strikes by Alan Thompson, Celtic stormed back to grab three points from a surprisingly determined Falkirk side. Yet the victory was noted more for the impatience with which the home support greeted their team's struggle against the First Division champions.
Given Celtic's 8-1 victory against the same club in last season's CIS Cup - and that with a weakened side which even included the almost-exiled Juninho - many fans may have perhaps expected a canter against the Bairns in their first SPL match at Parkhead for many seasons.
But their manager, former Celtic centre-half John "Yogi" Hughes, has made a number of shrewd signings and still has the benefit of two silky midfield performers in John O'Neil and Russell Latapy. And it was the ease with which this pair kept possession for long periods that did much to raise the ire within Celtic Park for long periods.
What true Celtic supporters must remember, though, is that we are witnessing a team in transition. Several of the players have changed. The tactics have certainly changed. And Gordon Strachan will need some time to get the team playing as he wishes. He will also need some time to get the players he needs.
Despite all that, Celtic started well. Hartson chested down a long Thompson pass and Zurawski thundered in a bouncing shot from outside the box that Matt Glennon in the Falkirk goal did well to divert for a corner.
Then right back Paul Telfer gathered a clearance, flicked it up and sent a magnificent looping shot towards the top corner, only for Glennon to somehow get a hand to it and divert it for another corner.
From there on frustration set in as Falkirk's mass defence denied the likes of Zurawski and Nakamura any room to fashion openings.
But before the break that frustration turned to horror. Neil Lennon challenged for a ball on the halfway line and appeared to be fouled. But the referee waved play on, the ball was chipped over Stephen McManus and Falkirk striker Darryl Duffy hared in on goal. Mo Camara came over from the left flank to provide cover as Celtic keeper Artur Boruc spread himself to save the expected shot. But the referee ruled, probably correctly, that Camara had played the man before the ball and awarded a penalty.
Duffy took the spot kick himself and wrong-footed Boruc to put Falkirk ahead 1-0 at the break, a scoreline that was greeted with a smattering of boos and a plethora of apprehension.
Normal service seemed to have been resumed three minutes after the break when a Thompson chip set up Nakamura to cross for John Hartson to thunder home a typical close-range header.
But the expected deluge of goals did not arrive and, indeed, Duffy missed a decent chance to put the visitors in front again.
Frustration grew. Thompson's silly booking for dissent drew attention to his errant passing. The ineffective Zurawski, who is struggling to come to terms with the packed defences Celtic face on a regular basis, was withdrawn and the ever-busy Shaun Maloney came on.
And with 15 minutes to go a Stilian Petrov cross was chested back by Hartson to Thompson 20 yards out, who thumped a glorious volley high into the top corner of the net. A beautiful moment which was marred by the scorer's crass gesture of cupping his hands to his ears to mock the minority of fans who had been expressing disgust at his earlier misplaced passes.
In acoustic terms, Celtic Park is a magnificent amphitheatre where every moan and groan and boo can be heard. Chairmen hear 300 booing them out of a crowd of 60,000. Henrik Larsson heard about a dozen perform the same almost-treasonous act. The shameful actions of just one individual can ruin a minute's silence observed impeccably by 59,999 others.
Given that, there is no doubt Thompson heard the grumbles about his display. But he is a PROFESSIONAL footballer. He is paid to play the game. And the people who pay him are the same people who grumbled about his passing. The same ones he mocked with his display.
Now, I for one would never cat-call a player wearing the hoops. But we all know there are plenty in the stadium who know precious little about the game and merely come along to vocalise their discontent about the hand that life has dealt them.
The fact is, Thompson probably earns more in a week than most of these people earn in a year. It is his duty to rise above petty point-scoring and have the humility to admit his own failings.
As if to rub in his point, Alan then thumped home a third from a free-kick given after Petrov was fouled as he charged towards the box. And there we have another candidate for the grumbling support.
Apparently, the captain of Bulgaria has been "hiding" in recent games. He has been doing nothing of the sort. He has been working his legs off to accommodate the new Strachan set-up which sees us playing a "diamond" shape in midfield. Lennon sits deep while Petrov and Thompson fetch and carry and either pass to Nakamura or feed the overlapping full-backs.
Celtic fans will take time to get used to this arrangement. My personal view is that it gives us a great chance of overwhelming Barry Ferguson in central midfield on Saturday.
I have to admit I was disappointed with Thompson but I was also disappointed with a section of the Celtic support. We have to realise the times they are a-changing. Players' roles are also changing.
But I will guarantee you this - Lennon, Thompson and Petrov will NOT be hiding at 12.30pm on Saturday. And their energy will be the rock on which a famous victory will be built.

