In the past week, I can honestly say I have refreshed ‘Celtic Transfers’, ‘Celtic Signings’, ‘Celtic Transfer News’, and ‘Will Celtic sign anyone’ on Twitter approximately 2000 times. But tonight is the time to back the club. The football will prove a nice distraction from the transfer window disaster.
The team needs to be freshened, yes. But what we can do right now is get behind the team to achieve results. We all know what an impact a big crowd can have on any side. Tonight, especially, it’s essential for Brendan Rodgers and the players to see that we’ll be backing them regardless this season. It sends the wrong message out to Rodgers and the broader football community if the game is sparsely attended tonight. If we are to attract players, then they need to see that we take European football seriously, whether it’s Europa or Champions League. Tonight’s game represents a chance to take on some seriously big teams in Paradise, and an opportunity that Celtic should be taking.
Less about the transfers, and more about the game itself – both Suduva and Celtic are entirely different teams to the pair that met in 2002. However, they are still a team that we should have been beating away, and we had the perfect start in Lithuania, only to surrender that lead.
I don’t anticipate many changes to the team tonight – but with Dembele looking likely to miss out, I’m hoping Leigh Griffiths gets the chance to bag his 100th goal for the club. Young Mikey Johnston looks a great prospect, and I would support the decision to start him again over Sinclair. I’d also like to see Gamboa once more over Lustig – the guy needs a run of games. If Boyata plays tonight, that might be an indication as to whether or not he is on his way – if he doesn’t play, I am gravely concerned about the centre of defence. I have a feeling that tonight will go one of two ways – a slick return to form, scoring three or four with no reply, or ‘one of those nights’ – and wildly celebrating a last minute Rogic goal.
With the Glasgow Derby looming, it’ll be interesting to see whether Brendan makes any changes to the squad. There’s no doubt that the next two games will be season-defining. Win them both, and I promise you things will seem brighter, even if we don’t bring anybody in. With Sunday being such a huge game, a decent performance and result tonight will go a long way to restoring a bit of faith around Celtic Park. The players we do have not become bad players in a matter of weeks. I want a dominant centre-half as much as the next Celtic fan, but if there’s not one incoming, there’s nothing I can do but support my team – faithful through and through.
There are still tickets for tonight, and they’re fairly cheap – if you’re feeling like me, come along – it might stop you desperately searching Twitter!
Patrick Wallace
Only matters if Celtic progress, and the cheque book will be dusted off. And maybe even used. Before xmas even.
Be very disappointed if they blow it tonight,which they won’t,now is a chance to get back and play football like we know we can,fully expect to be comfortable in this game, hope we can just start to show some consistency, let’s support the bhoys,hail,hail.