Full of Eastern promise: Celtic 2, Dundee United 0

2005-08-07T01:53:00.000Z

He came from the East; the Far East, with promises of skill, invention and excitement. The Celtic marketing people may be excited by the promise of gold in yonder Asian market but the 60,000 fans who rolled up to Celtic Park yesterday were only interested in one question: How good is Shunsuke Nakamura?
By 4.45pm they had their answer: Very good. Excellent, in fact. A little Oriental bundle of speed, trickery and no little courage. It was only a shame he didn't score, though he came so close. It was fitting that when he bounced off after 86 minutes, to be replaced by Craig Beattie, that the stadium rose as one to give the Japanese midfielder a rousing standing ovation. Fittingly, the stadium announcer declared Shunsuke to be Man of the Match. An appropriate end to a dazzling debut.
Yet the fact there was some discussion among the fans over who Celtic's best player was up to that point is a fair indication of the pleasing nature of so much of the team's performance. Neil Lennon and John Hartson performed admirably. And Shaun Maloney, once again, was a highly impressive substitute in his 25 minutes on the park.
As I had predicted last night, Nakamura started as the tip of a four-man midfield diamond formation, with Lennon deepest and Stilian Petrov and Alan Thompson taking turns to either assist the captain in his ball-winning role or get forward to link up with the forwards.
The back four and keeper were the same as on Tuesday, while Zurawski passed a fitness test to edge out Maloney.
Nakamura almost made a sensational start when his first-minute header was cleared off the line by Duff. Then his flighted through ball released Zurawski, who charge through on goal, only to shoot tamely at United keeper Stillie.
Celtic's passing and moving was pleasing on the eye but relatively ineffective until the 37th minute when Hartson took a long Camara pass, muscled his way past McCracken, then lashed the ball into the net.
At the start of the second half, Boruc did well to save from McIntyre. Then Hartson, incredibly, hit the bar twice within a minute with headers.
In 64 minutes, Nakamura was denied a much-deserved goal when his free-kick was superbly saved by Stillie. And after Maloney came on for Zurawski, the buzzing sub almost scored with a shot and then a header.
Celtic were now playing with a fluidity, pace and control that was a joy to behold. The hard work being done on the training ground now seems to be bearing fruit. It augurs well for the future as top players such as Agathe and Sutton, plus new boy Virgo, regain fitness.
Towards the end, Nakamura was replaced by Craig Beattie, who continues to impress with his power and enthusiasm. And after Crawford missed a good chance for United, Celtic's two young subs linked superbly to seal the three points. Maloney darted down the right, then crossed for Beattie to slam home a right foot volley.
A suitable end to a bright afternoon which will surely mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Celtic story.

Where will Nakamura fit in?

2005-08-05T20:36:00.000Z

Cast your mind back to the beginning of season 1997-98 when Wim Jansen's Celtic career began with two demoralising defeats at the hands of Hibs and Dunfermline. "The second-worst thing to have hit Hiroshima" blared the headline in the Daily Record. Pundits were predicting his demise by the end of September.
But the Dutchman was not daft. He had spotted what was broken, and set about fixing it. Certain players disappeared from the squad to be rarely seen again. He made sure his tactical orders were followed to the letter. After a couple of hard-working performances, genuine progress was made and a historic league title followed.
Now Gordon Strachan finds himself in the same position of having to make changes quickly to rescue a poor start. The changes were not made quickly enough to save our European campaign but the SPL title is there for the taking.
I now reckon Strachan will begin to impose his tactical ideas more robustly on the Celtic line-up. My hunch is that Tuesday's line-up gives us the clues as to the direction he is taking.
We will stick with a back four, with the two full backs given licence to push forward to provide support on the flanks when the ball is on their side of the pitch. The centre-backs will have to show more determination in shutting down opposition players, winning headers and not letting players get goal-side of them.
Having changed the shape of the team to incorporate two deep-lying midfielders (Lennon and Thompson), Gordon has given himself the option of playing new boy Shunsuke Nakamura in a roving role just in front of them. I suspect he will also position Stilian Petrov a bit deeper on the right, giving more of a "diamond" shape to the midfield.
Up front, Maloney will start with Hartson if Zurawski isn't fully fit after his ankle injury.
My predicted line-up is:

Boruc

Telfer Balde McManus Camara

Lennon

Petrov Thompson

Nakamura

Hartson Maloney

I did predict last week that the days of Thompson and Hartson, in particular, were numbered under Strachan's policy of super-fit players sticking to a slick passing-and-moving game.
Both, however, showed much more commitment on Tuesday and appear to be really working hard on their stamina. Their experience may prove valuable in the short term.
As for where this leaves the likes of Aliadiere, well, there are only 11 starting jerseys.
Here's hoping our Japanese friend lives up to the hype.
(I'll post a match report on Saturday night)